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Culinary Medicine Intervention To Bridge The Gap Between Cultural Authenticity And The Mediterranean Diet, Miriana Samantha Antenucci, Nathalia Galvis, Farzaneh Daghigh

Research Day

Introduction

Metabolic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia are highly prevalent and strongly influenced by diet. While lifestyle modifications are a cornerstone to management of metabolic conditions, along with pharmacologic interventions, patients often face barriers to meaningful dietary changes, including difficulty in modifying traditional recipes. This culinary medicine intervention aims to bridge the gap between preserving cultural authenticity in meals, while promoting healthier food choices and preparations through the Mediterranean diet, in hopes of increasing sustainable dietary changes and increasing patients’ willingness to adapt home cooking practices. Age will be explored as a potential modifier of adaptation behaviors in …

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 …

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 …

Development And Validation Of The Liebelt Attitudes, Knowledge, And Engagement Scale (Lakes) Among Rural Adults, Anna Morrison, Robert A. Ditomasso

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Adults living in rural regions experience mental illness at rates comparable to those in urban areas yet utilize mental health services significantly less often. Underutilization of psychotherapy in rural populations has been attributed to structural barriers (e.g., geographic inaccessibility, limited provider availability, reduced anonymity) and sociocultural factors such as stigma. However, rural adults may also remain reluctant to initiate treatment due to attitudes toward psychotherapy, limited help-seeking engagement, or inaccurate knowledge about psychotherapy services. The present study developed and examined the psychometric properties of the Liebelt Attitudes, Knowledge, and Engagement Scale (LAKES), a self-report measure designed to assess psychotherapy-related …

Free-Floating Thrombus Of Carotid Artery In The Setting Of Bilateral Embolic Strokes, Xilin Chen, Ioannis Tsouknidas, Tyler Fox, Henry Hirsch

Research Day

Carotid free-floating thrombus is a rare entity. Most patients present with acute neurological symptoms, warranting urgent operative intervention. We describe a case of an 80-year-old male who presented with an embolic stroke and was found to have a mobile carotid thrombus, after the administration of thrombolysis. He underwent carotid endarterectomy, and further neurological injury was prevented.

Appendiceal Intussusception Due To Endometriosis: A Case Report, Camryn Butera, Taylor Bronson, Justin Spatar, Christine Holloway

Research Day

The rate of implantation of endometrial tissue onto the appendix varies greatly within the literature with appendiceal intussusception being a rare clinical presentation in this small subset of patients. Here we discuss a case of appendiceal endometriosis with robotic partial cecectomy and appendectomy. This report describes our experience with appendiceal cecal intussusception. We report a case of appendiceal endometriosis causing intussusception. It is important to consider endometriosis as a cause of appendiceal intussusception in the differential diagnosis of females presenting with the common chief complaint of abdominal pain, especially in the setting of prior gynecological surgeries.

Medical Student Advocate–Community Health Worker Collaboration To Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates, Christopher J. Antoniello, Juliana N. Heppard, Vanessa I. Saylor

Research Day

INTRODUCTION:

Lankenau Medical Center launched the Medical Student Health Advocates (MSA) Program in 2012 to address the impact of socioeconomic status and social determinants on health outcomes. Data shows that publicly insured patients are generally more disadvantaged in these areas compared to commercially insured patients. The Colorectal Cancer Screening Initiative (CCSI), a partnership between MSAs and the Department of Health Equity’s Community Health Worker (CHW) team, aims to improve colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates among Medicaid and dual Medicare/Medicaid patients, narrowing the gap between commercially insured and publicly insured patient populations.

METHODS:

Through weekly calls, CHWs and MSAs provide patients …

Effects Of Meditation On Blood Pressure, Ian T. Mcdonald, Chanelle Zorrilla Arias, Kristen Berry

Research Day

Introduction:

Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor in the United States and is associated with serious complications, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and kidney failure, and other outcomes resulting from destroyed vessels. Although antihypertensive medications are widely used to manage hypertension, treatment is often limited by medication cost, polypharmacy, and poor adherence. Medication nonadherence remains a significant barrier to effective blood pressure control and is associated with adverse health outcomes, including increased mortality. Meditation, a stress-reduction intervention, may represent a feasible adjunctive therapy for the management of hypertension. We hypothesize that introducing people to meditation and encouraging them to continue …

Implementing Firearm Safe Storage And Screening Handouts For Older Individuals Into Primary Care Practice, Rebecca Delp, Erik E. Langenau, Ilene Warner-Maron

Research Day

Introduction

Older adults have the highest rates of firearm-related suicide in the United States, with firearms accounting for approximately 70% of suicides in this population (Price et al). Risk is particularly elevated among older men and veterans (Mcintosh et al). Despite this, firearm safety counseling remains uncommon; only 3.7% of older adults report discussing firearm safety with a healthcare provider (Carter et al). This exposes an important opportunity to address firearm safety, mental health, and suicide prevention in the primary care setting, while providing resources for access to firearm safe storage devices.

