Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Exploring The Misdiagnosis Of Schizophrenia In The Setting Of Underlying Neurological Disorders, Jade M. Mcnulty, Andrea N. Weir

Research Day

Introduction: Hallucinations, delusions, and thought disorganization are hallmark features of schizophrenia; however, these symptoms are not pathognomonic and may occur in a variety of neurological conditions. Current guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association during initial evaluation of psychosis recommend comprehensive psychiatric assessment and medical history, but routine neuroimaging is not considered standard of care in typical presentations. Failure to adequately investigate organic causes may result in delayed diagnosis and suboptimal treatment. In cases of atypical features or poor response to antipsychotics, clinicians should broaden the differential diagnosis and reconsider underlying neurological etiologies.

Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted to …

Language-Based Exclusion In Depression Clinical Trials: Implications For Generalizability, Kruti Patel, Natalia Santiago

Research Day

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects approximately 21 million U.S. adults annually. Nearly 22% of individuals in the United States speak a language other than English at home. Language-based exclusion criteria in clinical trials may limit participation of non-English-speaking populations and reduce external validity in psychiatric research.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of English-language requirements in U.S.-based adult depression clinical trials and assess the availability of translation accommodations.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional review of U.S.-based interventional clinical trials listed on ClinicalTrials.gov. Adult (≥18 years) trials focused on major depressive disorder were included. Pediatric-only trials were excluded. Trials were assessed …

Alzheimer’S Is A Delivery Problem: A Neurosurgery-Enabled Evidence Map Of Focused Ultrasound Blood-Brain Barrier Opening As A Cns Delivery Platform, Gargee Sree Nallanukala, Veer Nallanukala, Lauren Noto-Bell, Jacquelyn Gerhart

Research Day

Introduction: Disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) provide modest benefit in selected early-AD populations, but their use is limited by safety risks (e.g., amyloid-related imaging abnormalities [ARIA]) and intensive monitoring. A key reason many therapies underperform is that the blood–brain barrier (BBB) acts like a protective “filter,” allowing only a small fraction of systemically delivered drugs, especially large molecules, to reach the brain. MRI-guided focused ultrasound, paired with intravenously administered microbubbles, can temporarily and locally “loosen” the BBB at a chosen brain region, then allow it to reseal. This approach is being studied as a noninvasive delivery platform that could …

An Extensive Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm In A 95 Year-Old: A Cadaver Case Study, Manisha Kodavatiganti, Mia Cudmore, Stephanie E. Evans, Mallory P. Gersh, Lucie V. Ngaba, Kayla R. White, Michael Mcguinness

Research Day

An aneurysm is defined as a localized abnormal dilation of a blood vessel caused by weakening of the vessel wall. Common types include abdominal, thoracic, cerebral, and peripheral aneurysms.

According to the Mayo Clinic, risk factors for AAAs include tobacco use, age, sex (men are at higher risk than women), being caucasian, family history of AAAs, and history of prior aneurysms.

Dissection of a 95 year old female, whose cause of death was listed as an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) revealed an enlarged aorta throughout the thorax and abdomen. The width of the enlarged aorta was compared with the average …

Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, And Psychological Flexibility In Nicu Mothers: Implications For Acceptance And Commitment Therapy, Riya Desai, Alexa Bonacquisti

Research Day

Pregnancy and the postpartum period may be physiologically and psychologically demanding for women as they navigate a multitude of factors. This experience may be further complicated by stressful reproductive events, such as newborn admission into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Having a baby admitted to the NICU is often particularly challenging for mothers from a psychological perspective, serving as an added layer that may contribute to postpartum depression and anxiety. Psychological flexibility is the concept of openness, adaptability, and readiness in the face of adversity. For NICU mothers, psychological flexibility serves as a possible therapeutic target to address postpartum …

A Preliminary Investigation On The Relationship Between Established Dietary Habits And Willingness To Adopt New Food Groups, Graziella Greco, Rasika Singh, Kristen Berry, Autumn Dye

Research Day

Introduction: Obesity is a nationwide health crisis that predisposes individuals to a host of other diseases including hypertension and diabetes. In Philadelphia alone, approximately 41% of children between the ages of 6-17, and 33% of adults are obese. It has been shown that education on nutrition positively correlates with healthy eating behaviors, which can minimize the chances of obesity developing into its comorbidities. This study aims to see if food demonstrations and healthy recipe samples will lead to patients incorporating new foods into their diets. Adult patients in a combined adult and pediatric primary care office are offered three healthy …

Cardioprotective Role Of Spermidine In Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury, Isabella Brosious, Robert J. Barsotti, Lindon H. Young, Qian Chen

