Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Coffee Drinking And Leukocyte Telomere Length: A Meta-Analysis, Bella Kotlyar

Yale Day of Data

Telomeres are long tandem nucleotide repeats responsible for maintaining chromosomal integrity. They shorten with each cell division, serving as markers for cellular aging and replicative ability, and shorter telomere length has been associated with greater risk of various chronic diseases of aging. There is increasing interest in the relationship between telomere length and lifestyle factors, such as components of the diet, that are associated with age-related chronic diseases, like cancer and diabetes.

There is mounting evidence that coffee, one of the most commonly consumed beverages in the world, has potential protective effects against chronic disease and mortality. Few studies have …

Making Music To Enhance Mental Health In Eldoret, Kenya, Michael Peters, Ethan Wahle, Ellen Schellhase

Engagement & Service-Learning Summit

After attending this session, participants will be appreciate the power of music and witness the level of engagement that street youth in a resource-limited country have as they unite behind a common goal. Street youth in Eldoret, Kenya are at a high risk of experiencing psychological conditions like Post-traumatic Stress Disorder with contributing factors including homelessness, an unstable family structure, and exposure to alcoholism and drug abuse in parent figures. Music therapy has shown benefits in children to alleviate and manage some of the symptoms of emotional disturbances. The goal was to create a sustainable music program in Eldoret, Kenya …

Implementation Of A School-Wide, Epa-Based Acting Internship Curriculum, Adam Garber

Health Sciences Education Symposium

Objectives. The core entrustable professional activities for entering residency (Core EPAs) were established by the AAMC as a framework to assess competency. The Acting Internship (AI) rotation is an excellent space to assess core EPAs, however many institutions have no structured AI curriculum. Our goal is to develop a standardized, school-wide AI curriculum that includes evaluation and assessment of designated core EPAs. Method. At our institution, two non-departmental AI directors were directed to oversee all AI rotations across the school and implement goals, objectives, and curriculum focused around specific core EPAs. A clinical skills-focused curriculum combining a mix of didactic …

Emergency Medicine Elective Impact On Third-Year Medical Student Specialty Choice, Nathan Lewis

Health Sciences Education Symposium

Emergency Medicine (EM) is a competitive, sought-after specialty among medical students (1). National standardized curricula have been developed for both third-year (M3) and fourth-year (M4) rotations (2-3), however, there is variability in course implementation (4). Additionally, it is unclear to what extent earlier rotations help students choose a specialty. We developed a two-week elective course to allow M3 students exposure to EM earlier than previously allowed at our medical school. Students were asked to complete an entry survey describing their specialty interests and sources of influence. During the course, students were encouraged to observe the environment and speak to providers, …

Comparison Of Two Methods Of Determining Central Corneal Vault Under A Scleral Lens: Estimation By Slit Lamp Biomicroscope And Anterior Segment Oct, Claire E. Mcdonnell, Darragh O'Donnell, Lynn O'Mara, Shannon Power

Conference Papers

Purpose: The aim of this study was to ascertain if there is agreement in the measurement of central corneal vault (CCV) under a scleral lens, between estimations made using a slit lamp biomicroscope (SLB) and measurements made using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).

Method: 30 images were taken of CCV under various scleral lenses using a SLB and an AS-OCT. Estimations of CCV from SLB photographs were made using known thicknesses of the scleral lenses used and imagej software. The in-built measurement callipers was used to measure CCV on the AS-OCT. Right eyes were imaged on the AS-OCT first …

Electrochemical And Spectroscopic Study Of Peptide-Template Melanins, Daniel Courter, Olivia Rossi, Zhen Tian

Honors Theses and Capstones

Melanins are organic polymers made up of 5,6-dihydroxyindole carboxylic acid (DHICA) and 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI). Biochemical systems synthesize melanins through a complex reaction pathway. Previous research exhibited that naturally-occurring melanins (NatMel) and their synthetic analogues (SynMel) can potentially serve as electrode materials for aqueous charge storage devices. Small surface area creates technical challenges for these melanins as charge storage materials. This research herein demonstrates that the structure of melanins can affect the charge storage capacities of monovalent Na⁺cations and divalent Mg²⁺ cations. 2-D sheet-like peptide melanins (PepMel) were synthesized into tripeptides consisting of aspartic acid (D), phenylalanine (F), …

Stress Less With Art Therapy, Delaney M. Rogers

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy is "a mental health profession in which clients, facilitated by the art therapist, use art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem.” While creating art on your own at home is not the exact same as official art therapy, it has been shown that this form of art can help to decrease stress levels. For my Honors Capstone Project I have reviewed the research and studies …

Impact Of A Mastectomy On Female Body Image And Sexuality, Hilary Tingley

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Impact of a Mastectomy on Female Sexual Expression: An Integrative Literature Review

Hilary Tingley

Nursing Student, DePaul University, School of Nursing

Background: Women diagnosed with breast cancer are often treated with a combination of therapies, one of which may be a mastectomy. There are an increasing number of women who are undergoing preventative mastectomies, many as a result of BRCA gene testing.

