Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Current Trends In Manufacturing For Large Volume Parenteral In The Pharmaceutical Industry And Future Scopes, Tarang Patel

Discovery Day

INTRODUCTION: Large Volume Parenterals (LVPs) are manufactured in a number of steps, starting with the reception of excipients and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) and ending with the product's final shipment. A number of difficulties occur during these phases, including as manufacturing faults, sample errors, and problems with quality control. To guarantee the quality and safety of the final product, those working on various stages of production must also follow strict guidelines. In addition to implementing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other industry standards, the pharmaceutical sector is focusing more on production-related concerns like quality assurance and workforce management.

METHODS: The …

Vitamin D3 Toxicity-Induced Hypercalcemia In Staphylococcal Arthritis: A Focus On Il-6, Ali Jabbar Abd Al-Hussain Alkawaz, Maryam Sabah Naser, Ali Jalil Obaid, Zakaria M. Al-Ghazaly

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Background: Vitamin D3  over-supplementation can induce toxicity through the development of hypercalcemia and may disturb immune modulation. This study examines the relationship between hypercalcemia  resulting from Vitamin D3 Overdose and serum Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in patients diagnosed with staphylococcal arthritis.

Methods: Forty male patients (mean age: 31 years; range: 17–45 years) were enrolled from Dec. 2024 to Feb. 2025. Twenty cases of staphylococcal arthritis were compared with twenty healthy male controls. Serum concentrations of Vitamin D3, calcium, IL-6, and other biochemical markers (urea, creatinine, ESR, WBC, and potassium) were analyzed. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from synovial fluid and confirmed using …

Feasibility And Acceptability Of A Brief Intervention For Youth Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors Among Pediatric Primary Care Providers, Caitlin M Pinciotti, Erica Buckland, Taryn L Mayes, John L Cooley, Sean M Mitchell, Lucas Zullo, Jennifer L Hughes, Puja G Patel, Colleen Neal, Melissa Defilippis, Taiwo T Babatope, Carmen Cruz, Madhukar H Trivedi, Eric A Storch, Wayne K Goodman, Laurel L Williams, Joan R Asarnow

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death among youth, and rates continue to increase across the United States. Pediatric primary care providers (PCPs) are uniquely positioned to identify acute periods of increased suicidal ideation and provide timely intervention.

Objective: The present study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of training and implementation of a primary care-adapted version of Safe Alternatives for Teens and Youth-Acute (SAFETY-A), a brief, strengths-based, cognitive-behaviorally oriented, family intervention for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in youth, among pediatric PCPs.

Method: This multisite pilot study involved collaboration between eight Texas-based academic institutions who assisted with the recruitment and …

Women Managing Heart Disease: Involvement Of Spouse And Non-Spouse Care Partners, Elizabeth Richards

School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Purpose: Heart health is integral to promoting women’s overall health and healthcare. Following a cardiac event, engagement in recommended health-related activities (e.g., maintaining a healthy diet) speeds recovery and improves health. We investigate women’s perception of care partners who are involved in helping manage their heart disease. Methods: Data were drawn from two pilot studies (N = 54); interviews with women from hospital-based outpatient cardiac rehabilitation centers (study one), and online surveys completed by women with heart disease (study two). We compared women’s reports of involvement of their care partner (spouse vs non-spouse) in their health-related activities. Results: The proportion …

Staff Education On Evidence-Based Interventions To Reduce Fall Rates Among Hospitalized Adult Psychiatric Patients, Blessing Rita Ugbor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A staff education initiative was implemented in an inpatient psychiatric facility in the Southern United States to address the significant practice problem: inadequate knowledge of fall prevention strategies among psychiatric nurses. The identified knowledge gap impairs the nurses’ ability to recognize fall risk factors and apply evidence-based interventions. Psychiatric inpatients are particularly vulnerable to falls, which compromise patient safety, increase health care costs, and contribute to poor outcomes. The project was guided by a practice-focused question addressing whether staff education on evidence-based fall prevention strategies would enhance nurses’ knowledge and reduce fall rates. The purpose of the project was to …

Ifi16 Mediates Deacetylation Of Kshv Chromatin Via Interaction With Nurd And Sin3a Co-Repressor Complexes, Anandita Ghosh, Bala Chandran, Arunava Roy

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

IFI16 is a well-characterized nuclear innate immune DNA sensor that detects foreign dsDNA, including herpesviral genomes, to activate the inflammasome and interferon pathways. Beyond immune signaling, IFI16 also functions as an antiviral restriction factor, promoting the silencing of invading viral genes through transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms. We recently demonstrated another role of IFI16, in which it interacts with and recruits the class I histone deacetylases, HDAC1 and 2, to the KSHV latency protein LANA, modulating its acetylation and function. In this study, we asked whether these IFI16-HDAC1/2 interactions contribute to broader epigenetic regulation of the KSHV chromatin. Our findings reveal …

Trends In Adolescent Research And Practice: A Focused Study Of An Institutional Review Board Protocols For 2023, Kayode O. Ogunwenmo, Dora O. Akinboye, Grace O. Tayo, Cajethan O. Ezeamagu

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

Adolescence is a complex phase of life with experiences and changes too rapid than apparent. A structured review of 1,023 protocols (2023) at our Review Board reflected the magnitude of diverse issues and challenges facing adolescents, which include health-seeking (41.5%), psycho-social (22.7%), risky behavior (21.2%), education (13.2%) and safety (1.45%).

