Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Focal Status Epilepticus In A Patient With Responsive Neurostimulation: A Rare Complication And Management Insights, Ana Leticia Fornari Caprara Md, Jamir Pitton Rissardo, Pranaya Gade, Estefania Joselinne Alba-Rodriguez Md, Eric P. Nagele Md, Salman Assad Md, Islam Fayed Md, Evren Burakgazi-Dalkilic Md

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) is an established therapy for drug-resistant focal epilepsy, yet device-related complications during acute seizures remain underreported. We describe a case of focal status epilepticus in a patient with RNS, illustrating the interplay of possible device malfunction, systemic illness, and medication nonadherence. Case Report: A 39-year-old man with drug-resistant focal epilepsy and schizoaffective disorder, status post right frontal craniotomy and RNS implantation, presented with focal status epilepticus after several days of antiseizure medication (ASM) nonadherence, febrile illness, vomiting, and urinary tract infection (UTI). On admission, he was lethargic with frequent focal seizures (< 30 s) characterized by left head turn, left arm followed by bilateral arm tonic stiffening, and impaired awareness. Continuous EEG confirmed focal status epilepticus. Family declined intubation. A ketamine bolus (20 mg) followed by infusion (0.25–0.5 mg/kg/hr) for 24 hours achieved seizure cessation. Despite broad ASM therapy (phenytoin, zonisamide, perampanel, levetiracetam, clorazepate, cenobamate, carbamazepine, clonazepam, lacosamide), seizures persisted until RNS interrogation revealed high lead impedance; the device was deactivated. ASM doses were optimized, PEG tube placed for consistent delivery, and UTI treated. He stabilized and was discharged to rehabilitation. Conclusion: This case highlights the need for comprehensive evaluation in RNS patients presenting with focal status epilepticus. Device malfunction, systemic illness, and inconsistent ASM adherence can synergistically worsen seizure control. Multidisciplinary management including neurocritical care, device troubleshooting, and nutritional support was pivotal for recovery.

Unmasking Neurosyphilis: A Psychotic Presentation With A Hidden Cause, Fazal Choudhary Do, Lalitya Karra Do

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

No abstract provided.

The Rowan University Wellness Village: An Innovative Community Advancing Health And Well-Being, Thomas Cavalieri Do, Brandi Dockett Ma, Matt Mclaughlin Bs

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

No abstract provided.

Assessing Medical Trainees Knowledge Of Secondary Traumatic Stress Before And After Clinical Experiences At The Cares Institute: A Literature Review, Anastasiya Matveyenko, Sarah Kleinle, Paul Furtaw, Rachel Silliman Cohen

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) has been positively correlated with burnout in healthcare professionals through numerous studies. It is defined as the natural consequent behaviors and emotions resulting from knowing about a traumatizing event experienced by another individual. Medical students experience high level of STS due to exposure to trauma during multiple clinical rotations. Child Abuse Research Education and Service (CARES) Institute treats children who have experiences of abuse, neglect, and other forms of trauma. As part of the current curriculum, Rowan SOM students rotate at the CARES Institute for at least a day for up to a month and might …

Involuntary Medication Administration Review: A Historical Look At New Jersey Psychiatric Law And Its Significance, Casey Burke, Joon Min Chun D.O., Ramya Kommidi D.O., Salvatore Montana Messina D.O.

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The legal and ethical evolution of involuntary psychiatric medication in New Jersey has been shaped through the landmark legal cases Rennie v. Klein and Brandt v. Monte. To this effect, this poster explores how each case shaped state hospital policy and the balance between patient autonomy and clinical judgment. Rennie v. Klein (1978) established a constitutional right for involuntarily committed patients to refuse psychotropic medication, except in emergencies or with due process safeguards. Decades later, Brandt v. Monte (2006) exposed flaws in New Jersey’s administrative procedures—particularly Administrative Bulletin 78-3—which permitted coercive practices under the guise of emergency treatment and lacked …

Behind The Screen: The Effect Of Screen Time On The Pediatric Population, Arthi Rameshkumar, Tanvi Shah, Liam Courtney, Talia Hartman, Tanya Kadrmas-Iannuzzi

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

No abstract provided.

Improving Adherence To Comprehensive Gynecological Assessments In Female Rectal Cancer Patients Prior To Rectal Cancer Treatment, Rachael Smith, Eleanor Williams, Emily Young

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: A retrospective chart review of 139 female patients with Stage I-III rectal cancer treated at our institution (2017-2022) revealed only 32.6% (n=45) had documented age-appropriate gynecologic screenings prior to surgical intervention. These findings were disseminated to colorectal surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists through departmental meetings and tumor boards. This follow-up study evaluates the impact of that educational initiative on gynecologic referral patterns. 

