Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Influence Of Nutrition On The Gut Microbiota And Psychiatric Disorders: A Review, Megha Bhagavan, Francis Jenney

Research Day

The symbiotic harboring of gut microorganisms within the gastrointestinal tract has a profound influence on host physiology, well-being, and disease pathology. More specifically, the gut bacteria are able to interact with dietary components from foods chosen by the host and consequently relay their beneficial or precarious effects locally and systemically. The gut bacteria have the capacity to maintain a healthy gut microbiome or perpetuate intestinal imbalance, known as gut dysbiosis. Gut dysbiosis has both local effects in gastrointestinal pathologies, such as intestinal bowel syndrome (IBS) and intestinal bowel disorder (IBD), as well as systemic pathologies, such as type II diabetes, …

Bridging The Gap: The Lived Experience Of Women With Diastasis Recti Abdominis, Jennifer Wiley, Ruth Maher

Research Day

Research on Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) has primarily focused on diagnostic tools, surgical and conservative treatments. Despite the association of significant physical symptoms and impact on quality of life, evidence is absent regarding knowledge or education provided to women about this condition.

Purpose: This study explored the lived experience of women who either self-identified or were medically diagnosed with DRA. A deeper insight into the experience of women with DRA may serve to enhance the patient-provider interaction during this critical time.

Methods: Qualitative methodology with a basic interpretive approach and purposive sampling was used. Participants shared their experiences through a …

Social Media Use, Connectedness, And Depression In Graduate Students, Marisa Gretz, Stephen R. Poteau, Robert A. Ditomasso, Michael B. Roberts

Research Day

This study will examine the relationship between social media use, sense of connectedness, and depression among graduate students. Graduate students are often disconnected from their social supports due to their program's demands; additionally, the risk of depression in this population has been established in the literature. The impact of social media on depression has been investigated, and the results are discrepant. The relationship between a sense of connection, the use of social media, and depression in a graduate student population has not yet been explored. Graduate students at The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and other universities studying psychology, …

Exploring The Relationship Between Mild, Repetitive Traumatic Brain Injury And Post-Traumatic Epilepsy: A Review, Alayna Nelson, Denah Appelt

Research Day

Objective: The objective of this review is to explore the relationship between traumatic brain injury and the development of post-traumatic epilepsy.

Background: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is considered a major public health problem in the United States. Each year, 2.53 million Americans, including 812,000 children, document a TBI-related emergency room visit. TBI is a disruption in the brain’s normal function, caused by a bump or blow to the head or by penetrating head injury. These injuries range in severity and can cause damage to one area of the brain, as in …

Pericardial Effusion "Worm-Like Strands" On Transthoracic Echocardiogram, Annamarie Pontier, Andrew Rose Md, Meredith Mcnelis Pa-C

Research Day

Background: Fibrinous Pericardial Effusion is the accumulation of excess fluid in the pericardial fibroelastic sac. It can be a symptom of any pathological process that affects the pericardium from acute pericarditis to systemic disorders. This broad differential poses a diagnostic challenge in the setting of acute fluid accumulation.

Case Presentation: A 50-year-old male with a past medical history of extensive intravenous drug use complicated by bacteremia and left ankle abscess formation presented to the Emergency Department complaining of mild-moderate chest pain for four days. Within the last month, he presented to the Emergency Department three times for similar symptoms; however, …

Measuring The Effect Of A Resuscitation Academy On Out Of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation Rates, Matthew Momjian, Jeffrey Kalczynski, Patrick Lombardi, Justin Canakis, Anna Mereminskaya, Thomas Depietro, Josh Baron

Research Day

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), rates of successful resuscitation after out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) vary across the country. Amongst 132 counties in the United States, the rates of CPR survival to hospital discharge ranges between 3.4%-22.0%, and the rates of CPR survival with functional recovery ranges from 0.8%-20.1%. This large degree of variability between regions has been improved through programs that educate Emergency Medical Service (EMS) departments on ways to improve outcomes through an evidence-based lens. The Medic One EMS department in Seattle and King County, Washington developed a resuscitation academy (RA) that improved cardiac arrest …

A Computer-Based Intervention May Be Effective For Treating Bereavement As Measured By Scores Of Prolonged Grief, Anxiety, Depression, And Cognitive Distortions., Michael Kastelnik, Bradley Michael Rosenfield, Michael B. Roberts

