Diseases Commons^™

Chemical Exposures In Utero: Phthalates And Congenital Heart Defects, Demi Poulathas

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common type of birth defect. Approximately 80% of CHDs have unknown causes, and phthalates may play a contributing role. Phthalates are ubiquitous environmental chemicals used as plasticizers in a wide range of products, including cosmetics and electronic devices. After entering the body, phthalates bind to the progesterone receptor, which is necessary for fetal development. While multiple studies have explored environmental factors in CHD development, few have examined the effects of phthalates on CHDs in humans. Methods: A literature review was conducted to investigate the relationship between parental occupational phthalate exposure and the …

Mechanisms Mediating The Protective Effects Of Caffeine On Alzheimer’S Disease Progression, Jessica Ivanov, Malky Bernat, Joshua Drawbaugh, Jeremy Mehta, Namira Rahmani, Saikumar Thellapally

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Background: This review aims to examine the molecular mechanisms through which caffeine may exert neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).

Methods: A literature review was done across PubMed and Embase to identify studies between 2000 and 2024, exploring the mechanism behind caffeine’s effects on AD. The criteria focused on peer-reviewed articles involving human or animal models. Information was gathered on study design, participant characteristics, caffeine consumption, proposed mechanisms, and effects on cognition.

Results: The studies support caffeine's potential as a therapeutic, neuromodulator against AD through six mechanisms: inhibition of adenosine A2A receptors, decreased amyloid-beta production and aggregation, promotion of amyloid …

Impact Of Language Barriers On Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Recognition And Response, Kinjal Mody, Sophie Cherfane, Curt Cackovic

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) causes nearly 350,000 deaths annually in the U.S., with survival largely depending on the timely recognition of cardiac arrest and the initiation of bystander CPR by emergency dispatchers. However, English-centric dispatch systems create barriers for individuals with limited English proficiency, potentially delaying critical responses. This study aims to synthesize research on how language differences impact OHCA recognition and CPR initiation in emergency dispatch settings. We hypothesize that language barriers cause significant delays.

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were used to identify relevant studies, using search terms like "language barriers," "cardiac arrest," and "CPR." Inclusion …

Assessing The Efficacy Of Prolonged Doxycycline Pep Use In High-Risk Populations For Sti Prevention, Lam Doan, Pearl Joslyn, Lizann Sung, Timothy Breiner, Sarah Marotta, Shikhar Rastogi

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

First recommended in October 2022, doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) has been increasingly used as a treatment for multiple sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To evaluate the efficacy of prolonged DoxyPEP use in high risk populations - men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women - for STIs, different sources addressing various aspects of DoxyPEP, its efficacy in STI prevention, and the potential consequences of its widespread use in terms of antimicrobial resistance were examined. Across 9 studies, DoxyPEP was found to decrease the incidence of bacterial STIs, specifically, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea with varying efficacy, especially for gonorrhea. Furthermore, …

Optimizing Preventive Care: The Impact Of A Student-Led Initiative To Improve Cancer Screenings In Primary Care, Katherine Klein, Priya Srivastava, John Sauer, Sahiba Gill, Nirali Trivedi, Fadia Barakzai, Yeonwoo Sim, Matthew Green, Anne Jones, Philip Collins

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Context:

Preventative health measures, including routine cancer screenings, are essential for early detection, timely treatment, and reduction of cancer mortality rates.

Colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer are among the most routinely screened cancers due to advancements in screening technologies1. However, despite the well-established importance of early detection, patient adherence and compliance with national guidelines remain suboptimal, limiting the effectiveness of these screening efforts and delaying possible treatment.2

Objective:

To address this issue, we initiated a medical student-led project focused on improving adherence to national cancer screening guidelines across Rowan-Virtua Family Medicine (FM) practices. This poster outlines the overall efficacy of …

A Review Of Sutures And The Prospective Applications Of Nanofiber Technology In Suture Engineering, Hanna Brancaccio, Dominique Hassinger, Vincent Beachley

