The Reluctant Heroes: How To Teach Younger Generations Every-Day Heroism Through Pedagogical Imagination, Jarema Drozdowicz

Heroism Science

This article explores the notion of pedagogical imagination in the context of its practical use in teaching young learners today. The idea of imagination is being presented through the lens of the existing concepts such as ethnographic, historical, and sociological imagination introduced in the social sciences and humanities by various authors. The educational setting of today’s digitalized reality is being understood here as a sociocultural sphere where different generations clash in their diverse abilities to learn and form specific skills that might help them to cope with difficult real life situations. The process of forming heroic behavior patterns is thus …

Can Breastfeeding Lower The Risk Of Childhood Leukemia? Insights From A Duhok Study, Iraq. Case Control Study, Bashar I. Mohammed, Akrem Mohammad Atrushi, Ibrahim A. Naqid, Eman Hussien Ali, Raad Ersan Omar, Kavi Mohamad Sadoun, Daveen Abdulsatar Muhammad, Baderkhan Ihsan Abdullah, Huda Hayder Mohammed, Elaf Firas Salim

Al-Ameed Journal for Medical Research and Health Sciences

IntroductionThis study aimed to examine the association between breastfeeding practices and the risk reduction of childhood leukemia, and to identify the optimal breastfeeding duration for infant health. A case-control design was used, involving children aged 0–16 years diagnosed with leukemia and a matched control group without leukemia.MethodsData were collected on breastfeeding duration, type of feeding during the first six months, maternal characteristics (age, education, smoking during pregnancy, abortion history, birth control pill use), and child-related variables (sex, age at diagnosis, and birth order). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 27. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were …

Achieving Equity For International Medical Graduates: A Systematic Review, Sangeeta G. Saxena, Elizabeth Tisdell, Elana Farace, Thomas Godfrey, Betsy Aumiller, Esther Dell, Omrana P. Razzak, Bernadette N. Kumar, Kristin K. Sznajder

Public Health

Introduction: Foreign-born and foreign trained International Medical Graduates (FIMGs) face greater challenges in acculturation to their host countries than IMGs who train abroad and return to practice in their home country. As FIMGs are likely to fulfill a shortage of physicians in High Income Countries in the foreseeable future, we conducted a systematic review of literature to identify acculturation interventions that help FIMGs assimilate better in their host country health systems. This improves their productivity and satisfaction, allows health systems to be more accepting of FIMGs, and most importantly, enhances patient outcomes.

Methods: Following the PRISMA statement, we searched PubMed, …

Uptake, Distribution, And Activity Of Pluronic F68 Adjuvant In Wheat And Its Endophytic Bacillus Isolate, Anthony Cartwright, Mohammad Zargaran, Anagha Wankhade, Astrid Jacobson, Joan E. Mclean, Anne J. Anderson, David W. Britt

Biological Engineering Student Research

Surfactants are widely utilized in agriculture as emulsifying, dispersing, anti-foaming, and wetting agents. In these adjuvant roles, the inherent biological activity of the surfactant is secondary to the active ingredients. Here, the hydrophilic non-ionic surface-active tri-block copolymer Pluronic^® F68 is investigated for direct biological activity in wheat. F68 binds to and inserts into lipid membranes, which may benefit crops under abiotic stress. F68’s interactions with Triticum aestivum (var Juniper) seedlings and a seed-borne Bacillus spp. endophyte are presented. At concentrations below 10 g/L, F68-primed wheat seeds exhibited unchanged emergence. Root-applied fluorescein-F68 (fF68) was internalized in root epidermal cells and …

Kids Exploring The World With Chatbots, Maggie Mckay, Mark Connelly

Parent-ish Podcast

Are your kids chatting away with AI? In this episode, we provide parents with the tools they need to understand the implications of children's interactions with chatbots. Find out what signs to look for and how to set healthy boundaries to protect your child from potential pitfalls of digital companionship.

Click here to stream the podcast episode.

