Medical Sciences Commons^™

Assessing The Impact Of Various Factors On Hypoxic Response, Reese Kim, Allysa Hayden

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Hypoxia is a condition in which the body’s tissues are deprived of oxygen and has deleterious effects on cognition, perception, and performance. Hypoxia has a myriad of symptoms such as euphoria, difficulty concentrating, headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, tunnel vision, and more. Outward signs of hypoxia include cyanosis (blueing of the fingertips and lips), tremors, loss of coordination, pallor, and complexion change, and can be used to notice the onset of hypoxia in others. Many factors are known to contribute to the manifestation of hypoxia, namely altitude, exposure duration, and certain physiological conditions such as heart problems and low blood flow …

Mri-Based Estimation Of The Hip Joint Center In Infants Using Two Sphere-Fitting Methods, Victoria Melendez

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Accurate estimation of the hip joint center (HJC) is critical for biomechanical modeling and clinical assessment. Common methods include predictive methods (e.g., regression equations) and functional methods such as sphere-fitting. In infants, femoral head-based methods are often limited due to incomplete ossification of the anatomy and poor visualization in computed tomography (CT) images. This study evaluates an alternative approach using MRI-based sphere fitting of the ossified acetabular rim, comparing its accuracy to traditional femoral head-based methods. MRI scans of three male infants (ages 10.7- 12.7 months) were used to manually place landmarks on the ossified acetabulum and the cartilaginous boundary …

Metabolic Regulation And Immunity In The Spaceflight Environment, Graeme Grainger, Riley Dienna, Astrid Senko, Angela Cebula, Arden Rodriguez Arden Rodriguez

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Long-duration spaceflight exposes astronauts to chronic ionizing radiation and microgravity that disrupts homeostasis in the immune system and cellular metabolism. While simulated spaceflight models demonstrate altered T-cell polarization and sex-dependent shifts toward regulatory phenotypes, the metabolic mechanisms driving these immune changes remain unclear. Immune cell function is tightly linked to metabolic programming, with effector T cells relying on glycolysis and regulatory T cells favoring oxidative metabolism, making them highly sensitive to shifts in nutrient availability and redox balance. Emerging research further suggests that neutrophils act as metabolic regulators capable of reshaping the immune microenvironment through oxidative stress, cytokine production, and …

Relationship Identification Between Triggers And Changes In The Brain And The Overall Human Electrophysiology During Migraines, Dominic Sandell, Jonah Dematto, Gianpiero Lara, Jasmine Rosales, Legacy Wilson, Zachary Young

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

One of the most common neurological conditions in the world is migraines; nearly 1/4th of the working population suffers from this condition and exhibits a large variety of triggers. The current treatment method for migraine uses few different medications for all migraines, regardless of triggers. Our hypothesis is that there is a specific relationship between the triggers of migraines and the electrical changes in the brain during migraines. It is known that electrical activity in the brain occurs during migraines; it is unclear whether these changes differ across triggers. The study incorporates two different data collection methods: electrophysiological tests (Electroencephalogram …

Using H2ax As A Biological Indicator To Assess Radiation-Induced Bone Loss In Microgravity Environments, Angeline Nichols, Enoch Tonkin, Ana Lobaton, Jahzara Hope

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Long-duration space missions expose astronauts to microgravity and chronic low-dose radiation, both greatly impacting skeletal health. While mechanical unloading in microgravity is a well-known driver of bone loss, recent evidence indicates that radiation independently contributes to bone deterioration by increasing osteoclast activity, which remodel bone faster, and suppress osteoblast differentiation. H2AX, a histone protein that rapidly phosphorylates into y-H2AX in response to the double strands of DNA breaking, has emerged as a sensitive biological marker for radiation exposure. This project aims to determine the efficacy of H2AX in the presence of radiation-induced DNA damage in bone marrow, compared to microgravity …

Analysis Of Non-Thermal Plasma’S Effects On Melanoma: A Biological Examination, Violet Ochrietor, Mia Nilsen, Arden Rodriguez, Ally Schwennesen

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that may present as a real and increased risk during long-term spaceflight due to radiation exposure and limited treatment options. Non-Thermal Plasma (NTP) has emerged as a promising therapeutic tool due to its ability to generate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) that affect cellular functioning without causing temperature related damage to surrounding tissues. This project investigates the effects of NTP on melanoma cells through a biological examination of exposure time, frequency of plasma, and cellular growth conditions. Human melanoma cells and keratinocytes will be cultured and exposed to the …