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Introduction: Suturing is a method to close surgical or traumatic wounds to promote healing. The ideal suture should have high tensile strength that loses strength at the same rate as the healing tissue gains strength, be easy to handle and form secure knots, induce minimal inflammation, and stretch/recoil according to wound contraction. While there are suture materials available for use in various procedures that fulfill most requirements, no one suture possesses every desirable characteristic, and limitations are still prevalent. Nanofiber geometry has a well-known ability to modulate cell morphology, attachment, gene expression, extracellular matrix production, and macrophage polarization in …

Heart To Heart: Exploring Why Cardiovascular Risk Is Higher In South Asians, Jasjeet Kaur Dhaliwal

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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of mortality, but South Asians experience a disproportionately high burden of disease, often developing CVD at younger ages and with lower body mass indices compared to other populations. This project explores the underlying genetic and lifestyle factors contributing to elevated cardiovascular risk in South Asians, aiming to highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies and policy reforms.

A literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed studies, meta-analyses, and reviews published between 2007 and 2024. After screening 47 initial articles, 18 were selected for analysis based on their relevance to genetic and lifestyle risk …

Case Report: An Unexpected Case Of Spinal Cord Infarction, Julian Coz, Brittany Fera

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report a case of an 89-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with acute bilateral lower extremity weakness after physical exertion. His clinical examination revealed paraplegia, and imaging studies suggested spinal cord infarction (SCI) secondary to presumed atherosclerotic embolism, despite the absence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The differential diagnosis for acute paraplegia in the elderly is broad, including conditions like stroke, spinal cord compression, transverse myelitis, and tick paralysis. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of SCI, particularly when the patient lacks overt risk factors for vascular disease. Despite aggressive management, including permissive hypertension and anticoagulation, the …

Case Report: Cold Urticaria Diagnosed In The Emergency Department, Philip Carhart, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

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Cold urticaria can be primary (idiopathic) or can be due to underlying hematologic or infectious diseases. Here we present the case of a young female patient with no past medical history who was diagnosed with cold urticaria in the emergency department setting, using a cold stimulation test. Most cases are idiopathic. The reaction can be triggered in individual cases by exposure to cold objects or to generalized cold ambient temperatures, as was the case in the patient presented here. The physical response is most commonly pruritic wheals (urticaria). However, more severe symptoms may occur up to angioedema with hoarseness and …

The Presence Of Cardiac Arrhythmias Impacts Hospitalized Patients With Celiac Disease, Rahul Patel, Tirth Patel, Darshan Patel, Trinava Roy, Sachin Prasad, Paul Gill, Rafail Beshai, Joshua Soliman, Brian Blair, C. Jonathan Foster

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

Celiac disease has links to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and sarcoidosis. The latter 3 also have cardiovascular manifestations associated with them. However, there are limited studies on the in-hospital outcomes of Celiac disease with cardiac manifestations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the hospital outcomes of Celiac disease with concomitant arrhythmias.

Methods

Patients aged 18 years with Celiac disease and arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and supraventricular tachycardia) versus Celiac Disease alone were identified from the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), from the years 2019-2020. ICD 10 codes were utilized. Multivariate …

Musculoskeletal Changes In Pregnancy: Implications For Long-Term Bone & Joint Health, Jaylyn Thompson, Clarence Julian Clark Ii, Nayarith Lopez, Aziza Ndaw

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Pregnancy and lactation represent significant physiological challenges to maternal skeletal health, with substantial implications for both short and long-term musculoskeletal integrity. Research emphasizes that lactation induces notable skeletal adaptations, with up to 10% bone mineral density loss occurring in trabecular-rich regions such as the spine and hip (1,5). While most women experience substantial recovery post-weaning, the research indicates that recovery patterns vary significantly, with some women experiencing incomplete restoration of bone mass, potentially compromising long-term skeletal strength (3).

The underlying mechanisms driving these changes are primarily hormonal, with elevated parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and decreased estrogen levels during lactation facilitating …

Cardiovascular Effects Of Glp-1 Receptor Agonists In Non-Diabetic Adults With Obesity: A Systematic Literature Review, Mariam Abdeen

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with obesity. GLP-1 receptor agonists, initially developed for glycemic control in diabetes, are now approved for weight loss in non-diabetic populations. Recent clinical trials suggest these agents may also offer direct cardiovascular benefits.

