Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Vaccines: The Controversies And Effects Surrounding The Mmr Vaccine, Abigail Schley

Senior Honors Theses

The MMR vaccine serves to prevent the onset of severe illness and transmission of measles, mumps, and rubella. Vaccines benefit an individual by strengthening their immunity to a virus or bacteria through a small or weakened introduction of the disease in the body. However, in recent years, people have blamed the MMR vaccine for the development of several health risks in children, namely autism. Although multiple studies have indicated that there exists no link between the MMR vaccine and autism, some parents choose not to vaccinate their children due to misinformation or lack of education. This thesis seeks to explore …

Drug Analysis: Using Hplc To Identify Two Common Cutting Agents Often Found Illegal Within Drugs, Jed Black

Senior Honors Theses

Oftentimes, illegal drugs are cut with additional substances, known as cutting agents. These cutting agents fall into two categories: Diluents and adulterants. Diluents have no physiological effect on the user and simply allow the distributor to give the perception of “more product made.” Common examples of diluents are usually everyday household commodities (i.e., sugar or corn starch). On the other hand, adulterants are used to mimic or enhance the drug's physiological effects (i.e., caffeine in cocaine). As such, these do have drug-like properties (i.e., CNS stimulation or depression, etc.). This thesis seeks to use High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to efficiently …

The Impact Of The Menstrual Cycle On Female Performance In Athletics, Calli Doan

Senior Honors Theses

Female hormones, key to preparing a woman's body for childbirth, work in a magnificent, cyclical manner. It can be expected that these hormones, with the role of preparing a woman's body to conceive a child and deliver a life safely into the world, would have a large impact on the health of the female, especially when it comes to athletics. Numerous studies conducted to understand the full extent of the effect of reproductive hormones on the female body have shown that these hormones influence not only menstruation, but also various physiological and psychological elements. Such effects can certainly impact athletic …

Maternal Mortality: A Growing Health Inequity In America, Michala Geraty

Senior Honors Theses

The United States (U.S.) is known for its quest for knowledge, innovation, and advancements in all disciplines. However, it has the highest maternal mortality ratio (MMR) among developed nations. The US MMR increased from 12.7 to 17.4 per 100,000 live births between 2007 and 2018. Over 60% of these deaths are preventable, indicating room for improvement. African American or non-Hispanic Black women are disproportionately affected, at over twice the rate of their non-Hispanic White and Hispanic counterparts. The proximal (e.g., individual level) determinants have not been able to fully explain these inequities. Using the socio-ecological model and the social determinants …

Understanding Blue Light Retinal Damages And The Methods Of Prevention, Amelia Lee

Senior Honors Theses

Light emitting diode (LED) lights that comprise television screens, phone displays, laptops, and tablets have been studied by scientists in order to understand the implications of blue light radiation and the effects that it has on the human body—especially the retina of the eye. The retina is comprised of highly metabolic cells, and when those cells are placed under oxidative stress, death occurs causing ocular disease. Additionally, excess blue light exposure causes shifts in biological rhythms that govern patterns of alertness and sleep. Recently scientists began studying the methods of blue light prevention. Some studies show that blue light radiation …

Electronic Cigarettes’ Health Effects On Young Adults: An Honors Thesis, Miranda Yates

Senior Honors Theses

Hon Lik introduced e-cigarette use in 2003 as a “safe alternative” to smoking cigarettes. Unfortunately, this message has been misinterpreted to mean that e-cigarette use is “harmless”. Recent studies have linked e-cigarette use to adverse health effects involving injury to the heart and lungs. Cigarette smokers using e-cigarettes to quit smoking and reduce second-hand smoke are being exposed to unregulated and potentially harmful chemicals. Teens who may never have considered cigarette smoking have been led to believe that e-cigarette use is safe and non-addictive. However, most e-cigarettes contain nicotine and unsuspecting teens are becoming addicted to this “fun” behavior. This …

Loneliness, Social Isolation, And Their Connection To Overall Health Across The Lifespan, Paige Miller

Senior Honors Theses

Due to recent circumstances, the incidence of loneliness and social isolation has skyrocketed. Fortunately, there have already been countless studies examining the longer-term implications of these two factors on health. Loneliness and social isolation have been found to impact cardiovascular health, stress response, immune function, resilience, mental health, attachment, spiritual health, and many other determinants of health. A variety of research was examined outlining the psychological implications of loneliness and social isolation. These factors also influence physiological processes and can exacerbate a variety of diseases. After presentation of this evidence, a collection of possible interventions will be discussed, and their …

An Investigative Analysis Of Underlying Alzheimer’S Disease Pathology: Understanding The Pathology Of Neurofibril Tangles, William Barker

