Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Flexor Tenosynovitis Of The Wrist And Hand Due To Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria, Mariafe Reyes, Tatevik Malisetyan, Skylar Harmon, Mohammadali M. Shoja Md, Gary B. Schwartz Md

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Title: Flexor Tenosynovitis of the Wrist and Hand Due to Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria Authors: Mariafe Reyes1,Tatevik Malisetyan1, Skylar Harmon1, Mohammadali M. Shoja, MD1 Gary B. Schwartz, MD1 1Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA INTRODUCTION: Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a group of bacteria, including Mycobacterium marinum, Mycobacterium kansasii, and Mycobacterium avium intracellulare (MAI), that usually exist in the soil and water sources. The most common site of infection is the lungs, but extra-pulmonary involvement of the skin and rarely the musculoskeletal (MSK) system does occur, especially the hands and wrists. CASE PRESENTATION: A 45-year-old, …

Recent Developments In Tirzepatide's Role In Reducing Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors In Adults With Type 2 Diabetes, Talaya Jones, Zaneh Kahook, Carina Bryan, Mayur Parmar

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Objective: This literature review aims to investigate recent developments in tirzepatide’s ability to lessen CVD risk factors for adults with increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. Background: Tirzepatide is an FDA - approved medication primarily used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by reducing A1C and chronic weight management, however its efficacy for reducing CVD risk factors is under examination. Methods: This review synthesizes data from recent early findings published by the pharmaceutical company, which has not yet undergone peer review, alongside existing literature on tirzepatide. Additional sources were identified through a systematic search of PubMed, …

Triaging The Clinical Dilemma Of A Suicidal Attempt With Sotalol Overdose Presenting With Ventricular Tachycardia, Asystole And Torsades De Pointes, Ambika Kapil, Sahara Abdelmoneim, Manuel De Cruz, Odalys Frontela, Sabas Gomez, Ambika Kapil

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Beta-blockers are widely prescribed for managing various conditions, including hypertension, heart failure, ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, and off-label uses for tremors, migraines, and anxiety. They are classified into cardioselective and non-cardioselective. Although generally well-tolerated with mild side effects, beta-blocker overdose can lead to severe cardiac instability and potentially fatal outcomes. CASE PRESENTATION: To illustrate, we present a 59-year-old woman who arrived at the Emergency Room with anxiety after ingesting 15 Sotalol tablets (120 mg). Per the husband, the patient exhibited paranoid ideas for the past 3 days. The review of systems was negative. Vitals on admission: Blood Pressure 128/76 …

Revisiting The Marginal Artery Of Drummond: A New Insight Into The Anatomy Of Colonic Arterial Supply, Jeams Richard Costa, Michael Kitiashvili, Jack Stensland, Mohammadali Shoja

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to challenge the assumption that the marginal artery (MA) of Drummond is fully continuous. BACKGROUND: The MA is a crucial arterial anastomosis that runs along the inner margin of the colon. Despite its importance, the continuity of the MA has been insufficiently evaluated in the literature. METHODS: We dissected the mesentery in 18 cadavers to explore the formation and identify any areas of discontinuity in the MA. RESULTS: Varying degrees of MA discontinuity was observed among individuals. Complete continuity of the MA was observed in only one case. In one specimen, the MA was completely …

Comparison Of Bacterial Meningitis Complicated By Stroke In Adults Versus Children: A Scoping Review, Isabella Cook, Apurva Ramanujam, Afrida Sara, Arjun Nair, Sabina Chon, Erick Boldt, Miranda Londono, Alan Wang, Sarah Mohamed, Shivani Dave, Yuri Zagvazdin

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Title: Comparison of Bacterial Meningitis Complicated by Stroke in Adults versus Children: A Scoping Review Authors: Isabella Cook, OMS-II; Apurva Ramanujam, OMS-II; Afrida Sara, OMS-II; Arjun Nair, OMS-II; Sabina Chon, OMS-II, M.S.; Erick Boldt, OMS-II; Miranda Londono, OMS-II; Alan Wang, OMS-II, M.A.; Sarah Mohamed, OMS-II; Shivani Dave, OMS-II; Yuri Zagvazdin, Ph.D. Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Davie, Florida Background: Bacterial meningitis (BM) complicated by stroke in adults include distinct manifestations compared to children. Although there are notable differences in presentations between children and adults, there is limited availability in research defining a protocol for …

When Aml Strikes Twice: A Case Of Acute Myeloid Leukemia With Concurrent Myopericarditis And Acute Pancreatitis, Veronica Benitez, Gabriella A. Morey, Veronica Benitez, Roberto H. Ruiz

