Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Hurricane Helene, One Year Later: Lived Experience, Geraldine A. Miller

Journal of Appalachian Health

Ashe County is located in the northwestern corner of North Carolina (NC), bordered by Virginia and Tennessee. The county is isolated, mountainous, and historically has lacked good highway access. Hurricane Helene, a category 4 hurricane at landfall, struck Western NC on September 27, 2024, resulting in flooding and wind damage that destroyed local communities in terms of land, homes, bridges, water, electricity, etc. with a damage of $59.6 billion.⁶ One year later, the recovery from the hurricane continues draining individuals and communities of their time, energy, and money. Geri Miller reflects on her hurricane impact experiences a year later. …

Associations Between Social Media Usage, Physical Activity And Flourishing In Rural University Students, Anna Dysart, Minu Sara Thomas

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Most adolescents and young adults report significant use of social media.^1-3 However, there is limited research on the effect of social media use, specifically on physical activity and flourishing.

Purpose: This pilot research study examines the correlation between social media usage and the physical activity and flourishing levels of college students at a rural university in Appalachia.

Methods: The authors conducted a survey including the validated Secure Flourishing Index and Stanford Leisure-Time Activity Categorical Item, containing questions on social media use and demographics. Spearman’s rho was used for nonparametric correlations. Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the correlation …

Impact Of West Virginia Abortion Ban On West Virginia Physician Trainee Practice Intentions, Rebecca Wald, Kristy Ward, Sarah Dotson

Journal of Appalachian Health

In June 2022, the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned the constitutional right to abortion established by Roe vs. Wade. Shortly after, West Virginia (WV) began enforcing a near total ban on abortion. Statewide restrictions on access to reproductive health care have important implications for the recruitment and retention of physicians. This project aimed to determine overall awareness of the 2022 changes in abortion laws among physician trainees, and whether the law influenced the intention of resident/fellow physicians to practice medicine in the state following completion of their medical training. A total of 178 resident and fellow physicians at …

Impact Of A Workshop On Rural Healthcare Delivery On Medical Student Attitudes, Robert L. Snedegar, Ryan Hayes, Jun Xiang, Treah Haggerty, Kendra Unger, Jason Oreskovich, Amie M. Ashcraft

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Rural residents in the United States (U.S.) experience significant health disparities due to social determinants such as poverty, geographic isolation, and limited healthcare access. Physician shortages in rural areas further exacerbate these challenges.

Purpose: This study evaluates the impact of an educational workshop on medical students’ attitudes toward rural healthcare barriers, aiming to determine whether targeted education can enhance their understanding and interest in rural practice.

Methods: Third-year medical students at the West Virginia University School of Medicine participated in a workshop that included a 20-minute pre-recorded lecture and a 90-minute interactive virtual session. Pre- and post-surveys assessed students’ …

Leveraging Community Health Worker’S Deep Community Knowledge To Address Food And Nutrition Security In Appalachia, Alexis Kimbro Scott, Melissa D. Olfert, Dawn Brewer, Makenzie Barr, Julie Plasencia

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Community health workers (CHWs) are trusted professionals in communities because of the deep understanding and cultural insights learned from their lived experiences. In Appalachia, CHWs are embedded in the community, giving them a unique understanding of how social determinants, like food and nutrition security, impact health outcomes.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the professional characteristics and knowledge of CHWs while identifying culturally sensitive practices around food insecurity.

Methods: This cross-sectional, mixed-methods study used an online survey and in-depth phone interviews with CHWs in the Appalachian Region to examine their professional characteristics and knowledge on food security in their …

Stigmatization And Healthcare Inequity Perceived By Individuals Served By Homeless Shelters In An Appalachian City, Molly Powney, James M. Mears, Reagan Sharp, Lisa Calderwood

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: People experiencing homelessness are medically vulnerable and suffer disproportionately from chronic physical and mental health conditions. Evidence-based standards to inform decisions surrounding care would be valuable for this population. Studies exploring how homeless individuals in Appalachia perceive their interactions with the healthcare system remain limited, however.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess perceptions of the healthcare system among homeless individuals served by temporary housing shelters in an Appalachian city.