Research Day

Many people suffer from complications due to grieving the death of a loved one, an experience known as bereavement. In addition to the emotional suffering, complications can lead to functional impairment, negatively impacting relationships, work, and health of those who grieve. Although there are evidence-based interventions for bereavements, there are barriers to treatment, including costs and accessibility. Computer-based interventions are empirically demonstrated to overcome these barriers. The present study aims to test the effectiveness of a computer-based single-session treatment for bereavement. It is hypothesized that individuals who complete a computer-based CBT intervention for bereavement will experience a significant decrease in …

Assessment Of Patient And Employee Mental Health During Covid-19, Lanerica Rogers, Tammy Phillips, Aerial Petty, Gabriana Freire, Carline Denis-Barnes

Research Day

Background: Many individuals in the United States have anecdotally reported a decline in their mental health due to worry and stress over the COVID-19 pandemic. Although much research has been dedicated to populations across the country, patients and employees at community health centers have been overlooked in terms of the effect of pandemic conditions on their mental health. The present study seeks to understand how the mental health of these populations has been impacted and offer recommendations for what can be done to address any unmet mental health needs.

Methods: Survey responses were compiled from patients and employees of the …

Inventory Of Cognitive Distortions-Youth Version: The Development And Validation Of A Psychometric Test For The Measurement Of Cognitive Distortions, Kelsey Jones, Robert A. Ditomasso, Susan Panichelli Mindel, Michael B. Roberts

Research Day

Cognitive distortions are systematic biases in an individual’s thinking that maintain a person’s belief in their negative views of themselves or others, even in the presence of contradictory evidence. The Inventory of Cognitive Distortions (ICD), created by Yurica and DiTomasso, provided a template to measure distorted thinking in adults. Currently, there is not a youth measure of cognitive distortions that adequately encapsulates the range of distorted thinking that may be present in youth. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to create and validate a newly designed instrument of cognitive distortions, The Inventory of Cognitive Distortions-Youth Version (ICD-YV), with youth …

Hyperostosis Frontalis Interna: Irregular Skull Ossification In Cadaveric Dissection, Anthony Sciuva, Sara Eliseo, Zhi Quan Kuat, Yeva Nayflish, Leslie Pryor Mcintosh

Research Day

Hyperostosis Frontalis Interna (HFI) is an unusual condition characterized by the thickening of the frontal bone of the skull. HFI has been found most often in post-menopausal women, with incidence rates surpassing men by nearly nine times. This abnormal thickening of the skull may compress the cerebrum leading to atrophy, frequent headaches, and cognitive impairment. In this case report, we describe an 88-year-old Caucasian female cadaver that originated with the Body Donor Program of PCOM Georgia with an extensive presentation of HFI. A distinct irregular ossification of the internal surface of the frontal bone was noted bilaterally with visibly demarcated …

Lumbar Sympathetic Block As A Treatment Modality For Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Kelci Beardsley, Ronald Lincow

Research Day

Setting: Outpatient Pain Management

Patient: A 28-year-old male with a history of cryptogenic stroke, bilateral lower extremity compartment syndrome, and severe left foot pain secondary to emergent fasciotomy.

Case Description: This patient presented to the office with a chief complaint of left foot pain. Past medical history was significant for cryptogenic stroke and bilateral lower extremity compartment syndrome, status post emergent fasciotomy. Severe left foot pain began after emergent fasciotomy, and he required a walker for ambulation. While hospitalized, several different treatment modalities were utilized in an attempt to alleviate the pain. Previous treatments included tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin, and saphenous …

Special Considerations In Facial Transplantation: A Systematic Review, Melanie Shpigel, Sammy Othman, Jason Cohn, Christopher Hill, Paige Bundrick, Gabriel F. Santiago, Chad Gordon

Research Day

Background: Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) of the face is an exceedingly complex procedure, requiring extensive planning and surgical precision in order to successfully manage patients with facial disfigurements. This review aims to present an overview of the salient anatomic considerations in facial transplantation, as well as give attention to unique patient populations and special considerations.

