Abstract
Background: Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States. According to the National Arthritis Data Workgroup, more than 22% of American adults (which is equivalent to over 52.5 million people) suffer from arthritis or a rheumatic condition. Of those diagnosed with arthritis, 7.3% of people are aged 18-44, 30.3% are 45-64 years old, and 49.7% are over the age of 65. Women are also more prone to developing this disease than men. Researchers estimated that by 2030, the number of people who will be diagnosed with arthritis will increase to 67 million. There are three most common types of arthritis, two of which will be the focus of this systematic literature review, these include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is characterized by degeneration of cartilage as well as bony overgrowth, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease affecting the joints.
Purpose: The purpose of this targeted systematic literature review is to examine the relationship between the treatment of peloid and balneotherapy on patients with arthritis in reducing pain, and arthritic symptoms and increasing their quality of life.
Methodology: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and Science Direct databases. The search terms included balneotherapy, peloid therapy, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, quality of life, rehabilitation, physical activity, and pain management. Inclusion criteria: 18-65 years, published within the last 10 years, interventions related to peloid and balneotherapy, or both. An evidence level of 2b or higher was required for the inclusion criteria. Exclusion criteria includes not evaluating interventions of interest and therapeutic interventions for arthritis which are not peloid or balneotherapy related. A total of five articles (n = 5) were included in this systematic literature review. The original search criteria yielded 61 research articles related to the topic, which were then screened with the inclusion criteria with a remaining of five articles which were utilized in this review.
Results: A systematic literature review of five studies was performed. Five clinical studies measured the effectiveness of balneotherapy and/or peloid therapy and there was significant difference between the groups in WOMAC pain, stiffness, and function scores and in the VAS.
Discussion: This review indicates that balneotherapy and peloid therapy were effective in reducing pain, stiffness, improving function as assessed by the WOMAC and VAS scores.

Biography

Associate Professor in the Physical Therapy Department, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. She received her PhD from The Karol Marcinkowski Medical University in Poznan, Poland (2004) Dr. Kasior has also received the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Health Professions, Boston, MA in 2006, the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from Howard University, School of Education (2001), BS degree from Howard University, Physical Therapy Department in 1988 and Master’s Degree from the Academy of Physical Education in Poznan, Poland, (1979). Dr. Kasior has been on the faculty with the Department of Physical Therapy at Howard University since 1993. She is also actively participating in direct patient intervention through various Home Care Agencies in Northern Virginia, USA. Dr. Kasior’s main research interest is related to the social aspect of ageing and disability across life span and how the disability affects family relationships. Dr. Kasior has been actively involved in presenting and publishing in the USA and overseas and has an active close collaboration with Universities in Poland. Her current research interest is also in the use of alternative intervention in treatment of various orthopedic and neurological conditions such as the Whole-Body Crio-Chamber and Peloid and Balneotherapy.

Abstract

Transfer learning is a powerful paradigm in machine learning that leverages knowledge acquired from one domain to enhance performance in another, often unrelated, domain. This approach is particularly valuable in scenarios where data is scarce, imbalanced, or exhibits significant variability across domains. In the realm of healthcare, where diverse data sources such as electronic health records (EHR), medical imaging, and genetic information abound, the potential for transfer learning is immense. The concept of cross-domain transfer learning extends this potential further by enabling the application of insights gained from one type of data (e.g., text or images) to another (e.g., genomic sequences or clinical metrics), despite substantial differences in data characteristics and distributions.

The integration of cross-domain transfer learning in healthcare is poised to revolutionize disease prediction, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. By bridging the gap between disparate data modalities, such as translating knowledge from radiographic imaging to enhance the predictive power of EHR-based models, healthcare professionals can gain a more comprehensive understanding of patient conditions. This holistic approach to patient data analysis is crucial for developing personalized medicine and targeted treatment plans.

Moreover, the advent of attention mechanisms in machine learning models introduces an additional layer of sophistication to transfer learning. Attention mechanisms allow models to focus on the most relevant features of the data, dynamically adjusting to the importance of different information sources depending on the context. When combined with transfer learning, attention mechanisms can significantly improve the model’s ability to generalize from one domain to another, making them particularly suited for handling the complex and heterogeneous data typical in healthcare settings.

However, the successful implementation of cross-domain transfer learning and attention mechanisms in healthcare faces several challenges. These include ensuring data privacy and security, handling missing or incomplete data, and overcoming the inherent biases present in medical datasets. Additionally, the integration of multimodal data sources, which are often not directly linked to the same subjects, requires sophisticated algorithms capable of extracting and synthesizing relevant information across different data types.

Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of applying cross-domain transfer learning and attention mechanisms in healthcare are substantial. By enabling the seamless integration and analysis of multimodal data, these techniques can provide medical professionals with deeper insights into patient health, leading to more accurate disease predictions and more effective treatment plans. As the healthcare sector continues to generate vast amounts of data from diverse sources, the demand for models that can efficiently process and integrate this information will continue to grow.