An Educational Interventional Study To Compare The Effectiveness Of Small Group Discussion Versus Role Play As A Teaching Learning Method In The Subject Of Pharmacology, Akanksha B. Prajapati, Alay Patel, Rupal Shah, Vipul Chaudhari

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

BACKGROUND: Teaching-learning methods include lectures, discussions, and small group activities. Small group discussions and role-plays enhance adult learning by promoting participation, reflection, communication, and teamwork. These methods improve knowledge retention and prepare students for real-life scenarios and professional challenges through experiential, interactive learning. Aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of Small Group Discussion (SGD) vs Role play as a teaching learning (T/L) method among Phase II medical students.

METHODS. Out of 140 Phase II MBBS students, 88 participated in the pharmacology schedule and were included in the study. After randomization, 42 students (Group A) underwent SGD, and …

Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Association With Epstein-Barr Virus, Amer Aldamouk, Bachr Masri, Ali Khan, Pulkita Uppal

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), also referred to as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, is an acquired form of thrombocytopenia caused by antibodies directed against platelet glycoproteins, particularly anti-GpIIb/IIIa antibodies. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a herpes virus infecting a large majority of the population before adulthood, has been implicated in various immune-mediated disorders, including ITP. In this report, we present a case of a young adult female with a history of thrombocytopenia who was found to have severe thrombocytopenia attributed to chronic EBV infection. Despite initial treatment with corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), the patient's condition necessitated second-line therapies, including rituximab and thrombopoietin receptor agonists. …

A Rare Delayed Neuropsychiatric Encephalopathy After Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment For Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A Couple’S Case Report, Sabrina Kasha, William J. Naber Ii, Michael Reimer

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

Background: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is caused when carbon monoxide builds up in the blood, most specifically due to its high binding affinity for the heme structure in hemoglobin. This can lead to serious tissue damage and even be fatal. CO poisoning is primarily the result of incomplete combustion of fuels, with common sources domestically and internationally including furnaces, gas heaters, generators, and motor vehicles.2 Symptoms tend to present as neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as dementia, psychosis, parkinsonism, and incontinence. There are few well-researched CO poisoning specific treatments, which suggest supplemental oxygen and hyperbaric oxygen are most effective. We present a …

Characteristics And Educational Background Of Current Deans Of Medicine, Joseph T. Mcgrath, Calla M. Sullivan, Divya Sharma, Evelyn Fagan, Erin X. Wei

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

Background. Medical school leadership demographics have been examined previously, but there has not been a study investigating the educational background of the current Deans of Medicine (DOMs). The purpose of this report is to examine the demographics, as well as the educational and training background, of the current DOMs to determine how medical school leadership can continue to be diversified across various attributes, such as gender and specialty type.

Methods. The current DOMs at 159 Doctor of Medicine (MD) and 41 Doctor of Osteopathic (DO) programs were identified using medical school websites. Information about the DOM’s background, including pronouns used …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Familiarity With Health Principles And Community Engagement: A Dietary Perspective, Jimmy Adil Jr, Carthy Joy Aguillon, Ray Opao, Susa Opao, Arceli Rosario

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

Familiarity with the Adventist Health Message relates differently to outreach involvement depending on diet. Among the 5,849 participants, pescatarians and vegetarians showed a stronger positive link between health message awareness and willingness to increase outreach engagement, while vegans and meat-eaters showed no significant effect, suggesting diet may shape health-belief-driven outreach.

An Exploration Of Adventist Nursing Practice In Liberia, Lendeh E. Seboe, Erhuvwukorotu S. Kollie, Boffa L. Kollie Nyumah

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

This study explored nursing practice in Liberia using the integrated global framework for nursing education and practice. A descriptive Qualitative method was used through a group interview and purposive sampling technique for participant selection. FGD utilized for data collection and theoretical sampling for data saturation. Findings highlighted for improvement at the researched hospital and other SDA health care settings.

Knowledge And Awareness Of The Link Between Periodontitis And Systemic Diseases Among Iraqi Medical Doctors, Hadeel Mohammed Abbood

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Periodontitis has been shown to be a risk factor for systemic diseases, particularly diabetes mellites, and cardiovascular diseases. Hence, the medical practitioners should have sufficient knowledge regarding the link between periodontal disease and different systemic diseases and the adverse effect of periodontal diseases on the outcomes and prognosis of systemic diseases. The aim was to determine the extent of awareness of internal medicine specialists and general medical practitioners regarding the association between periodontal diseases and systemic diseases. Electronic questionnaire were disseminated among Iraqi medical doctors. These questionnaires were composed of general questions about the doctors, awareness of periodontal diseases. And …