Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Impact Of Diet Modification And Physical Exercise On Chronic Htn Outcomes Compared To Typical Prescription Treatment Regimen, Artem Duda, Aishwarya Muppoor, Ahson Haider, Meshva Patel, Katherine Xie, Faiqa Ali

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Hypertension remains a leading global cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, affecting over one billion individuals worldwide. While pharmacologic therapy remains the standard of care, growing evidence supports the role of lifestyle modification as an effective strategy for hypertension control. This literature review evaluates the effectiveness of dietary interventions and physical exercise versus standard antihypertensive medication regimens in adults with chronic hypertension. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search of PubMed and Embase (2015–2025) identified 5,178 citations, with 12 systematic reviews and meta-analyses meeting inclusion criteria. Across studies, structured exercise and dietary interventions consistently reduced systolic blood pressure by approximately 3–12 …

The Comparative Efficacy Of Perioperative Pharmacological And Non-Pharmacological Strategies In Reducing Post-Anesthesia Cognitive Impairment Among Elderly Patients: A Literature Review, Mehnaz Islam Khan, Natalie Santos De La Torre, Christine Cherian, Shreya Shah

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Older adults (≥65 years) are at increased risk for postoperative cognitive impairment, including postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), which contribute to prolonged recovery, increased morbidity, and mortality. Preventive strategies include pharmacological interventions and non-pharmacological approaches such as cognitive training; however, these approaches are typically studied in isolation. The purpose of this literature review was to compare the effectiveness of perioperative pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in reducing postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly surgical patients. A review of six studies, including randomized controlled trials and cohort studies, was conducted in patients undergoing cardiac, spinal, and noncardiac surgeries. Cognitive outcomes, …

Vitamin K And The Vaccine Cascade: Pediatric Patterns In Southern Nj, Kianna Bruzzo, Clare Stephens, Nicole Streeks-Wooden

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background:

Intramuscular (IM) vitamin K is recommended at birth to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB), a potentially life-threatening condition that can result in intracranial hemorrhage or death. Prior research suggests a relationship between refusal of vitamin K prophylaxis at birth and subsequent vaccination patterns, with refusal potentially extending to other neonatal preventive services. In New Jersey, vaccination trends from 2017–2025 demonstrate a decline in the proportion of pre-kindergarten children meeting school vaccination requirements. This study aims to explore whether vitamin K administration at birth is associated with subsequent vaccination patterns in South Jersey.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was …

Cultural Influences In Psychiatry, Kavita Bhavsar, Mayuri Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The patient is a 26-year-old female presenting with unspecified hallucinations, delusional thinking, concerns for catatonia and potential sex-trafficking. This case study highlights the importance of approaching each patient through their unique cultural lens while examining and minimizing our own biases while navigating each patient holistically and individually.

“This Wasn’T You”: Mania, Agency, And Moral Responsibility In Psychiatric Practice​, Phillip Mastoridis, Justin Scarano, Timothy Wong

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

A manic episode is a state of abnormally elevated or irritable mood with increased energy, impaired judgment, and risky or uncharacteristic behavior. This poster examines a case in which a woman, during a manic episode, placed doxylamine succinate, an over‑the‑counter sedating antihistamine, into her husband’s drink. After stabilization, she expressed shame and confusion about the act. In the clinical encounter, the treating psychiatrist responded, “It wasn’t you,” intending to reduce self‑blame and facilitate engagement in treatment. This reassurance was therapeutically effective but raises a deeper philosophical question: in what sense, if any, is it true?

A Quasi-Experimental Study To Examine The Food Bucks Rx Program For Food Insecure Patients With Chronic Conditions In A Hospital Outpatient Setting, Nicole A. Vaughn, Robert E. Post, Charlampos Papachristou, Maikel Mansour, April Schetler, Gwen Ockenlaender, Julia Koprak, Elise Mitchell, Benjamin Topiel, Melanie Ernest, Nadine Nugent, Carmen Byker Shanks

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Objective: Primary purpose of this study was to determine the potential impact of FBRx versus standard of care (SoC) on dietary intake and health outcomes. Design: Quasi-experimental 2-group design, with pre- and post- data using the EHR to capture biometrics, food insecurity, and dietary behavior from participants over the intervention. Setting: Hospital-based food pantry program connected community resources Participants: 587 enrolled participants, 304 in intervention group and 283 in SoC group. Inclusion criteria: screened positive for food insecurity and at least 1 documented chronic condition.  Intervention: FBRx participants received $30 per month in produce vouchers for …