Methods: A literature review was performed in search of articles pertaining to considerations in facial transplantation using the databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Articles selected for further review included full-text articles with an emphasis on specific anatomic defects and how they were addressed …

A Case Study Of The Anomalous Extensor Digitorum Brevis Manus, Herve Peacemaker Ineza, Darshan Patel, Jeanine Garcia, Macy Rowan, Leslie Pryor Mcintosh

Research Day

During routine forearm dissection of 12 cadavers, which originated from the PCOM Georgia Body Donor Program, at PCOM South Georgia, an aberrant muscle was discovered on the dorsal surface of the hand of a 72-year-old Caucasian male. The muscle, known as the Extensor Digitorum Brevis Manus (EDBM), was located bilaterally and deep to the tendons of the Extensor Digitorum. On assessment, the left hand of the donor had two EDBM tendons that intersected and attached to the proximal phalanx of the third digit. The right-hand tendons ran parallel and inserted onto the third digit of the proximal phalanx. An investigation …

De Novo Sox6 Variants Cause A Neurodevelopmental Syndrome Associated With Adhd, Craniosynostosis, And Osteochondromas, Dara Tolchin, Jessica P. Yeager, Abdul Haseeb, Marco Angelozzi, Véronique Lefebvre, Cédric Le Caignec

Research Day

Introduction: The SOX gene family consists of twenty transcription factors that play a pivotal role in cell fate and differentiation during the development of many organ systems. Within these SRY-related (SOX) genes is a highly conserved high mobility group (HMG) domain that has been shown to be critical for DNA binding and bending, nuclear trafficking, and protein-protein interactions. Mutations within this transcription factor family have been associated with rare congenital disorders, known as SOXopathies. These mutations are commonly de novo, heterozygous and inactivating, and exhibit gene haploinsufficiency. Of these twenty transcription factors, SOX6 is known to be involved in chondrocyte …

Effects Of Lycopene And The Mediterranean Diet On Prostate Cancer: A Critical Analysis Of The Data, Natalie Silk, Dianzheng Zhang

Research Day

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most widespread cancers diagnosed in men in the United States and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. PCa will be a major cancer-related burden both socially and economically in the near future. It has been shown that dietary intake of natural anti-inflammatory agents are capable of inhibiting cancer progression, but due to the nature of dietary studies it is difficult to accurately conclude that diet is capable of impacting chronic diseases and mortality.This systematic review aims to collect and evaluate literature focused on prostate cancer progression and the natural …

The Effect Of Cardiopulmonary Disease On Lymph Node Hyperplasia And Structural Deviations, Yuhyun Kang, Vikas Damineni, Rice Kelsey, Shelley Dicecco

Research Day

Introduction: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cardiopulmonary disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Therefore, the different pathologies of the heart and lungs are studied extensively in the medical community. Current research hints at the possible association between the lymphatic system's dysfunction and cardiopulmonary disease's pathological progression. However, the effect of cardiopulmonary disease on the lymph nodes is not well known. A better understanding of the possible pathological changes to the lymphatic system associated with cardiopulmonary disease could help guide medical interventions.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of cardiopulmonary …

Etiology Of Svc Syndrome And Its Role In Determining Best Treatment Approach - A Case Report, Molly Casey, Sagar Desai, Vinnit Khanna, Rakesh Ahuja

Research Day

Introduction: Obstruction of the Super Vena Cava (SVC) can result in symptoms, such as facial plethora and swelling, and be due to a variety of underlying causes besides lung malignancies, the rates of which have changed over time; the underlying etiology is used to determine the best management strategy.

Objectives: This case report aims to discuss the role of etiology in determining the best initial treatment for SVC syndrome (SVCS) and outlines the unique management for a patient that represents the changing demographics of SVCS causes.

Case Presentation: A 73-year-old male with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and metastatic carcinoma of …

Hidden Constipation Presenting As Diarrhea, Phi Tran, Ashley Bloom, Clay Bunting, Harsha Upadhya, Bhavin Dave

Research Day

Introduction: Diarrhea and constipation are two of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms presenting in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Diarrhea presents as loose, watery stool often with increased frequency while constipation often presents as hard stool, decreased frequency, and increased straining. In a subset of patients that suffer from constipation, liquid stool from more proximal colonic segments may bypass impacted feces and result in diarrhea, thus creating a confusing clinical picture and potentially misleading treatment plan. Objectives: Our objective is to redefine IBSD with a new subset of patients with IBSD who have hidden constipation. This study could help open …

The Impact Of Covid-19 On Teledermatology, Cassandra Yeboah, Nailah Harvey, Rohan Krishnan, Jules B. Lipoff

