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An Interventional Radiologist’S Approach To Paget-Schroetter Syndrome And Clinical Intervention Overview, Devon Winkelman, Asher S. Smart, Madelyn Sine-Karasick

Research Day

Introduction

Paget-Schroetter Syndrome is an occlusive thoracic outlet syndrome of the upper extremity affecting the axillary and subclavian vasculature most common in young adult men to middle aged men. Paget-Schroetter was first described in the late 1800s in reviews of young adults with repetitive arm use. Continuous overhead physical activity, cervical ribs, abnormal rib tubercles, and scalene impingement are common causes leading to repeated vessel injury and thrombosis affecting 1 in 100,000. The purpose of this exhibit is to gain an understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to Paget-Schroetter Syndrome and the clinical interventions available to patients with an emphasis …

Multiyear Stream And Riparian Responses To Beaver Dam Analogs In A Headwater Tributary, Hannah Moon Halvorson, Andrew Lahr

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Beavers are ecosystem engineers who influence the geomorphology and hydrology of streams, as well as riparian vegetation. Beaver-related restoration has become a popular approach with techniques such as beaver dam analogs (BDAs) commonly used to aid in the recovery of stream ecosystems. Despite their extensive use in low-tech restoration, there exist few studies longer than 3 years to demonstrate the effectiveness of BDAs. We conducted a 6-year follow-up study on a project with 14 BDAs in Teepee Creek, a second-order stream near Lolo in Western Montana. We collected data on instream habitat, flow, water temperature, and riparian vegetation and analyzed …

Hope Among Venezuelan Migrants In Colombia, Chadrick Tyler D. Bailey Jr

Undergraduate Research Conference

This paper looks at how hope shows up in the lives of Venezuelan migrants living in Colombia. Because of ongoing political and economic problems in Venezuela, many people have been forced to leave their homes in search of safety and better opportunities. In Colombia, even though migrants may find more stability, they still face challenges like low wages, discrimination, and difficult living conditions. Despite all of this, hope continues to play an important role in how they move forward.

Rather than treating hope as just positive thinking, this paper shows how it is something people build through real-life experiences, culture, …

Adverse Hematologic Reaction In A 25-Year-Old Female: A Case Of Drug-Induced Cytopenia, Makayla E. Farr, Wenhui Zhu

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Drug-induced cytopenia is a rare but potentially serious hematologic adverse reaction that may present with nonspecific symptoms. This adverse reaction is typically caused by either direct myelotoxicity or immune-mediated destruction. The mechanism by which statins cause cytopenia is not fully understood; however, some studies hypothesize that it may be due to platelet apoptosis or an immune-mediated destruction via the drug’s metabolites triggering an immune response.

In this case, a young female developed cytopenia secondary to pravastatin 20mg. Upon presentation to the emergency department, she reported slurred speech and left upper extremity numbness, followed by facial droop. The physical examination …

A Case Study On Discoloration In A Carotid-Embalmed Cadaver: Histological And Chemical Analysis, Angel Edwards, Mark Shearer, Lakaiya Campbell, Blessed Jordan, Lyubena Stoykova, Georgiana Register, Shiv Dhiman, Rasheed Agboola

Research Day

Introduction/Background

Embalming is a widely used preservation technique in medical and forensic sciences, ensuring the prolonged integrity of cadaveric tissues. However, unexpected tissue discolorations, such as green-blue and red hues, may arise due to physiological, chemical, or microbial factors. Investigating the underlying causes of such discolorations is essential for optimizing embalming practices and maintaining tissue integrity for anatomical education.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the underlying causes of bluish-green and red discoloration in a cadaver embalmed through the common carotid artery. Specifically, we will examine potential contributing factors, including the vascular diffusion efficiency of formaldehyde-based embalming, postmortem microbial activity, …

A Case Study: Undiagnosed Familial Hypertriglyceridemia Inciting Acute Pancreatitis, Alice Koschella, Rachael Bonitatibus, Raymond Alvarez

Research Day

Background: Familial hyperlipidemia encompasses a group of inherited lipid metabolism disorders characterized by elevated serum cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels. Severe hypertriglyceridemia, particularly levels exceeding 1,000 mg/dL, is a well-established but less common cause of acute pancreatitis (1). Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas most frequently attributed to gallstones or alcohol use; however, hypertriglyceridemia accounts for approximately 1–10% of cases and is associated with increased morbidity when not promptly recognized and treated.

