Association Between Musculoskeletal Trauma and Parkinson’s Disease

Studies the role of prior head and body trauma, as well as musculoskeletal treatment history, on development of idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

Primary investigator: Associate Professor, Reem Abu-Sbaih, D.O.

 

Interprofessional Health Education in Global Health and its Impact on Medical Education

Studies the impact of global health experiences on medical student education and their competency in tropical environments. Also studies the role of genetic testing in primary care settings and the competence of medical providers in offering these tests.

Principal Investigator: Associate Professor & Associate Dean, William Blazey, D.O.

 

Consequences of Metabolic Syndrome on Cardiac and Adipose Tissues

Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Syndrome refers to a clustering of conditions that includes atherosclerosis, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes. These pathologies are associated with hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure and low high-density lipoprotein levels. The Askari Lab, in collaboration with internal and external investigators, uses dietary, genetic and surgical modifications in small and large animal models to mimic the above-mentioned disease states to investigate the consequences on cardiac and adipose tissue functions.

Principal Investigator: Associate Professor, Bardia Askari, Ph.D.

 

OMM and Biomarkers

Studies the effects of OMM on endocannabinoid levels.

Principal Investigator: George Cheriyan, D.O.

 

Health Awareness

Researches the physician's role in developing patient awareness and knowledge base related to the health implications of obesity, particularly with respect to physical activity and eating habits.

Primary investigator: Associate Professor & Director, Patricia Happel, D.O.

 

Effects of Exercise and Supplements in Students and Parkinson's Disease

Studies the effects of exercise and activity of medical students through (Fitbit devices). Studies lymphatic pump effects on improving functional outcomes and recovery in athletes. Also studies the effect of nicotine gum on blood pressure in Parkinson's disease subjects.

Principal Investigator: Associate Professor & Director, Joanne Donoghue, Ph.D.

 

Diabetes and Health Literacy

Studies the associations between health literacy, race, level of education, and diabetes knowledge in a suburban population with Type II diabetes

Principal Investigator(s): Associate Professor & Associate Medical Director & Director, Sonia Rivera-Martinez, D.O.​; Karen Sheflin, D.O.

 

Vascular Complications and Adipose Tissue Dysfunction in Diabetes & Obesity

Type 2 diabetes mellitus, one of the most prevalent metabolic diseases affecting Americans, is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and high levels of blood glucose, ultimately resulting in debilitating disorders of the vascular system. Vascular complications, including coronary artery disease and stroke, are the leading cause of death among diabetic patients. The Sepulveda Lab focuses on exploring and elucidating the mechanisms by which metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes alter key molecular mediators that are essential for maintaining vascular integrity and function.

Principal Investigator: Associate Professor, Maria Alicia Carrillo Sepulveda, BSN, Ph.D.

 

Educational and Diagnostic Research with Ultrasound (US)

Studies the use of ultrasound (US) as an instrument to assess spinal rotational preference.


Principal Investigator: Associate Professor Theodore Flaum, D.O.

 

Low Thyroid Hormone Function and Heart Failure

Primary and secondary hypothyroidism affects millions in the United States alone, causing thyroid hormone levels in circulation to drop below normal and is interlinked with cardiovascular disease, including heart failure. The Gerdes Lab studies the role of cardiac tissue hypothyroidism in the development and progression of heart disease in animal models of hypothyroidism and heart failure. The goal is to test the efficacy of thyroid hormone supplementation in animal models of heart disease to set the stage for clinical trials in humans.

Primary investigator: University Professor & Department Chairman , A. Martin Gerdes, Ph.D.