This project’s aim was to develop and implement …

A Literature Review Of The Correlation Between Faun Tail Nevus Presentation And Spinal Dysraphisms, Zahraa Ibrahem, Feryal Hilmi, Yuna Huh, Mindy Hill

Research Day

Faun tail nevus (FTN) is a rare congenital cutaneous finding characterized by a localized tuft of hair over the lower lumbar vertebrae, typically in a midline distribution. Although faun tail nevus can be present without underlying spinal abnormality, it is frequently seen in the presence of underlying occult spinal dysraphism, most commonly spina bifida occulta. The presence and severity of accompanying cutaneous features, such as dense hypertrichosis, midline dimpling, dermal sinus tracts, or visible subcutaneous tracking, may correlate with the extent of underlying spinal pathology. Given this association, spinal imaging with ultrasound in infants or magnetic resonance imaging in older …

The Use Of Tracheal Traction Exercises To Prevent Post-Operative Dysphagia Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy And Fusion, Emily Schmeiser, Elizabeth Gammer, Yasmine Eichbaum, Mitchell K. Ng, Gregorio Baek, Joshua Mathews, Morgan Hitchner, Yulia Lee, William A. Green, Thomas Cha, Mark Kurd, Ian D. Kaye, Jose A. Canseco, Alexander R. Vaccaro, Christopher K. Kepler, Gregory D. Schroeder

Research Day

Introduction: Dysphagia is a commonly reported complication following anterior cervical disc fusion (ACDF). Some of the risk factors that increase dysphagia incidence include elevated BMI, smoking, female gender, and diabetes mellitus type 2. Treatment with methylprednisone administration and manipulation of endotracheal cuff pressures has been correlated with milder dysphagia in the intraoperative and early post-operative period; however, long-term differences between the control and treatment groups have not been statistically significant. Tracheal traction exercises are of emerging interest for treating ACDF patients with dysphagia. The purpose of this systematic review is to explore the outcome of the use of pre-operative tracheal …

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: 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 …

Vaginal Rectopexy For Rectal Prolapse In Advanced Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Review Of Surgical Strategies, Williams Cheau, Ebony Isagba, Mykala Jackson, Sabirah Smith, Alexandria Neal

Research Day

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition in women, frequently involving the anterior or posterior vaginal compartments. While biologic grafts are increasingly used in cystocele repair, their application in rectocele repair remains rare and underreported.

A 61-year-old female presented with fecal incontinence, mixed urinary incontinence, and symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse, including a stage II midline cystocele, rectocele, and suspected rectal prolapse. She was scheduled for anterior and posterior vaginal wall repair.

This case illustrates a novel use of biologic grafting in rectocele repair with concurrent rectal prolapse management. While graft use in anterior repairs is becoming more common, its …

A Hard Pill To Swallow: Management Of Olanzapine-Induced Dysphagia, Anthony Pelache, Alexandria Neal, Alexandra Ortiz, Caleb Rowan

Research Day

Background:

Dysphagia is a concerning but uncommon adverse effect associated with both first- and second-generation antipsychotic (neuroleptic) medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings regarding impaired swallowing with neuroleptic use, and multiple studies and case reports have documented its occurrence across various agents. However, dysphagia presenting as an isolated or predominant adverse effect remains rarely described in the literature. The proposed mechanisms remain debated, with hypotheses including extrapyramidal dysfunction affecting oropharyngeal musculature versus anticholinergic-mediated impairment of swallowing reflexes. Regardless of etiology, reported management strategies are consistent and include dose reduction, discontinuation, or switching to an alternative antipsychotic …

Regional Selective Vulnerability To Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury In A Neurodegenerative Brain: A Cadaveric Case Study, Naomi Abraha, Jordan Ahlgren, Sangavi Sriranganathan, Tyrese Claridge-Rogers, Rasheed Agboola, Joshua Owolabi

Research Day

Introduction

Senile brain disease is characterized by progressive neurodegeneration, neuronal loss, abnormal protein aggregation, and structural changes within brain tissue that occur with aging. Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, are among the most common age-related neurological conditions and are associated with cognitive decline and widespread pathological changes throughout the brain. These disorders contribute significantly to morbidity in elderly populations and reflect the gradual deterioration of neural tissue.

