Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Case Study Of Anencephaly: Diagnosis, Management And Maternal-Fetal Outcome, Emily Reagin, Allison Tresner, Daniel York

Research Day

Introduction: Anencephaly is a severe neural tube defect resulting from failure of anterior neuropore closure during the fourth week of embryonic development. It is characterized by the absence of the cranial vault and cerebral hemispheres and is associated with uniformly poor fetal prognosis. Folate deficiency is the most established risk factor, and periconceptional folic acid supplementation significantly reduces the incidence of neural tube defects.

Case Presentation: We present a case of a 32-year-old gravida 6 para 5 female who was found to have an abnormal cranium on routine second-trimester ultrasonography. She came in on her first obstetrics appointment at 12 …

Vulvar Angiomyofibroblastoma: A Rare Tumor Excised During Vaginal Delivery, Anjali Saji, Allison Tresner

Research Day

Introduction

Angiomyofibroblastoma (AMFB) is a rare benign mesenchymal tumor of the lower female genital tract that predominantly affects women of reproductive age. AMFB, which was initially identified by Fletcher et al. in 1992, often develops in the vulva, however it has also been documented in the vagina and perineum. Clinically, it usually manifests as a tiny (less than 5 cm), well-circumscribed, slow-growing, painless vulvar mass. It is commonly misinterpreted as a benign labial lesion, such as a cyst of the Bartholin gland. Histologically, AMFB shows a distinct growth of bland spindle to epithelioid stromal cells encircling numerous thin-walled blood vessels …

Severe Bladder Trabeculation With Large Diverticulum And Calculi In A Male Cadaver: Gross Findings And Etiological Considerations, Jaycee Thomas, Gladys Sama, Leilani Everett, Colin Ramsey, Joshua Rohme, Zenia Lakhani, Paramvir Lodia, Shiv Dhiman

Research Day

Background:

Chronic lower urinary tract dysfunction can lead to progressive structural remodeling of the urinary bladder, such as detrusor hypertrophy and mucosal trabeculation. Bladder diverticula, defined as mucosal outpouching through the detrusor muscle, may develop in response to sustained elevations in intravesical pressure or impaired bladder emptying. These diverticula facilitate urinary stasis and increase the risk of complications, including infection, calculi formation, urinary retention, and, less frequently, malignant transformation. Identification of gross anatomic changes offers important insights into the long-term sequelae of chronic bladder dysfunction.

Methods:

Routine pelvic dissection was conducted during anatomical laboratory instruction. Gross examination of the urinary …

Analysis Of Burn Patient Treatment At Verified Versus Non-Designated Centers Across U.S. Regions, Patrice Sarrazin, Mark Shearer, Sydnee Jackson, Setareh Khani, Rajiv Sood

Research Day

Background

In the United States, burn injuries represent a significant health issue that requires specialized care to treat the patient efficiently. The American Burn Association (ABA) provides burn center verification to ensure adherence to efficient standards of care and attention to the quality of care. However, there is an uncertainty whether or not verified burn centers receive a proportionally greater share of burn-related claims volume across U.S. regions. This study examines regional variation in burn claims distribution between verified burn centers and non-designated centers to assess potential disparities in utilization based on burn claims data.

Study Design

We analyzed national …

Anomalous Origin And Retrohepatic Course Of The Right Inferior Phrenic Artery Identified During Cadaveric Dissection, Tyrese Claridge-Rogers, Dev Desai, Andrew Jimenez, Maxwell Trettin, Yousra Abo-Elhamd, Camille Rios Anzola, Emranul Huq

Research Day

INTRODUCTION:

Arterial variation within the upper abdominal cavity is a common finding in anatomical studies. The inferior phrenic arteries are the principal vascular supply to the diaphragm and most frequently originate directly from the abdominal aorta. However, alternative origins from the celiac trunk or its branches have been described. Because of their proximity to major hepato-biliary surgical fields, unexpected variations in these vessels may complicate operative dissection. The present study documents an unusual origin and course of the right inferior phrenic artery identified during routine cadaveric dissection.