Senior Honors Theses

Researchers familiar with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) refer to two common pathological hallmarks: β-amyloid plaques and Neurofibril Tangles (NFTs). The development of these pathologies are the leading theory to explain the cause of cognitive decline and dementia-like symptoms of individuals with AD. The literature supports the theory that NFTs are caused by the hyperphosphorylation of the precursor tau protein. However, the mechanism that causes this hyperphosphorylation is still unknown. This review seeks to evaluate the normal function of tau then analyze and expound upon the current research concerning the underlying mechanisms for the hyperphosphorylation of tau observed in Neurofibril Tangles pathologies. …

The Effect Of Gratitude On Resilience, Mental Health And Stress, Stuart Folkerts

Senior Honors Theses

Due to the stresses of the COVID-19 Pandemic, mental health problems have been on the rise. As stress levels have been on the rise, resilience levels seem to be decreasing. Not only does the mental health crisis put a greater strain on healthcare and the economy but is also puts individuals at a greater risk for developing various physical health problems. The virtue, gratitude, may work to increase resilience while decreasing stress and mental health pathologies. The objective of this study was to examine if participants in a 20-day gratitude text message intervention improved in resilience, stress, and mental health …

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement And Repair Technology, Joel Thomas

Senior Honors Theses

The mitral valve is a two-cusp valve that is located between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart. As blood flows from the lungs and enters the atrium, it must pass through this valve in one direction to enter the ventricle and be pumped out to the systemic circuit.

Mitral valve disease occurs when normal mitral valve function is impaired. Many different repair and replacement options exist. These options are contingent upon age and risk factors for patients. This paper focuses on the four main transcatheter mitral valve replacement devices that have limited human trials. It concludes that …

The Importance Of Providing Multimodal Analgesia: A Literature Review Of Nonpharmacologic Pain Treatments, Miriam Swartzentruber

Senior Honors Theses

Pain is a central aspect of the human experience. While painful stimuli can be beneficial in alerting the brain to the fact that there is something wrong, left untreated, pain can cause devastating long-term effects on the individual, both physically and mentally. Pain has traditionally been either undertreated or managed solely using pharmacologic methods, with less thought given to the importance of supplementing therapy with nonpharmacologic interventions. By incorporating nonpharmacologic methods of pain management into nursing care, patients can be provided with holistic treatment that improves patient outcomes, decreases healthcare costs, avoids future complications, and improves overall quality of life.

The Relationship Of Divine Forgiveness, Victim Forgiveness, And Physical Health Mediated By Stress, Lemuel Josiah C. Ragasajo

Senior Honors Theses

Though there is increasing evidence to support a relationship between forgiveness and physical health, certain subcategories of forgiveness, namely victim and divine forgiveness, are relatively understudied. This study seeks to add to the body of forgiveness literature by examining how divine and victim forgiveness relate to one’s physical health, and whether that relationship is mediated by stress. Furthermore, a literature review is included to detail how stress, a potential mediating variable between forgiveness and physical health, affects physical health. The results of the study reveal that victim forgiveness positively predicts physical health, but is not mediated by stress. In contrast, …

Extreme Weather And Its Impacts On Human Civilizations: An In-Depth Investigation Of Causes And Effects, Jason Zabel

Senior Honors Theses

Extreme weather has impacted humanity since creation and is an important topic that deserves examination. In this thesis, the main event that is presented and analyzed is the extreme haze that clouded much of China’s skies in 2013. Further, the impacts this major event had on people, including changes in population movement, death/injury rate, and changes in atmospheric chemistry due to the high concentration of particulates are discussed. Subsequent examples that will be explored include Hurricane Katrina and the eruption of Mt. St. Helens. The main contention of this thesis is that the effects extreme weather has on human civilization …

The Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act And Its Impact On Privacy And Confidentiality In Healthcare, Allyssa Stadler

Senior Honors Theses

The world of healthcare and technology has continued to grow and expand into the future while HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), the foundational patient privacy law in the United States of America, is attempting to keep up with this new world. This thesis reviews HIPAA and other health-related laws necessary to understanding patient privacy. It analyzes peer-reviewed studies on patient confidentiality and HIPAA to elicit the patient’s and provider’s opinion on HIPAA and patient confidentiality. Lastly, the current challenges of patient confidentiality and HIPAA are discussed, and potential solutions are suggested to improve these issues.

