Digital Commons Network^™

Case Report Highlights Disproportionate Health Outcomes Of Rheumatoid Arthritis In Patients Of Lower Socioeconomic Status, Victoria Pfennig, Karen Vega

Research Day

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the synovial lining of joints and may lead to progressive joint destruction, disability, and premature mortality if inadequately treated. Increasing evidence demonstrates that social determinants of health, particularly socioeconomic status (SES), significantly influence disease outcomes in patients with RA. Studies have shown that individuals of lower SES experience higher disease activity scores, greater physical disability, and poorer quality of life compared with patients of higher SES. Additionally, lower SES has been associated with longer delays between diagnosis and initiation of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), contributing to disease progression …

Recognizing Extrapelvic Disease: A Case Of Umbilical Endometriosis Diagnosed At Laparoscopy, Caroline R. Kebberly, Audrey Arona

Research Day

Background: Extrapelvic endometriosis is defined by the presence of endometrial-like tissue located outside the pelvic cavity and beyond the gynecologic organs. Its true prevalence remains difficult to establish due to limited epidemiologic data, under recognition and frequent diagnostic delay. Umbilical endometriosis represents approximately 30–40% of abdominal wall endometriosis cases and accounts for an estimated 0.5–1.0% of all reported endometriosis diagnoses. Clinical suspicion is typically based on symptomatology, as patients often present with dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility.

Objective: We present a case of umbilical endometriosis, also known as Villar’s nodule, identified during diagnostic laparoscopy performed for suspected pelvic …

Epigenetics Programming Of T2dm Risk In The South Asian Community And Its Implications For Clinical Practice, Arpita Harapanahalli, Shalini Patibandla, Francis Jenney

Research Day

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) occurs at disproportionately higher rates among South Asian populations compared with other ethnic groups, posing significant challenges for disease risk and clinical management. South Asians are also predisposed to central adiposity, demonstrating greater visceral fat accumulation even at lower body mass index levels, which contributes to increased insulin resistance. From a clinical perspective, understanding these genetic and epigenetic influences is incredibly important for improving prevention and adapting care for South Asian communities.

Objectives: This review aims to examine current evidence on epigenetic mechanisms contributing to T2DM risk in South Asian communities and its implications …

Targeting Dysbiosis: Rebyota As A Novel Strategy For Recurrent Cdi Prevention, Christina Cologer, Mishel Alvarez, Sia Christine, Brooklyn Myers, Kaytlin Pal, Katrina Strand, Vicky Mody, Shashidharamurthy Taval

Research Day

Clostridioides difficile is a bacterium that colonizes a patient's gastrointestinal tract after the use of systemic antibiotics. This infection, also called CDI, causes severe diarrhea and can be life-threatening. In some patients, CDI recurs, creating a dangerous cycle. Recurrent CDI (rCDI) persists because systemic antibiotics induce dysbiosis, disrupting the gut microbiota’s metabolic functions and compromising the intestinal epithelial barrier. This study was conducted as a literature review evaluating the safety, efficacy, mechanism of action, and clinical use of Rebyota in preventing rCDI. Rebyota is the first FDA-approved (2023) live biotherapeutic designed to restore eubiosis in adult patients after antibiotic treatment. …

Cardiometabolic Risk Factor Burden And Early Cardiovascular Disease Onset Among Asians: Insights From The Nih All Of Us Cohort And Georgia Oasis, Riya S. Patel, Anirudh Veludhandi, Thomas Last

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Cardiometabolic risk factors including diabetes, obesity, and smoking are major contributors to cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet the cumulative impact of multiple risk factors on age of onset across cardiovascular phenotypes remains incompletely defined. Cardiovascular risk patterns in Asian populations may differ from those in the general population, and the influence of cumulative cardiometabolic risk burden on early disease remains insufficiently characterized. Understanding how cardiometabolic risk burden influences early cardiovascular disease among Asians may help identify high-risk individuals and guide prevention strategies.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether increasing cardiometabolic risk factor burden is associated with earlier cardiovascular disease onset among Asians …