METHODS:

This study was conducted during systematic abdominal dissection in a gross anatomy …

A Rare Abdominal Vasculature Variation: Replaced Common Hepatic Artery From The Superior Mesenteric Artery, Dev Desai, Tyrese Claridge-Rogers, Andrew Jimenez, Maxwell Trettin, Yousra Abo-Elhamd, Camille Rios Anzola, Emranul Huq

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Anatomical variations of the abdominal arterial system are of considerable importance in clinical anatomy due to their impact on hepatobiliary surgery, pancreatic resections and liver transplantation. The common hepatic artery classically arises from the celiac trunk (CT); however, documented variations may significantly alter surgical planning and procedural risk. The purpose of this project was to identify, document, and describe variants in the abdominal arterial system.

METHODS: This project was conducted during systematic abdominal dissection in a medical gross anatomy laboratory. Standard dissection techniques were utilized to expose the CT,  superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and associated branches. Anatomical relationships were …

When Red Isn’T Red: Skin Tone, Education Gaps, And Delayed Diagnosis, Evelyn O. Orusa, Blessed D. Jordan, David Adelstein

Research Day

Background: Early recognition of many dermatologic and systemic conditions including infectious exanthems and inflammatory disorders rely on identification of erythema. Traditional medical textbooks predominantly describe these findings using redness-based terminology derived from lighter skin presentations. In darker skin tones, however, inflammation may present as violaceous, gray, or hyperpigmented changes rather than visible redness. The extent to which textbook descriptions align with real-world clinical presentation across skin tones remains insufficiently examined. This study aims to evaluate how widely used medical textbooks describe erythema-dependent conditions and compare these descriptions with clinical images of confirmed diagnoses across lighter and darker skin tones.

Methods: …

Teaching In Monochrome: Skin Tone Bias In Medical Training Resources- A Scoping Review, Evelyn O. Orusa, Blessed D. Jordan, David Adelstein

Research Day

Background: Medical training resources demonstrate substantial under-representation of darker skin tones across textbooks, curricula, and educational materials globally. This representational gap may contribute to reduced diagnostic confidence among healthcare providers when assessing patients with diverse skin tones.

Objective: To evaluate the adequacy of skin diversity representation in medical training resources and assess its relationship to healthcare provider diagnostic confidence across different skin tones.

Methods: A review of studies examining skin diversity representation in medical education and provider confidence in diagnosing conditions across varied skin tones. Studies will be identified through comprehensive database searches, including PubMed and Cochrane, and screened for …

Routine Or Reassurance: Cardiovascular Monitoring In Children Receiving Adhd Medications, Dina Badawy, Wilson Baumgartner, Alexandra Ortiz, Alexandria Neal, Anthony Pelache, Robert Maydell

Research Day

Introduction: Stimulant medications are first-line therapy for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. Because these agents increase sympathetic activity, concerns persist regarding their cardiovascular safety, including arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Debate continues regarding whether routine electrocardiogram (ECG) screening prior to stimulant initiation reduces the risk of serious cardiac events. Divergent recommendations from professional organizations have generated ongoing uncertainty about the balance between precaution and evidence-based practice. Our objective is to critically evaluate the literature of cardiovascular effects of stimulant therapy in children and adolescents and to assess whether routine cardiovascular monitoring, including universal ECG screening, improves clinical …

Morphogen Upregulation Following Seizure-Induced Oxidative Stress: Implications For Hippocampal Remodeling And Neuronal Survival, Melea Neely, Blessed Jordan, Evelyn Orusa, Joshua Owolabi