The Theory Of Maternal Administration Of Meclizine: An Achondroplasic Review And The Proposed Treatment Of Foramen Magnum Stenosis Within A Murine Model, Ava Perez Erickson

Senior Honors Theses

Arising from mostly de novo mutations, achondroplasia (ACH) is one of the most common, non-lethal forms of chondrodysplasia. The short stature indicative of ACH stems from a gain of function mutation within the complex FGFR3 signaling pathway—mutations mitigating the too-rapid ossification of cartilage to bone. Meclizine, an FDA-approved drug long prescribed for motion sickness, halts such a conversion and allows the reconstitution of chondrodysplasia cell lines in attempts at following a normal growth pattern. Evinced by various cell line rescues as well as increased long bone growth, it can be hypothesized that maternally administered meclizine can rescue the ACH phenotype …

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome And Insulin Resistance: An Evaluation Of Treatment Modalities And Complication Prevention, Sarah Mann

Senior Honors Theses

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive and endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age. This disorder includes multiple clinical manifestations, namely insulin resistance (IR) and infertility related to hormonal imbalances and anovulation. Despite being a common condition, its etiology and treatment modalities remain poorly defined. Without proper understanding and management of the condition, women may suffer numerous complications besides infertility such as diabetes mellitus type II (DMII), endometrial cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, further research is critical. This integrative review will create a comprehensive understanding of PCOS' pathophysiology, potential complications, treatment methods, and nursing considerations to promote the health …

The Benefits Of Dogs For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emma Raugh

Senior Honors Theses

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that primarily affects neurological development, causing decreased social aptness, diminished executive function, and abnormal sensory processing, among many other characteristic symptoms. Additional problems that often accompany ASD include anxiety disorders, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Canine assisted animal therapy is one non-pharmacologic therapy option that has been researched for children with ASD to improve their social, psychological, mental, and other difficulties. Studies thus far have shown positive results in children with ASD who have dogs as pets or access to therapy dogs, including improved social functioning, decreased anxiety, overall improved behavior, …

Treatments For Autism Spectrum Disorder: Literature Review, Jill Donaldson

Senior Honors Theses

This paper is a literature review of some of the popular treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It begins with an overview of ASD, the common symptoms, and comorbidities. It includes a review of pharmacological treatments, behavioral treatments, and dietary treatments. Some treatment options in each of those categories are explained and reviewed. The paper also presents the comparison of various treatments to determine which is the most effective. The paper then concludes with what the most effective treatments are and how combined treatments are used.

The Effects Of Glute Strengthening And Hip Mobility On Patellar Tendinopathy – A Case Study, Jessica Stephenson

Senior Honors Theses

Patellar Tendinopathy is a chronic condition that effects a large number of the athletic population. There have been many treatments used for this condition, yet few of them are acceptable for an athlete placing a large amount of stress on the lower extremities. This case study examines the effects of glute strengthening and increasing hip mobility on a track and field athlete suffering from Patellar Tendinopathy. Many measures including health-related questionnaires, pain-rating scales, and performance were evaluated to determine the outcome of the treatment. After a two-week treatment time, the athlete exhibited lower pain during rest and performance, better quality …

Immunization Verification At Christian Camps, Katherine Stacey

Senior Honors Theses

No standard exists among Christian camps regarding immunization verification for program participants. The best practice for Christian camps regarding immunization verification is debated because of religious reasons, camper and staff safety, and state mandates. This research examines the current practice of Christian Camp and Conference Association (CCCA) affiliated camps regarding immunization verification. It was conducted by emailing a seven-question survey to over 700 CCCA camps. Just over 100 camps responded. The study found that roughly two-thirds of CCCA camps practice no method of immunization verification. In response to this result, the researchers propose a best practice for Christian camps regarding …

The Effect Of Nutrition And Exercise On Mental Health, Rebekah Owen

Senior Honors Theses

Research has shown nutrition and exercise are especially effective in helping relieve mental illness. Mental health can be aided through dietary alterations such as increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids, fermented foods, certain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Proper nutritional patterns help regulate neurotransmitters and assist in the betterment of brain functioning, offering protection from and maintenance of mental illness. Furthermore, the Mediterranean diet provides to be most beneficial for mental health compared to the standard American diet which contains additives harmful to the human brain. Physical exercise also provides to be a possible therapy for those suffering from mental …

The Application Of Biomechanical Technology In Sports, Timothy Leckrone

Senior Honors Theses

Technology in biomechanics encompasses eight major categories: artificial optical devices, anthropometry, timing devices, electrogoniometry, electromyography, dynamometry, inertial tracking systems, and modeling and simulation. As technology improves and becomes more accessible to the general population, it becomes easier to implement biomechanical technology into sports. For each area of focus, biomechanical technology has numerous points of current application or potential application. This application has benefit in injury prevention, technique improvement, rule enforcement, performance optimization, overall health and condition analysis, sports timing, and product development and testing. This thesis examines each area in turn as well as the various tools implemented in order …

To Implement Or Not To Implement: Safe Opioid Injection Sites As A Solution To The Opioid Crisis, Kayla Keister

Senior Honors Theses

The opioid epidemic has been a crisis in the United States for the last 30-40 years but is just now being popularized by the American public. One potential up-and-coming solution to the opioid crisis is the implementation of safe opioid injection sites, which are locations where individuals may bring drugs to inject under the supervised care of medical professionals. They are currently being used in Canada as well as several Western European countries. The question remains, however, as to whether or not the United States is ready for the implementation sites in regard to public opinion, finances, and ethics.