Research Day

The accelerated implementation and use of teledermatology during COVID-19 has been met with successes and challenges. This review explores first, how telemedicine was utilized in dermatology prior to the pandemic, the regulatory adaptions made in response to the pandemic and the effectiveness of the rapid implementation of teledermatology during COVID-19, and finally, how teledermatology has expanded in response to the pandemic. In sum, this review examines lessons learned, how teledermatology’s reliance on digital technologies might paradoxically exacerbate healthcare disparities, and considers the future outlook. Prior to COVID-19, teledermatology was limited due to decreased insurance reimbursement for telemedicine visits, concern about …

Resveratrol's Effect On The Androgen Receptor Pathway As A Target For Decreasing Growth And Invasion Of Melanoma And Methods Of Application, Anthony Concilla, Tala Mourabet, Natalie Silk, Kyla Geary, Dianzheng Zhang

Research Day

Introduction: Melanoma is predicted to be the fifth most common cause of cancer mortality in the U.S. in 2021. Although melanoma affects both sexes, current literature shows it is more prevalent and more deadly in men. Several potential reasons for this difference have been proposed, but most literature describes a gap in male knowledge concerning skin cancer and unwillingness to go to the dermatologist as an explanation. That said, the androgen receptor has been proven to play a role in melanoma growth and metastasis, and may play a part in the difference in incidence and mortality rates between sexes. Resveratrol, …

Strabismus Decompensation As A Possible Neurological Manifestation Of Covid-19: A Case Report, Tyler Stevens

Research Day

A 27-year-old female presents to the emergency room with acute onset horizontal binocular diplopia and a history of COVID-19 infection two weeks prior. She has a history of longstanding intermittent right esotropia. Before her COVID-19 infection she only had diplopia after extended reading and typically sees clearly. After the infection, she has constant double vision which started acutely and worsened over several hours. Her only other symptom at the time was increased fatigue. During examination of eye tracking, there was a left esotropia when looking left and a right esotropia when looking right. She was discharged with a Medrol Dosepak …

Utilization, Utility, And Variability In Usage Of Adjunctive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy In Spinal Management: A Review Of The Literature, Kurt Knepley, Jennifer Mao, Patrick Laird, Nicholas Imperato, Asham Khan, Justice Agyei, Tim O'Conner, John Pollina, Jeffrey Mullin

Research Day

The objective of this review was to understand the clinical utilization, utility, and variability in the usage of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Surgical site infection is associated with high morbidity and mortality, increased health care expenditure, and decreased quality of life. With the increasing prevalence of adult spinal deformity and spinal fusion surgery, it is imperative to understand the potential benefits of adjunctive treatments. HBOT is a safe and common procedure indicated to treat various medical conditions. We conducted a literature search across 3 databases for English articles published between December 1, 2019 and December 1, 2000. Thirteen studies …

Analgesic Effect Of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol On Patients With Chronic Neuropathic Pain During A Four-Week Period: A Pilot Study, Frederick J. Goldstein, Katherine E. Galluzzi, Madeline Brown, Jennifer Smith, Joseph Lubeck

Research Day

Statement of Purpose, Innovation or Hypothesis: The current US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved armamentarium for treatment of neuropathic pain (NP) includes calcium channel alpha-2-delta ligands (gabapentin, pregabalin) and a selective serotonin-norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitor (duloxetine); however, tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline) and antiepileptic agents (carbamazepine) have also been employed. Most have limited effectiveness and/or cause intolerable adverse reactions, leading to discontinuation. Neuropathic pain patients have also been treated with opioid analgesics, which have their own attendant risks (e.g., addiction, hyperalgesia, endocrinopathy) and limited efficacy. Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (dronabinol), C-III, is FDA-approved as an appetite stimulant and antiemetic. Doses ranging from 2.5 mg/day …

Anasam: A Novel Approach To Suds Anamnesis For Medical Students, Mirna Law, Sarah Glisan, Devon Player, Adrienne Fraczkowski, Kaitlyn Blair, Bettina Bernstein

Research Day

Training in substance use disorders and their treatment is important for medical students to develop positive attitudes towards patients struggling with substance abuse. There is substantial evidence demonstrating that physicians in practice fail to recognize a large percentage of patients suffering from substance abuse conditions. Historically, a “negative attitude” of health care providers towards patients struggling with substance abuse may have originated from the lack of recognition of these issues as chronic medical conditions during training. Thus, substance abuse education early in medical training is impactful and should be considered. The proposed curriculum consists of four sessions and aims to …