Research Day

Introduction: Epileptic seizures arise from abnormal neuronal activity characterized by excessive excitatory signaling and reduced inhibitory control within neural circuits. During seizures, neurons exhibit paroxysmal depolarization shifts, leading to synchronous hyperexcitability and increased glutamate release. Although many seizures do not produce permanent injury, prolonged neuronal hyperactivity, such as status epilepticus or temporal lobe epilepsy, can lead to neuronal death and structural remodeling within the hippocampus. Experimental models demonstrate that seizure activity generates significant oxidative stress and morphological changes within the dentate gyrus, including mossy fiber sprouting, granule cell dispersion, and aberrant neurogenesis. Increasing evidence suggests these changes are mediated by …

Two Decades With Chronic Actinic Granuloma: A Case Report, Neena Edupuganti, Nathan Sagasser, Melinda Greenfield

Research Day

Actinic granuloma (AG), also known as O’Brien’s granuloma, is a rare idiopathic granulomatous dermatosis affecting sun-exposed areas, predominantly in older individuals. It presents as erythematous papules that expand into annular plaques with central atrophy and serpiginous borders. The pathogenesis of AG remains unclear, but it is hypothesized to involve an autoimmune response to actinically damaged elastic fibers. Diagnosis is confirmed through histopathological examination, and treatment options vary widely with inconsistent outcomes. Here, we present a case of an individual with a 20-year history of AG that was refractory to treatment with topical steroids and topical antifungals. This case highlights the …

Sequence Of Target Vessel Revascularization Does Not Affect Outcomes During Endovascular In-Situ Laser Fenestrated Repair Of Complex Aortic Aneurysms, Saad Rahman, Harshita Yepuri, Daniel J. Badia

Research Day

Introduction: Endovascular laser fenestration (LFEN) has emerged as a popular method for thoracoabdominal aneurysm (TAA) repair, but prolonged branch vessel ischemia during graft deployment remains a concern. We compared a conventional proximal-to-distal “top-down” fenestration strategy with a "superior mesenteric artery first” (SMA) approach designed to prioritize visceral perfusion and minimize bowel ischemia.

Methods: We performed a single-center, single-operator retrospective review of two patients undergoing LFEN repair for complex aortic aneurysms using either a “top-down” or “SMA-first” approach. Outcomes included ischemia time, postoperative clinical and laboratory evidence of visceral/renal malperfusion, and procedural metrics such as time to fabric penetration and stent …

Cardiomegaly As A Risk Factor For Hemorrhagic Stroke: A Cadaveric Case Study, Erica L. Parker, Brayton C. Myers, Alexander F. Capello, Grace E. Bang, Anuksha A. Gotmare, Diana Petrucello

Research Day

INTRODUCTION:

This case study examines the gross cardiac morphology of a 66-year-old male with a history of heart disease whose cause of death was hemorrhagic stroke, with emphasis on correlating cardiac structural changes with systemic vascular disease and cerebrovascular outcome.

METHODS:

Gross anatomical dissection of the thoracic cavity was performed. Cardiac measurements included transverse width and thickness ventricular walls. The width of the thoracic cavity was also measured to assess proportional cardiac size. Measurements and photographs were taken to document.

RESULTS:

Gross examination revealed increased ventricular wall thickness relative to expected adult reference ranges, and the myocardium appeared diffusely thickened …

Calvarial Lesions In A Cadaver With Metastatic Osteosarcoma: A Case Study And Differential Diagnoses, Madelyn N. France, Louis G. Deavers, Shelley Dicecco

Research Day

Introduction

This case study aims to investigate suspicious bony lesions on the calvarium of a 22-year-old cadaver whose cause of death was reported to be respiratory failure/metastatic osteosarcoma. Respiratory failure, left total femur replacement, and evidence of metastasis to the lungs raise suspicion for widespread metastatic disease. This case study aims to investigate the observed lesions and review potential differential diagnoses for the bony skull-based lesions observed in this cadaver.

