Medical Education Commons^™

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 …

Imaging In Acute Neurovascular Emergencies: Optimizing Outcomes In Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke, Chandu Goli, Rohit Patel, Elliott Beard, Anna Liles, Saeed Saleh, Aleeza Namit, Alissa Ongaco, Kevin Steed Ph.D.

Annual Research Symposium

Purpose:

Large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, and patient outcomes are strongly influenced by rapid identification and timely reperfusion. Advances in acute neurovascular imaging have transformed stroke care by enabling precise patient selection, extending treatment windows, and accelerating clinical workflows. The purpose of this project is to evaluate how modern neurovascular imaging strategies influence treatment selection, workflow efficiency, and clinical outcomes in patients with acute LVO stroke.

Methods:

A narrative review of peer-reviewed literature published within the past decade was conducted. The review focused on CT-based imaging (non-contrast CT, CT angiography, CT …

Enhancing The Sectra Educational Portal: Incorporating Resources Into An Integrated Medical Curriculum, Daniël Johannes Van Tonder, Dietrich Lorke

COM Scholarship

Introduction: In contemporary medical curricula, anatomy education frequently encounters fragmentation due to the reliance on disparate resources, including gross anatomy platforms, histology and pathology websites, radiological imaging repositories, and separate assessment tools. This cognitive switching can disrupt the learning flow and hinder the integration of micro- and macroscopic concepts. At Roseman University of Health Sciences (RUCOM), we aimed to centralize the student learning experience by utilizing the Sectra Educational Portal (SEP) not merely as a visualization tool but as a primary hub for asynchronous learning. This presentation outlines our workflow for embedding interactive H5P exercises and external histology repositories directly …

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: A Case Of The Broken Heart, Lilian Huynh, Kaylee Putney

Annual Research Symposium

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC), or "broken heart syndrome," is a rare cardiac condition causing temporary left ventricular dysfunction due to severe stress. Though the exact cause is unclear, it mimics myocardial infarction and can lead to cardiogenic shock. Current treatment lacks specific guidelines and relies on heart failure protocols. We report a case of a patient with TC-induced cardiogenic shock, likely triggered by emotional stress. She required vasopressors, a percutaneous intervention, an Impella device, and guideline-directed medication therapies. This case underscores the significance of establishing guideline optimizations for managing TC and cardiogenic shock.

United In Inquiry: Exploring Interprofessional Collaboration In Healthcare Research, Srinija Balabhadra, Harshita Sarambale, Sherli Koshy-Chenthittayil Phd, John Rider Phd

Annual Research Symposium

This poster explores an interprofessional research project conducted by an OT professional, a data analyst and two medical students at Touro University Nevada.

Simplicity Is The Ultimate Sophistication: Ume Lessons From Trauma-Focused Simulation, Victoria-Marie Berlandi-Short, Kelsey Yang, Jonmark Dolendo, Grace Hwang, Brianna Kuhse, Samuel Blees, Sherli Koshy-Chenthittayil, Brad Haubrich

Annual Research Symposium

Purpose: Simulation-based training has become essential in preparing medical professionals to manage high-stakes situations effectively before encountering them in real-life clinical settings. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Cut Suit Week (CSW), a high-stress, trauma-focused simulation training for second-year military medical students hosted by Rocky Vista College of Osteopathic Medicine in San Diego, California. As members of the 2024 cohort, our team from Touro University Nevada (TUN) and Touro University California (TUC) sought to address three questions: (1) Does CSW improve confidence in managing stressful situations? (2) Does it enhance clinical and leadership skills? (3) Would similar training …

Current Concepts In Prenatal Dental Care: A Narrative Review, Adam Lawlor

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Impact Of N-Acetylcysteine In Non-Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Failure: A Retrospective Analysis, Edward Ramirez, Alana Whittaker, Kaylee Putney

Annual Research Symposium

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been widely used in the treatment of liver failure secondary to acetaminophen overdose. At Valley Hospital Medical Center (VHMC) and other Valley Health System hospitals, NAC has been used as an off-label treatment for non-acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure (NAI-ALF) and ischemic hepatitis. Studies have shown NAC is safe for use in NAI-ALF and may provide a survival benefit in native liver without transplantation. While some evidence suggests potential benefits of NAC for NAI-ALF, lack of robust, high-quality studies limits its widespread adoption and routine use. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of NAC …