Feasibility Of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation For Treatment-Resistant Depression In Rural Healthcare Settings: A Case Series, Posey Kent, Brandon Krout, Kennedy Johnson, Jodeci Mitchell, Hania Hashmi, Blessing Adeyemo, Ashlee Cook

Research Day

Introduction

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental health disorders world- wide, with up to one-third of patients experiencing treatment-resistant depression despite adequate pharmacologic therapy. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved, noninvasive treatment shown to improve depressive symptoms in treatment-resistant depression. However, access to advanced psychiatric interventions remains limited in rural communities due to provider shortages, transportation barriers, and socioeconomic challenges. Despite established efficacy in urban and academic settings, limited data exist on the feasibility and real-world outcomes of TMS implementation in rural healthcare settings. The purpose of this study is to highlight the feasibility …

Glp-1 Agonists And Total Knee Arthroplasty Outcomes: A Systematic Review, Rolanda Willacy, Regan Burgess, Simran Rai, Lucy Fisher, Tegshjargal Baasansukh, Damon Ross, Nia Dudley, Jane Boyle, Marvin Dingle

Research Day

Introduction

Optimizing outcomes in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a priority in orthopaedics. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) help control blood sugar in diabetics and promote weight loss in obese patients. Studies show they contribute to decreased complications and improved outcomes after orthopedic surgery, but there are inconsistencies regarding its safety and efficacy. Some studies demonstrate reduced infection, readmission, and wound complications in diabetic patients, while others raise concerns about delayed healing, malnutrition, and increased complication rates among non-diabetics. This review evaluates the association between perioperative GLP-1 RA use and postoperative outcomes in TKA.

Methods

A systematic review …

A Case Of Radiation-Induced Optic Neuritis (Rion) Managed With Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Zachery M. Casella, Dallin S. Lindahl

Research Day

Case Description/Objective: A 58-year-old African American man with a history of left skullbase meningioma presented to the emergency department with acute bilateral vision loss on April 16. He completed external beam radiation therapy in August 2024, receiving a total dose of 50.4 Gy over one month. MRI of the brain and orbits with and without contrast supported the diagnosis of optic neuritis, most consistent with radiation-induced etiology. He was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone for five days and discharged on oral dexamethasone, pentoxifylline, and vitamin E, with instructions to initiate Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as soon as possible at Emory University …

Gastric Volvulus In An Infant: A Rare Medical Emergency, Haley Wrobel, Ali Syed, Audrey Arona

Research Day

Introduction: Gastric volvulus, a rare condition in which the stomach rotates along its anatomical axis, can present as a medical emergency in infants. In both acute and chronic forms of gastric volvulus, the condition often presents with nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain and nonbilious emesis, which can lead to the misdiagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Congenital defects, such as diaphragmatic hernia, or weakness of the gastric supporting ligaments, can predispose infants to gastric volvulus. Lack of timely intervention may lead to failure to thrive, gastric ischemia, and obstruction.

Case presentation: A 5-month-old full-term female infant presented to …

A Rare Case Of Renal Cell Carcinoma Leading To Bilateral Pulmonary Embolism, Caleb Rogers, Nick Daneshvar, Anika Procope, Christian Edwards, Jonathan Fairley

Research Day

Introduction: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of adult kidney cancer. It originates in the lining of the renal tubules and typically affects older individuals. Symptoms can manifest as blood in urine, flank pain, and weight loss. Lab values include, but are not limited to, anemia, polycythemia, thrombocytosis, leukocytosis, high creatinine/BUN, and hypercalcemia. Although rare, RCC has the potential to invade the venous system and extend into the heart causing subsequent bilateral pulmonary embolism (PE). Cardiac involvement in renal cell carcinoma may remain clinically silent until drastic complications arise. This case highlights an atypical and life-threatening presentation …

Sex Based Morphometric Variations Of The Vidian Canal And Their Surgical Implications In Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery, Melea Neely, Blessed Jordan, Evelyn Orusa, Joshua Owolabi

