Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

2025 General Assembly Session Review, Tripp Perrin, Missy Wesolowski, Jennifer Walle Boyd

Virginia Dental Journal

The 2025 Virginia General Assembly introduced over 3,000 bills and passed nearly 1,900, including several impacting dentistry, healthcare access, and insurance practices. Key dental-related legislation addressed licensure for foreign graduates, expanded care for pregnant women, and provider fee transparency, with most awaiting gubernatorial action. Defensive efforts successfully blocked a malpractice cap increase for oral surgeons. Additional bills focused on telemedicine, prior authorization reforms, and medical debt protections.

Introducing The Fulcrum Podcast, Ryan Dunn, Paul Logan, Shannon Jacobs

Virginia Dental Journal

The feature introduces The Fulcrum Podcast, which discusses important topics affecting dental providers and patients, featuring insights from various contributors on workforce challenges, legislative issues, and best practices in dentistry and more.

Retired Dentists – An Untapped Pool Of Volunteers, Mayer G. Levy Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article advocates for retired dentists to volunteer by simplifying the process of obtaining a volunteer license, highlighting the untapped potential of this group to serve underserved populations.

Ada’S Evolution Continues, James Mercer Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article provides updates on the American Dental Association's recent developments, including a building sale, new leadership, and initiatives to enhance member engagement and address operational challenges.

Driving Dentistry, Sarah Friend Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article offers advice to new dental graduates by drawing parallels between practicing dentistry and driving, emphasizing the importance of experience, caution, and community support.

We Are Working. Are You?, Justin Norbo Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The article discusses the Virginia Dental Association's (VDA) efforts to address the dental workforce crisis, including initiatives to expand dental hygiene education, legislative advocacy, and collaboration with stakeholders. It emphasizes the need for member engagement to develop solutions and highlights short- and long-term strategies to improve workforce capacity and patient care access.

Va Dent J April, May And June 2025

Virginia Dental Journal

The Spring 2025 issue of the Virginia Dental Journal (Volume 102, Number 2) highlights the Virginia Dental Association’s (VDA) continued focus on solving the dental workforce shortage through legislative advocacy, expanded educational pathways, and member engagement. President Dr. Justin Norbo outlines efforts such as partnering with colleges, supporting new training models, and pursuing licensure reforms. A key development is the debut of The Fulcrum Podcast, which offers in-depth conversations on topics like workforce issues, insurance transparency, and audit preparation.

The issue provides a detailed review of the 2025 General Assembly session, with updates on bills impacting dental practice, including …

A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial To Study The Effect And Safety Of Korean Red Ginseng Extract Powder On Cardiovascular Health Markers In Healthy Adults, Amir Rafie

Oxford ICSB

Cardiovascular disease is a prevalent condition that imposes a significant socioeconomic burden. Korean red ginseng, a medicinal plant traditionally used in Asia, has been suggested to potentially protect against cardiovascular dysfunction by improving blood flow. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled trial to assess the effects of Korean Red Ginseng Extract Powder (G1899) on blood flow and platelet aggregation (primary endpoints) and other cardiovascular health markers (e.g., blood coagulation parameters) in healthy adults. Participants (N=108) were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to three groups: high dose (2000 mg G1899 per day), low dose (480 mg G1899 per day), and …

Elucidating The Pathogenic Mechanisms Of Disease-Causing Variants In The Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor (Ldlr) And The Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor (Vldlr), Aseel Adnan Jawabri

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor (LDLR) and the Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor (VLDLR) are major members of the LDLR family of proteins, and they have been shown to be responsible for Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and Cerebellar ataxia, mental retardation, and dysequilibrium syndrome type 1 (CAMRQ1), respectively. FH is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by increased LDL-cholesterol levels mainly caused by mutations in LDLR. Clinically, FH is characterized by increased levels of LDL-C, tendon xanthomas, corneal arcus, and premature coronary artery diseases (CAD) such as atherosclerosis, if left untreated. CAMRQ-related disorders are a group of rare, heterogeneous, autosomal recessive conditions characterized by cerebellar …

