Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Free-Floating Thrombus Of Carotid Artery In The Setting Of Bilateral Embolic Strokes, Xilin Chen, Ioannis Tsouknidas, Tyler Fox, Henry Hirsch

Research Day

Carotid free-floating thrombus is a rare entity. Most patients present with acute neurological symptoms, warranting urgent operative intervention. We describe a case of an 80-year-old male who presented with an embolic stroke and was found to have a mobile carotid thrombus, after the administration of thrombolysis. He underwent carotid endarterectomy, and further neurological injury was prevented.

Appendiceal Intussusception Due To Endometriosis: A Case Report, Camryn Butera, Taylor Bronson, Justin Spatar, Christine Holloway

Research Day

The rate of implantation of endometrial tissue onto the appendix varies greatly within the literature with appendiceal intussusception being a rare clinical presentation in this small subset of patients. Here we discuss a case of appendiceal endometriosis with robotic partial cecectomy and appendectomy. This report describes our experience with appendiceal cecal intussusception. We report a case of appendiceal endometriosis causing intussusception. It is important to consider endometriosis as a cause of appendiceal intussusception in the differential diagnosis of females presenting with the common chief complaint of abdominal pain, especially in the setting of prior gynecological surgeries.

Medical Student Advocate–Community Health Worker Collaboration To Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates, Christopher J. Antoniello, Juliana N. Heppard, Vanessa I. Saylor

Research Day

INTRODUCTION:

Lankenau Medical Center launched the Medical Student Health Advocates (MSA) Program in 2012 to address the impact of socioeconomic status and social determinants on health outcomes. Data shows that publicly insured patients are generally more disadvantaged in these areas compared to commercially insured patients. The Colorectal Cancer Screening Initiative (CCSI), a partnership between MSAs and the Department of Health Equity’s Community Health Worker (CHW) team, aims to improve colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates among Medicaid and dual Medicare/Medicaid patients, narrowing the gap between commercially insured and publicly insured patient populations.

METHODS:

Through weekly calls, CHWs and MSAs provide patients …

How Long Does It Last? Do The Benefits Of Neurodiversity Training Persist?, Levi Moyer, Cynthia P. May

Research Day

Introduction

Even when perceived as highly qualified, job candidates with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are less likely to be hired after a job interview than their neurotypical (NT) counterparts. However, when NT individuals receive training about neurodiversity and are aware of an ASD diagnosis, preliminary evidence suggests hiring outcomes for candidates with ASD are significantly more positive, at least when training occurs immediately before evaluation. This study examined whether the benefits of neurodiversity training coupled with diagnostic disclosure extend to the general population and persist over time.

Methods

Participants included undergraduate students and individuals from the general U.S. population recruited …

Effects Of Meditation On Blood Pressure, Ian T. Mcdonald, Chanelle Zorrilla Arias, Kristen Berry

Research Day

Introduction:

Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor in the United States and is associated with serious complications, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and kidney failure, and other outcomes resulting from destroyed vessels. Although antihypertensive medications are widely used to manage hypertension, treatment is often limited by medication cost, polypharmacy, and poor adherence. Medication nonadherence remains a significant barrier to effective blood pressure control and is associated with adverse health outcomes, including increased mortality. Meditation, a stress-reduction intervention, may represent a feasible adjunctive therapy for the management of hypertension. We hypothesize that introducing people to meditation and encouraging them to continue …

Efficacy Of Phone Call Intervention For Vaccine Participation - A Retrospective Chart Review, Jenna Taha, Paige Schlechter, Autumn Dye

Research Day

Vaccine hesitancy is on the rise in the United States due to multiple factors. Causes of vaccine hesitancy in pediatric patient populations include fear of harmful side effects due to misinformation and social media (Lafnitzegger, A) as well as questioning the necessity of vaccination (Cataldi, J). Previous efforts to increase rates of pediatric vaccination include community efforts such as partnering with faith-based organizations in an attempt to campaign for increased vaccination rates (Crosby, L), as well as acknowledging the need to tackle the pain and fear of needles associated with vaccinations in pediatric populations (Taddio, A).

