Diseases Commons^™

Delay In Care Due To High Number Of Provider Evaluations In Hip Arthroscopy, Kaylin Knapsack, Wynn Bastianelli, Alexander Cabrera, Stewart Meridian, Sean Mcmillan

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Diagnosing hip pain in young and middle-aged adults remains challenging due to overlapping intra- and extra-articular pathology. Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and acetabular labral tears are increasingly recognized as major contributors to pain, mechanical symptoms, and functional limitation. Despite growing awareness of hip preservation surgery, delays in referral to arthroscopy-trained specialists persist and may contribute to disease progression and inferior outcomes.

Purpose: To evaluate delays in surgical management among patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for labral pathology and identify factors contributing to delayed referral to hip preservation specialists.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients undergoing hip arthroscopy …

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

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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 …

A Comprehensive Review Of Photothermal Therapy: Tumor Responses, Safety, And Clinical Translation, Taniya Sood

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Background: Cancer affects 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women in the United States. Traditional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery often lack selectivity, resulting in significant systemic side effects. Photothermal therapy (PTT) is an emerging modality that utilizes light-activated nanoparticles to generate localized heat, selectively destroying cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted utilizing PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science (2009–2024). Inclusion criteria included randomized controlled, cohort, and controlled trials involving adults (18+) with a confirmed cancer diagnosis. Studies were required to evaluate PTT using gold nanomaterials …

Feasibility Of 90-Day Follow Up For Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Early Data From A Neuro Icu Sleep Quality And Delirium Study, Sierra Triolo, Bethany C. Young, Mikel Shea Ehntholt, Anuoluwapo Fadare, Jamie R. Feinour, Jennifer A. Jond, Jonathan Perumpail, Kevin Eaise, Lily Roessler, Shay Lynn Greco, Vanessa Salasky

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Background. Neuro intensive care unit (ICU) patients often experience sleep deprivation due to serial neurologic assessments, among other factors. Subjective sleep disturbance has been associated with increased delirium risk in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).¹ However, relationships between specific sleep features, delirium and subsequent outcomes in neurocritically ill patients have not been studied.¹ Additionally, ICH-related clinical research has not historically been conducted at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes (VOLOL) Hospital. This study aimed to assess feasibility of obtaining quantitative sleep data, delirium assessments, and 90-day functional outcomes in neurocritical care patients with ICH.

Hypothesis. We hypothesized that 90-day …

Hormonal Contraceptives And Menstrual Symptom Severity Among Women With Elevated Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Global And Daily Assessment, Maria Cox, Danielle Arigo, Gabrielle M. Salvatore

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Hormonal contraceptive (HC) use is primarily for pregnancy prevention and may reduce menstrual symptoms in some individuals, though evidence is inconsistent. The aim of the study was to examine differences in symptom presence and severity among 64 menstruating women with ≥1 CVD risk factor (e.g., hypertension), including HC users (20.63%) and non-users (79.37%; sample M_age= 31.88 ± 9.89, M_bmi= 31.79 ± 7.6). Participants completed the global Premenstrual Screening Tool at baseline and then reported the presence and severity of 16 menstrual symptoms (1=Not Present to 4 = Severe) in end-of-day surveys over 45 days. In a …

Comparison Of Graft Patency Between Sta, Ra, And Sv Grafts Of Intracranial Aneurysms Of The Internal Carotid Artery, Nassos Tziviskos, Hallie Tiburzi, Susrut Dube

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Abstract

Background: Patients with intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms that are not amenable to treatments like coiling, stenting, or clipping have limited treatment options. One option is vascular bypass of the aneurysm to introduce a stable route for cerebral perfusion, which can be performed using the superficial temporal artery (STA) or alternatively radial artery (RA) or saphenous vein (SV) grafts, among other vessels.

