Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Determinants Of Mortality In Patients With Extremely Severe Burns: Analysis Of Patients With Baux Scores Greater Than 100, Kensley Philemond, Shihab Chowdhury, Jodeci Mitchell, Mark Shearer, Bounthavy Homsombath, Martin Hardy, Zaheed Hassan, Shawn Fagan, Tayseer Chowdhry, Rajiv Sood

Research Day

Background:

The revised Baux (rBaux) score integrates age, percent total body surface area burned (TBSA), and inhalation injury to estimate mortality following burn injury. While the model yields outstanding performance in general burn populations, the factors influencing mortality among patients with extremely severe burns (Baux >100) remain uncertain. In this group, it is uncertain whether demographic characteristics or injury severity play a greater role in determining survival.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of adult burn patients with Baux scores greater than 100 treated between 2020 and 2024. Demographic variables (age, sex, and race) and injury characteristics (TBSA and …

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: …

Incidental Right Atrial Thrombus In A Patient With Metastatic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor And Secondary Erythrocytosis, Bryan C. Hernandez, Mauricio Soto, Umer Khan, Macy Rowan, Clifton Thomas

Research Day

Introduction Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are rare neoplasms arising from the endocrine cells of the pancreas and represent a small subset of pancreatic malignancies. Although they often follow an indolent clinical course, pNETs have a known propensity for metastatic spread, most commonly to the liver. Vascular invasion and tumor thrombus formation are uncommon but clinically significant complications that may result in life-threatening cardiopulmonary sequelae. We present a case of a 60-year-old male with a history of pancreatic tail neuroendocrine tumor status post distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy, complicated by hepatic metastases and an incidental large right atrial thrombus identified on transthoracic …

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 …

Integration Of Artificial Intelligence Into Medical Student Learning: A Cross-Campus Analysis Of Student Use And Perceived Educational Impact, Cameron Vicknair, Joshua Owolabi, Jennifer H. Shaw

Research Day

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are increasingly integrated into medical education, yet limited data exists to describe how osteopathic medical students use AI and perceive its educational value. This study evaluated the prevalence, frequency, platforms, and educational applications of AI among osteopathic medical students, as well as perceived benefits and understanding of AI functionality.

A cross-sectional survey was distributed to first- and second-year osteopathic medical students across three campuses of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). Descriptive statistics summarized AI use patterns, and inferential analyses compared outcomes across campuses and class years.

Among 160 respondents, 90.6% of students reported using …

The Comparative Efficacy Of Mediterranean And Dash Dietary Patterns In Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: The Role Of Intensive Behavioral Counseling, Angel Edwards, Jennifer H. Shaw

Research Day

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of global mortality, and poor dietary patterns represent a major modifiable risk factor. The Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets are evidence-based nutritional strategies for cardiovascular risk reduction; however, long-term effectiveness is often limited by suboptimal adherence when interventions rely solely on passive education rather than structured behavioral support.

Objective: To evaluate the comparative efficacy of the Mediterranean and DASH dietary patterns in CVD prevention and to examine the impact of intensive behavioral counseling on adherence and long-term clinical outcomes.

Methods: A structured PubMed search was conducted for English-language, …

Socioeconomic Determinants Of Hypertension And Complications In Georgia: Age-Stratified Analysis Of The All Of Us Cohort, Daniel Chanelo, Marisela Benitez, Thomas Last

Research Day

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) contributes disproportionately to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in Georgia. While demographic disparities in prevalence are well characterized, less is understood about how socioeconomic conditions shape both hypertension risk and downstream complication burden. We examined two questions: Question A - what factors are associated with hypertension presence compared to controls, and Question B - among hypertensive patients, what factors predict complications, with particular interest in whether associations varied by age stratum.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study using the All of Us Controlled Tier dataset. Hypertension required ≥2 diagnostic codes. Participants were restricted to Georgia ZIP3 prefixes (300–319, 398), yielding …

Pain Management For Iud Insertion In Urban And Rural Areas, Hannah Da Cruz Smith, Emily Kate Reagin, Alize K. Berrios, Thomas Last

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: The Committee on Clinical Consensus-Gynecology made an announcement establishing a standard of care for managing pain during in-office cervical and uterine procedures, which led to varying practices in management for patients.