Research Day

Introduction: Timely reperfusion of the heart to restore blood flow and oxygen is critical to rescue ischemic myocardium in the setting of myocardial infarction and reduce cardiac morbidity and mortality. However, reperfusion following prolonged ischemic injury exhibits salvaging, but paradoxically, additional cellular damage, contributing to a larger infarct size. Termed ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), the myocardium undergoes various pathophysiological changes following reperfusion – such as apoptosis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction – thus exacerbating cellular damage and death caused by ischemic injury. The research on attenuation of IRI is critical to maximize the benefit of reperfusion. Spermidine is a natural polyamine …

Factors Associated With Concussion Knowledge And Misconceptions In Students Depending On Athlete Status, Joseph Fontanals, Ruta Clair

Research Day

Introduction: Concussions represent a significant public health concern, with widespread implications across various populations from athletes and military personnel to the general public. Despite increased attention in both research and public discourse, substantial gaps in knowledge and persistent misconceptions continue to influence concussion recognition, reporting, and management behaviors. Research consistently demonstrates variable levels of concussion knowledge across different populations. Misconceptions about concussions persist even among populations with higher general awareness. Despite education and public awareness campaigns many adults have surface knowledge of symptoms and misunderstand injury and recovery. These identified knowledge gaps and misconceptions have significant implications for public health, …

Significant Response To Third-Line Zenocutuzumab In Metastatic Nrg1 Fusion–Positive Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Case Study, Sarah Davis, Sukhrob Makhkamov, Vladimir Limonnik

Research Day

Background

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is an aggressive malignancy with limited treatment options. In metastatic disease, first‑line regimens like FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine plus nab‑paclitaxel provide modest survival benefits and are commonly limited by toxicity and disease progression.

Recent advances in precision oncology have identified genomic alterations in a subset of pancreatic cancers. Neuregulin‑1 (NRG1) gene fusions occur in < 1% of pancreatic adenocarcinomas and lead to activation of HER3 signaling through interaction with HER2, promoting tumor growth and survival.

Zenocutuzumab is a bispecific monoclonal antibody designed to target HER2 and HER3. By binding HER2 and preventing ligand-induced activation of HER3, zenocutuzumab disrupts NRG1-driven signaling while preserving HER2 receptor engagement for antibody-mediated targeting. In the eNRGy trial, zenocutuzumab achieved an objective response rate of …

Increasing Lead (Pb) Screening Participation Rates In The Pediatric Patient Population At The Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine Lancaster Avenue Community Healthcare Center, Jacob P. Varrato, Autumn Dye

Research Day

Elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs) are an ongoing public health crisis predominantly affecting children under six in low-income communities located in major cities across the United States. Chronic lead exposure due to outdated housing, polluted water, and contaminated soil is especially harmful in early childhood when a high rate of hand to mouth contact increases the risk of ingesting particulate matter containing lead (CDC). EBLLs can lead to neurocognitive deficits, cardiovascular disease, and epigenetic modifications to gene expression patterns. While precautionary measures and timely screening protocols greatly reduce the risk of developing severe disease, families within these communities continue to …

Rehabilitation Of Dipeptidyl-Peptidase-Like Protein 6 (Dppx) Encephalitis: A Case Report, Madison James, Emily Andrews, Mithra Maneyapanda

Research Day

Introduction

A 50 year old man presented to the emergency department after a seizure. He had gastrointestinal upset, cognitive impairments, ataxia, and myoclonus. Workup was normal except for an inflammatory CSF profile. The patient was trialed on carbidopa-levodopa, intravenous methylprednisone, and intravenous immunoglobulins with minimal improvement. Myoclonus was resolved with clonazepam. The patient was discharged with a diagnosis of possible autoimmune encephalitis.

One month later, serum and CSF analysis resulted positive for DPPX antibodies. He was readmitted to the hospital for plasma exchange with minimal neurologic improvement. Subsequent treatment with Rituxan resulted in mild improvement. He was then transferred to …

Anatomical Basis Of Symptom Presentation In Pancreatic Cancer: A Cadaver-Based Study, Emma L. Davis, Daniel T. Zelch, Kelsey J. Short, Vanesa M. Brecher, Jasmine Sethi, Alexandra C. Olanescu, Michael Mcguinness

Research Day

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most aggressive malignancies in the United States today. In 2025, it was estimated that 67,440 Americans would be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the U.S., and more than 51,980 would die from the disease. It is currently the third-leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., with an overall five-year survival rate of approximately 13%. Early detection of the disease proves to be difficult due to the fact that symptoms appear only after the disease has progressed. A case study was conducted with an 86 year-old female cadaver whose cause of death was pancreatic …

Representation Of Adults Over 75 Years Old In Dialysis Outcome Studies: Implications For Generalizability, Anand Thakkar, Priyesh Thakkar

Research Day

Background: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) disproportionately affects older adults, with the incidence rate of patients aged ≥75 increasing and representing a growing segment of the dialysis population. However, many trials and cohort studies either underrepresent very elderly patients, particularly those with frailty or multiple comorbidities, or do not explicitly analyze outcomes in this age group. This raises questions about the applicability of research evidence to the patients most commonly encountered in clinical practice.

