Historical Development Of Vaccines And The Public's Response, Kristen Montgomery, Samantha Prince Bsn, Rn, Melissa Ealey Bsn, Rn, Jarrad Morelock Bsn, Rn, Shelby Johnson Bsn, Rn, Kokeshia Crosby Bsn, Rn, Stephanies Himes Bsn, Rn, Theresia Hinton Bsn, Rn

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: Vaccines, which have become one of the most important medical accomplishments in the prevention of communicable diseases, have a history that dates to the use of variolation as early as the 11th century. The purpose of this study is to explore the historical development of vaccines and to determine the characteristics that emerged when new vaccines were developed.

Aims: The specific aim of this study is to understand if all vaccines have been received about the same by the general public or if there are certain different or diverse characteristics associated with the introduction of different vaccines.

Methods: A …

A Systematic Literature Review On Alternative Treatment Modalities In Adults With Treatment Resistant Depression, Brian Miller

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Abstract

            Currently, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) often defer to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for individuals with TRD who fail to achieve resolution of their disorder. However, many individuals do not meet criteria for ECT or decline the treatment due to side effects and associated risks. To synthesize potential alternative treatments and address the current gap in literature that does not include first-line preferred electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a systematic literature review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA 2020). Databases searched for this review included the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature …

The Impact Of Social Interaction On Patient Well-Being With Transition Into Long-Term Care Settings: A Review Of Interventions For Improved Patient Outcomes, Helen Whitney Harmon

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Abstract

Purpose: When individual patients are transitioned from home or acute care settings to more long-term care environments such as skilled nursing units or assisted living facilities, the residents are at an increased risk of experiencing loneliness, which is linked to depression, anxiety, and increasing cognitive decline, and other detrimental outcomes.

Aims: Combinations of peer-reviewed qualitative and quantitative research studies were analyzed to determine what factors contributed to changes in patient well-being, mental health and overall quality of life during these transitions.

Methods: One article focusing on preventable healthcare transitions in patient population was able to link higher medical acuity …

Does Mandated Paid Maternity Leave Affect Postpartum Depression?, Amaya S. Hall, Shay Y. Bullwinkel, Loran M. Hurley, Sara Cook

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

This project analyzes the effects that paid maternity leave has on postpartum depression. Upon reviewing multiple studies, it has been demonstrated that unpaid maternity leave is associated with postpartum depression. Throughout researching postpartum depression rates, it has been proven to be much higher in unpaid leave compared to paid maternity leave. Mothers that have the burden of staying home with their infants and having to juggle time off work, without being compensated, are at an increased risk of experiencing postpartum depression. It has been shown that when a mother is able to focus on her child and her healing after …

The Role Of Nurses In Robotic-Assisted Surgery, Tehya Wiedemeier, Gretchen Faith Grambow, Ella Froehlich, Whitney Anna Holmes

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

The research examines the evolving role of nurses in robotic-assisted surgery. As the technology advances, the nursing role is expanding beyond the traditional responsibilities. The method of literature review for this study was completed through deductive content analysis based off three data bases called Science Direct, PubMed (Medline), and Scopus. Current research is working towards trying to bring educational awareness to the role of nurses within the robotic surgery environment and what new skills they will have to acquire.  For nurses to successfully fit into the role of assisting within robotic surgery, they will need to obtain a higher level …

Mindfulness-Based Therapy For The Treatment Of Anxiety In Adolescents, Alicia Lemaster

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Abstract

Adolescent anxiety disorders represent a significant and growing public health concern, with increasing prevalence and associated functional impairment. Traditional treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacologic interventions, are effective but often limited by barriers such as access, stigma, and adherence. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have emerged as a promising alternative or adjunctive approach to address anxiety symptoms in adolescents. The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the effectiveness of structured mindfulness-based therapy programs in reducing anxiety symptoms among adolescents compared to usual care. A systematic literature search was conducted using databases including PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, focusing …

