Anatomy Commons^™

Improving Anesthesia Provider Confidence In The Identification, Management, And Treatment Of Postoperative Delirium, Brittany M. Whistle, Charles Dustin Phelps

Scholars Week

Purpose: Postoperative Delirium (POD) is a potentially devastating complication of anesthesia that is poorly understood by clinical staff leading to poor outcomes for surgical patients. This study is meant to determine if a focused knowledge presentation accompanied by visual aids could increase anesthesia providers confidence in identifying, diagnosing, and treating Postoperative Delirium.

Methodology: Utilizing a statistical model to analyze respondents results on a standardized test administered before and after an informational presentation with visual aids on the topic of Postoperative Delirium.

Results: Results indicated a statistically significant difference between pretest and posttest scores, with a p-value of .002, t(11) = …

A Retrospective Study On The Associations Of Clinical Measures To Mortality In Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (Ecmo) Patients, Ammar F. Chauhdri, Ryan Davis Md, Christina Shanti Md, Michelle Veenstra Md, Megan Zacarias, Samantha Carranza, Laura Sansoterra, Nimr Assaf, Christian Hudson-Bradford Md, Elika Ridelman Phd

Medical Student Research Symposium

A Retrospective Study on the Associations of Clinical Measures to Mortality in Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Patients

Ammar Chauhdri; Ryan Davis, MD; Christina Shanti, MD; Michelle Veenstra, MD; Megan Zacarias; Samantha Carranza; Laura Sansoterra; Nimr Assaf; Christian Hudson-Bradford, MD; Elika Ridelman, PhD

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of temporary cardiopulmonary support used in critically ill pediatric patients when conventional therapies fail, yet survival to discharge remains only ~50% nationwide. Prior studies have identified candidate mortality predictors and developed basic risk scores, but these models have limited accuracy and are often derived from registry-level or narrowly defined …

Assessing Functional Visual Recovery After Retinal Regeneration In Zebrafish Using The Optokinetic Response (Okr), Yeganeh Tabatabaei Alavi, Yeganeh Tabatabaei Alavi

Medical Student Research Symposium

Zebrafish have a unique ability to regenerate retinal neurons through Müller glia-mediated reprogramming, a process not found in mammals. While structural regeneration has been extensively documented, the degree to which regenerated photoreceptors restore functional vision remains unclear. The optokinetic response (OKR), a reflexive eye-tracking behavior triggered by moving visual stimuli, provides a quantitative, non-invasive method to assess visual performance. This study aims to determine whether photoreceptor regeneration following acute and chronic light-induced injury results in functional restoration of vision. Adult zebrafish will be divided into three groups: uninjured control, acute injury (short-term high-intensity light), and chronic injury (long-term low-intensity light). …

The Effect Of Cerebral Somatosensory Network Priming On Language Function In Chronic L-Mca Ischemic Stroke: A Companion Case Study, Mandelin E. Wollesen

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Chronic aphasia following a left middle cerebral artery (L-MCA) stroke is often associated with limited recovery beyond the acute phase, necessitating interventions that target neuroplastic mechanisms. This study examined the effects of somatosensory pneumotactile stimulation paired with cognitive-linguistic tasks on functional language performance in an individual with chronic aphasia. Using a single-subject pre-post design, the participant completed a 10-week intervention protocol involving repeated pneumotactile stimulation via the GALILEO system combined with language and motor tasks. Outcomes were assessed using standardized measures, discourse-based language samples, oral reading, repetition, and phonemic verbal fluency. Discourse was analyzed using Correct Information Units (CIUs), words …

Goal-Directed Perfusion Strategies And Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury: A Scoping Review, Austin Davis

Student Works

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a frequent and clinically important complication following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Goal-directed perfusion (GDP) strategies—most commonly targeting indexed oxygen delivery (DO₂i) and/or other hemodynamic and metabolic parameters—have been proposed to reduce renal injury by improving renal oxygenation and perfusion during CPB.

Methods: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses – Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) compliant scoping review identified 28 adult CPB studies evaluating GDP strategies and postoperative AKI outcomes.

Results: Maintenance of indexed oxygen delivery (DO2i) above critical thresholds and minimizing hemodilution were consistently associated with reduced AKI.

