Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

An Open Mystery: Reflections On The Metaphysical Status Of The Participatory Approach, Jorge N. Ferrer

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Advance Publication Archive

This paper provides an assessment and clarification of the metaphysical status of the participatory approach to transpersonal and spiritual phenomena (Ferrer, 2002, 2017a). To that end, I first respond to several criticisms of the approach issued by scholars in recent years; for instance, that it hides a perennialist metaphysics (e.g., Abramson, 2015) or that it is metaphysically vague (e.g., Taylor, 2021). After reviewing these critical discussions, I describe the open and minimalist nature of the participatory metaphysics, arguing that such features cultivate a fertile soil for transpersonal scholarship, human flourishing, and interreligious relations. Applying a biomimetic approach, I argue that …

Neurocystecercosis, Sudha Kiran Das Dr, Vipul Malviya Dr, Sachin P. Shetty Dr, Shrisagar R A

Radiology Teaching Files

• 42 year male patient presented with complains of generalised weakness and 2 episodes of seizures. CT and MRI brain was performed and was diagnosed with neurocystecercosis. Symptomatic treatment with antiseizure medications, along with anthelmintic therapy using albendazole and praziquantel, the two antiparasitics, was planned, accompanied by corticosteroids.

Unveiling A Hidden Peril: Unanticipated Emergence Of Diaphragmatic Hernia After Trauma, Deepak Benny Dr, Deepak K. S Dr, Vishal S. Dharpur Dr, Priyanshi Tapadia

Radiology Teaching Files

This case report presents a rare instance of a delayed diagnosis of obstructed diaphragmatic hernia in a 57-year-old male, a year after sustaining trauma. The patient initially presented with abdominal pain and obstipation, without any overt signs of diaphragmatic injury. Diagnostic challenges were compounded by the patient's non-specific symptomatology and the absence of immediate post-traumatic complications. The report discusses the clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, and therapeutic management, underscoring the importance of considering diaphragmatic hernia in differential diagnoses of abdominal pain post-trauma. The case highlights the necessity for heightened clinical vigilance and the pivotal role of advanced imaging techniques in diagnosing …

Unveiling The Silent Specter: A Comprehensive Exploration Of Silent Sinus Syndrome, Deepak Benny Dr, Sudha Kiran Das Dr, Shwetha R. Poojary Dr, Priyanshi Tapadia

Radiology Teaching Files

A 42-year-old individual presented to the outpatient clinic with subtle facial asymmetry noted over the past year, primarily characterized by a progressive, painless sinking of the right eye (enophthalmos). The patient reported a history of mild, intermittent nasal obstruction but no acute sinus infections, significant nasal discharge, or facial pain. Despite these mild symptoms, the patient expressed concern over the noticeable change in facial appearance and occasional double vision, which prompted a visit to the clinic.The patient described a gradual onset of the right eye appearing "sunken" without any preceding trauma, infection, or significant weight loss. Initially dismissed as a …

Pericallosal Lipoma Unveiled: A Rare Case Of Incidental Discovery And Its Clinical Implications, Deepak Benny Dr, Sachin P. Shetty Dr, Kavitha B. C Dr, Sinchana N Dr

Radiology Teaching Files

This case report delves into the incidental finding of a pericallosal lipoma during routine neuroimaging conducted for non-specific neurological symptoms. It provides a detailed examination of the lipoma's radiological features, outlines the clinical significance of such findings, and discusses the management approach adopted, including considerations for surgical intervention versus conservative monitoring. The report further explores the implications of incidental pericallosal lipomas on patient outcomes, emphasizing the need for awareness among clinicians about this rare condition and the importance of individualized patient care strategies in the context of such incidental neuroimaging discoveries.

Emerging Mania In Young Adulthood: A Case Report Of Idiopathic Fahr's Syndrome Unveiling Neuropsychiatric Dimensions, Deepak Benny Dr, Shwetha R. Poojary Dr, Kavya B. T Dr, Sudha Kiran Das Dr.

Radiology Teaching Files

This case report outlines the diagnosis and management of an 18-year-old male presenting with first episode mania, attributed to idiopathic Fahr's Syndrome. Despite having no significant past medical or psychiatric history, the patient exhibited classic manic symptoms alongside grandiose delusions. Notably, CT imaging revealed brain calcifications characteristic of Fahr's Syndrome, absent metabolic disturbances commonly associated with the disorder. This case underscores the clinical complexity of Fahr's Syndrome, illustrating its potential to manifest primarily with psychiatric symptoms and the importance of integrating neuroimaging in the psychiatric evaluation to uncover underlying neurological disorders.

