Digital Commons Network^™

Anatomical Basis Of Symptom Presentation In Pancreatic Cancer: A Cadaver-Based Study, Emma L. Davis, Daniel T. Zelch, Kelsey J. Short, Vanesa M. Brecher, Jasmine Sethi, Alexandra C. Olanescu, Michael Mcguinness

Research Day

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most aggressive malignancies in the United States today. In 2025, it was estimated that 67,440 Americans would be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the U.S., and more than 51,980 would die from the disease. It is currently the third-leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., with an overall five-year survival rate of approximately 13%. Early detection of the disease proves to be difficult due to the fact that symptoms appear only after the disease has progressed. A case study was conducted with an 86 year-old female cadaver whose cause of death was pancreatic …

Representation Of Adults Over 75 Years Old In Dialysis Outcome Studies: Implications For Generalizability, Anand Thakkar, Priyesh Thakkar

Research Day

Background: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) disproportionately affects older adults, with the incidence rate of patients aged ≥75 increasing and representing a growing segment of the dialysis population. However, many trials and cohort studies either underrepresent very elderly patients, particularly those with frailty or multiple comorbidities, or do not explicitly analyze outcomes in this age group. This raises questions about the applicability of research evidence to the patients most commonly encountered in clinical practice.

Objective: To evaluate how adults aged 75 and older are represented in dialysis outcome studies and to summarize survival and quality-of-life evidence relevant to this group.

Methods: …

Risk Factors For Lithium-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease In Bipolar Disorder Patients: A Literature Review, Anand Thakkar, Kruti Patel, Siddharth Patel, Priyesh Thakkar

Research Day

Background: Lithium remains the gold-standard mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder due to its efficacy in reducing mood episodes and suicide risk. However, long-term lithium use has been associated with renal effects, including impaired urinary concentrating ability and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The absolute risk of severe CKD attributable to lithium is modest, but identifying risk factors that predispose patients to renal decline is crucial for personalized monitoring and treatment planning.

Objective: To summarize evidence on patient-level and treatment-related factors associated with increased risk of CKD in individuals treated with lithium for bipolar disorder, and to highlight implications for clinical practice. …

Exploring Parental Barriers Contributing To Vaccine Hesitancy In An Urban West Philadelphia Population, Ryan Pinto, Simone Mileto, Autumn Dye

Research Day

Vaccine hesitancy has been a growing phenomenon over the past two decades due to a variety of social, informational, and political factors with families becoming skeptical of the established childhood vaccination schedule. This skepticism provides increased risk of vaccine preventable illnesses and death amongst the childhood population. This study aims to find why families in the urban West Philadelphia community, which has lower vaccination rates compared to the greater Philadelphia area, are skeptical to adhere to childhood vaccination schedules. Using the Vaccine Based Assessment Tool (VBAT) questionnaire, we gathered parental responses regarding their views on vaccinating their children from October …

The Role Of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine In Addressing Lymphatic And Venous Dysfunction In Stasis Dermatitis, Paige O’Brien Daly, Arsalan Alvi, Jina Park, Wren Montijo, Annabelle Alrez, Samantha Monteiro, Joshua Aron

Research Day

Background:

Stasis dermatitis (SD) is a chronic inflammatory dermatologic condition that arises secondary to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and impaired lymphatic drainage. The condition commonly presents with erythema, scaling, pruritus, edema, and in advanced stages, ulceration. SD is particularly prevalent among older adults and individuals with risk factors such as obesity, prolonged standing, and prior deep venous thrombosis. Persistent venous hypertension leads to venous valve incompetence, venous pooling, interstitial fluid accumulation, and chronic edema. These pathophysiologic changes result in tissue hypoxia, inflammatory mediator release, and progressive skin barrier dysfunction. Standard management strategies include compression therapy, leg elevation, topical medications, and …

Cotard’S Syndrome: A Review Of Clinical Features And Associated Psychiatric And Neurological Conditions, Jacob H. Rachwal, Kartik R. Varsani, Aishworya Upadhaya

Research Day

Introduction: Cotard’s syndrome is a rare neuropsychiatric condition characterized by nihilistic delusions including beliefs that one is dead, does not exist, has lost internal organs, blood, or body parts. It was first described by Jules Cotard in 1880.The syndrome was associated with melancholic anxiety, delusions of damnation, reduced pain sensitivity, and increased risk of self-harm and suicidality. Although it is not recognized as a formal diagnostic entity in the DSM-5 or ICD-11, Cotard’s syndrome occurs in association with a variety of psychiatric and neurological disorders.¹

Objective: The objective of this presentation is to review the clinical characteristics, associated psychiatric and …