Conclusion: GDP strategies centered on maintaining …

What Is New In Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support In 2024-2025?, Maya Guglin

The VAD Journal

This review covers the most interesting publications on temporary mechanical circulatory support in 2024-2025. We include the latest research on intra-aortic balloon pumps, Impella devices, and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

The Effects Of Body Mass Index On Fertility And In Vitro Fertilization, Morgan R. Kidd

Honors College Theses

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most widely used type of assisted reproductive technology for treating infertility arising from a number of conditions. As obesity rates continue to climb in the United States, infertility has been discovered to have a direct correlation. Individuals that fall below or above the healthy body mass index range are found to have disrupted regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, resulting in diminished reproductive health. Those that are diagnosed as infertile due to conditions caused by the effects of low body mass index or high body mass index may seek assisted reproductive technologies to intervene in achieving …

Alternative Anticoagulation Strategies For Heparin-Intolerant Patients Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Scoping Review Of Patient Outcomes, Zachary Nelson

Student Works

Background/Introduction: Heparin intolerance, most notably heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), presents a major clinical challenge during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), where systemic anticoagulation is essential for safe circulation through the extracorporeal circuit. While several alternative anticoagulants have been described, there is limited consensus regarding their safety, dosing, and outcomes. The objective of this study was to map existing evidence describing alternative anticoagulation strategies for heparin-intolerant adult patients undergoing CPB and to summarize reported patient outcomes, dosing strategies, and intraoperative management considerations.

Methodology: This scoping review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) …

Selective Retention Of Birdshot Pellets In The Rearfoot: A Case Demonstrating Tissue Preservation And Functional Recovery, Yasim Zafar, Steven Bolton, Alexandria Armstrong, Hooman Mir

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Level of Evidence: III (Case Study)

Statement of Purpose: Gunshot wounds to the foot pose a unique surgical dilemma—whether to pursue aggressive foreign body removal or to preserve soft tissue integrity. This case highlights the management of a birdshot injury to the rearfoot where selective non-removal of pellets near the neurovascular bundle led to complete healing and full functional recovery. The purpose is to emphasize tissue preservation over aggressive exploration in complex ballistic foot injuries.

Case Study: A 26-year-old female sustained a birdshot gunshot wound to the right rearfoot. Multiple small entry wounds were noted on the posterior and plantar …

Feeding The Mind: Dietary Consumption And Neural Aging, Bhavani Tuppale

Senior Theses

Neural aging is the process of physiological decline in the brain and increased vulnerability to neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease are associated with aging and the interaction of genetics and lifestyle choices. Previous research studies have connected Alzheimer’s disease with dysfunction in the metabolic system. To combat age-associated dysfunctions in the metabolic system, research studies propose using the ketogenic diet, which utilizes ketone bodies as an energy source instead of glucose. The thesis analyzes literature on the effect of neural aging on various model organisms, how a ketogenic diet affects aging model organisms, and how aging and …

Loss Of Sarm1 Affects Myelin Uptake And Clearance In Macrophages, Grace J. Bergeron

Senior Theses

Clearance of myelin debris is an essential step in nerve regeneration after injury in both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), a process that is primarily carried out by macrophages. Failure to phagocytose and clear myelin can prolong inflammation and impair recovery. Sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing protein 1 (SARM1) is well researched as a regulator of axonal degeneration, yet its role in macrophages is still unclear. This study investigates how sarm1 deletion and cytokine signaling influence macrophage uptake and clearance of CNS and PNS myelin in vitro. Splenic macrophages isolated from wild-type (WT) and sarm1 …

Cell-Free Mitochondrial Dna (Mtdna) Triggers Vascular Dysfunction Via Toll-Like Receptor 9 (Tlr9)-Dependent Activation Of Inflammasomes, Mohin Amin

Senior Theses

Hypertension is the leading global risk factor for mortality and is closely associated with vascular inflammation and dysfunction. Damaged mitochondria release cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mtDNA), which activates toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9). The binding of TLR9 to mtDNA activates the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, promoting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines via gasdermin D (GSDMD), therefore worsening inflammation. However, the mechanisms linking mitochondrial injury to inflammation-induced vascular dysfunction remain unclear. We hypothesize that cf-mtDNA triggers TLR9-dependent NLRP3 inflammasome activation contributing to vascular and endothelial dysfunction. To assess that, adult male C57BL/6 were exposed to 28 consecutive days of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) or …

Evaluating Forearm Strength Variability In Collegiate Tennis Players Over The Course Of A Competitive Season, Jeffrey Williams, Payton Jensen, Kevin Laudner

