Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Machine Learning-Enhanced Surface-Enhanced Spectroscopic Detection Of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons In The Human Placenta, Oara Neumann, Yilong Ju, Andres B Sanchez-Alvarado, Guodong Zhou, Weiwu Jiang, Bhagavatula Moorthy, Melissa A Suter, Ankit Patel, Peter Nordlander, Naomi J Halas

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The detection and identification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives, polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), are essential for environmental and health monitoring, for assessing toxicological exposure and their associated health risks. PAHs/PACs are the most dangerous chemicals found in tobacco smoke, and cigarette use during pregnancy can convey these molecules to the developing fetus through the placenta. This exposure is associated with many negative health outcomes, from premature birth to sudden infant death syndrome and adverse neurodevelopmental disorders. This study demonstrates the use of surface-enhanced Raman and surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopies for direct detection of PAHs/PACs in human placental …

Biguanides Antithetically Regulate Tumor Properties By The Dose-Dependent Mitochondrial Reprogramming-Driven C-Src Pathway, Jun Hyoung Park, Kwang Hwa Jung, Dongya Jia, Sukjin Yang, Kuldeep S Attri, Songyeon Ahn, Divya Murthy, Tagari Samanta, Debasmita Dutta, Meron Ghidey, Somik Chatterjee, Seung Yeop Han, Diego A Pedroza, Abha Tiwari, Joyce V Lee, Caitlin Davis, Shuting Li, Vasanta Putluri, Chad J Creighton, Nagireddy Putluri, Lacey E Dobrolecki, Michael T Lewis, Jeffrey M Rosen, José N Onuchic, Andrei Goga, Benny Abraham Kaipparettu

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The biguanide metformin attenuates mitochondrial oxidation and is proposed as an anti-cancer therapy. However, recent clinical studies suggest increased proliferation and fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) in a subgroup of patients with breast cancer (BC) after metformin therapy. Considering that FAO can activate Src kinase in aggressive triple-negative BC (TNBC), we postulate that low-dose biguanide-driven AMPK-ACC-FAO signaling may activate the Src pathway in TNBC. The low bioavailability of metformin in TNBC xenografts mimics metformin's in vitro low-dose effect. Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of FAO significantly enhances the anti-tumor properties of biguanides. Lower doses of biguanides induce and higher doses suppress Src …

Tracking The Effects Of Time Zone Shift On An Individual’S Circadian Rhythm, Amaka Eziakonwa, Erich Stahmer, Amega Nguyen, Samuel Park, Madison Payne, Alexis Salinas, Deborah Bell-Pedersen, Julie A. Zacharias-Simpson

Annual Research Symposium

This poster presentation aims to understand how a rapid time-zone change can affect an individual’s circadian rhythms. By quantifying changes in physiological rhythms, the study seeks to develop targeted therapeutic interventions to mitigate the negative effects of jetlag.

Disparities In Pap Smear Rates Among Diverse California Populations: A Data-Driven Analysis, Julie Paik, Thrisha Reddy, Giovanna Park, Angela Nguyen, Sherli Koshy-Chenthittayil

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Barriers In Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension (Dash): Acculturation And Adherence In Asian American Populations, Angela Nguyen, Michelle Lee, Thrisha Reddy, Sherli Koshy-Chenthittayil

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Can We Eliminate The Negative Consequences Of Circadian Desynchronization Caused By Night Shift Work By Using A Light Therapy Lamp To Simulate A Sunset?, Amega Nguyen, Madison Payne, Amaka Eziakonwa, Erich Stahmer, Alexis Salinas, Samuel Park, Julie A. Zacharias-Simpson, Deborah Bell-Pedersen

Annual Research Symposium

This poster aims to understand the relationship between desynchronosis of circadian rhythms and night-shift work and how light therapy can mitigate some of the issues of desynchronosis. This study seeks to develop therapies for disrupted circadian rhythms from night-ship works.

Circadian Rhythm And Its Impact On Balance And Physical Performance, Angel Oliver, Christian Mccormick, Eseosa Aigbe, Tanner Erwin, Ariela Khandadash, Benjamin Khavkin, Samuel Park, Jutta Ward, Deborah Bell-Pedersen

Annual Research Symposium

This study explores the relationship between circadian rhythms and human performance across three key domains: cardiovascular endurance, vestibular function, and strength. Through the review of data obtained through performance testing at two different time points along with 24-hour physiological tracking, this study attempts to find correlations between circadian function and physical performance.

