Session 5: Posters
(2:00-3:00 PM) Upper Cube
Natalie Powell
Anthrozoology
Pseudo Narcotic Generalization in Canines
Dogs have around three hundred million olfactory receptors in their brains (Purina, 2023)- resulting in their incredible ability to detect illegal narcotics, bed bugs, cancer, seizures, diabetes, and even explosives and ammunition. While “true material” is highly sought after for narcotic, explosive, and human remains detection, this material is often too expensive and difficult to obtain. In addition, true material presents trouble with handling, storage, and security (Front. Vet. Sci., June 2020). Due to the aforementioned concerns, pseudo odors become invaluable training aids. To effectively recreate the odor, pseudo odors are designed with the primary compound from the true material or capture the headspace of the true material to provide an effective and safe odor for canines and their handlers. This provides a similar odor profile which can provide a suitable training aid (Front. Vet. Sci., June 2020). However, more recent studies have shown a lack of generalization from pseudos to true material (Moser et al., 2019). This causes concern for canines solely using pseudos for training purposes. This study aims to gain new insight into generalization in canines from pseudo cocaine to the primary compound in cocaine (methyl benzoate) without prior training on the odor.
Bersabeh Zellele
Health Science
Physiological and mental health effects of the ongoing civil war among North, Northwestern and Central Ethiopia
The Ethiopian civil war that erupted in November 2020 has led to a humanitarian crisis marked by displacement, loss of life, and food shortages, impacting North and Central Ethiopia. This systematic review, comprising 14 selected articles from an initial pool of 26, investigates mental health effects and physiological presentations in conflict-affected populations. Results indicate a significant prevalence of mental health disorders, especially PTSD and perceived stress, with alarming rates in specific regions. The ongoing conflict has adversely affected healthcare services, resulting in low vaccination rates, non-functional health facilities, and increased infectious diseases, including pulmonary tuberculosis.
This systematic review underscores the urgent need for interventions addressing mental health challenges in Ethiopia's conflict-affected regions, emphasizing the multifaceted impact of the war on both mental health and infectious disease prevalence.
Juliette Crichton, Kylie Kuga, Kaden Kastner
Biology
Injury History and its Effects on the Metabolic Profile of Human Platelet-Poor Plasma
In this advanced research experiment, metabolites in Platelet Poor Plasma (PPP) were extracted and analyzed between two cohorts; patients with previous injury and patients without previous injury. This experiment is aimed to aid healthcare professionals in facilitating better patient care and elevate the current understanding of metabolites within the field of orthopedics. PPP is a readily available byproduct found in humans, making it an advantageous medium to explore as it relates to healing and increased treatment effectiveness. It was hypothesized that differences in metabolic profile would exist between those cohorts based on the body's previous need to respond to trauma or lack thereof, especially in those metabolites necessary for regeneration. Metabolite extraction was performed in labs and then sent to Montana State University for Liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy. The resulting identified metabolites were then uploaded into Metaboanalyst where univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to determine if there were statistically significant differences between cohorts. These analyses were then run through pathway enrichment to identify the specific metabolites and metabolic pathways important in PPP.
Lance Greany, Ryan Croft, Griffin Teuber, Robert Wigton, Connor O’Hara, Cole Greany
Business: Management & Marketing
Ten Mile Creek Brewery Process Optimization using Six Sigma Methods
Using the D-M-A-I-C Six Sigma methodology of Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control, our project is working with the Ten Mile Creek Brewery to optimize the processes associated with beer sales in their taproom as well as beer distribution. With the introduction of new alcoholic beverages, breweries have had a hard time retaining market share. In addition, after the Covid-19 pandemic, consumer behaviors have changed to consuming less beer by switching to alternatives such as hard seltzers, teas, kombuchas, and ciders, and are less likely to visit taprooms. Our goals are to reduce variability and inefficiencies in the brewing process.
