Digital Commons Network^™

Peer Support Breastfeeding Programs, Charli Bomgaars, Madison Blankespoor, Owen Kolste, Grace Twelmeyer, Macay Van't Hul

Celebration of Research

Research and analysis were done between August 2023 - November 2023 to explore the use of peer-support programs for anticipated and active breastfeeding women. Ten research reports were utilized to explore peer-supporting breastfeeding programs' use and potential success. The goal was to determine if peer support breastfeeding programs were impactful on breastfeeding mothers associated with Spencer Hospital. We present the benefits of peer support breastfeeding groups and their influence on maternal perceptions of breastfeeding, maternal confidence in sustaining breastfeeding, and the ability of mothers to achieve their breastfeeding goals.

Phun With Phages: Discovering Novel Bacteriophages In The Soil, Julia Kutz, Ryan Dodds, Logan Dykstra, Taylor M. Rentschler, Emma Steinhardt, Megan Vangarven, Jacie Vanderwaal, Shayler Vangelder, Byron Noordewier, Sara S. Tolsma

Celebration of Research

We used three bacterial hosts: Mycobacterium smegmatis, Microbacterium foliorum, and Gordonia terrae, to isolate novel bacteriophages from soil samples. We named these phages, created high titer lysates, and purified their DNA genomes. We have archived the high titer lysates at Northwestern College and the University of Pittsburgh. The genomes of three of our phages were sequences at the University of Pittsburgh and we will be sequencing the remaining genomes this summer. Additionally, we are planning to image our phages with transmission electron microscopy at the University of Iowa or Nebraska yet this semester.

Searching For Atlanticus: Isolating Bacteriophages Infecting Marinobacter, Anneka Sterk, Sara S. Tolsma

Celebration of Research

Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria. They have a considerable effect on ecosystems (Focardi et al., 2020). Scientists believe phages are present virtually everywhere, although marine bacteriophages have remained largely undiscovered and understudied. Using ocean water samples from various parts of the United States (Figure 1), protocols adapted from the SEA-PHAGES program (site Discovery Guide), and a flocculation protocol (John, et al 2011) we are attempting to isolate bacteriophages that infect two species of marine bacteria, Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus and Marinobacter atlanticus.

Cost-Effective And Efficient Screening Guidelines For Diagnosing Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Emma Montenegro, Katelyn Ten Pas, Connor Van Peursem, Chelsea Thurm

Celebration of Research

A literature review was conducted between the months of August 2023-November 2023 to research current guidelines for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that were both cost effective and efficient in the adult population. The purpose of this review was to provide current guidelines that could be applied in practice to screen Promise Community Health Center’s patients for the presence of NAFLD. In the review we provide guideline recommendations that are both cost effective and efficient for Promise to apply to their adult population.

Association Between Carpal Tunnel Syndrome And Amyloid Heart Disease May Assist With Early Detection And Reduced Morbidity And Mortality, Kayla Nachbar, Nicole Kirk, Jaclyn Freese

Celebration of Research

Carpal tunnel syndrome may help identify more systemic issues than previously thought. Multiple research studies establish an association between carpal tunnel syndrome and heart disease, most specifically cardiac amyloidosis. This link is of importance as it requires alternative treatment choices to extend life expectancy for those diagnosed with the disease. Based on this analysis of multiple studies, there may be an indication for a screening criterion in those with carpal tunnel syndrome to identify a previously illusive disease before it progresses. History and certain clinical features may add to the utility of this finding to be applied as a screening …

Gender Bias In The Hiring Process: The Sexism You Don’T See, Jessica Nibbelink

Celebration of Research

Men and women have often been seen as opposite sides of a spectrum. The tension between masculinity and femininity is created through forced stereotypes. These gendered stereotypes along with implicit gender bias work together to enforce gender discrimination. An area of society that is impacted by this gender discrimination is the workplace. The current study looks to investigate the gender discrimination that is found in the workplace, and more specifically in the hiring process. Through the use of fake gendered resumes, participants report employer perception scores which are used to dissect gender favoritism in the hiring process. Though this study …