Objective: The purpose of this literature review was to examine the impact of a mastectomy on female sexual expression and body image.

Method: An integrative literature review design was used with research articles pulled from search engines such …

Pet Therapy In Combat Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Raina Shah

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Pet Therapy is Associated with Reducing Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Combat Veterans: An Integrative Literature Review

Raina Shah

Faculty Sponsor: Larry Maturin, MSN, APN, ACNS-BC, CEN, CCRN

Abstract

Background: The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects approximately 30% of Vietnam veterans, 12% of Gulf War (Desert Storm) veterans, 11% of veterans of the war in Afghanistan, and 20% of Iraqi war veterans.

Objectives: The purpose of this integrative literature review is to explore and discuss further the use of pet therapy as a non-pharmacologic therapeutic approach to treating PTSD in combat …

Development Of Exercise Intervention Programs For Healthy Adult Females With Overweight And Obesity: An Integrative Review, Hannah Lee

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

The purpose of this study was to identify factors of adherence, evaluate current exercise interventions, and determine areas of risk factor modification within the context of developing exercise intervention programs for healthy adult females with overweight and obesity. In recent years, overweight and obesity rates have significantly increased in the adult female population while their physical activity levels have declined. Health and wellness benefits of exercise interventions are widely known, however; practical guidelines do not exist for nurses to utilize in management of overweight and obesity. An integrative review was conducted to identify and evaluate components of exercise intervention development …

Using Debriefing As A More Beneficial Approach To Nurses Who Experience Patient Death: An Integrative Review, Sarah Borghi

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: The death of a nurses’ patient can result in effects both personal and professional. A majority of nursing literature addresses how the nurse can assist a patient through grief. A universal evidence based intervention to assist nurses through a patient death experience does not exist. One specific method, debriefing, was found in multiple primary sources as an intervention to use for healthcare workers.

Objectives: This integrative literature review investigates if debriefing is more beneficial to nurses who experience patient death than other present approaches.

Method: The health promotion framework used to support this integrative literature review was the …

Effects Of Art Therapy During Chemotherapy Sessions, Samantha Scholzen

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Effects of Art Therapy During Chemotherapy Sessions: An Integrative Literature Review

Samantha Scholzen

Dr. Elizabeth Hartman, PhD, RN

Abstract

Background: Individuals undergoing cancer treatment experience many physical, psychological, and social adverse side effects that may be addressed with complementary and alternative medicine, such as art therapy.

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of art therapy for cancer patients during chemotherapy sessions.

Methods: This integrative literature review was conducted using the keywords “art therapy” and “neoplasms” to search the literature between 2006 and 2017. The databases used in this literature search were CINAHL, …

Use Of Acupressure Improve Sleep In Esrd Patients With Sleep Deficiency: An Integrative Literature Review, Aaron Fischer

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Use of Acupressure Improve Sleep in ESRD Patients with Sleep Deficiency: An Integrative Literature Review

Aaron Fischer

Faculty Sponsor: Larry Maturin

Background: Sleep deprivation and fatigue, which results in decreased quality of life, is a common problem in patients with ESRD and on hemodialysis.

Objectives: The purpose of this research review is to examine the effects of acupressure for ESDR and hemodialysis patient to improve sleep quality.

Method: This integrative literature review search was conducted between 1/27/2017 and 09/15/2017 using the databases of CINAHL Complete, Health Source: Nursing/Academic edition, and MEDline. Subject heading search terms included acupressure, ESRD, and sleep. …

Decreasing The Rate Of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome By Increasing Nursing Knowledge: An Integrative Literature Review, Farah Siddique

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Decreasing the Rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

by Increasing Nursing Knowledge: An Integrative Literature Review

Farah Siddique

Dr. Elizabeth Hartman, PhD, RN

Background: The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development defined sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) as the unexplained death of an infant younger than one year of age (NICH). Nearly 53,000 infants die each year linked to SIDS in the United States placing parents in a state of severe trauma resulting from the loss of their child.

Objectives: The goal of this integrated literature review was to explore the reasons behind the disconnect between nurse’s knowledge …

Impact Of Hpv Education On Knowledge, Perception, And Cultural Influence Among African American Parents, Christina Lattner, Christina Lattner

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), the sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical and penial cancer can be prevented. An effective vaccine has been approved for both boys and girls since 2006. Despite recommendation from the Center of Disease Control, vaccination initiation and completion rates among African American adolescents in the United States are lower than average in the nation.