In the city of …

Implementing Firearm Safe Storage And Screening Handouts For Older Individuals Into Primary Care Practice, Rebecca Delp, Erik E. Langenau, Ilene Warner-Maron

Research Day

Introduction

Older adults have the highest rates of firearm-related suicide in the United States, with firearms accounting for approximately 70% of suicides in this population (Price et al). Risk is particularly elevated among older men and veterans (Mcintosh et al). Despite this, firearm safety counseling remains uncommon; only 3.7% of older adults report discussing firearm safety with a healthcare provider (Carter et al). This exposes an important opportunity to address firearm safety, mental health, and suicide prevention in the primary care setting, while providing resources for access to firearm safe storage devices.

This project’s aim was to develop and implement …

A Literature Review Of The Correlation Between Faun Tail Nevus Presentation And Spinal Dysraphisms, Zahraa Ibrahem, Feryal Hilmi, Yuna Huh, Mindy Hill

Research Day

Faun tail nevus (FTN) is a rare congenital cutaneous finding characterized by a localized tuft of hair over the lower lumbar vertebrae, typically in a midline distribution. Although faun tail nevus can be present without underlying spinal abnormality, it is frequently seen in the presence of underlying occult spinal dysraphism, most commonly spina bifida occulta. The presence and severity of accompanying cutaneous features, such as dense hypertrichosis, midline dimpling, dermal sinus tracts, or visible subcutaneous tracking, may correlate with the extent of underlying spinal pathology. Given this association, spinal imaging with ultrasound in infants or magnetic resonance imaging in older …

Neutralization Of Interferon-Beta Promotes Hivspecific Car T Cell Engraftment And Proliferation, Tyler H. Yang, Sophia Mohammed, Matt Fair, Colby Maldini, Zhe Yuan, Luis Montaner, Daniel Claiborne

Research Day

Introduction: Even in antiretroviral therapy-treated people with HIV (PWH) exhibiting controlled viremia, infection is characterized by a sustained activation of type I interferon (IFN) pathways. Indeed, IFNβ is persistently expressed in the tissues of PWH, and the anti-proliferative effect of IFNβ represents an unappreciated hurdle to immunotherapies aimed at achieving an HIV functional cure.

Objectives: The primary objectives are to i) characterize the anti-proliferative effects of IFNβ on HIV-specific CAR T cells, ii) describe the mechanism(s) underlying IFNβ-mediated attenuation of CAR T cell function, and iii) devise base-editing strategies to ameliorate the negative effects of IFNβ on HIV-specific CAR T …

The Effects Of Bone Health And Variation On Saw Mark Signatures, Lily A. Ambrose, Richard A. Gonzalez

Research Day

Introduction

Bone health and structural variation are multifactorial. Population, environment, age, diet, and health influence the overall functional morphology of bone and its response to stressors. Reduced cortical porosity, trabecular thinning, and low bone mass are common indicators of age-related and pathological changes, affecting a significant portion of the population. Because of this, bones encountered in medicolegal investigations often differ from what is considered “normal.” The structural integrity of bone needs to be considered because density influences mechanical strength and response to external forces.

In criminal dismemberment cases, forensic scientists analyze saw marks to identify tool class and reconstruct events. …

The Use Of Tracheal Traction Exercises To Prevent Post-Operative Dysphagia Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy And Fusion, Emily Schmeiser, Elizabeth Gammer, Yasmine Eichbaum, Mitchell K. Ng, Gregorio Baek, Joshua Mathews, Morgan Hitchner, Yulia Lee, William A. Green, Thomas Cha, Mark Kurd, Ian D. Kaye, Jose A. Canseco, Alexander R. Vaccaro, Christopher K. Kepler, Gregory D. Schroeder