Methods

A right-sided frontotemporal protrusion was identified on examination of the cadaver’s face and head during gross anatomy lab. Further dissection revealed erythematous, thickened bony lesions localized to the right …

Exblifep, A New Antibacterial For The Treatment Of Urinary Tract Infections And Pyelonephritis, Olivia Wilcock, Leonard Clark, Shashidharamurthy Taval, Vicky Mody

Research Day

Antibiotic resistance is an ever-present threat that demands constant innovations in order to treat urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis. Bacteria are known to develop various adaptations in order to evade eradication by antibiotic agents. In this project we have reviewed, Exblifep, one of the newer drugs that have been developed to target resistant bacteria. Exblifep, a combination of cefepime with enmetazobactam. Cefepime is a fourth-generation cephalosporin that contains a cephem nucleus and a side chain with a quaternary amine. It is considered a broad-spectrum antibiotic whose coverage includes most gram-negative bacteria and some gram positives, including MSSA and streptococcus spp. …

Denervation Injuries In The Lower Limbs: A Cadaver-Based Case Study, Gavin G. Scott, Kedarnath Malapati, Rohan S. Patel, Ethan M. Cook, Atharva M. Athalye, Jordan E. Pullins, Mackwan Sringam, Rishab Prakash, Shelley Dicecco

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Denervation injuries result from an interruption of the neural input necessary for the normal contraction and maintenance of skeletal muscle. Without proper innervation, skeletal muscles atrophy and are replaced by adipose and fibrous tissue. Prolonged denervation can result in gross anatomical changes, such as reduced muscle mass, muscle pallor, and fatty tissue replacement, which are easily observed during dissection of the cadaveric body. This case presents bilateral muscular degeneration of the lower extremities observed in a 98-year-old cadaveric donor.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objectives of this case study are to document the gross anatomical findings associated with chronic denervation in …

Social Power, Moral Inhibition, And Risk-Taking: A Theory-Driven Review Of The Approach–Inhibition Framework, Samantha Loitsch, Ishaa Dubey, Shari N. Allen

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: The approach–inhibition theory of power proposes that perceived social power changes how people tend to process information by increasing approach tendencies (such as reward pursuit and automatic cognition) while decreasing inhibition tendencies (such as threat monitoring and controlled processing). These changes can thereby influence a person’s emotions, thinking, and behavior (Keltner, Gruenfeld, & Anderson, 2003). Extensive meta-analytic work in moral psychology shows that moral disengagement – where individuals justify or minimize harmful actions – is strongly linked to transgressive and antisocial behavior, and that both personal and environmental factors influence this relationship (Luo & Bussey, 2023). This suggests that …

I’M Going To Disney World: Regenerative Injection Therapy(Regenexx) Enabling Functional Recovery In Chronic Ankle Dorsiflexion, Marzena Buzanowska, Kévin Borgella

Research Day

Chronic foot drop, weakness or inability to dorsiflex the ankle and toes. Gait deficits such as this can originate from issues in the motor pathway of the cerebral cortex or from injury to peripheral nerves that innervate the foot musculature. The most common cause is L5 radiculopathy and peroneal nerve injury, but can also include lumbar herniation, spinal stenosis, and degenerative nerve diseases. Physical therapy has been the fundamental means of treating this issue with a focus on muscle strengthening, adjusting gait patterns and engaging the mechanisms of neural plasticity to improve muscle activation. In lieu of these methods, Ankle-foot …

Hepatomegaly In Cadaver Dissection: Clinical Correlations And Preventative Implications, Teralan Hobson-Matthews, Selena Berry, Toby Cisco, Thomas Nguyen, Chloe Phillips, Diana Petrucello

Research Day

Introduction: Hepatomegaly is an objective finding associated with various pathophysiologies. Some of the most common sources of hepatomegaly in the United States include fatty liver and cirrhosis. We performed a routine cadaveric dissection on a 71-year-old truck driver that passed from respiratory failure with a history of tobacco abuse and lung malignancies. During the dissection, the patient was found to have an enlarged liver. This case study explored possible etiologies of the patient's hepatomegaly. This research provided insight into comorbidities and prevention for complex patients like this case.