Simplicity Is The Ultimate Sophistication: Ume Lessons From Trauma-Focused Simulation, Victoria-Marie Berlandi-Short, Kelsey Yang, Jonmark Dolendo, Grace Hwang, Brianna Kuhse, Samuel Blees, Sherli Koshy-Chenthittayil, Brad Haubrich

Annual Research Symposium

Purpose: Simulation-based training has become essential in preparing medical professionals to manage high-stakes situations effectively before encountering them in real-life clinical settings. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Cut Suit Week (CSW), a high-stress, trauma-focused simulation training for second-year military medical students hosted by Rocky Vista College of Osteopathic Medicine in San Diego, California. As members of the 2024 cohort, our team from Touro University Nevada (TUN) and Touro University California (TUC) sought to address three questions: (1) Does CSW improve confidence in managing stressful situations? (2) Does it enhance clinical and leadership skills? (3) Would similar training …

Quantifying The Impact Of Circadian Rhythm On Cognitive Domains: An Objective Assessment, Christian Mccormick, Angel Oliver, Neha Doppalapudi, Austin Gibson, Micah Kwallek, Bardia Movafagh, Samuel Park, Jutta Ward, Deborah Bell-Pedersen

Annual Research Symposium

This poster presentation explores the relationship between an individuals circadian clock and its effects on cognitive performance and overall cognitive function. By assessing the rhythms of multiple physiological parameters, this study aims to draw a connection with cognitive function in order to provide potential avenues for individualized treatments for those with disorders affecting cognitive function.

Fecal Virome Transplantation As Treatment For Metabolic Syndrome: A Review Of Current Literature Poster For The 11th Annual Roseman Research Symposium, Giovanna Park, Julie Paik, Amy Stone Ph.D., Megan De Armond Mfa, Mslis, Sherli Koshy-Chenthittayil Ph.D., Terry Else Ph.D., Mt, Mlt, Karen Duus Ph.D.

Annual Research Symposium

Fecal Virome Transplantation as treatment for Metabolic Syndrome: A review of current literature Poster for the 11th Annual Roseman Research Symposium

Investigating The Impact Of Shift Work On Circadian Rhythms And Health In Healthcare Workers, Dominique Gillette, Grace Godfrey, Jacob Godfrey, Angela Nguyen, Hannah Gewaid, Carissa Salamatin, Sharon Sengphanith, Samuel Park, Colin Burton, Neha Doppalapudi, Daniel Oraee, Deborah Bell-Pedersen

Annual Research Symposium

This poster presentation aims to discuss how working the night shift contributes to health risks through the disruption of circadian rhythm in healthcare workers. We hope to gain insight on the relationship between these disturbances and the circadian clock in order to establish strategies that optimize healthy lifestyles for healthcare workers.

The Multifaceted Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Perceptions Of Overall Health, Krystal Robinson, Grace Godfrey, Jacob Godfrey, Carissa Salamatin, Renee Chang, Payson Broome, Dominique Gillette, Kevin Tarrio, Sherli Koshy-Chenthittayil, Karen Duus

Annual Research Symposium

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a “state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Previous studies have indicated both mental health and overall physical health can decline due to heightened sedentary behavior. This project investigates these concepts further by analyzing individual’s perceptions of their overall physical and mental health during the pandemic using Qualtrics and R. Participants aged 18 and older (n > 200) provided pre- and post-quarantine data with subgroup comparisons by gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, residence, and coping mechanisms. Initial results revealed a significant decline in …

Using Variations In The Circadian Rhythm To Identify Optimal Vaccination Times In Healthy Adults Who Receive An Influenza Vaccine, Payson Broome, Karen Duus, Thrisha Reddy, Krystal Robinson, Jutta Ward, Michael Desouza, Samuel Park, Terry Ann Else, Deborah Bell-Pedersen

Annual Research Symposium

This proof-of-concept quasi-experiment investigated the relationship between circadian phase and immune response to the 2024-2025 influenza vaccine. This study will provide insight into the ideal physiological circadian phase to receive the influenza vaccine, better defining the relationship between circadian biology and immunity, and supporting a simple and cost-effective strategy to optimize influenza vaccine efficacy.

E-Cigarettes And Oral Health: A New Risk For Caries Development, Andrew Duplant, Kamran Awan

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Variation Of The Pulmonary Vasculature Of Lung And Their Surgical Significance- A Case Study, Krystal Robinson, Giovanna Park, Marcos Caprile, Jeremy Day, Laurie Stapleton

Annual Research Symposium

Variations in pulmonary vascular anatomy, though rare, are clinically significant due to their implications in thoracic surgeries and interventional procedures. This study examines a cadaveric case of aberrant pulmonary vasculature, characterized by inferior pulmonary veins exiting below the pulmonary hilum bilaterally, a previously undocumented anomaly. Using detailed dissection techniques, the anatomy was carefully traced, measured, and documented for clinical insight. A single embalmed cadaver, a 65-year-old male, was used for dissection at Touro University Nevada, College of Osteopathic Medicine. Findings revealed that the inferior pulmonary veins were displaced below the hilum bilaterally, merging into single vessels before terminating in the …