OBJECTIVES: Determine if pain management strategies significantly different in rural versus urban areas.

METHODS: Data were obtained from the NIH All of Us Research Program Controlled Tier database, including de-identified health records, surveys, demographics, procedures, and medication data. The cohort included patients assigned female at birth who underwent intrauterine device (IUD) insertion, using the first recorded procedure date. Pain medications analyzed included NSAIDs, acetaminophen, opioids, local anesthetics, benzodiazepines, …

Geographic Disparities In County-Level Access To Ecmo Centers Across The Southeastern United States, Daniel Chanelo, Thomas Last

Research Day

Introduction: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a potentially lifesaving intervention for patients in refractory cardiac or respiratory failure, but getting patients to an ECMO-capable center quickly is as important as the technology itself. While prior national analyses have demonstrated geospatial disparities in ECMO access broadly, regional heterogeneity within the Southeastern United States remains incompletely characterized at the county level. This region is home to large rural populations distributed across health systems of markedly varying capacity, raising important questions about who can realistically reach an ECMO-capable center in time. We set out to map and quantify those gaps across six Southeastern …

Association Between Pm₂.₅ Air Pollution Exposure And County Level Psoriasis Prevalence: A Nationwide Ecological Study, Shihab Chowdhury, Thomas Last

Research Day

Introduction

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting approximately 3% of U.S. adults. While environmental exposures such as fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) have been implicated in systemic inflammation, their association with psoriasis at the population level remains unclear. This study modeled county level psoriasis prevalence across the United States and evaluated its ecological association with long term PM₂.₅ exposure from 2011 to 2014.

Methods

We used NHANES 2011-2014 data to fit a survey-weighted logistic regression model predicting psoriasis diagnosis based on sex, age group, race/ethnicity, education, and poverty level. These demographic coefficients were applied to U.S. Census-derived county populations …

Reducing Pain And Opioids In Hip Fracture Patients: The Role Of Ultrasound-Guided Fascia Iliaca Block In The Emergency Department, Lily Dwyer, Sydnee Jackson, Kaitlyn Baldwin, Setareh Khani, Nilam Vaughan

Research Day

Introduction

Hip fractures are a common and serious injury in the aging population and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, resulting from falls and age-related bone degeneration. As life expectancy increases, the number of new hip fractures worldwide is expected to exceed 6 million by 2050. Severe pain following a hip fracture is strongly associated with increased morbidity, delayed recovery, and prolonged hospitalizations, demonstrating the need for early and effective pain management strategies.

Traditionally, systemic opioids have been the primary treatment for acute hip fracture pain. However, opioid therapy is associated with several adverse effects, therefore, recent interest has …

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 …

Studying A Case Of Dementia Associated With Thoracic Kyphoscoliosis And Potential Implications On Csf Clearance, Morgan L. Brown, Sara G. Roman, Collins D. Nelson, Anna Beth Boyette, Rasheed Agboola, Joshua Owolabi, Kristie Petree

Research Day

Purpose: This work presents a case of clinically established dementia associated with thoracic kyphoscoliosis in an effort to study the relationships between these presentations and cerebrospinal fluid clearance. Given the previously identified relationship between impaired CSF clearance and the development of Alzheimer’s disease, this case study aims to further explore the relationship, using a combination of gross pathological observations and histopathological methods to examine specific brain regions, including the choroid plexus. The observed kyphoscoliosis and its effects on CSF clearance, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of dementia, are also considered.

Methods: Samples were collected from an 81-year-old male cadaver with …

Imperforate Hymen With Bicornate Uterus In An Adolescent Patient, Cheau Williams, Daniel Santiago, Catherine Cravey, Danielle Rosenzweig, Ebony Isagba, Mykala Jackson, Sabirah Smith, Alexandria Neal

Research Day

A thirteen-year old patient presenting with chronic pain and amenorrhea was evaluated for ongoing discomfort and worsening symptoms. Pelvic examination showed a vaginal protrusion consistent with imperforate hymen and imaging was consistent with significant hematocolpos. Hymenectomy was performed and a bicornuate uterus was revealed in postoperative imaging.