Pulmonary Infarction, Manu Chaudhary Dr, Sachin P. Shetty Dr, Sinchana N Dr

Radiology Teaching Files

68 years old female presented with breathlessness and chest pain to EMD, on clinical examination her saturation was low and D-Dimer levels were significantly elevated raising the possibility of pulmonary thromboembolism. Further the patient was referred for chest radiograph and CT thorax with contrast for better evaluation and was diagnosed with pulmonary thromboembolism with pulmonary infarct. The patient was treated for the same.

Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm(Ipmn), Vikram Patil, Varun Venkatesh Dr, Sudha Kiran Das Dr

Radiology Teaching Files

A 50-year-old male presented with complaints of abdominal pain which was on and off along with weight loss of 6kg in the last 1 month and was diagnosed of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm.

EUS+FNA was performed which showed hypoechoic cystic mass with solid component in head of pancreas communicating with MPD. FNAC was performed in the same setting which showed benign ductal epithelial cells. Cystic fluid was aspirated and CEA and amylase were elevated. The treatment and prognosis of IPMNs (intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms) depend on factors like lesion type and patient condition. However these lesions possess malignant potential which …

Role Of Cyp3a5 In Prostate Cancer Growth, Ranjana Mitra, Jake Mclean, Ajay P. Singh, Edwin C. Oh

COM Scholarship

No abstract provided.

The “Desegregation“ Of Mcv Hospitals, 1968 To 1971, Robert E. Petres

Publications from the Office of the Senior Vice President for Health Sciences

The “desegregation“ of MCV Hospitals, 1968 to 1971 Robert E. Petres

Retired OB/GYN physician recounts his experiences as resident at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV)’s St. Philip Hospital in Richmond, Va. in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

MCV declared the desegregation of its hospitals in 1965, but when Petres arrived in 1968, he observed something different. The obstetrical hospitals may have been racially integrated as a matter of policy, but in practice they were segregated. “Private Service" patients – most white women in Richmond – delivered their babies in the obstetrics unit of West Hospital, where there were …

Examining The Effects Of Manualized Suicide Intervention Training On Clinical Psychology Doctoral Trainees: A Quasi-Experimental Trial, Alexander Dorfman M.S.

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Although most clinical psychology doctoral trainees encounter at least one suicidal client over the course of their training (Dexter-Mazza & Freeman, 2003), there is notable variability in the degree of formal suicide risk assessment and intervention training offered across clinical psychology doctoral programs (Monahan & Karver, 2021). Most suicide-related training involves passive (e.g., lectures) rather than active (e.g., role-plays, experiential exercises) training techniques, despite evidence for the effectiveness of the latter in improving clinicians’ skills (Gryglewicz et al., 2020). The Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a manualized, evidence-based training incorporating didactics and role-plays (LivingWorks, 2013; Rodgers, 2010). The …

Developing A Pbpk Model For Intranasal Naloxone And Opioid Displacement From Brain Receptors, Jasmin Akther Hossain

Selected Full-Text Dissertations 2020-

The therapeutic and nontherapeutic use of potent opioid agonists has increased dramatically over the past 20 years, with overdose trends following suit. Currently, naloxone is the primary drug used for treating emergency rescue from an opioid overdose. Naloxone works by displacing opioid agonists that are bound to receptors such as the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) in the brain, which are thought to be the sites of action responsible for symptoms due to overdosing, such as respiratory depression.

Intranasal (IN) administration of naloxone is an excellent alternative to the invasiveness of injections and poorly bioavailable oral formulation. However, the exact mechanism of …

Bioethics And A Theology Of Vulnerability, Carrie Oneil-Smith

Obsculta

This essay looks at how a theology of vulnerability can contribute to ethical decision-making in an increasingly secular society. Relationality, power dynamics and scriptural justifications are considered, as well as early contributions made to this nascent field of Christian thought. This essay was written for a class on Health Care Ethics taught by Dr. Mary Ann Kish.