The Effect Of Snris On Pilot Reaction Time In Simulated Flight, Isabella Owen, Aidan Roach, Micah Henry, Casey Tressler

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Many aviators who are prescribed serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) to treat mental health disorders such as major depressive disorder, general anxiety disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder must halt their duties for a set amount of time. This is due to aviation authorities having data that suggests SNRIs and SSRIs lead to inhibitions in mental processes that can cause crashes or death. Most of the research that has been conducted examined the effects of SSRIs on individuals without mental health disorders in non-flight settings. This study will explore the effect SNRIs have on …

High Burden Of Elevated Fib-4 In Metabolically At-Risk Primary Care Patients: Simple Predictors To Guide Hepatic Fibrosis Triage, Ridwan Ademola Lawal, Fatimah Bello, Rashmee Patil, Juliana Yang

Research Symposium

Background: Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), including metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH), is a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Current guidelines recommend fibrosis-based risk stratification using noninvasive tools such as the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index in patients with metabolic risk factors, followed by secondary assessment (e.g., transient elastography or enhanced liver fibrosis(ELF) testing) for those with elevated scores. However, data on the real-world prevalence of elevated FIB-4 in U.S. primary care populations, particularly in safety-net settings, and the downstream implications for fibrosis evaluation remain limited. We aimed to quantify the burden of elevated FIB-4 in a primary care setting …

Modeling Psychological And Demographic Predictors Of Analog Astronaut Mission Participation, Christian Yeara Herrero, Frányerson R. López Ochoa, Mackenzie Thomas, Phoebe Fleshman

Student Research Symposium (SRS)

As plans accelerate to send humans into orbit and to other celestial bodies, whether to lunar outposts, Mars bases, or commercial space stations, it becomes increasingly important to understand how to maintain healthy, cohesive, and productive crews in confined, isolated environments. A practical way to study human adaptation to these conditions is through analog astronaut missions on Earth. Although imperfect, these facilities provide the closest Earth-based simulation of space mission conditions. Currently, over ten analog research centers are operating worldwide, including NASA’s Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) and the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) habitats. Selecting and recruiting …

A Multiscale Computational Framework Coupling Pulmonary Arterial Blood Flow And Lung Tissue Perfusion, Nigar Sultana, Hangjie Ji, Mette Sofie Olufsen

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Developing Antibodies Against Galectin-3 And Galectin-9 To Target Endometriosis, Ashleigh Burger, Noah Farnsworth, Jared J. Reisnouer, Cheyenne Vue

2026 Symposium

Endometriosis is a disease characterized by pelvic pain and the formation of endometrial-like tissue on the outside of the uterine lining. This condition affects nearly 10% of women across the globe and confirming whether someone has endometriosis requires visualization in surgery. While the specific causes of this disease remain unclear, the over-expression of the Galectins 3 and 9 in ectopic endometrial tissues suggests a role in the development and maintenance of the condition. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are highly specific proteins with potential as diagnostic or treatment tools. The goal of this study is to generate antibodies against Gal3 and Gal9. …

The Effects Of Blue Light From Technology On Sleep Health In Adolescents And Young Adults: A Literature Review, Matthew F. Dilloian, Dianne Langford Ph.D., Charalampos Papachristou Ph.D.

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Digital screens, such as smartphones, computers, and tablets, emit blue light in the short wavelength range of ~400–500 nm. This exposure impacts the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the brain's biological clock, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle via melatonin secretion from the pineal gland. Blue light is known to suppress melatonin, potentially leading to poor sleep quality and sleep disruptions. Significance: With approximately 90% of Americans using electronic devices within one hour of bedtime, understanding these effects is critical for public health. Previous research often excluded young adults, specific target populations, like athletes, or focused solely on the biochemistry of blue …

The Neurobiology Of Interruptions In Emergency Medicine: The Case For Informed Interruption Management In Support Of Cognitive Stability In High-Reliability Clinical Environments, James Espinosa, Henry Schuitema, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Interruptions are ubiquitous in Emergency Departments (EDs) and have been associated with task delay, multitasking, and increased error risk. While operational and human-factors impacts are well described, the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms remain underexplored. Not all interruptions are avoidable.  However,  interruptions in emergency medicine represent neurocognitive destabilization events that can degrade task representation and increase vulnerability to error during task resumption. Recognizing the neural mechanisms underlying interruptions reframes their management as a systems-level patient safety priority. The aim is not elimination of clinically necessary communication, but thoughtful reduction, prioritization, and design that protects cognitive stability.