Tessa Hoover, Elizabeth Heuiser, Marlisa Meijerink
Nursing
The cognitive impact of concussions
Concussions are an increasing concern amongst the general population. They can arise from falls, motor vehicle accidents, and even sports injuries. Concussions pose a major threat to cognitive function, especially in the developing brain. Individuals under the age of 24 years old are at increased risk for concussions and the resulting implications of them due to their brain being underdeveloped. Vital cognitive functions such as attention span, recalling information, and memory can be impaired and negatively impact that individual’s life. The purpose of this evidence-based practice review is to explore how having a history of concussions as a young adult affects cognitive function compared to those without. Nurses and other healthcare providers can use this information to improve care of patients who face cognitive deficits because of previous concussions and implement concussion screening tools earlier in the high-risk young adult population to promote healthy brain development.
Anna Brown
English
Y’all Let’s Look at Some of These Words!
What is the importance of studying dialects? Dialects are specific forms of language that are particular to a region or culture. While dialects influence the way we speak, they also reveal the culture and history of a language and how it developed based on the different regions the same language was spoken. The following project focuses on my dialect, which is a mix of Southern English Dialect and Western English Dialect. This comes largely from my growing up in Western Washington, but the Southern influences from my family. This project reveals what influences the way that we speak, how we can identify those influences, and what that reveals about our history and culture.
Kaiden Romney, Benjamin Held
Biology
Analysis of the Effects of Ashwagandha on Reactive Oxygen Species in Tetrahymena thermophila
Ashwagandha is a widely used homeopathic “adaptogen” with a myriad of advertised health benefits but little scientific evidence to support these claims. One proposed benefit is the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROSs) through the action of the antioxidant, withanolide. ROSs are particularly dangerous to cells due to their ability to cause DNA damage and antioxidants help to repair this damage. For this research study, it was hypothesized that the antioxidant properties of Ashwagandha would reduce ROSs and prevent DNA damage in Tetrahymena thermophila that were exposed to the environmental stressor, UV-B light. To determine the effects of Ashwagandha on ROS-induced T. thermophila, expression of the genes UBC13 and CCP1 was measured as indicators of conjugation and ROS degradation, respectively. Furthermore, behavioral assays were conducted to monitor replication, feeding, and movement, all of which are indicators of metabolic rate and health. To test our hypothesis, T. thermophila were cultured in media either with or without Ashwagandha for 24 hours and then exposed to UV-B light to induce oxidative stress. Cell growth was monitored over the course of the 48-hour treatment period while cell metabolism and motility were measured at the end. Reverse Transcription quantitative-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to measure UBC13 and CCP1 expression. The presence of Ashwagandha in UV-B treated T. thermophila cultures was predicted to aid in their growth, metabolism, and motility, while also decreasing the expression of UBC13 and CCP1, all of which are indicative of cells with less ROS damage.
Emma Chaffin, Bella Chalmers
Psychology
The Impact of Sleep on Creativity
High-quality sleep is essential for the brain's full cognitive functioning (Sewell et al.,(2023). It is common for students to struggle with the motivation needed to complete academic tasks when they need more sleep (Edens, 2006). Research has also shown a lack of sleep decreases cognitive function and thus hurts academic performance (Buboltz et al., 2009). In this experiment, the quality of a participant’s sleep is hypothesized to influence their level of creativity, thus influencing their score on the Remote Associates Test (RAT). The RAT evaluates the creativity of participants by gauging how well they can take two separate elements and put them together to create a solution (Mednick, 1962). Participants consisting of Carroll College students ages 18-26 were asked to complete the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and then the RAT. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is a widely used self-reported questionnaire designed to assess sleep quality over a 1-month interval. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh developed it to evaluate various aspects of sleep, including subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleep medication, and daytime dysfunction (Buysee et al., 1989). The scores were separated into two groups, good sleepers, and bad sleepers, and the average RAT scores were compared. While there was a visible difference between the groups, it was not statistically significant, confirming the null hypothesis. Results from this experiment suggest that college students of typical age are less affected by poor sleep than the general population.
