Anatomy Commons^™

Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Variations And Strategies For Injury Prevention: A Systematic Review, Hana Abdelmeguid, Bamdad Tayyari, Yuvedha Senthil Velan, Michael J. Montalbano Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

Objective

Anatomical variations in the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), namely extra-laryngeal terminal bifurcation and non-recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve, are known risk factors for RLN injury during surgery and represent a considerable jeopardy for iatrogenic damage like vocal cord paralysis. This systematic review aims to identify strategies for protecting RLN during thyroid surgery from nerve damage.

Methods

A search was conducted using EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PUBMED for articles published till February 2023 while strictly adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Subject headings and keywords related to anatomical variations, recurrent laryngeal nerve, and surgical prevention …

Beyond Stabilization: Biological Healing, Structural Exclusion, And The Recovery Gap After Border-Fall Trauma At The U.S.-Mexico Border, Julia Robinson

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This honors thesis examines the biochemical, ethical, and public health consequences of insufficient post-operative follow-up care for undocumented immigrants injured in border falls. Discussing pathways of inflammation resolution, wound healing, and bone remodeling, this thesis argues that recovery depends on tightly regulated molecular and cellular processes that are highly vulnerable to disruption without continued monitoring and rehabilitation (Loi et al., 2016; Maruyama et al., 2020). When follow-up care is absent, these processes can be predicted to derail, leading to infection, impaired healing, and permanent disability (Chung & Sohn, 2025; Howard et al., 2020; Kruidenier et al., 2018). Framed through principles …

Living With Confidence: The Importance Of Hip Health, Ellisa Louisy, Shannon M. Meyer, Kyle W. Reason

InnovateHER Meeting 2026

The hip joint is essential for weight-bearing movement, providing both mobility and stability as a ball-and-socket joint. Surrounding muscles generate movement and maintain stability during daily activities like walking, standing, and rising from a chair. As the link between the trunk and lower limbs, reduced hip strength or mobility can impair balance and movement efficiency. In women, hormonal changes, especially after menopause, contribute to decreased bone density and muscle mass, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures and underscoring the importance of hip health.

Hip Stretching Protocol's Impact On Female Ice Hockey Players, Cienna Clark

InnovateHER Meeting 2026

Women’s ice hockey participation continues to grow as do injury rates among these players. However, female ice hockey players often show different injuries than male players. This is largely due to the lack of checking in women’s hockey, which means the injuries that tend to be seen are more about overuse injuries and less catastrophic injuries. Female injuries also tend to be more in their hips, which begs the question: what would happen if hips were stretched on a regular basis? Would these injuries subside, or at least improve?

Effects Of A Basketball Match On Heart Rate Variability In Collegiate Intramural Players, Unobatsha Mbaiwa

Master's Theses

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a standard non-invasive physiological marker used to asses the autonomic nervous system (ANS) function and cardiovascular adaptability. HRV reflects the natural variations in time between successive heartbeats (R-R intervals), which come as a result of the interaction between sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS (Shaffer & Ginsberg, 2017). Higher HRV compared to an individual's baseline is normally considered an indicator of greater parasympathetic (rest/digest) influence and more effective physiological recovery, whereas lower HRV relative to baseline is associated with sympathetic (fight/flight) dominance, fatigue, and increased physiological strain. Since the standardized HRV measurement criteria were …

The Influence Of Prosthetic Obturators On Quality Of Life In Individuals With Maxillectomy Defects, Minseok Kim

Oral Health

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, there has been a growing focus on understanding the impact of oral cancer on patients' quality of life. Prosthetic rehabilitation techniques, such as maxillary obturators, often in conjunction with reconstructive surgery, have emerged as interventions to address the challenges posed by post-maxillectomy abnormalities.

Objective: This study aims to systematically review and evaluate the effectiveness of maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation using obturators in enhancing the quality of life of patients following maxillectomy.

Methodology: Systematic review of identified literature spanning the timeframe from 2000 to 2020 was used. The comprehensive search encompassed widely recognized databases including PubMed, …

Implementation Of A Planned Extubation Nurse-Led Safety Bundle In A Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Broderick Sutton

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: To implement and evaluate a nurse-led planned extubation safety bundle designed to improve nurse preparedness, interdisciplinary communication, workflow consistency, and confidence during planned extubation events in a pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU).

