Digital Commons Network^™

I3) Monastic Botanical Gardens: Medicinal Plants, Cultural Heritage, And Tourist Routes, Dimitrios Mylonopoulos, Polyxeni Moira

International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conferences

From the dawn of humanity, man have sought remedies for various illnesses and health issues in the natural environment. Herbal medicine has been at the forefront of humanity's therapeutic pursuits since the beginning of time. The natural environment, of which humans are a part, constitutes the first laboratory for the production of medicines. Medicinal botany can be traced back to ancient Greece, continues in ancient Rome, is closely linked to Islamic tradition, and persists through the rise of Christianity in monasteries, enduring to the present day.

Today, the use of herbs in monasteries remains alive and well preserved. Monastic botanical …

J3) The Use Of Ai-Based Eye Trackers In Catholic Sanctuaries: A Possible Contribution To The Study Of Pilgrimage Experiences, Marco Papasidero

International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conferences

The advent of AI has opened new avenues of research, one of which is the recent study of human gaze in Catholic churches and shrines (Ruozzi, Papasidero 2024). As part of the activities carried out within the PNRR ITSERR project (www.itserr.it), this paper aims to present the results of research conducted thus far in four sanctuaries in northern Italy: the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bismantova in the Diocese of Reggio Emilia; the Sanctuary of Sts Pellegrino e Bianco in Alpe in the Diocese of Lucca; the Sanctuary of St Maria della Vita; and the Church of Sts Vitale and …

I4) A New Era Of Empowerment: Muslim Women’S Solo Religious Travel To Saudi Arabia After Vision 2030’S Groundbreaking Reforms, Ola Naim Omar Ismail Hajjaj

International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conferences

Since the declaration of Saudi Vision 2030 in 2016, the country has undergone significant and transformative changes, including reforms aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women across various sectors including religious tourism, represented by Hajj (pilgrimage) and Umrah. One of the most historical and impactful changes is the elimination of the requirement for women to have a male guardian/companion (mahram) when visiting Saudi Arabia (SA) to perform religious tourism, enabling them to travel independently. This policy shift, implemented gradually between 2019 and 2022, not only empowers women but also supports Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of increasing tourism, modernizing its …

Cars And Trucks: Driving A Paradigm Shift In Hematologic Malignancies, Christine Charek, Tia Solh

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Hematologic malignancies account for a significant number of annual cancer diagnoses and deaths across the globe. Historically, the prognosis for relapsed and/or refractory disease after standard therapies, such as chemotherapy and/or radiation, was poor. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy offers an additional treatment option. While promising, this type of immunotherapy also comes with potentially severe side effects, toxicities, and limitations. A better understanding of the development, administration, and management of patients undergoing treatment can provide the general clinician with the knowledge to assist within a multidisciplinary team to ultimately improve patient outcomes.

The Role Of Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Tracy A. Hourican

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

This paper evaluates the development, core principles, efficacy, and controversies surrounding applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy in treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a developmental disorder that affects behavior, social, and communication skills. The diagnosis of ASD continues to rise, highlighting the importance of understanding effective interventions as early as possible, which is critical for improving long-term outcomes. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the National Library of Medicine’s^® (NLM) database PubMed^®. Filters were applied to include peer-reviewed articles from the past five years, focusing on clinical trials, meta-analyses, and reviews published in behavioral pediatrics and psychology …

Transforming Primary Care: Innovative Post Graduate Pa Training For Real-World Solutions, Kenneth Botelho, James Ali

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

The ongoing crisis in primary care demands innovative and scalable strategies to prepare and retain advanced practice providers. This article introduces the Primary Care Practitioner (PCP) Program, a conceptual postgraduate training model designed for certified physician associates/assistants (PAs) who aim to serve in underserved and rural communities. The program integrates advanced clinical training, leadership development, telehealth competencies, VR-enhanced simulation, and evidence-based strategies to promote provider resilience. Rooted in systems-based thinking and real-world applicability, the PCP Program culminates in capstone projects that encourage innovation in care delivery and population health.

Aligned with national frameworks such as the HRSA Primary Care Training …

Surviving The Angry Patient, Brittany N. Mertz

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Urgent care medicine balances clinical efficiency and patient satisfaction. Providers are expected to see 40-60 patients during a 12-hour shift, provide timely and appropriate medical care, document comprehensively, all while maintaining a patient satisfaction score of 70% or higher. Difficult patient encounters are inevitable in a specialty that thrives on patient satisfaction and throughput. Encountering a problematic patient can derail the rest of the day and demands empathy and patience. All of which makes it hard to meet metrics. This article examines how difficult patient encounters contribute to provider burnout, lowers patient satisfaction, and increases the risk of litigation. Additionally, …

The Effects Of E-Cigarettes And Oxidative Stress On Cognitive Function And Adolescent Academics, Alexis A. Kaminsky Jr.