Tyler Dailey
Chemistry
Studies Toward Isolation and Characterization of Aminated Nickel(II) Hydrate Intermediates
Metal-ligand coordination complexes are formed by step-wise ligand substitutions when ligands are introduced to metal ions. However, it is common for only the final product to be isolated in these types of reactions. Herein, a proposed ligand-exchange method for isolating and quantifying the stoichiometry of the intermediates of the nickel(II) hexahydrate to nickel(II) hexamine reaction is reported. The ligand-exchange method applied held the molar concentration of nickel(II) hexahydrate constant while varying molar ratios of reacting amine. Under these controlled conditions, stable isolated nickel(II) n-ammonia n-hydrate intermediate species were produced at all mole ratios investigated, whereas the nickel(II) hexamine was only formed under excess reacting ammonia. Stoichiometries of the aminated intermediate species were measured using UV-vis spectroscopic analysis due to the color difference between the hydrated and aminated species in an aqueous environment. The wavelength at which the hydrated species' absorbance was highest (λmax) was 394nm, and the λmax of the aminated species was 363nm. The isolated aminated intermediate species blue-shifted 5nm from the hexahydrate reactant species. From this, the intermediate species stoichiometry was determined to be 1:1.5, water ligands to ammonia ligands, coordinated to the nickel(II) center.
Margaret Todd, Ariannah Sargent
Environmental Science
Charcoal and Macrofossil Record of Lake Helena
This study is a preliminary assessment of the vegetation and fire history obtained from sediment cores from the bottom of Lake Helena, near Helena, Montana.
Before it was dammed in the early 1900’s, the land surface under Lake Helena consisted of creeks, wetlands, and springs which were discovered through historical maps and exploratory sediment cores. Previous cores from the lake have provided a paleoenvironmental record going back at least 7,000 years.
Using new cores obtained in January of 2024, we tested the sediments to determine if an adequately preserved record of plant macrofossils and charcoal exists. The sediment cores were split and physical characteristics were described. Then, using the initial description, we utilized targeted sampling intervals within the core to extract material for charcoal and macro fossils analysis, as well as radiocarbon dating.
This initial assessment provides a preliminary record of plant macrofossils and charcoal which inform the subsequent higher resolution sampling for the full study. This analysis of the vegetation surrounding Lake Helena, coupled with future analysis of pollen count, diatoms, and charcoal, as well as radiocarbon dating, will allow us to reconstruct aspects of paleoclimate surrounding the lake and therefore gain a better understanding of the paleoclimate of the greater Helena Valley.
Jensen Keller, Jaymee Sheridan, Stephanie Smith
Nursing
In women that are pregnant, how does vaginal delivery compared to cesarean section delivery affect breastfeeding success?
Breastfeeding is crucial for both maternal and infant health, and various aspects can influence its success. One significant factor under examination is the mode of delivery; vaginal or cesarean section. This abstract reviews existing literature to explore the impact of delivery style on breastfeeding success. There are many factors from both delivery modes that impact the success of breastfeeding as well as the recovery of the mother. While cesarean sections are sometimes medically necessary, efforts to support breastfeeding initiation and continuation in this population can be challenging. Whereas breastfeeding after vaginal delivery, makes for a smoother and more successful transition to breastfeeding. Further research is warranted to highlight the relationship between delivery mode and breastfeeding outcomes. Interventions for successful breastfeeding initiation and duration for mothers and infants are important to help optimize their overall holistic health.
Zach Rector
Health Science
Ozempic & Weight Loss Outcomes for Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Objective: To review studies conducted on the Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) treatment Ozempic in comparison to traditional treatments, with the variables measured being average HbA1c and weight loss.
Methods: Literature was gathered primarily through PubMed, with an emphasis on studies examining Ozempic in contrast to other T2D treatments. Dosage level effectiveness of Ozempic, efficacy in comparison to other treatments, and success over a given period were examined.