Hypothesis: Targeted education of colorectal surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists would significantly increase gynecologic referral rates for female rectal cancer patients. 

Methods: This pre-post quality improvement study compared gynecologic referral rates among female patients with …

Understanding The Immune Responses Of Macrophages And Neutrophils In Synovial Fluid And Post-Operative Joint Environments, Allison Noelle Snyder

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) are devastating complications of total joint replacement (TJA). Even with aggressive antibiotic treatments, PJI recurrence rates are >17%, and 5-year survival is only 87.3%. Understanding the levels of inflammatory markers and cell types present at different timepoints is crucial in maximizing antimicrobial therapy and preventing adverse outcomes following TJA. This study tests the hypothesis that the synovial fluid environment of PJI induces immunosuppression in human macrophages, thereby hindering their ability to kill bacteria.

How Do Adverse Social Determinants Of Health Influence 30-Day Hospital Readmission Rates Among Patients With Heart Failure?, Noor Baig

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Heart failure is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in the United States, with nearly 1 in 4 patients readmitted within 30 days of discharge. Clinical severity largely accounts for this risk, but social determinants of health (SDOH), including income, housing stability, transportation access, and health literacy, also play a role in post-discharge outcomes. This review synthesized seven cohort, observational, and qualitative studies from PubMed (2018–2025) examining the relationship between SDOH and 30-day readmission in heart failure patients.

Several patterns emerged across the literature. Neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage, measured through ADI and SDI, was independently associated with higher readmission and …

Premenstrual Disorders In Females With Neurodevelopmental Conditions: A Systematic Review, Akhila Archakam, Nikhila Archakam, Harshal Parmar, Wesley Kim

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are prevalent conditions associated with substantial functional impairment and psychiatric morbidity. Symptoms are driven by heightened sensitivity to cyclical fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone rather than absolute hormone levels. Individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), may exhibit altered neurobiological and emotional regulation pathways that increase vulnerability to these hormonal changes; however, this relationship has not been systematically synthesized.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from 2000–2026 for studies evaluating associations between ADHD, …

Psychiatry Meets Ai: Are Residents Ready?, Jacob De Castro, John Case

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Artificial intelligence (AI) use is increasing in healthcare, but psychiatry residency training remains unstructured. In a 20-resident pilot survey, AI was frequently used for literature review and clinical support, with limited confidence and institutional guidance. We found most residents desired formal training and would use AI more if institutionally supported. Findings highlight a gap between rapid adoption and structured education.

Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis Due To Hypertriglyceridemia: A Case Report, Samantha Alyse Walkow, Pranaya Gade, Marina Bastawross, Ayesha Ain, Antonios Tsompanidis

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Title: Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis due to Hypertriglyceridemia: A Case Report

Background: Necrotizing pancreatitis is a severe complication of acute pancreatitis with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is an uncommon but increasingly recognized etiology, often associated with more severe disease compared to biliary or alcoholic pancreatitis. Early recognition and targeted management are critical to prevent multiorgan failure.

Case Presentation: We present the case of a 39-year-old Hispanic male with a history of chronic hypertriglyceridemia and epilepsy who presented with acute onset of severe epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting. Laboratory evaluation revealed markedly elevated serum triglycerides (TG) levels …

Ai-Augmented Digital Auscultation For Point-Of-Care Screening Of Valvular Heart Disease: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Harshal Parmar, Akhila Archakam, Nikhila Archakam, Wesley Kim, Eduard Koman Md

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Valvular heart disease (VHD) affects >10% of adults aged 75+ yet remains underdiagnosed when asymptomatic due to declining auscultatory proficiency. AI-augmented digital auscultation offers a point-of-care screening solution, though no meta-analysis has pooled diagnostic accuracy across VHD subtypes in adults using echocardiography as the reference.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted per PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, IEEE Xplore, and Scopus were searched without date restriction. Studies applying AI or machine learning to digital auscultation or phonocardiography for VHD classification in adults with echocardiographic reference and patient-level diagnostic metrics were included. Studies using only public datasets, pediatric …

In Patients With Acne Vulgaris, How Do Standard Acne Treatments Combined With Adjunct Microbiome-Targeted Therapies Compare To Standard Acne Treatments Alone In Affecting Clinical Outcomes?, Sree Gowri Sudharshan

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Acne vulgaris is a very common chronic skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Nearly 50 million Americans are affected annually, and it usually occurs around puberty. Due to rising antibiotic resistance and unwanted side effects to current mediations, emerging research on the role of skin and gut microbiome in acne development is of interest.