Background: Planned extubation in critically ill pediatric cardiac patients requires effective interdisciplinary coordination. Variability in nurse preparation, communication, and knowledge of sedation pharmacokinetics contributed to workflow inefficiencies and patient safety concerns. Evidence supports standardized nurse-led protocols to improve extubation readiness and reduce practice variability.

Methodology: A prospective pre-post quality improvement project was conducted over eight weeks in a pediatric CICU. The intervention included a nurse-led planned …

The Cadaver As The First Patient: Early Integration Of Pathology In The Preclinical Anatomy Laboratory, Sruthi Shriram, Lauren Desantis, Tulika Singhal, Kevin Ta, Courtney Shields, Muhammad Jawwad Arshad, Varna Taranikanti, Madison Konja

Posters

No abstract provided.

Lifestyle And Activity Patterns Of The Classic Period Maya From Chac Balam And San Juan, Ambergris Caye, Belize, Abigail L. Hornbeck

Honors Theses

Bioarchaeological research often uses skeletal remains to reconstruct patterns of activity and labor in past populations. This study examines potential sex-based differences in long bone morphology among individuals from the Classic Maya sites of Chac Balam and San Juan on Ambergris Caye, Belize. These coastal communities participated in maritime trade networks, and daily activities such as cargo transport, canoe travel, and fishing may have placed distinctive mechanical stresses on the skeleton. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether measurable differences in bone structure between males and females reflect differences in habitual activity patterns.

Two complementary methods were used …

Comparative Analysis Of Antegrade And Retrograde Nailing For Proximal, Shaft, And Distal Femur Fractures, Saahil Noupada

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background:

Antegrade and retrograde intramedullary nailing are widely used for femoral fractures, yet their relative advantages across fracture locations remain debated. This study compares union rates, time to union, malunion, and functional outcomes between approaches, stratified by AO/OTA classification.

Methods:

A systematic review of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus (2015 to 2025) was performed. Studies reporting outcomes of antegrade and/or retrograde nailing for proximal (31), diaphyseal (32), and distal (33) femoral fractures were included. Data on demographics, fracture classification, fixation method, and outcomes were extracted. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I. Pooled estimates were calculated …

A Case Comparison Of Vo₂Max And Lower Extremity Injury In Collegiate Wrestlers, Kole J. Kendall

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

ABSTRACT

A CASE COMPARISON OF VO₂MAX AND LOWER EXTREMITY INJURY IN COLLEGIATE WRESTLERS

Kole Jacob Kendall

Otterbein University

Westerville, OH

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between preseason aerobic capacity (VO₂max) and lower extremity injury prevalence in Division III collegiate wrestlers. In this two-participant case comparison, Participant 2 sustained a lower extremity injury and demonstrated the lower VO₂max value (37.5 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹), whereas Participant 1 remained uninjured and demonstrated the higher VO₂max value (40.8 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹). Although statistical analysis was not feasible because of the limited sample size, this pattern suggests a possible association between lower aerobic capacity …

Expanding Access To Noninvasive Spinal Neuromodulation For Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: A Comparative Device Study, Alice E C Palmer

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Theses

Paralysis following spinal cord injury (SCI) has traditionally been considered permanent due to the disruption of supraspinal input to spinal motor circuits. However, growing evidence suggests that spinal networks below the level of injury retain intrinsic motor-generating capabilities through central pattern generators. Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (scTS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique that delivers electrical stimulation through the skin to reactivate these spinal networks. Although prior studies demonstrate that scTS delivered through research-grade devices is safe and effective in adults and children with chronic SCI, clinical translation remains limited by lack of FDA-approved systems, high costs, and restricted access to …

Developing A Protocol For Non-Cellular Transplantation Of Donor Mitochondria Into Recipient Cells, Andrew Parton