Results: Ozempic was more effective at reducing average HbA1C and weight of trial participants in comparison to traditional treatments, such as insulin therapy and Lixisenatide. Tirzapeptide, a T2D treatment released in 2023, was more effective than Ozempic for reducing average HbA1C and weight in T2D patients in two trials.
Conclusion: Ozempic was found to be more effective than traditional treatments for T2D in terms of HbA1C and average weight reduction. Further research should be conducted comparing the efficacy of Trizapeptide in comparison to Ozempic.
Sydney Gannon
Health Science
Comparison of Prenatal and Postnatal Treatment of Myelomeningocele: A Systematic Review
Objective: To review relevant literature concerning the impact of prenatal repair of myelomeningocele on overall infant and maternal health, compared to postnatal repair of myelomeningocele.
Methods: Literature was gathered through PubMed and CINAHL and assessed for long- and short-term effects of prenatal and postnatal repair of myelomeningocele on infant and maternal health.
Results: Prenatal repair was associated with significant health and functionality improvements in later childhood compared to postnatal repair, but it was also correlated with increased pre-labor risks for both mother and child.
Conclusions: While unique, individual features such as lesion size have an impact on the suggested treatment of myelomeningocele, current research suggests that prenatal repair is associated with more positive long-term health than postnatal repair; however, this treatment comes with the risk of complications in the pre-labor stages. The interventions mentioned in this review should be further researched to provide additional treatment options.
Hannah Ziegenhagen, Emma Stachofsky, Andrea Robinson
Nursing
Early Intervention Chronic Kidney Disease
Many people at risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD) do not recognize risk factors or have awareness of modifiable lifestyle changes that could prevent or slow the progression of CKD. Chronic kidney disease is a serious and irreversible condition that requires lifelong treatment of dialysis. This treatment can create barriers in everyday life and lower overall life expectancy. The purpose of this evidence based practice brief is to determine if free yearly urine albumin to creatinine ratio (uACR) tests at screening and preventive events can reduce progression of CKD by helping with early diagnosis in those with risk factors. The uACR test is one method used to measure the functionality of the kidneys which is indicative of CKD, as decreased kidney function correlates with further progression. The results of this research may reduce the rates of CKD progression by screening more people with CKD risk factors. Offering this resource gives the opportunity to diagnose and treat the disease before dialysis is required, potentially slowing its progression and reducing the need for dialysis.
Gabrielle Sheridan
Public Health
Period Products on Montana Campuses
Poverty impacts people’s ability to afford many essentials, including menstrual products, and this can be especially challenging for college students already rationing their money. Research indicates that 14.2% of college women have experienced period poverty within the past year, while 48% have encountered difficulties accessing menstrual products due to financial constraints.(Gruer,C) Additionally, nearly 19% have had to prioritize menstrual products over other essential expenses.(Jaafar, H) In response to this issue, colleges across the United States, including institutions in Montana, have initiated efforts to provide tampons and pads in campus restrooms. This research examines how colleges in Montana have begun offering tampons and pads by collecting data from three colleges in Montana. At each location, data on products in restrooms was recorded. Additionally,information on the funding mechanisms and distribution management of these products was collected. The majority of institutions provide some form of period product support to students and others on their campuses. The findings underscore the widespread recognition of the importance of addressing menstrual hygiene accessibility in educational institutions. The prevalence and absence of these practices is analyzed across institutions in order to determine which institutions are likely to provide products and their associated benefits.
Gruer C, Goss T, Schmitt ML, Sommer M. Menstrual Equity Initiatives at USA Universities: A Multiple Case Study of Common Obstacles and Enabling Factors. Front Reprod Health. 2021 Dec 8;3:787277. doi: 10.3389/frph.2021.787277. PMID: 36304028; PMCID: PMC9580624.