Research Day

Introduction: Dysphagia is a commonly reported complication following anterior cervical disc fusion (ACDF). Some of the risk factors that increase dysphagia incidence include elevated BMI, smoking, female gender, and diabetes mellitus type 2. Treatment with methylprednisone administration and manipulation of endotracheal cuff pressures has been correlated with milder dysphagia in the intraoperative and early post-operative period; however, long-term differences between the control and treatment groups have not been statistically significant. Tracheal traction exercises are of emerging interest for treating ACDF patients with dysphagia. The purpose of this systematic review is to explore the outcome of the use of pre-operative tracheal …

Delayed Presentation Of Cervical Myelopathy Diagnosed In A Pain Management Clinic, Clayton Mohler, Ron Lincow, Sarah Kizun

Research Day

Background: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a progressive condition that occurs due to degenerative changes of the spine that compress the spinal cord, leading to potential permanent neurological damage. It generally occurs in people over the age of 50 and has a wide range of clinical presentations with varying neurological symptoms. Because of its varied presentation, diagnosis is often delayed, resulting in increased morbidity.

Case Presentation: We present the case of a 69-year-old male referred to a pain management clinic by his primary care physician for evaluation of his significant neurological symptoms, including pain, weakness, gait disturbance, and reduced sensation. …

An Interventional Radiologist’S Approach To Paget-Schroetter Syndrome And Clinical Intervention Overview, Devon Winkelman, Asher S. Smart, Madelyn Sine-Karasick

Research Day

Introduction

Paget-Schroetter Syndrome is an occlusive thoracic outlet syndrome of the upper extremity affecting the axillary and subclavian vasculature most common in young adult men to middle aged men. Paget-Schroetter was first described in the late 1800s in reviews of young adults with repetitive arm use. Continuous overhead physical activity, cervical ribs, abnormal rib tubercles, and scalene impingement are common causes leading to repeated vessel injury and thrombosis affecting 1 in 100,000. The purpose of this exhibit is to gain an understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to Paget-Schroetter Syndrome and the clinical interventions available to patients with an emphasis …

Endogenous Opioid Signaling In The Regulation Of Food Intake: A Literature Review, Laica Tolentino, Kabirullah Lutfy

Research Day

Background: The rate of obesity and obesity-related diseases has continued to increase worldwide, classifying obesity as a global epidemic. Obesity is characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue or body fat, predominantly caused by a long-term energy imbalance between energy input and energy expenditure. There are two known complementary systems known to regulate food intake: the homeostatic pathway, which maintains energy balance via hypothalamic signaling, and the hedonic pathway, which mediates reward-driven eating through mesolimbic circuitry.

Objective: To review current literature on the role of endogenous opioids and opioid receptor signaling in regulating food intake, with emphasis on homeostatic and …

Adverse Hematologic Reaction In A 25-Year-Old Female: A Case Of Drug-Induced Cytopenia, Makayla E. Farr, Wenhui Zhu

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Drug-induced cytopenia is a rare but potentially serious hematologic adverse reaction that may present with nonspecific symptoms. This adverse reaction is typically caused by either direct myelotoxicity or immune-mediated destruction. The mechanism by which statins cause cytopenia is not fully understood; however, some studies hypothesize that it may be due to platelet apoptosis or an immune-mediated destruction via the drug’s metabolites triggering an immune response.

In this case, a young female developed cytopenia secondary to pravastatin 20mg. Upon presentation to the emergency department, she reported slurred speech and left upper extremity numbness, followed by facial droop. The physical examination …

A Case Study On Discoloration In A Carotid-Embalmed Cadaver: Histological And Chemical Analysis, Angel Edwards, Mark Shearer, Lakaiya Campbell, Blessed Jordan, Lyubena Stoykova, Georgiana Register, Shiv Dhiman, Rasheed Agboola