Functional Mushrooms Supplementation As A Prebiotic Fibre Impacting Microbiome Composition, The Gut Metabolome And Impact On The Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Integrity, Julie Daoust

Oxford ICSB

This study aimed to determine if functional mushroom preparation supplementation with Cordyceps militaris mycelium and fruiting body, Ganoderma lucidum mycelium and fruiting body, and a blend of ten species of functional mushrooms could impact gut health. The Ex Vivo model Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®) has been used to study the behaviour of a human microbiome in response to various factors. The aim of this study was to demonstrate changes in the microbiome after supplementation with functional mushroom preparation and the resulting neuroactive metabolome using the SHIME® model. The endpoints measured were microbial fermentation activity, metabolic fingerprinting, microbial …

Caffeine-Free Plant-Based Nootropics: The Evolving Science And Regulatory Journey Of Alpinia Galanga., Deshanie Rai

Oxford ICSB

Consumer interest in using botanicals as complementary medicine to help address a variety of health benefits is rooted in the traditional use of botanicals to support for example vision performance, joint health, and mental wellbeing. With increasingly busy lifestyles, consumers are seeking ways to support their mental energy. While caffeine is a widely used nootropic, consumers are wary of consuming too much caffeine and/or it’s associated “caffeine-crash” effects, and therefore looking for plant-based nootropic alternates. Plant-derived nutraceutical research is now on the research agendas in academic and industry settings. At OmniActive Health Technologies, we are helping to address consumer health …

What Do Medical Assistants Do?, Ryan Williams

Student Research Symposium

Medical assistants interact with patients before, during, and after provider interactions. They assist providers, conduct clinical maintenance, and mediate between patients, providers, and administration personnel.

Efficacy And Safety Of A Prescription Botanical Drug, Cinainu, In Pediatric Alopecia Areata: An International, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2/3 Trial, Saad Harti, Ulrike Blume-Peytavi

Oxford ICSB

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a debilitating autoimmune-mediated disorder marked by non-scarring hair loss. It significantly impairs patients' quality of life. Unmet needs persist, particularly for pediatric patients and patients with moderate AA. Cinainu, a topical solution containing four botanical drug substances, may address these gaps due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant properties. Objective: This phase 2/3 study evaluated the efficacy and safety of cinainu in children and adolescents with moderate-to-severe AA. Methods: The RAAINBOW study, an international, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, involved 107 pediatric patients randomly assigned (2:1) to receive cinainu or placebo for 24 weeks, followed by a …

Neonatal Intensive Care Internship, Moroni Butler

Student Research Symposium

Ever since I was a kid, I have wanted to be a part of the Neonatal Intensive Care team and learn to provide the life-saving care they practice each day. My younger brother had bilateral pneumothoraces (holes in the walls of each lung allowing the escape of air). When I visited him in the NICU and saw all the wires and cords attached to his little body, I had the realization that he may never come home. The NICU team saved his life, and I've loved every minute with him since. I wanted to take this position in the NICU …

South African Plants With Potential Applications In Traditional Medicine For Wound Healing, Salome Mahlo

Oxford ICSB

Skin infections are primarily fungal and bacterial attacks on the skin. The aim of the study was to investigate medicinal plants used for the treatment of wound infections by the local people and traditional health practitioners. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality, Limpopo Province to identify plant species used to treat skin infections. Guided fieldwork and a semi-structured questionnaire were used to gather information from the traditional healers. A questionnaire was designed to gather information on the common names, plant parts used, preparation, administration, and illnesses treated were recorded for each species. In the current …

Publicly Available Online Data From National Adverse Event Reporting Schemes: Observations On Cases Involving ‘Ashwagandha’, Jo Barnes

Oxford ICSB

No abstract provided.