Alyssa Hurst, Peyton Wimmer
Biochemistry
The Effects of Elderberry on DNA Damage and Repair in Tetrahymena thermophila
The homeopathic supplement, Elderberry extract, has been marketed as an antioxidant that reduces DNA-damaging free radicals within the body to protect the structural integrity of tissues. However, very little research has been done to support the effectiveness of Elderberry’s antioxidant properties in protecting tissues from DNA damage. For this research project, we explored how elderberry influences behavior and expression of the DNA repair genes, Rad51 and Ku80, in Tetrahymena thermophila. It was hypothesized that UV-B exposed T. thermophila treated with elderberry would exhibit increased expression of Rad51 and Ku80 because antioxidants have been shown to play a significant role in DNA repair and replication. To test our hypothesis, T. thermophila was subjected to UV-B light to induce DNA damage and then treated with elderberry to investigate its protective effects. Following treatment, Reverse
Transcription--quantitative -Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to measure the expression of Rad51 and Ku80. Additionally, three behavioral assays were conducted to determine the impacts of elderberry treatment on cell growth, metabolic activity, and motility within the T. thermophila. The treatment of UV-B exposed T. thermophila with elderberry was predicted to increase expression of Rad51 and Ku80 and improve their growth, metabolic activity, and motility. This is because antioxidants such as elderberry are thought to play an essential role in facilitating the removal of excess free radical oxygen species to either prevent or help repair DNA damage.
Aidan Scott
Health Science
Brain to Computer Interface (BCI) Enhancement of Stroke Rehabilitation, a Systematic Review
Objective: To review literature on the use of Brain to Computer Interface (BCI) technology to optimize stroke rehabilitation.
Methods: Published research was gathered through PubMed and Google Scholar, that assessed the impact of BCI intervention, including soft glove BCI robotics, motor imagery (MI) enhanced with BCI, haptic knob (HK) robotic arm, and exoskeleton with BCI.
Results: The majority of research supported the use of novel BCI based technologies to enhance the stroke rehabilitation process. Many articles had small sample sizes.
Conclusions: The use of BCI based technologies is a growing and promising field to help treat the growing number of stroke patients. Because of the small group sizes, further research is needed to confirm significant results.
Sarah Rounds-Reenalda, Chayton Winkle, Dagimn Degaro, Elijah Larson, Juan Muniz Navarrete, Logan Hill
Business: Management & Marketing
Parish Audit
We are using the DMAIC Six Sigma methodology to improve the auditing process within the Helena Dioceses Parishes. Lack of resources, inefficiencies, communication gaps, as well as limited expertise and staff have led to non-standardized and incomplete audits. These issues could potentially expose the Dioceses to fraud, loss, liability, and improper use of church funds. Our goals are to design an audit process with reduced variation in the parish auditing process and improve the schedule.
Addie Butler, Delaney Hasquet, Ellie Koerber
Nursing
How Does Intrapartum COVID-19 Affect Neonatal Outcomes?
The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus led to a pandemic that changed procedures, protocols, and health outcomes of patients of all ages. The effects of COVID-19 on the neonates born to mothers with the virus is an emerging topic in neonatal nursing. COVID-19 has effects on not only the infected mother, but the neonate after birth. It is hypothesized that neonates born to mothers who had COVID-19 during pregnancy have more negative health outcomes than neonates whose mothers did not have COVID-19 during pregnancy. Prevention and early detection are essential in mothers infected with COVID-19 as well as early intervention for the neonates born to these mothers. The purpose of this evidence-based review is to determine the effects of intrapartum COVID-19 on neonates. Nursing practice would benefit from implementation of an assessment standard for pregnant women and neonates whose mothers had COVID-19 during their pregnancy. Identifying COVID-19 in pregnancy can prepare nurses to assess neonates after birth for signs of complications and provide early intervention in order to treat neonatal morbidities and prevent mortality.