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The muscles of the forearm undergo routine, forceful, and repetitive contractions while playing tennis and may experience adaptive changes that can precede injury. An understanding of forearm strength profiles of tennis players following a competitive season would assist clinicians’ evidence-based management of the forearm’s readiness for training, competition, and return-to-sport participation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the effects of a competitive tennis season on forearm strength among collegiate tennis athletes. A prospective, case-series design was used to examine a convenience sample of 15 asymptomatic NCAA Division I tennis players (males = 10, height = 182.88 [SD …

Prescribed Aerobic Exercise And Sport-Related Concussion Recovery: A Validation Case Series, Lacy L. Chapel, Tamara C. Valovich Mcleod

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Active rehabilitation, including prescribed sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise implemented during the acute phase of recovery after sport-related concussion, has been shown to facilitate recovery and reduce the risk of persisting postconcussion symptoms. The purpose of this validation case series was to evaluate currently available external evidence regarding the effects of prescribed aerobic exercise interventions on recovery after sport-related concussion. For this study, the patient population included college athletes diagnosed with a sport-related concussion who participated in at least 5 days per week of supervised, prescribed aerobic exercise, based on graded aerobic exercise testing and heart rate threshold. Our study findings …

Quality Of Athletic Training Services For Lower Extremity Injuries, Katie Sniffen, Michael Rozier, Katherine Stamatakis, Paula Buchanan, Janet E. Simon, Leslie Hinyard

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The use of patient-reported outcomes in athletic training is inconsistent, limiting the ability to communicate service quality and value to key stakeholders. The objective of this study is to calculate meaningful quality outcome measures for athletic training services for lower extremity injuries in high school student-athletes. Data were collected from a subset of the National Athletic Treatment, Injury and Outcomes Network Surveillance Program and a convenience sample of high school student-athletes with patient-reported outcome measures for lower extremity time-loss injuries. Failure-toprogress proportions (FTPPs) were calculated using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) for knee/thigh injuries and the Foot …

Comfort Level Of Collegiate Student-Athletes In Opposite And Same-Gender Patient/Provider Relationships In Athletic Training, Samantha Dickie, Yashu Tang, Sydney Nelson, Emily Madrak

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Gender-based comfort in patient-provider relationships is a vital aspect of athletic training care. As the profession continues to evolve—particularly with a growing number of women athletic trainers (ATs) and progression of athletic training curriculum—it is essential to understand how gender dynamics influence the comfort of collegiate athletes when receiving care. This cross-sectional survey study examined how athlete comfort varies when treated by same- versus opposite-gender ATs in general patient care and in pathology-based scenarios. Ninety-six collegiate student-athletes (62.5% female) with the mean age of 20.26 (SD 1.7) years from NCAA and NAIA institutions completed the Gender Comfort with Athletic Trainer …

Acute Management Of A Hamate Fracture In A Collegiate Baseball Player: A Disablement Model Case Study, Kayleigh A. De Koker, Cory E. Barton, Lindsey E. Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The purpose of this disablement model case study was to outline a collegiate baseball player with an isolated hamate fracture including the injury evaluation, diagnosis, and acute management. During a tournament game, the collegiate career of the patient ended abruptly following an injury sustained while at bat. The patient attempted to bat again but encountered significant difficulty due to the increasing pain in his hand. Consequently, the athletic trainer was called out for an on-field examination. The patient presented with no edema or ecchymosis but severe pain in the hypothenar eminence. This patient also presented with decreased grip strength with …

Suture Augmentation With Ucl Repairs In Baseball Pitchers As An Alternate To Reconstructions: An Evidence-To-Practice Review, Kayleigh A. De Koker, Kenneth E. Games

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

An injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is sustained through repetitive valgus motions, increasing in prevalence across all levels of baseball due to the increasing workload demands placed on the medial elbow in pitching. Traditionally, UCL tears have been managed through reconstructions followed by a lengthy rehabilitation process. In recent years, the UCL repair with suture augmentation has gained favor given the enhanced patient and clinician outcomes in return-to-play timelines, decreased medial gapping, improved Kerlan Jobe Orthopedic Clinic (KJOC) scores, and long-term functionality. Utilizing 4 databases (MEDLINE, Embase Cochrane library, Science Direct, and Scopus), literature was obtained addressing the …

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections In An Elite Level Diver: A Disablement Model Case Study, Matt O'Sullivan, Dominique M. Stevens, Lindsey E. Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