Honors Theses

Tumor innervation has emerged as a critical feature of cancer progression, with increased nerve density correlating with enhanced aggressiveness, metastatic dissemination, and poor clinical outcome. However, the functional contribution of neurons to tumor biology remains incompletely defined. We recently identified the intercellular transfer of mitochondria from neurons to cancer cells as a mechanism that promotes tumor progression. We therefore hypothesized that disruption of this transfer could attenuate tumor aggressivity. To directly investigate this process, we developed an approach to isolate mitochondria from donor cells and transplant them into recipient cancer cells independently of canonical cell-cell interactions. Transferred mitochondria were tracked …

Ethnic And Sex Differences In Salt Sensitivity Amongst Normotensive Young Adult Nigerians: Implications For Hypertension Prevention, Ahmed Oloyo, Abdullahi Adejare, Oluwakemi Odukoya, Simiat Elias, Oyewole Kushimo, Olusoga Sofola

Biomedical Sciences, East Africa

Background: High dietary salt intake is a well-established modifiable risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Salt sensitivity – a blood pressure (BP) phenotype defined by exaggerated BP response to salt loading, remains underrecognised in normotensive populations despite its strong link to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The burden and determinants of salt sensitivity amongst young Nigerians remain poorly understood.

Aims: This study aimed to identify demographic and behavioral risk factors associated with salt sensitivity, explore potential ethnic and sex-related differences, and determine the independent predictors of salt-sensitive (SS) BP response amongst normotensive young adult Nigerians.

Subjects and Methods: An …

Bio 23 Human Anatomy & Physiology I Syllabus, Rujin Tian

Open Educational Resources

The syllabus for BIO 23 contains a course description, course objectives, course readings divided by week and a link to an OER textbook.

Bio 24 Human Anatomy And Physiology Ii, Rujin Tian

Open Educational Resources

The syllabus for BIO 24 contains a course description, course objectives, course readings divided by week and a link to an OER textbook.

Play To Win: A Randomized Controlled Trial To Assess The Effects Of Play-Based Training On Upper Extremity Function In Children With Hemiplegia, Vivian London

Honors Scholar Theses

Hemiplegia, or paralysis of one side of the body, is the primary symptom of unilateral cerebral palsy, a subtype of cerebral palsy, the most common movement disorder in children. Standard of care is regular physical and occupational therapy to improve performance in bimanual activities, but conventional therapy can be expensive and draining for caregivers and children, so a need exists for a novel intervention that can take place at home and that is economical for families while being engaging for children. This thesis reports data from a subset of ten children seen as part of a randomized controlled clinical trial …

Optimizing Antibiotic Strategies With A Clinical Pathway Approach: Enhanced Initiation And De-Escalation In Community-Acquired Pneumonia, Ahmad Behzadpour

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a leading cause of hospitalization, mortality, and health care expenditure worldwide. Inappropriate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics contributes to antimicrobial resistance, adverse drug events, and increased costs. Antibiotic stewardship and standardized clinical pathways are key strategies to improve prescribing practices.

Methods

This quality improvement (QI) initiative was conducted at a 240-bed tertiary care teaching hospital from January 2023 through January 2025. A CAP-specific digital clinical pathway was developed using Curbside Health® and integrated into the electronic health record (EHR), accessible through a structured order set to support real-time clinical decision-making. The intervention included provider education and …

Cyanosis-Associated Coagulopathy In Neonates Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Scoping Review, Lily Crickmar

Student Works

2. Structured summary:

A. Background: Patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease exhibit coagulation abnormalities related to chronic hypoxemia, which may increase the risk of bleeding and thrombosis, particularly during cardiopulmonary bypass.

B. Objective: This scoping review mapped the existing literature on coagulation disturbances and perioperative hemostatic outcomes in pediatric patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease.

C. Methods: 14 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified through structured database searching. The data were collected and synthesized descriptively due to heterogeneity in study design, patient populations, and coagulation assessment methods.

D. Results: Across studies, cyanotic patient physiology was associated with platelet dysfunction, …

Occupational Stressors And Health Impacts Among First Responders, Mason N. Roach

Honors College Theses

The United States 911 emergency response system is an interconnected web of public services that seeks to provide its community with care, resources, and safety in times of need. However, the impact of this support on the employees providing the service often goes unnoticed. This review identifies and analyzes the unique strains on first responders' physical and mental health using the Job Demand-Control Model and the Allostatic Load Model. A review of available research literature supports the conclusion that occupational-related stress, including trauma exposure, shift work, poor leadership, and inadequate communication, can have long-lasting negative impacts on provider health.