Improving Glp-1 Ra Initiation In Primary Care Through A Paper-Based Clinical Decision Support Tool, Carissa R. Bowery, Karen Carver

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Title: Improving GLP-1 RA Initiation in Primary Care Through a Paper-Based Clinical Decision Support Tool

Authors: Carissa R. Bowery, MSN, FNP-C; East Tennessee State University College of Nursing. Karen M. Carver, PhD, APRN, FNP-C; East Tennessee State University College of Nursing

This quality improvement project focuses on improving evidence-based pharmacologic management of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity through implementation of a paper-based clinical decision support (CDS) tool in primary care. The aim is to increase initiation of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) among eligible patients and improve provider adherence to current clinical guidelines.

Processes: This …

A Systematic Literature Review Examining Suicide Risk Factors In Older Adults, Carolyn Bivens

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Introduction & Background: Suicide in older adults is a increasingly prevalent tragedy worldwide, and rates in North America have uniquely increased over the past two decades. The context of the cultural environment of North America and population-specific factors in the elderly must be explored to protect this vulnerable group.

Purpose Statement Question: In older adults living in North America, what experiences and risk factors influence the development and severity of suicidal thoughts and behaviors?

Literature Review: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flowchart guided the search of the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature …

Postpartum Psychosis Risk In Women With Bipolar Disorder, Rachel R. Lay

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Psychiatric relapse and postpartum psychosis pose vital psychological threats to women with bipolar disorder. The phase after delivery implies a great number of biological, psychological, and social alterations that might predispose to mood fluctuations and extreme psycho-psychiatric behavior. A systematic literature review assessed the recent literature on postpartum relapse risk, contributors, and maternal outcomes in women with bipolar disorder. Systematic search of three electronic databases, CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO, revealed 168 studies dating back to 2022. Title and abstract screening of 124 articles was carried out after elimination of duplicates and other eligibility criteria. Eighteen articles were full-text reviewed, and …

Adolescent Depression, Telepsychiatry, And Access, Dustin Strickland

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Adolescent depression is prevalent, undertreated, and associated with long-term morbidity if left untreated. Several structural barriers impede timely access to specialty mental health care in this age group. Telepsychiatry, including therapist delivered videoconference psychotherapy and internet delivered cognitive behavioral therapies (ICBT) have been developed to expand access and continuity of care for adolescents. This modality, however, has not been thoroughly evaluated to determine the effectiveness of telepsychiatry in improving access to services and its ability to reduce depressive symptoms in adolescence. A structured literature review identified six primary studies and four complementary systematic reviews evaluating this topic. Randomized trials show …

Hazard Vs Risk: Scientific Considerations On The Eu Clp Approach To Mocs And Whole Essential Oil Classification With Tea Tree Essential Oil As An Illustrative Example, Cecile Bascoul, Dakota Carter, Joseph Dawson, Tim Valentiner, Russell J. Osguthorpe

Oxford ICSB

The ongoing revision of the EU Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation represents a critical development for the essential oil industry. A provisional derogation has been introduced for plant-derived, non-chemically modified Multi-Constituent Substances (MOCS), including essential oils, following sustained advocacy efforts. However, the European Commission is required to deliver, by the end of 2029, a scientific report reassessing the validity of this derogation based on scientifically and regulatorily accepted safety evaluation approaches. In the absence of such a derogation, essential oils could be classified solely on the basis of individual constituents exceeding regulatory thresholds, irrespective of the whole oil safety …

Building The Nursing Leadership Pipeline: Outcomes Of A Statewide Emerging Nurse Leader Fellowhip, Kathleen Kinser Dnp, Aprn, Belinda J. Fleming Phd, Christie Manasco Phd, Monaco M. Briggs Edd, Yan Cao Phd, Jennifer Hitt Phd