Hypothesis: Adjuvant microbiome-targeted therapies may offer better clinical outcomes than standard acne treatments alone.

Methods: Literature search performed in PubMed and Embase using keywords related to acne vulgaris, microbiome-targeted therapies, and targeted acne treatments. Of …

Evaluating Referral Coordination And Scheduling In Primary Care: A Qualitative Study Of Workflow Gaps, Aprupa Alahari, Philycia Foote, S. Vincent Grasso

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

Healthcare referral workflows remain fragmented despite widespread adoption of electronic health records. Primary care to specialty referrals frequently rely on fax, phone calls, manual scheduling, and disconnected communication systems, creating delays, incomplete referrals, and administrative burden.1,2 Prior literature has identified a lack of referral tracking, referral leakage, and lack of closed-loop communication as major barriers to coordinated care. Altogether, efforts are required to keep cases from falling into the “referral black hole” that plagues health systems.2-4

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that:

1. there is substantial patient burden

2. there is substantial operational fragmentation

3. current referral systems contain limited visibility or verification

Methods …

Resensitization Of Clinical Isolates Of Mdr-Acinetobacter Baumannii To Antibiotics Using Bacteriophage Therapy, Priyal Gajera, Valerie J. Carabetta

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction:

Antibiotic resistance poses a major global health threat, particularly with multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens such as Acinetobacter baumannii, which exhibits resistance to multiple antibiotic classes, including carbapenems.¹ As conventional treatments become less effective, alternative therapies such as bacteriophage therapy are gaining attention. Bacteriophages offer targeted antibacterial activity and may enhance antibiotic efficacy or resensitize resistant strains. This study investigates the synergistic effects of bacteriophage ΦCO03 combined with antibiotics against MDR A. baumannii.

Methods:

Clinical isolates (M20, M5) of A. baumannii were cultured in LB broth at 37°C. Bacteriophage ΦCO03 was isolated and purified using plaque assays. Synergy between phage …

Assessment Of Health Disparities Among Community Clinic Patients In Southern New Jersey, Hetasvi Saraiya, Priyal Gajera, Mahhum Naqvi, Nils Brolis

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction:

The Rowan Community Health Center (RCHC) is a student-run free clinic that provides primary care services to uninsured and underserved populations in southern New Jersey. Access to quality healthcare remains a persistent challenge for these communities due to social and economic barriers1 . This study aims to identify and analyze the most common health disparities and barriers to care. The primary outcome of this study was to assess health disparities and barriers to care, secondary outcomes included characterizing chief complaints and identifying alternative care options patients would pursue if not seen at the clinic

Methods:

This survey-based study was …

Worsening Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Ocd) With New Onset Dementia, Melvin D. Ways Jr

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic psychiatric condition typically characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors with preserved insight. Dementia, a progressive neurocognitive disorder, is frequently associated with behavioral and psychiatric symptoms; however, its impact on pre-existing OCD is less well understood.

Subject of study includes evaluation of neurodegenerative processes to exacerbate pre-existing OCD symptoms. Evidence suggests that dysfunction in shared fronto-striatal circuits—particularly involving the orbitofrontal cortex and basal ganglia—may underlie this relationship. Additionally, cognitive impairment may reduce the ability to inhibit intrusive thoughts, further reinforcing compulsive behaviors. Emerging research also indicates a bidirectional association, with OCD linked to an …

Atypical Presentation Of Alpha-Gal Syndrome Identified During Evaluation Of Transient Neurologic Symptoms, Austin J. Wong, Todd Schachter

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to galactose-α-1,3-galactose, typically associated with tick exposure and delayed allergic reactions to mammalian meat products. While most commonly presenting with urticaria, gastrointestinal symptoms, or anaphylaxis, atypical and systemic manifestations remain poorly characterized.

We present the case of a 39-year-old male with minimal vascular risk factors who developed acute onset shortness of breath, chest pressure, and transient neurologic symptoms concerning for a transient ischemic attack. Extensive cardiac, vascular, and autoimmune evaluation was largely unremarkable aside from abnormalities in lupus anticoagulation screening and elevated homocysteine and protein C levels.