This case report adds to the medical literature exploring the diagnosis of imperforate hymens which occur in 0.1% of female neonates and may co-occur with a bicornuate uterus (0.4% prevalence in females). It provides a perspective on the rarity of the incidence of imperforate hymen patients with another genitourinary anomaly. It also challenges …

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, …

Postpartum Vulvar Hematoma: A Common Obstetric Complication, Ruhdeep Randhawa, Allison Tresner, Christine Lurie

Research Day

Introduction:

Vulvar hematoma is a collection of blood in the soft tissue called the vulva. Branches of the pudendal artery supply the smooth muscle and loose connective tissue. Vulvar hematomas are a common obstetric complication, but they can occur in non-obstetric settings as well due to trauma. During the birthing process, direct injuries, such as episiotomy, vaginal laceration repairs, or instrumental deliveries, and indirect injuries, such as extensive stretching of the birth canal during vaginal delivery, can lead to vulvar hematoma formation. Risk factors for vulvar hematoma formation include episiotomy, prolonged second stage of labor, macrosomia, anticoagulants, hypertensive disorders of …

Gross And Microscopic Case Study On Splenic Capsular Pathology In A Cadaver With Congestive Heart Failure: A Postmortem Evaluation, Sarah Kate Boyette, Clara James, Timothy Kim, Barrington Francis, Nathan Nguyen, Daylen Tirogene, Eguohoghene Ughwanogho, Shiv Dhiman, Cecil Cone

Research Day

Splenic pathology in the setting of systemic congestion is often characterized by parenchymal enlargement and vascular engorgement. In addition to these diffuse hemodynamic changes, discrete splenic lesions may be encountered, raising important diagnostic considerations. Such lesions range in clinical significance from incidental, benign nodules to processes that are infectious or malignant in nature. However, isolated capsular parenchymal abnormalities are less commonly described. We report a cadaveric case of a donor with documented cardiac failure and multiorgan enlargement, including cardiomegaly, hepatomegaly, and renomegaly. Gross examination of the spleen revealed discrete nodular irregularities confined to the capsular surface without extending into the …

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 …

Utilization Review Oversight And Patient Outcomes: A Comparative Analysis Of Utilization Review Oversight Across U.S. States, Jasdeep Singh, Munir Yusuf, Kavya Suryadevera, Kimata Thomas, Aveline Nels, Audrey Arona

Research Day

Introduction: Utilization review processes such as prior authorizations are commonly used by health insurers to manage healthcare utilization in the United States. Although designed to promote cost-effective care and evidence-based treatment, concerns have been raised that these processes may contribute to delays in treatment and increase clinicians' administrative responsibilities. In Georgia, state statutes do not explicitly authorize insurers to make clinical decisions, yet the legal framework provides limited statutory guidance on the extent to which insurers may influence or delay physician-directed care. In contrast, several states have adopted more explicit statutory provisions governing utilization review practices, including requirements for transparency, …

Ai Driven Discovery Of Abaucin: A Novel Narrow-Spectrum Antibiotic Targeting Multidrug Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii, Joel John, Heanose Takele, Pasang Sherpa, Vicky Mody, Shashidharamurthy Taval

Research Day

The rise of multi drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, a pathogen classified by the WHO as a critical priority organism has created an urgent need for innovative antimicrobial therapies. Abaucin is a novel small molecule antibiotic identified through an artificial intelligence driven drug discovery platform. The machine learning platform was used to create a predictive algorithm on 7500 known compounds against A. baumannii to identify structural features associated with bacterial growth inhibition. This algorithm analyzed 6,680 additional compounds from a drug repurposing hub, rapidly identifying several candidates for experimental validation. Anti-bacterial activity screening of 240 selected compounds yielded nine …

Calvarial Thickening In A Cadaver With A History Of Breast Cancer And Terminal Heart Failure, Sara Kurtovic, Jasdeep Singh, Celeste Pak, Erek N. Arsiniega, Diana Peterson