Isolation And Quantification Of Rna From Extracellular Vesicles Derived From A549 Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells Using Ultracentrifugation, Yousef Dimian, Vanessa Pizutelli, Dimitri Pestov

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained attention as potential diagnostic tools due to their presence in body fluids and their ability to carry nucleic acids, including RNA. EV-derived RNA, particularly ribosomal RNA (rRNA), may reflect cellular stress and disease states, making it a promising biomarker1, 2. This project focuses on optimizing methods to isolate EVs and quantify their RNA content using human cell culture models. Differential ultracentrifugation was used to separate vesicle populations based on size, followed by RNA extraction and quantification using a high-sensitivity assay. Initial experiments using media from three 150 mm culture dishes yielded no detectable RNA, whereas …

Refractory Catatonia In Schizoaffective Disorder (Bipolar Type) Successfully Treated With Electroconvulsive Therapy, Shreya Kadi, Victoria Coles

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome

associated with mood and psychotic disorders and may

become life-threatening if untreated. While benzodiazepines

are first-line therapy, some cases are refractory and require

electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Hypothesis: Early use of ECT in refractory catatonia leads to

improved clinical and functional outcomes.

Methods: We present a retrospective case analysis of a 62-

year-old female with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type,

who developed severe catatonia during inpatient psychiatric

hospitalization. Clinical course, Bush–Francis Catatonia Rating

Scale scores, and response to treatment were reviewed.

Results: The patient presented with severe catatonia (Bush–

Francis score 19) and elevated creatine kinase …

Adolescent Opioid Use And Prefrontal Cortex Development - A Systematic Review, Jonathan Perumpail, Liam Kerrick, Shreya Kadi

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Adolescence represents a critical period of neurodevelopment characterized by ongoing maturation of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), a brain region essential for executive function, impulse control, and behavioral regulation. Exposure to opioids during this vulnerable window may disrupt neural development and lead to long-term consequences. This review synthesizes current preclinical and human evidence examining the effects of adolescent opioid exposure on PFC development. Across rodent models, opioid exposure is associated with impaired synaptogenesis, altered dopaminergic signaling, and dysregulation of the prefrontal-mesolimbic circuits involved in decision making. Human studies showed reduced functional connectivity and white matter changes in those with opioid use …

Cannabis Use Disorder And Executive Function - A Literature Review, Jonathan Perumpail

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is recognized as a psychiatric condition characterized by persistent and problematic cannabis consumption that leads to marked functional impairment. Growing evidence suggests that chronic CUD exerts significant effects on executive functions such as inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, goal-directed behavior, and decision-making. This literature review integrates findings from 25 studies focusing specifically on individuals with objectively diagnosed CUD to explore the effects on cognition in this patient population. Across studies, deficits in executive function are consistently observed, with adolescents and early-onset users demonstrating increased vulnerability. Neuroimaging studies reveal structural and functional alterations in the prefrontal cortex and …

Developing A Computational Pipeline For Biomarker Discovery In Ischemic Reperfusion Injury, Surabhi Panda, Kaitlyn Insana, Dimitri Pestov

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) contributes significantly to tissue damage in cardiovascular disease. During IRI, stressed and dying cells release ribosomal RNA, which exhibits distinct fragmentation patterns that may serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers. Although these patterns have been observed using low-resolution biochemical techniques, there is currently no standardized computational approach to quantify and visualize RNA fragmentation for clinical interpretation.

Hypothesis: A computational pipeline can be developed to visualize and analyze ribosomal RNA fragmentation patterns, enabling identification of distinct fragmentation hotspots associated with ischemic conditions and potential biomarker discovery.

Methods: RNA fragmentation datasets generated from ribosomal RNA experiments in a Saccharomyces …

Health Outcomes In Heat-Intense Areas In Response To Socioeconomic Status, Victoria Zheng, Chandni Patel, Emily Fried, Jayanth Ambat, Lincoln Opara, Rohan Gupta

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: As ambient temperature rises, regions experiencing extreme heat face serious health concerns. This disproportionately affects lower socioeconomic status (SES) individuals in urban areas. This review examines how these “heat islands” affect the health outcomes for those in different socioeconomic statuses.