Further evaluation revealed elevated alpha-gal–specific …

The Effects Of Blue Light From Technology On Sleep Health In Adolescents And Young Adults: A Literature Review, Matthew F. Dilloian, Dianne Langford Ph.D., Charalampos Papachristou Ph.D.

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Digital screens, such as smartphones, computers, and tablets, emit blue light in the short wavelength range of ~400–500 nm. This exposure impacts the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the brain's biological clock, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle via melatonin secretion from the pineal gland. Blue light is known to suppress melatonin, potentially leading to poor sleep quality and sleep disruptions. Significance: With approximately 90% of Americans using electronic devices within one hour of bedtime, understanding these effects is critical for public health. Previous research often excluded young adults, specific target populations, like athletes, or focused solely on the biochemistry of blue …

Lactate-Induced Mitochondrial Magnesium Uptake And Its Metabolic Implications In The Mcardle’S Disease Model, Thiruvelselvan Ponnusamy, Jeremy Mehta, Haris Waseem, Marianne Assogba, Dianne Langford, Natarajaseenivasan Kalimuthusamy, Shanmughapriya Santhanam

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

McArdle disease, caused by mutations in the PYGM gene, impairs glycogenolysis in skeletal muscle, reducing lactate production and leading to energy deficits, fatigue, and risk of rhabdomyolysis. Using a CRISPR/Cas9-generated PYGM knockout (KO) rat model, we investigated whether reduced lactate production disrupts mitochondrial magnesium (Mg²⁺) homeostasis. KO rats failed to elevate lactate during static muscle contraction and showed diminished mitochondrial Mg²⁺ uptake, disrupted ATP synthesis, and impaired mitochondrial respiration. In vitro, caffeine-stimulated KO myotubes lacked lactate production and mitochondrial Mg²⁺ uptake despite preserved Ca²⁺ oscillations. Raising glucose concentration restored lactate levels, rescued mitochondrial Mg²⁺ transport, and improved metabolic output in …

Bone Health And Healthcare Utilization Outcomes In Crohn’S Disease Patients Without Baseline Fracture Or Vitamin D Deficiency Treated With Infliximab Versus Adalimumab: A Propensity-Matched Cohort Study, Jashanveer S. Johal, Bianca Patel, Archana Salek, Mahmoud Al-Bataineh, Abdallah Hussein, Om Patel, Jason Hyman, Yecheskel Schneider

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Biologic therapies are central to Crohn's disease (CD) management, yet the comparative effects of infliximab and adalimumab on bone health and healthcare utilization remain poorly characterized in patients without baseline vitamin D deficiency or prior fractures.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX U.S. Collaborative Network. Adult CD patients (≥18 years) initiating infliximab or adalimumab between 2018–2024 were included. Patients with ulcerative colitis, indeterminate colitis, or positive pregnancy tests were excluded. All patients had normal baseline vitamin D (≥20 ng/mL) and no history of pathological fracture. Propensity score matching (1:1) yielded 7,340 patients per cohort. Outcomes …

Light Therapy Vs. Pharmacotherapy In Improving Quality Of Life In Seasonal Affective Disorder, Hitanshi Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a pattern of depressive episodes triggered by seasonal changes. Light therapy involves exposure to artificial bright light by stimulating the production of serotonin. Pharmacotherapy primarily requires careful consideration of side effects and patient response times. Findings indicate that light therapy not only leads to significant improvements in depressive symptoms but also long-term enhancement in quality of life. Pharmacotherapy, while effective for some, often involves delays in response and potential adverse effects that can diminish overall satisfaction.

Comparative Evaluation Of Iris And Traditional Feeding Tube Placement Methods: A Review Of The Literature, Justin Le Oms-Ii, Nishant Patel Oms-Iii, Amy Glasofer Phd, Drnp, Rn, Emilio Mazza Md, Phd

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

Enteral nutrition (EN) is preferred in patients with functional gastrointestinal tracts. Traditional feeding tube placement methods are time-consuming, radiation-dependent, and prone to misplacement. IRIS and electromagnetic (EM)-guided systems enable real-time bedside placement, though comparative data remain limited.

Methods

A qualitative literature review was conducted using PubMed (2004–2024) to identify studies evaluating IRIS technology compared with EM-guided and traditional placement methods. Outcomes of interest included procedural success, safety, complication rates, efficiency, and cost considerations across ICU and ward populations.