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Introduction: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematological malignancy characterized by the proliferation of undifferentiated hematopoietic stem cells, leading to symptoms like fatigue, fever, and bleeding. While AML can infiltrate various organs, myocardial and pancreatic involvement are extremely rare, with myopericarditis and acute pancreatitis being particularly uncommon. Case Description: A 72-year-old hispanic female with a history of pancreatitis and autoimmune disorders presented with worsening lower abdominal pain, dysuria, nausea, and vomiting. Her pancreatitis resolved, but she subsequently developed chest pain and was diagnosed with acute pericarditis. Her elevated white blood cell count, predominantly monocytic, led to the diagnosis of AML …

Intestinal Protozoan Parasites & Gut Microenvironment Disruption In Crohn's Disease, Jowana Ghazzawi, Jyotsna Chawla Assistant Professor, Microbiology, Cyril Blavo

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Crohn’s Disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite the unknown etiology, a combination of genetic, environmental, bacterial, viral, and other microbial factors are believed to play a role in its development. While the impact of bacterial agents on CD has been extensively studied, the influence of intestinal protozoan parasites is an emerging area of interest. This study investigates the role of these parasites in disrupting the gut microenvironment and their contribution to the pathological and physiological changes observed in CD. Understanding these interactions may offer new insights into disease mechanisms …

The Role Of Kctd13 In Androgen Receptor Ubiquitination​, Faith Abraham, Ahmed Chahdi, Phd, Carolina Jorgez, Phd, Abhishek Seth

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

The Role of KCTD13 in Androgen Receptor Ubiquitination Faith Abraham1, Ahmed Chahdi, PhD2, Caroline Jorgez, PhD3, and Abhishek Seth, MD2 1Class of 2024, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2Urology, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Orlando, FL 3Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of the KCTD13 gene on major protein effectors of common genitourinary (GU) defects. Background: Hypospadias, characterized by the ventral positioning of the urethral opening, occurs in approximately 1 out of 125 live births. Cryptorchidism, or undescended testes (UDT), is the most common GU birth defect, affecting around …

Nourishing Skin Health: The Impact Of A Balanced Diet On Chronic Inflammatory Skin Conditions, Archana Banda

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the influence a balanced diet has on the outcome of specific dermatologic conditions notably psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and rosacea. Background: Nutritional status is pivotal in shaping holistic wellness, which extends to skin health. Adequate nutrition can prevent the worsening of inflammatory conditions. Methods: A literature review was conducted to analyze how specific dietary habits for selected chronic inflammatory cutaneous conditions influence the presentation and overall clinical outcome. Results: The analysis indicates a higher incidence of flare-ups with diets heavily consisting of carbohydrates, red meat, alcohol, and fats. Specific diets, such as the Western …

Lifestyle Effects On An Unusual Presentation Of Syncope: A Case Report, Rishma Gattu, Nisarg Shah, Ramya Ravulapalli, Vania Rodriguez, Gary Merlino

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Introduction: This case study explores a unique presentation of syncope with a multifactorial etiology and discusses the impact of lifestyle behaviors on syncope exacerbation. Scant literature exists on behavioral modifications affecting cardiogenic responses. Case Presentation: We present a 53 year old Hispanic male with a past history of palpitations and chronic marijuana use coming to the emergency department (ED) with three episodes of sudden loss of consciousness that occurred after starting his job as a night shift worker, which led to severe chronic sleep deprivation. These episodes lacked prodromal (chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, diaphoresis) and postictal (drowsiness, nausea, …

Crush Injuries: A Review And Case Series, Daniel Gonzales-Portillo, Maria Fe Reyes, Josef Maselli, Gary B. Schwartz

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Crush Injuries: A Review and Case Series Daniel Gonzales-Portillo1, Maria Fe Reyes1, Josef Maselli1, Gary Schwartz1 1Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA Objective: The goal was to discern patterns between different presentations of crush injuries to the hand and what treatment decisions lead to improved functional outcomes and increased patient satisfaction. Background: The compressive force from crush injuries in this small region of the body causes extremely variable damage to tissues, complicating treatment due to difficulty in staging and precise identification of structures capable of recovery. The timeline and mechanism of injury …

Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus (Mmtv) Genomic Rna (Grna) Packaging: Selective Grna Encapsidation Is Facilitated By Long-Range Interactions (Lris) That Facilitate Specific Gag Binding, Suresha G. Prabhu