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Electronic cigarettes are the fastest growing method of tobacco consumption in the United States despite an overall decline in smoking rates. Evidence has shown that enticing flavor and trendy marketing campaigns have increased use among younger consumers. Nicotine use is a risk factor among younger individuals for damage to brain development and cognitive impairment, and electronic cigarettes are no exception. This paper attempts to review and clarify previously observed health impacts of electronic cigarette use among younger individuals, as measured by academic grades and scores. A focus on the effect of oxidative stress on the body and the resulting academic …

Covid-19 And The Increased Risk Of Ischemic Stroke In Young Adults, Sarah Webster

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

The COVID-19 virus and sequelae are responsible for causing significant hospitalizations, long term complications, and mortality. While some recover without incident from COVID-19, there are those that suffer complications and lingering side effects, one in particular is coagulopathy leading to ischemic stroke. Although the incidence of ischemic stroke in young adults under 55 has generally been increasing over the past few decades due to the increase in modifiable risk factors, the overall stroke risk in young adults is still substantially lower than that of older adults. There is evidence to suggest that during and after infection with COVID-19, adults are …

Unraveling The Mystery: A Case Study On Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Echo Kopplin

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

The incidence of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) has dramatically increased in the last two decades. This article reviews the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of EoE, enhancing clinician awareness and recognition of the condition.

Idiopathic Transverse Myelitis: A Case Report, Danielle Whitacre

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

The objective of this paper is to review a case report for a patient with idiopathic transverse myelitis. This rare disease can easily be forgotten based on the vagueness of symptoms and as the presentation can vary drastically. In this case, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test was ordered after a patient presented with a sensory deficit from the level of his chest to his toes that showed a 1.5 centimeter (cm) intramedullary spinal cord lesion at the level of T1. From the imaging, the differential diagnosis included transverse myelitis, a demyelinating lesion, and primary neoplasms such as ependymoma and …

Is Pocus The New Stethoscope For The Critical Care Pa?, Meredith Buckley

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

ABSTRACT
The objective of this paper is to emphasize the vitality of POCUS (Point-of-care ultrasound) and the practical bedside application for diagnosing critical diseases in critical care, specifically critical respiratory illnesses. A literature review search was conducted using PubMed, and identified 5 journals to substantiate the purpose of the paper. The results showed that proper training in POCUS is crucial for practicing critical care PAs (Physician Associates/Assistants), but the type of training is still dependent on the credentialing that the hospital or practice requires. POCUS is not the ultimate authority, but proper utilization can decrease the need for advanced imaging, …

Single Maintenance And Reliever Therapy (Smart) For Pediatric Asthma, Mark Elsesser

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Asthma is a commonly occurring pediatric condition managed in primary care. In 2020, asthma guidelines changed for treating mild persistent asthma. Now, experts recommend using Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (SMART) in children 4 years of age and older. With the SMART approach, patients use one inhaler to maintain and relieve symptoms, as the name implies. The combination inhaler contains budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), and formoterol, a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA). The most common brand name associated with this regimen in the United States is Symbicort. While there are various options for ICS therapy, formoterol is currently the sole …

The Impact Of Tailored Educational Strategies On Academic Performance Among Physician Assistant Students, Lauren L. Lieb

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Impact of Tailored Educational Strategies on Academic Performance

This article explores the impact of customizing education to accommodate different learning styles and its potential to enhance Physician Assistant (PA) student success. Tailored learning strategies can address diverse learners, leading to improved retention of medical knowledge. PA students who retain information become better-prepared healthcare providers, which in turn leads to improved patient outcomes. The literature review highlights Kolb's learning style inventory, which includes visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile learning styles. However, with a deeper look into learning styles, they can be further defined as sensing and intuitive perception, visual and verbal …

Empowering Interprofessional Collaboration: Peer Teaching In Doctor Of Physical Therapy And Nursing Education, Debra Ann Beazley, Jill Foster, Samantha Elam, Stephen W. Elam

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Purpose: This empirical study examined an interprofessional education (IPE) experience designed to develop communication and collaboration skills among Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and nursing (NSG) students at a university in Virginia. Method: Second-year DPT students acted as peer educators, teaching patient management and mobility skills to first-year nursing students, with first-year DPT students serving as standardized patients. Result: A mixed-methods analysis of surveys and reflections from 106 participants indicated generally positive perceptions of the activity, which was described as engaging, collaborative, and relevant to future practice. Second-year DPT and nursing students differed significantly in their perceptions of …