Methods: The databases used were PubMed, Embase, and Medline, and were searched with keywords such as “heat islands”, “social inequality”, “SES”, and “health outcomes”. After compiling, articles were screened using the inclusion criteria of ages, gender, peer-reviewed and English-written publications, from any location, social determinants as a primary outcome, and directly compared heat with social determinants of health. Articles …

Tat-Beclin 1 And Exercise: Investigating Their Potential Synergy In Improving Sarcopenia-Related Muscle Changes In A Mouse Model, Shreya Krishnan, Thuan Thien Tchen, Kleiton Silva, Gabryel Sales Nascimento

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

No abstract provided.

What Is The Role Of The Gut Microbiome In Modulating Immune Tolerance And The Development Of Allergic Disease In Infants?, Priyal Gajera

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: The infant gut microbiome plays a critical role in immune system development during the early-life “window of immune education.”¹ Microbial colonization influences immune tolerance through mechanisms such as regulatory T-cell (Treg) induction, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and mucosal immune regulation. Disruptions in this process (dysbiosis) are associated with increased risk of allergic diseases, including food allergy, atopic dermatitis, and asthma. Environmental and maternal factors such as delivery mode, antibiotic exposure, and feeding practices significantly impact microbial composition and immune outcomes.²

Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed with search terms related to the gut microbiome, …

Incidence Of Stroke Post Pulmonary Thrombectomy: Implications For Periprocedural Management, Rohan Umrani, Rameez Shahid, Luai Tabaza

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: The incidence of stroke after pulmonary thrombectomy (PT) remains unknown. Given the incidence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) of 25% in autopsy studies, the concern for paradoxical embolus in this patient population warrants evaluation of periprocedural management.

Methods: We queried the EPIC EHR at Virtua Health in New Jersey for all patients who underwent PT from 2021-2025, categorized by utilization of the Inari Flowtriever system or the Penumbra thrombectomy device. We assessed post-PT cerebrovascular accident (CVA), PFO presence by transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), and gender via descriptive statistics. Age, average anesthesia time and procedure supply cost were assessed via two-sided …

Enhancing Wellness And Healthcare Support For Medical Students At Rowan-Virtua Som: A Comprehensive Needs Assessment, Han Jie Liu, Karen Welding-Brown, Joanne Kaiser Smith

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: While the rigors of medical education are well-documented, high stress levels have been shown to negatively impact academic performance. Despite this, Rowan-Virtua SOM currently lacks structured programs that address students’ unique healthcare and wellness needs. This study evaluates the wellness challenges and healthcare barriers faced by pre-clinical students (classes of 2028 and 2029) to inform targeted institutional support.   Methods: A descriptive survey-based study was distributed to all pre-clinical students at Rowan-Virtua SOM. The IRB-expempt (PRO-2025-114) Qualtrics survey assessed four domains: 1) demographics, 2) mental and physical wellness, 3) lifestyle patterns, and 4) access to healthcare and barriers.   Results: Fifty-four …

Impact Of A Novel Surgical Technique On Dual Kidney Transplant Outcomes, Kunj Patel, Rayyan Nadeem

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

In traditional Dual Kidney Transplantation (DKT) techniques, kidneys may be placed bilaterally (one kidney in each iliac fossa) or unilaterally (both kidneys implanted on the same side) with an aortic patch. Several studies have shown the advantages and disadvantages of these traditional transplant techniques, as well as the risks and possible complications. Some general complications that come with kidney transplant surgeries include hypertension, post-transplant diabetes mellitus, peri-graft collections. The unilateral placement techniques offer advantages such as using a single surgical site and reduced operative time but could be associated with complications like lymphocele or ureteric stricture. The bilateral placement techniques …

Missense Mutations In The Snca Gene: Molecular Mechanisms And Clinical Implications, Pranaya Gade, Nishant Patel, Jamir Pitton Rissardo, Jorge Patino, Ana Fornari-Caprara, Ian Walker

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The SNCA gene on chromosome 4 encodes the alpha-synuclein (αSyn) protein, which plays a central role in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA). While αSyn has established roles in synaptic vesicle dynamics and neuronal signaling, alterations in SNCA regulation and sequence contribute to protein misfolding, aggregation, and loss of function. Alterations in secondary and tertiary structure, as well as protein aggregation, affect biochemical interactions, ultimately leading to pathogenesis. This review outlines the molecular architecture of the SNCA gene, including regulatory regions, alternative splicing, and untranslated regions that influence …

Prevalence And Clinical Correlates Of Restless Legs Syndrome In Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review And Meta‑Analysis, Jamir Pitton Rissardo Md, Daarsh Goradia, Jarvish Shah, Nishant Patel, Pranaya Gade, Ana Leticia Fornari Caprara Md