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is a betaretrovirus that induces breast cancer and sporadically, T-cell lymphomas in mice. MMTV serves as a pertinent model for elucidating the mechanism(s) of oncogenesis and the genetics associated with the development of mammary tumors. Being a rodent retrovirus, MMTV is phylogenetically distant from human and other primate retroviruses; thus, positioning it ideally as a potential vector of choice for human gene therapy. This may circumvent safety concerns such as recombination with other related endogenous human retroviruses. In addition, MMTV is distinct from most other retroviruses, but similar to lentiviruses, in that it has the …

The Mediating Role Of Religious Coping And Psychological Inflexibility In The Relationship Between Perceived Life Stress And Depression In An Arab Muslim Sample, Mariam Kashakesh

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This study examines the association between depression and perceived stress, with a particular focus on the mediating function of psychological rigidity and religious coping strategies in a sample of 18–30-year-old Arab Muslims. Online questionnaires measuring psychological flexibility, perceived stress, depression, religious coping, and demographics were filled out by participants. Higher stress levels were expected to be associated with higher levels of depression (H1), and the study postulated that both negative and positive psychological inflexibility and religious coping would mitigate this association (H2a and H2b, respectively). Significant positive relationships were found between religious coping qualities, depression, and perceived stress. A mediation …

Exploring The Interplay Of Loss, Perceived Social Support, And Prior Anxiety Levels In Predicting Death Anxiety Among Individuals Who Experienced The Loss Of A Loved One, Zeina Bassam Makki

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The study explores the relationship between preceding anxiety, perceived social support, and death anxiety, particularly following bereavement. Death anxiety is a significant psychological issue, especially after the loss of a loved one, and is linked to various mental health disorders. Despite the known importance of social support in mental health, its role in mitigating death anxiety remains underexplored. This study aimed to: (1) examine how bereavement impacts death anxiety; (2) investigate whether perceived social support mediates the relationship between bereavement and death anxiety; and (3) assess the influence of preceding anxiety on death anxiety. A cross-sectional design was utilized, with …

Examining The Mediational Role Of Self-Efficacy In The Relation Between Grit And Well-Being Among Non-Traditional (Working) University Students In The U.A.E, Ektha Benny

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Developments in the educational and economic sector have led to a rising number of older adults enrolling to pursue higher education. In the UAE, there is a large proportion of students who may be categorized as “non-traditional”, i.e., university students who are working, married or older in age, in comparison to “traditional” students. Yet there is a dearth of literature to understand the unique experiences of this specific student population, especially in the current context. This study adopts a strengths-based approach to investigate the experiences of university students in the UAE who are also simultaneously working. The aim of the …

The Effect Of Nerolidol On The Renal Dysfunction Following Bilateral Ureteral Obstruction In The Rat, Harun Rashed Toumi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis addressed nerolidol’s potential therapeutic and protective effects on bilateral ureteral obstruction-induced uropathy in rats. Obstructive uropathy stands as a notable contributor to acute kidney injury (AKI), accounting for 5-10% of all AKI cases worldwide, with a particularly high prevalence among the elderly, constituting 22% of AKI cases in this age group. Urinary tract obstruction, often attributed to factors such as kidney stones, urinary tract deformities and benign/malignant growths such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in older men can lead to detrimental outcomes if left untreated, potentially progressing to kidney failure and even mortality. The severity of the kidney …

Leveraging Quantitative Systems Pharmacology For Dose Optimization In Oncology Drug Development, Blerta Shtylla

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Kreig: Gaining Insight Into Epidemics Through Use Of Mathematical Modeling, Christina Edholm

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Early Ctdna Kinetics As A Dynamic Biomarker Of Cancer Treatment Response, Aaron Li, Emil Lou, Kevin Leder, Jasmine Foo

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Study Of Different Treatment Strategies In Epidemic Models Using Nonlinear Model Predictive Control, Hector Puebla, Luis A. Ricardez-Sandoval, Priti Kumar Roy

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Simulating Interventions To Improve Reproducibility In Scientific Publications, Ben G. Fitzpatrick

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Network Analysis Of Progress In Mathematics Research, Anna Singley

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Improving Infectious Disease Predictions Through The Use Of Metapopulation Sir Modeling And Graph Convolutional Neural Networks, Petr Kisselev, Padmanabhan Seshaiyer

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Classroom Success With International Students: Strategies From An International Student Turned Faculty Member, Priya Krishnakumar

Learning and Educational Center Virtual Teaching and Learning Conference

Description of the session: This session will delve into successful strategies and perspectives for promoting classroom success with international students. Though the lessons learned in teaching international students and personal experience of the presenter, participants will examine the challenges faced by international students, including language barriers, cultural differences and adjustment to the educational system in the U.S. The session will offer practical solutions to foster inclusivity, strengthen student engagement and enhance academic success for diverse learners.