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Healthcare systems increasingly require skilled nurse leaders to address workforce shortages, quality improvement demands, and complex care environments. However, many nurses transition into leadership roles without formal preparation. In this quality improvement project, nurse scientists Kathleen Kinser DNP; Belinda Fleming, PhD; and Christie Manasco, PhD, from the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement (TCNA) evaluated outcomes of the Emerging Nurse Leader Fellowship developed to strengthen foundational leadership competencies among novice nurse leaders. Guided by transformational leadership theory, the fellowship was a statewide, cohort-based, instructor-led, asynchronous online program emphasizing practical leadership development and application in clinical settings. Two cohorts participated and completed …

Mycotoxin Trends In Cannabis Flower And Concentrates In The United States, Kyle Boyar, Yasha Kahn, Michael Esposito, Sukhikh Pavel

Oxford ICSB

Mycotoxins are toxic fungal metabolites that may pose potential health risks in cannabis products, yet limited data exists on their prevalence in regulated markets. This study analyzed multi-state compliance testing data for cannabis flower and concentrates across eleven U.S. states to evaluate detection and failure rates for aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, and G2) and ochratoxin A. Ochratoxin A was the most frequently detected mycotoxin in both flower and concentrates; however, detections rarely exceeded regulatory action limits, with overall failure rates remaining low at 0.016% for flower and 0.017% for concentrates. After excluding outlier laboratories with unusually high detection rates, true …

Canndor Herbarium: A Comprehensive Herbarium Resource For Cannabis Identity, Diversity, And Botanical Research, Nick Batora, Laura Klein, Kerin Law, Eleanor Kuntz

Oxford ICSB

Decades of cannabis prohibition have created major gaps in our understanding of cannabis biology, especially with regard to the genomic, phenotypic, and germplasm resources that are standard in other agriculturally and medicinally important crops. Herbarium collections, which serve as archival specimens that preserve plant material for long term study, are no exception. Although herbarium specimens are meant to document plant diversity, most collections contain only a narrow sampling of cannabis and do not reflect the extensive variation present in commerce or this species at large. To address this need, the Canndor Herbarium was established in 2016 as the first dedicated …

Association Of Self-Efficacy, Preceptor Teaching, And Role Modeling With Practice Preparedness In Student Nurse Practitioners, Quinton Carroll, Pi-Ming Yeh, Jean Croce Hemphill, Melessia Webb, Alex Sargsyan

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: Final-semester student nurse practitioners (SNPs) often report unpreparedness for practice. Little is known about which preceptor characteristics prepare students for practice. The purpose of this study was to examine whether final-semester SNPs' practice preparedness is associated with their self-efficacy and most significant preceptor’s clinical teaching effectiveness and role modeling.

Aim: To identify which student and preceptor factors are associated with and predict SNP preparedness.

Methods: Cross-sectional correlational study of final-semester SNPs (N = 83). Participants completed the New Nurse Practitioners’ Practice Preparedness Survey, New General Self-Efficacy Scale, Cleveland Clinic Teaching Effectiveness Instrument, and Role Model Apperception Tool. Analysis …

Evaluation Of Cadaver Tissue Antigenicity As A Practical Teaching Tool For Immunohistochemistry, Shanice Rerrie, Jumana Rizk, Levon Shukrian, Maria Mendoza Lopez

Liberty University Research Week

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a core technique in biomedical research and is increasingly important for teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. However, teaching laboratories typically rely on animal-derived tissues because the access to fresh human specimens is restricted due to ethical concerns. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether cadaveric tissue can retain sufficient antigenicity for immunohistochemical analysis and thereby serve as an effective and ethical teaching resource. Liver lobe and renal cortex samples (approximately 1 cm³) were collected from an 88-year-old female donor. Target proteins were selected for their established roles in vitamin D metabolism and their …

A Bloody Window To The Past: Str Analysis Of Dna From A Bloodstained Civil War Surgical Table, Nadia Walter