Methods: A voluntary anonymous survey was administered to residents at three shelters in Charleston, West Virginia (WV) from September 2023 – March 2024. Responses were collected utilizing …

Geospatial Analysis Of Breast Cancer Incidence, Mortality, And Access To Screening In Rural And Appalachian Virginia, Jennifer Osher, Caleb Brown, Phillip Nichols, Tariq Ayubi, Jeremy Powers

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women in the United States (U.S.), despite recent survival rates improving nationally. However, rural and Appalachian regions have experienced slower mortality declines. These communities face unique health care-related challenges that may contribute to observed disparities.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess differences in breast cancer incidence, mortality, and mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) between Appalachian and non-Appalachian counties, as well as rural and non-rural counties in Virginia (VA). Furthermore, we aim to evaluate whether availability of mammography is associated with these differences.

Methods: County-level breast cancer incidence and mortality data …

Influence Of Family Health History And Parental Education On Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure, And Lipid Levels In 5th Grade Children: A Secondary Data Analysis Of The Cardiac Project, Madha Rani Das, Lee A. Plyes, Eloise Elliott, Christa L. Lilly

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Childhood obesity and related cardiovascular risks reflect the interplay of genetic predispositions and socioeconomic adversity. Appalachia’s poverty, limited health care, and educational gaps worsen family health risks, driving early cardio-metabolic problems in children, highlighting the need for effective interventions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the association of family health history and parental education with BMI, BP, and lipid profiles among 5^th grade children in West Virginia (WV).

Methods: The study used WV CARDIAC data from 2006–2009. Outcomes were BMI, SBP/DBP, and fasting lipids (HDL, LDL, TG). Predictors were parental education and family health history …

Understanding Breastfeeding Practices In Tennessee: Goals, Duration, And Reasons For Discontinuation, Amir Alakaam, Chia-Lin Chang, Hannah Jeffery

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal source of infant nutrition, offering many health benefits.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine goals, exclusivity, and duration of breastfeeding and explore factors that influence breastfeeding practices among individuals in Tennessee (TN).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals (N = 1,249). Participants were recruited and data were collected from June – September 2021. The data were entered and analyzed from September 2022 – March 2023. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and ANOVA were used to analyze the data and identify associations between variables.

Results: About 32% of the …

Positive Psychology Interventions For Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd) Among Earthquake Survivors In Nepal, Niusha Karki, Melissa C. Henry, Mark M. Leach

Trauma Counseling and Resilience

Natural disasters produce both community and individual trauma; Nepal’s 2015 and 2023 earthquakes exemplify this enduring impact. Previous literature has discussed the effects of PTSD and other mental health concerns post-disasters, providing some context to the difficulties in providing counseling services to those in need. However, little is known about unique psychological, cultural, and contextual factors in Nepal and how their influence and understanding may result in modifying traditional PTSD counseling interventions found in much of the existing professional literature. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to propose a culturally responsive, strengths-based framework that integrates positive psychology interventions, positive …

Individualised Homoeopathic Treatment Of Menstrual Distress In Adolescent Girls- A Case Series, Neha Kalra, Ritika Saxena, Anjula Narang, Subhash Kaushik

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Menstrual distress is a broad term describing the constellation of physical, emotional, and behavioural symptoms that occur about menstruation and cause discomfort or disruption to daily life. These symptoms can include abdominal cramps, backache, breast tenderness, mood swings, irritability and sleep disturbances. This complex impact ex tends beyond pain alone and reflects the multifaceted burden that menstruation may impose. This case series brings forth eight adolescent girls suffering from menstrual distress, who were successfully treated with individualised Homoeopathy. Case summary: The results of this case series demonstrate a mean reduction in total Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MEDI-Q) score …

Effectiveness Of Homoeopathic Medicines In Reducing The Size Of Non-Specific Chronic Leg Ulcers - A Single-Arm, Prospective Observational Study, Greeshma Ik, Dastagiri P