Objective: To synthesize cognitive neuroscience …

Procedural Narration As An Important Cognitive Adjunct To Analgesia: Naming And Neurobiologically Grounding An Established Emergency Medicine Practice, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Experienced emergency physicians routinely provide real-time verbal guidance during procedures. Although widespread and intuitive, this practice has not been commonly conceptualized within pain neuroscience.

Objective: To name and mechanistically ground procedural narration as a form of cognitive analgesia, and to promote its intentional use and teaching in Emergency Medicine.

Methods: Narrative review integrating predictive coding theory, placebo/nocebo research, affective neuroscience, descending inhibitory pathway literature, and attentional modulation studies.

Results: Procedural narration reduces uncertainty, aligns expectation with sensation, modulates limbic threat processing, engages prefrontal cortical regulation, and supports descending inhibitory control of nociception.

Conclusion: Procedural narration is not a novel …

Impaired Mitochondrial Magnesium Transport Induces Genome-Wide Transcriptional Changes In Hepatic Steatosis, Inflammatory Signaling, And Detoxification Pathways During High-Fat Diet Feeding, Abhishek Shastry, Thiruvelselvan Ponnusamy, Asha Parveen Sakkarai Mohamed, Marianne Assogba, Natarajaseenivasan Kalimuthusamy, Shanmughapriya Santhanam

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Calcium overload during fatty diet consumption induces oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis. Intramitochondrial magnesium inhibits calcium uptake into mitochondria; therefore, modulating the activity of the mitochondrial magnesium transporter Mrs2 may regulate calcium-induced hepatocellular stress. As previous work demonstrates that liver-specific Mrs2 inhibition increases hepatic lipid deposition, RNA-sequencing was performed to identify potential transcriptional mechanisms for hepatocellular stress.

Mrs2 knockout (Mrs2^KO) mice were generated by crossing male Mrs2^fl/fl mice with liver-specific-Cre transgenic mice. Eight-week-old wild-type (Mrs2^WT) and Mrs2^KO mice were placed on chow or high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 months (n=3/group). Whole liver was collected …

Anticholinergic Toxicity Presenting As Acute Stroke Mimic: A Case Report, Dean Austin Esma, Kelsey Murray, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Anticholinergic toxicity classically presents with a constellation of peripheral and central symptoms including tachycardia, mydriasis, dry skin, urinary retention, and altered mental status. However, central anticholinergic effects can predominate, presenting as isolated delirium without peripheral manifestations. This report presents a case of a 57-year-old woman who developed acute altered mental status and aphasia following cumulative anticholinergic exposure from over-the-counter cold medications, initially triggering a stroke alert

Sleep Architecture And Delirium In Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Preliminary Observational Study, Lily Roessler, Kevin Eaise, Jamie Feinour Msn, Crnp, Jennifer Jond Ms, Pa-C, Vanessa Salasky Md, Mikel Shea Ehntholt Md, Bethany C. Young

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Delirium is common among ICU stroke patients and could possibly be associated with disrupted sleep. However, the relationship between specific sleep characteristics and delirium remains unclear.

Objective: To evaluate the association between sleep architecture and delirium in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients in the ICU.

Methods: We performed a primary analysis of 14 ICU ICH patients who underwent polysomnography. Sleep variables included total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep stages (N1, N2, N3, REM), arousal index, and sleep latency. Delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU). Patients were categorized by presence or absence of delirium. Continuous …

Missense Mutations In The Snca Gene: Molecular Mechanisms And Clinical Implications, Pranaya Gade, Nishant Patel, Jamir Pitton Rissardo, Jorge Patino, Ana Fornari-Caprara, Ian Walker

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The SNCA gene on chromosome 4 encodes the alpha-synuclein (αSyn) protein, which plays a central role in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA). While αSyn has established roles in synaptic vesicle dynamics and neuronal signaling, alterations in SNCA regulation and sequence contribute to protein misfolding, aggregation, and loss of function. Alterations in secondary and tertiary structure, as well as protein aggregation, affect biochemical interactions, ultimately leading to pathogenesis. This review outlines the molecular architecture of the SNCA gene, including regulatory regions, alternative splicing, and untranslated regions that influence …

