Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons^™

Identifying Early Presentation Of Serotonin Syndrome In A 20-Year-Old Male Prescribed Clomipramine And Quetiapine: A Case Report, Veronica Alday, Justin Scarano, Jonathan Yuh, Christie Richardson

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, can be challenging to diagnose due to its diverse etiology and varied symptomatology. Despite its severity, serotonin syndrome may present from mild to fatal, with symptoms such as autonomic instability, altered mental status, and neuromuscular excitation (e.g. muscle rigidity, hyperreflexia). Here, we present a 20-year-old male with an extensive psychiatric history who was prescribed clomipramine and developed serotonin syndrome. Few cases of serotonin syndrome have been reported to date, exacerbating the difficulty in recognizing and quickly treating such cases. Cases of serotonin syndrome should continue to be reported, in order to familiarize clinicians with …

The Anxiolytic Effects Of Ashwagandha Supplementation In Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Anxiety, Jessica Mitchell, Andrea Iannuzzelli, Wendy Aita

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

BACKGROUND: The neuroendocrine system activates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis during stress,1 and individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have atypical stress responses linked to HPA axis dysregulation.2 Prolonged activation of this system increases cortisol secretion, the body’s primary stress hormone.3 Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is a traditional herbal remedy believed to reduce stress by modulating the HPA axis and lowering cortisol levels.5

HYPOTHESIS: Following four weeks of Ashwagandha supplementation, the treatment group is expected to exhibit reduced cortisol levels, improved Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) scores, and decreased stress-related behaviors, reflecting its anxiolytic effects.

METHODS: Forty-two adult participants with ASD and …

Case Report: A Case Of Transient Dress Syndrome (Drug Rash With Eosinophilia And Systemic Symptoms), Dip Patel, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report a case of a 41-year-old female with a history of hypertension who presented with fever and a diffuse erythematous rash after taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) for an ear infection. Due to her symptoms, mild eosinophilia, and elevated liver function tests, Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) was suspected. Although the patient’s rash had resolved by the time of initial evaluation, it recurred overnight, reinforcing suspicion for DRESS syndrome. TMP-SMX was discontinued, and acetylcysteine was administered due to the patient’s high-dose use of acetaminophen in the days prior to her hospital presentation. Infectious and autoimmune workups were negative. …

A Case Of Choledocholithiasis In A Patient With A Recent History Of Hellp Syndrome And Pre-Eclampsia, Akhil Tumpudi

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Jaundice in a patient presenting to the emergency department (ED) can be indicative of a range of conditions, and it's important to determine the underlying cause for proper management. Here we describe a case of an unusual presentation of choledocholithiasis in a 25-year-old female with a recent history of HELLP and preeclampsia.

Mapping Fat Embolism As A Complication Of Liposuction And Fat Grafting: A Systematic Review Of Anatomical And Technical Risk Factors, Jared Garfinkle, Jack Hennen, Wen Luo

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Fat grafting (FG) and liposuction are widely performed aesthetic procedures with associated fat embolism risks. However, no comprehensive review has specifically mapped the anatomical distribution and technical causes of fat embolism events across these procedures. This review aims to characterize regional and procedural frequencies of fat embolism to inform safer surgical practices. A review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane. Included studies were English-language case reports/series, retrospective reviews, and systematic analyses reporting fat embolism following liposuction or FG. Among 227 FG cases, the most frequent regions were the face (n=120), gluteal region (n=91), genitalia (n=9), and chest (n=7). …

Reviewing The Effect Of Antiplatelet Therapy On Lumbar Puncture Complications, John Andre Socci

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Reviewing The Effect of Antiplatelet Therapy on Lumbar Puncture Complications aims to assess literature that discusses the possible risks of undergoing lumbar puncture while on antiplatelet therapy. Lumbar punctures offer vital information that can help guide making accurate diagnosis and creating appropriate treatment plans. However, a large portion of the population is on antiplatelet therapy for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease prevention. While there are many benefits to being on these medicines, patients are at increased risk for bleeding. Thus the clinical question as to whether or not proceed with lumbar puncture on patients taking antiplatelet therapy involves weighing risks and …

Investigating Pinch-1 In Glioblastoma Multiforme: A Potential Adjuvant Therapy Target To Improve Treatment Outcomes, Saikrishna Gaddam, Dianne Langford

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Gliomas account for approximately 80% of all brain cancers and 30% of central nervous system tumors. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common, is unfortunately, the most aggressive glioma cancer type. Despite treatment efforts such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, nearly all low-grade astrocytoma progress to GBM without complete surgical resection. Achieving full surgical removal is typically impossible, leading to an almost 100% recurrence rate of GBM after 9 months with a median survival of approximately 15 months. This poor prognosis is due to its high invasiveness and resistance to therapy. Therefore, improved therapeutic approaches are needed to reduce recurrence and …