Objective: To evaluate how adults aged 75 and older are represented in dialysis outcome studies and to summarize survival and quality-of-life evidence relevant to this group.

Methods: …

Risk Factors For Lithium-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease In Bipolar Disorder Patients: A Literature Review, Anand Thakkar, Kruti Patel, Siddharth Patel, Priyesh Thakkar

Research Day

Background: Lithium remains the gold-standard mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder due to its efficacy in reducing mood episodes and suicide risk. However, long-term lithium use has been associated with renal effects, including impaired urinary concentrating ability and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The absolute risk of severe CKD attributable to lithium is modest, but identifying risk factors that predispose patients to renal decline is crucial for personalized monitoring and treatment planning.

Objective: To summarize evidence on patient-level and treatment-related factors associated with increased risk of CKD in individuals treated with lithium for bipolar disorder, and to highlight implications for clinical practice. …

Exploring Parental Barriers Contributing To Vaccine Hesitancy In An Urban West Philadelphia Population, Ryan Pinto, Simone Mileto, Autumn Dye

Research Day

Vaccine hesitancy has been a growing phenomenon over the past two decades due to a variety of social, informational, and political factors with families becoming skeptical of the established childhood vaccination schedule. This skepticism provides increased risk of vaccine preventable illnesses and death amongst the childhood population. This study aims to find why families in the urban West Philadelphia community, which has lower vaccination rates compared to the greater Philadelphia area, are skeptical to adhere to childhood vaccination schedules. Using the Vaccine Based Assessment Tool (VBAT) questionnaire, we gathered parental responses regarding their views on vaccinating their children from October …

The Role Of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine In Addressing Lymphatic And Venous Dysfunction In Stasis Dermatitis, Paige O’Brien Daly, Arsalan Alvi, Jina Park, Wren Montijo, Annabelle Alrez, Samantha Monteiro, Joshua Aron

Research Day

Background:

Stasis dermatitis (SD) is a chronic inflammatory dermatologic condition that arises secondary to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and impaired lymphatic drainage. The condition commonly presents with erythema, scaling, pruritus, edema, and in advanced stages, ulceration. SD is particularly prevalent among older adults and individuals with risk factors such as obesity, prolonged standing, and prior deep venous thrombosis. Persistent venous hypertension leads to venous valve incompetence, venous pooling, interstitial fluid accumulation, and chronic edema. These pathophysiologic changes result in tissue hypoxia, inflammatory mediator release, and progressive skin barrier dysfunction. Standard management strategies include compression therapy, leg elevation, topical medications, and …

Cotard’S Syndrome: A Review Of Clinical Features And Associated Psychiatric And Neurological Conditions, Jacob H. Rachwal, Kartik R. Varsani, Aishworya Upadhaya

Research Day

Introduction: Cotard’s syndrome is a rare neuropsychiatric condition characterized by nihilistic delusions including beliefs that one is dead, does not exist, has lost internal organs, blood, or body parts. It was first described by Jules Cotard in 1880.The syndrome was associated with melancholic anxiety, delusions of damnation, reduced pain sensitivity, and increased risk of self-harm and suicidality. Although it is not recognized as a formal diagnostic entity in the DSM-5 or ICD-11, Cotard’s syndrome occurs in association with a variety of psychiatric and neurological disorders.¹

Objective: The objective of this presentation is to review the clinical characteristics, associated psychiatric and …

Investigating The Effect Of Mitoquinone On Doxorubicin-Induced Damage In H9c2 Myoblast, Tia Patrick, Samuel Gathers, Qian Chen

Research Day

Introduction:

Although Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely prescribed chemotherapeutic agent, its clinical use is limited by cardiotoxicity (DIC) due to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis in cardiac tissue. Dexrazoxane (DEX) is the only FDA-approved cardioprotective agent to prevent DIC. However, DEX may induce secondary malignancy. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants (MTAs), such as mitoquinone (MitoQ), selectively accumulate within mitochondria to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) at their primary site of production. Our previous findings demonstrated that MitoQ pre-treatment increased cell viability in DOX-treated H9c2 myoblasts. However, it remains unclear whether MitoQ can selectively protect cardiomyocytes without compromising DOX’s anticancer efficacy, a critical …