Results

IRIS demonstrated success rates ranging from 75–91.7%, with higher success observed in ICU and sedated patients. EM-guided placement showed consistent …

When Biomarkers Disagree: Diagnostic Challenges In Alzheimer’S Disease, Hayya Ali, Omar C. Chishti

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is commonly diagnosed using a combination of clinical evaluation and biomarkers, including amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and tau protein levels. However, discordant biomarker findings can complicate diagnosis and clinical decision-making. We present a case study of a patient with progressive cognitive decline who demonstrated positive amyloid PET imaging but negative tau biomarkers. The objective of this case report is to demonstrate key diagnostic challenges in Alzheimer’s disease and highlight the need for a comprehensive, multimodal diagnostic approach. This case underscores the limitations of relying on a single biomarker modality and highlights the potential for overlap …

Comparing Community-Based And Social Media Interventions To Improve Vaccine Uptake In Low-Income U.S. Populations, Tanisha Shah, Nico Santorelli, Maureen Kennedy, Aastha Lele, Syed Ahmad Bilal, Megan Chien, Judith Anne Lightfoot

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background:

In recent years, vaccination has become a highly politicized topic, contributing to decreased trust in medical professionals. Exposure to medical misinformation, distrust in government and research, and concerns about vaccine safety have all led to increased vaccine hesitancy and decreased vaccine uptake. These trends are more widely seen in low socioeconomic status (SES) and certain racial populations, posing a significant public health concern despite the effectiveness of vaccines.

Objective: This literature review aims to compare the effectiveness of community-based interventions led by clinicians and community health leaders with social media campaigns in increasing vaccine uptake among low-income populations in …

Tuberculosis In Long-Term Asian American Immigrant Residents: Trends And Risk Factors In Cases Diagnosed ≥10 Years After U.S. Arrival, Katherine Xie, Kai Mon Lee, Todd Schachter

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Tuberculosis in Long-Term Asian American Immigrant Residents: Trends and Risk Factors in Cases Diagnosed ≥10 Years After U.S. Arrival

Katherine Xie, MSc¹, Kai Mon Lee, PhD¹, Todd Schachter, DO¹

¹Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, 1 Medical Center Dr, Stratford, NJ 08084

Background

In the U.S., TB cases are largely due to reactivation of latent TB infections (LTBI) of immigrants from high-burden countries. The CDC and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force currently recommend screening newer immigrant populations, especially those born in highly-burdened areas with TB. This guideline mostly targets newly immigrated populations, defined as those …

Impact Of A Caregiver Wellness Workshop On Well-Being And Mental Health, Keertana Jonnalagadda, Morgan Yacoe

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Family caregivers provide care for loved ones by addressing their activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and psychological needs. These demands impact a caregiver’s time and overall well-being. To address burnout and improve education regarding caregiver wellness, a workshop was created to build an effective support system for caregivers and teach them practical self-care strategies. Activities using visual art were designed to reduce caregiver anxiety and stress. Results from validated scales such as Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (SWEMWBS), WHO-5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5), and a unique caregiver wellness survey (CWS) in a small sample showed …

Delay In Care Due To High Number Of Provider Evaluations In Hip Arthroscopy, Kaylin Knapsack, Wynn Bastianelli, Alexander Cabrera, Stewart Meridian, Sean Mcmillan

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Diagnosing hip pain in young and middle-aged adults remains challenging due to overlapping intra- and extra-articular pathology. Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and acetabular labral tears are increasingly recognized as major contributors to pain, mechanical symptoms, and functional limitation. Despite growing awareness of hip preservation surgery, delays in referral to arthroscopy-trained specialists persist and may contribute to disease progression and inferior outcomes.

Purpose: To evaluate delays in surgical management among patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for labral pathology and identify factors contributing to delayed referral to hip preservation specialists.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients undergoing hip arthroscopy …

Sleep Architecture And Delirium In Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Preliminary Observational Study, Lily Roessler, Kevin Eaise, Jamie Feinour Msn, Crnp, Jennifer Jond Ms, Pa-C, Vanessa Salasky Md, Mikel Shea Ehntholt Md, Bethany C. Young

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Background: Delirium is common among ICU stroke patients and could possibly be associated with disrupted sleep. However, the relationship between specific sleep characteristics and delirium remains unclear.

Objective: To evaluate the association between sleep architecture and delirium in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients in the ICU.

Methods: We performed a primary analysis of 14 ICU ICH patients who underwent polysomnography. Sleep variables included total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep stages (N1, N2, N3, REM), arousal index, and sleep latency. Delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU). Patients were categorized by presence or absence of delirium. Continuous …