Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Impact Of Artificial Turf Versus Natural Grass On Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Rates In Football And Soccer: A Scoping Review, Paul Mikhail, Daniel Malak, Joseph Mikhail, Mark Awad, Kirolos Youssef, George Eskander, Ravi Yarid

Research Day

Background: The widespread adoption of artificial turf in professional and collegiate football and soccer has raised concerns about its influence on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury rates. While artificial surfaces may increase lower extremity injury risk due to greater surface friction and cleat-turf interaction, some studies report no significant difference compared to natural grass. This review assesses the correlation between playing surface types and ACL injury incidence in football and soccer athletes.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted in November 2024 across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar using terms such as “ACL injury,” “artificial turf,” “natural grass,” and …

Dual Arterial Supply To The Deltoid Muscle: An Aberrant Branch Of The Brachial Artery In A Cadaver, Ally M. Mcmillen, Irvin Tran, Tanvi Raj, Megan D. Buena, Diana Peterson

Research Day

Introduction:

An anatomical vascular anomaly was identified in the left brachium of a 75-year-old Caucasian male cadaver at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Georgia gross anatomy laboratory. The left deltoid muscle had a dual blood supply from the posterior circumflex humeral artery and the deep artery of the arm. This report describes the anomalous vascular pattern and highlights its potential clinical relevance. Awareness of anatomical variations in the vascular system is critical for optimizing outcomes in diagnostic and surgical procedures involving the upper limb.

Methods:

The cadaver was dissected during a gross anatomy laboratory at PCOM. Permissions were …

Coral Beads And Ground Glass: A Case Of Multicentric Reticulohistiocytosis, Ciara Burgess, Felix Bu, Joseph Dyer

Research Day

Introduction: Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH) is a rare systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by skin and joint involvement. It classically presents with symmetric erosive polyarthritis and papulonodular skin lesions and is frequently associated with underlying malignancies. MRH has fewer than 300 cases reported in medical literature worldwide since its first report in 1937, but studies suggest that approximately 25-30% of patients diagnosed with MRH have underlying malignancy. Because of its paraneoplastic nature, it is recommended that patients diagnosed with MRH promptly undergo cancer screening.

Case Presentation: In this case report, a 58 year-old male presented to the dermatology clinic complaining of a …

Health Complications Of Antibacterial-Based Mouthwash On Oral Microbiota: Literature Review, Bhavik Singh, Zoë Rushetsky, Rehana Lakhani, Shifa Gandhi, Francis Jenney

Research Day

Introduction

The human microbiota, including bacteria, fungi, archaea, and viruses, is a diverse and dynamic community of microorganisms that maintains both systemic and oral health. This population regulates immune response, prevents pathogen colonization, and facilitates metabolic processes such as nitrate reduction. Oral microbiota are distinct from gut microbiota but are interconnected through microbial translocation and inflammatory signaling, disruption of this balance is linked to various diseases, including cardiovascular conditions. Emerging evidence suggests that antibacterial mouthwash use may reduce nitrate-reducing bacteria, impairing nitric oxide (NO) production, a key molecule in vasodilation and blood pressure regulation. Understanding this relationship is crucial in …

A 22-Year Journey Of Scalp Lupus: The Price Of Delayed Care In Chronic Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus, Rami B. S. Mansour, Joseph M. Dyer

Research Day

Background:

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a relentless autoimmune disease that, when affecting the scalp, can lead to permanent, disfiguring scarring alopecia. Despite its potential for early intervention, many cases go undiagnosed or undertreated, leaving patients with irreversible damage. This case follows a 22-year trajectory of progressive scalp DLE, illustrating the consequences of delayed care and the challenge of managing chronic cutaneous lupus.