Investigating The Effect Of Mitoquinone On Doxorubicin-Induced Damage In H9c2 Myoblast, Tia Patrick, Samuel Gathers, Qian Chen

Research Day

Introduction:

Although Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely prescribed chemotherapeutic agent, its clinical use is limited by cardiotoxicity (DIC) due to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis in cardiac tissue. Dexrazoxane (DEX) is the only FDA-approved cardioprotective agent to prevent DIC. However, DEX may induce secondary malignancy. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants (MTAs), such as mitoquinone (MitoQ), selectively accumulate within mitochondria to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) at their primary site of production. Our previous findings demonstrated that MitoQ pre-treatment increased cell viability in DOX-treated H9c2 myoblasts. However, it remains unclear whether MitoQ can selectively protect cardiomyocytes without compromising DOX’s anticancer efficacy, a critical …

The Effects Of Spermidine On Trimethylamine N-Oxide And Trimethylamine – Induced Cytotoxicity On H9c2 Cells, Cassidy Childress, Tia Patrick, Samuel Geathers, Robert J. Barsotti, Lindon H. Young, Qian Chen

Research Day

Background: Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and its precursor trimethylamine (TMA) are metabolites derived from dietary sources such as choline and L-carnitine, commonly found in high-cholesterol foods and seafood. TMAO has been implicated in cardiovascular disease, particularly by promoting atherosclerotic plaque formation and vascular inflammation. However, the precise mechanisms by which TMA and TMAO induce cytotoxicity remain unclear, and further studies are needed. Spermidine, a naturally occurring polyamine present in living tissues, has been shown to exert anti-aging effects by inducing autophagy, reducing chronic inflammation, and preventing cell senescence. We hypothesized that spermidine would attenuate the cytotoxicity induced by TMA and TMAO. …

Osteoporosis Is A Risk Factor For Complications And Reoperations At 1 And 3-Years After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair, Cameron M. Brown, Andrea H. Johnson, Jane C. Brennan, Matthew A. Peterman, Daniel E. Redziniak, Justin Turcotte

Research Day

Introduction

Osteoporosis is associated with compromised bone quality and healing potential. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) restores shoulder function and reduces pain in patients with rotator cuff pathology. The influence of osteoporosis on complications and long-term outcomes following RCR remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between osteoporosis and outcomes after arthroscopic RCR.

Methods

The PearlDiver Mariner 170 dataset was retrospectively analyzed. Patients were grouped by whether they had a diagnosis of osteoporosis within the year prior to RCR. The two groups were propensity score matched 1:1 on age, gender, and comorbidities. Outcomes were assessed at 1-year and …

Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty For The Treatment Of Keratoconus, Michelle Diamandi, Brad H. Feldman

Research Day

Introduction: Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive eye disease where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, causing significant vision distortion, blurred vision, astigmatism, and light sensitivity, and is usually diagnosed in teens and young adults (ages 10-30). Currently, corneal cross-linking (CXL), rigid gas permeable (RGP) or scleral contact lenses for vision correction, and corneal transplant in advanced cases are the primary treatment options for KC. Previous studies have shown significant results in improving vision and corneal steepness in KC using intrastromal inlays, most notably synthetic Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments (ICRS) and Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments (CAIRS). Like …

Beyond Fibrosis: Iliac Vessel Vasculitis Presenting As Suspected Recurrent Retroperitoneal Fibrosis, Siddharth A. Patel

Research Day

Distinguishing vascular inflammation from other retroperitoneal pathologies can be challenging, particularly in patients with a prior history of Retroperitoneal Fibrosis. Iliac vessel vasculitis is an uncommon condition that may present with nonspecific abdominal or groin pain, making accurate diagnosis essential for timely treatment. We report a case of a 63-year-old male with a history of retroperitoneal fibrosis who presented with several weeks of intermittent left groin and lower abdominal pain accompanied by nausea, decreased appetite, chills, and diaphoresis. Given his prior history, recurrence of retroperitoneal fibrosis was initially considered. However, cross-sectional imaging demonstrated inflammatory changes localized to the iliac vessels, …

Primary Cutaneous Endometriosis Of The Umbilicus: A Case Report, Justin A. Spatar, Camryn C. Butera, Paula S. Youngdahl

Research Day

Endometriosis is a common gynecologic condition, though cutaneous endometriosis is a rare presentation. Patients with cutaneous endometriosis often have concurrent intra-abdominal disease. We present a case of primary cutaneous endometriosis of the umbilicus with concurrent intra-abdominal endometriosis. The conditions were managed with surgical excision of the cutaneous lesion and diagnostic laparoscopy, respectively. This case outlines the diagnostic process for primary cutaneous endometriosis and its management. Although rare, cutaneous endometriosis should be considered when evaluating a painful umbilical lesion, particularly when symptoms occur cyclically. When this diagnosis is suspected, surgical excision of the cutaneous lesion may be paired with diagnostic laparoscopy …