Supporting Children In Managing Extracurricular Activities, Maggie Mckay, Simone Moody

Parent-ish Podcast

As the school year nears, so do busy schedules and the "extras" that kiddos do outside of school. While children love their sports, clubs and other extracurriculars, it can be hard to balance them with school and other important activities. Simone Moody, PhD, Clinical Psychologist at Children's Mercy in Kansas City, discusses signs your child might be overextended, how to find balance and more in this podcast.

Click here to stream the podcast episode.

Effects Of Intermittent Fasting On Glycemic Markers In Patients With Insulin Resistance, Caitlin Malon

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

Objective: The purpose of this research investigation is to evaluate the impact of intermittent fasting on glycemic control in patients with prediabetes or metabolic syndrome.

Methods: A structured literature review was conducted using Google Scholar to identify relevant studies published within the last five years. Search terms included "Insulin Resistance, Intermittent Fasting," "Prediabetes, Intermittent Fasting," and "Intermittent Fasting, Metabolic Syndrome." Inclusion criteria were English-language, full-text articles focusing on intermittent fasting interventions in populations with prediabetes or metabolic syndrome. Studies were excluded if they were published more than five years ago, focused solely on weight loss, or included participants …

Adjunctive Radiotherapy In The Management Of Atypical Meningiomas, Madison Janickovic

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

Objective: This study aims to evaluate whether post-operative adjunctive radiotherapy (PORT) reduces recurrence rates and improves overall survival (OS) in patients diagnosed with grade II/atypical meningiomas (AMs).

Methods: A systematic search was conducted using Google Scholar with primary search terms including “meningiomas,” “surgical resection,” and “radiotherapy,” yielding 4,830 results. Inclusion criteria were limited to peer-reviewed articles published in English from 2019 or later. Studies published before 2019 or in non-English languages were excluded. Key outcomes analyzed included recurrence rates, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival.

Results: Evidence suggests that PORT following gross total resection (GTR) of AMs does not significantly …

Probiotics As Adjunct Therapy For Pediatric Adhd Symptom Reduction, Allison Mcconnell

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

Objective: This study aims to investigate whether probiotic supplementation can improve symptoms of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed. Keywords included “ADHD in children,” “probiotics,” “gut microbiome,” and related combinations. Studies were included if they focused on children or adolescents diagnosed with ADHD, utilized probiotic supplementation, and compared outcomes to conventional first-line therapies (e.g., stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) or non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera)) or utilized probiotics as monotherapy. Studies focusing on adults or included participants with other psychiatric disorders were excluded. The primary …

Comparing Monophasic Vs. Biphasic Hyaluronic Acid Filler For Facial Enhancement, Kaitlyn M. Carr

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

This capstone project aims to compare the efficacy, patient satisfaction, side effects, and longevity of results between monophasic and biphasic hyaluronic acid fillers over a 12-month period. A systematic literature review was conducted using three databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, and the library of Valparaiso University. Keywords included “comparison between hyaluronic acid fillers” and “monophasic and biphasic hyaluronic acid filler.” The search returned approximately 30,300 results on Google Scholar, 2 results on PubMed, and 365 results from Valpo’s database, with results filtered to include studies published in English since 2019 and with full-text availability. Exclusion criteria included studies involving participants under …

Fresh Frozen Plasma Ratio And Its Effect On Trauma Patient Survival, Morgan R. Lareau

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether a high fresh frozen plasma (FFP) to red blood cell (RBC) ratio transfusion reduces mortality rates compared to a lower ratio in trauma patients, focusing on 24-hour, in-hospital, and 30-day mortality outcomes.

Methods: A systematic literature review was performed using Google Scholar, PubMed, and the Valparaiso University catalog. Keywords included “FFP/RBC ratio,” “trauma patients,” and “mortality rate,” resulting in 5,140, 39, and 1,660 articles respectively. Inclusion criteria limited studies to those published from 2019 onward, in English, peer-reviewed, with full-text availability, and focused on trauma patients receiving FFP to RBC ratio. Excluded studies …