Case Presentation:

A 67-year-old woman presented with severe scalp itching, persistent hair loss, and scarring. She was first diagnosed with scalp DLE 22 years ago after months of unresponsive treatment. A biopsy at the time confirmed characteristic …

Predisposing Factors, Outcomes, And Treatment Approach To Fluid Gusher Complication During Cochlear Implant Surgery, Nolan P. Gillihan, William C. Jones, Matthew J. Alexander, Bhavik Singh, Ahmad B. Cader

Research Day

Our research focused on the fluid gusher complication from cochlear implant surgery. Fluid gusher is one of the most prevalent complications of cochlear implant surgery and occurs when cerebral spinal fluid leaks from the cochleostomy site. The complication occurs with opening the round window. We performed a systematic review of the literature, focusing on overviews of cochlear implant surgery complications. There are many factors contributing to the cause of fluid gushers including, biological sex, age, time of procedure, follow up time, temporal bone abnormalities, and abnormalities of the lateral wall of the internal auditory canal. Fluid gusher puts some patients …

Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome In A 76 Year-Old Cadaver, Shervin Hovanloo, Abraham M. Venegas, Hayden Evans, Lyndsey Edelman, Kevin Wang, Diana Peterson

Research Day

Introduction:

This case study examines the anatomical and clinical features of a 76-year-old cadaver with Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS), an X-linked recessive disorder causing androgen resistance, resulting in the feminization of 46, XY individuals. Our case study highlights AIS classification, clinical manifestations, and management strategies, including the risks of testicular cancer, gonadectomy, hormone replacement therapy, and psychological considerations, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach for optimal patient care.

Methods:

Gross anatomical dissection was conducted to assess the external and internal structures, with high-resolution images captured and enhanced for clarity. Precise measurements were taken and compared to typical female anatomy in order to …

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy And Number Of Repetitive Impacts In American Football Players, Chase A. Forbes, Bhavik Singh, Malik I. Watson, Etop U. Udoh, Jonathan L. Mosley, Kévin Borgella, Erik Zarandy

Research Day

Background:

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disorder associated with repeated head injuries over the course of an individual's lifetime. A definitive diagnosis of CTE requires a post-mortem examination to thoroughly identify pathological markers such as hyperphosphorylated tau protein and astrocytic abnormalities. This review seeks to investigate the correlation between the amount of repetitive head impacts in American Football careers and the likelihood of developing CTE.

Methods:

Data was sourced from PubMed and compiled using the search “((CTE) and (Football))”, between the years of 2014 to 2025. The data included focused on the estimated number of head impacts …

Breaking The Stigma: Innovating Sti Testing Models For Black Adolescent Men, Xavier Langston, Peggy Goedken, Angella Appah, Megan Mccool-Myers, Melissa Kottke

Research Day

Introduction:

Of the 26 million new sexually transmitted infections (STI) in 2018, almost half were among adolescents 15 to 24 years old. Less than 3% of sexually active male adolescents have had an STI test in the past 12 months versus 26% of their female peers. Male adolescents are more likely to forego testing than female adolescents due to greater confidentiality concerns, cost/insurance barriers, and lower self-perceived risk.

Despite the high prevalence of STIs in this marginalized group, male adolescents face unique barriers to STI testing, including cost, stigma, and limited availability of youth and male-friendly services. This project aims …

Liposomal Formulation To Treat Skin Infections Caused By Staphylococcus Aureus, Tiffanie Hoang, Sameer Joshi

Research Day

Introduction: Skin is the largest organ of the human body and is a strong barrier against various infections, including bacterial infections. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), over 83 million (1-in-4) individuals visit a dermatologist annually in the United States alone. However, the infection gets established and spreads depending on the individual's immunity and skin conditions. Although several drug options are available for treating skin infections staphylococcus aureus, there are still several drugs that can potentially inhibit this bacterial infection but have yet to be used for several reasons, such as toxicity, solubility, etc. Liposomes can deliver …

Modulation Of Purkinje Cell Plasticity In The Cerebellum Using Direct Current Stimulation: Investigating The Effects On Long-Term Depression, Rehan Sheikh, Emily Graves, Baria Rafiq, Huo Lu

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Damage to the cerebellum or its associated pathways can result in cerebellar ataxia, a disorder characterized by impaired coordination and balance. One potential treatment for ataxic patients is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).The mechanism by which tDCS exerts its effects is believed to involve long-term depression (LTD). It is hypothesized that direct current stimulation modulates Purkinje cell plasticity.