Introduction: Hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis results from excessive circulating triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, leading to free fatty acid release and pancreatic inflammation (2). Young patients without traditional risk factors …

A Septuagenarian Onset Of Als: A Case Report, Grace Jones, Rizwana Ashraf, Keith Gramling, Faith Hagler, Kent Posey

Research Day

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Lou-Gehrig's disease is a rapid progressing, terminal, multifocal neurodegenerative disease known for degenerating both upper and lower motor neurons. The average age of those who develop ALS is 40 to 70, with a mean age of 55 at diagnosis. The mean survival time is 2 to 5 years from symptom onset and 20 months from diagnosis. In the elderly population, the disease can go unrecognized due to vague symptoms of weakness which can be confused for other pathologies related to advanced age. Therapy is supportive, and there is no curative treatment.

A 75-year-old caucasian female …

A Radical Response To Pmdd: When Hysterectomy Becomes The Answer, Jada M. Glenn, Makayla Farr, Christine Lurie

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) can cause the affected person’s debilitating pain, depression, and mood swings in a manner that is consistently associated with their menstrual cycle. PMDD is classified as a psychiatric disorder with its criteria outlined in the DSM-5. The etiology is unclear, but some risk factors include anxiety disorders, obesity, and cigarette smoking. Our case centers around a 44-year-old woman diagnosed with PMDD and treated by hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy as a potential cure for her diagnosis. Her treatment journey was riddled with misdiagnoses, failed medical therapies, and emotional turmoil. By contributing to the knowledge about PMDD, …

Unexpected Histopathologic Diagnosis Of Endometrial Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma Following Elective Hysterectomy, Ruhdeep Randhawa, Allison Tresner, Christine Lurie

Research Day

Introduction:

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common gynecologic malignancies in women. It originates from the innermost lining of the uterus called the endometrium and is classified into either type 1, which is most common, or type 2. Type 1 comprises endometrial cancers of endometrioid origin while type 2 includes non-endometrioid origin including serous or clear cell. Risk factors contributing to type 1 involve unopposed estrogen exposure such as obesity, exogenous estrogen, estrogen-secreting tumors, chronic anovulation, tamoxifen therapy, early menarche, and late menopause. Unlike the availability of screening tests for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, endometrial cancer is usually …

From Data To Action: Addressing Maternal Mortality Disparities Among Black Women In Georgia, Celeste Pak, Chloe Pak, Vanshika Singisetti, Audrey Arona

Research Day

Introduction: Maternal mortality in Georgia remains one of the highest in the United States and is driven by persistent racial disparities, difficulty gaining access to prenatal care, and gaps in healthcare infrastructure which limits timely clinical intervention. While Georgia has implemented some measures to combat this crisis, they have not yet fully addressed the complex social, geographic, and medical determinants of maternal health. Furthermore, Black women in Georgia specifically bear a disproportionate burden of preventable morbidity and death.

Objective: This literature-based review aims to analyze the current trends and underlying factors driving the maternal mortality crisis in Georgia. Additionally, we …

Vaping-Associated Lung Injury In A 28-Year-Old Male: A Case Of Acute Hypoxic Respiratory Failure And Eosinophilic Pneumonitis, Estefani Baez, Linda Akbarshahi

Research Day

BACKGROUND: Vaping-associated lung injury (VALI) has become a significant health issue, particularly among young adults who frequently use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). Initially, VALI was associated with acute pulmonary symptoms following vaping. However, further studies have revealed a range of clinical manifestations, from mild respiratory distress to severe respiratory failure.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 28-year-old male with no significant past medical history who developed acute hypoxic respiratory failure following heavy vaping exposure. The patient presented to the emergency department with shortness of breath, productive cough, and chest tightness, along with eosinophilia and patchy ground-glass opacities on chest imaging. His symptoms were initially …

From Icu To Home: Mobility-Based Recovery And Discharge Planning After Postpartum Venous Thromboembolism, Anvitha Kaguturu, Oluwaseun Cole

Research Day

Introduction

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality, accounting for approximately 9-10% of maternal deaths in the United States. Risk is highest in the early postpartum period due to physiologic hypercoagulability, venous stasis, endothelial injury, and reduced mobility. Postpartum patients with severe VTE requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission represent a particularly vulnerable population, as critical illness-associated immobility, mechanical ventilation, and invasive monitoring contribute to functional decline and long-term disability. This review aimed to evaluate mobility-based functional recovery and structured discharge planning strategies for postpartum ICU patients with VTE to identify evidence-informed approaches that optimize …