Unraveling Physiologic Mechanisms In Passive And Active Mechanoreceptor Stimulation, Halah Khan, Braden Ashcraft

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Exploring Acgme-Accredited Electrophysiology Fellowship Website Information Using Eras, Lorissa Thorpe, Jacob Lahti, Thomas Varkey, Ceanna Potter

Annual Research Symposium

EP Fellowships

Educating Medical Students In Sleep, Diet, And Exercise To Determine Effects On Their Treatment Plan Development For Future Patients, Paul Jackson, Wyatt Edgekoski, Kaleb Gustavsen, Andrew Payne

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Assessment Of Condylar Morphology In Various Facial Types-Cbct Study, Dr.Shruti Patil

Annual Research Symposium

Mandibular condyle being part of the TMJ complex, its volume and shape play a pivotal role in treatment stability and outcomes in orthodontic and orthognathic patients over long term periods. Different loading patterns would result in different morphology of the TMJ. The association with different facial types and understanding the relationship between condylar position, morphology and jaw base divergence is limited. This study’s objective is to assess the condylar structure which includes condylar height, width and height of the fossa in different jaw base divergences.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 90 patients undergoing Orthodontic treatment were selected and …

A Systematic Review: Mirror Neurons & Schizophrenia, Yashesvi Sharma, Surajit Dey

Annual Research Symposium

This research project establishes a link between Mirror Neuron System (MNS) activity and this information's implications in treating and understanding schizophrenia, specifically, schizophrenic patients with negative symptoms.

Angiofibroma Of Soft Tissue: A Case Report, Mehruba Alam, Jake Robins

Annual Research Symposium

Differentiation between benign angiofibromas of soft tissue and malignant sarcomas.

The accurate diagnosis of this tumor is essential to prevent additional unnecessary treatments and/or surgeries. This can be achieved by proper genetic testing for the presence of markers including the NCOA2 fusion gene, CD34, α-SMA, and epithelial membrane antigen. Genetic testing is an essential component of accurate diagnosis as the appearance of these lesions can mimic other, more harmful neoplasms. Immunohistochemical analysis frequently shows the AHRR-NCOA2 driver mutation which is thought to be associated with t(5;8)(p15;q13), also commonly found in AFSTs. In combination, these immunohistochemical findings allow for accurate diagnosis …

Chronic Intractable Migraine: A Case Study, Natalie Tate, Luis Alvarez, Cassidy Byers, Davis Elm, Louis Michelon, Tallon Muhlestein, Layla Risdon, Garret Vincent, Christina A. Small, David W. Sant, Kyle B. Bills, Kurt M. Alexander

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Revolutionizing Denture Excellence: An Invigorating In-Vitro Exploration Of Organic Products In Prosthetic Rehabilitation, Nighila Ravindran, Sneha Joseph, Aswani Surya K

Annual Research Symposium

The denture base comes into contact with diverse substances in the oral cavity, acting as a reservoir for microorganisms like corynebacterium, streptococcus, lactobacillus, and candida. This colonization elevates the risk of complications such as denture stomatitis and candidiasis. Commercial denture cleaners have explored the use of natural ingredients, less commonly employed but offering various advantages. These ingredients aim to mitigate the potential issues associated with microbial colonization on denture surfaces, contributing to improved oral hygiene for denture wearers. The exploration of natural elements reflects a nuanced approach to denture care, considering both efficacy and less conventional alternatives.

Investigating Racial And Ethnic Healthcare Disparities In Screenable Ob/Gyn-Related Cancers, Lara Laughrey

Annual Research Symposium

This is a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature addressing healthcare inequity based on race and ethnicity with a specific focus on Ob/Gyn-related management and treatment of screenable cancers.

Assessment Of Emotional Intelligence Among Students In Dental College, Gowri Nandana S Final Year Student, Sudeep C. B Professor And Head Of The Department Of Public Health Dentistry

Annual Research Symposium

Over an extended period, the examination of intelligence predominantly centered on the adaptive deployment of cognitive abilities. In more recent times, scholars such as Gardner (1983) and Sternberg (1988) have proposed comprehensive frameworks for comprehending intelligence. Pioneering the concept of "emotional intelligence," Salovey and Mayer (1990) posited that emotional intelligence encompasses three distinct categories of adaptive capabilities: the evaluation and expression of emotions, the regulation of emotions, and the utilization of emotions in problem-solving. The objective is to evaluate emotional intelligence among dental students across various educational institutions.