OBJECTIVE: Previously, preliminary data was collected to examine the effects of direct current stimulation (DCS) on the Purkinje cell plasticity. It is suggested that E-field application did enhance LTD based on a paired t-test (p-value = 0.018, 8 cells without …

Development And Characterization Of Hydrogel Microneedle Patch, Tatyanna S. Goodson, Yujin Kim

Research Day

Introduction: Levodopa, co-administered with the dopa decarboxylase inhibitor carbidopa, remains the gold standard for treating Parkinson's Disease; however, due to rapid degradation, only about 1% of orally administered levodopa crosses the blood-brain barrier. Previously, this study explored a transdermal microneedle delivery system to enhance levodopa bioavailability by bypassing gastrointestinal metabolism. Microneedles penetrate the stratum corneum, reaching the dermis—rich in blood vessels—enabling direct systemic absorption and sustained drug release.

Objective: The focus of the experiment was to first develop a levodopa-containing transdermal cream combined with microneedles to enhance skin penetration and drug absorption. Transdermal delivery systems are expected to improve patient …

Preliminary Study: Minimizing The Gap Between Pre-And Post-Spaceflight, Caleb E. Scheideger, Louis A. Diberardino

Aurora

Long-duration space missions pose significant challenges to astronaut health, primarily due to the detrimental effects of microgravity on musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. This research proposal aims to address the critical gap between pre- and post-spaceflight physiological conditions, focusing on the marked decline in muscle mass, bone density, and cardiovascular function. Existing countermeasures, such as resistive exercise, are insufficient to prevent muscle atrophy and bone demineralization, highlighting the need for novel solutions. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) emerges as a promising intervention, capable of eliciting muscle contractions to maintain function and mitigate atrophy. By integrating NMES into existing exercise regimens, we hypothesize …

Enhancing Healthcare-Associated Infection Prevention: The Role Of Hand Hygiene, Ppe, Isolation, And Vaccination Education, Kaitlyn N. Rollo

Aurora

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) represent a significant threat to patient safety in hospital environments. These infections are often linked to lapses in infection prevention protocols, including inadequate hand hygiene, improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and insufficient isolation procedures. This project aimed to evaluate compliance with infection control policies and identify areas for improvement at Lima Memorial Hospital. By focusing on auditing, education, and data analysis, the goal was to reduce HAI rates and strengthen overall infection prevention practices.

Methods included a comprehensive review of existing hospital infection prevention policies, followed by hand hygiene and PPE audits across the hospital’s …

De-Escalation Techniques To Combat Workplace Violence Against Nurses, Sarah Jones

Aurora

Abstract

Problem: Workplace violence is on the rise in healthcare systems across the world, which is a major concern. Studies have found that nurses do not feel they can do their jobs effectively due to worries of potential harm to themselves and even their patients. There has been evidence that there are no effective methods in place to help healthcare workers remain safe and know how to handle these violent situations properly.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to determine if de-escalation training increases nurses' feelings of preparation for violent situations and decreases incidences of workplace violence.

Methods: This …

Stethoscope Hygiene And Its Relationship To Healthcare Acquired Infections: A Research Proposal, Thomas P. Baker

Aurora

Problem: Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAIs) are an increasingly prevalent issue in healthcare. While hand hygiene is the most effective method to prevent HAIs, stethoscope hygiene may be an underutilized practice that can further prevent HAIs.

Purpose: The purpose of the research proposal is to determine if patients are more at risk of acquiring a HAI from improperly sanitized stethoscopes in comparison to stethoscopes that are cleaned in accordance with best practice methods while being treated in a hospital.

Methods: This proposal is a mixed-methods study. A 30-minute educational seminar on the importance of stethoscope hygiene and evidence-based …

Using A Pharmacokinetic Model To Design And Evaluate An Early Ctdna Biomarker For Response To Targeted Therapy, Aaron Li

Spora: A Journal of Biomathematics

Early prediction of response to therapy or lack thereof can help physicians plan treatment more efficiently. Biomarkers based on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) are promising. However, biomarkers beyond direct comparison to baseline have not been thoroughly explored. We develop a model for ctDNA shedding under targeted therapy that incorporates pharmacokinetics. Using a simulated cohort of virtual patients with varied parameters, we define and analyze a biomarker based on ctDNA samples at baseline, 12 hours, and 24 hours after initiation of treatment. The biomarker identified patients who would achieve partial or complete response with high sensitivity and specificity and was able …