Objective: This literature review aims to evaluate the cardiovascular effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists, specifically semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide, in non-diabetic adults with overweight or obesity.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted in January 2025 using PubMed as the primary database, supplemented by Google Scholar and Embase. Clinical trials were selected based on …

Analysis Of Blood Pressure, Blood Glucose, And Cholesterol Screening Results Collected During Street Outreach Events In Atlantic County, New Jersey, As Part Of A Mobile Community Health Worker Program To Identify Residents At High Risk For Severe Covid-19, Kenneth W. Stagliano, Richard T. Jermyn, Alexander E. Abbott, Donato F. Tassoni, Amy Palen, Frank Carozza, Nicole M. Miller

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Background: This study seeks to evaluate the status of random blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose screening results in Atlantic County, NJ. This study also aims to identify the rates of hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension within the target population, and potential differences between surveyed age demographics.

Methods: Medical students participating in the COVID-19 CHW Service Corps collected blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose screenings at multiple screening events in Atlantic County, NJ during a two-year period. This data was analyzed retrospectively using ANOVA, non-parametric Kruskal Walis Test, and Tukey's pairwise comparisons.

Results: Senior adults had significantly higher SBP than …

The Impact Of Environmental Deficiencies On Maternal Health Outcomes, Zahra Wallizadeh, Emiyah Bullock, Antoinette Jones, Katarina Rusinak

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This study examines the environmental factors contributing to adverse maternal health outcomes in New Jersey, with particular focus on their disproportionate impact on minority women. Analysis of data from PubMed, Policy Map, NIH, CDC, EPA, and the New Jersey Department of Health reveals that women living in low-income areas face significant environmental challenges, including food deserts, air pollution, unsafe living conditions, inadequate infrastructure, and limited transportation options. These environmental determinants exacerbate maternal stress and contribute to complications such as preterm birth and hypertension. Black women are nearly three times more vulnerable to these adverse outcomes compared to white women, highlighting …

Examining The Relationship Between Nutritional Access And Childhood Obesity In Low-Resource South Jersey Communities, Anastasiya Matveyenko, Saul Madrid-Flores, Arleen Fortuna, Kirsten Marie Carlberg

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BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is defined as a child considered to have obesity when their body mass index falls in the top 5% compared to other children of the same age and gender. Unhealthy eating habits formed during childhood have been associated with diseases such as obesity and diabetes. We aim to examine the relationship between childhood obesity and barriers to optimal nutrition in our local South Jersey community.

METHODS: We conducted a literature review through Google, Google Scholar, and PubMed utilizing the key terms, “low socioeconomic status (SES),” “Childhood obesity in NJ,” “Nutritional Intervention,” and “Health Risks.”

RESULTS: Our study …

Patient Education And Health Literacy Effects On Statin Use And Adherence, Ian M. Smith, Richard G. Olarsch, Alison M. Mancuso

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Background: While the use of statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) plays a significant role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, it is estimated approximately 60% of patients who would benefit from a statin are receiving these medications. Current research suggests that a preference for life-style intervention over medical management, concern over medical adverse reactions, and a lower perceived risk of cardiovascular events is associated with statin non-adherence.

Methods: An IRB-approved paper survey was administered to patients aged 18 to 89 at an ambulatory primary care clinic for non-acute visits. Qualtrics was utilized to collect, store, and process data. Information elicited from …

The Ancient Remedy For Modern Ailments: Analysis Of Manual, Laser, And Electro-Acupuncture Therapy Usage On Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Yue Chen, Austin J. Wong, Alexander King

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

In the United States, while acupuncture is still primarily used as a complementary therapy, consumer interest and usage are steadily increasing. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a condition where the median nerve is compressed in the wrist, can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness in fingers, and thus impaired hand function, possessing significant burdens to patients suffering from this chronic disease. Multiple acupuncture applications exist such as electroacupuncture, auricular acupuncture, laser acupuncture, moxibustion, and acupressure; very few comprehensive studies have been done in comparing their effectiveness in treating CTS.