Exploring Glucose Dysregulation In Migraine: Insights From Continuous Glucose Monitoring, Jackson Nielsen, Matthew Jennings, Alexander Kim, Pooja Chemiti, Stephanie Chavez, Alfred Amendolara, John Dougherty Jr., Kyle Reavely, Amanda Page, Brandon J. Burger, Christina A. Small, David W. Sant, John A. Kriak, Kyle B. Bills

Annual Research Symposium

Despite being associated with hypoglycemia for nearly a century, a definitive relationship between migraines and glucose dysregulation remains elusive. Accumulating evidence suggests that migraines are in part due to a metabolic mismatch between cerebral demand and available energy. Research analyzing plasma glucose levels and migraine activity may further elucidate this interface between metabolic dysregulation and migraine pathophysiology and may potentially open avenues for therapeutic interventions targeting holistic metabolism for migraine management.

Quality Of Life In Orthodontics, Claudia Eisenhuth, Gabriel Eisenhuth, Connor Schwartz, Amir Mohajeri, Man Hung, Tiffany Nelson, Ryann Glenn

Annual Research Symposium

Orthodontic treatment goes beyond mere cosmetic enhancement; it significantly impacts various aspects of an individual's quality of life. Beyond the physical benefits of improved oral function and prevention of dental issues, orthodontics also yields profound psychological benefits. Aligned teeth enhance self-confidence, reduce social anxiety, and contribute to better relationships and professional opportunities. Moreover, addressing dental concerns through orthodontic treatment reduces psychological distress and promotes overall happiness and satisfaction. Real-life case studies vividly illustrate the transformative effects of orthodontic interventions, emphasizing the importance of considering quality of life outcomes in dental care.

De Novo Microdeletion Spanning Ywhae And Crk In An Individual With Intellectual Disability And Stunted Growth, Eden E. Pope, John A. Kriak, Kyle B. Bills, David W. Sant

Annual Research Symposium

In this report, we present a case of a 20-year-old female with congenital intellectual disability, stunted growth, and hypothyroidism. Competitive genetic hybridization (CHG) revealed a loss of a portion of 17p13.3 at least 195 Kb in size, not present in either parent. This area of chromosome 17 is associated with Miller-Dieker Syndrome (MDS) and Isolated Lissencephaly Sequence (ILS), but these conditions are related predominantly to PAFAH1B1, which is not included in the patient’s deletion.

Investigating The Interplay Between Glucose Regulation, Neural Activity, And Motivation: A Novel Approach Utilizing Vibration Stimulation, Blake D. Harris, Patrick Tanner Brain, Alessandra Maisie Rivera, Tiffany Nguyen, James Barber, Amar Paul, John Dougherty Jr., Matthew Jennings, Bridger Gunter, David W. Sant, Christina A. Small, Scott Steffenson, Kyle B. Bills

Annual Research Symposium

This research explores the intricate relationship between glucose regulation, neural activity, and motivation in key brain regions, including the hypothalamus, basal ganglia, ventral tegmental area (VTA), and nucleus accumbens (NA). We aim to unravel the potential relationship of these factors on dopamine (DA) release and the broader implications for mental health, glucose regulation, well-being, and overall health. Our innovative approach involves using a chair that causes heterodyned whole-body vibration designed to stimulate DA release from the VTA and NA, areas associated with motivation and rewards.

Trichomonas Vaginalis Infection In Emergency Department Patients, Owen Christian Schubert

Annual Research Symposium

Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects around 2.3 million women and 1.4 million men in the United States. TV infection in females can cause vaginal discharge, dysuria and abdominal pain and can be complicated by pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, cervical neoplasia and increased transmission rates of other STIs. In males, TV can cause urethral discharge and dysuria, but is often asymptomatic and therefore not often studied. We seek to determine the rates of TV infection among male and female patients presenting to EDs for STI evaluation in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, and compare …

Exploring The Interconnected Role Of The Oral Microbiome And Periodontal Disease In The Development And Progression Of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Malak Al-Regib, Claudia M. Tellez Freitas

