Digital Commons Network^™

Fluctuating Epidemiology Of Poliovirus In Conflict-Affected Regions: Comparative Trends In Wild-Type And Vaccine-Derived Cases Following Vaccination Campaigns, Rama Khawaldeh, Bryanna Bhakta, Shafik Habal

Research Day

Background

Poliomyelitis is a contagious enteroviral disease caused by poliovirus, which affects the central nervous system and causes irreversible paralysis. Two distinct forms of poliovirus exist today: wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), the naturally occurring virus associated with epidemics, and vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2), which arises when the weakened strain in the oral polio vaccine mutates and regains virulence in under-immunized communities. Since the start of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988, global incidence of WPV1 has declined due to widespread vaccination campaigns. However, sporadic cVDPV continues to occur, more often in conflict-affected regions where population displacement …

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. …

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 …

Histologic Heterogeneity In Bladder Neoplasia: Identification Of Coexisting Urothelial Dysplasia, Papillary Lesions Of Low Malignant Potential, And Muscle-Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma, Maxwell Trettin, Yousra Abo-Elhamd, Aidan Huckestein, Byron Her, Xiunely Ricano Cadenas, Shiv Dhiman, Rasheed Agboola, Neveen Said

Research Day

BACKGROUND: Urothelial bladder carcinoma (UBC) accounts for approximately 90% of bladder cancers with a male to female prevalence of 3:1. Established risk factors include exposure to tobacco smoking, and environmental and occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and aromatic amines. Additional risk factors include air pollution, advanced age, and occupational exposure to carcinogens present in dyes, paints, petroleum products, and metals. UBC are recognized for their heterogeneous characteristics due to urothelial epithelium exhibiting diverse transcriptional and mutational profiles that evolve within the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, bladder cancers are often found to be multifocal, highlighting the importance of thorough examination of …

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 …

Ethics First: The Importance Of An Irb When Working With Pediatric Populations, Chloe Phillips, Katrina Strand, Brooklyn Myers, Jamie Smith, Grace Bang, Daesung Choi, Xinyu Wang, Yujin Kim

Research Day

Objective: This IRB application was approached with a unique perspective due to its focus on a complex pediatric population, which may have determinants that create healthcare disparities. These populations are particularly vulnerable, making it paramount to ensure voluntary and honest participation.

Methods: Prior to recruiting or conducting a human study, research teams are required to get approval from this board, which consists of five or more members, including both those with scientific and nonscientific backgrounds, to ensure impartiality. All research personnel must also receive training in the basics of research ethics. The IRB application outlined every aspect of the project …

Disparities In Urology Match Outcomes For Osteopathic Students And Students Without Home Residency Programs In The Southeastern Section Of The Aua, Adam Davis, Alp Turgut, Caroline Wade, Martha Terris, Ching Man Carmen Tong

Research Day

Urology remains one of the most competitive specialties. Students at schools without home urology residency programs (NHPs) often have limited access to early clinical exposure, mentorship, and research, reducing their likelihood of applying and matching. Osteopathic (DO) students have historically faced additional barriers in surgical subspecialties, raising concerns about equity in access to fields like urology. We hypothesized that students at NHPs, particularly DO students, would apply and match at lower rates. Using SESAUA match data from 2020–2025, we analyzed applicant and match outcomes across medical schools in the region. Medical schools for unmatched applicants were identified using publicly available …

Regional Differences In Routine Vaccination Coverage Before And After The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Analysis Of School-Aged Populations In Michigan And Georgia, Shwan K. Noori, Ivey Ginn, Emily Mabry, Audrey Arona

Research Day

Introduction: Social media plays a powerful role in shaping public opinion nationwide, especially regarding vaccinations in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. This data analysis aims to determine whether social media has significantly influenced regional differences in how vaccines for preventable diseases are perceived across the United States. This study aims to explore the potential difference in vaccine compliance rates in Michigan and Georgia before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to compare Michigan and Georgia was based on their similar population sizes and the opportunity to explore how regional differences may influence data trends within the U.S.

Methods: …

Clinical Prevalence Of Vertigo In Vestibular Schwannoma Patients Presenting With Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review, Cameron Vida, Bilal Tanveer, Nolan Gillihan, Paul Mikhail, Diana Peterson

Research Day

Introduction: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) can be an early presenting symptom of vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma), but its coexistence with vertigo is not well defined. Understanding how frequently vertigo accompanies sudden SNHL in these patients is clinically important, as it may influence diagnostic suspicion and timely imaging. The primary objective of this study was to determine the proportion of patients with acoustic neuroma presenting with sudden or unilateral SNHL who also report vertigo.