Is Long-Term Survival Higher In Patients Who Receive Propofol-Based Total Intravenous Anesthesia During Colorectal Cancer Surgery Compared To Volatile Anesthesia, Shad Anthony Mitchell

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The study reviewed several retrospective cohort studies that examined the impact of propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) versus volatile anesthesia (VA) on the long-term survival of colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery patients. Eight studies found no significant difference in mortality between the two anesthesia types, while three studies indicated a significant decrease in all-cause mortality favoring propofol TIVA. The studies had varying follow-up periods, with some extending to five years. Notably, two studies controlled the type of volatile anesthetic used, specifically sevoflurane and desflurane. The findings suggest a potential survival advantage for propofol TIVA, warranting further investigation.

Dengueseq: A Pan-Serotype Whole Genome Amplicon Sequencing Protocol For Dengue Virus, Chantal B. F. Vogels, Verity Hill, Mallery I. Breban, Chrispin Chaguza, Lauren M. Paul, Afeez Sodeinde, Emma Taylor-Salmon, Isabel M. Ott, Mary E. Petrone, Dennis Dijk, Marcel Jonges, Matthijs R. A. Welkers, Timothy Locksmith, Yibo Dong, Namratha Tarigopula, Omer Tekin, Sarah Schmedes, Sylvia Bunch, Natalia Cano, Rayah Jaber, Charles Panzera, Ian Stryker, Julieta Vergara, Rebecca Zimler, Edgar Kopp, Lea Heberlein, Kaylee Herzog, Joseph R. Fauver, Andrea M. Morrison, Scott F. Michael, Nathan D. Grubaugh

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

BACKGROUND: The increasing burden of dengue virus on public health due to more explosive and frequent outbreaks highlights the need for improved surveillance and control. Genomic surveillance of dengue virus not only provides important insights into the emergence and spread of genetically diverse serotypes and genotypes, but it is also critical to monitor the effectiveness of newly implemented control strategies. Here, we present DengueSeq, an amplicon sequencing protocol, which enables whole-genome sequencing of all four dengue virus serotypes.

RESULTS: We developed primer schemes for the four dengue virus serotypes, which can be combined into a pan-serotype approach. We validated both …

Effect Of Psilocybin On Empathy And Moral Decision-Making, Sky Evans

VCU's Medical Journal Club: The Work of Future Health Professionals

Empathy is the ability for human beings, as well as all other mammals, to understand the mental state of another person on an emotional level. It allows us to feel compassion and promote the well-being of those around us. Impaired empathic abilities lead to severe negative social consequences and influence the development and treatment of several psychiatric disorders, specifically in disorders such as antisocial personality disorder. Furthermore, empathy has been shown to play a crucial role in moral and prosocial behavior. In neuroscience and psychiatry research, the serotonin system has been shown to be involved in modulating empathy and moral …

Innate And Adaptive Immune System Consequences Of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Tatlock H. Lauten, Tamara Natour, Adam J. Case

Journal Articles: Cellular & Integrative Physiology

In the field of psychiatry, biological markers are rarely, if ever, used in the diagnosis of mental health disorders. Clinicians rely primarily on patient histories and behavioral symptoms to identify specific psychopathologies, which makes diagnosis highly subjective. Moreover, therapies for mental health disorders are aimed specifically at attenuating behavioral manifestations, which overlooks the pathophysiological indices of the disease. This is highly evident in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) where inflammation and immune system perturbations are becoming increasingly described. Further, patients with PTSD possess significantly elevated risks of developing comorbid inflammatory diseases such as autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases, which are likely linked …

Andexanet Alfa Versus Pcc Products For Factor Xa Inhibitor Bleeding: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis, C. Michael White, Kimberly Snow Caroti, Youssef Bessada, Adrian V. Hernandez, William L. Baker, Paul P. Dobesh, Heleen Van Haalen, Kirsty Rhodes, Craig I. Coleman

Journal Articles: Pharmacy Practice

Previous meta-analyses assessed andexanet alfa (AA) or prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) products for the treatment of Factor Xa inhibitor (FXaI)-associated major bleeding. However, they did not include recent studies or assess the impact of the risk of bias. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis on the effectiveness of AA versus PCC products for FXaI-associated major bleeding, inclusive of the studies' risk of bias. PubMed and Embase were searched for comparative studies assessing major bleeding in patients using FXaI who received AA or PCC. We used the Methodological Index for NOn-Randomized Studies (MINORS) checklist and one question from the Joanna …