Physical Function In Young And Older Adult Active Pickleball Players – A Cross-Sectional Study, Leighanne T. Paulson, Eric Martin, Kent Adams, Marcus M. Lawrence

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 5, 2025. Limited information exists on pickleball’s impact on physical function in older adults (65+ years), despite reported health benefits. PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study evaluated the physical function of active older adult (OA) women and men recreational pickleball players via handgrip strength (HGS) and fatigue (HGF), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) test, as well as the short physical performance battery (SPPB) compared to sex-matched young adult (YA) controls. METHODS: Thirty YA (18-26 years; n=15 women/men) and 27 OA (65-89 years; n=13 women, n=15 men) participants who played pickleball …

Lawyers, Trauma, And Professional Well-Being: How The Legal Community Takes Back Its Mental Health, Brenda D. Gibson

Arkansas Law Review

Accompanying a notable shift in the legal academy to being more attentive to our students’ mental health, there must be an equal (or even greater) shift to focusing on trauma, mental health, and well-being in the broader profession. Significantly, trauma and its effects are compounded when combined with the challenges faced by underrepresented populations within the profession. To date, these challenges have been greeted by an ad hoc, piecemeal reaction to stress and trauma,10 which only inhibits wellness in the profession. Part I explores the current literature in both the humanities and the legal profession, beginning with a brief discussion …

Understanding Physical Therapist Student Defined Success: A Qualitative Study, Katie Graves, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

Purpose: To (1) investigate student defined success in physical therapist education, and (2) generate key themes from the students’ perspective related to success to enhance physical therapist and health professions education. Method: A qualitative study was conducted through a series of focus groups with 13 first-year and 13 second-year Doctor of Physical Therapy students. Study participants were asked open-ended questions regarding student success and the associated contextual factors. An inductive coding method with thematic analysis utilizing Dedoose software identified major themes. Results: The use of focus groups allowed for in-depth participant discussion, with sample excerpts presented. Data analysis yielded five …

Long-Term Care Services And Support In The Mountain West, 2023, Taylor Volk, Ivan Sun, Miguel Soriano Ralston, Kristian Thymianos, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Health

This fact sheet presents data from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) report, “Long-Term Services and Supports 2023 State Scorecard Report,” comparing Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) systems across multiple dimensions of performance for older adults, people with physical disabilities, and family caregivers for all 50 states. This fact sheet focuses on state-level LTSS system data for the Mountain West states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.

The Lasting Legacy Of Dr. Fritz Smith And Dr. Aminah Raheem: Founders Of Zero Balancing And Soul Lightening/Insight Acupressure, Deanna Waggy Otr

Journal of Transformative Touch

Dr. Fritz Smith and Dr. Aminah Raheem were pioneers in the field of holistic bodywork. Their innovative techniques, Zero Balancing (ZB) and Insight Acupressure (formerly Soul Lightening International), helped shape integrative medicine practitioners around the globe. Their marriage not only symbolized a personal union but also a professional synergy, with their complementary therapies offering a yin-yang approach to mind-body healing. Their legacy continues through the many practitioners trained in Zero Balancing and Soul Lightening/Insight Acupressure and the various organizations that uphold their commitment to research, education, and professional standards.

Decedent Management Station, Providence Special Pathogens Program

Conferences

No abstract provided.

Next Steps In Spreading Preparedness, Not Pathogens..., Christa Arguinchona

Conferences

No abstract provided.

Getting An “A” In Category A Waste, Christa Arguinchona

Conferences

No abstract provided.

Influenza Talk Proposed Titles, Henry Arguinchona

Conferences

No abstract provided.

An Overview Of The Lassa Fever Responce In Iowa, Michael Hartley

Conferences

No abstract provided.

Region 10 Special Pathogen Transport Preparedness, Providence - Special Pathogens Program

Conferences

No abstract provided.

When Zebras Attack: Special Pathogens Preparedness In An Ever-Changing World, Jonathan Grien

Conferences

No abstract provided.

Learning From Real Life: Alaska Edition, Christina Tuomi, Eugene Wiseman, Nathan Wormington, Travis Cruse, Lindsey Sprinkle

Conferences

No abstract provided.