Laser Atherectomy For Complex Cad In Ischemic Heart Failure: A Systematic Review Of Revascularization Outcomes, Avneet Chawla, Jared Aftel, Moiuz Chaudhri, Mohamad Hammad, Ahmed Al Mahrizi, John Socci, Aditya Mehra

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This review evaluates how laser atherectomy compares to angioplasty and stenting for revascularization in patients with heart failure and complex coronary artery disease (CAD). The review explored whether laser atherectomy could improve procedural success and reduce the risk of restenosis, major cardiovascular events (MACE), and other complications. A search across multiple medical databases yielded six studies directly comparing these treatment methods. Findings showed that procedural success rates were similar between laser atherectomy (ranging from 80% to 95%) and angioplasty/stenting (85% to 98%). Restenosis rates at six and twelve months were also generally equivalent, although laser atherectomy showed potential advantages in …

Case Report And Brief Review: Hypoglycemic Hemiplegia As A Stroke Mimic, Joel Collins Ii, James A. Espinosa, James Lee, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Here we present the case of a 47-year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus (DM), who was brought to the emergency department with right sided hemiparesis and slurred speech. His blood sugar was 37 mg/dL. An intravenous line was established quickly, and the patient was administered intravenous dextrose. Within five minutes, his symptoms had significantly improved and by 10 minutes had resolved completely. A CT head and CT angiogram of the head and neck were within normal limits. Basic laboratory tests were within normal limits. The initial neurology service consult noted that his diagnosis was hypoglycemic hemiplegia. The patient …

Literature Review: Prazosin Used For Ptsd In Pregnancy, Afshan Khan, Natali Sharma, Rebekah M. Dietrich, Martin Forsberg

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects 3–4% of pregnant and postpartum individuals and is associated with complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and postpartum depression. Pharmacologic treatment options during pregnancy are limited by concerns about fetal safety.

Methods: A literature review was conducted focusing on studies reporting maternal or neonatal outcomes following prazosin exposure in pregnancy.

Results: One observational study of 11 pregnancies found 54.5% had uneventful outcomes, with rates of preterm birth, miscarriage, and preeclampsia similar to the general population. Hypotension and limited lactation data remain concerns.

Conclusion: Early evidence suggests prazosin may be a relatively safe and …

Pain Management In Pregnant Women With Opioid Use Disorder: A Systematic Review, Adeena Javed

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: The prevalence of opioid use disorder (OUD) among pregnant individuals has risen significantly, posing challenges in managing labor and postpartum pain. Factors such as opioid tolerance, opioid-induced hyperalgesia, and concerns about relapse complicate analgesic strategies. Despite these complexities, evidence-based guidelines for pain management in this population remain limited.

Hypothesis: Pregnant women with OUD experience disparities in pain management during labor and postpartum periods, leading to suboptimal outcomes.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted, analyzing peer-reviewed studies from databases including PubMed and Embase. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies focusing on pain management in pregnant women with OUD. Data extraction focused on …

Radiofrequency Ablation Versus Naproxen For The Management Of Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Comparative Analysis, Akash Manish Patel, Alec Birnbaum, Yashas Sattur

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by inflammation primarily affecting the spinal vertebrae and sacroiliac joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and progressive loss of spinal mobility.

Management typically focuses on alleviating symptoms and controlling inflammation to improve patient quality of life. In this study, we compared the efficacy of two common treatment modalities: radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and naproxen. RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that targets specific nerve endings to interrupt pain signals, whereas naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce inflammation and provide symptomatic relief. Our systematic review involved a cohort of AS …

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Induced Pneumomediastinum In An Adolescent, Julian Coz, Christopher Schwartz, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a condition characterized by cyclic episodes of severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in individuals with chronic cannabis use. Despite its increasing recognition, CHS remains underdiagnosed, particularly in adolescents, and can be associated with a range of complications, some of which are potentially life-threatening. One such complication is spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM), a rare but serious condition where air accumulates in the mediastinum without any clear traumatic cause. Although SPM is typically benign, it can present with significant respiratory distress and requires prompt identification and management. Here we present the case of an 18-year-old patient with …

Carbon Footprint Of Inhaled Anesthetics – Do The Risks Outweigh The Benefits?, Liam Kerrick, Joseph Moschella

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Global warming presents many challenges to the healthcare system. Not only does the increasing global temperature have detrimental health effects itself, but the healthcare sector is also a huge contributor to global warming. One big contributor to global warming is the use of inhaled anesthetics, which possess global warming potentials up to 2,000 times greater than carbon dioxide. Recent proposals, such as a prospective ban of desflurane in 2026 by the European Commission, demonstrate the need to reevaluate many of the common practices within anesthesiology. This review looks to investigate the environmental impact, cost, and clinical efficacy of various anesthetic …

Periprosthetic Femur Fractures After Total Hip Arthroplasty: Risk Factors And Management Strategies, Clarence Julian Clark Ii, Adam Friedman, Jaylyn Thompson

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Periprosthetic femur fractures (PFFs) are increasingly recognized as a significant complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA), particularly as the number of procedures rises. While THA is one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries, PFFs can compromise outcomes and demand complex management.