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: A chronic leg ulcer (CLU) is a chronic wound of the leg that does not tend to heal easily. Venous, arterial insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, or a combination of these factors may cause pain, restricted mobility, impaired social activities, and increased personal expenses, all of which can adversely affect the quality of life. Objectives: To determine the e ectiveness of homoeopathic medicines in reducing the size of non-specific chronic leg ulcers using the Leg Ulcer Measurement Tool (LUMT) and changes in the quality of life by the Euro QoL (EQ-5D-3L) score. Materials and methods: A prospective clinical study was …

Innovative Philanthropy And Community-Based Approaches: Bridging Access To Sustainable Solutions In Low-Infrastructure Settings, Stephanie Zabriskie

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

Nonprofits operating in remote or low-infrastructure environments often encounter structural barriers that undermine social impact, especially for women and girls. These barriers are frequently attributed to funding shortages or lack of innovation. However, evidence from practice suggests that many social problems in these contexts persist not because solutions do not exist, but because they do not reach the communities who need them. This thought paper examines the role of nonprofit organizations as bridging agents that connect existing solutions to underserved communities, using women’s health access in East Africa as a case example. The analysis highlights the limitations of episodic philanthropic …

Limited Therapeutic Efficacy Of N-Acetyl-L-Leucine In A Mouse Model Of Cln1 Disease, Ewa A Ziółkowska, Nicole A Pagán Torres, Hsintsung Chen, Letitia L Williams, Elizabeth M Eultgen, Agnieszka Nowacka, Joshua T Dearborn, Hemanth R Nelvagal, Ineka T Whiteman, Frances M Platt, Jonathan D Cooper

2020-Current year OA Pubs

UNLABELLED: CLN1 disease, one of the most severe forms of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCLs or Batten disease), is a rapidly progressing pediatric neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-32984-x.

Incorporating Obstetrical Simulation Into Physician Assistant Didactic Curriculum., Ashley D. Griffin, Nicole K. Daher, Jolene E. Bohensky

PCOM Scholarly Works

BACKGROUND: Ensuring physician assistant (PA) students are adequately prepared and exposed to women’s health competencies is a requirement for PA programs regulated by Accreditation Review Commission on Education for Physician Assistants (ARC-PA). Over the years, there has been a growing shortage of clinical rotation sites in women’s health, particularly those offering obstetrical experiences. Medical simulation is being suggested as an alternative method to supplement a student’s experience and to bridge knowledge gaps. Program faculty at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Physician Assistant Program developed, implemented, and piloted a simulated vaginal delivery experience performed on high-fidelity manikins for students in …

Microglial Expression Of Serotonin Receptors Reveals Parallel Regulation Of 5-Ht2b And Bdnf In The Rat Hippocampus, Andrei Turkin, Maria Sidorova, Ekaterina Kurilova, Natalia Alenina, Oksana Tuchina, Friederike Klempin

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Growing evidence suggests that psychiatric disorders are characterized by a prolonged inflammatory state, which may influence the efficacy of compounds targeting serotonin. Serotonin is a key signaling molecule in neuroplasticity of the adult hippocampus and involved in antidepressant action. Recent in vitro studies indicate the neurotransmitter may also facilitate the response to inflammation and potentially modulate microglial function towards neuroprotection. Using Tph2−/− rats depleted of brain serotonin, we examined microglial expression of various serotonin receptors (5-HTRs) in vivo in both the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex and assessed mRNA levels of cytokines and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We observed age-dependent and …

Subgroup Analyses Of The Phase 3 Focus Study Of Melphalan/Hepatic Delivery System In Patients With Unresectable Metastatic Uveal Melanoma, Jonathan S. Zager, Marlana Orloff, Pier Francesco Ferrucci, Junsung Choi, David J. Eschelman, Evan S. Glazer, Aslam Ejaz, Erika Richtig, Sebastian Ochsenreither, Sunil A. Reddy, Michael C. Lowe, Georgia M. Beasley, Anja Gesierich, Martin Gschnell, Reinhard Dummer, Ana Arance, Stephen William Fenwick, Joseph J. Sacco, Johnny John, Matthew Wheater, Christian H. Ottensmeier

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: To assess efficacy and safety in subgroups of patients treated with Melphalan/Hepatic Delivery System (melphalan/HDS), a drug/device combination for liver-directed treatment of metastatic UM (mUM) patients. Previously reported FOCUS study results indicated melphalan/HDS treatment provides a clinically meaningful response rate and favorable benefit-risk ratio in patients with unresectable mUM.