Acute medical events may further exacerbate neurological damage in individuals with chronic neurodegenerative disease. Cardiopulmonary arrest is defined as the sudden cessation of cardiac and respiratory function, …

Retinal Artery Occlusion Mimicking Giant Cell Arteritis: A Case Report, Zain Ismail, Amaan Ismail, Chris Luz

Research Day

Acute monocular vision loss is a medical emergency that requires prompt work-up to identify the cause. The etiologies of vision loss are broad including vascular, inflammatory, thromboembolic, and neural pathologies. Here we present the curious case of a 57-year-old male with a history of HTN, CAD, prior CVA and T2DM who was admitted to the medicine floor for a recurrent transient vision loss in his right eye for the past 18-months. Based on the patients PMH, an immediate differential diagnosis included: Central Retinal Artery Occlusion, Giant Cell Arteritis, Amaurosis Fugax secondary to carotid embolism, and Optic Neuropathy secondary to Diabetic …

Incidental Identification Of A Femoral Arterial Stent And Vascular Closure Devices Within The Common Femoral Arteries: A Cadaveric Case Report, Danait W. Gebreselassie, Nathan Sagasser, Misha Ul-Islam, Jada Daniel, Abeeha Choudhary, Christian Butler, Abigail Blank, Sofia Garcia

Research Day

Introduction: The common femoral artery (CFA) is the most frequently accessed vessel for diagnostic angiography and endovascular interventions due to its superficial location, large caliber, and reliable anatomic landmarks. Ultrasound‑guided access has reduced complication rates, while vascular closure devices (VCDs) are routinely used to achieve hemostasis following catheterization to optimize recovery and allow early patient mobilization. Intraluminal stents and VCDs are both generally safe although they can alter local vascular anatomy. Cadaveric dissection provides a unique opportunity to identify these devices and assess their anatomic impact. During routine dissection of a 68‑year‑old White male donor, bilateral metallic structures were unexpectedly …

A Literary Analysis And Cadaveric Evaluation Of The Medtronic Intellis™ Adaptivestim Spinal Cord Stimulator: Anatomical Correlates And Clinical Implications, Nicholas Auge-Dario, Olivia Peoples, Alexa Staudt, Anika Mittal, Shamar Palmer, Neel Patel, Syed Khalid, Emranul Huq

Research Day

Background/Objectives:

The clinical efficacy of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for chronic neuropathic pain depends on precise epidural lead placement to appropriately target the dorsal columns specific to patient cases. However, anatomical variability within the thoracic spinal canal, such as discrepancies between vertebral levels and spinal cord segments, differences in epidural fat distribution, ligamentum flavum thickness, and spinal cord dimension, may alter the spatial relationship between implanted leads and neural targets. These variations may contribute to inconsistent stimulation coverage and clinical outcomes due to alterations that can be avoided for better patient satisfaction.

Methods:

A focused anatomical and literature-based evaluation, along …

The Effect Of Left Sided Heart Dominant Circulation On Athletic Performance, Reginald D. Dixon, Blessing A. Adeyemo, Paul M. Catalano, Chloe A. Davis, Micheal G. Elkomos, Rachel E. Lippincott, George M. Zakour, Sebastian Egberts

Research Day

Background

Coronary artery dominance is defined as the coronary artery that gives rise to the posterior descending artery (PDA), which supplies the inferior wall of the heart and portions of the interventricular septum. In the majority of individuals, the PDA originates from the right coronary artery, resulting in right coronary dominance. Left coronary dominance, in which the PDA arises from the circumflex branch of the left coronary artery, occurs less frequently and may influence myocardial perfusion patterns and clinical outcomes during coronary artery disease.

Objective

The objective of this report is to describe a case of left coronary artery dominance …

A Cadaveric Analysis Of Chronic Kidney Disease With Preserved Left Ventricular Morphology, Hania Hashmi, Alex Fishel, Justin Laplace, Skylar Keating, Christen York, Dev Desai, Doan Nguyen, Misha Ul-Islam, Rasheed Agboola, Shiv Dhiman

Research Day

Introduction:

A well-established link exists between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Reduced kidney function triggers a cascade of hemodynamic changes, including systemic hypertension and inflammatory responses, leading to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). In advanced stages of CKD, uremic cardiomyopathy (UC) is implicated in the progression of CKD and LVH. While the progression of CKD to LVH has been investigated, there remains a gap in the literature regarding the mechanisms underlying the preservation of left ventricular architecture and function in the pathogenesis of CKD. This study presents a post-mortem histological analysis of an 82-year-old African American male cadaver …

Splenomegaly And Abnormal Bone Remodeling With Pancytopenia And Myelodysplastic Anemia: A Cadaveric Case Study, Mika Matteo

Research Day

 Introduction: Pancytopenia is a severe reduction in erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets, often resulting in anemia and increased susceptibility to infection, and is closely associated with Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), a group of bone marrow disorders with ineffective hematopoiesis.