This article presents a case of complicated and recurrent pyelonephritis, an infection of 1 or both kidneys, in an elitelevel diver. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common outpatient infections in the United States; most are uncomplicated and resolve without significant mortality or morbidity. However, UTIs have the potential to present significant clinical challenges if the UTI becomes complicated or recurrent. Additionally, recurrent UTIs can carry a significant burden to both the individual patients and the larger healthcare system. The current paper reviews the epidemiological literature surrounding UTIs, the significant impact they have on a patient’s health-related quality …

Comparison Of Vibrating And Non-Vibrating Foam Roller On Hamstring Range Of Motion, Rakhoon Sung, Portia B. Resnick, Karen G. Roos, Mimi Nakajima

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Tightness in the distal hamstring is a common complaint among active individuals. While a foam roller is used to release muscle tension, there are limited studies about the effect using a vibrating foam roller (VFR) on hamstring flexibility and knee range of motion (ROM). For this reason, the purpose of the research was to compare the effect of a VFR and nonvibrating foam roller (NVFR) on hamstring flexibility and knee ROM in active college students. It was hypothesized that there would be more improvement in hamstring flexibility and knee ROM with a VFR than an NVFR. A randomized controlled trial …

A Review Of Mentorship And Recruitment Strategies For Minority Athletic Training Students, Dariana M. Brown

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The underrepresentation of minority athletic trainers remains a critical issue, affecting both the profession and the quality of patient care. While patient demographics continue to diversify, the athletic training workforce has not kept pace, leading to potential communication barriers, mistrust, and inadequate culturally competent care. This review examines whether culturally tailored mentorship programs and targeted recruitment initiatives improve retention, career satisfaction, and diversity in athletic training compared to standard methods. By analyzing studies on underrepresented minority students in athletic training, the review highlights key institutional barriers and systemic factors impacting recruitment and retention. Findings suggest that tailored mentorship and supportive …

What Are The Current Risks For Patients Associated With Technology Related Perfusion Practices: A Scoping Review, Jessica Steel

Student Works

Background: Advancements in medical technology, particularly in perfusion practices such as ECMO and heart-lung bypass, have improved patient care but also introduced novel risks. Technological errors—ranging from hardware malfunctions to software failures and AI model inaccuracies—can directly threaten patient safety.

Objective: To identify current trends and risks associated with technology in perfusion practices and synthesize evidence on the frequency, nature, and outcomes of technology-related errors.

Results: Evidence indicates substantial deficiencies in medical devices, predictive models, and health IT systems. AI-based predictive models frequently failed to detect critical health deterioration, missing 66% of injuries in some in-hospital mortality simulations. Adverse events …

Qualitative Versus Quantitative Analysis Of Entheses: Using An Ordinal Scale And 3d Scanned Metrics To Understand Entheseal Differences In The Charity Hospital Cemetery (16or108), Gillian Stewart

LSU Master's Theses

Using a sample from New Orleans’ Charity Hospital Cemetery (16OR108), an analysis between ordinal scores and digital quantitative analysis (DQA) measurements of the entheses (muscle attachment sites) was performed. The skeletal elements (n = 235) examined were the humerus, radius, femur, and tibia. The entheses were 3D scanned using an Artec Space Spider scanner and processed with the Artec Studio Professional© v.2018 and Geomagic Wrap® v.2021 software. Entheses were analyzed by: left and right sides, male and female, and distribution of scores across elements. The analyses yielded significant differences between proliferative and erosive score distribution. Scores between elements exhibited variation. …

Variant Superficial Epigastric Supply To The Anterior Abdominal Wall Arising From Inferior Epigastric Perforators: A Neonatal Case Report, Daniël J. Van Tonder, Natalie Keough, Martin Louis Van Niekerk, Albert Van Schoor

COM Scholarship

Introduction: Understanding superficial epigastric vessel anatomy is crucial for abdominal surgeries like laparoscopy, especially in neonates, to prevent injury. While standard courses are described, variations occur. This case report highlights a unique anatomical variation in the superficial epigastric artery found during the dissection of a stillborn neonatal cadaver. Case Report: In contrast to the usual origin from the femoral artery, this variation features the inferior epigastric artery penetrating the anterior abdominal wall near the umbilicus and branching superiorly to supply the superficial abdominal wall. Conclusions: This distinctive vascular configuration, which to the best of our knowledge has not been previously …

Whole-Blood, Concentrated, And Micro–Dose Del Nido Cardioplegia In Adult Cardiac Surgery: A Scoping Review, Christian Iulianelli