METHODS: Patients with mUM received treatment with melphalan (3.0 mg/kg ideal body weight) every 6-8 weeks for up to 6 cycles. Post hoc analyses of efficacy and safety were conducted for patient subgroups based on demographic and baseline disease characteristics.

RESULTS: 102 patients with mUM were enrolled; treatment was attempted …

Effects Of Auricular Point Acupressure On Inflammatory Signaling In Chronic Low Back Pain: A Secondary Analysis Of A Randomized Controlled Trial, Nada Lukkahatai, Hongyu Wang, Xinran Huang, Wanqi Chen, Hulin Wu, Jennifer Kawi, Zhiyin Yu, Constance M Johnson, Paul Christo

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: Auricular point acupressure (APA) has shown promise for pain relief, but its biological mechanisms remain unclear. This study examined the effects of APA on inflammatory cytokines and explored the relationships between changes in inflammatory markers and clinical outcomes in older adults with chronic low back pain (cLBP).

Method: This secondary analysis utilized plasma samples from a three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) (NCT03589703) with 272 participants aged 65 years and older with cLBP. The participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to the targeted APA (T-APA), nontargeted APA (NT-APA), or education control (CG) groups for four weeks. Cytokine levels were …

Nurses' Implicit Bias Toward Older Adults: A Mid-Range Nursing Theory, Jennifer T. May Phd, Rn, Anp-Bc, Hanne Dolan, Jessica G. Rainbow

Publications

This article describes the development of the Nurses' Implicit Bias Toward Older Adults Mid-Range Nursing Theory, which explains how biased care arises and affects older adults. Drawing from Pepper's contextual-development worldview, Parse's Humanbecoming Paradigm, and an emancipatory perspective, the theory integrates implicit social cognition to explain how nurses' backgrounds and unconscious processes influence clinical practice. Key "mitigation points" are identified for targeted interventions to address bias. This framework provides a foundation for future research on implicit bias in nursing, with implications for equitable health care delivery and improved older adult patient outcomes, supporting the advancement of nursing science and professional …

Strengthening Homoeopathy With Standards: The Bis Initiative, Raj K Manchanda, Kumar Vivekanand, Daisy Katarmal

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

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Closing Issue Of 2025, Subhash Kaushik

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

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6c Potency Of Terminalia Chebula Reveals Secondary Metabolites And Induces Apoptosis In Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells (Tnbcs), Apoorva Parimoo, Shama Aphale, Prajakta D. Patil, Ruchika Kaul Ghanekar

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: Breast cancer is a prevalent malignancy in women globally, and TNBCs, being ER-/PR-/Her2-, pose challenges in treatment options. Complementary and alternative medicines, including homoeopathic remedies, have gained popularity as potential anti-cancer agents to mitigate the side e ects of conventional drugs. Previously, the anticancer activity of homoeopathic potencies of Terminalia chebula (MT, 3X, 6C, and 30C) against breast cancer cell lines has been reported. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the mechanism of anticancer activity of 6C potency of T. chebula against the TNBC cell line, MDAMB231 and to understand the phytochemical composition of 6C potency. Methods: …

Physicochemical, Pharmacognostic Standardisation And Phytochemical Analyses Of The Homoeopathic Drug Justicia Adhatoda, Bibaswan Biswas, Satish Patel, Digvijay Verma, Satyajit Maity, Shilpi Singh, Paulami Majumdar, Narasimha Kumar Gv

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: Justicia adhatoda (J. adhatoda), also well known as Vasaka in India is a medicinal plant chiefly used to treat respiratory ailments in traditional and alternative medical systems. Objective: This study aimed to establish the physicochemical, pharmacognostic, and phytochemical standardisation parameters of the drug. The study involved the measurement of physicochemical parameters and chemical profiling of the raw drug. The chemical characteristics of the in-house mother tincture (prepared from in-house raw drug) and commercial mother tinctures available in India were also evaluated to assess the quality of commercially available mother tinctures. Materials and Methods: The present study …