The Importance Of Simulation Fidelity To Physician Assistant/Associate Education, Taylor L. Fischer

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Simulation, a tool that has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness, is a cornerstone of medical education. Simulation implies an imitation of reality and includes any activity, exercise, or teaching modality mimicking some aspect of actual patient care. Although much of the work on simulation education has been published by nurses and physicians, Physician Assistant/Associates (PA) have begun to contribute to the literature. Still, the use of simulation in PA training has room for growth. On average, physician assistant/associate (PA) programs spend $29,400 annually on simulation activities, roughly 1.6% of the average PA program’s yearly expenditures, according to the latest PA Program …

Innovation In Active Learning: Evaluating The Flipped Classroom Method In Physician Associate Education, Malatrice R. Montgomery

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

The purpose of this review article aims to explore the effect of innovative, active learning methods, such as the flipped classroom, compared to traditional lectures to assess whether academic performance and learning outcomes are improved and result in better student engagement and knowledge retention. A literature search using the PubMed database was conducted. Six journal articles were identified that provided evidence to support the purpose of the article review. Findings demonstrated a higher academic performance in the flipped classroom. Results showed test scores were significantly higher for a majority of the flipped classroom courses. Research also indicated the opportunity for …

The Transformational Impact Of Artificial Intelligence In Healthcare, Lawrence M. Herman

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

A brief commentary on the Transformational impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare.

The Role Of Glp-1ras In Depression Among Patients With Metabolic Conditions, Madge Fleurimond Cemelus Dmsc, Pa-C

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

ABSTRACT

The regular co-occurrence of depression with metabolic syndrome (Mets) results in complicated treatment circumstances and raises cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes risks. GLP-1RAs demonstrate potential as an innovative treatment for depression because they have both anti-inflammatory properties and neuroprotective capabilities. This evaluation examines the advantages and results of GLP-1RAs in treatment effectiveness compared to CBT among patients with MetS. The research used PubMed and CINAHL databases to find peer-reviewed studies from 2021 until 2025. The research included the search terms “GLP-1 receptor agonists” together with “depression,” “metabolic syndrome,” and “cognitive behavioral therapy,” among other relevant terms. Applying GLP-1RAs …

Targeting Obesity: The Role Of Glp-1 Receptor Agonists In Achieving Sustainable Weight Loss, Brad Vamplew

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

This review critically evaluates the effectiveness of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist pharmacotherapy in managing obesity. Obesity is a health epidemic that affects 100 million Americans, and it puts individuals at higher risk for numerous health comorbidities over a lifetime. A comprehensive literature review was completed by utilizing PubMed and its clinical queries function to locate relevant research. The research information was narrowed down with a focus on obesity management and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for therapy. Numerous current clinical studies and trials were incorporated into this review. Many clinical trials substantiated the benefits of this pharmacotherapy for the management of …

Binge Eating Disorder: A Clinical Review, Michell Mcdiffett Mshs, Pa-C

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder (ED) in the United States (U.S.) and is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating a larger than normal amount of food in a discrete period of time and includes a sense of loss of control over food intake. BED is often comorbid with serious somatic and psychiatric disorders and is associated with reduced quality of life and excess mortality. Some consider BED a public health concern due to frequent co-occurrence with obesity and worse outcomes in those populations. The diagnosis is often delayed due to shame and underreporting of symptoms …

Obesity And Its Effect On Work Performance, Erin Lajoie

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

This research aims to examine how obesity affects work productivity and performance and how companies can support their employees diagnosed with obesity. Obesity is a growing global health concern that has significant implications for decreased workplace productivity and performance. Obesity is considered a chronic complex disease often associated with hypertension (HTN), type-II diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and heart disease that can lead to overall increases in healthcare costs for employers through increased absenteeism, presenteeism, and decreased efficiency. A systemic literature search was completed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, identifying multiple journal articles about obesity and productivity in the workplace …

Intermittent Fasting For Metabolic Syndrome Management, Tony Laborde

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

This paper reviews the potential of intermittent fasting as a non-pharmacological therapeutic approach to the treatment of metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS is a global health problem with risk factors that include obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and high triglycerides that predispose to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Traditional treatment approaches, including pharmacological agents and lifestyle modification, are typically of short-term benefit. Intermittent fasting, with its scheduled cycles of eating and fasting, presents another strategy for improving weight control, insulin sensitivity, lipid profiles, and blood pressure. Various intermittent fasting regimens, including time-restricted feeding and alternate-day fasting, have …

Letter From The Editors

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

No abstract provided.