Objectives: The purpose of this descriptive survey study was to identify African-American parents’ knowledge and perceptions of sexually transmitted HPV infection and the HPV vaccination. The secondary objective was to use a single-group pre-test post-test research design to …

A Low Carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet For Treatment Of Type Ii Diabetes An Integrative Literature Review, Steven Lisowski

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

A Low Carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet for Treatment

of Type II Diabetes: An Integrative Literature Review

Steven Lisowski

Faculty Sponsor: Larry Maturin

Abstract

Background: Dietary modifications are commonly prescribed initial interventions in those recently diagnosed with type II diabetes. Presently, various researchers support that there is a growing body of evidence that advises to restrict carbohydrate intake to minimum levels to achieve optimal blood glucose levels and reduce complications related to poor diabetes management.

Objectives: To explore if the low carbohydrate, ketogenic diets (LCKD), in which carbohydrate intake of any kind is restricted, are very effective at reducing obesity and controlling …

Strategies To Decrease Depression From Social Isolation Among The Elderly Population, Erin Gallagher, Megan Russ

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Strategies to Decrease Depression from

Social Isolation Among the Elderly Population

Erin Gallagher and Megan Russ

Faculty Sponsor: Christina Lattner, DNP, APRN, AGNP-C, ANP-BC

Background: The lack of social interaction among the elderly population has been directly linked with higher rates of morbidity related to diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and heart disease, thus leading to higher rates of mortality.

Objectives: This comprehensive literature review selected a variety of social interactions to present to the elderly population to examine if an increase in socialization will decrease the depressive symptoms felt during social isolation.

Method: An integrative literature review of both qualitative and …

Effects Of Chronic Illness On Self-Image In Adolescents, Krista Stillson

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

EFFECTS OF CHRONIC ILLNESS ON SELF-IMAGE IN ADOLESCENTS:

AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Krista Stillson

Abstract

Background: Chronic illness can pose more than just pathological effects on an individual. During the vulnerable developmental stage of adolescence, the psychological effects of disease can be equally as damaging. In adolescence, manifestations of chronic illness can cause a distorted self-image which may potentiate negative outcomes such as depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. For this reason, it is important for nurses to be aware of the broad impact that can accompany disease and use interventions to counteract such effects. Implementation of coping interventions can help …

Advance Directives Should Be Part Of The Admission Process For Adults With Cancer: An Integrative Literature Review, Jennifer Leonard

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Advance Directives Should Be Part of the Admission Process for Adults with Cancer:

An Integrative Literature Review

Jennifer Leonard

Larry Maturin MSN, APN, ACNS-BC, CEN, CCRN

Abstract

Background: Approximately 40 percent of individuals will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and less than half of those patients have an advance directive when admitted to an oncology service.

Objective: The purpose of the integrative literature review was to determine the current standards for advance directives; determine why patients do not have advance directives after being diagnosed with cancer.

Methods: The integrative literature review was conducted using keywords “advance directives, adult, …

Effects Of Technology And Media On Childhood Obesity, Hannah Rutzick

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of obesity is substantially increasing among children in the United States. Despite current interventions used by families and pediatricians, a knowledge gap exists regarding the use of modern technology as a strategy to increase physical activity and prevent/treat childhood obesity.

Objective: The purpose of this review is to explore the influences of modern technology and the media on childhood obesity.

Methods: This integrative review evaluates the evidence from investigational studies that have examined the influences of modern technology on childhood obesity. The effects of the media as a contributing factor was also explored. PsycInfo, ProQuest and …

Stem Cell Therapy As An Effective Treatment Method For Traumatic Burn Injuries, Axita Patel

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Effectiveness of Stem Cell Treatment for

Burn Patients: An Integrative Literature Review

Axita Patel

Faculty Sponsor: Elizabeth Moxley

Abstract

Background: Current literature suggests that packing burn wounds with antimicrobial solutions and skin barrier creams are no longer considered to be effective in the patient’s recovery process. Stem cell therapy has been introduced as an alternative treatment strategy that aims to yield reliable and improved patient outcomes.

Objectives: To explore what research has been conducted regarding stem cell therapy as a treatment option for burn patients and to explore the benefits of using the suggested newly proposed method as opposed to …

Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress: An Integrative Literature Review, Cassia Onken

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress (PMTS) is a common occurrence and not well understood by the medical community. Therefore, identifying key concepts is necessary to provide early intervention for children and parents. The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate current research to determine common themes of PMTS. Questions included “What is known about the defining characteristics of PMTS?” and “What variable interactions predispose a child to PMTS development?” Articles were found using CINAHL, PsychInfo, PubMed, ProQuest, and Academic Search Complete using key words like acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress, medical traumatic stress, pediatric, child, parent, and guardian. Studies had …

The Salutogenic Effects Of Prayer And Meditation On Health Perception, Behavior, And Outcomes., Maryclaret Ndubuisi-Obi

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

The Salutogenic Effects of Prayer and Meditation on Health Perception, Behaviors and Outcomes: An Integrative Literature Review

Maryclaret Ndubuisi-Obi

Faculty Sponsor: Elizabeth Moxley, PhD, RN

Abstract

Background: Though spirituality in medicine has been around for centuries, it is not emphasized enough in modern medicine. The limited research availability within this domain has left healthcare professionals skeptical of the benefits to which prayer and meditation have within different patient populations and in the daily life of the ill-stricken.