Severe Exertional Rhabdomyolysis And Compartment Syndrome Associated With Sickle Cell Trait Following Heat Injury, Lily Dwyer, Cameron Vicknair, Dennis Rossi, Nilam Vaughan

Research Day

Introduction

Exertional heat injury and rhabdomyolysis are recognized complications of intense physical activity, particularly in environments with elevated temperature and physical stress. Severe skeletal muscle breakdown may result in electrolyte abnormalities, acute kidney injury (AKI), and occasionally compartment syndrome requiring urgent intervention. Although sickle cell trait (SCT) has been considered a benign carrier state, increasing evidence suggests an association with exertional collapse, rhabdomyolysis, and heat-related illness in physically active populations, including military [1,4]. Physiologic stressors such as dehydration, hypoxia, hyperthermia, and metabolic acidosis may promote erythrocyte sickling in individuals with SCT, leading to microvascular obstruction and skeletal muscle ischemia [2]. …

Understanding Doxycycline-Induced Phototoxicity, Setareh Khani, Sydnee Jackson, Darya Khani, Rekha Yesudas

Research Day

Introduction: Doxycycline is a tetracycline-class antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30s ribosomal subunit, thereby preventing bacterial growth. It has a broad spectrum of clinical indications including treatment of Chlamydia infections, Lyme disease, Anthrax, Rickettsia, Atypical pneumonia, Staph aureus, Cholera, Acne vulgaris, and Traveler’s diarrhea, as well as malarial prophylaxis. Although generally well tolerated, effective and affordable, doxycycline is associated with several mild adverse effects like gastrointestinal distress and photosensitivity. One clinically significant adverse reaction is phototoxicity which occurs following exposure to ultraviolet radiation. In doxycycline-induced phototoxicity, the drug absorbs UV light and generates reactive oxygen …

The Comparative Efficacy Of Mediterranean And Dash Dietary Patterns In Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: The Role Of Intensive Behavioral Counseling, Angel Edwards, Jennifer H. Shaw

Research Day

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of global mortality, and poor dietary patterns represent a major modifiable risk factor. The Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets are evidence-based nutritional strategies for cardiovascular risk reduction; however, long-term effectiveness is often limited by suboptimal adherence when interventions rely solely on passive education rather than structured behavioral support.

Objective: To evaluate the comparative efficacy of the Mediterranean and DASH dietary patterns in CVD prevention and to examine the impact of intensive behavioral counseling on adherence and long-term clinical outcomes.

Methods: A structured PubMed search was conducted for English-language, …

Literature Review: Long-Term Effects Of Circumcised Neonates Vs Uncircumcised Neonates, Jada M. Glenn, Daphne Mlachila

Research Day

INTRODUCTION:

Circumcision is a widely practiced procedure, but as research has progressed, its value beyond a purely cosmetic or cultural purpose has come into question. Outside  of a religious context, circumcision has been popularized by the belief that it has significant medical benefits that justify the permanent removal of the foreskin in a neonate. These benefits include, but are not limited to, a reduction in urinary tract infections, transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, and penile cancer. However, recent studies have shown that these reductions are minimal, especially in countries where AIDS is no longer an epidemic. Other studies have also …

Imperforate Hymen With Bicornate Uterus In An Adolescent Patient, Cheau Williams, Daniel Santiago, Catherine Cravey, Danielle Rosenzweig, Ebony Isagba, Mykala Jackson, Sabirah Smith, Alexandria Neal

Research Day

A thirteen-year old patient presenting with chronic pain and amenorrhea was evaluated for ongoing discomfort and worsening symptoms. Pelvic examination showed a vaginal protrusion consistent with imperforate hymen and imaging was consistent with significant hematocolpos. Hymenectomy was performed and a bicornuate uterus was revealed in postoperative imaging.