Methods: A structured literature search was performed in PubMed using the keywords “Acoustic Neuroma with Vertigo Presentation.” The initial search yielded 224 articles. Sequential filters were …

Challenges In Diagnosis: A Review Of Development Of Nut Carcinoma Within The Abdomen And Pelvis, Matthew Alexander, Grace Lynch, Ambika Jokhulall, Donald Penney

Research Day

Background:

NUT Carcinoma is a subtype of squamous cell carcinoma characterized by a translocation of the nuclear protein in testes (NUTM1) gene to form a fusion with an epigenetic reader, most commonly bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4::NUTM1), bromodomain-containing protein 3 (BRD3::NUTM1), or nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein 3 (NSD3::NUTM1). It is a rare and aggressive tumor with a median survival time of 6-9 months and most commonly affects midline structures of the head and neck, though in recent years reports of primary NUT carcinoma within the abdomen and pelvis have been reported. The purpose of this review is to compare …

Vascular Asymmetry In Scoliosis: A Scoping Review Of Anatomical Evidence And Functional Implications, Nick Daneshvar, Olivia Peoples, Nicholas Auge-Dario, Barrington Francis, Mykala Jackson, Michael Abaskaron, Matthew Shelnutt

Research Day

Introduction

Scoliosis alters spinal alignment which may influence the position and function of adjacent vascular structures. Although vascular complications related to scoliosis and its surgical correction have been reported, the potential contribution of scoliosis-associated vascular asymmetry to functional impairment remains unclear. The objective of this scoping review was to synthesize existing literature describing vascular anatomical changes associated with scoliosis and to examine related evidence plausibly linking altered paraspinal perfusion to functional outcomes such as endurance and pain.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted using PubMed with a lower publication date limit of 2005. A primary search identified studies describing vascular …

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 …

Food Insecurity As A Primary Driver Of Cardiometabolic Disease Across Georgia Census Tracts, Jordan R. Howard, Thomas Last, Winston Price

Research Day

Introduction: Cardiometabolic diseases including diabetes, hypertension, and obesity remain leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States and disproportionately affect communities across the southeastern region. In Georgia, disease burden is concentrated in rural counties and economically disadvantaged urban areas. Public health frameworks have traditionally attributed these disparities to limited physical access to healthy food, commonly described as “food deserts,” where distance to grocery stores is presumed to constrain dietary quality and worsen metabolic health. However, growing evidence suggests that economic food insecurity may play a larger role in cardiometabolic risk than geographic food access. Few studies have evaluated …

Culturally Tailored Hands-Only Cpr Training For Hispanic Migrant Farmworkers In Rural Georgia: A Student-Led Community Intervention, Bryan Hernandez, Oscar Acosta, Marisela Benitez, Daniel Chanelo, Lisandra Chinea Ramos, Sharon Lackwood, Lorraine Lopez Rosa, Tatiana Rodriguez Vargas, Dennis Rossi, Mauricio Soto, Stephanie Suarez, Gerardo Tabares, Valerie Yepez, Thomas Last, Stacie Fairley

Research Day

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular disease, including sudden cardiac arrest, is the leading cause of death in Georgia, responsible for more than 28,000 deaths annually, nearly one-third of statewide mortality. Survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is strongly associated with rapid bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which can more than double survival. However, populations most at risk, including Hispanic and rural communities, are among the least likely to receive bystander-initiated CPR and experience poorer survival. Data from national and Georgia reports show that most Southeastern farmworkers are Hispanic (67%), predominantly foreign-born, low-income, uninsured, and primarily Spanish-speaking. At the Ellenton Farmworker Clinic in Colquitt County, …

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 …

Adhd And Food Insecurity: The Role Of Structural Determinants, Renee Jones, Thomas Last

Research Day

INTRODUCTION

Food insecurity is a key structural determinant of health associated with adverse physical and psychological outcomes. Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be particularly vulnerable due to executive dysfunction, psychosocial stress, and socioeconomic instability. The association between ADHD status, medication use, and food insecurity, however, has not been well characterized in large national cohorts.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between ADHD status (with and without medication) and food insecurity in the All of Us Research Program cohort.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 142,725 eligible participants from the All of Us Research Program. ADHD status was categorized as …

A Rare Presentation Of Vaginal Leiomyoma Originating Within A Patient Without Uterine Fibroids: Morphology, Differential Diagnosis, And Clinical Significance, Anna Beth Boyette, Sarah Kate Boyette, Isaac Gutierrez, Cecil Cone, Randall L. Sisam

Research Day

Leiomyomas can occur where smooth muscle is found, however they are most commonly seen within the myometrium of the uterus . Extrauterine leiomyomas are even more rare than uterine leiomyomas and present with greater diagnostic challenges. For example, vaginal leiomyomas are among the most rare reproductive neoplasms, as such only 300 cases have been reported in literature . Furthermore, they are thought to derive from Mullerian smooth muscle cells in the subepithelium of the vagina. Another potential theory is that this tumor came from a seeding of an existing uterine fibroid. Ultrasound imaging or MRI are helpful in the diagnosis …