Session objectives:

• Identify common challenges faced by international students in the classroom
• Examine effective teaching strategies that promote inclusivity
• Describe practical solutions for supporting …

Using A Rabbit Model To Understand The Impact Of Oral Versus Intravenous Transmission Of Epstein-Barr Virus, Meera Mohammed Al Ameri

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The isolation of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) in 1964 from a case of Burkitt lymphoma prompted a surge in research on the biology of this oncogenic virus and its role in the pathogenesis of associated malignancies. Over half a century later, a number of pertinent questions on the dynamics of EBV and the cellular targets of primary infection remain poorly defined. One major obstacle in EBV research has been the lack of a suitable small animal model. EBV is a highly human tropic virus. We have recently established a novel rabbit model of EBV infection that appears to mimic natural infection …

Unmeasured Confounding In Summary Estimates Of Maternal Periodontitis And Adverse Birth Outcomes: Meta-Analyses Of Observational Studies, May Salama, Abdullah Al-Taiar, Denise Mickenny

Graduate Student Government Association Research Conference

Abstract

Importance Maternal periodontitis has been consistently linked to adverse birth outcomes. However, a causal relationship is not established due to potential unmeasured confounding factors in observational studies and inconclusive results from randomized controlled trials.

Objective To assess the impact of unmeasured confounding factors in meta-analyses examining associations between maternal periodontal disease and preterm birth or low birth weight.

Data Sources PubMed/Medline, the Cochrane database for systematic reviews, Embase, Google Scholar, and a manual search of the reported references between 2002 and 2023.

Study Selection Systematic reviews with meta-analyses of observational studies were included if either preterm birth or low …

Investigating The Bidirectional Association Between Sociodemographic Predictors And Self-Reported Depression Among Adults In The United Arab Emirates, Mitha Abdallah Albalushi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Background: Globally, the prevalence of depression among adults is increasing, adversely affecting public health, daily functioning, and productivity. Epidemiological studies have established a strong correlation between depression and other risk factors. However, the aspects of this relationship have not been thoroughly explored in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aim of this study was to explore the association between self-perceived depression and other risk factors, such as sociodemographic characteristics, sleep duration, body mass index (BMI), and underlying chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension after adjustment for age and gender, among Emirati Adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study is part of …

Genomics Insights Into Anti-Platelets Therapy: Unraveling Of Variants And The Implementation Of Clopidogrel-Guided Therapy In The United Arab Emirates, Lubna Qasem Khasawneh

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Anti-platelet therapy is a cornerstone in the management of cardiovascular diseases such as acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and stroke. These medications are essential for reducing the risk of thrombotic events by preventing platelet aggregation. However, variations in cardiovascular pharmacogenes can significantly impact the metabolism, efficacy, and safety of anti-platelet therapies, making personalized medicine increasingly important for optimizing treatment outcomes. Pharmacogenomic testing has emerged as a crucial tool in tailoring anti-platelet therapy, particularly for patients with subtherapeutic responses due to genetic factors. While extensive research has been conducted globally to identify and study the effect of the pharmacogenomic variants that influence …

Impact Of Multifactorial Interventions With Medication And Lifestyle Optimization On Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomised Controlled Trial, Marwan M. El Deyarbi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The incidence of diabetes is increasing worldwide, consequently increasing mortality rates due to complications such as diabetic kidney disease. Clinical evidence on the protective effect of balanced diet, exercise and medication adherence with glucose-lowering intensification therapies on the progression of diabetes is insufficient, and interventions that are most effective in slowing cardiorenal metabolic complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially in the UAE population diabetes remain to be elucidated. Several studies have shown that patient-related factors and limited medication adherence in patients with chronic diseases, are associated with poor clinical outcomes, long-term complications, and increased overall disease …

Management Of Post-Operative Pain In Those With A Drug History, Emelyn Stockton, Maddie Griggs

Scholars Week

Addressing postoperative pain management in patients with a history of opioid abuse is essential for enhancing patient safety and quality care. Implementing evidence-based practices and standardized protocols can reduce the risk of relapse and improve the outcomes for this population. By focusing on staff education and training, healthcare providers can gain the necessary skills to effectively manage pain while minimizing the reliance on opioids. Ultimately, a comprehensive approach that includes alternative therapies and consistent monitoring will foster better recovery experiences for patients.