Liberty University Research Week

This study aimed to generate DNA profiles from the bloody Hillsman House surgical table via STR analysis while also determining the best method of sample collection and analysis from a wooden substrate. During the Battle at Sailor’s Creek in 1865, the historical Hillsman House served as a field hospital where hundreds of Civil War soldiers were treated. In 2016, Jones and McClintock collected and analyzed samples from bloodstains on the floorboards of the house, showing that historical DNA is still viable for profiling. During this process, marks on the floorboard were presumed to be from the surgical table, which was …

Investigating The Natural Communities And Flora Of Candler’S Mountain, Lydia Harris, Cyrus Harris, Tyler Knick

Liberty University Research Week

Candler’s Mountain is home to a variety of natural communities and flora. With more than 1200 vascular plant species documented in Campbell County, the identification and growing historical record of local flora will support short and long-term recognition of the importance of biodiverse natural communities in central Virginia. This project seeks to (1) document flora diversity in this region, (2) further establish an herbarium teaching and research collection of representative species, and (3) advance our understanding of the flora in relation to natural communities. Identified ecological groups and community types are based upon the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation …

Sem-Edx Analysis Of Animal Hairs For The Presence Of Metals, Sydney Stevens, David Green, George Monroe

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Spectroscopic Characterization Of Pfas Ligands Binding To Novel Plant Peroxidases, Vladimir Bogatov

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Impacts Of Interspecific Competition On Stress And Body Condition In A Montane Salamander (Plethodon Hubrichti), Jason Porter, Allison Carmen

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Music Enhances Theta Brainwave Activity Regardless Of Tuning Frequency, Robert Somerville, Davis Raz, Ersilia Mirabelli, Jettson Yarborough, Luc-Shalom Kouame

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Differential Effects Of Curcumin And C646 On Mitogenic And Metabolic Signaling In Insulin-Stimulated Hepg2 Cells, Davis Raz, Rachael De Klerk

Liberty University Research Week

Curcumin and C646 both inhibit p300/CBP histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity, but they differ markedly in their mechanisms, potency, and effects on cellular function. Both compounds have been investigated as modulators of the insulin-signaling pathway and have shown potential for improving insulin-signaling–related defects in experimental models. Our previous findings showed that curcumin positively impacted a metabolic pathway by reducing IRS-1 phosphorylation at S1101, a negative regulatory site, while maintaining downstream PRAS40 and RPS6 phosphorylation. Although C646 also reduced IRS-1 S1101 phosphorylation, it did not preserve downstream insulin signaling as effectively as curcumin. We hypothesized that target proteins within the mitogenic pathway, …

“Slaves To Sin:” Harnessing Neuroplasticity To Defeat Habitual Behaviors, Charity Parrott

Liberty University Research Week

How does neuroplasticity affect the life of a Christian? This thesis will seek to address the concepts of habit formation, neuroplasticity, and top-down control through a neurobiological perspective, and how they relate to the Biblical concept of habitual sin. Discoveries in neuroplasticity have revealed the brain to be a malleable organ, capable of rewiring neural connections and, in the hippocampus region, neurogenesis, or the creation of new neurons (Fuchs & Flügge, 2014). This thesis will compile research in neuroplasticity, explore the biological reasons behind the difficulty in escaping patterns of sin, and connect Biblical-based strategies for sin prevention with neurobiology. …

Cyclical Relationships & Attachment Theory, Nicole Schutz, Alyssa Shuttlesworth, Faith Roberts, Faith Tucker, Jiyeon Shon, Nicole Horstemeyer

Liberty University Research Week

Previous research suggests that attachment style plays an important role in relational patterns (e.g., cyclical relationships and relationship renewals). Attachment theory explores how individuals approach relational trust, dependence, and intimacy. Avoidant and anxious attachment are commonly attributed to instability in romantic relationships. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between cyclical relationships and insecure attachment styles. Cyclical relationships are characterized by repeatedly breaking up and renewing the relationship between the same partners. Anxious attachment is defined by fear of abandonment, clinginess, emotional instability, and a constant need for reassurance. Avoidant attachment is characterized by emotional unavailability, avoidance …