In conclusion, the fusion of cross-domain transfer learning with attention mechanisms represents a promising direction for healthcare analytics. This approach has the potential to transform how medical data is analyzed and utilized, paving the way for advancements in personalized medicine and improving patient outcomes. However, realizing this potential will require ongoing research and development to address the unique challenges presented by healthcare data and to fully harness the power of these innovative machine learning techniques.

Biography

Dr. P. Ganesh Kumar is currently working as an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University, Chennai. He is a BK21 (Brain Korea) Post-Doctoral Fellow in School of Computer Science and Engineering, Kyungpook National University, South Korea between 2015 and 2016. He is the recipient of student scientist award from TNSCST in 2003, IEEE best paper award in 2007, IET best paper award in 2011, Korean IISE best paper award in 2015, travel grant as Young Scientist from DST in 2013 to Singapore, Workshop Grant from DBT in 2014, travel grant as from DBT to USA, CSIR in 2014 to USA and 2018 to France. He is the resource person for delivering technical talk in UGC, AICTE, TEQIP, ICMR, IETE, and IEEE sponsored seminars in various technical institutions. He has guided 114 M.Tech Thesis, 11 Ph.D Thesis, and guiding 4 PhD Scholars. He has published his research work in 50 International SCI/Scopus journals, 55 International Renowned Conferences and 75 National Conferences. His research area includes Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Immersive Technologies and Quantum Computing.

Abstract

Auricular acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine involves stimulating specific points on the outer ear to treat various conditions throughout the body. These points on the ear are believed to correspond to different organs and systems within the body. Benefits may include pain relief, stress reduction, addiction treatment support, improved sleep, and enhanced overall well-being. COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the new coronavirus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The most common symptoms are fever, dry cough, tiredness, muscle aches, sore throat, headache, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, rashes, loss of smell and/or taste (anosmia and/or ageusia). The aim ofthis research was to evaluate the effects of laser in acuriculotherapy to treat patients with COVID-19 who presented with anosmia and/or ageusia. In this project to establish a clinical protocol, volunteers (n=12) with a rapid test or PCR test for COVID-19, treated, aged over 18 years, both genders, who had post-COVID-19 anosmia as sequelae, participated in this project. and/or ageusia. The volunteers were treated in the laser auriculotherapy group (ATL, n=6) or in the traditional auriculotherapy control group (ATT, n=6), once a week, for 10 weeks, totaling 10 sessions. In the ATL group, using portable low power diode laser equipment (Laser Duo®, MMOptics, São Carlos, Brazil), semiconductor diode active medium (GaAlAs and InGaAlP), with emission in the infrared wavelength (808 nm), energy of 3 J, fixed power of 100 mW, tip area of 0.03 cm2, dose of 100 J/cm2, time of 30 s in contact with the skin at each acupoint. In the ATT group using rapeseed or mustard fixed by adhesive tape, both groups in the points: SHEN MEN, KIDNEY, SYMPATHETIC, TONGUE, MOUTH, EXTERNAL NOSE, INTERNAL NOSE/PHARYNX, HEART AND LUNGS. They answered the clinical evaluation form and quality of life questionnaires (SF36) in the first and last session. Odor and taste tests composed of sweet, salty, sour, bitter and spicy foods were applied from a questionnaire with the “Likert” scale before and after each session. The ATL group, in the analysis of the mental health parameter related to the SF36, showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) and it was possible to observe improvements in smell and taste of bitter and sour foods after treatment. The ATT group showed significant improvements regarding smell and salty taste. The treatments promoted an improvement and general well-being in the volunteers in both evaluated groups, and in the laser group it was possible to observe better statistically significant results. Laser auriculotherapy has the advantage of being a non-pharmacological, painless therapy with minimal side effects.

Keywords: Acupuncture, COVID-19, Laser stimulation, Auricular acupuncture, Laser, Alternative medicine.

Biography

I have 22 years of significant experience in basic and clinical research in the health care area. I had the opportunity to work with KOL (Key Opinion Leaders) from multiple therapeutic areas (immunology, infectious diseases, cardiology, oncology). 2 years of international expertise in a multi-centric project, knowledge in Regulatory process (CEP/CONEP). Skills in interpreting, analyzing, and presenting scientific data, implementing and managing national and international multi-center research projects. From the great experience in the scientific area, it was possible to work in several different sectors of healthcare, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with a great team from different programs that gives me flexibility to work in multidisciplinary areas. I am currently a researcher and teacher collaborator and work in my acupuncture and integrative practices office. I have great skill with interpersonal relationships. I love teaching, study, encouraging and positively influencing people, which made me establish lasting professional partnerships.

Abstract

A psychedelic renaissance was sparked by a 2006 double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study carried out by Dr. Roland Griffiths to examine the psychological effects of psilocybin on healthy individuals.  Eighty percent of the participants described the experience as among the most revelatory and spiritually meaningful episodes of their lives.  The experiences they described shared the attributes of a mystical event: participants described profound feelings of joy, love and terror, along with a sense of interconnectedness and a sense of a sacred reality.  Study participants noted prolonged positive effects on their mood and behavior (Griffiths RR, Richards WA, et al. 2006).