Irritability And Related Behavioral Adverse Events Associated With Levetiracetam: A Meta‑Analysis And Meta‑Regression Of Randomized Trials, Ana Leticia Fornari Caprara Md, Daarsh Goradia, Nishant Patel, Jarvish Shah, Pranaya Gade, Jamir Pitton Rissardo Md

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Levetiracetam is commonly used in epilepsy management but has been associated with irritability‑predominant aggressive behavioral adverse events, including irritability and aggression. Reported risks vary across trials, and the influence of comparator type and outcome definition remains unclear. We aimed to estimate the risk of irritability‑related aggressive behavioral adverse events associated with levetiracetam and to assess whether outcome definition or comparator subgroup modifies this risk. Methods: We searched ClinicalTrials.gov for interventional trials with posted results involving levetiracetam. Studies reporting irritability, aggression, agitation, or related irritability‑driven behaviors in comparisons with placebo or another antiseizure medication were included. Random‑effects Mantel–Haenszel meta‑analyses were …

Efficacy And Safety Of Levetiracetam For Essential Tremor: A Systematic Review And Meta‑Analysis, Jamir Pitton Rissardo, Daarsh Goradia, Nishant Patel, Jarvish Shah, Pranaya Gade, Ana Leticia Fornari Caprara Md

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Essential tremor (ET) is a common movement disorder with limited therapeutic options. Levetiracetam has been proposed as a potential treatment, but published studies report inconsistent efficacy and safety findings. We performed a meta‑analysis to quantify the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam in patients with essential tremor using pooled effect estimates. Methods: A systematic review of PubMed was performed to identify clinical studies evaluating levetiracetam for ET. Continuous efficacy outcomes were pooled using standardized mean differences (SMD) with inverse‑variance random‑effects models. Binary adverse events were pooled using risk ratios (RR) with Mantel–Haenszel random‑effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. …

Efficacy And Safety Of Droxidopa For Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension: A Systematic Review And Meta‑Analysis, Jamir Pitton Rissardo, Jarvish Shah, Nishant Patel, Daarsh Goradia, Pranaya Gade, Ana Leticia Fornari Caprara Md

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) causes disabling symptoms such as dizziness, impaired daily activities, and increased fall risk. Droxidopa is approved for symptomatic treatment, but individual trials have reported heterogeneous results across outcomes and populations. We aim to evaluate the efficacy of droxidopa on symptoms, functional impact, blood pressure, and safety outcomes in patients with nOH. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing droxidopa with placebo in nOH. Continuous outcomes were pooled using random‑effects models with standardized mean difference (SMD) for symptom scales and mean difference (MD) for standing systolic blood pressure (SBP). Binary outcomes …

When Venom Isn’T The Only Threat: Roseomonas Mucosa Bacteremia Following A Snake Bite, Cyrus Davati, Kishan Patel, James A. Espinosa Md, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Snake bites in the ED  overall are rare in the United States. While mortality is low due to modern interventions, the sequelae - including tissue necrosis, digit amputation, and subsequent infection  remain a significant concern.  Here we present the case of a  presumptively non-venomous snakebite, which  was associated with R. mucosa bacteremia.

From Confirmation To Guidance: Making The Case For Intraprocedural Pocus As The Next Developmental Step In Ultrasound-Supported Shoulder Reduction A Conceptual Practice Proposal And Research Agenda, James Espinosa

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is well established for the diagnosis of shoulder dislocation and for the confirmation of successful reduction. However, its role during the reduction maneuver itself remains under-described. This conceptual practice proposal argues that intraprocedural POCUS represents the logical next developmental step in ultrasound-supported shoulder reduction. By introducing real-time visualization of humeral head translation during reduction attempts, clinicians may identify ineffective vectors earlier, adjust technique midstream, and potentially reduce repeated attempts or escalation of procedural sedation. This work does not present outcome data but instead proposes a practical framework, workflow model, and research agenda for intraprocedural implementation. Future study …