The Last Moon: Delving Into Philippine Culture In A Disney Perspective, Thea Angelee Davis

Celebration of Research

Disney’s cultural movies have undeniably impacted the world, with films like Moana and Encanto introducing specific cultures to the global audience and receiving widespread recognition. Inspired by this influential way of cultural storytelling and noticing the lack of animated movies that represent my native country, the Philippines, I created The Last Moon as a project in ENG250LC. The creation process involved extensive researching into Philippine legends and developing those in a story and storyboard scenes. Ultimately, I designed all the visual graphics that resemble Disney’s iconic style. By integrating elements of the Philippines into a familiar Disney storytelling framework, I …

Prepplates: Meal Prep For Busy Lives, Alec Coronado Garcia, Luc Roelofs, Kade Fey

Celebration of Research

PrepPlates is an innovative meal idea based in Sioux County. Our purpose is clear: to transform the way people approach mealtime by providing not only nourishment but also a comprehensive dining experience suited to their preferences and lifestyles. Our business venture aims to revolutionize the meal kit industry by providing convenient, affordable, and high-quality meal solutions tailored to the preferences and lifestyles of our demographic. Through research and strategic planning, PrepPlates emerges as a beacon of innovation in the competitive landscape of meal preparation services. Rooted in a comprehensive understanding of demographic and market trends, our business model is tuned …

Dementia Worry In A Young Adult Population: Investigating Its Relationships With Anxiety, Coping Strategies, And Memory, Anneka Sterk

Celebration of Research

Dementia worry is a specific form of health-related anxiety in which individuals worry about or fear developing or having dementia. To a severe degree, this may affect their psychological well-being. Previous literature has only studied dementia worry in middle-late aged adults. This study investigated dementia worry in a young adult population and focused on its relationship with possible correlates, coping skills, trait anxiety, and memory. A multiple regression analysis was performed in which only subjective memory and trait anxiety showed significant, positive correlations. All other variables included in the regression analysis showed no significant correlations. There were no significant differences …

Annotation Of Three Actinobacteriophages: Tuktuk, Shamu, And Megatron06, Lauren Fisk, Kylie Foss, Khloe Hester, Yuki Kobayashi, Madelin Kvatek, Elsie Larson, Joshua Lewis, Madilyn Manary, Laura Nelsen, Thomas Ostrem, Cayli Penner, Sydney Rehmke, Taylor Rentschler, Adriana Sandbulte, Dane Shoenborn, Jonas Tiensvold, Shayler Van Gelder, Kallie Van Kley, Megan Vangarven, Brianna Winford, Byron Noordewier, Sara S. Tolsma

Celebration of Research

We annotated three newly discovered bacteriophages. TukTuk and Shamu were isolated on the host Microbacterium folorium and Megatron06 on Mycobacterium smegmatis. Based on based on gene-content similarity (GCS) of 35% or higher to sequenced bacteriophages present in the Actinobacteriophage database, phagesDB, TukTuk was assigned to cluster EB, Shamu to cluster EA, and Megatron06 to Cluster H1. Here we report a summary of our annotation findings along with one in-depth analysis of an aspect of our annotation for each phage.

Metabolic Characterization Of Porcine Hepatocytes, Sophie Swart, Ainslie Robinson, Daiki Jonouchi, Marcus Blankespoor, Kip Cullinan, Zachary Varpness, Ryan Schulze

Celebration of Research

No abstract provided.