The Importance Of Psychosocial Considerations In The Injury Rehabilitation Of Elite Athletes, Sydney Pierce

Senior Honors Theses

The psychological and emotional impact of sustaining a long-term injury to elite athletes demonstrates the need for an improved rehabilitative approach in sports medicine. Sports medicine is a healthcare profession that requires regular interaction with other people, specifically athletes, medical training as well as knowledge of human and sport psychology. Within the current model of sports rehabilitation practices, decisions pertaining to the timeline and progression of elite athletes’ recovery are based primarily on the physical damage from injury. Unfortunately, the focus often remains solely on the physical injury, disregarding an athlete’s psychosocial responses, which limits sports medicine professionals’ ability to …

Mrna Vaccinations For The Prevention Of Viral Infections, Isaac Underhill

Senior Honors Theses

mRNA vaccines for the prevention of infection disease have gained significant traction in the last three decades, specifically with the recent emergency approval of two COVID-19 vaccines (Oliver, Sara E et al., 2020; Rauch et al., 2018a). mRNA vaccines occupy a unique space in immunology because of their utilization of cellular mechanisms to produce viral proteins, and their simplicity and ease of manufacture (Cullis & Hope, 2017). These vaccines have shown strong humoral and cell-mediated adaptive immune responses (Rauch et al., 2018b) . In addition, side effects of the vaccines have been limited and subject response is manipulatable by varying …

The Effects Of Patient-Physician Interaction Time On Overall Visit Satisfaction And Prevention Of Physician Burnout, Miranda Sheridan

Senior Honors Theses

With an increasingly commercialized healthcare setting, today’s physicians are often forced to reduce their patient examination times drastically. There has also been a greater shift in the administration of primary care to allied health professionals such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners. However, these changes may not be sustainable in the long-term. This study investigates the relationship between time spent with a physician (M.D. or D.O.) during an examination and overall patient satisfaction. Moreover, mental health concerns, namely burnout, have become more prevalent among physicians. Studying this under the lens of accelerated modern medicine could help shed light on strategies …

Vaccine Hesitancy & Study Of Attitudes And Barriers Towards The Influenza Vaccine In Public Health Students At Liberty University, Mikayla Zook

Senior Honors Theses

Every year 2.5 million deaths worldwide are prevented because of vaccinations. Vaccine hesitancy is defined as delayed acceptance or refusal of vaccination and is a global threat to public health. Attitudes and barriers towards vaccines vary and change from group to group. Eighty-five percent of surveyed public health students at Liberty University did not receive the seasonal influenza vaccine. Their attitudes and barriers included: “I did not have time to receive a flu vaccination”, “I believe that as a result of the flu shot, I may actually get the flu”, and “I do not believe I am in danger of …

Exploring Therapeutic Nurse-Patient Communication: Techniques And Barriers, Pierina Rossini

Senior Honors Theses

Effective nurse-patient communication, also described as therapeutic communication, is essential for providing high quality nursing care. It increases patient satisfaction and health, decreases patient anxiety and disease symptoms, and increases patient cooperation and compliance to treatment. Some therapeutic communication techniques include attentive listening, empathy, silence, focusing, open-ended questions, clarification, exploring, clarifying, and summarizing. Unfortunately, there are barriers to therapeutic communication that have been identified. Research regarding nurse-patient therapeutic communication, consisting of secondary, qualitative, descriptive data, points to several barriers to therapeutic communication. Some of the barriers to therapeutic communication include nurse-patient gender difference; patient physical discomfort; nurse-patient language, culture, and …

The Role Of Hamstring Contraction During Running: An Analysis, Theodore Hu

Senior Honors Theses

The hamstring muscle group, spanning the posterior aspect of the proximal lower limb, generates large amounts of contractile force during running. Researchers have examined this power generation within different phases of the stride cycle. Forces generated by the hamstrings hold implications for both running efficiency and the role of strengthening for injury prevention. The goal of this review is to examine the hamstring’s unique physiology as a bi-articular muscle, its role in running stride, various training philosophies, and the specific impact on running economy contributing to overall running performance. The summation of research presented shows that the hamstring muscle group …