Cardiac Arrest In Thyroid Storm: Characterizing A Rare But Survivable Emergency, Andrew Young, Jason Fink, Drew Monteleone-Haught, Melissa Falcon, Sahil Banka

Research Day

Background: Thyroid storm is a life-threatening endocrine emergency with well-documented cardiovascular complications. However, the specific complication of cardiac arrest in the setting of thyroid storm remains poorly characterized in the literature, with no established clinical pathways or management algorithms to guide clinicians. This scoping review aims to identify trends and patterns in the management and outcomes of this rare but potentially survivable complication to inform future guidelines.

Methods: A scoping review of case reports was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase using terms combining thyroid storm or thyrotoxicosis with …

Radiologic And Clinical Characterization Of Osteoporosis And Osteomyelitis, Jacob H. Rachwal, Madelyn Sine-Karasick

Research Day

Background: Osteoporosis and osteomyelitis are two clinically significant bone pathologies with distinct etiologies but overlapping diagnostic challenges. Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass and structural deterioration, leading to increased fracture risk. Osteomyelitis is an infection of bone that may arise from hematogenous spread or direct inoculation and can result in significant bone destruction if not promptly identified. Radiologic imaging plays a critical role in the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of both conditions.

Methods: Clinical presentations and imaging characteristics of osteoporosis and osteomyelitis were reviewed and compared using illustrative educational case examples and radiologic diagnostic criteria. …

Evaluating Motivation In Stem Education: A Positive Self-Talk Intervention, Tiffany Copeland, Richard Allen, Sophia Pham, Kristin Gagnier

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated a social-emotional learning intervention that taught positive self-talk to high school students from underrepresented minority groups in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The setting of this study was a place-based program that immersed students in hands-on STEM activities while located in Philadelphia’s life science hub. Before taking a science assessment, students set effort-based goals and learned to say self-talk statements such as “I will give my best effort” and “Even when it's hard, I will give 100%.”

METHODS: This mixed-methods program evaluation compared pre- and post-intervention data using a paired-samples t-test, linear regression, and correlation …

Music To Move You: Comparing Effects Of Music Genre On Subjective Performance Of Football Players In A Practice Setting, Devin Deturk, David Rubenstein, Robert A. Ditomasso, Bruce Zahn

Research Day

Introduction

Optimizing athletic performance has increasingly expanded beyond traditional physical conditioning to include psychological, health-related, and environmental interventions aimed at improving both mental and physical readiness. However, many advanced performance enhancement strategies, such as specialized recovery technologies, individualized sport psychology services, and sophisticated monitoring systems, are not accessible to all athletic programs due to cost, infrastructure, or staffing limitations. As a result, there is a growing need for practical, low-cost, and ethically sound methods that can be implemented easily within everyday training environments. Music represents a potentially valuable yet underutilized tool in applied sport settings. Prior research suggests that music …

Virtual Reality-Assisted Perioperative Planning For Surgical Stabilization Of Flail Rib Fractures: Case Report, Abdul Hadi Ghouri, Ehyal Shweiki, Sriharsha Gummadi

Research Day

Introduction: Flail chest from multiple rib fractures manifests with significant pulmonary decline, including respiratory failure, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and subsequent mortality. Recommended treatment for flail chest is Open-Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) to stabilize the ribs. For severe comminuted and displaced fractures, traditional imaging fails to fully capture the complex spatial displacement of the bony injuries. Virtual Reality (VR)-based 3D modeling facilitates perioperative planning by improving anatomic precision during surgical fixation in patients with flail-rib type fractures.

Case presentation: 34-year-old male who sustained a high-energy train collision resulting in a left-sided flail segment (ribs 4–10). Given the severity of his …

Hypertensive Scotomas In The Setting Of Thrombotic Microangiopathy, Vincent Bulzoni, Isabel Eaddy, Kiersten Dawson, Michael Dellavecchia

Research Day

Introduction: Hypertensive retinopathy is a relatively common pathological finding in individuals with elevated blood pressure. Acute spikes in blood pressure may cause pathophysiologic changes that may trigger rapid changes in the posterior pole of the eye. On the other hand, thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is rare with a multitude of causes ranging from complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy TMA, also known as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), to severe hypertension. This case exemplifies an episode of malignant hypertension with acute-on-chronic TMA causing retinal ischemia. Initial visual assessment noted scotomas nasally and temporally on central visual field testing, along with uniocular reduced color vision …

Addressing The Opioid Epidemic In Primary Care Using A Collaborative Pharmacy Practice Model, Julia Lees, Darren Mensch, Haley Johnson, Tori Whatley, Chantal St. Simon

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: High-risk prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines (BZDs) in primary care contributes significantly to poor patient outcomes and mortality. There is a critical need for effective, scalable strategies to support clinicians in deprescribing these medications safely.  Pharmacist-led collaboration has shown benefit; however, the data is limited.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-led, collaborative quality improvement program on opioid-related prescribing in primary care practice.