How Culture And Language Impact The Way We View Healthcare, Linsy Gonzalez

Celebration of Research

The United States is a growing multilingual and multicultural country. Although beautiful, it does present challenges in different areas of life particularly in the healthcare system as there are differences in language and/or cultural beliefs and practices. This leads to asking how cultural differences can impact how we think of healthcare. To challenge and understand this question more, a qualitative study was conducted based on interviews from two different healthcare facilities located in the same town of Sioux Center, Iowa—Promise Community Health Center (PCHC) and Sioux Center Health (SCH)—with interpreters, patients, and providers to understand the role each person has …

H(Hydrogen)-Alpha Spectral Imaging Of Z>5 Quasars, Pratik Paudel, Mari Hirota, Hyunsung Jun

Celebration of Research

We aim to measure the H-alpha line excess over the photometric continuum for distant quasi-stellar radio objects, or quasars. Supermassive black holes grow in mass through accretion of stars or gas nearby, often outshining the total stellar light of the galaxies they reside in, for quasars. On the other hand, the structure of these active galactic nuclei are hard to resolve, where we often rely on the relationship in between different light emission regions to better understand the geometry and emission mechanisms. In this work, we measure the H-alpha luminosity of 44 quasars at z>5 (light coming from less …

A Shift Towards Informed Decision Making: Hormonal Contraception Versus Natural Cycle Tracking, Lauren Jurrens, Sydnee Isom, Deann Jelsma

Celebration of Research

Females participating in the wide array of birth control options are continuing to expand. With that, more females are expressing concerns about potential adverse drug reactions and side effects of hormonal birth control. While general side effects do occur, the risks for venous thromboembolism (VTE) vary depending on the hormone taken, and cancer risks are minimal to even nonexistent.^3,4,7,15 Yet, many females are turning to natural cycle tracking to avoid synthetic hormones, common side effects, and potential poor health outcomes. Both options can provide comparable efficacy when used appropriately. Therefore, providers must be knowledgeable in all contraception options to …

Muscle Activation Frequency Relationship With Cost Of Transport At Increasing Walking Speed Reveals Interplay Of Both Active And Passive Dynamics, Grace Van Namen

Celebration of Research

The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between metabolic cost and muscle activity, with a focus on frequency of EMG signals during walking at different speeds. The findings will be valuable in rehabilitating individuals who suffer from gait-related disorders. Nine participants were recruited. In the first session of data collection, each participant performed a ten-meter walk test determining their average walking speed. Using these average walking speeds, six more speeds were subsequently established during the second session. In the second session, subjects walked for four minutes at each of the six speeds while EMG data was collected …

The Impact Of Blood Flow Restriction On Heart Rate And Muscle Activation, Janaya Battles, Rajat Singh, Daniel Swier

Celebration of Research

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) is a rehabilitation technique used in physical therapy to improve muscle growth in patients. The technique involves using blood cuffs on the limbs to occlude blood flow within the muscles, thus limiting the buildup of muscle growth inhibitors. The current literature provides information regarding these aspects but is limited in providing information regarding the impact of BFR on neural muscular coordination. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine how various pressure levels of the BFR cuffs can impact the muscle activation of the restrained muscles and heart rate. Our results have shown that a …

Pediatric Perceived Pain In Emergency Department Settings, Emma Jenness, Ana Dekruyter, Jackson Henry, Emily Miller

Celebration of Research

A literature review between September 2023-November 2023 examined the numerous nonpharmacological interventions employed in the Emergency Department setting to reduce perceived pain in the pediatric population during painful procedures. This review explored

current research for decreasing perceived pain for children using nonpharmacologic methods and to suggest evidence-based practices that meet the needs of the patient. We suggest several nonpharmacologic interventions that assist in decreasing pain during painful procedures in the Emergency Department setting for the pediatric population.

Jewish Liturgics In Christian Worship: A History Of Jewish Festal Liturgics And A Proposed Recession Of The Christian Liturgical Year Into The Larger Judeo-Christian Calendar, Josiah Troutner

Celebration of Research

Though a Judaic religion, Christianity quickly abandoned many of the ceremonial, festal, and liturgical practices of its parent religion. In this paper I argue this to be primarily due to an Augustinian reading of Torah in the Pauline epistles in which it is seen as a tyrannical force that can be distinguished into moral, ceremonial, and judicial components, only the moral of which must still be observed by Christians. In this paper, I will discuss the historical, cultural, and religious background of several Jewish holidays in advocation of their theological value for the larger Judeo-Christian community. I will also seek …