The spleen, an important part of the lymphatic and immune systems, filters circulating blood, removes senescent erythrocytes, and supports immune function. Splenomegaly, pathological enlargement of the spleen, can exacerbate pancytopenia by sequestering and prematurely destroying blood cells.

This study examines the relationship between marrow dysfunction, splenic enlargement, and skeletal remodeling observed during cadaveric dissection to better understand the systemic effects of MDS.

Methods: …

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 …

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 …

Implications Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia And Undiagnosed Seminal Vesiculitis: A Literature Review, Lauren A. Labib, Azmeer Imran, Michael Elkomos, Emranul Huq

Research Day

Introduction

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a highly prevalent condition among aging men and a major cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). While BPH is extensively studied, inflammatory conditions of adjacent structures, particularly seminal vesiculitis, remain underrecognized. Undiagnosed seminal vesiculitis in patients with BPH may contribute to persistent urogenital symptoms, recurrent infections, fertility impairment, and post-procedural complications. The overlapping symptoms and shared inflammatory pathways between these conditions complicate diagnosis and management. This review evaluates the clinical implications of coexisting BPH and undiagnosed seminal vesiculitis.

Methods

A narrative review of the literature was conducted focusing on studies addressing BPH, seminal …

Correlation Between Gross Pulmonary Pathology And End-Stage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Chloe A. Davis, Blessing A. Adeyemo, Paul M. Catalano, Reginald D. Dixon, Michael G. Elkos, Rachel E. Lippencott, George M. Zakour, Rasheed Agboola, Shiv Dhiman

Research Day

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder characterized by persistent airflow limitation, chronic airway inflammation, and structural destruction of lung parenchyma. Long-term exposure to inhaled irritants, particularly tobacco smoke and environmental pollutants, contributes to chronic inflammation and remodeling of pulmonary tissue. In advanced stages of COPD, pathological changes such as alveolar destruction, hyperinflation, and particulate matter deposition may be present. While imaging and histopathological studies commonly describe these changes, direct anatomical observation during dissection provides a unique opportunity to correlate disease processes with gross pulmonary morphology.

Objective: To examine and document gross pulmonary abnormalities associated with …

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm As A Marker Of Systemic Atherosclerosis In A Patient With Prior Coronary Bypass And Fatal Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke: A Cadaveric Case Study, Jordan B. Ahlgren, Azmeer Imran, Rachel K. Ransom, Akosua A. Crumbsy, Lindsey D. Cohen, Angela V. Covington, Mphatso J. Onyekachi, Shiv Dhiman

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is frequently associated with systemic atherosclerotic disease and increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity. The development of AAA is attributed to hypertension, smoking tobacco, and other factors such as genetics. Patients with vascular diseases also develop multisystem involvement, including coronary, cerebrovascular, and cardiac conduction abnormalities. The purpose of this case study was to investigate the role artherosclerotic disease played the in the fatal left middle cerebral artery (MCA) ischemic stroke of a 75-year-old male with a visible abdominal aortic aneurysm, history of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and permanent pacemaker implantation.

METHODS: Systematic gross anatomical dissection …

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, …

Gross Anatomical Manifestations Of Metastatic Sigmoid Colon Adenocarcinoma Observed During Cadaveric Dissection, Rachel M. Fontaine, Sabrina Mack, Diana Petrucello

Research Day

Introduction:

Adenocarcinomas are malignant tumors that originate from mucus-secreting glandular cells within the epithelial layer of the mucosa. The sigmoid colon is a frequent primary site for these tumors, which commonly arise from precancerous adenomatous polyps that gradually become malignant through progressive dysplastic changes. Adenocarcinomas of the sigmoid colon may metastasize through lymphatic or hematogenous pathways to distant organs, resulting in significant structural and functional alterations. The current case highlights extensive morphological changes that can occur with advanced metastatic adenocarcinoma.

Methods:

A 58-year-old African American female with documented metastatic adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon was dissected during a routine gross …

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 …