The Effects Of Spermidine On Trimethylamine N-Oxide And Trimethylamine – Induced Cytotoxicity On H9c2 Cells, Cassidy Childress, Tia Patrick, Samuel Geathers, Robert J. Barsotti, Lindon H. Young, Qian Chen

Research Day

Background: Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and its precursor trimethylamine (TMA) are metabolites derived from dietary sources such as choline and L-carnitine, commonly found in high-cholesterol foods and seafood. TMAO has been implicated in cardiovascular disease, particularly by promoting atherosclerotic plaque formation and vascular inflammation. However, the precise mechanisms by which TMA and TMAO induce cytotoxicity remain unclear, and further studies are needed. Spermidine, a naturally occurring polyamine present in living tissues, has been shown to exert anti-aging effects by inducing autophagy, reducing chronic inflammation, and preventing cell senescence. We hypothesized that spermidine would attenuate the cytotoxicity induced by TMA and TMAO. …

Osteoporosis Is A Risk Factor For Complications And Reoperations At 1 And 3-Years After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair, Cameron M. Brown, Andrea H. Johnson, Jane C. Brennan, Matthew A. Peterman, Daniel E. Redziniak, Justin Turcotte

Research Day

Introduction

Osteoporosis is associated with compromised bone quality and healing potential. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) restores shoulder function and reduces pain in patients with rotator cuff pathology. The influence of osteoporosis on complications and long-term outcomes following RCR remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between osteoporosis and outcomes after arthroscopic RCR.

Methods

The PearlDiver Mariner 170 dataset was retrospectively analyzed. Patients were grouped by whether they had a diagnosis of osteoporosis within the year prior to RCR. The two groups were propensity score matched 1:1 on age, gender, and comorbidities. Outcomes were assessed at 1-year and …

Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty For The Treatment Of Keratoconus, Michelle Diamandi, Brad H. Feldman

Research Day

Introduction: Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive eye disease where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, causing significant vision distortion, blurred vision, astigmatism, and light sensitivity, and is usually diagnosed in teens and young adults (ages 10-30). Currently, corneal cross-linking (CXL), rigid gas permeable (RGP) or scleral contact lenses for vision correction, and corneal transplant in advanced cases are the primary treatment options for KC. Previous studies have shown significant results in improving vision and corneal steepness in KC using intrastromal inlays, most notably synthetic Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments (ICRS) and Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments (CAIRS). Like …

Primary Cutaneous Endometriosis Of The Umbilicus: A Case Report, Justin A. Spatar, Camryn C. Butera, Paula S. Youngdahl

Research Day

Endometriosis is a common gynecologic condition, though cutaneous endometriosis is a rare presentation. Patients with cutaneous endometriosis often have concurrent intra-abdominal disease. We present a case of primary cutaneous endometriosis of the umbilicus with concurrent intra-abdominal endometriosis. The conditions were managed with surgical excision of the cutaneous lesion and diagnostic laparoscopy, respectively. This case outlines the diagnostic process for primary cutaneous endometriosis and its management. Although rare, cutaneous endometriosis should be considered when evaluating a painful umbilical lesion, particularly when symptoms occur cyclically. When this diagnosis is suspected, surgical excision of the cutaneous lesion may be paired with diagnostic laparoscopy …

Cardiac Arrest In Thyroid Storm: Characterizing A Rare But Survivable Emergency, Andrew Young, Jason Fink, Drew Monteleone-Haught, Melissa Falcon, Sahil Banka

Research Day

Background: Thyroid storm is a life-threatening endocrine emergency with well-documented cardiovascular complications. However, the specific complication of cardiac arrest in the setting of thyroid storm remains poorly characterized in the literature, with no established clinical pathways or management algorithms to guide clinicians. This scoping review aims to identify trends and patterns in the management and outcomes of this rare but potentially survivable complication to inform future guidelines.

Methods: A scoping review of case reports was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase using terms combining thyroid storm or thyrotoxicosis with …

Radiologic And Clinical Characterization Of Osteoporosis And Osteomyelitis, Jacob H. Rachwal, Madelyn Sine-Karasick

Research Day

Background: Osteoporosis and osteomyelitis are two clinically significant bone pathologies with distinct etiologies but overlapping diagnostic challenges. Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass and structural deterioration, leading to increased fracture risk. Osteomyelitis is an infection of bone that may arise from hematogenous spread or direct inoculation and can result in significant bone destruction if not promptly identified. Radiologic imaging plays a critical role in the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of both conditions.