Ashwagandha – Is It Safe? A Toxicologist’S Perspective, Mukesh Summan

Oxford ICSB

Withania somnifera (WS) also known as ashwagandha is a herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine with recorded use dating back centuries. Different plant parts including roots, leaves, fruits, seeds and stems are purported to have various biological actions such as anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-stress, anti-anxiety when used alone or in combination with other plants. Despite this long history of use as a traditional herb in Indian medicine and world-wide as a food supplement, regulatory health authorities have begun to question the safety of WS due clinical cases of herb-induced liver injury from products labelled as containing ashwagandha and concerns for WS …

A Novel Method For Deriving The Binaural Interaction Component And Its Association With Spatial Listening Ability In Adults, Kate M. Fisher, Marlana J. Petersen, Mindee Anderson, Annika P. Williams

Student Research Symposium

• Spatial listening helps children detect and focus on specific sounds in noisy environments.
• Classrooms require filtering relevant speech (e.g., teacher's voice) from background noise, which is challenging without strong spatial listening skills.

Does Peer Influence Impact Substance Use Intentions In Pre-Adolescence? A Longitudinal Examination, Aubrey Low

Student Research Symposium

• Substance use in adolescent populations remains a significant public health concern. Although many studies have explored the association between peer influence and adolescents' substance use intentions, little has focused on how pre-adolescent populations are impacted by peer influence and their susceptibility to substance use. This gap in knowledge presents to be concerning given the increased vulnerability to social pressures during this developmental stage. This study aims to close this gap by investigating the association of the role of peer influence in shaping pre-adolescents' intent to use substances.

Examining Cultural Competency In Audiologists Across The United States: A Pilot Survey, Olivia Montoya

Student Research Symposium

• Cultural competency refers to the ability of systems to provide care to patients with diverse values, beliefs, and behaviors, including tailoring delivery to meet patients' social, cultural, and linguistic needs (Betancourt, 2002).

• Limited studies to date have explored the implementation of cultural competence in audiology, which begs the question of how audiologists are fighting against—instead of contributing to—healthcare disparities among ethnic minorities.

Evaluation Of Potential Hormonal Activities Of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), Guenter Vollmer

Oxford ICSB

No abstract provided.

Ashwagandha: Is It Safe? A Review Of The Clinical Evidence., Thomas Brendler, Elizabeth Williamson

Oxford ICSB

Over the last decade, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, AS) has been brought under increasing scrutiny regarding its safety for the use in food supplements, culminating in a recent recommendation for an Article 8 procedure according to Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 in the European Union (EU). Once executed, this could lead to a ban of the use as an ingredient in food supplements. One of the regulators’ concerns is the purported lack of clinical safety data combined with evidence for what may constitute a safe daily dose. In this overwiew we assess evidence stemming from 96 clinical trials conducted over …

Substance Abuse On Vulnerable United States And Russian Populations, Avery Wuollet, Emyli Sandrock, Mallory Loerts, Rylyn Murphy

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

The National Institute of Health states that 39.5 million people in the world are affected by drug abuse. According to the National Institute of Health, a total of 18,013 overdose deaths in Russia, while nearly 108,000 people have overdosed in the United States as of 2024, according to The National Institute of Drug Abuse. This is prevalent due to poor policies, the presence of street drugs, and the stigmas surrounding this problem. This research will entail the different effects drug abuse has on both users and the community. The research will also compare the risks of engaging in drug abuse …

Improving The Rates Of Sexually Transmitted Infection Diagnosis By Increasing Provider Knowledge About Testing, Lauren Cunningham

Student Scholarship & Creative Works

There has been a significant increase in sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates since 2021. Though this issue is nationwide, rural providers require education regarding testing, screening, and transmission of disease processes. The infections with the most significant increase are gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. The purpose of this project was to provide education to providers regarding local STI statistics, in addition to when to and not to test for sexually transmitted STI infections. Education was provided to three Advance Practice Nurse Practitioners about disease signs and symptoms, transmission, and local STI statistic rates. STI testing rates were observed three months prior …

The Way To A Mother’S Heart: A Risk Assessment Tool For The Early Detection Of Maternal Peripartum Cardiomyopathies, Leighton Terrell

Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Abstract

Background

Peripartum cardiomyopathies are a rare, but deadly occurrence among pregnant and postpartum women. Maternal mortality rates have risen over the last few years proving a large problem with the focus on maternal health.