Methods: The major databases were searched to identify studies that explored graft patency and functional outcome for patients who underwent bypass for intracranial ICA aneurysms with STA, RA, or SV grafts and proportion meta-analysis was performed. …

Efficacy Of Platelet Rich Plasma On Thumb Basal Joint Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review, Vrushank Shah, Alexander King

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Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a potential treatment for carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis, with studies suggesting it may offer more durable symptom relief compared to corticosteroids. A comprehensive review of four studies, including two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), a retrospective study, and a pilot study, revealed that both PRP and corticosteroid injections led to short-term improvements in pain and function. However, PRP demonstrated significantly better long-term outcomes, with VAS scores decreasing from 75 to 20 in the PRP group at 12 months, compared to a modest reduction from 70 to 65 in the corticosteroid group. Additionally, PRP showed a …

Personalizing Intermittent Fasting: The Role Of Microbiome Diversity And Fiber Intake In Shaping Health Outcomes, Jana Gjini, Robin Moore, Venkateswar Venkataraman

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BACKGROUND: Intermittent fasting (IF) has been linked to improved metabolic health, reduced inflammation, and increased longevity in animal models. These effects are thought to be mediated through changes in the gut microbiome. Murine studies consistently show that IF enhances microbial diversity and promotes beneficial species like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, improving metabolic profiles and gut barrier function. However, human studies reveal inconsistent results, suggesting that individual-level factors such as baseline microbiome composition and fiber intake may influence response to IF.

HYPOTHESIS: Baseline gut microbiome diversity and habitual dietary fiber intake modulate the metabolic and inflammatory benefits of intermittent fasting in humans. …

Early Celiac Plexus Block In Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer, Brian Fardman, Christina Sheedy, Joshua Raymond

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Both Early and Delayed Celiac Plexus Blocks (CPBs) have been used in pancreatic cancer. Early CPB is completed when criteria for CPB is initially met, whereas Delayed CPB is implemented only after recalcitrant pain persists. We describe the benefit of early CPB in pancreatic cancer management.

Ks151 Synergizes With Venetoclax And Abt-737 In Aml: Efficacy In Both Flt3-Wildtype And Flt3-Mutant Models, Sahil Jethi, Arnold Rojas, Omar S. Al-Odat, Krishne Gowda, Subash C. Jonnalagadda, Manoj Pandey

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Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common leukemia in adult patients, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 30 percent. Therefore, more effective therapeutic strategies are required to prolong the survival of AML patients. Importantly, anti-apoptotic proteins, especially B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), overexpression in AML is associated with uncontrolled growth as well as chemoresistance. Unsurprisingly, Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) overexpresses in AML and associated with poor prognosis and chemoresistance. The FDA-approved BTK inhibitor, ibrutinib, has been successful in treating other hematologic malignancies, but a proportion of patients relapse mainly because of acquired mutations at Cys481Ser (C481S) in the …

Rare Jugular Bulb Tumor Presenting As Bilateral Papilledema, Yoona Choe, Matthew Boyle, Peter Maduka

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Optic disc edema, which may arise from a range of inflammatory, ischemic, compressive, infiltrative, or hereditary causes, can also indicate elevated intracranial pressure in the form of papilledema. Given its potential association with life-threatening conditions such as mass lesions or venous sinus thrombosis, timely identification and thorough evaluation are critical. In this case, a 61-year-old female presented with a complaint of a new-onset floater in her left eye. Despite minimal symptoms and an unremarkable systemic review, dilated fundus examination revealed bilateral optic disc edema with hyperemia and hemorrhages, prompting urgent neuroimaging. MRI and MRV identified venous thrombi in the right …

The Effective Utilization Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) In Early Melanoma Detection, Svetlana Filiche

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Background:

Melanoma, while comprising only 1% of skin cancer cases, accounts for a high mortality rate due to its ability to metastasize if not detected early. Traditional face-to-face dermatologic evaluations provide limited access to care, resulting in delayed diagnoses.

Significance:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a novel approach to improve diagnostic accuracy and accessibility by alleviating strain on healthcare resources in medically underserved areas.

Methods:

A literature review was conducted using studies published in the last ten years. Eligible resources included case reports, clinical studies, clinical trials, meta-analyses, reviews, and systematic reviews in English. Studies that were repetitive or inapplicable were …

Broadening And Broadcasting The Impact Of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Muslim Residents Of Southern New Jersey With Special Emphasis On Opportunities Of Future Interventions And Prevention Tactics, Maikel Mansour, Ocean Alam, Samiha Hossain, Kirsten M. Carlberg, Katarina Rusinak

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According to AHA and NIH, CVD includes stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease. Between 2017 and 2020, 127.9 million US adults (48.6%) had some form of CVD.