Influential Factors And Prospective Causes To The Development Of Alzheimer’S Disease, Kayley Palmer

Liberty University Research Week

Alzheimer’s Disease is a neurodegenerative condition that presents with cognitive impairment and progressive functional decline. Alzheimer's Disease has affected every family to some extent, but do we truly understand the holistic picture of what exactly causes Alzheimer’s Disease? AD has boggled researchers for many years, and has often left the scientific community with more questions than answers. It is vital for the families of the individuals whose lives are forever altered by this progressive disease to understand what influences its production, and what prevention measures could be beneficial. It presents with even more importance for the mental health professionals to …

Effect Of In-Utero Exposure To A Western-Style Diet On Testis Development, Alexa Ashby, Colton Fitzgerald, Kaylee Vis, Madison Ashby, Marisa Halsey, Nathan Malina, Ryan Anderson

Liberty University Research Week

The increase in western-style dietary patterns has led to an increase in obesity prevalence and its associated comorbidities. Specifically, researchers have found that obesity due to western-style diet (WSD) is negatively correlated with reproductive health in men. This study investigated the effects of inutero exposure to a WSD on testis development, specifically of 12- week-old mice (young adult C57Bl/6J). We hypothesized that in-utero exposure to a WSD would negatively impact testis development and function in male offspring. Using histological hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry method, we examined spermatogenesis in seminiferous tubules, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) production by Sertoli cells, and …

The Impact Of Maternal Western-Style Diet On Ovarian Anti-Müllerian Hormone Expression And Localization In Mouse Offspring, Kati Platt, Chase Shinabery, Jackson Mellish, Madison Howard, Soriya Scott

Liberty University Research Week

The Western diet, characterized by high saturated fat and sucrose intake, has become increasingly prevalent in the United States and globally, yet its effects on female reproductive health across life stages remain insufficiently understood. In adult human females, consumption of a Western-style diet has been linked to an increase in premenstrual symptoms, higher rates of depression, and elevated free estradiol levels, contributing to an increased risk of breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women. In human female children, Western diet consumption has been linked to an early onset of secondary sexual characteristics and premature menarche. Maternal consumption of this diet during …

Quantifying Neuropathy With Von Frey Filaments In Mice: Novel Neuropathic Pain Animal Model, Maggie Milhorne

Liberty University Research Week

Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain condition resulting from damage to the nervous system which does not respond to current pharmacological treatments. Previous research in rats has demonstrated that formalin injections can induce chronic pain states and molecular changes within the spinal cord comparable to those of the spinal nerve ligation (SNL), an established surgical model of neuropathic pain. This study aimed to determine whether a subcutaneous injection of 5% formalin is sufficient to induce chronic pain in mice, providing a simple and less invasive model to study chronic pain mechanisms. Mechanical pain sensitivity is assessed using the von Frey …

Regulation Of Glut5 Expression And Fructose Uptake By Heat Stress And Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines In Enterocytes, Landri Shope, Gretchka Mair

Liberty University Research Week

Diabetes is an escalating global health concern, affecting 11.1% of the adult population worldwide, with over 90% of cases classified as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (Facts & Figures., n.d.). T2DM is characterized by chronic fasting hyperglycemia and is increasingly associated with alterations in the gut microbiome. This study tests the hypothesis that heat stress, a gut dysbiosis-associated stressor, will upregulate the fructose transporter GLUT5 in enterocytes. Increased GLUT5 expression may enhance intestinal fructose uptake, thereby contributing to worsened glycemic control in T2DM. While the mechanism linking inflammation and impaired glucose homeostasis remains elusive, emerging evidence supports strong associations among …