Research Day

Introduction: The Vidian canal is a structure within the sphenoid bone that runs inferomedial to the foramen rotundum and superior to the pterygoid plates. Anteriorly, it opens into the pterygopalatine fossa and transmits the pterygoid nerve, artery, and vein from the region of the foramen lacerum. The pterygoid nerve is formed by the union of the greater and deep petrosal nerves and contributes to autonomic and secretomotor innervation of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharyngeal mucosa, and lacrimal gland. Because of its relationship to critical neurovascular structures, the Vidian canal serves as an important landmark in endoscopic endonasal skull base …

Asymmetric Bilateral Renal Venous Variation With Distal Bifurcation And Double Cystic Artery: A Cadaveric Case Report, Shelley E. Jones, Abishag T. Cer, Bailey E. Huttel, Andrew J. Jiminez, David S. Lloyd, Ashley Persaud, Camille M. Rios Anzola, Joshua Owolabi

Research Day

INTRODUCTION. Renal venous variations are common and clinically significant in renal transplantation, nephrectomy, and retroperitoneal surgery. Multiple renal veins and distal branching patterns may increase operative complexity during hilar dissection. Simultaneous vascular variations in separate anatomical regions are less frequently documented. The purpose of this study was to describe an asymmetric bilateral renal venous variation with distal bifurcation and a concurrent cystic artery variation identified during routine cadaveric dissection. METHODS. During routine dissection of the retroperitoneal and hepatobiliary regions in an adult male cadaver, the renal veins and cystic arteries were exposed, traced from their origins to their terminal distributions, …

Survival Predictors In Severe Burns: Age And Inhalation Injury Outcomes Among Patients With Baux Scores >100, Michael Manning, Shihab Chowdhury, Kensley Philemond, Mark Shearer, Bounthavy Homsombath, Martin Hardy, Zaheed Hassan, Shawn Fagan, Tayseer Chowdhry, Rajiv Sood

Research Day

Introduction

Severe burn injuries remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Burn mortality is frequently estimated using the BAUX scoring system, with the revised version (rBAUX) incorporating inhalation injury as an additive predictor of risk. Traditionally, a BAUX score greater than 100 has been considered an indicator of extremely low survival. However, advances in resuscitation, critical care, and surgical strategies may influence the accuracy of this threshold. An improved understanding of the clinical and demographic factors that contribute to survival among patients with BAUX >100 is essential for accurate prognostication, resource planning, and patient counseling. This study evaluates …

Trading Scrubs For Study Time: The Impact Of Academic Half Half-Days On Comat Performance At Pcom South Georgia, Sanjana Ayyappan, Randall L. Sisam

Research Day

Introduction Medical education requires a great deal of delayed gratification. The classic Marshmallow study demonstrated that children who resisted the immediate reward of one marshmallow in favor of a larger future reward exhibited self-regulation and later success in academic and personal endeavors (Mischel et al., 1972). Their ability to delay gratification reflected attentional control and future-oriented thinking in which individuals reframed present discomfort in light of long-term outcomes. Within medical education, a similar psychological framework emerges. Medical students repeatedly choose between immediate relief, such as rest and social interaction, and the long-term rewards of exam performance and residency placement. Preparation …

Management Of Acute Fecal Impaction In A Pediatric Patient With Repaired Anorectal Malformation, Timothy C. Demott, Dylan P. Patel, Anthony A. Adetomiwa, Woodwin M. Weeks

Research Day

INTRODUCTION:

Anorectal Malformations (ARMs) represent a complex spectrum of congenital anomalies where surgical reconstruction does not always equate to functional success. Within the Krickenbeck classification, a significant “Constipation Paradox” exists: patients with “low” or “simple” malformations, such as rectoperineal fistulas, are statistically more likely to develop severe, refractory constipation and secondary megacolon than those with complex “high” defects. Despite intact pelvic musculature and sensation, underlying dysmotility creates a high‑pressure environment conducive to stool retention. This case report demonstrates the necessity of aggressive inpatient mechanical clearing and rigorous metabolic monitoring when outpatient therapies fail to overcome colonic inertia. The following clinical …