Research Day

Introduction/Background

Embalming is a widely used preservation technique in medical and forensic sciences, ensuring the prolonged integrity of cadaveric tissues. However, unexpected tissue discolorations, such as green-blue and red hues, may arise due to physiological, chemical, or microbial factors. Investigating the underlying causes of such discolorations is essential for optimizing embalming practices and maintaining tissue integrity for anatomical education.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the underlying causes of bluish-green and red discoloration in a cadaver embalmed through the common carotid artery. Specifically, we will examine potential contributing factors, including the vascular diffusion efficiency of formaldehyde-based embalming, postmortem microbial activity, …

Beyond Didactics And Instructing: Adapting Team-Based Learning And Reflective Practice To Develop Ethical Ai Engagement In Medical Students, Joshua Owolabi, Jennifer H. Shaw

Research Day

Background: Medical students widely adopt generative AI tools yet lack AI literacy, awareness, and technical competence required for critical evaluation and ethical use. AI ethics education remains largely absent from medical curricula.

Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-post design was used within a required Medical Humanities and Wellness course at a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) programme. A 2-hour session combined Team-Based Learning (TBL) with ERA (Experience-Reflection-Action) Reflective Practice. Pre-session (n = 113) and post-session (n = 104) surveys measured five domains: awareness, perception, knowledge, confidence, and attitude. Fifteen collaborative group reflections provided qualitative data analysed thematically within the ERA framework.

Results: …

Replaced Common Hepatic Artery Arising From The Superior Mesenteric Artery (Michel Type Ix): A Cadaveric Case With Surgical Implications, Michael G. Elkomos, George M. Zakour, Rachel E. Lippincott, Reginald D. Dixon, Chloe A. Davis, Blessing A. Adeyemo, Paul M. Catalano, Shiv Dhiman

Research Day

Background: Hepatic arterial anatomy demonstrates significant variability with important implications for hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery. Although the common hepatic artery (CHA) classically arises from the celiac trunk, hepatic arterial variants are reported in up to 25% of individuals. A replaced CHA originating from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), classified as Michel type IX anatomy, is considerably less common, with reported incidences ranging from approximately 1% to 4% in cadaveric and angiographic series. Recognition of such variants is essential to minimize intraoperative vascular injury and ischemic complications.

Objective: To describe a cadaveric case of a replaced CHA arising from the SMA …

A Case Study: Undiagnosed Familial Hypertriglyceridemia Inciting Acute Pancreatitis, Alice Koschella, Rachael Bonitatibus, Raymond Alvarez

Research Day

Background: Familial hyperlipidemia encompasses a group of inherited lipid metabolism disorders characterized by elevated serum cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels. Severe hypertriglyceridemia, particularly levels exceeding 1,000 mg/dL, is a well-established but less common cause of acute pancreatitis (1). Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas most frequently attributed to gallstones or alcohol use; however, hypertriglyceridemia accounts for approximately 1–10% of cases and is associated with increased morbidity when not promptly recognized and treated.

Introduction: Hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis results from excessive circulating triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, leading to free fatty acid release and pancreatic inflammation (2). Young patients without traditional risk factors …

Vaginal Rectopexy For Rectal Prolapse In Advanced Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Review Of Surgical Strategies, Williams Cheau, Ebony Isagba, Mykala Jackson, Sabirah Smith, Alexandria Neal

Research Day

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition in women, frequently involving the anterior or posterior vaginal compartments. While biologic grafts are increasingly used in cystocele repair, their application in rectocele repair remains rare and underreported.

A 61-year-old female presented with fecal incontinence, mixed urinary incontinence, and symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse, including a stage II midline cystocele, rectocele, and suspected rectal prolapse. She was scheduled for anterior and posterior vaginal wall repair.