Longitudinal Analysis Of The Healthcare Needs Of Hispanic-Latinx Population In Nevada And Neighboring States, Micah Kwallek, Sherli Koshy Chenthittayil Phd, Jeancarlo Marron

Annual Research Symposium

The rapidly growing Latinx population in California, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada is reshaping these states, but its impact on public health requires attention. This study aims to identify key medical issues within the Hispanic-Latinx community in Nevada and bordering states. This will provide public health officials with a detailed profile that can guide targeted healthcare policy changes for supporting the Latinx community, as well as equip healthcare providers with the knowledge of what to screen for and educate patients about, given specific health predispositions. Data on the Latinx and Caucasian populations in Arizona, Utah, California, and Nevada were sourced from …

The Effect Of Using Platelet-Rich Fibrin With An Iliac Crest Bone Graft On Alveolar Bone Formation: A Systematic Review, Sonia Sabu, Charles Miller, Shilpa Bhandi, Frank Licari, Shankargouda Patil

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

The Oral-Gut Microbiome Axis: Implications For Systemic And Oral Health, Sana Shariff, Manas Mandal

Annual Research Symposium

The bidirectional relationship between the oral and gut microbiomes has gained attention for its role in systemic and oral diseases. Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, disrupts these ecosystems, leading to inflammatory conditions. This research investigates the connection between these microbiomes, focusing on microbial translocation, disease correlation, and targeted interventions such as probiotics or dietary modifications to restore microbial homeostasis and reduce disease incidence.

Epidemiological Characteristics Of Patients With Supraventricular Tachycardias Who Were Inappropriately Diagnosed With Panic Attacks: Experience From A Large Saudi Tertiary Care Center, Ghram Awlia, Ahmed T. Mokhtar, Maha Alsaiari, Nagham Alsolaimani, Waddah Ashram, Naeem Alshoaibi, Alaa Algazzar

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objectives: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a significant cause of morbidity in patients visiting cardiology clinics with a chief complaint of palpitations and notable signs of distress worldwide. SVTs and panic attacks have overlapping clinical presentations, beginning with rapid palpitations of the heart that start abruptly and can be accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, and a feeling of lightheadedness. The diagnosis could be straightforward if an ECG is recorded precisely during the attack. The chances of misdiagnosing patients with panic attacks increase because of the self-terminating nature of SVTs. Given the diagnostic dilemma caused by these conditions …

Sex-Based Differences In The Utility And Outcomes Of Left Ventricular Assist Devices, Mirvat Alasnag, Waleed Alhabeeb, Feras Khaliel

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

The totality of evidence suggests that there remains a significant disparity in the use of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) and heart transplantation (HT) in women. This disparity persists even after accounting for differences in baseline characteristics, comorbidities, and cardiovascular risk factors between men and women undergoing LVAD implantation as a bridge to HT. Generally, women are less likely to undergo HT, leading to a higher mortality rate in women on the HT waiting list. The differences in risk profiles and device-related complications may account for the sex-related disparities in the assignment of device therapies. These findings warrant an urgent …

Religion And Attitudes Toward Xenotransplantation: Results Of A Nationwide Survey In The United States., Daniel J Hurst, Luz A Padilla, Amanda Zink, Brendan Parent, Laura L Kimberly

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Religious viewpoints have been shown to influence the ways in which many persons approach medical decision-making and have been noted as a potential barrier to xenotransplantation acceptance. This study sought to explore how attitudes toward xenotransplantation differ among various religious beliefs. A national Likert-scale survey was conducted in 2023 with a representative sample in the United States. Religious belief was self-reported. Regression analysis was used to identify associations with religious belief and hesitations about xenotransplantation. Five thousand and eight individuals across the United States responded to the survey. The two biggest concerns about xenotransplantation across religious groups were the current …

The Unfolding Story Of Protein Misfolding Causing Alzheimer Disease In Recipients Of Human Pituitary Growth Hormone, Evan G. Graber, Sayed M. Hadi Hosseini, Darrell M. Wilson, Alan D. Rogol

Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Faculty Papers

Human growth hormone (hGH) has been in clinical use for children with GH deficiency (GHD) since the late 1950s. The original formulations were considered very safe with few adverse events reported. That changed remarkably in 1985 when the first patients with GHD, who had been treated with cadaveric hGH, were diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Fortunately, that same year a robust supply of recombinant hGH was released to the market whose adverse event profile did not include CJD. Patients who had received National Hormone and Pituitary Program hGH have been continuously followed since 1985. It is clear that prions are …

Nhpi Health Of The Ninth Island, Sydney Unciano, Momilani Tupu, Reina Takaki-Nakagawa, Sherli Chenthittayil, Monica Morales-Hernandez