Objective

The objective of this intervention was to aid providers in diagnosing peripartum cardiomyopathies early before detrimental damage could be done to the hearts of these women.

Methods

In this quality improvement project, the need for a peripartum cardiomyopathy risk assessment survey among patients in small, rural area of Western Kentucky was determined.

Results

Using the 22 surveys that were collected, 36.4% of patients were …

Teaching Interprofessional Collaborative Skills In Primary Care Using Team-Based Learning With Simulation: A Pilot Study, Elaine B. Cruz, Mamta K. Singh

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Animals In Pediatric Occupational Therapy Telehealth Interventions: A Survey Of Therapist Perspectives., Macy Burr, Catherine Le

Occupational Therapy Collection

AIMS: Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) incorporate animals in health, education, or human services to improve participant health and well-being. AAI can decrease stress, increase happiness, and improve motor skills. During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual AAI programs became more common. Telehealth also became more prevalent in occupational therapy. This study explored the perceptions of occupational therapy (OT) practitioners regarding including animals in telehealth OT pediatric interventions.

METHODS: Survey responses were collected from 18 occupational therapists who have included animals in OT pediatric telehealth interventions.

RESULTS: Most participants agreed that incorporating animals into telehealth enhanced the therapeutic experience for their clients, as they …

Implementing Self-Regulation Practice And Handouts For Parents And Educators At Linden Waldorf School For The Neurodivergent Student Population​, Samantha Thompson

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Linden Waldorf School in Nashville, TN. The invention, application, and advocacy of occupational therapy approaches for the neurodivergent student population were the main objectives of this research. This project aimed to empower Linden Waldorf educators and staff to more effectively address the needs of their kids by offering direct observations, educational presentations, and a range of educational resources on an assortment of neurodivergent deficits and diagnoses. Executive dysfunction, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, difficulties with emotional regulation, autistic spectrum disorders, and anxiety are among the diagnoses and deficiencies discussed in this …

3d-Printed Organ-Realistic Phantoms To Verify Quantitative Spect/Ct Accuracy For 177lu-Psma-617 Treatment Planning, Lydia J. Wilson, Sara Belko, Eric L. Gingold, Shuying Wan, Rachel Monane, Robert S. Pugliese, Firas Mourtada

Department of Radiation Oncology Faculty Papers

Background/Objectives: Accurate patient-specific dosimetry is essential for optimizing radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT), but current tools lack validation in clinically realistic conditions. This work aimed to develop a workflow for designing and fabricating patient-derived, organ-realistic RPT phantoms and evaluate their feasibility for commissioning patient-specific RPT radioactivity quantification. Methods: We used computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of representative patients, computer-aided design, and in-house 3D printing technology to design and fabricate anthropomorphic kidney and parotid phantoms with realistic organ spacing, anatomically correct orientation, and surrounding tissue heterogeneities. We evaluated the fabrication process via geometric verification (i.e., volume comparisons) and leak testing …

A Vomiting And Dyspneic Teenager, Janet Han, Do, Shireen Khan, Md

Jefferson Health - Northeast Posters (formerly Aria Health Posters)

History of Present Illness

CHIEF COMPLAINT: Shortness of Breath

15 y/o female with no pertinent PMHx presents to the emergency department with shortness of breath onset 3 days ago. Patient is also reporting cough, congestion, sore throat, subjective fever and chills, myalgias, as well as nausea and vomiting. Today, she states she is so nauseous she has tried to force herself to throw up several times. Since then, she has been experiencing neck pain with movement. Patient is UTD with all her vaccines. Denies alcohol and drug use. Initially denies vaping/smoking; later states she has vaped daily until her symptoms’ …