This case report adds to the medical literature exploring the diagnosis of imperforate hymens which occur in 0.1% of female neonates and may co-occur with a bicornuate uterus (0.4% prevalence in females). It provides a perspective on the rarity of the incidence of imperforate hymen patients with another genitourinary anomaly. It also challenges …

Unique Combination Of Scapula Fracture And Pectoralis Major Tear Sustained During Static Line Airborne Operations: Case Report, Kimberton Porter, Mykala Jackson, Kenneth Nelson, Jeffrey Hoffmann

Research Day

Scapular fractures are rare and often managed in a non-operative fashion. This report includes a case of a 35 year old active duty male who sustained a critically comminuted scapular body fracture with an isolated pectoralis major tendon tear whilst participating in a static line parachute jump. The patient presented with new onset left shoulder pain, inflammation, and functional loss but did not show any signs of associated systemic trauma. On imaging, there were scapular fragments that were displaced as well as a proximal pectoralis major rupture. Given the severe degree of displacement and the occupational demands of the patient, …

Postpartum Vulvar Hematoma: A Common Obstetric Complication, Ruhdeep Randhawa, Allison Tresner, Christine Lurie

Research Day

Introduction:

Vulvar hematoma is a collection of blood in the soft tissue called the vulva. Branches of the pudendal artery supply the smooth muscle and loose connective tissue. Vulvar hematomas are a common obstetric complication, but they can occur in non-obstetric settings as well due to trauma. During the birthing process, direct injuries, such as episiotomy, vaginal laceration repairs, or instrumental deliveries, and indirect injuries, such as extensive stretching of the birth canal during vaginal delivery, can lead to vulvar hematoma formation. Risk factors for vulvar hematoma formation include episiotomy, prolonged second stage of labor, macrosomia, anticoagulants, hypertensive disorders of …

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 …

Health Care Practitioners’ Self-Reported Knowledge, Skill Level, And Confidence In Evaluating And Treating Lymphedema And Lymphatic Dysfunctions With Individuals Who Are Pregnant Or Post-Partum, Gem Johnson, Shelley Dicecco, Ria Lewis-Strange, Diana Mehrez

Research Day

The management of lymphedema during pregnancy presents a complex clinical challenge driven by significant physiological shifts, including a 40–50% increase in plasma volume and mechanical obstruction by the gravid uterus. However, current practice relies precariously on oncology-centric models that fail to address these unique hemodynamic demands due to a critical lack of evidence-based guidance. The aim of this study was to investigate the self-reported knowledge, skill levels, and confidence of international health care practitioners regarding the evaluation and treatment of lymphedema in the pregnant and post-partum population.

A mixed-methods international survey was distributed to lymphedema practitioners worldwide in 10 languages …

Acute Salpingitis Presenting As Small Bowel Obstruction, Hayden E. Evans, Nasir L. Abbasi, Audrey Arona

Research Day

Introduction: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is most commonly caused by postoperative adhesions, hernias, or malignancy. While adhesions typically arise from prior abdominal surgeries, gynecologic inflammatory conditions represent a rare but important etiology. Salpingitis, a manifestation of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can lead to pelvic adhesions but is an uncommon cause of mechanical SBO. Recognition of gynecologic sources of SBO is important for proper management and timely surgical intervention. We present a case of acute salpingitis resulting in adhesive band formation between the fallopian tube and the sigmoid colon, leading to mechanical SBO requiring operative management.

Case Presentation: We report the …

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 …

The Use Of Manual Therapy For Thoracic Spine Symptoms: A Scoping Review, Grace Wolf, Gabrielle Hoffman, Daniel W. Mackie, Scott Lowe

Research Day

Introduction/Background:

Manual Therapy, including Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM), Manual Physical Therapy, and chiropractic, is frequently applied to the thoracic spine; however, no published review examines the role of manual therapy in treating thoracic spine symptoms. Literature reviews indicate that much of the research focused on thoracic spine manual therapy is focused on outcomes for other body regions, in particular the cervical spine and upper extremities.

The purpose of this research is to determine what evidence exists to show the effect of manual therapy on musculoskeletal thoracic symptoms. Additionally, gaps in the research and directions for future inquiry will be identified. …

Uremic Striatopallidal Syndrome: A Rare Cause Of Hyperkinetic Movement Disorder In End-Stage Renal Disease, Cohen Chong, Esther Choi, Bhavi Purohit

Research Day

Introduction

Uremic striatopallidal syndrome (USPS) is a rare neurologic complication of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) characterized by bilateral basal ganglia dysfunction and hyperkinetic movement disorders, which may manifest as chorea, dystonia, or parkinsonian features. The underlying pathophysiology is not fully understood but is thought to involve metabolic derangements, uremic toxin accumulation, and disruption of basal ganglia function. Because its presentation can mimic medication-induced symptoms, primary neurodegenerative conditions, or other metabolic encephalopathies, USPS may be underrecognized and misdiagnosed, leading to delays in appropriate management.