Fused In Sarcoma Regulates Glutamate Signaling And Oxidative Stress Response, Chiong-Hee Wong, Abu Rahat, Howard C Chang

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Mutations in fused in sarcoma (fust-1) are linked to ALS. However, how these ALS causative mutations alter physiological processes and lead to the onset of ALS remains largely unknown. By obtaining humanized fust-1 ALS mutations via CRISPR-CAS9, we generated a C. elegans ALS model. Homozygous fust-1 ALS mutant and fust-1 deletion animals are viable in C. elegans. This allows us to better characterize the molecular mechanisms of fust-1-dependent responses. We found FUST-1 plays a role in regulating superoxide dismutase, glutamate signaling, and oxidative stress. FUST-1 suppresses SOD-1 and VGLUT/EAT-4 in the nervous system. FUST-1 also regulates synaptic AMPA-type glutamate receptor …

Impact Of Education As A Social Determinant On The Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Korean Adults, Mi-Joon Lee, Bum-Jeun Seo, Yeon-Sook Kim

Health Science and Human Ecology Faculty Publications

Education is correlated with health literacy, which is a combination of reading and listening skills, data analysis, and decision-making during the necessary health situations. This study aims to evaluate the effect of education on the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This is a population-based cross-sectional study using the 2019 nationwide survey data in Korea. There were 3951 study subjects, after excluding participants with missing data for key exposures and outcome variables. Descriptive statistics, χ2 (chi-square) test, and logistic regression were performed to analyze the data. The prevalence of T2DM was associated with educational attainment, sex, age, smoking status, …

What Is Transpersonal Psychotherapy? A Conceptual Template, Gabriel Fernandez Borsot

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Advance Publication Archive

Transpersonal psychotherapy (TPT) lacks systematization, as it lacks a model that characterizes what qualifies a psychotherapy as transpersonal. Due to this situation, TPT has been developed in a state of fragmentation, through a multiplicity of idiosyncratic approaches. This idiosyncratic fragmentation jeopardizes the theoretical development of the field, undermines the possibilities of obtaining a wider recognition, and hinders the training and the research. To remedy this, this paper proposes a model of five components which characterize TPT: (1) purposeful use of states of consciousness, (2) transpersonal therapeutic framework, (3) transpersonal techniques, (4) focus on spirituality and/or existential meaning, and (5) suitable …

Expanded Forward Trial Demonstrates Continued Potential For Stem Cell-Derived Islet Cell Therapy To Eliminate Need For Insulin For People With T1d, Ananya Aengula

VCU's Medical Journal Club: The Work of Future Health Professionals

A clinical trial has released a potential new Stem-Cell Therapy, VX-880 that has been found to treat Type 1 Diabetes through hepatic portal vein infusion.

Crispr-Cas9 Editing Of The Hbg1 And Hbg2 Promoters To Treat Sickle Cell Disease, Brooklyn Schofield

VCU's Medical Journal Club: The Work of Future Health Professionals

In order to protect against complications of Sickle Cell Disease, researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to repeat CD34+ stem cells in an attempt to target and disrupt the HBG1 and HBG2 gene factors in sickle cell hemoglobin. Three participants were injected with OTQ923, the factored gene, and then monitored for F cell levels, hemoglobin levels, and fetal hemoglobin levels. Within 6-18 months, all 3 participants saw an increase in these factors from their original baseline.

The Image Of Schizophrenia In Spain's Healthcare System, Meghan Webb

CISLA Senior Integrative Projects

Schizophrenia affects thousands of people in Spain and is one of the most serious mental health disorders in existence. Despite its this characteristic, schizophrenia did not always get the proper attention it deserved within the country’s healthcare system. This was largely due to the influence that the Spanish government had, and continues to have, over the healthcare system, giving it the power to choose how the disorder was represented. Therefore, what does that mean for schizophrenia in Spain’s healthcare system today? This essay will explore the ways in which schizophrenia was represented in Spain’s healthcare system through an examination of …

Activation Of Renal Epithelial Na+ Channels (Enac) In Infants With Congenital Heart Disease, Laura Ortmann, Shyam Sundar Nandi, Yulong Li, Hong Zheng, Kaushik K. Patel

Journal Articles: Cellular & Integrative Physiology

INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to measure the concentration and activity of urinary proteases that activate renal epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) mediated Na