This case illustrates a novel use of biologic grafting in rectocele repair with concurrent rectal prolapse management. While graft use in anterior repairs is becoming more common, its …

Anatomical And Morphological Analysis Of Meckel’S Diverticulum: A Cadaveric Case Study With Clinical Correlation, Jorgo Zi, Joshua Searles, Carl Yem, Kezia Itua, Sophia Guo, Nadine Belony, Kavitha Vudatha, Shiv Dhiman

Research Day

Background

Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital malformation associated with the gastrointestinal tract. During fetal development, the vitelline duct connecting the primitive midgut to the yolk sac normally regresses between the 5th and 7th week of gestation. Persistence of this duct, from an incomplete obliteration, leads to an out-pocketing distal to the ileum. MD is commonly characterized using the “Rule of Twos”, occurs in approximately 2% of the population, measures 2 inches in length, and located about 2 feet from the ileocecal valve. Meckel’s diverticulum is known to affect males more than females and is often found in …

A Septuagenarian Onset Of Als: A Case Report, Grace Jones, Rizwana Ashraf, Keith Gramling, Faith Hagler, Kent Posey

Research Day

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Lou-Gehrig's disease is a rapid progressing, terminal, multifocal neurodegenerative disease known for degenerating both upper and lower motor neurons. The average age of those who develop ALS is 40 to 70, with a mean age of 55 at diagnosis. The mean survival time is 2 to 5 years from symptom onset and 20 months from diagnosis. In the elderly population, the disease can go unrecognized due to vague symptoms of weakness which can be confused for other pathologies related to advanced age. Therapy is supportive, and there is no curative treatment.

A 75-year-old caucasian female …

Evaluation Of Left-Coronary Dominance And Its Effect On Cardiac Perfusion: A Cadaveric Study, Maxwell Trettin, Yousra Abo-Elhamd, Aidan Huckestein, Anish Sarkar, Xiunely Ricano Cadenas, Byron Her, Natalie Marrero, Emranul Huq

Research Day

Background: Coronary dominance refers to the arterial branching pattern supplying the inferior wall of the heart. Approximately 70–80% of individuals exhibit right-coronary dominance, in which the posterior descending artery (PDA) arises from the right coronary artery (RCA). Left-coronary dominance occurs in about 5–10% of the population and is defined by the PDA originating from the left circumflex artery (LCX), while codominance—where the PDA is supplied by both the RCA and LCX—occurs in 10–20% of individuals. Differences in myocardial perfusion have been observed among dominance patterns: right dominance typically results in the RCA supplying the inferior and inferoseptal ventricles, whereas left …

A Radical Response To Pmdd: When Hysterectomy Becomes The Answer, Jada M. Glenn, Makayla Farr, Christine Lurie

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) can cause the affected person’s debilitating pain, depression, and mood swings in a manner that is consistently associated with their menstrual cycle. PMDD is classified as a psychiatric disorder with its criteria outlined in the DSM-5. The etiology is unclear, but some risk factors include anxiety disorders, obesity, and cigarette smoking. Our case centers around a 44-year-old woman diagnosed with PMDD and treated by hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy as a potential cure for her diagnosis. Her treatment journey was riddled with misdiagnoses, failed medical therapies, and emotional turmoil. By contributing to the knowledge about PMDD, …

A Hard Pill To Swallow: Management Of Olanzapine-Induced Dysphagia, Anthony Pelache, Alexandria Neal, Alexandra Ortiz, Caleb Rowan

Research Day

Background:

Dysphagia is a concerning but uncommon adverse effect associated with both first- and second-generation antipsychotic (neuroleptic) medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings regarding impaired swallowing with neuroleptic use, and multiple studies and case reports have documented its occurrence across various agents. However, dysphagia presenting as an isolated or predominant adverse effect remains rarely described in the literature. The proposed mechanisms remain debated, with hypotheses including extrapyramidal dysfunction affecting oropharyngeal musculature versus anticholinergic-mediated impairment of swallowing reflexes. Regardless of etiology, reported management strategies are consistent and include dose reduction, discontinuation, or switching to an alternative antipsychotic …

Unexpected Histopathologic Diagnosis Of Endometrial Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma Following Elective Hysterectomy, Ruhdeep Randhawa, Allison Tresner, Christine Lurie

Research Day

Introduction:

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common gynecologic malignancies in women. It originates from the innermost lining of the uterus called the endometrium and is classified into either type 1, which is most common, or type 2. Type 1 comprises endometrial cancers of endometrioid origin while type 2 includes non-endometrioid origin including serous or clear cell. Risk factors contributing to type 1 involve unopposed estrogen exposure such as obesity, exogenous estrogen, estrogen-secreting tumors, chronic anovulation, tamoxifen therapy, early menarche, and late menopause. Unlike the availability of screening tests for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, endometrial cancer is usually …

Refining Baux And Rbaux: The Impact Of Full-Thickness Burn Depth On In-Hospital Mortality Prediction, Shihab Chowdhury, Jodeci Mitchell, Mike Manning, Mark Shearer, Bounthavy Homsombath, Martin Hardy, Zaheed Hassan, Shawn Fagan, Tayseer Chowdhry, Rajiv Sood

Research Day

Background

The Baux and revised Baux (rBaux) scores, combining age, total burned total body surface area (TBSA), and inhalation injury, are widely used to predict burn mortality. Clinically, deeper burns at a given TBSA are thought to carry higher risk, but it is unclear whether burn depth (proportion of 3rd-degree TBSA) meaningfully improves prediction beyond Baux/rBaux in a contemporary cohort.

Methods

We performed a retrospective single-center study of adult burn inpatients with available Baux/rBaux scores and documented 2nd- and 3rd-degree TBSA. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. We fit logistic regression models comparing Baux and rBaux to depth-augmented versions (adding …

Getting Back In The Fight: A Systematic Review Of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment For Concussion And Mild Traumatic Brain Injury–Related Symptoms In Military Personnel And Athletes, Austin Dobson, Samuel Jacobs, Rachel Lippincott, Maxwell Dean, John Rumbaugh

Research Day

Background: Concussion and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) are common among athletes and military service members and may result in persistent post-concussive symptoms, including headache, dizziness, sleep disturbance, and cognitive impairment. Current management strategies are largely supportive, and effective non-pharmacologic adjunctive therapies remain limited. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) has been proposed as a potential intervention to address somatic dysfunction and altered neurologic and fluid dynamics following concussion and mTBI.

Objective: To systematically review the clinical literature evaluating the effects and safety of osteopathic manipulative treatment in patients with concussion, mTBI, or post-concussion syndrome.

Methods: A systematic literature search identified peer-reviewed …

Severe Postpartum Hypertension And Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation In A 34-Year-Old African American Woman: Implications For Maternal Mortality And Racial Disparities, R. Neha Vangimalla, Allison J. Tresner, Christine A. Lurie

Research Day

Introduction: Postpartum hypertension and cardiomyopathy remain significant contributors to maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States, disproportionately affecting African American women. We present the case of a 34-year-old African American G6P3124 with a history of chronic hypertension and suspected peripartum cardiomyopathy. The patient presented four days postpartum with acute shortness of breath and orthopnea. Pregnancy was complicated by poorly controlled underlying chronic hypertension with worsening dyspnea requiring induction of labor at 36 weeks gestational age (GA) and prior hospitalization for volume overload, dyspnea, and COVID-19 at 33 weeks GA.

Case Description: On presentation, the patient was found to have …

Regional Selective Vulnerability To Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury In A Neurodegenerative Brain: A Cadaveric Case Study, Naomi Abraha, Jordan Ahlgren, Sangavi Sriranganathan, Tyrese Claridge-Rogers, Rasheed Agboola, Joshua Owolabi

Research Day

Introduction

Senile brain disease is characterized by progressive neurodegeneration, neuronal loss, abnormal protein aggregation, and structural changes within brain tissue that occur with aging. Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, are among the most common age-related neurological conditions and are associated with cognitive decline and widespread pathological changes throughout the brain. These disorders contribute significantly to morbidity in elderly populations and reflect the gradual deterioration of neural tissue.

Acute medical events may further exacerbate neurological damage in individuals with chronic neurodegenerative disease. Cardiopulmonary arrest is defined as the sudden cessation of cardiac and respiratory function, …