Methods: Clinical presentations and imaging characteristics of osteoporosis and osteomyelitis were reviewed and compared using illustrative educational case examples and radiologic diagnostic criteria. …

Evaluating Motivation In Stem Education: A Positive Self-Talk Intervention, Tiffany Copeland, Richard Allen, Sophia Pham, Kristin Gagnier

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated a social-emotional learning intervention that taught positive self-talk to high school students from underrepresented minority groups in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The setting of this study was a place-based program that immersed students in hands-on STEM activities while located in Philadelphia’s life science hub. Before taking a science assessment, students set effort-based goals and learned to say self-talk statements such as “I will give my best effort” and “Even when it's hard, I will give 100%.”

METHODS: This mixed-methods program evaluation compared pre- and post-intervention data using a paired-samples t-test, linear regression, and correlation …

Music To Move You: Comparing Effects Of Music Genre On Subjective Performance Of Football Players In A Practice Setting, Devin Deturk, David Rubenstein, Robert A. Ditomasso, Bruce Zahn

Research Day

Introduction

Optimizing athletic performance has increasingly expanded beyond traditional physical conditioning to include psychological, health-related, and environmental interventions aimed at improving both mental and physical readiness. However, many advanced performance enhancement strategies, such as specialized recovery technologies, individualized sport psychology services, and sophisticated monitoring systems, are not accessible to all athletic programs due to cost, infrastructure, or staffing limitations. As a result, there is a growing need for practical, low-cost, and ethically sound methods that can be implemented easily within everyday training environments. Music represents a potentially valuable yet underutilized tool in applied sport settings. Prior research suggests that music …

Virtual Reality-Assisted Perioperative Planning For Surgical Stabilization Of Flail Rib Fractures: Case Report, Abdul Hadi Ghouri, Ehyal Shweiki, Sriharsha Gummadi

Research Day

Introduction: Flail chest from multiple rib fractures manifests with significant pulmonary decline, including respiratory failure, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and subsequent mortality. Recommended treatment for flail chest is Open-Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) to stabilize the ribs. For severe comminuted and displaced fractures, traditional imaging fails to fully capture the complex spatial displacement of the bony injuries. Virtual Reality (VR)-based 3D modeling facilitates perioperative planning by improving anatomic precision during surgical fixation in patients with flail-rib type fractures.

Case presentation: 34-year-old male who sustained a high-energy train collision resulting in a left-sided flail segment (ribs 4–10). Given the severity of his …

Hypertensive Scotomas In The Setting Of Thrombotic Microangiopathy, Vincent Bulzoni, Isabel Eaddy, Kiersten Dawson, Michael Dellavecchia

Research Day

Introduction: Hypertensive retinopathy is a relatively common pathological finding in individuals with elevated blood pressure. Acute spikes in blood pressure may cause pathophysiologic changes that may trigger rapid changes in the posterior pole of the eye. On the other hand, thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is rare with a multitude of causes ranging from complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy TMA, also known as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), to severe hypertension. This case exemplifies an episode of malignant hypertension with acute-on-chronic TMA causing retinal ischemia. Initial visual assessment noted scotomas nasally and temporally on central visual field testing, along with uniocular reduced color vision …

Addressing The Opioid Epidemic In Primary Care Using A Collaborative Pharmacy Practice Model, Julia Lees, Darren Mensch, Haley Johnson, Tori Whatley, Chantal St. Simon

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: High-risk prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines (BZDs) in primary care contributes significantly to poor patient outcomes and mortality. There is a critical need for effective, scalable strategies to support clinicians in deprescribing these medications safely.  Pharmacist-led collaboration has shown benefit; however, the data is limited.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-led, collaborative quality improvement program on opioid-related prescribing in primary care practice.

METHODS: This retrospective program evaluation was conducted from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2020 in a large healthcare system with approximately 56 primary care offices and ~297,000 …

Examining Patient Experiences And Interactions With Healthcare Providers In The Context Of A Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Pcos) Diagnosis, Ashlyn George, Marina Melero, Sydni Yadin, Alexa Bonacquisti

Research Day

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting 15-20% of individuals of reproductive age, yet its impact extends far beyond the boundaries of reproductive health1. PCOS is characterized by a hallmark feature of hyperandrogenism, which manifests through a variety of clinical presentations including acne, hirsutism, anovulation, and irregular menstrual cycles2. The excessive production of androgens can lead to lifelong challenges such as insulin resistance, infertility, and difficulties with weight management3. Although the reproductive and metabolic features of PCOS are well-researched, the psychosocial burden and patient experiences surrounding diagnosis and treatment are less understood. Many individuals with PCOS report …