Among the target population, it was found that observing Ramadan fasting leads to an increase in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides levels post-fasting. Yet, Islam emphasizes the importance of physical health as a privilege from God (Allah (swt)) and is seen as a religious duty.

The objective of the HCOP service project was to investigate the …

The Relationship Between Running Cadence And Stress Fractures In Competitive Distance Runners, Jason A. Richwall

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Running is one of the most popular sports and forms of exercise worldwide. Stress fractures are a common and potentially season-ending injury among competitive distance runners, with recurrence rates as high as 22%. Biomechanical factors, including running cadence, have been implicated in injury risk, but their precise role remains an area of active investigation. This literature review examines the relationship between cadence and stress fractures, drawing data from both observational and experimental studies. Observational studies suggest that low cadence and rearfoot striking are associated with increased risk of bone stress injuries. Experimental studies reinforce these findings, demonstrating that increased cadence …

Case Report: A Severe Case Of Post-Operative Ogilvie Syndrome Requiring Surgical Intervention, Aashna A. Chaudhry

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Ogilvie Syndrome is an acute colonic pseudo-obstruction described as a paralysis of the colon with no real mechanical obstruction. This condition is oftentimes a benign post-surgical complication but can progress in severity if not treated appropriately. This case report presents a unique clinical case in which an adult female patient developed a severe case of Ogilvie syndrome postoperatively requiring surgical intervention.

Comparative Long-Term Outcomes Of Cell Therapy And Cardiac Rehabilitation In The Treatment Of Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Awrush Sean Namazi, Susrut Dube, Jay Kishor Patel

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This systematic review explores long-term treatment approaches for non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, comparing cell therapy and cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiomyopathy is characterized by the progressive thinning and deterioration of cardiac muscle and is a significant cause of heart failure. Various treatment modalities have been developed to combat cardiomyopathy and prevent the onset of heart failure, with more recent efforts focusing on cell therapy—particularly allogeneic and autologous stem cell transplants. The efficacy of these novel treatments was compared to more established regimens, particularly cardiac rehabilitation. Studies demonstrate that both treatment modalities are associated with a significant overall improvement in ejection fraction (effect size …

Assessing The Accessibility Of Wound Care Education For Unhoused Individuals Of South Jersey, Marilyn A. Chen, Selma S. Benkhoukha, Allysone Martinez

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Unhoused individuals face disproportionately high rates of wound-related complications due to environmental exposure, limited access to hygiene facilities, and delayed care. This study assessed the accessibility of wound care for the unhoused population in South Jersey, where approximately 2,607 individuals experience homelessness on any given night. Our research identified significant barriers to wound care access, including transportation limitations, lack of identification documents, absence of a physical mailing address, and language barriers. Data analysis revealed concerning trends: a 24% increase in New Jersey's homeless population in 2024, with Black/African American individuals representing 49% of the homeless population despite comprising only 12% …

Association Of Perioperative Factors With Lymph Node Positivity In Bladder Cancer Following Radical Cystectomy, Alyssa Laguerta, Kimberly Toumazos, Virgil Kevin Demario, Vaishnavi Patel, Balaji Reddy, Mark Quiring, Evan Jones, Young Son, Ronald Clearie, Thomas Mueller

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Introduction and objectives: The treatment of bladder carcinoma relies on a multimodal approach, including chemotherapy, radical cystectomy, and lymph node dissection, but clear guidelines for the optimal strategy remain ambiguous. Radical cystectomy is complex, with high morbidity and mortality, yet limited research has focused on its short-term implications for lymph node-positive bladder cancer. This study aims to address these gaps by identifying perioperative factors linked to lymph node positivity and comparing outcomes between lymph node-positive and negative patients.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 4382 bladder cancer patients who underwent radical cystectomy, collecting comprehensive clinical and surgical data. Clinical …