Methods

A retrospective review of clinical findings, laboratory data, imaging studies, and hospital course was performed for …

Isolated Unilateral Central Ray Deficiency In A Term Newborn: Distinguishing Symbrachydactyly From Amniotic Band Sequence, Mauricio Soto, Rachael Bonitatibus, Stephanie Suarez, Kevin Bhagratie, Anthony Adetomiwa

Research Day

Introduction

Congenital hand anomalies may arise from intrinsic malformations of limb development or extrinsic disruptive processes. Distinguishing symbrachydactyly—a failure-of-formation malformation—from amniotic band sequence (ABS)—a constrictive disruption—is essential, as pathogenesis, prognosis, and management differ substantially. Although both may present with absent digits, characteristic morphologic patterns allow reliable clinical differentiation. We present a term neonate with unilateral central hand deficiency to highlight key diagnostic features distinguishing these entities in the newborn period.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive case review was conducted of a term male neonate with an isolated upper extremity anomaly. Prenatal records, delivery documentation, newborn examination findings, and postnatal radiographic imaging …

An Atypical Presentation Of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (Aml), Ruhdeep Randhawa, Allyson Pel, Eric Mbua, Jermaine Robinson, Kayla Batchelor

Research Day

Introduction:

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clonal proliferation of immature myeloid precursors called myeloblasts. Common presenting symptoms include recurrent infections, fatigue, fever, anemia, and bruising. AML primarily affects older adults with a worse prognosis due to advanced age. Leukemia cutis is a rare extramedullary manifestation caused by dermal infiltration of leukemic cells. These cutaneous lesions may mimic benign dermatologic conditions and thus delay diagnosis. This case highlights the clinical course, diagnosis, and outcomes of AML presenting as leukemia cutis, providing invaluable insights for clinicians in the primary care setting to have a high index of suspicion of malignancy and …

Surgical Management Of An Unusually Large Uterine Leiomyoma With Cervical Dilation In A Reproductive-Age Woman, Oscar Acosta, Lisandra Chinea, Emily Kate Reagin, Neha R. Vangimalla, Daniel York

Research Day

Introduction: Uterine leiomyomas are common benign tumors, with a 70–80% prevalence among women of reproductive age. While many are asymptomatic, larger fibroids can cause pelvic pressure, abnormal bleeding, anemia, and organ compression. Rarely, leiomyomas prolapse through the cervical canal, causing complex distortions and surgical challenges. Management depends on symptoms, size, location, and reproductive goals. For women wishing to preserve fertility, myomectomy is preferred. This case report details the surgical management of a large prolapsing leiomyoma and highlights key intraoperative considerations treatment.

Methods: This study was conducted as a case report supplemented by a structured review of current scientific literature. Relevant …

Making Menopause Manageable: A Literature Review And Practical Guide For Clinicians On Menopause Education, Regan Flagg, Emily Rein, Joy Zarandy

Research Day

INTRODUCTION

Menopause is the natural cessation of female reproductive function, accompanied by a wide range of symptoms. Medical training in menopause is widely varied. Resultantly, resident and attending physicians report a varying degree of comfortability in having in depth conversations regarding symptom management and how to best address patient questions. Our goal is to provide primary care physicians with an easy-to-use guide that can bring awareness to the importance of this topic as well as strengthen the confidence of the providers using it. Upon concluding this project, we hope to reach more women, reduce stigma, educate, and support patients in …

Zoonotic Streptococcus Equi Subspecies Epidemicus Bacteremia With Prosthetic Joint Injection And Dvt In An Elderly Patient: A Case Report And Literature Review, Bhavik Singh, Zoë M. Rushetsky, Zoheb I. Sulaiman, Eileen M. Raynor

Research Day

Introduction

Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (SEZ) is a beta-hemolytic group C streptococcus commonly found in the upper respiratory tract of horses and other animals. Although SEZ is a frequent cause of equine “strangles,” human infection is exceptionally rare and associated with direct animal contact or consumption of unpasteurized animal products. Human SEZ infections have been reported to present with bacteremia, septic arthritis, endocarditis, or meningitis—particularly in immunocompromised individuals—but involvement of prosthetic joints is scarcely described in the literature. This case highlights an unusual zoonotic presentation of SEZ bacteremia in an elderly male with frequent equine exposure that was complicated by …