Objective: The purpose of this integrated literature review is to determine if prayer and meditation pose a salutogenic effect that is beneficial to …

Challenges Associated With Advanced Maternal Age, Krupa Patel

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: Advanced maternal age is a growing social phenomenon. The proportion of first births to women ages 35 years and over in the United States have increased. Women are prolonging childbearing to accommodate their careers. One’s socioeconomic status, culture, and a movement towards a women making herself and career a priority has contributed to the increasing number of advanced maternal age births.

Objective: The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the challenges associated with advanced maternal age pregnancies. This study looked into the challenges the mother faced at an older age, their reason behind …

Complementary Art Interventions For Children Coping With Cancer: An Integrative Literature Review, Brenda Pacheco

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Background: Cancer can be a physically and emotionally damaging disease. While there are various conventional pediatric cancer treatments, complementary alternative medicine (CAM), specifically art interventions, may be helpful in the care of these patients.

Objective: The aims of this integrative review were; (1) determine if art interventions impact coping with cancer in a pediatric population, (2) determine if the duration of the art intervention influences the impact on coping.

Methods: Articles were found through the following databases: Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), PubMed, PsycInfo, and ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health. Key search terms used included cancer, neoplasms, …

Hiv/Aids Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men, Bridget Malato

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

There is a disproportionate number of black men who have sex with men (BMSM) diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus, also known as acquired immunodeficiency disease (HIV/AIDS) when compared to other populations such as Caucasian men who have sex with men. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimated that among all gay and bisexual men diagnosed with HIV in the United States, black men accounted for the highest number, followed by Caucasian, then Hispanics/Latinos. The purpose of this research is to understand why this disparity exists and how nurses can help mitigate it. A conceptual framework was necessary to comprehend …

Factors That Influence Smoking During Pregnancy: An Integrative Literature Review, Victoria Baylis

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

For both the mother and the infant, the risks of smoking during pregnancy are numerous and have been studied for many decades. Despite this, some women still continue to smoke during pregnancy. The purpose of this integrative literature review is to identify contributing factors that influence women to smoke during pregnancy and to identify the factors that are modifiable by healthcare providers. This literature review acts as an additional resource that health providers may utilize in order to better understand why their patients continue to smoke and to inform their patients regarding smoking cessation during pregnancy. A computer-based search was …

Determination Of A Correlation Between Bipolar Disorder And Intelligence, Eleanor Sparks

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Determination of a Correlation Between Bipolar Disorder and Intelligence: An Integrative Literature Review

Ellie Sparks

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Elizabeth Hartman

Abstract

Background: History has linked high intelligence or advanced creativity with mental illness. However, there has been little research done to confirm or reject this suggestion.

Objectives: The goal of this systematic integrated literature review was to determine whether there is a correlation between high intelligence or education performance and the development of bipolar disorder in adulthood. In addition, childhood school performance or IQ is a risk factor for adulthood development of bipolar disorder.

Methods: This integrative literature review was …

Implementation Of A Quality Practice Model In The Emergency Department, W Wysocki

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Implementation of a Quality Practice Model in the Emergency Department An Integrative Literature Review

Wojtek Wysocki

Faculty Sponsor: Larry Maturin, RN, MSN

Background: Various factors can affect delivery of care along with the efficiency of the effectiveness of the practice environment. In the last several decades’ significant changes occurred in the healthcare delivery systems that have created a setting that does not support delivery of quality care provided by nursing.

Objectives: The purpose of this research review is to explore the need for and implementation strategies of a quality practice setting attribute model in the ED that increases nursing satisfaction …

The Transition From Prescription Opioid Drug Abuse To Heroin Use: An Integrative Review Of The Literature, Maria Varela

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

The Transition from Prescription Opioid Drug Abuse to Heroin Use

Maria Varela

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Barbara Harris, RN, PhD

Abstract

Background: The United States is currently facing alarmingly high and increasing rates of prescription opioid abuse and heroin use. Research has indicated that the abuse of prescription opioids such as hydrocodone and oxycodone may lead users to illicit drug use, specifically heroin.

Objective: The purpose of this integrative review is to identify biological, social, and psychological factors that aid in the transition from prescription drug abuse to heroin use.

Method: An integrative review guided by Whittemore and …