Nathan Stalder
Anthrozoology
Impact of Animal-Assisted Therapy on Psychological Well-being
At the turn of the century, animals became increasingly popular in mental health treatments such as psychiatric disorders. Studies denote the numerous health benefits of these animals on patients, leading to the integration of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) in psychiatric treatment programs. This systematic review includes randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled studies, and observational studies with control groups published in the last 20 years. Studies are peer-reviewed, and report on AAT interventions among psychiatric inpatients. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in improving mental health outcomes across various psychiatric disorders in diverse in-patient populations, including children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on measurable improvements in psychiatric symptoms, social functioning, and quality of life indicators. The findings suggest that AAT has the potential of being a beneficial adjunctive treatment for improving mental health outcomes in psychiatric in-patient across all patient demographics. These results underscore the potential for integrating AAT into existing therapeutic modalities, offering a complementary approach that leverages the unique benefits of the human-animal bond.
Hunter Wetherelt, Hunter Smith
Biology
The effects of Bryonia alba on oxidative stress in Tetrahymena thermophila
In recent years, the market for homeopathic supplements has experienced drastic growth despite the fact that it remains unregulated. An example of a supplement that has grown in popularity is Bryonia alba, which is derived from a flower located in Europe and is said to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. For this study, we focused on the antioxidant properties of Bryonia alba due to its flavin molecules that have been shown to relieve oxidative stress. It was hypothesized that Tetrahymena thermophila cells exposed to an oxidative stressor and treated with Bryonia alba would remain healthier and have altered expression of the RAD51 and OXR1 genes compared to untreated cells. The Rad51 gene was chosen for its role in DNA repair while OXR1 served as an indicator for oxidative stress resistance. To test the antioxidant properties of Bryonia alba, we exposed T. thermophila to hydrogen peroxide and treated them with either the Bryonia extract or a control solution. Following treatment, behavioral assays were performed to evaluate changes in cell viability, metabolic function, and motility, while expression of Rad51 and OXR1 was measured by Real-Time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). It was predicted that T. thermophila exposed to oxidative stress and treated with Bryonia alba would have better motility, increased metabolic function, and improved growth compared to untreated cells. Expression of RAD51 and OXR1 was also predicted to be higher in the Bryonia alba treated cells, indicating they were better able to respond to the oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide.
Geri Cutler, Elissa Mazkour
Neuroscience
Effects of the Magnesium Supplement, Calm, on Climbing, Wall following, and Aggression in Drosophila melanogaster
In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the accessibility and popularity of homeopathic supplements; however, the benefits these supplements claim to provide and their safety have not been thoroughly studied. Prior research has shown that magnesium supplements may be used as an alternative to melatonin to boost energy, improve anxiety symptoms, and improve sleep and memory. To determine whether or not magnesium supplements provide the benefits they claim, the effects of the magnesium supplement, Calm, on behaviors of the model organism, Drosophila melanogaster, were analyzed. It was hypothesized that if Drosophila melanogaster were exposed to Calm for one week, they would be able to climb further, spend less time wall following, and be more aggressive; behaviors that correspond to increased energy, improved anxiety symptoms, and better sleep. The results of this study showed that the Calm treated flies climbed significantly further and spent less time engaging in wall following behaviors; however, they did not exhibit more aggressive behaviors. These findings support Calm’s claim of improving energy and anxiety symptoms; however, they do not support Calm’s claim of improving sleep-related behaviors.