The Gut Microbiome In Chronic Diseases, Emily Mcdonald, Katlyn Bombei, Madelyn Weber

Celebration of Research

Cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and various mental health conditions have been shown to be associated with gut microbiota alterations that may contribute to the development and pathogenesis of those diseases. Cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease and diabetes have been associated with a lack of butyrate- producing bacteria which are responsible for lowering blood pressure, limiting atherosclerosis, abdominal pain, and lowering insulin resistance. Medications for individuals with schizophrenia may decrease bacteria with anti-inflammatory properties. Potential research avenues may be directed at investigating the di@erences between gut microbiomes between men and women to cultivate unique and targeted treatment and prevention …

Deaths Of Despair In Rural Populations, Tirzah Wittenberg, Dr. Pam Hulstein

Celebration of Research

A literature review was conducted between August 2023-November 2023 to explore deaths of despair in rural and urban populations. The ten articles reviewed center around revealing the prevalence of substance abuse and suicide within different population densities. The purpose of examining this research is to create a foundation of understanding that can then be utilized when making changes on the micro and macro levels in access to health care resources. In this literature review, the prevalence of deaths of despair in rural populations is revealed, along with suggestions for future health care resource investments.

Tranexamic Acid, Jett Skrien, Evan Lins, Kaleb Myhrwold

Celebration of Research

TXA administration has shown promising results in reducing blood loss resulting in a potentially life-saving measure. Early TXA administration has been shown to be most effective when administered within 3 hours of the incident. After the 3-hour window has passed, its effectiveness is negligible. At this point in time, no single superior means of administration or dosage has been agreed upon. Based on the evidence presented, TXA has a notable safety profile and has been proven to be a low-cost and effective way to reduce detrimental blood loss in trauma and surgical settings.

The Adverse Health Outcomes Of Benzene In Skincare Products, Maddie Olson, Allie Walter

Celebration of Research

Benzene is a known carcinogen commonly used in daily skin care products that could have negative physiological effects on the body.

The risks associated with the use of benzene-containing products have been researched, however, current evidence has not fully differentiated whether the potential negative effects of benzene outweigh the protection that benzene products provide against the development of skin cancer.

Energy Drink Consumption In Adolescence Linked To Long Term Health Effects, Grace Eiden, Jenna Borchers, Jill Van Otterloo

Celebration of Research

Caffeine is a substance that is frequently ingested by individuals for a multitude of reasons, most often an energy boost. Recently, caffeine consumption has become popular among the adolescent population. We reviewed 15+ recent studies explaining the adverse effects of caffeine consumption among adolescents such as cognitive function, mental illness, and obesity. Numerous correlations were found including lower scores in several cognitive functions such as vocabulary comprehension, cognitive flexibility, and processing speeds, mental illnesses such as stress, anxiety, and depression, and the immense sugar-content in these beverages being linked to childhood obesity. It is important that healthcare professionals are aware …

Mousing Around With Bacteriophages: ​Using Antibodies Raised In Balb/C Mice To Analyze Phages​, Grace Anderson, Jewel Bergstrom, Samuel Brandt, Maria Garcia, Sadie Gilmeister, Aimee Hulstein, Erika Mckenney, Tyler Nhan, Cayli Penner, Taylor M. Rentschler, Jessica Slight, Anneka Sterk, Jacie Vanderwaal, Elliana Zerr, Sara S. Tolsma

Celebration of Research

Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and can be used in phage therapy to combat bacterial infections resistant to traditional antibiotics. One current limitation of phage therapy is the lack of understanding about phage genetics and biochemistry. We can learn more about bacteriophages by identifying patterns in their protein structure. In our experiments, we immunized BALB/c mice using whole phage or ~71>kDa proteins extracted from Sbash and Island3. We tail-bled the mice to collect antibodies raised against these phages, then used ELISA assays to detect anti-phage protein antibodies in mouse serum. We are using our antibodies and Western blot …