The Complex World Of Emergency Department Medication Dosing: Weight Scalars, Dose And Area Under The Curve (Auc) In Medication Dosing--Areas For Future Research, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Weight-based dosing is foundational to emergency medicine practice. With modern ED beds capable of automatic patient weighing, inaccuracies in estimated weight have largely diminished. However, medication misalignment persists, particularly in patients at extremes of body weight and in high-stakes clinical contexts such as rapid sequence intubation (RSI), antimicrobial therapy, and anticoagulation. Emerging pharmacokinetic literature emphasizes total drug exposure—represented by the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC)—as a stronger correlate of efficacy and toxicity than single-point serum levels. This review explores where weight precision most likely matters in the ED, examines weight scalars, and reframes dosing decisions through an exposure-centered paradigm. …

When The Clock Stands Still: Clock Time Vs. Experienced Time In The Emergency Department Brief Review: Neurobiology Of Time Perceptiontemporal Distortion As A Marker Of Cognitive Load And Operational Turbulence, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Emergency clinicians frequently report that time during ED shifts can feel unusually slow or unusually fast. This shared observation has rarely been examined formally in emergency medicine. Altered time perception has also been described in high demand professions such as aviation, sports, military operations, and emergency response. Individuals often report time dilation during critical events and time compression during highly coordinated performance. These findings suggest that temporal perception reflects underlying neurocognitive responses to environmental demands. Emergency departments share many characteristics with these environments, including rapid decision making, task switching, and intermittent high stakes events.

Objective:  Brief narrative review concerning …

Olfaction And Clinical Cognition In Medicine: An Under-Theorized Sensory Modality In Healthcare, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Olfaction is the most evolutionarily ancient sensory modality and retains privileged neuroanatomical connections to limbic and threat-detection systems. Despite its biological significance, olfactory perception is under-discussed in contemporary medical education and academic literature, particularly in healthcare environments.

Objective: To examine olfaction as a low-bandwidth, high-salience diagnostic signal in medicine; to explore its neurobiological foundations; and to analyze its ethical, social, and professional implications within Emergency Medicine and other clinical settings.

Methods: Narrative synthesis of neuroscience, evolutionary biology, volatile organic compound (VOC) research, and clinical observational practice.

Discussion: Olfactory pathways bypass primary thalamic relay and project directly to limbic structures …

The Physics And Biology Of High-Risk Falls: Biomechanical Analysis And Physics Assists In Understanding Why The Threshold For High-Risk Was Lowered To 10 Feet, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Recent revisions to the National Guideline for the Field Triage of Injured Patients lowered the high-risk fall threshold from >20 feet  to >10 feet for all ages. Guideline changes are multifactorial and typically reflect epidemiologic registry data, injury severity trends, and systems-level performance feedback. However, biomechanical analysis assists in understanding the importance of the change.

Objective: To demonstrate that a 10-foot fall generates sufficient kinetic energy and deceleration forces to exceed structural tolerance thresholds in multiple human tissues, and to show that fundamental physics independently supports the recent trauma protocol change.

Methods: Application of gravitational motion equations (v = …

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

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

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: 19 adults aged 30-64 were recruited from Rowan Medicine-Sewell clinics, with 13 participants (9 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 (HDL-C) using …

In School Age Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Does Academic Achievement And Social Development Improve In Inclusive Classroom Environments?, Ashley A. Macquaid

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social skills, communication, and sensory processing 1. ASD affects approximately 1 in 100 children internationally 2. With the growing prevalence, classroom inclusivity of individuals with autism has emerged as a priority in education. However, current literature presents a range of positive and negative factors without clear indication of effective classroom placement for students' specific needs. This research aims to determine if inclusive classroom environments improve academic achievement and social development for school-age children with ASD. A systematic search on PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases yielded studies published between …

Adolescent Opioid Use And Prefrontal Cortex Development - A Systematic Review, Jonathan Perumpail, Liam Kerrick, Shreya Kadi

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Adolescence represents a critical period of neurodevelopment characterized by ongoing maturation of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), a brain region essential for executive function, impulse control, and behavioral regulation. Exposure to opioids during this vulnerable window may disrupt neural development and lead to long-term consequences. This review synthesizes current preclinical and human evidence examining the effects of adolescent opioid exposure on PFC development. Across rodent models, opioid exposure is associated with impaired synaptogenesis, altered dopaminergic signaling, and dysregulation of the prefrontal-mesolimbic circuits involved in decision making. Human studies showed reduced functional connectivity and white matter changes in those with opioid use …