Indicators Of Fontan Circulatory Failure In Pediatric Patients: A Scoping Review Of Early Clinical And Hemodynamic Factors, Marina Mcmahon

Student Works

Structured Summary

a. Background/Introduction:

For patients with single ventricle congenital heart disease, the Fontan procedure is the definitive palliative procedure. Although advancements have been made in the surgical technique and management, the Fontan circulation is inefficient and prone to progressive dysfunction. Elevated central venous pressure, non-pulsatile pulmonary blood flow, and reduced cardiac output can lead to many complications, and eventual failure. These conditions can lead to protein losing enteropathy, plastic bronchitis, and hepatic fibrosis which often indicate advanced decline. Though a known problem, there is a lack of standardized criteria to guide optimal intervention timing of Fontan revision prior to …

The Impact Of Normothermic Regional Perfusion Compared With Cold Storage On Warm Ischemia Time In Donation After Circulatory Death Organ Transplantation: A Scoping Review, Chris Turner

Student Works

ABSTRACT

2.Structured summary:

Background: Donation after circulatory death (DCD) has expanded the donor pool but introduces an inevitable period of warm ischemia that threatens graft viability. Preservation techniques such as normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) and static cold storage (SCS) aim to minimize this injury and improve transplant outcomes.

Objective: This scoping review identifies and synthesizes published evidence comparing NRP with SCS in DCD organ transplantation, focusing on their respective effects on warm ischemia time, graft function, and early post‑transplant outcomes.

Methods: Following the PRISMA‑ScR framework [23], searches were conducted in MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for English‑language studies involving DCD …

Pharmacologic Interventions To Reduce Cardiopulmonary Bypass Induced Inflammation In Cardiac Surgery: A Scoping Review, Wyatt Anderson

Student Works

ABSTRACT

1. Structured summary

Background

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is essential in cardiac surgery but can trigger a systemic inflammatory response that contributes to postoperative complications. The scoping review conducted has a purpose to map the existing literature on pharmacologic interventions to mitigate CPB related inflammation. While several interventions demonstrated potential anti-inflammatory effects, findings were inconsistent, and no standardized pharmacologic approach is currently agreed upon.

Methods

This scoping review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines.Both PubMed, and CINAHL were screened for studies published between 2000 and 2024 that evaluated pharmacologic interventions aimed at reducing CPB related inflammation. After screening and duplicate removal, 10 studies met …

Biomechanical Effects Of Bilateral Torsion And Skeletal Fusion: A Case Study, Linnéa Forbes

Honors Projects

As part of both a personal endeavor and an academic project, I have investigated the aetiology and treatment of seemingly idiopathic and debilitating leg pain in a patient over the past 10 years. Via collaboration with medical professionals at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati Premier Physical Therapy, and Cincinnati Women’s TriHealth, I have identified sources of pain at the anatomical level. The combination of internal femoral torsion, external tibial torsion, pes planus, and bony fusions appear to be major perpetuators of the pain. An effective treatment continues to be evasive. To date, I have attempted to find answers through genetic approaches, …

Pharmacological Treatment Options For Vasoplegia Syndrome During And After Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Scoping Review, Bradley Darby

Student Works

ABSTRACT

2: Structured summary

Background

Vasoplegia Syndrome (VS) is a form of distributive shock that is characterized by profound hypotension, low systemic vascular resistance, and high to normal cardiac output during/after cardiopulmonary bypass. VS is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, and length of stay in the intensive care unit.

Objective

The main objectives of this scoping review are to note the available treatment options, characterize potential risk factors, and identify gaps in knowledge for vasoplegia syndrome during and after cardiopulmonary bypass.