Development Of Humanized Mouse Model For Organ Transplantation, Daniel D. Horuzsko, Ashwin Ajith, Laura Mulloy, A. Musa, Valia Bravo-Egana, Imran Gani, Anatolij Horuzsko

Research Day

Purpose of Study: Solid organ transplantation has been a life-saving procedure for thousands of patients worldwide. Recent advances on improving donor-screening diagnostics have aimed at identification of the most compatible donor for the transplant recipient to maximize allograft survival. Current standards of donor selection relies on HLA typing and in vitro mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) which do not take into account the in vivo environment and recipient’s adaptive immune response. Humanized mouse models are an appealing alternative that permits personalized investigation of the immunocompatibility of potential donor tissues for the recipient human immune system without putting patients at risk. By …

Bleeding After Endoscopic Peg-Tube Removal On Patient Taking Clopidogrel, Sahil Patel, Michael Steinbook

Research Day

A 64-year-old man who is taking Clopidogrel was getting his PEG-tube removed endoscopically. Post-procedure, he started profusely coughing up blood clots. As a result, a repeat esophagogastroduodenoscopy had to be performed and revealed no blood in the esophagus or stomach. Upon further evaluation, the source of his blood clots was an ongoing episode of epistaxis which started following his COVID-19 test via nasopharyngeal swab three days prior. With the increasing need for COVID-19 testing, screening for epistaxis prior to performing out-patient procedures can help differentiate epistaxis from other procedurally-related complications

The Association Between Trauma History And Body Image, Depression, Posttraumatic Stress, And Relationship Satisfaction In Postpartum Women, Kristen Hawk-Purcell, Michelle R. Lent

Research Day

The postpartum period can be a time of significant change and transition. Little is known regarding how a history of trauma may impact functioning during this critical time. The literature is consistent regarding the relationship between trauma and body image-related issues, but this has not been investigated with this population. While posttraumatic stress symptoms are considered a significant public health concern, the association between depression and interpersonal concerns has not been thoroughly explored. The purpose of this observational, cross-sectional study is to explore the relationship between trauma and body image, mood, and relationship satisfaction in postpartum women.

Proposed Methods: English …

Benefits Of Preclinical Osteopathic Medical Students' Joining Interprofessional Research Teams, Alexander Rembalsky, Stephanie H. Felgoise

Research Day

Challenge/ Issues: There are few options for interprofessional research experiences that offer medical students the ability to collaborate with clinical psychology doctoral (PsyD) students. While a core principle of osteopathic medicine is holistic care, exposure to psychosocial aspects of medical conditions is limited or unrepresented in the preclinical education years. As an example, the psychosocial aspects and quality of life issues related to kidney dialysis are not discussed in the classroom.

Objectives: The objectives for integrating medical students into a research study on quality of life and psychosocial aspects in persons undergoing kidney dialysis are to: a) have psychology and …

Problem-Solving Teletherapy For Adults With Visual Impairment: A Feasibility Study To Improve Access And Treatment, Marissa Ferrito, Bradley Michael Rosenfield, Stephanie Ferretti, Michael B. Roberts

Research Day

Introduction: Adults with visual impairment are at increased risk of developing depression and experiencing a decreased quality of life, as compared to vision intact adults. However, there are many barriers to accessing health problems for this population.

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to explore the impact of a virtual group-based intervention utilizing strategies from motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral problem-solving therapy to improve attendance and treatment outcome for adults with visual impairment. Specifically, the study will focus on improving previously demonstrated low rates of attendance, as well as improving depression, quality of life, problem-solving skills; and reducing cognitive distortions. …

Surgical Techniques For Lymphedema Management, Matthew Kayal, Shelley Dicecco

Research Day

Introduction: Lymphedema is known as a debilitating disease where the management plan can require a combination of surgical and conservative treatments. Worldwide, greater than 300 million people suffer from lymphedema. The lymphatic system is responsible for the drainage of fluid from the interstitial tissues and organ systems and is the body’s primary way of managing edema. The aim of this review was to investigate the efficacy of the procedures and the multiple surgical options that exist for the treatment of lymphedema, including the Charles procedure, liposuction or suction-assisted protein lipectomy (SAPL), lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA), and vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT). …