Efficacy Of Berberine In Glucose And Metabolic Control, Grace Poduch

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

Objective: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common chronic disease with significant complications if poorly managed. This study evaluated the effectiveness of berberine--the primary active compound in Rhizoma Coptidis-- compared to metformin, a widely used oral hypoglycemic agent, in managing blood glucose in adults with T2DM. It also examined berberine's impact on metabolic syndrome components, including prediabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and chronic inflammation.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using Google Scholar and PubMed with keywords including "berberine", "Rhizoma Coptidis", "metformin", and "type 2 diabetes". Included studies were full-text, published in English since 2019, and involved adult humans with …

Using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy As Adjunct Therapy In Diabetic Foot Ulcers, Cory B. Cramer

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

Objective: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a common and serious complication of diabetes, often resulting in prolonged healing, infection, and lower extremity amputation. This capstone project evaluates the effectiveness of total contact casting (TCC) and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in promoting wound healing and reducing amputation rates in DFU patients. TCC is widely considered the gold standard for off-loading, while HBOT is emerging as an adjunct for refractory ulcers.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using Google Scholar. Searches from 2019 onward included terms such as “HBOT AND amputation rates,” “TCC AND amputation rates,” and “DFU management.” Studies were …

Platelet-Rich Plasma Vs. Corticosteroid Injections For Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Literature Review, Adam J. Nieman

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

Objective: This literature review aims to compare the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and corticosteroid (CS) injections for treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT). The primary outcomes of interest include changes in pain and shoulder function following injection therapy.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, and EBSCOhost via Valparaiso University’s library system. Keywords included: plasma, PRP, platelet-rich plasma, platelets, steroids, corticosteroids, injection, therapy, intervention, treatment, rotator cuff, rotator cuff tendinopathy, rotator cuff disease, rotator cuff injury, rotator cuff tendinitis, and impingement syndrome. The search yielded 5,300 results on Google Scholar, 27 on PubMed, …

Effective Pain Control Strategies For Outpatient Gynecologic Procedures, Andrea Luekens

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

Objective: To evaluate whether the benefits of prescription pain medications outweigh their risks in managing pain during standard outpatient gynecologic procedures.

Methods: A structured literature review was conducted using Medline via EBSCO, covering studies from January 2019 to December 2024. Search terms included variations of "pain management" combined with "gynecology" and "procedure." Of 507 identified articles, studies were included if they were in English, full-text, and involved adult patients with female reproductive anatomy undergoing outpatient gynecologic procedures. Exclusion criteria included participants under 18, studies older than five years, and those involving surgery, maternal-fetal procedures, or childbirth. Primary outcome: patient-reported pain; …

Monoclonal Antibodies Or Cholinesterase Inhibitors? Cognitive Impact On Alzheimer’S Disease, Alexandra M. Herbert

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

This research evaluates and compares the effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) in reducing cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. A structured literature review was conducted using Google Scholar and Medline, yielding over 6,000 articles. Studies were included if they involved Alzheimer’s patients, evaluated either mAbs or ChEIs, measured cognitive outcomes, were published since 2019, and were available in English with full-text access. Studies were excluded if they focused on non-Alzheimer’s populations, alternative therapies, or were published before 2019. Monoclonal antibodies such as aducanumab, lecanemab, and donanemab showed statistically significant improvements in cognitive scores; however, these changes were …

Disease Modifying Drugs In Osteoarthritis: Structural & Symptomatic Outcomes, Peyton F. Weber

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

Objective: This capstone project aimed to evaluate whether proposed disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs), compared to placebo, can slow or halt structural joint changes and subsequently improve pain and function in adults with osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and EBSCO, focusing on studies published since 2019 that evaluated proposed DMOADs (lorecivivint, sprifermin, chondroitin, and glucosamine) versus placebo in adults with clinical or radiographic knee OA. Inclusion required reporting on joint space width (JSW), pain, and/or function. Studies involving pediatric or animal subjects, prior joint surgery, malignancy, and non-placebo comparators, or lacking structural or symptomatic …

The Efficacy Of Continuous Versus Luteal Ssri Dosing In Pmdd, Natalie Swierczynski

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

This research aims to determine whether intermittent (luteal phase) or continuous selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) dosing is more effective in reducing symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). A structured literature review was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, and the Christopher Center Library database. Search terms included “PMDD,” “premenstrual dysphoric disorder,” “SSRIs,” “continuous dosing,” “intermittent dosing,” and “luteal phase.” Inclusion criteria were English-language studies involving adult women with full-text availability and examining continuous and/or intermittent SSRI use. Exclusion criteria included non-English publications, unavailable full texts, and pediatric populations.