This study catapulted psychedelics to the forefront of scientific inquiry and cultural discourse, promising profound implications for mental health and personal well-being.  As the boundaries between ancient traditions and modern science blur, the potential of psychedelics to transform mental health care and spiritual exploration is becoming increasingly evident.

This keynote presentation will provide an overview of the complex intersectionality of psychedelic-induced mystical experiences and their therapeutic benefits. Through a systematic review of scientific data and anecdotal narratives this presentation aims to synthesize understandings of how these mystical experiences are operationalized, of their capacity to evoke profound, often life-changing experiences and to pose areas for further inquiry into the mechanisms by which these facilitate emotional and psychological transformation.

Attendees will leave with a richer understanding of the inter-relatedness of the spiritual and psychological variables that influence healing through psychedelic ceremonies, and questions for further reflection.

Reference: Griffiths RR, Richards WA, McCann U, Jesse R. Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2006 Aug;187(3):268-83; discussion 284-92. doi: 10.1007/s00213-006-0457-5. Epub 2006 Jul 7. PMID: 16826400.

Biography

Tatiana Zdyb, Ph.D., M.A., C. Psych is a member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario and the British Psychological Society. She earned a Ph.D. in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of Western Ontario, and completed all pre-dissertation course work and comprehensive exams in the Psy.D. program at Adler University, where she also completed a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology.

She is the founder of the Zdyb Centre for Health Promotion (2017), MindSetting (2020) and Audacity Health (2022).

She has worked in various clinical settings including the Student Development Centre at the University of Western Ontario, community-based private practices, and St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital. Additionally, she acted as an external examiner in the graduate studies department of the University of Peshawar, worked as a medical consultant for Equitable Life of Canada, was the Vice Chair of the Mental Health Impact Council at the Middlesex-London United Way, Adjunct Faculty member in the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She currently teaches in the Psychology Department at King’s University College at Western University and provides psychotherapy through Zdyb Centre for Health Promotion and Audacity Health.

Abstract

Staphylococcus is a pathogenic bacterium in patients which have weakened immune systems. These bacteria tend to over colonise and if left untreated can cause toxic shock syndrome, septicaemia, as well as pneumonia, endocarditis, or bone infections. Staphylococcus strains over the years have been able to build up resistance mechanisms to conventional antibiotic treatment, and annually report high mortality rates.
Studies have reported that Cannabis sativa whole plant solvent potentisation preparations, as well as purified nonpsychoactive cannabinoids (CBD) from the Cannabis sativa plant exhibit favourable antibacterial properties against various pathogens. Other studies have stated that CBD secondary plant metabolite seed and leaf essential oil extracts that were rich in terpenes and flavonoids exhibit excellent antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus species.
However, the outcomes of these studies became questionable when whole plant solvent potentisation preparations versus purified cannabinoids were analysed, in the presence or absence of psychoactive Δ9-THC, as well as were suspended in various diluents.
The aim of this study was to determine if Cannabis sativa D6 ethanol preparations versus chemically isolated pure cannabinoids plant extracts (CBD) can be effectively used to treat multidrug resistant pathogenic strains of Staphylococcus species in vitro. The antimicrobial activity of both the preparations versus the pure extracts was tested against 12 pathogenic Staphylococcus species strains using the Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion Method with growth being measured 24 hours after treatment.
The results showed that the pure CBD was able to limit the growth of 83% of the different Staphylococcus species that were examined. Cannabis sativa D6 preparation did not generate any antimicrobial effects, possibly due to the diluted concentration of its active components. CBD has successfully proved its clinical efficacy, as well as its tolerability and in vitro activity, against some pathogenic Staphylococcus species. This study could encourage a new field for further research in relation to the antimicrobial properties of CBD plant extracts for the treatment of human Staphylococci
infections.

Biography

Dr Cherie Ann Kruger (PhD: Biomedical Technology) is an academic and principal research coordinator at the University of Johannesburg, Faculty of Heath Sciences within the Complementary Medicine Department. Her research interest lies extensively within Traditional and Alternative Complementary Medicine plant preparations and secondary bioactive extracts for the effective treatment of various diseases which exhibit antimicrobial resistance to conventional medications, to promote global holistic health. This year she was awarded her NRF Y2 rating (2023), benchmarking the quality of her research and impact worldwide. Moreover, in 2019 she received the esteemed UJ Vice Chancellor’s Distinguished Award for Most Promising Researcher. Currently she holds a Scopus H-index of 17, with 26 published research articles in SCI(E) journals, with over 1576 citations. According to her AD Scientific Index for 2023, she is ranked within the Natural Sciences category in the top 52% of researchers globally and is considered in the top 1.7% percentile of international of researchers for her research contributions to the physics categories of microbiology, complementary medicine, and antimicrobial resistance.