Student Works

1. A.     Background/Introduction: Del Nido cardioplegia was originally developed for pediatric cardiac surgery to provide prolonged myocardial protection with a single-dose strategy. Its adoption in adult cardiac surgery has led to multiple modified formulations, including whole-blood, concentrated, and bloodless strategies. Given expanding clinical use and variation in technique, a structured mapping of the adult evidence base is warranted.
2. B.     Methodology: This scoping review followed PRISMA-ScR guidance. PubMed and CINAHL were searched, yielding 88 records. After duplicate removal and screening, 18 studies met inclusion criteria. Data were charted on study design, cardioplegia formulation, patient population, myocardial biomarkers, arrhythmias, renal outcomes, transfusion requirements, …

Evolving Solutions For Red Blood Cell Preservation, Ali Alkafaji, Charles A. Elder, Mohammad Zaidi, Kavin Parthiv, Michael A. Menze

The Cardinal Edge

In emergencies such as natural disasters, armed conflicts, or during outer space missions, the availability of transfusable blood can mean the difference between life and death. Red blood cells (RBCs) must be stored at +4 ± 2 °C and have a shelf life of just 42 days, which makes maintaining a stable blood supply during adverse conditions extraordinarily challenging. This challenge was especially apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic when hospitals faced severe blood shortages. Freeze-drying, or lyophilization, offers a promising avenue to extend the shelf life of RBCs for transfusion during crises. However, a significant hurdle in dry preservation is …

Differences Between Sexual Orientations Regarding Perceived Knowledge Of And Attitudes Toward Lgbtia+ Persons Among Athletic Trainers, Julianne Goza, S. Andrew Cage, Meredith Decker, Brandon J. Warner

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: LGBTQIA+ athletic trainers and patients encounter difficulties in their workplaces and sport communities. Several medical professional associations have produced statements claiming their commitment to fostering an patient-centered environment for healthcare for LGBTQIA+ patients. To date, there has been little research on the factors that impact perceived knowledge of and attitudes toward the LGBTQIA+ community among healthcare providers. With more information on what factors impact perceived knowledge of and attitudes toward the LGBTQIA+ community, better interventions for improving perceived knowledge and attitudes toward the LGBTQIA+ community could be created. The purpose of this study was to determine differences between sexual …

Differences Between Genders Related To Perceived Knowledge Of And Attitudes Toward Lgbtia+ Persons Among Athletic Trainers, Brandon J. Warner, Julianne Goza, Meredith Decker, S. Andrew Cage

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Previous literature reports that healthcare providers and student-athletes identifying as LGBTQIA+ encounter difficulties in their respective communities. A number medical professional associations have published statements affirming their commitment to providing access to patient-centered healthcare for LGBTQIA+ patients. Unfortunately, there is a lack of research related to the factors that influence perceived knowledge of and attitudes toward the LGBTQIA+ community among healthcare providers. More information on what factors impact perceived knowledge of and attitudes toward the LGBTQIA+ community would assist with creating interventions that improve perceived knowledge and attitudes toward the LGBTQIA+ community. The purpose of this study was to …

Awareness Of Native American Living Conditions Among Athletic Trainers, Laurel Trail, Brandon Warner, Rebecca Peebles, Robert French, Lynzi Warner, S. Andrew Cage

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Native Americans and First Nations People have dealt with healthcare disparities that have been documented in previous studies. One factor that appears to have played a role in these disparities was the Indian Removal Act of 1851 which established the first Native American reservations. The foundation of these reservations led to many Native Americans being displaced from areas where the United States was establishing new population centers. This has led many individuals not understanding the conditions that Native Americans live in. Lack of knowledge of the conditions patients live in may negatively affect clinicians’ ability to provide optimal healthcare. …

Sleep And Stress Experienced By Collegiate Baseball Players During A Fall Season, Andrew R. Gallucci, Katie M. Lee, Eric Rash, Jeremy A. Bigalke, Jason R. Carter

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: College students are notoriously poor sleepers due to academic and social demands. Collegiate athletes have additional athletic responsibilities that can also affect sleep. During a season, baseball players experience prolonged bouts of high intensity activity that increase the need for recovery and sleep. Athletes can also experience higher perceived stress levels, a factor also known to impact sleep. Reduced sleep quality and quantity during a competitive season can impede recovery and decrease performance. The present study sought to determine the relationships between sleep [Total Sleep Time (TST), Sleep Efficiency (SE), Sleep Onset Latency (SOL), Awakenings] and stress over a …