Methods: Measurements of the liver were obtained in the horizontal, vertical, and …

Potential Applications Of Thymus Vulgaris In Dental Care: A Review Of Antimicrobial And Oral Health Benefits, Lakenzia Z. Ham

Undergraduate Research Conference

This research proposal focuses on how common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) can be used in dental care. There has been more interest in natural products for dental health because some common dental treatments can have side effects or lead to antibiotic resistance. Thyme contains natural compounds like thymol and carvacrol that help kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and prevent buildup on teeth.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the current scientific literature to see the effectiveness of thyme in preventing common oral health problems like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Research shows that thyme can fight bacteria …

Assessing The Aesthetic Responsiveness Among Patients In A Free Clinic Setting, Jack E. Pitts

Student Scholar Showcase

Art therapy has increasingly been recognized as a complementary intervention in healthcare settings, with demonstrated benefits for stress reduction and overall biopsychosocial well-being. However, limited research has explored aesthetic engagement within medically underserved and economically disadvantaged populations. This study examines aesthetic responsiveness among patients receiving care at the Free Clinic of Central Virginia using a standardized Aesthetic Responsiveness Assessment. The assessment consists of 14 Likert-scale questions assessing individuals’ cumulative aptitude across three domains: aesthetic appreciation, intense aesthetic experience, and creative behavior. Responses and data were collected voluntarily and anonymously, and they were analyzed to better understand how patients in an …

The Impact Of Customized Alarm Sounds On Reducing Alarm Fatigue In Icu Nurses, Abigail L. Kendrick, Elizabeth G. Dunkum, Carly F. Harris

Student Scholar Showcase

Within hospital care, particularly in intensive care units, alarm fatigue poses a major threat to patient safety. As a result of the constant sound of alarms, nurses become desensitized and overstimulated in the health care setting. Patient safety is threatened by an increased risk of errors in care, which may lead to complications and poor health outcomes. By systematically reviewing various research studies within the time span of 2020-2025 regarding interventions to decrease the relevance of alarm fatigue, research suggests that there are methods that can be applied via numerous approaches. By customizing alarm sounds by severity, it is believed …

Nitrous Oxide Use In Labor, Aimee Aberson, Janae Cam, Rylie Franken, Rachel Henriksen, Ben Robinson, Pam Hulstein

Celebration of Research

Effective pain management during labor is a critical part of maternal care. It influences the mother’s physical and emotional experiences of childbirth. Epidural anesthesia and intravenous opioids are commonly used as analgesia in laboring mothers, but nitrous oxide (N₂O) has proven to be a safe, noninvasive alternative. It allows mothers to maintain mobility and consciousness while still reducing some pain perception. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project is to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and satisfaction associated with N₂O use during active maternal labor. It reviews current literature on N₂O use during labor, focusing on maternal and neonatal safety, effectiveness …

Role Of Dental Screening In Preventing Hip Prosthetic Joint Infections, Aidan Anderson, Cailee Dix, Emma Franken, Erin Keizer, Zavyr Metzger, Tyra Snyder, Pam Hulstein

Celebration of Research

Hip arthroplasty is a common procedure, but Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a serious postoperative complication associated with increased hospital stays, readmissions, and costs. Evidence suggests that poor oral health may contribute to PJIs through the spread of bacteria from the mouth to the surgical site. This project examined the relationship between preoperative dental health and postoperative outcomes in adults aged 50–90 undergoing hip replacement. A literature review using the Johns Hopkins Research Evidence Appraisal Tool evaluated 19 studies from databases such as PubMed and ScienceDirect. While no clear association was found between specific dental risk factors and PJIs, untreated …

Understanding The Role Of Lipid Metabolism On Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis, Luke Fischer, Kylie Foss, Jacob Lewis, Joshua Lewis, Emma Steinhardt, Megan Vangarven, Cody Rozeveld

Celebration of Research

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer due to late-stage detection and early metastasis. Other than smoking, one of the few known risk factors for pancreatic cancer is obesity (1). On the cellular level, excess fat can promote cell migration and invasion (2). However, the exact fat utilization pathway remains unknown. We propose that lysosomes may be exploited in pancreatic cancer to break down fat and provide energy for metastasis and invasion.