Charlie Markham
Chemistry
Spatial and risk assessment of metal contaminants in an acid mine drainage affected region of central Montana
A 1996 water quality investigation by the Montana DEQ identified concentrations of arsenic and mercury exceeding the human health and aquatic life standards in Silver Creek (Marysville, Montana). While the findings indicated Silver Creek did not support aquatic life nor drinking water use, minimal reclamation efforts were made. To assess the current conditions of Silver Creek, surface water and bed sediment samples were collected at six different locations spanning the creek over the course of a month in the summer of 2023. The samples were tested for fifteen environmentally relevant trace metal contaminants by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Sample collection, preservation, and testing were performed according to EPA standards and procedures. The surface water was found to have ten of the fifteen metals above the EPA region III acceptable freshwater screening limits; with Pb, Cd and Be concentrations also exceeding the EPA drinking water standards. The freshwater sediment screening limits were exceeded for eight metals; of note, the bioaccumulating metals, As and Pb, were found to be ten times higher than their acceptable concentration levels. Further anthropogenic mitigation studies will be tested to determine if conditions hinder the leaching of metals from the Silver Creek sediment.
Robert Hague
Health Science
Supplementation of dietary sugars with non-nutritive sugars increases insulin sensitivity in patients with type II diabetes.
Objective: To review relevant literature regarding the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners as an alternative to dietary sugars to help manage type II diabetes.
Methods: Literature was gathered through PubMed and CINAHL in early 2024. Studies were reviewed to assess the effects that consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) have on insulin resistance and blood sugar levels, when compared to dietary sugars.
Results: The reviewed literature found that non-nutritive sweeteners can be used to help manage diabetes. Common NNS like aspartame and acesulfame resulted in small metabolic responses, leading to minimal increases in free insulin and blood sugar levels, when compared to physiological responses to dietary sugars.
Conclusions: The use of NNS to manage insulin resistance in individuals with type II diabetes is possible. However, the studies reviewed were mostly short-term trials, there may be negative long-term side effects from longer uses of NNS. Given the increasing global burden of diabetes, further research on NNS is warranted.
Keywords: non-nutritive sweeteners; sweetening agents; artificial sweeteners; type II diabetes; randomized controlled trial.
Taylor Costales
Nursing
The Effects of Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) on Dementia Symptoms
Dementia is prevalent worldwide with over 55 million people with a current diagnosis of dementia. Dementia is defined as “the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions” and is not a normal part of the aging process. Treatment may include Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) which is “the psychotherapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration of the individual, for the purpose of improving health and well-being”. DMT improves cognitive ability, daily functioning, and psychosocial functioning if the patient is consistent with participation in the DMT. The purpose of this Evidenced-Based review is to examine the effects that DMT can have to benefit the elderly with dementia. The outcome of the research may help dementia patients improve their quality of life and contribute to the holistic care of the person. Nurses can use this information to promote and organize DMT interventions to help dementia patients improve function, have socialization, and cognition.
Gracelyn Dunlap, Kinley Hamilton, Deanna Lord
Special Education
Understanding the Factors Contributing to the Special Education Teacher Shortage
The shortage of certified special education staff is a pressing issue, impacting the quality of support for students with diverse learning needs. We are researching why there is a lack of certified special education teachers. The main question we want to answer is, “Would knowing why there is a lack of certified special education teachers help us figure out how to improve conditions to reverse this pressing issue?” Our research methods include the use of Google Scholar, Carroll College’s Library Catalog, the ERIC database, and peer-reviewed articles. Through our research, we determined several main issues that contribute to the special education teacher shortage. Special Education teachers experience unmanageable workloads as their working conditions are not always ideal. Licensed Special Education teachers have tiring work environments including their tasking job assignments, large classes, general job stress, paperwork, lack of empowerment in the workplace, and the overall school climate. Often, they have too little time to plan and manage their workload effectively. Stress, exhaustion, burnout, and isolation come as a result of these large demands and lack of administrative support. Along with these issues, special education teachers do not always see their student’s progress, which can lead to unmotivated and decreased feelings of accomplishment. This research can be used to combat the certified special education teacher shortage by specifically attempting to address the issues that are leading to high teacher attrition rates.