Sixteen sources were selected: five empirical studies (randomized controlled trials and observational …

Best Practices In Pediatric Pain Management: Preventing Chronic Pain And Opioid Dependency Through Early And Non-Pharmacological Interventions, Ava Landmeyer

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

This capstone project explores the relationship between pediatric chronic pain and the subsequent development of long-term adult chronic pain conditions. It aims to highlight the significance of non-pharmacological interventions, such as biofeedback, in pediatric pain management to reduce reliance on opioids and mitigate the risk of chronic pain in adulthood. The project also seeks to inform future healthcare providers of evidence-based, alternative approaches that complement or replace pharmacological treatments in pediatric populations.

Exploring The Relationship Between E-Cigarette Use And Copd Compared To Traditional Cigarette Users And Non-Smokers, Meryn Burk

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

E-cigarettes recently entered the tobacco market as a "healthier" alternative to cigarettes, although there is lacking data on their long term health effects. The objective of this project is to see if a relationship exists between e-cigarette usage and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) development compared to traditional cigarettes. The research done for this project was collected from Valparaiso University Library and Google Scholar. Keywords used to obtain information included "E-cigarette use and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease," "E-cigarette use and COPD development," and "E-cigarette and cigarette and COPD." Studies included in this project had the following criteria: e=cigarette use, current …

Personalizing Osa Treatment: Balancing Efficacy And Adherence, Aidan Goodreau

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

Objective: This study compares the effectiveness of surgical versus nonsurgical management in reducing the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard, its long-term success if often limited by poor adherence. This research explores whether surgical interventions offer a viable alternative for improving clinical outcomes and long-term disease control.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using ResearchRabbit. Search terms included "CPAP and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty" (6 results) and "apnea-hypopnea index, CPAP, and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty" (3 results). Inclusion criteria: studies published in or after 2019, in English, with full-text availability; adult …

Effect Of Nitrate Rich Beetroot Juice On Blood Pressure In Hypertensive Adults, Angelina M. Neme

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

Objective: To evaluate whether consumption of nitrate-rich beetroot juice, compared to a non-nitrate enhanced diet, affects blood pressure (BP) in adults with hypertension.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, Cochrane, EBSCOhost/CINAHL, and PubMed. Search terms included "beetroot juice," "blood pressure," and "hypertension." Inclusion criteria: studies published since 2019, in English, full-text, involving human adults (≥ 18 years) with hypertension, examining the effects of nitrate-rich beetroot juice (70-250 mL daily) compared to nitrate-depleted juice or no intervention, and reporting both pre- and post-intervention BP. Exclusion criteria: studies published before 2019, not in English, not in …

Accuracy Of Wearable Technology In Menstrual Cycle Tracking, Reeya Brahmbhatt

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

Objective: Wearable technology is an evolving market aimed at promoting health awareness. This study compares the data on the accuracy of wearable tracking technology (WTT) to traditional tracking methods (TTMs) in the monitoring of different stages of the menstrual cycle (MC) in adult women.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using Google Scholar to identify peer-reviewed studies published since 2019 evaluating the accuracy of WTT in tracking women's MCs. Search terms included "wearable technology," "women," "tracking menstruation," and "traditional tracking methods." Inclusion criteria: studies on adult women of reproductive age, WTT for menstrual tracking, published in English since 2019, …

Effects Of Plant-Based Diets On Cardiovascular Markers In Hyperlipidemic Adults, Jennifer Sanders

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether a plant-based diet in comparison to an omnivorous diet is effecting in the reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, total cholesterol (TC), and body mass index (BMI) in adults over 18 with hyperlipidemia.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Medline, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Studies included adults over 18 with diet interventions lasting at least 8 weeks with an endpoint including lipid profiles. Keywords used were "plant-based diet," "vegan," "hyperlipidemia," "LDL," "cholesterol," and "cardiovascular disease."