Multiorgan Histologic Assessment Of Metastatic Melanoma In A Cadaveric Specimen, Zoe Barrett, Brianny Medina, Luke J. Lunsford, Chenell S. Anagbo-Dowetin, Xandria L. Parker, Emily E. Rowland, Mohammad A. Afani, Rasheed Agboola, Joshua Owolabi

Research Day

Introduction: Metastatic cancer is the spread of cancer from its original site known as the primary tumor to other parts of the body. Metastatic melanoma is more likely to spread and is considered very aggressive, making it common among patients with Melanoma. People are usually initially diagnosed with it locally, however ⅓ of patients eventually will have cancer recurrence or metastasis. One way to obtain a diagnosis of metastatic cancer is from a histological diagnosis involving biopsied tissue and H&E staining.) This cadaveric specimen with confirmed melanoma provided a unique opportunity to evaluate patterns of nodal and visceral metastasis across …

Renal Cystic Pathology As A Potential Marker Of Impaired Kidney–Brain Axis In Senile Dementia: A Multi-Cadaveric Case Study, Jordan B. Ahlgren, Naomi Abraha, Tyrese Claridge-Rogers, Sangavi Sriranganathan, Joshua Owolabi

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Evidence suggests that renal function plays a role in neurological health. The kidney functions as an important systemic regulator of filtration and maintaining blood pressure. Impairment in renal filtration has been linked to neuronal degeneration through reduced clearance of toxins, inflammatory markers, and proteins implicated in cognitive decline. Cystic kidney pathology, often associated with polycystic kidney disease or age-related cyst formation, may reflect impaired renal function that contributes to neuronal degeneration. This cadaveric case study investigated whether structural renal structural abnormalities observed in individuals with senile-related death provide anatomical support for a relationship between renal pathology and neurodegenerative and …

An Anatomical Cadaveric Study Of The Corona Mortis: Prevalence, Morphology, And Surgical Implications, Shamar Palmer, Olivia Peoples, Anika Mittal, Alexa Staudt, Nicholas Auge-Dario, Syed Khalid, Neel Patel, Emranul Huq

Research Day

ntroduction: Corona mortis is a clinically significant vascular variant in which the obturator artery arises from the external iliac or inferior epigastric system and traverses the superior pubic ramus. Injury to this vessel during inguinal hernia repair or pelvic surgery can result in life-threatening hemorrhage. Enlarged deep inguinal rings may further increase operative risk when aberrant vessels lie in close proximity. Despite its surgical relevance, corona mortis is not routinely evaluated preoperatively.

Cadaver findings: Cadaveric dissection revealed an arterial corona mortis variant in which the obturator artery originated from the external iliac–inferior epigastric system and coursed medial to an enlarged …

Many Genomes, One Disease: Genetic Risk Of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Across Ancestries, Sydney E. Williams, Nadine Belony, Thomas Last

Research Day

Introduction

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the folliculopilosebaceous unit affecting intertriginous areas including the axillae, groin, buttocks, and inframammary regions. It presents with recurrent painful nodules, abscesses, sinus tracts, and scarring, leading to substantial physical and psychosocial burden. Up to 40% of patients report severe quality-of-life impairment, with strong associations to depression and work disability. HS disproportionately affects individuals of African ancestry and demonstrates disparities in disease burden. Despite its clinical impact, the genetic architecture of HS remains incompletely defined, particularly across diverse populations. Although rare familial cases implicate γ-secretase pathway mutations, broader genetic contributors to …

Efficacy Of Metronidazole In The Management Of Bacterial Vaginosis In Women Of Reproductive Age, Sydnee Jackson, Setareh Khani, Rekha Yesudas