METHODS: This retrospective program evaluation was conducted from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2020 in a large healthcare system with approximately 56 primary care offices and ~297,000 …

Examining Patient Experiences And Interactions With Healthcare Providers In The Context Of A Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Pcos) Diagnosis, Ashlyn George, Marina Melero, Sydni Yadin, Alexa Bonacquisti

Research Day

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting 15-20% of individuals of reproductive age, yet its impact extends far beyond the boundaries of reproductive health1. PCOS is characterized by a hallmark feature of hyperandrogenism, which manifests through a variety of clinical presentations including acne, hirsutism, anovulation, and irregular menstrual cycles2. The excessive production of androgens can lead to lifelong challenges such as insulin resistance, infertility, and difficulties with weight management3. Although the reproductive and metabolic features of PCOS are well-researched, the psychosocial burden and patient experiences surrounding diagnosis and treatment are less understood. Many individuals with PCOS report …

A Case Of Extensive Suprasellar Meningioma Presenting With Insidious Visual Impairment, Vincent Bulzoni, Benedict Uzorka, Peter Maduka Jr

Research Day

Introduction: Meningiomas are generally benign CNS tumors with a propensity to occur in individuals with predisposing risk factors, such as, neurofibromatosis type II. These tumors can arise via de novo mutations, or through inheritance via NF2, and SMARCB1 mutations. They can also arise idiopathically. In this case, A 33-year-old female presented to the ophthalmology clinic for a routine diabetic fundus exam. She also complained of worsening left eye (OS) vision, which had historically been her weaker eye. She had been a type II diabetic for 2.5 years with a most recent HbA1c of 13.6. The patient reported poor OS vision …

Persistent Low Back Pain In A 12-Year-Old Gymnast Treated With Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, Grace H. Amaden, Emily G. Andrews, Meghna Patel

Research Day

A 12-year-old female gymnast presented with eight months of persistent bilateral low back pain without an inciting traumatic event. Extensive diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic interventions, including radiography, MRI, ultrasound, multiple rounds of physical therapy, shockwave therapy, and prolotherapy, failed to improve symptoms. She then consulted with an osteopathic physician specializing in pediatrics and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). Examination revealed significant somatic dysfunction of the lumbar region, pelvic region, sacroiliac joints, and lower extremities. OMT was administered over four visits over 10-weeks. By the last visit, the patient demonstrated improvement in pain, functionality, quality of life, and somatic dysfunction findings, ultimately …

A Hard Case To Pass: Small Bowel Obstruction From An Enterolith In Meckel’S Diverticulum, Alston Gremillion, Eriq Krugman, Michaela Abraham, Farris Obaid, Marc Neff, Linda Szczurek

Research Day

Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. It is usually asymptomatic and often discovered incidentally. Complications include gastrointestinal bleeding, diverticulitis, and most commonly, obstruction. We report a rare case of small bowel obstruction (SBO) caused by an enterolith originating from an inflamed MD.

A 77-year-old male presenting with approximately 3 days of diffuse abdominal cramping with associated emesis and new onset diarrhea. CT imaging showed a dilated small bowel with a transition point in the right pelvis with a large calcified mass (4.2x2.9cm) in the associated small bowel, suspected to be the distal ileum. …

Chronic Trichophyton Indotineae Infections Mimicking Adult-Onset Atopic Dermatitis, Kathleen Ward, Valerie Foy, Haowei Han, Graham H. Litchman, Sourab Choudhury

Research Day

Background: Tricophyton indotineae is a dermatophyte endemic to South Asia that has been increasingly prevalent in the United States. Its atypical appearance and resemblance to atopic dermatitis (AD), clinically and histologically, has resulted in misdiagnosis and mismanagement. It is associated with multidrug resistance which complicates treatment when mismanaged. It is associated with multidrug resistance which complicates treatment when mismanaged. Unlike classic tinea with annular lesions and central clearing, T. indotineae often presents as chronic, diffuse, pruritic, scaly, erythematous plaques involving the groin, buttocks, trunk, and face.