Cryptococcal Cyst Of The Acromioclavicular Joint A Rare Presentation, Ganga S. Pilli, Mahantesh Y. Patil, Mallikarjun S. Khanpet, Tahseen Mujawar, Lovelesh K. Nigam, Manasi Gosavi, Sharada Metgud

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

Cryptococcus neoformans

is yeast and it commonly affects immuno-compromised patients, including AIDS. Most infections with

C.

neoformans

consist of a lung lesions. However, meningitis or meningoencephalitis and localized infections can occur as part of systemic infection. Case: A 32-year-old patient, presented with a swelling over the right shoulder with pain and restriction of movements. The pain has increased in the past 10 days. Patient has a history of hypertension. He developed end stage renal disease and was put on dialysis. He was advised to undergo renal transplant. Renal transplant was done a year back. O/E patient was moderately built, but …

Persistant Mullerian Duct Syndrome A Case Report Of A Rare Disorder Of Sex Development, Santosh B. Kurbet, N.S. Mahantshetti, M.V. Patil, G.P. Prashanth, R.M. Wali, S.A. Patil

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

Disorders of sex development (DSD) are congenital abnormalities of sexual differentiation resulting from disparity in the chromosomal, gonadal and phenotypic sex. Most of these children present with ambiguous genitalia, but can also present with hernias or undescended testis as in persistent Mullerian duct syndrome (PMDS). The social stigma attached with this disorder makes it imperative for expeditious evaluation and appropriate assignment of sex in our scenario. We report here successful management of such a case and review the literature. In conclusion, a rare case of DSD like PMDS requires a high index of suspicion and can be managed successfully.

Isolated Fetal Ascites A Case Report With Review Of Literature, Santosh B. Kurbet, Niranjana S. Mahantshetti, Prashanth Gouda Patil, Mahantesh V. Patil, Dinesh Singh

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

Fetal ascites is commonly seen with hydrops fetalis. Historically, fetal ascites has been associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Primary isolated fetal ascites occurs independently as an isolated disease due to numerous congenital abnormalities. Extensive antenatal and postnatal evaluation for the detection of the cause is done in these cases, if found and appropriately treated have shown good results. In conclusion, even a rare case of fetal ascites can be managed successfully.

A Study To Evaluate The Effectiveness Of Street Play On Alcoholism Among Young Adults Residing In Shivapur Village Of A Handignur Primary Health Center, Belgaum, Shivraj R. Dandagi, Namrata M. Devulkar, Darshan D. Bevoor, Sangeeta A. Moreshwar

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

An evaluative study was conducted on effectiveness of street play on alcoholism among 50 adolescents of Shivapur Village who were selected using simple random sampling technique.. A pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design was used. A structured knowledge questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection and the data were tabulated and analyzed according to the objectives of the study using descriptive and inferential statistics. Posttest scores compared with pretest scores showed an observable increase in the knowledge of young\ adults as majority 42 (84%) of them had high knowledge and remaining 8 (16%) had average knowledge and no single young …

To Assess Candidal Colonization And Species Diversity In The Oral Cavity Of Diabetic And Nondiabetic Denture Wearers And Correlation With The Presence Of Candida On Finger Tips Of The Patients An, Navjot Kaur Boparai, Ulhas N. Amasi, Raghunath Patil, Sheetal U. Harakuni

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

Human oral cavity in health is normally colonized by different microbiological flora predominantly with

Candida

species. Wearing a removable denture and an immunologically deranged health is known to increase oral candidal colonization. The purpose of this study was to assess candidal colonization and species diversity in the oral cavity of diabetic and nondiabetic denture wearers and correlation with the presence of

Candida

on finger tips of the patients. 120 subjects in the age group of 40-70 years were included in the study. Three groups were formed, Group I: Diabetic, denture wearer, Group II: Nondiabetic denture wearer, Group III: Nondiabetic, nondenture …

A Comparative Study To Assess The Knowledge Of Rural And Urban Mothers Of Infants Regarding Weaning In Selected Areas At Belgaum, Abhay D. Pattan, Mangesh J. Jabade, Sangeeta A. Moreshwar

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

A comparative study of assessing the knowledge of mothers of infants regarding weaning in selected rural and urban areas in Belgaum.

Objectives:

The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge of rural mothers of infants regarding weaning, to assess the knowledge of urban mothers of infants regarding weaning and to compare the knowledge of rural and urban mothers of infants regarding weaning with selected demographic variables.

Materials and Methods:

Simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample for the study. Data was collected by using structured interview schedule. The data was analysed by using descriptive and …