Research Day

Introduction: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection among women of reproductive-age, resulting from an imbalance of normal vaginal flora characterized by decrease in Lactobacillus species and overgrowth of anaerobic organisms such as Gardnerella vaginalis. Clinically, BV presents with thin, off-white vaginal discharge and a characteristic fishy odor. If left untreated, BV is associated with complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections. Metronidazole, a nitroimidazole antibiotic with strong anaerobic coverage, is recommended as first-line therapy in both oral and intravaginal formulations. Although effective for initial symptom resolution, recurrence remains …

Understanding The Genetic Basis Of Keloid Susceptibility Through Multi-Ancestry Genomic Studies, Nadine Belony, Sydney Williams, Thomas Last

Research Day

Introduction

Keloids are benign fibroproliferative skin tumors arising from dysregulated wound healing and characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition. Although nonmalignant, they are frequently associated with pain, pruritus, restricted mobility, and significant cosmetic disfigurement, resulting in substantial impairment in quality of life. The burden of keloid disease is not uniformly distributed across populations, with higher prevalence and severity observed among individuals of African ancestry, suggesting biologic contributors to disease susceptibility. Despite these disparities, mechanisms underlying pathologic scarring remain incompletely defined. Improved characterization of shared and ancestry-specific contributors may advance understanding of dermal fibrosis and support equitable dermatologic care.

Methods

We …

Vulvar Angiomyofibroblastoma: A Rare Tumor Excised During Vaginal Delivery, Anjali Saji, Allison Tresner

Research Day

Introduction

Angiomyofibroblastoma (AMFB) is a rare benign mesenchymal tumor of the lower female genital tract that predominantly affects women of reproductive age. AMFB, which was initially identified by Fletcher et al. in 1992, often develops in the vulva, however it has also been documented in the vagina and perineum. Clinically, it usually manifests as a tiny (less than 5 cm), well-circumscribed, slow-growing, painless vulvar mass. It is commonly misinterpreted as a benign labial lesion, such as a cyst of the Bartholin gland. Histologically, AMFB shows a distinct growth of bland spindle to epithelioid stromal cells encircling numerous thin-walled blood vessels …

Severe Bladder Trabeculation With Large Diverticulum And Calculi In A Male Cadaver: Gross Findings And Etiological Considerations, Jaycee Thomas, Gladys Sama, Leilani Everett, Colin Ramsey, Joshua Rohme, Zenia Lakhani, Paramvir Lodia, Shiv Dhiman

Research Day

Background:

Chronic lower urinary tract dysfunction can lead to progressive structural remodeling of the urinary bladder, such as detrusor hypertrophy and mucosal trabeculation. Bladder diverticula, defined as mucosal outpouching through the detrusor muscle, may develop in response to sustained elevations in intravesical pressure or impaired bladder emptying. These diverticula facilitate urinary stasis and increase the risk of complications, including infection, calculi formation, urinary retention, and, less frequently, malignant transformation. Identification of gross anatomic changes offers important insights into the long-term sequelae of chronic bladder dysfunction.

Methods:

Routine pelvic dissection was conducted during anatomical laboratory instruction. Gross examination of the urinary …

When Red Isn’T Red: Skin Tone, Education Gaps, And Delayed Diagnosis, Evelyn O. Orusa, Blessed D. Jordan, David Adelstein

Research Day

Background: Early recognition of many dermatologic and systemic conditions including infectious exanthems and inflammatory disorders rely on identification of erythema. Traditional medical textbooks predominantly describe these findings using redness-based terminology derived from lighter skin presentations. In darker skin tones, however, inflammation may present as violaceous, gray, or hyperpigmented changes rather than visible redness. The extent to which textbook descriptions align with real-world clinical presentation across skin tones remains insufficiently examined. This study aims to evaluate how widely used medical textbooks describe erythema-dependent conditions and compare these descriptions with clinical images of confirmed diagnoses across lighter and darker skin tones.