Perceived Severity Of Trauma: The Impact Of Gender And Exposure, Macy Hajek

Celebration of Research

The purpose of this study was to examine factors that may influence the perceived severity of traumatic events. Perceived severity scores were examined in a 2x2 factorial ANOVA with the factors of gender and trauma exposure. A qualitative measurement of the most feared trauma was also investigated. Participants were a convenience sample of 98 Northwestern College Students ranging from ages 17 to 22. Perceived severity scores and the most feared trauma were obtained using an adapted version of the Trauma History Questionnaire. A Trauma History Screener was used to divide participants into trauma exposure groups. It was hypothesized that females …

Interventions To Reduce Risk Of Perineal Tearing, Bailey Varpness, Kylie Lyman, Sandra Muyskens

Celebration of Research

Perineal tearing is one of the most common injuries that can be sustained during vaginal delivery, it can be physically and mentally debilitating for the mother to endure. Preventing this injury can lead to an easier healing process for the mother, allowing her to have a more impactful postpartum journey. There is debate as to whether warm compresses, perineal massage, and alternative birthing positions decrease the incidence of perineal tearing. This review of literature focuses on how these interventions work and if they are effective at decreasing the risk for perineal tearing during vaginal delivery.

Does Testing Help Learning? Mindset And Testing’S Impact On Memory And Accuracy Of Judgments, Jessica Nibbelink, Anneka Sterk, David Grandel

Celebration of Research

To conduct a replication of a previous experiment (Kornell & Son, 2009) to measure the accuracy and judgement of learning between two ways of studying and if receiving feedback after testing altered their learning. Participants were tasked with learning 4 lists of Indonesian words, half of the participants learned by re-exposure to the words while the other half learned by test-taking. The test-taking group was further divided into feedback or no-feedback conditions. Contrary to the previous study we found that testing did not impact memory. However, self-testing did make learners more accurate in their judgments of what they knew. Students …

The Bear Surgical Technique: A Modern Approach To Acl Repair, Christopher Canu, Jay Determan, Aaron Bosch

Celebration of Research

The Bridge-Enhanced ACL Repair (BEAR) surgical technique is a procedure still in its infancy with many unknowns regarding its effectiveness and clinical outcomes. Research has shown this surgical technique is not only capable of completely healing a mid-substance ACL tear but has been shown to have improved clinical and patient-reported outcomes when compared to traditional ACL reconstruction techniques. The purpose of this article is to review the current status of the literature and clinical implications of the BEAR technique as it compares to traditional ACL reconstruction techniques.

Discovering Gene Functions In Mycobacteriophage Sbash Using A Genetic Screen, Erin Brouwer, Daiki Jonouchi, Byron Noordewier, Sara S. Tolsma

Celebration of Research

Sbash is a temperate bacteriophage, which was isolated on the host, Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2 155 from soil collected in South Africa. It is classified as cluster I and sub-cluster I2. Its genome consists of 55,832 base pairs and 89 protein-coding genes of which only 25 genes were assigned a function by bioinformatic analysis. We are using a genetic screen to uncover the functions of phage genes for which function is unknown. To begin to uncover the functions of the protein products of the genes in Sbash’s genome, we cloned each gene into the pExTra plasmid and assayed each phage gene …

Exploring The Dilemma Of Innocent Defendants In The Plea Bargaining System, Taylor Van Ostrand, Dr. Jay Medenwaldt

Celebration of Research

This study investigates the challenges faced by innocent defendants in the plea bargaining system. The dilemma arises from the choice between a risky trial and an immediate conviction for a reduced charge. The research, conducted with fifty-six undergraduate students, the rationality of innocent defendants, the influence of jail threats, socioeconomic status, and gender differences. Using hypothetical scenarios, participants review documents related to a fictitious charge, and ANOVA as well as chi-square statistical analyses are employed to assess the impact of various factors on plea decisions. Surprisingly, the presence of jail time did not significantly influence the likelihood of innocent defendants …