Objective: To review current literature and identify patient- and implant-related risk factors for PFFs, as well as to summarize effective management strategies guided by classification systems.

Methods: A structured literature review was conducted using PubMed, focusing on articles published in the past 10 years. Eight peer-reviewed studies were selected based on relevance to femoral fractures post-THA. Data on …

Side Effect Profiles In Immunotherapy Vs Chemotherapy In The Treatment Of Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Chloe Triolo, Mariana Sales, Amy Nguyen, Jaclyn Schultz, Melissa Crisci

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer in children and also one of the most curable, with current cure rates surpassing 90%. Immunotherapy using biologics is an emerging cancer treatment approach that shows significant promise and is generally less toxic than traditional chemotherapy. Due to its lower toxicity compared to chemotherapy, standalone immunotherapy may represent a promising treatment option for pediatric ALL patients.

Hypothesis: This review aims to compare acute side effect profiles and chronic complications in chemotherapy versus immunotherapy treatment modalities for pediatric patients with ALL. Immunotherapy is hypothesized to have a more tolerable side effect …

The Importance Of How And When In Measuring Epicardial Adipose Tissue, Brian Fardman, Juan Antonio Requena-Ibáñez, Carlos García Santos-Gallego, Anderly José Rodriguez Cordero, Samantha Sartori, Javier Sanz Sanz, Valentin Fuster, Juan José Badimon

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Epicardial Adipose Tissue (EAT) is drawing increasing attention. As a quantifiable, modifiable, and potentially new cardiovascular therapeutic target, its accurate measurement is particularly relevant. In Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) different methods can be used to assess EAT burden. We take advantage of CMR-studies of EMPATROPISM trial to assess EAT through three different methods, evaluate the effect of Empagliflozin and look for significant difference in the ability to detect changes in serial measurements. In some settings such as treatment-induced changes or patient follow-up, multi-slice method of EAT evaluation provides higher accuracy to detect significant differences, otherwise unnoticed by single-slice approaches.

The Gut Microbiome And Knee Osteoarthritis: A Review Of Emerging Pathophysiologic Links, Krisha S. Patel, Maduka Gunasinghe, Umer Shah, Kushkumar K. Patel, Zarif Ladak

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

Knee osteoarthritis (OA), a multifactorial degenerative joint disease with growing prevalence in aging and obese populations, leads to disabling pain. Traditionally viewed as mechanically driven, increasing research implicates systemic inflammation and metabolic and neuroimmune modulation. The gut microbiome—an ecosystem of commensal organisms regulating host immune, metabolic, and inflammatory regulation—has emerged as a potential contributor to OA pathogenesis and symptom severity. This review aims to synthesize literature evaluating associations between gut microbiota composition and knee OA, focusing on inflammatory pathways, pain modulation, and emerging therapies.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. Inclusion …

Efficacy Of Platelet-Rich Plasma In The Management And Treatment Of Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A Literature Review, Justin Le, Savana Coraggio, Emir Shahin, Valentin Nicholas Kotlyar, Joshua Sassaman, Christopher Cherfane, Gilbert Siu

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

In the world of regenerative medicine, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained much attention as a potential enhancer of musculoskeletal healing. However, despite promising results in many applications, the use of PRP in Achilles tendon ruptures (ATR) remains a topic of debate. While some studies suggest potential benefits in terms of pain reduction and early-phase healing, others report no significant difference in clinical or functional outcomes compared to standard treatment. This inconsistency underscores the need for further investigation into PRP’s role in tendon repair, particularly in high-stress, load-bearing structures such as the Achilles tendon.

Objective

This review aims to evaluate …

Frequency Modulation Of Deep Brain Stimulation Targeting The Periaqueductal Gray: Effects On Pain Perception And Autonomic Regulation, Jack Hennen, Avneet Chawla, Jared Garfinkle, Wen Hao Luo

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction:

The periaqueductal gray (PAG) is a midbrain structure, and effective target for deep brain stimulation (DBS), involved in the modulation of a multitude of sensory and autonomic processes. It has distinct functional columnar organization, with each column playing its own role in alteration of the body’s ability to respond to pain and stressful stimuli.

Background:

Research regarding the effects of DBS on the PAG has shown the four main subregions of the PAG: the dorsomedial PAG (dmPAG), dorsolateral PAG (dlPAG), lateral PAG (lPAG), and ventrolateral PAG(vlPAG), produce various physiologic outputs when stimulated. These outputs are region and frequency dependent. …