Jesse Windle, Elaina Patten, Jasmine Pearson
Nursing
Mindfulness As an Intervention For Compassion Fatigue and Burnout in Patient-care Nurses
Compassion fatigue is a significant challenge currently facing nurses. Characteristically seen in nurses who, in their effort to provide care, alleviate suffering, and advocate for clients, become too overwhelmed to continue in the profession. These nurses tend to experience a decline in mental and physical health and overall well-being. While compassion fatigue can affect all nurses, the population this project will focus on are those involved in direct patient care. The demands on patient care nurses vary but high workloads, constant exposure to stress and traumatic events, and care for multiple patients, all exert a high amount of social and professional pressure upon them. This reality gets lost in promoting and maintaining patient health and safety. However, it is just as important to care for the health and safety of every nurse. To promote resilience, combat burnout, and facilitate sustainable nursing practices, some institutions have implemented resiliency initiatives that utilize mindfulness as a core component. While mindfulness can have several definitions, in this paper it involves a diversity of practices that aim to improve emotional balance, clarify a sense of purpose, and enhance overall wellbeing. The intent of implementing these mindfulness interventions is to help alleviate the stress that patient care nurses experience daily and reduce the rate of nurse burnout throughout the profession. This research paper reviews several studies that explore the impact of mindfulness as an effective intervention against compassion fatigue, specifically in client care nurses.
Anika Bjornson
Sociology
Impacts of Societal Body Standards: A Study on the Interplay Between Social Media, Eating Disorders, and Depression in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes
Hundreds of new social media platforms have launched reaching record highs of active followers, since social media's first breakthrough in 2004 when MySpace reached one million active users (Our World in Data, 2024). With the influence of social media, adolescents are at a greater risk for developing dysregulated eating habits and comorbidities, such as depression, than any other generation (Bor et al., 2014; Chung et al. 2021). However, adolescents diagnosed with type one diabetes (T1D) are exposed to more risk factors, leading to double the prevalence of mental health disparities, compared to healthy peers (Hood et al. 2006; Polonsky & Fortmann 2020; Ripoli et al. 2022; Whittemore et al. 2002). Research on contemporary concerns has revealed that increased use of social media is associated with poorer sleep quality, diminished self-worth, feelings of loneliness, and unrealistic comparison of body standards in youth (Alonzo et al. 2019; Gupta & Sharma 2021; Lee et al. 2023; Oberst et al. 2016; Weinstein 2017). The broad consensus in coexisting literature has shown poor body image in T1D adolescents is negatively influenced by variables like body weight and engagement in social media involvement (Verbist & Condon 2019). The purpose of this study is to examine how societal expectations through social media contribute to the development of eating disorders and depression in T1D adolescents. Erving Goffman's framing theory is used to identify which frames are employed amongst popular social media posts, enabling the identification of which sociological frameworks are being manipulated. This study aims to determine if modern dilemmas are an additional risk factor for T1D adolescents’ mental health.
Emilie Turpen, Miya Nettleton, Aubrey Baker
Nursing
The Effect of Opioids and Cannabis on Pain Management
Amidst the ongoing opioid crisis, many have turned to cannabis to modulate their pain needs. This shift is partially due to the negative connotation of opioid abuse and the risk for addiction that opioids carry. As we move forward in this new climate, both modalities must be evaluated. Both chemicals interact with receptors in our body to reduce pain but use different mechanisms to produce this effect. Part of the challenge associated with pain relief is that it is often measured quantitatively via subjective information provided by the patient. Opioids, such as morphine and oxycodone, are highly effective narcotics that effectively relieve pain for patients. However, there is a high risk of addiction and misuse associated with opioid prescriptions. Cannabis is often used as an alternative to opioids for pain management. Additionally, considering the controversy concerning complex cannabis legalities, it is imperative to understand the potential risks associated with its use. The purpose of this evidence-based practice review is to explore the benefit-risk ratio of cannabis and opioid use separately and concurrently in the context of addiction and effective pain management. As nurses and providers enter this new landscape of pain modulation options, it is important that they are informed of the various methods available to patients, as well as accurately educate patients on risks and benefits associated with different treatment modalities.