Research Day

Background: The calvaria plays a vital role in protecting the brain and providing attachment sites for cranial muscles. However, its structure may change in response to systemic disease or localized intracranial processes. Calvarial thickening has been associated with a broad range of conditions, including congenital skeletal dysplasias, acromegaly, chronic anticonvulsant use, and neoplastic disease. Breast and lung cancer are known to metastasize to bone, including the skull, where it may induce osteolytic or osteoblastic changes. Bone metastases are common in advanced malignancy and may occur silently, particularly when unrelated to the primary cause of death. For this reason, identification of …

Health Care Practitioners’ Self-Reported Knowledge, Skill Level, And Confidence In Evaluating And Treating Lymphedema And Lymphatic Dysfunctions With Individuals Who Are Pregnant Or Post-Partum, Gem Johnson, Shelley Dicecco, Ria Lewis-Strange, Diana Mehrez

Research Day

The management of lymphedema during pregnancy presents a complex clinical challenge driven by significant physiological shifts, including a 40–50% increase in plasma volume and mechanical obstruction by the gravid uterus. However, current practice relies precariously on oncology-centric models that fail to address these unique hemodynamic demands due to a critical lack of evidence-based guidance. The aim of this study was to investigate the self-reported knowledge, skill levels, and confidence of international health care practitioners regarding the evaluation and treatment of lymphedema in the pregnant and post-partum population.

A mixed-methods international survey was distributed to lymphedema practitioners worldwide in 10 languages …

Recognizing Extrapelvic Disease: A Case Of Umbilical Endometriosis Diagnosed At Laparoscopy, Caroline R. Kebberly, Audrey Arona

Research Day

Background: Extrapelvic endometriosis is defined by the presence of endometrial-like tissue located outside the pelvic cavity and beyond the gynecologic organs. Its true prevalence remains difficult to establish due to limited epidemiologic data, under recognition and frequent diagnostic delay. Umbilical endometriosis represents approximately 30–40% of abdominal wall endometriosis cases and accounts for an estimated 0.5–1.0% of all reported endometriosis diagnoses. Clinical suspicion is typically based on symptomatology, as patients often present with dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility.

Objective: We present a case of umbilical endometriosis, also known as Villar’s nodule, identified during diagnostic laparoscopy performed for suspected pelvic …

The Potential Role Of A Western Diet In Inducing Anxiety Disorder Via Inflammation, Erek N. Arsiniega, Kimberly J. Baker

Research Day

Anxiety disorder is a prevalent mental health condition that affects many individuals in American and other Western societies. Despite its high prevalence, the underlying mechanisms contributing to anxiety disorder remain largely not known, and there are research gaps in this area. Notably, there is an increased pattern of anxiety levels among the general population, with college students being particularly susceptible. Concurrently, there is a growing body of evidence looking into the heightened prevalence of chronic inflammation among individuals in the United States. This rise in chronic inflammation can be attributed, in part, to the dietary practices commonly observed in Western …

Socially Driven Ai Interactions And Youth Mental Health: A Review Of Benefits, Risks, And Research Gaps, Chloe Pak, Celeste Pak, Jasdeep Singh, Ravi Yarid

Research Day

Introduction: The rapidly increasing use of AI driven social interactions in the daily lives of adolescents has called into question the effects of these experiences on youth mental health. The advent of AI technologies like chatbots and social companions has provided easily accessible outlets for younger populations to engage in conversations surrounding sensitive topics and to receive emotional support and advice.

Objective: This primary objective of this study is to examine the impact of AI driven social interactions on adolescent mental health and to investigate the potential benefits, risks, and gaps in literature surrounding AI social technology.

Methods: A systematic …

Acute Salpingitis Presenting As Small Bowel Obstruction, Hayden E. Evans, Nasir L. Abbasi, Audrey Arona

Research Day

Introduction: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is most commonly caused by postoperative adhesions, hernias, or malignancy. While adhesions typically arise from prior abdominal surgeries, gynecologic inflammatory conditions represent a rare but important etiology. Salpingitis, a manifestation of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can lead to pelvic adhesions but is an uncommon cause of mechanical SBO. Recognition of gynecologic sources of SBO is important for proper management and timely surgical intervention. We present a case of acute salpingitis resulting in adhesive band formation between the fallopian tube and the sigmoid colon, leading to mechanical SBO requiring operative management.

Case Presentation: We report the …