Results: The majority of studies showed that plant-based diets are associated with reduction …

Treating The Virus, Triggering Iris: Art Timing In Hiv Patients With Bacterial And Fungal Opportunistic Infections, Brianna L. Rhomberg

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

Objective: To evaluate the optimal timing of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation in HIV-1-infected adults with bacterial or fungal opportunistic infections (OIs), and to assess its impact on immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), mortality, and pathogen type.

Methods: A structured literature review was conducted using PubMed, IDSA guidelines, and supplemental Google searches. Search terms included combinations such as "ART initiation TB meningitis," "ART initiation IRIS TB," "ART intiation IRIS cryptococcal," and "ART initiation IRIS pneumocystis." Studies published in English from 2019-2024 were included, with one exception for TB meningitis due to limited recent data. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials or …

Hormone Therapy And Carpal Tunnel In Postmenopausal Women, Ameena Madani

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

Objective: This project aims to investigate the relationship between estrogen and progesterone levels in postmenopausal women with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and to evaluate the potential effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on this population.

Methods: A structured literature review was conducted using Medline via EBSCO and PubMed databases to identify studies published between 2013 and 2024. Keywords included “carpal tunnel syndrome,” “hormone replacement therapy,” and “estrogen.” The Medline search yielded 8 relevant articles, while PubMed returned 9 studies for “carpal tunnel syndrome and estrogen” and 5 for “carpal tunnel syndrome and hormone replacement therapy.” Inclusion criteria focused on studies …

The Impact Of Metabolic Syndrome On Dementia And Cognitive Decline, Brady Glidden

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

Objective: This literature review explores the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and neurocognitive decline. It assesses both the individual effects of components such as insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity, as well as their combined impact on cognitive function. The goal is to inform clinical strategies aimed at early intervention and reducing the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment.

Methods: A literature search using PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted to examine associations between MetS and neurocognitive decline. PubMed searches for “(metabolic syndrome) AND (dementia)” and “(diabetes) AND (dementia)” returned 59 and 587 results since 2019. Google Scholar searches using …

Exploring Therapeutic Potential Of Low Dose Naltrexone For Fibromyalgia Patients, Lauren Bartlett

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

Objective: This study aims to compare and evaluate current research on the use and efficacy of low dose naltrexone (LDN) in reducing pain symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia (FM).

Methods: A literature review was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, and an Valparaiso University's library database. Search items included "low dose naltrexone" and "fibromyalgia." Studies were included if they focused on LDN treatment in FM populations, emphasizing symptom outcomes and safety profiles. Eligible publications comprised randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and clinical studies.

Results: Five studies met inclusion criteria: one randomized, double-blind trial, three systematic reviews, and one randomized, single-blinded clinical …

Fish Skin Versus Amniotic Allografts In Diabetic Foot Ulcer Management, Allison Betts

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

Objective: This capstone project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of acellular fish skin grafts and human amniotic membrane allografts as adjuncts to standard care in managing diabetic foot ulcers.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar. Keywords included “acellular fish skin,” “human amniotic allograft,” and “diabetic ulcer.” Articles published from 2019 onward were included if they focused on adult patients (18+) with diabetic foot ulcers and reported healing outcomes. Studies were excluded if they involved pediatric populations, lacked a diabetes or foot ulcer diagnosis, were published before 2019, or did not assess healing metrics. …

Mindfulness Vs Ssris: Managing Anxiety In Adults With Gad, Max E. Doyle

Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

This study evaluated whether mindfulness practices are more effective than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in reducing anxiety symptoms in adults aged 17 years and older diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) over one year. A structured literature review was conducted using Google Scholar, Valpo Summons, and PubMed. Search terms included “Mindfulness,” “SSRIs,” “GAD,” “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors,” “generalized anxiety disorder,” and “Placebo.” A total of five relevant studies were identified: three from Google Scholar, one from Valpo Summons, and one from PubMed. Inclusion criteria were studies published in English from 2019 onward, with full-text access, involving participants aged 17 …