Annual Research Symposium

Since the 1970s, the population of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (NPHI) in Clark County, NV has increased. Between 2011 and 2021, a 40% growth in NHPIs was documented; thus terming Las Vegas Valley as the "Ninth Island.” Socioeconomic demands associated with the cost of living in Hawaii have been the primary reason for this diaspora. Despite moving to mitigate economic challenges, healthcare disparities among NHPIs persist. Throughout the United States, NHPI populations experience among the highest COVID-19 death rates, have a 19.8% prevalence of self-reported diabetes, and have disproportionate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors compared to White and Asian …

Mindfulness-Based Interventions And Stress, Jacqueline Parker

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: Stress within the nursing profession is a substantial issue. Staff shortages, poor leadership, and even COVID-19 have contributed to an increase in nursing stress. Stress can negatively impact a nurse’s ability to perform at an optimal level while at work. The purpose of this project is to reduce perceived stress by implementing mindfulness-based interventions (MBI).

Background: The project was implemented in a twenty-three-bed unit that cares for the post operative pediatric population in Houston, Texas.

Methodology: A series of in-person and virtual educational lessons (eight total) on MBIs (with flyers) were implemented throughout this project. The Perceived Stress Scale …

02.17.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

SOP Research Day

Residence, Education, Wealth, And Hiv/Aids Prevention Knowledge Among Nigerian Adults, Chinedu Nwaobia Nwaru

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

HIV has remained the most prevalent and deadliest epidemic affecting humanity. It is pertinent to note that, despite the number of years since the first case was reported in the early 1980s in the United States, and concerted efforts by local, national, and international governmental and nongovernmental agencies at curbing it, the level of knowledge of HIV transmission and the disease prevention, especially among Nigerians, is still not encouraging. Nigeria, the most populous country in Sub-Saharan Africa ranks second globally as the country with the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS, which is currently estimated at 3 million. In …

Heart Failure Education For Medical Assistants In A Transitions Clinic, Kelly S. Kirk

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This capstone project is an educational improvement intervention for medical assistants (MAs), in the transitions clinic for heart failure patients. This capstone was designed to assess baseline heart failure (HF) knowledge of the MA and provide education on HF sign symptoms and urgency of provider notification as well as a postintervention assessment of knowledge. The terminal outcome was to improve the recognition of urgent symptoms that should be reported to providers so that providers can intervene early to prevent a possible exacerbation of heart failure. In order to assess the improvement in education of the MAs before and after the …

The Effectiveness Of Naloxone Staff Education In Reducing Opioid Overdose Mortality Among Young Adults In An Outpatient Behavioral Clinic, Taiwo Oguntade

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Naloxone Staff Education Project was implemented within an outpatient behavioral health practice to address the critical issue of insufficient staff education regarding Naloxone use in opioid overdose responses. Opioid overdoses, particularly among young adults, have become a leading cause of preventable death, with nearly 108,000 deaths recorded in 2022, 76% of which involved opioids. The project aimed to assess the impact of Naloxone education on staff knowledge, competency, and confidence in responding to opioid overdoses among patients aged 18 to 35. Utilizing pre- and post-education assessments, including surveys and interviews, the project evaluated staff readiness to administer Naloxone. Results …

Next-Generation Sequencing-Based Msi Scoring Predicts Benefit In Mismatch Repair-Deficient Tumors Treated With Nivolumab: Follow-Up On Nci-Match Arm Z1d, Jonathan D Schoenfeld, Nilofer S Azad, Jacob Gross, Li Chen, Michael J Overman, Katrina Kao, Latifa Jackson, Donna Brunnquell, Xiangning Bu, Christina Coppola, Ping Guan, Jennifer Lee, David Sims, Rebecca Fuchs, Jason L Weirather, Kathleen L Pfaff, Lauren Gunasti, Srin Ranasinghe, Stanley R Hamilton, Victoria Wang, Peter J O'Dwyer, Catherine J Wu, Scott J Rodig, David R Patton, Lyndsay Harris

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: Mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) tumors have demonstrated favorable responses to immune checkpoint inhibition targeting PD-1. However, more in-depth identification of predictors of response could further refine patient selection for immunotherapy treatment.

Patients and methods: We undertook integrated evaluation performed on samples collected from 28 of 42 patients enrolled on the NCI-Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice arm Z1D trial that evaluated PD-1 inhibition treatment with nivolumab in patients with noncolorectal dMMR tumors. Genomic analyses were performed using next-generation sequencing (NGS), whole-exome sequencing, and RNA sequencing and supplemented by multiplex immunofluorescence performed on tissue samples.

Results: In this dMMR population, more extensive …

Intouch Week Of February 17, 2025, New York Medical College

InTouch

• NYMC Celebrates 165 Years of Excellence
• Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology Hosts Research Symposium
• Stowe House Renamed Stowe-Whitt House in Memory of Ray Whitt, M.D.
• Alumni Spotlight: Driving Success in Public Health