In this study, we aim to conduct a literature review with the primary …

Scoping Literature Review: The Role Of Leptin In Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd) And Associated Obesity, Diana B. Riestra, Andrea Iannuzzelli

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Overweight and obesity (OW/OB) are significant concerns among individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), yet the underlying causes remain unclear. Emerging evidence points to metabolic and hormonal factors—particularly leptin, a hormone involved in appetite regulation—as potential contributors. This scoping review examined five key studies from 2003 to 2024 that investigated the relationship between leptin and ASD in overweight populations. Across studies, individuals with ASD consistently exhibited elevated leptin levels compared to controls. While some findings also noted changes in other adipokines, such as lower resistin or progranulin, leptin was the most consistently dysregulated. These patterns suggest systemic alterations in energy …

Sex Differences In Insulin Resistance And Triglyceride/Hdl-Cholesterol Ratio In Human Subjects, Jiyoon Jung, James W. Bailey, Ashley Coleman, George J. Scott, Lakshman Segar

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Background: Insulin resistance (IR) plays a major role in dyslipidemia and the associated cardiovascular disease risk. To date, it remains unclear as to how IR alters plasma lipid profile in males versus females. The present study is an initial step to determine sex-specific differences in IR and plasma lipid profile using 40 μL of capillary blood. Methods: 12 adults aged 30-64 were recruited from Rowan Medicine-Sewell clinics, with 7 participants (3 males, 4 females) consenting to the study. After collecting 40 μL of capillary blood via finger prick, the samples were analyzed for glucose, triglyceride (TG), and HDL-cholesterol …

The Effectiveness Of Ras Treatment In Improving Gait Patterns In Patients With Parkinson’S Disease: A Literature Review, Vivian Huang, Andrea Hunt, Alicia Chopyk

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Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder involving the loss of dopaminergic neurons leading to symptoms such as tremor and gait disturbance. This results in the classic shuffling gait: stooped posture, variation in stride length, variation in cadence, reduced gait velocity, inability to maintain a steady rhythm, and an increased fear of falling. This study’s objective is to review the current literature on the use of rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS)Ⓡ as a treatment option for PD. Previous research has looked at RASⓇ as a potential non-pharmacologic treatment because researchers hypothesize that listening to music produces an external rhythm that the …

Case Report: Alpha Gal Syndrome, Eric Haljasmaa, David Parkes, Wayne Tamaska

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We report a case of a 40-year-old male who presented with sensation of throat closing and shortness of breath while at work at a meat processing facility. The differential diagnosis of shortness of breath is throat closing includes, but is not limited to, allergic reactions to antibiotics in meat, allergy to food additives, Symptom triggers are useful in identifying causes and a good supporting history and exposures can help with diagnosis. In this case, the patient had a known diagnosis of Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) which is a tick-bite associated, possibly life-threatening immunoglobin E-mediated (IgE) hypersensitivity to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal). The patient …

Case Report : Perilunate Fracture After A Fall On An Outstretched Hand, Meghna Kurup, Nicholas Tomasello, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report the case of a 44-year-old male that presented to the emergency department (ED) with a fall on his outstretched hand and was subsequently diagnosed to have a trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation. He underwent closed reduction of the dislocation in the ED and operative management ten days later. While wrist injuries are common in the ED, it is important to diagnose perilunate and lunate dislocations early as they can often be associated with avascular necrosis, neurological injury and poor functional outcomes if not managed in a timely manner.

Case Report: Heating Pad Usage Leading To Rhabdomyolysis And Acute Kidney Injury, Meghna Kurup, Swet Patel, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

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We report the case of a 26-year-old male with a significant psychiatric and substance use history who came to the emergency department (ED) with deep partial second degree burns to his back subsequent to using a heating pad for unknown periods of time prior to presentation. Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury that occurred in this patient due to his burns. It is important to understand that although beneficial, if heating pads are misused or overused, they can cause injury.

A Case Report Of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma Presenting With Diabetes Insipidus, Lan Ngo, Adam Kandil

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Diabetes insipidus (DI) is characterized by decreased secretion or action of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), resulting in polyuria, polydipsia, and potential electrolyte disturbances. Severe hypernatremia secondary to uncontrolled DI can manifest with neurologic symptoms including seizure-like activity. This case report discusses a case of central DI arising from damage to the pituitary gland as the first presentation of a brain tumor, in the context of a 56-year-old patient who presented with seizure-like activity and sensory changes.