Case Presentation: We were presented with two cases of chronic T. indotineae infections that …

Racial/Ethnic Disparities In Medication Adherence Among Children With Special Healthcare Needs, Joy Nish, Daesung Choi, Rajat Sharma, Lauren Callaway, Phuongloan Hoang, Jeffrey Mccanless, Seana-Pierre Williams, Jihui Diaz, Xinyu Wang, Yujin Kim

Research Day

Introduction: Medication adherence is a fundamental driver of health outcomes among children with special healthcare needs (CSHN), as consistent medication use is essential for managing chronic and complex conditions. Disparities in medication adherence persist, particularly among children from different racial and ethnic groups, and are influenced by caregiver factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and structural barriers. Large national surveys enable the tracking of medication adherence over time and help uncover ongoing disparities across populations. However, limited long-term evidence has examined whether racial and ethnic disparities in medication adherence among CSHN have narrowed. Therefore, this study aimed to: …

The Relationship Between Social Media Use And Motivation For Psychological Services, Nicki Nazarski, Richard Allen, Sophia Pham

Research Day

Prior research has linked social media use to psychological distress and shifts in help-seeking attitudes. However, the literature is limited on how social media engagement relates to motivation to seek formal psychological assessment. The current study will examine the relationships between social media use, in regard to time spent on social media, with attitudes, intentions, and motivation to seek psychological assessment among individuals aged 18 to 29. It is hypothesized that greater social media use and increased exposure to mental health-related content will be associated with more positive attitudes towards psychological support, increased intention to seek help, and higher motivation …

The Trauma-Informed Gynecological Visit, Samantha Stolker, Alexa Neiderer, Vittoria Tarquini, Alex Finkel, Alexa Bonacquisti

Research Day

Trauma-informed care (TIC) has emerged in recent years as a patient-centered culture of care delivery that emphasizes physical and psychological safety for all in the healthcare setting. Utilizing a TIC framework could be especially impactful in reproductive healthcare settings due to the invasiveness of certain examinations and the way trauma presents itself in these settings. Best practices in these settings include intentional and continuous confirmation of consent, appropriate and sensitive screening as a part of the gynecological visit, and prioritizing the patient’s autonomy through shared decision making. Principles can be integrated into all parts of internal and external pelvic examinations, …

Catatonia Masquerading As Decompensated Psychosis: A Case Report And Review Of Diagnostic Approach, Sindy P. Hernandez, Abdul Hadi Ghouri, Adam K. Adelsberg, Mohammed Ali

Research Day

Introduction

Catatonia is a psychomotor syndrome involving disturbances in behavior, motor tone, and volition. However, distinguishing catatonia from the negative symptoms or disorganized behavior in schizophrenia spectrum disorders can prove to be quite difficult, leading to potential misattribution.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of a single patient case at LVHN Pocono Behavioral Health Unit (BHU). Standardized assessments such as the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression (DASA) and Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale were reviewed to assess the patient’s status during hospitalization.

Case

We report the case of a 43-year-old male with chronic schizoaffective disorder presenting to the ED from …

Barriers And Facilitators To Seeking Clinical Care For Period-Related Pain In North Carolina, Esther E. Mathew, Elisabeth Reed

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Many school-aged menstruators across the United States are not required to learn how to maintain their periods. As a result, adolescents may struggle to obtain reliable healthcare information, maintain their periods safely, and access healthcare services if they recognize abnormalities.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to assess the barriers and facilitators to seeking clinical care for period-related concerns among young adults in North Carolina.

METHODS: 19 female participants between the ages of 18 and 25 were interviewed for this qualitative study using a convenience sampling approach. Participants attended North Carolina Public Schools from 4th to 12th …

Serving To Learn, Learning To Serve: Integrating Volunteerism Into Interprofessional Healthcare Education, Stephanie H. Felgoise, Ashley Poole, Natalie Zychlinski, Elizabeth R. Felgoise, Marissa L. Ferrito, Anastasia Skliros, Leanne Purcell, Florastine Byrams, Larry Finkelstein

Research Day

Research on volunteerism has been shown to increase happiness in medical students; improve self-esteem, self-efficacy, and social connectedness; lead to better well-being; improve physical well-being, decrease stress, and improve overall quality of life in general adult populations. Volunteerism also creates fellowship and fosters community connections. Thus, volunteerism helps to address the wellness of the healthcare team (quadruple aim of healthcare), and bring future healthcare professionals closer to the populations they aim to serve. An IPE module focused on volunteerism, including PCOM’s Community Wellness Initiative Office, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and a Wish recipient. Interprofessionally facilitated small-group activities with learners from 3 …