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is increasingly recognized in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), yet published prevalence estimates remain highly variable, largely because of small sample sizes and methodological heterogeneity. We sought to estimate the pooled prevalence of RLS in NMOSD using published observational studies. Methods: A systematic literature search of PubMed was performed using the terms “restless legs syndrome” AND “neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder”, identifying all original studies reporting RLS prevalence in NMOSD. Seven studies (2016–2026) met inclusion criteria. Study‑level data on RLS events and NMOSD sample size were extracted. A proportion‑weighted fixed‑effect meta‑analysis was performed. Pooled prevalence estimates …

Effective Peer Feedback With The Situation-Behavior-Impact (Sbi) Model, Steven Garwood, Dawn Shell, Emily Hoffman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Providing effective peer feedback is an essential professional skill in medical education, yet students often receive limited formal training in how to deliver feedback constructively. This study describes the design, implementation, and outcomes of a one‑hour synchronous workshop introducing first‑year medical students to the Situation–Behavior–Impact (SBI) feedback model. The interactive session combined didactic instruction, large‑group discussion of effective feedback characteristics, and small‑group practice creating structured SBI feedback statements. Effectiveness was evaluated using pre‑ and post‑workshop confidence surveys and a rubric‑based analysis of 75 group‑generated feedback statements. Following the workshop, 98% of students agreed or strongly agreed they could apply the …

Barriers To Asthma Management And Specialty Care Among Low-Income Families In South Jersey, Sally Park, Courtney Ray-Fofana, Christal Onwuegbule

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that remains a significant public health concern, particularly among low-income and underserved populations. This poster presents a focused review of existing literature and publicly available data to examine barriers to asthma management and access to specialty care in South Jersey, with emphasis on counties such as Camden, Atlantic, and Cumberland.

Data were synthesized from sources including PubMed, the New Jersey Department of Health, and the National Institutes of Health to evaluate asthma prevalence, disease burden, and the impact of social determinants of health. Current estimates suggest that approximately 8.8%–9.0% of adults in New Jersey …

Efficacy And Safety Of Levetiracetam For Essential Tremor: A Systematic Review And Meta‑Analysis, Jamir Pitton Rissardo, Daarsh Goradia, Nishant Patel, Jarvish Shah, Pranaya Gade, Ana Leticia Fornari Caprara Md

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Essential tremor (ET) is a common movement disorder with limited therapeutic options. Levetiracetam has been proposed as a potential treatment, but published studies report inconsistent efficacy and safety findings. We performed a meta‑analysis to quantify the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam in patients with essential tremor using pooled effect estimates. Methods: A systematic review of PubMed was performed to identify clinical studies evaluating levetiracetam for ET. Continuous efficacy outcomes were pooled using standardized mean differences (SMD) with inverse‑variance random‑effects models. Binary adverse events were pooled using risk ratios (RR) with Mantel–Haenszel random‑effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. …

Pediatric Cannabis Exposure Rates In Southern New Jersey: One Hospital’S Experience, Shay Greco

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background:

Cannabis legalization in New Jersey (NJ), made recreationally available in April 2022, has increased accessibility through 254 dispensaries in state. The products distributed from these dispensaries often resemble candy and present a risk to the pediatric population. The pediatric endocannabinoid system's developmental characteristics, with CB1 receptors localizing in neurovegetative brainstem regions, make exposure to cannabis dangerous. Severe exposures may present with respiratory depression and coma.  Previous studies from other states demonstrated a five-fold increase in pediatric exposures following state recreational legalization.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective epidemiological study of ED encounters for cannabis exposure using ICD-10 codes F12.1 and …

Data-Driven Analysis Of Lecture Capture Transcript Accuracy Of The Biomedical Foundations Course Using Automated Speech Recognition, Eleni Papadopoulos, Shaniece Lawrence, Steve Garwood, Dawn Shell, Jacqueline A. Giacobbe

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

To increase the accessibility and utility of lecture capture recordings, schools may utilize automated speech recognition (ASR) to generate closed-captions and transcripts. But, how accurate are these systems? This study analyzed 50 ASR-generated transcripts using word error rate (WER) and further sought to determine factors that impact accuracy. Only 19 of 50 (38%) transcripts met the 99% accuracy standard required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The lecturer's accent was the most significant factor affecting accuracy, though medical jargon also presented a challenge. These findings suggest system improvements and manual review are necessary to ensure students receive accurate information.