Ultrasonographic Appearance Of Suspected Zinner Syndrome, Wen Hao Luo, Jared Garfinkle, Jack Hennen, Robert Martin, Kathleen Deiling

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Zinner syndrome (ZS) is a rare congenital condition characterized by the triad of unilateral renal agenesis, ipsilateral seminal vesicle cyst, and ipsilateral ejaculatory duct obstruction. ZS is suspected to be caused by the malformation of the mesonephric duct during embryogenesis. The incomplete migration of the ureteric bud results in ipsilateral renal agenesis and ejaculatory duct obstruction. The remaining gonad develops with inadequate seminal fluid drainage, leading to the formation of seminal vesicle cysts. ZS is often asymptomatic, leading to challenges in diagnosis, particularly in adolescents. Symptoms can include pain, dysuria, pollakisuria, perineal pain, epididymitis, and pain after ejaculation. Imaging plays …

Evaluation Of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (Msc) As An Adjuvant Therapeutic For Chronic Lyme Disease, Matthew Teryek

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Background: Lyme disease, caused by the spirochetal bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most prevalent vector-borne illness in the Northern Hemisphere. If undiagnosed or untreated, the disease progresses through multiple stages of increasing clinical severity. While antibiotics such as doxycycline and ceftriaxone are the current standard of care, patients with chronic or late-stage Lyme disease may require additional therapeutic interventions.

Rationale: Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are of growing clinical interest due to their immunomodulatory properties, low immunogenicity, and potential to promote tissue repair. These characteristics position MSCs as promising adjuvant therapies for chronic Lyme disease, with the potential to …

Hydralazine-Induced Vasculitis Resulting In Large Pleural Effusion And Progressive Renal Dysfunction, Michael A. Acevedo, Hammad Choudhry

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Hydralazine is a vasodilator commonly used to treat high blood pressure. Even with the safety profile of Hydralazine, it is necessary to know that it may lead to Hydralazine-Induced Vasculitis. Here, we discuss how this rare side effect can present in an 80-year-old female with a past medical history of hypertension who presented to the emergency department with complaints of progressive shortness of breath on exertion and while lying supine. Further evaluation revealed a large right-sided pleural effusion with consolidation at the right lower lobe. The patient’s dyspnea worsened, and the surgical team placed a chest tube. The patient also …

The Use Of Intramedullary Screw For Fixation Of Distal Ulnar Fractures, Adam Lencer, John Pignataro, Justin Le, Joyce Daniel Suarez, Michael Rivlin

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Background

Distal ulna fractures frequently accompany distal radius fractures but are often underappreciated in both clinical and research contexts. While conservative management is frequently employed, particularly following volar locking plate (VLP) fixation of the radius, certain indications, such as distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability, comminution, or high-energy trauma, may necessitate surgical fixation. This study evaluates patient-reported outcomes among patients with distal radius fractures treated operatively, comparing those with and without concomitant distal ulna fractures, and further stratifying based on the method of ulna fixation.

Methods

This retrospective review included 477 patients treated operatively for distal radius fractures by a single …

Igg4-Related Autoimmune Pancreatitis In Patients With Prior Occupational Exposure: A Case Report And Review Of Risks Concerning Blue-Collared Workers, Zachary A. Coren, Justin Le, Jason Tran, Nicholas Moscardelli, Krish Patel, Joshua Coren

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Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), a manifestation of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), is a rare, often misdiagnosed condition that can closely mimic pancreatic cancer, particularly in its clinical and radiographic presentation. We report the case of a 76-year-old retired plumber who presented with painless jaundice and was initially suspected to have pancreatic cancer based on imaging findings. Subsequent endoscopic evaluation, biopsy, and markedly elevated serum IgG4 levels led to a diagnosis of type 1 AIP. Treatment with corticosteroids resulted in rapid clinical improvement and reduction in IgG4 levels, confirming the diagnosis.