METHODS: Urine samples from infants undergoing cardiac surgery were collected at three time points: T1) pre-operatively, T2) 6-8 h after surgery, and T3) 24 h after diuretics. Urine was collected from five heathy infant controls. The urine was tested for four proteases and whole-cell patch-clamp testing was conducted in renal collecting duct M-1 cells to test whether patient urine increased Na

RESULTS: Heavy chain of plasminogen, furin, and prostasin were significantly higher in cardiac patients prior to …

Psychological Energy: Early Theorists In The Analytical Tradition, Michael Da

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Advance Publication Archive

Since the dawn of Western psychology, theorists have used variations of the term “energy” to describe the dynamic forces at work within the psyche and the soma and the psychotherapeutic processes of change. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, terms used for psychological energy included “libido,” “psychic energy,” “orgone energy,” “bioenergetics,” and “psycho-energetics.” This paper uses philosophical hermeneutics to compare the major theorists of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century: William James, Pierre Janet, Sigmund Freud, C. G. Jung, Wilhelm Reich, Alexander Lowen, and Roberto Assagioli. The analysis reveals that these theorists generally agreed that psychological energy …

Impact Of Assistive Device Use During Timed Up And Go In Healthy Adults, Megan Dowdal-Osborn Pt, Phd, A Christensen, E Haag, J Halbert, M Olthoff

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

Background:

• Falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults¹. The physical, psychological, and financial cost of falling in this population necessitates a reliable balance assessment to determine fall risk^2-4.
• The Timed Up and Go (TUG) is often used to assess fall risk due to its simplicity and allowed use of all assistive devices (ADs)⁵.
• The cutoff score for falls risk among community dwelling older adults is 13.5 seconds⁵
• The impact of AD use on TUG score and interpretation is not well understood.

Purpose: To better understand the impact that AD …

A Comparison Of Shoulder Complex Osteokinematicsto Function In Individuals Who Have Undergone An Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty, Peter J. Rundquist Pt, Phd, K Dunn, M Jordan, J Sarris, A Wallner, Linsey Hamilton Pt, Dpt, Scs

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• Background: The anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) is a prevalent procedure used to reduce pain and restore range of motion in patients with an osteoarthritic shoulder.^1-45 Since 2017, over 800,000 people have received an aTSA. Yet to date, no research has been conducted investigating the relationship between osteokinematicsof the post-surgical shoulder to function.
• Purpose: To explore the correlation between osteokinematicmotions in multiple planes to perceived function.
• Hypothesis: Higher peak movement of the shoulder correlates to improved Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores and improved upper extremity function.

Methods

• Participants: 15 individuals (10 females and 5 …

Kinematics Of The Shoulder Complex After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty, Linsey Hamilton Pt, Dpt, Scs, Peter J. Rundquist Pt, Phd, S Berg, J Halmrast, J Mcnaughton

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

Background: The reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is a common surgical intervention to address massive rotator cuff tears concurrent with glenohumeral osteoarthritis.^1,2 Kinematics following rTSA have been thoroughly studied, demonstrating significant improvements in gross movement outcomes of the shoulder, specifically functional upper extremity elevation.³ However, the correlation between shoulder kinematics and patient-reported function of the surgically reversed shoulder joint are not well understood.

Purpose: To determine the relationship between shoulder complex osteokinematics and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) after rTSA

Methods

Participants:

• 15 participants (7 males, 8 females)
• Average age: 75.3 years
• Minimum …

Impact Of Aerobic Exercise On Reaction Time And Working Memory In Healthy Adults, Jeanne Lojovich Pt, Phd, N Abouelnaga, G Gjersvik, V Kaari, K Karls, S Sund

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• Cognitive Domains¹
• Complex Attention
• Executive Function
• Language
• Social Cognition
• Learning & Memory
• Perceptual-Motor Control
• Aerobic exercise has been shown to change:
• ↑ Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)²
• ↑ Cortisol, lactic acid, glutamate, and glutamine^2,3,4
• EEG, fMRI, and TMS
• Correlates with ↑ working memory^5,6
• ↓ Reaction time⁷
• ↑ Overall health⁸
• Long-term can alter neurochemicals and have positive impacts on cognitive domains^7,8

Purpose

• The purpose of this study is to identify if an acute, single bout of aerobic exercise at moderate intensity is sufficient to elicit a change in cognition, particularly reaction time and working …