Collet–Sicard Syndrome Secondary To Internal Carotid Artery Dissection Following Cervical Self-Manipulation, Ryan K. Alali, James Espinosa Md, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report a case of a 40-year-old male presenting with progressive dysphagia who was ultimately diagnosed with Collet–Sicard syndrome secondary to internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection. While most reported cases are associated with trauma, this case highlights an atypical etiology following cervical self-manipulation. The patient presented with dysphagia to solids, liquids, and saliva, along with several days of ipsilateral headache and neck pain. Neurologic examination revealed tongue deviation, prompting advanced imaging. CTA demonstrated left ICA dissection, which was further characterized on MRI. The patient was managed with dual antiplatelet therapy and multidisciplinary care, including neurology, neurosurgery, and speech-language pathology, and …

Impact Of Early Term Induction Of Labor On Cesarean Delivery And Impact Of Early Term Induction Of Labor On Cesarean Delivery And Maternal-Fetal Outcomes In Patients With Obesity: A Maternal-Fetal Outcomes In Patients With Obesity, Priya Patel, Nathanael Hoskins

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: Obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m²) in pregnancy is associated with increased risks, including gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, and higher cesarean delivery (CD) rates. Evidence supporting early-term (37 0/7–38 6/7 weeks) induction of labor (IOL) to improve outcomes remains limited. This study evaluated whether IOL in patients with obesity is associated with decreased CD rates.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included pregnancies undergoing IOL between 37 0/7 and 41 6/7 weeks from 2018–2023 at a single institution. Exclusion criteria included spontaneous labor, prior CD, multiple gestations, fetal anomalies, non-vertex presentation, and pre-labor rupture of membranes. Primary exposures were …

Gram-Negative Infective Endocarditis : A Rare Case Of Escherichia Coli Pulmonic Valve Endocarditis, Caroline Nguyen, Philip Willsie, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Infective endocarditis (IE) is most commonly caused by gram-positive organisms, while Escherichia coli accounts for less than 1% of reported cases. Pulmonic valve involvement is particularly rare, representing fewer than 2% of IE cases. We report a case of E. coli infective endocarditis involving the pulmonic valve complicated by spinal epidural abscess and ascending cholangitis in a patient with intravenous drug use. Blood cultures demonstrated persistent E. coli bacteremia, and further evaluation with echocardiography and MRI revealed pulmonic valve vegetations and epidural abscess. This case highlights the importance of evaluating persistent gram-negative bacteremia for infective endocarditis and metastatic infection.

Case Report: Termination Of Svt Using A Modified Vagal Maneuver With A 10-Cc Syringe, Romina Noormohammadi, Kelsey Murray, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a common cardiac arrhythmia encountered in emergency departments and is characterized by a rapid regular rhythm originating above the ventricles. Initial management of hemodynamically stable SVT typically includes vagal maneuvers followed by pharmacologic therapy such as adenosine if non-pharmacologic methods fail. However, vagal maneuvers are frequently unsuccessful due to improper patient execution or insufficient vagal stimulation. We present the case of a 76-year-old female with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension (HTN), and hyperlipidemia (HLD) who presented with palpitations and was found to have SVT at 156 beats per minute on electrocardiogram. A Valsalva …

Case Report: Reverse Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, Aveen Saed, Dhara Patel, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Reverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (rTTC) is a rare variant of stress-induced cardiomyopathy characterized by basal and mid–left ventricular (LV) akinesis with apical sparing. It may mimic acute coronary syndrome and can present with cardiogenic shock. We present a 32-year-old female with substance use disorder who presented with severe abdominal pain and hypertensive emergency (SBP >240 mmHg), found to have reverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy with an ejection fraction (EF) decline to 25% complicated by cardiogenic shock requiring inotropic support. Her course was notable for dynamic LV mid-cavity obstruction during recovery and complete normalization of LV systolic function (EF 65%) within two weeks. This …

Case Report: Acute Encephalopathy Revealing Severe Babesiosis With Lyme Co-Infection, Czarina Gebrelle K. Soriano, James Espinosa, Alan Lucer

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Acute confusion in older adults is a common emergency department presentation with a broad differential diagnosis. Tick-borne illnesses can cause significant systemic disease and may present with nonspecific neurologic or constitutional symptoms, making early recognition challenging. Babesiosis is a tick-borne parasitic infection transmitted by Ixodes ticks and may occur concurrently with other infections such as Lyme disease, further complicating diagnosis. We present a case of a 67-year-old male who presented with acute confusion and was found to have concurrent babesiosis and Lyme disease. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for tick-borne co-infections in patients …