This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of AIP, especially among blue-collar workers …

Symptomatic Treatment Of Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome: A Review Of The Existing Literature, Aria Sen, Dale Shober

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Despite its public reputation as a recreational substance that does not cause physical withdrawal symptoms, cannabis withdrawal syndrome (CWS) was added to the DSM-5 in 2013. Existing research would suggest that almost half of regular cannabis users will experience symptoms such as mood symptoms, insomnia, and gastrointestinal distress. For more than 20 years, the rates of cannabis use have continued to trend upward due to expanding legislation on the recreational use of marijuana. Currently, there are no FDA approved treatments for CWS. Considering this trend, the lack of a well-formed treatment protocol for CWS will have a growing impact on …

Impact Of Fluid Composition On Mortality And Kidney Injury In Sepsis: A Literature Review, Kush C. Patel, Simran Gandhi, Harmann Singh, Abdullah Noory, Akash M. Patel

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Background

Fluid resuscitation is a cornerstone of early sepsis management. While normal saline (NS) has been widely used, emerging evidence suggests that balanced crystalloids such as lactated Ringer’s and Plasma-Lyte may offer improved renal outcomes and reduced mortality by avoiding hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis.

Hypothesis

In adult patients with sepsis, initial resuscitation with balanced crystalloids reduces mortality and the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) compared to normal saline.

Methods

A literature review was conducted using PubMed and MEDLINE databases focusing on randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses published from 2010–2024. Key studies included the SMART, SALT-ED, BaSICS, and PLUS trials. The …

Maternal Responsiveness To Infant Hunger Cues: Is It Possible To Mitigate Risk Of Obesity Starting In Infancy?, Arrianna A. Powers

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Background: Childhood obesity is becoming a predominant health concern with over 37 million children under the age of 5 being overweight. Instances of rapid weight gain in infancy correlate to greater risk for obesity later on in life.

Methods: This study aimed to look at feeding modality and style for their impact on maternal responsiveness to infant hunger cues and RWG. A database search identified 21 studies eligible to be included in the review out of 150.

Discussion: Key findings showed breast-feeding mothers were most responsive to hunger cues, breastfed infants expressed greater cues than their formula-fed peers, and responsive …

Outcomes Of Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion In Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Comprehensive National Study, Tony Elias, Fady Beshara, Daniel Basta, Mena Elmalh, Matthew Ebrahim, Taha Syed, Olga Sarah, Abdallah Hussein

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We sought to explore a sample of the inpatient population with OSA with AF who underwent LAAO.

Is The Vaping Epidemic Linked To Neurologic Changes And Mental Health Diagnoses Amongst Us Adolescents?, Tracy Lin, Victoria Shwe

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Vaping has significantly increased among U.S. adolescents, driven by the rise of e-cigarettes and flavored pods. Nicotine exposure during brain development is linked to changes in the limbic-dopaminergic system, white matter integrity, and increased risk of emotional and behavioral dysregulation. Higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality are reported among adolescent users, with greater symptom severity seen in those with high vaping dependence. Though studies show correlation rather than causation, findings suggest vaping may contribute to rising mental health diagnoses. Addressing vaping’s neurological and psychological impact is critical to guiding prevention efforts, regulatory policies, and support for at-risk youth.

The Role Of Ect In Ocd: A 10-Year Review (2014-2024), Mariana Sales, Tainiz Polanco, Amy Nguyen

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Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects up to 2.5% of the population with significant impacts on everyday functioning and relationships. First-line treatment includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and cognitive behavioral therapy; however, studies have found that up to 40-60% of patients do not respond to SSRIs. ECT is an alternative approach that has demonstrated limited efficacy in OCD.

Objective: The current review aims to summarize the results of published work between 2014-2024 to assess the efficacy of ECT in the treatment of OCD.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using eight studies from 2014-2024 to assess the effectiveness of ECT …

Autoimmune Encephalitis Presenting As Pseudodementia (Case Report), Renita Ng, Christie Richardson

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Patients with autoimmune encephalitis frequently present with psychiatric symptoms including psychosis, behavioral changes, and affective disorders. Because of this, misdiagnosis of a primary psychiatric disorder in a case of autoimmune encephalitis is not uncommon. We present a case of autoimmune encephalitis in a 72 year old who was initially thought to have psuedodementia or catatonia due to variable collateral who later on LP was found to have markers and responded to steroid treatment. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a broad differential with patients who present with psychiatric alterations and to consider other causes of behavioral change.