Huntington’S Disease Diagnosed In An 82-Year-Old. What Lessons Can We Learn?, Jake Winchester, Kent Posey

Research Day

Huntington’s Disease is a rare neurodegenerative disorder thought to have an incidence of 1.21 per 100,000 patient years and a prevalence of 8.87 per 100,000 patients in North America. It is a progressive neurological disease with common manifestations being motor involvement and behavioral changes caused by the death of neurons primarily in the striatal portion of the basal ganglia. Huntington’s is generally considered a disease of the mid-life though it is noted to occur early (juvenile onset) and later (late onset), however prevalence in the late onset has a wide range of 4.4% to 11.5% which has somewhat been attributed …

A Case Study Of Anencephaly: Diagnosis, Management And Maternal-Fetal Outcome, Emily Reagin, Allison Tresner, Daniel York

Research Day

Introduction: Anencephaly is a severe neural tube defect resulting from failure of anterior neuropore closure during the fourth week of embryonic development. It is characterized by the absence of the cranial vault and cerebral hemispheres and is associated with uniformly poor fetal prognosis. Folate deficiency is the most established risk factor, and periconceptional folic acid supplementation significantly reduces the incidence of neural tube defects.

Case Presentation: We present a case of a 32-year-old gravida 6 para 5 female who was found to have an abnormal cranium on routine second-trimester ultrasonography. She came in on her first obstetrics appointment at 12 …

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 …

Morphogen Upregulation Following Seizure-Induced Oxidative Stress: Implications For Hippocampal Remodeling And Neuronal Survival, Melea Neely, Blessed Jordan, Evelyn Orusa, Joshua Owolabi

Research Day

Introduction: Epileptic seizures arise from abnormal neuronal activity characterized by excessive excitatory signaling and reduced inhibitory control within neural circuits. During seizures, neurons exhibit paroxysmal depolarization shifts, leading to synchronous hyperexcitability and increased glutamate release. Although many seizures do not produce permanent injury, prolonged neuronal hyperactivity, such as status epilepticus or temporal lobe epilepsy, can lead to neuronal death and structural remodeling within the hippocampus. Experimental models demonstrate that seizure activity generates significant oxidative stress and morphological changes within the dentate gyrus, including mossy fiber sprouting, granule cell dispersion, and aberrant neurogenesis. Increasing evidence suggests these changes are mediated by …

Two Decades With Chronic Actinic Granuloma: A Case Report, Neena Edupuganti, Nathan Sagasser, Melinda Greenfield

Research Day

Actinic granuloma (AG), also known as O’Brien’s granuloma, is a rare idiopathic granulomatous dermatosis affecting sun-exposed areas, predominantly in older individuals. It presents as erythematous papules that expand into annular plaques with central atrophy and serpiginous borders. The pathogenesis of AG remains unclear, but it is hypothesized to involve an autoimmune response to actinically damaged elastic fibers. Diagnosis is confirmed through histopathological examination, and treatment options vary widely with inconsistent outcomes. Here, we present a case of an individual with a 20-year history of AG that was refractory to treatment with topical steroids and topical antifungals. This case highlights the …

The Affect Of Technology On Parenting Toddlers, Ashia Cannon

Undergraduate Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Tennessee Promise Scholarship Endowment Financial Statement 2025, Tennessee. Department Of The Treasury.

Financial Statements

No abstract provided.

Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission Financial Statement 2025, Tennessee. Department Of The Treasury.

Financial Statements

No abstract provided.

Pension Stabilization Reserve Trust Financial Statement 2025, Tennessee. Department Of The Treasury.

Financial Statements

No abstract provided.

K-12 Mental Health Fund Financial Statement 2025, Tennessee. Department Of The Treasury.

Financial Statements

No abstract provided.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund Financial Report 2025, Tennessee. Department Of The Treasury.

Financial Statements

No abstract provided.

Chairs Of Excellence Program Financial Statement 2025, Tennessee. Department Of The Treasury.

Financial Statements

No abstract provided.

Passenger Rail For Montana College Students Survey, Emmi Highness, Elizabeth Kamminga

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The objective of this survey is to collect data to inform the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority (BSPRA) about college student perspectives on passenger rail. BSPRA is the main organization in Montana advocating for the reinstatement of the Big Sky North Coast Corridor (formerly called the North Coast Hiawatha) passenger rail line, which would span from Chicago to Seattle and/or Portland with 10 to 12 stops in southern Montana and an additional 30 to 40 stops in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

Through our research, we determined that Montana university students are an under-informed demographic about …