Quantifying And Validating The Decrease Of Ciliogenesis Genes In Mouse Models With Pcd, Mia X. Kellenberger, Casey Mckenzie, Lance Lee

Celebration of Research

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disease affecting one in 16,000 children and results from structural or functional defects of motile cilia1. Lack of functioning cilia may result in reduced respiratory function, subfertility or infertility, and hydrocephalus due to a reduced ability to clear fluids and particles. A cilium consists of nine microtubules centered around a central pair complex1. Mutations in genes Spef2 (bgh), Cfap221 (nm1054), or Cfap54(Cfap54gt/gt), which encode proteins located in the central pair complex, result in PCD2,3,4. We previously utilized single-cell RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in early and late deuterosomal cells, …

Inpatient Treatment Compared To Outpatient Treatment For Borderline Personality Disorder, Paige Auch, Jaylin Gaston, Jori Harskamp, Ella Peterson, Kenzie Vonrentzell, Pam Hulstein

Celebration of Research

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex mental illness characterized by emotional instability, impulsivity, and unstable relationships. Individuals with BPD often require frequent hospitalizations and experience significant functional impairment. With increasing BPD admissions, Spencer Hospital seeks evidence-based strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce readmissions. A literature review of ten studies (2016-2025) was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, and Science Direct, appraised with the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model to compare inpatient and outpatient treatments for adults with BPD, focusing on symptom manage and quality of life. Findings indicate inpatient care with specific programs such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), …

Gut Health Interventions On Major Depressive Disorder, Hannah Beckloff, Ellie Erickson, Olga Furmanova, Hailey Van Dyken, Ashtyn Wobig

Celebration of Research

This evidence-based project aims to evaluate the potential benefits of probiotics, stress management, and a healthy diet for adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder at Promise Community Health Center. Through a comprehensive review of the literature, the project examines how interventions related to gut health can help alleviate depressive symptoms and implements the necessary tools to support this population at Promise. Our research findings suggest that combining probiotics, stress relief, and diet changes, along with adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder, may reduce depressive symptoms and encourage a more holistic lifestyle for these individuals.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage In A 46-Year-Old Male Firefighter With Full Return To Duty: Level 4 Rare Events Clinical Case Report., Elizabeth A. Mohnkern, Thomas Bowman, John R. Wise, Wendy Wilcoxson

Student Scholar Showcase

A 46-year-old physically active male firefighter suffered a spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in February 2023. He had no pertinent predisposing past medical history; occupation was the only predisposing factor. The patient described having a splitting headache behind the right eye, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, paralysis of his left side, faded vision, and a lapse of memory during the incident. During his first screening, he had difficulty with concentration, immediate memory, delayed recall, reading aloud, following directions, and balance. Cranial nerve assessments were within normal limits. The upper quarter screen revealed deficits in motor function from C4 through T1 nerve roots, …

Pilot Study: Consistency Matters: Session Frequency And Body Weight Loss Outcomes In Outpatient Nutrition Care, Christopher D. Boss

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

The current study examines the association between number of counseling sessions and weight change over a 14 month period in overweight and obese adults as seen by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in an outpatient, insurance-based, telehealth, private practice setting. The  aim of this research is to contribute evidence on frequency of care recommendations to help guide policy. It is hypothesized that the most effective weight-loss outcomes can be achieved when counseling is delivered consistently and frequently. The impact of this study has potential to support the expansion and coverage of Registered Dietitian Nutritionist services to address a population with rising …