Methods: …

Teaching In Monochrome: Skin Tone Bias In Medical Training Resources- A Scoping Review, Evelyn O. Orusa, Blessed D. Jordan, David Adelstein

Research Day

Background: Medical training resources demonstrate substantial under-representation of darker skin tones across textbooks, curricula, and educational materials globally. This representational gap may contribute to reduced diagnostic confidence among healthcare providers when assessing patients with diverse skin tones.

Objective: To evaluate the adequacy of skin diversity representation in medical training resources and assess its relationship to healthcare provider diagnostic confidence across different skin tones.

Methods: A review of studies examining skin diversity representation in medical education and provider confidence in diagnosing conditions across varied skin tones. Studies will be identified through comprehensive database searches, including PubMed and Cochrane, and screened for …

Routine Or Reassurance: Cardiovascular Monitoring In Children Receiving Adhd Medications, Dina Badawy, Wilson Baumgartner, Alexandra Ortiz, Alexandria Neal, Anthony Pelache, Robert Maydell

Research Day

Introduction: Stimulant medications are first-line therapy for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. Because these agents increase sympathetic activity, concerns persist regarding their cardiovascular safety, including arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Debate continues regarding whether routine electrocardiogram (ECG) screening prior to stimulant initiation reduces the risk of serious cardiac events. Divergent recommendations from professional organizations have generated ongoing uncertainty about the balance between precaution and evidence-based practice. Our objective is to critically evaluate the literature of cardiovascular effects of stimulant therapy in children and adolescents and to assess whether routine cardiovascular monitoring, including universal ECG screening, improves clinical …

Hepatomegaly In Cadaver Dissection: Clinical Correlations And Preventative Implications, Teralan Hobson-Matthews, Selena Berry, Toby Cisco, Thomas Nguyen, Chloe Phillips, Diana Petrucello

Research Day

Introduction: Hepatomegaly is an objective finding associated with various pathophysiologies. Some of the most common sources of hepatomegaly in the United States include fatty liver and cirrhosis. We performed a routine cadaveric dissection on a 71-year-old truck driver that passed from respiratory failure with a history of tobacco abuse and lung malignancies. During the dissection, the patient was found to have an enlarged liver. This case study explored possible etiologies of the patient's hepatomegaly. This research provided insight into comorbidities and prevention for complex patients like this case.

Methods: Measurements of the liver were obtained in the horizontal, vertical, and …

Treatment Of Sacrococcygeal Dislocation Using Ultrasound-Guided Injection And Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine: A Case Report, Christopher Luz, Rajay Dockery, Alizé Berrios, Johnny Suzuki

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Chronic sacrococcygeal dislocation is an uncommon source of long-lasting tailbone pain, often following a fall or other direct injury. Because the coccyx varies widely in shape and alignment from person to person, identifying a clinically meaningful displacement can be difficult, and imaging findings do not always match the severity of a patient’s symptoms. Standard conservative measures such as postural changes, cushions, physical therapy, and medication may help only partially when joint irritation or instability persists.

OBJECTIVES: This report describes a patient with ongoing pain from sacrococcygeal displacement who improved with a combined approach of ultrasound-guided injection and osteopathic manipulative …

The Affect Of Technology On Parenting Toddlers, Ashia Cannon

Undergraduate Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Coactivator Self-Oligomerization Through Auc, Anna Stensrud, Ephraim Mortenson, Borries Demeler, Nicholas Oconnor, Reece Lott, Travis Hughes

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Coregulator proteins bind to nuclear receptors, thereby modulating transcription activity. Coregulators are required by these nuclear receptors for efficient transcriptional regulation. [2] The equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of coregulator proteins to nuclear receptors can be measured in solution using techniques such as isothermal calorimetry (ITC) and fluorescence anisotropy (FA). Coregulators' ability to self associate is relevant in how nuclear receptors are activated. Furthermore, self-association of coregulators comprises the modeling reliability of ITC and FA data, thus introducing errors into ITC and FA data. [3].

The Hughes Lab has purified various coregulator proteins to be used for in vitro experimentation.

Using …