Homoeopathic Intervention In Dual Autoimmune Disorders: A Case Report On Management Of Vitiligo And Hashimoto Thyroiditis, Nitin Kumar Saklani

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: Vitiligo and Hashimoto Thyroiditis often occur as chronic autoimmune disorders that require careful evaluation and individualised management. This case study examines the usefulness of homoeopathic interventions in addressing the complexities of Vitiligo and Hashimoto Thyroiditis through evidence-based methodologies. Case Summary: A 57-year-old woman initially sought medical attention for a noticeable whitish discolouration on the left side of her lips. Subsequent evaluations unveiled the presence of hypothyroidism, marked by elevated Anti-TPO levels, exposing the dual autoimmune nature of her condition. The patient’s concerns centered on the aesthetic impact of vitiligo on her lips and the broader health implications …

Potency Dependent Angiogenic Effect Of Bellis Perennis On In Ovo Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane Assay, Jayanthdevan V, Winston Vargheese V, Anish Fathima K, Lohita S

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: Hormesis is the biological response of an organism for a particular dosage of a substance. The lower dose stimulates and higher dose inhibits. J Compton Burnett, an eminent homeopath, prescribed Bellis perennis for breast and uterine tumours, which suggests it could be due to the antiangiogenic property or angiogenic inhibiting property and clinically also it is used for healing of fractured bone and wound healing which may be due to angiogenic promoting property. This experiment deals with the dose dependent effect of Bellis perennis on In Ovo Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane Assay. Objective: To evaluate the Hormesis effect of Bellis …

Homoeopathy During One Hundred Years Of Lmhi (1925–2025)– Part 1: Philosophical Perspectives, Josef M. Schmidt

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

The celebration of 100 years of “Liga medicorum homoeopathica internationalis” (LMHI) in 2025 gives reason to reflect on the philosophical essence of Homoeopathy as well as its historical development within a dynamic, changing world up to now.

From a philosophical perspective, in this first part, it is pointed out that Hahnemann, the founder of Homoeopathy, needs to be understood in his entirety– not only as a keen discoverer, practitioner and thinker, but also in his spiritual shape, i.e. in his ethical, religious and humanitarian attitude and conviction.

Only thus may one grasp the significance of the schism pervading Homoeopathy’s history …

Indian Standard For Globules Used In Homoeopathy, Kumar Vivekanand, Daisy Katarmal, Indra Gaurav Saxena, Divya Taneja, Shrishti Dixit, Raj Kumar Manchanda

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

This article aims to describe and critically examine the Indian Standard (IS 18947:2024) for globules used in Homoeopathy, outlining the technical specifications, testing methods, and significance for pharmaceutical quality assurance. The implications of the standard for manufacturers, quality control laboratories, consumers and regulatory bodies engaged in the production and evaluation of homoeopathic drugs are highlighted by presenting a consolidated view of the standard's scope and applications. This discussion underscores the continued importance of systematic standardization in ensuring the safety, consistency, and global credibility of homoeopathic medicinal products produced in India.

Research Highlights, Kusum Lata, Ekta Agrawal

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

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A Workshop On Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis: Ccrh's Capacity Building Initiative For Evidence Synthesis, Surbhi Jain, Harleen Kaur, Purnima Rani, Gurpreet Singh, Shalini Rao, Akansha Harit, Shivam Shivam, K. C. Muraleedharan, Sunil S. Ramteke, Subhash Kaushik

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

The workshop on `Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis for Beginners: A Practical Introduction' was organised by Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) in hybrid mode on 13^th and 14^thAugust 2025 at the auditorium of the Ayush building in New Delhi, India. The workshop with 8 technical sessions conducted over a span of 2 days, was attended by more than 400 delegates across various units/institutes of CCRH. The aim was to build capacity of scientists/ researchers of CCRH about the conduct of systematic reviews and meta- analyses, as they represent the highest level in the hierarchy of scientific …

Acknowledgement To Our Reviewers (2025), Ijrh Editorial Board

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

The following experts are sincerely acknowledged for their invaluable inputs, while reviewing the manuscripts for the Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy in 2025. Their timely inputs enabled a fair and rigorous peer-review process, and we are immensely thankful for the same.