Method

This scoping review utilized the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and MetaAnalyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) …

Keratopigmentation: A Comparative Review Of Safety, Indications, And Clinical Outcomes, Emmy L. Colon Alamo

Undergraduate Scholarship and Creative Works

Throughout the years, there has been an upsurge in the quantity of cosmetic procedures aimed at changing eye color or appearance. This trend raises significant concerns about patient safety and visual health, as although many methods are promoted worldwide, their efficacy and, most importantly, safety varies greatly. This review looks at the safety of procedures that alter eye color or appearance, focusing mainly on cosmetic keratopigmentation, which is currently the only legally accepted method for changing eye color in the U.S.

A review of clinical studies was conducted to evaluate the outcomes and complications related to keratopigmentation. Then, these findings …

Vasculature Of The Anterior Abdominal Wall And Surface Anatomy Of The Liver And Stomach: Considerations For Minimal Access Surgeries In Neonates, Daniël J. Van Tonder, Natalie Keough, Martin Louis Van Niekerk, Albert Van Schoor

COM Scholarship

Background: Minimal access surgeries are growing more common in neonatal care, but the risk of accidental injury to abdominal wall blood vessels remains a concern. This risk is increased by limited precise anatomical data specific to neonates. Therefore, this study aimed to quantitatively map the superficial and deep blood vessels of the neonatal anterior abdominal wall concerning important surgical landmarks to develop evidence-based recommendations for safer laparoscopic port placement. Methods: Thirty formalin-fixed low-birth-weight neonatal body donations (≤4 weeks old) were dissected. An anatomical grid based on palpable landmarks—including the umbilicus, xiphoid process, and anterior superior iliac spines—was utilised to measure …

Albumin Use In Cardiopulmonary Bypass Pump Prime And Its Association With Postoperative Renal Function And Acute Kidney Injury: A Scoping Review, Hannah Talbot

Student Works

ABSTRACT

1.Structured summary:

Background: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with significant hemodilution, inflammatory activation, and alterations in renal perfusion, all of which may contribute to postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI). Albumin is frequently used as a component of CPB pump prime due to its oncotic properties and potential to mitigate fluid shifts and support intravascular volume. However, the extent to which albumin-containing priming solutions influence postoperative renal outcomes remains unclear.

Objective: This scoping review aimed to map the available literature examining the use of albumin in CPB pump prime and its reported effects on renal function and the incidence …

Robust Non-Invasive Cardiac Index Prediction Via Feature Integration And Data-Augmented Neural Networks, Chih-Hao Chang, Mei-Ling Chan, Yu-Hung Fang, Po-Lin Huang, Tsung-Yi Chen, Tsun-Kuang Chi, I Elizabeth Cha, Tzong-Rong Ger, Kuo-Chen Li, Shih-Lun Chen, Liang-Hung Wang, Jia-Ching Wang, Patricia Angela R. Abu

Department of Information Systems & Computer Science Faculty Publications

Concurrent with the rising consumption of ultra-processed, high-calorie diets and the decline in physical activity, obesity and related cardiovascular conditions among young adults have continued to increase, becoming an important global public health concern. This study integrates non-invasive Internet of Things (IoT) sensing devices, including the TERUMO ES-P2000 blood pressure monitor (Terumo Corp., Tokyo, Japan) and the PhysioFlow PF07 Enduro cardiac hemodynamic analyzer (Manatec Biomedical, Poissy, France), with an artificial neural network (ANN) for cardiac index (CI) prediction. Through appropriate data preprocessing and model training strategies, the generalization ability and stability of the proposed CI prediction model were significantly enhanced. …

Clinical Applications Of Topical Platelet-Rich Plasma In Cardiac Surgery: A Scoping Review, Jaron M. Davis

Student Works

Background: Postoperative wound complications persist as a significant challenge within adult cardiac surgery. Deep and superficial sternal wound infections, along with complications at saphenous vein harvest sites, are linked to increased morbidity, extended hospital stays, and substantial healthcare expenses. Topical platelet-rich plasma (PRP), commonly known as platelet gel, has been suggested as a biologically active adjunct that may facilitate tissue repair and mitigate postoperative complications. While PRP has garnered attention in surgical practice, the overall scope and consistency of the supporting evidence in cardiac surgery remain ambiguous.

Objective: The purpose of this scoping review is to map and describe the …