Annual Research Symposium

This comprehensive review explores the complex linkage among the oral microbiome, periodontal disease, and the onset and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Establishing Optimal Tools For An Anatomy Laboratory On The Six-Point Mastery Learning Model, Alice Akunyili, Kanee Lerwill, Dietrich Lorke

Annual Research Symposium

Roseman University of Health Sciences (RU) is establishing a new College of Medicine in Southern Nevada with the goal of transforming Medical Education and Healthcare delivery. To this end, facilities and resources for an integrated anatomy education need to be established, considering best practices for anatomy education. At Roseman University the six-point learning mastery model is at the center of the process of delivering the study materials. This combination of anatomy lab design and educational resources, i.e., plastinated human organs, anatomical models, simulators and virtual anatomy tools, within our block curriculum, will allow for an innovative and inclusive competency-based anatomy …

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Of The Oral Cavity - A Rare Entity, Anita J. Florence Dr, Karpagaselvi Sanjai Prof & Dr

Annual Research Symposium

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is a subtype of lymphoma with two-thirds of the cases presenting as lymph node enlargement. The remaining one third of NHL cases has been reported in the extra nodal sites, including the gastro-intestinal tract, Waldeyer’s ring, bone, skin and brain. Intraoral NHL is uncommon and may affect either the jaw bones or occur within the soft tissues of the oral cavity. Here we report an unusual case of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in a 54-year-old male patient who presented with a growth from the right lower molar extraction socket with pus discharge.

Success And Challenges Of Infrazygomatic Crest Implants In Orthodontics, Gauri Gill

Annual Research Symposium

Poster on success rates of mini implants used in the infrazygomatic region for orthodontic anchorage , as well as the factors that influence the success of the mini implant placed in IZC region.

Dna Extraction Method Development For Ocular Tissues, Conrad K. Ashby, Michael C. Trapnell, Walker C. Kay, Jonathon C. Reynolds, Noah R. Schultz, Brandon J. Burger, Christina A. Small, John A. Kriak, Kyle B. Bills, David W. Sant

Annual Research Symposium

Purpose: DNA extraction kits are traditionally developed to work with liquid tissues such as blood, saliva, and swabs, but some have been proposed to work with solid tissues. Somatic variation in cancers can be important for tumor subtyping and treatment guidance, including ocular tumors. Additionally, epigenetic marks such as 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) are tissue-specific and change in disease states, particularly evident in diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Commercial DNA extraction kits are available from several vendors, but the various kits have different strengths and weaknesses, and the removal of PCR inhibitors will vary with each kit. This …

Non-Traditional Presenting Grade Ii Brain Meningioma: A Case Study, Alessandra M. Rivera, Garret Phillips, Serin Baker, Michael Trapnell, Conrad Ashby, Jacob Hill, Prina Patel, Alexander Ruiz, Elden Jenkins, Johan A. Kriak, Kyle B. Bills, Voicu S. Ciobanu, Tipsuda Bahri, David W. Sant

Annual Research Symposium

Meningioma is a relatively common form of cancer, occurring in approximately 97 out of 100,000 individuals. Although it arises from the meninges surrounding the central nervous system (CNS) rather than from neurons, it is classified with CNS tumors due to overlapping symptoms caused by compression of nerves and vessels in the head. Extracranial metastasis is rare, at less than 1%, and correlates with reduced survival rates.

Neurocognitive Considerations And Impacts In Chronic Migraines, Kennedy Madrid, Jacob Warner, Jordyn Huecker, Cassidy Byers, Kyle Reaveley, Kailee Edwards, Luke Sanders, Christina A. Small, David W. Sant, John A. Kriak, Kyle B. Bills

Annual Research Symposium

Migraine, characterized by moderate-to-severe headache, may arise from neurological, psychological, orthopedic, metabolic, or endocrine origins. Pain associated with migraine, while commonly cited as the primary patient concern, only represents a small portion of short- and long-term effects caused by the condition. Many presenting cases include neuromuscular dysfunction, increased neuronal firing, inflammation, and cortical spreading depression. These effects can induce multiple symptoms such as pain, aura, brain fog, confusion, hangover, multiple hypersensitivities, and decreased memory capacity. These effects and symptoms can lead to neurocognitive and neuropsychological deficiencies in many patients. This study aims to investigate the relationship between migraines and neurocognitive …