Case Report: Lamotrigine-Induced Rash In An Adult Patient, Dhruvin Patel, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

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Lamotrigine (Lamictal®) is a commonly prescribed anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing medication. One of the rare but serious adverse effects of lamotrigine is the development of a drug-induced rash, which can be potentially life-threatening. This case report highlights the occurrence of a drug-induced rash in a 33-year-old female patient who was prescribed lamotrigine for the management of bipolar disorder. The patient presented with a characteristic rash, and following timely intervention, the rash resolved without complications. This case emphasizes the importance of monitoring for early signs of rash in patients receiving lamotrigine and outlines management strategies.

Ultrasound-Guided Vs. Fluoroscopy Guided Steroid Injection For Lumbar Spine Pain On Functional And Pain Outcomes: A Systematic Review, Yashas Sattur, Akash Patel, Alec Birnbaum, Athena Nomula

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Fluoroscopy-guided steroid injections are standard for lumbar spine pain but involve radiation. Ultrasound offers a safer, radiation-free alternative. Ultrasound-guided injections are non-inferior in improving pain and function. A systematic review of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted. Studies in adults comparing ultrasound and fluoroscopy-guided injections reporting VAS, NRS, or ODI were included. Fifteen studies showed both techniques significantly improved pain and function, with no consistent superiority. Ultrasound-guided injections are effective and safe, providing comparable outcomes to fluoroscopy while eliminating radiation exposure.

Case Report: Ruptured Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Jenna Rapone

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening vascular emergency with high mortality rates. We report a case of a 79-year-old male with no reported past medical history but a significant lifelong smoking history who presented to the emergency department with generalized weakness, lower abdominal pain, hypotension, tachycardia, and a reported syncopal episode. Emergency medical services (EMS) found the patient at home during a welfare check, appearing pale and weak. Upon movement from his bed to a stretcher, he experienced a syncopal episode, became tachycardic, and was transiently hypoxic. Initial laboratory studies revealed a hemoglobin of 13 g/dL, hematocrit …

Case Report: Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension With Venous Sinus Stenosis In A Young Female, Zain Raza

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report a case of a 19-year-old female who presented with transient, painless left eye vision loss and left-sided headache for 2 weeks. The patient, a known carrier of TTN mutation, which is a gene code for titin (mutations are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern). The patient was diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension secondary to bilateral transverse sigmoid venous sinus stenosis. The differential diagnosis included ocular migraine, transient ischemic attack) and optic neuritis, but subsequent imaging and lumbar puncture revealed elevated intracranial pressure and significant venous stenosis. This case highlights the importance of an early identification and intervention to …

Unusual Path: Gallstone Ileus With Pneumobilia And Jejunal Obstruction, Kristine Rubi, Kelly Schuitema, Russell Mordecai, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

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We present a case of a 48-year-old female with two-day history of diffuse abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. She was diagnosed with small bowel obstruction due to gallstone ileus. Diagnosis is usually challenging due to its nonspecific presentation, but computed tomography reveals the classic findings of Rigler’s triad -- pneumobilia, bowel obstruction, and an ectopic gallstone. The patient underwent laparoscopy with enterolithotomy with subsequent resolution of symptoms. Prompt diagnosis through imaging and timely surgical intervention is critical for in preventing complications and improving patient outcomes.

Case Report: When Confusion Signals A Crisis: Rethinking The Diagnosis Of Meningitis In Geriatric Sepsis, Asma Zahid

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We report the case of an 88-year-old female who presented with altered mental status, initially suspected to have urosepsis but ultimately diagnosed with streptococcal meningitis. The patient had a history of lethargy and anorexia over the past few days and was found to have sepsis. Despite initial focus on urosepsis, blood cultures revealed Streptococcus, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed bacterial meningitis. This case highlights the potential for meningitis to be overlooked in elderly patients with suspected sepsis, underscoring the importance of broad diagnostic considerations and early intervention. This case highlights the importance of considering meningitis in elderly patients presenting with …