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Music\u27s Effect on the Mental Health of Differing Age Groups
No full textMental health disorders are a significant concern in today’s society. Music therapy has been shown to be an effective intervention for conditions such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, and insomnia. However, it is not clear if the benefits function the same across different ages. The present study examined the influence of music on mental health across age using a publicly available dataset from Kaggle.com. We hypothesized that music listening would be associated with improved mental health outcomes regardless of age and that increased listening time would correlate with lower anxiety and depression. Results indicated that daily hours of music consumption were associated with depression and anxiety, but not insomnia and OCD. Greater daily music listening was linked to higher depression scores, suggesting that excessive listening may correspond with increased psychological distress. Findings also revealed that older adults experienced more positive effects from music listening compared to younger participants, implying that the therapeutic benefits of music may depend on both listening habits and underlying emotional states. Additionally, individuals who actively play or compose music reported lower levels of mental health symptoms, supporting the idea that creative engagement in music may offer protective effects. Overall, these results suggest that moderate music listening may be a valuable tool for enhancing mental well-being
Complexometric titration of terbium(III) compounds: an analytical blast from the past gives purity assurance when modern instruments fail us.
No full textLanthanide ions have attracted attention for applications in microwave electronics, memory devices, lighting applications, and chemical sensors. Terbium(III)-centered homoleptic complexes show promise as potential fluorescence-based chemical sensing agents. Tb(phen)2(NO3)3 (phen = 1,10-phenothroline) exhibits striking visible emission when excited by short-wave ultraviolet light; this emission is completely quenched by exposure to water or strong acid. However, the luminescence returns under relatively benign conditions. Unfortunately, our array of terbium(III) complexes are notoriously insoluble; rendering standard analytical techniques useless to assess purity, notably, 1H and 13C-NMR. Titration is a useful technique to give us, an assurance of purity—in conjunction with the ad-hoc purity assurance given by crystal growth. An EDTA titration was developed to assess the concentration of the terbium(III) in our array of terbium(III) based complexes: Tb(phen)2(NO3)3, [Tb(CH3OH)2(H2O)(NO3)3](dmphen)3 (dmphen = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenthroline), Tb(bpy)2(NO3)3 (bpy = 2,2’-bipyridne), and [Tb(pydm)3](NO3)3 (pydm = 2,6-pyridine dimethanol). The titration provides a rapid, onsite, and efficient method to assess the purity of the product of our synthetic attempts
Water’s Effect on the Decomposition of Baptisia australis
No full textDetritus, dead organic matter, is an essential part of nutrient cycling in Earth’s ecosystems. If dead organic matter could not be decomposed, dead matter would be amassed everywhere, and its nutrients could not be returned to the soil to nourish living species. Detritivores decompose this dead matter and return its nutrients to the soil. How quickly matter decomposes is influenced by a variety of abiotic factors. One abiotic factor which is of interest to decomposition is water quantity and frequency. This study aimed to test if Baptisia australis decomposes faster in dry or wet conditions. The expected results are that the wet litterbags would have increased rates of decomposition compared to the control. Plant material was separated into 16 litter bags, weighed, and placed outside on the green roof. One group of litter bags was defined as the control in which environmental conditions were not altered; the other bags received 500mL of water biweekly. The results showed that there is no difference in decomposition related to the water frequency and quantity. Detritivores require moisture to live, so it is logical that they would be more active for decomposers in damp environments. However, that was not supported in this study. While decomposition rates are impacted by a variety of abiotic and biotic factors, the quantity and frequency of water do not seem to be an essential factor
Exploring the MYC-EGR1 Pathway in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells
No full textThe WNT signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the regulation of cell growth and death in the intestinal epithelium and during colorectal carcinogenesis. In the presence of Wnt, MYC is upregulated, which leads to the proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells. Under certain cellular conditions, namely the loss of p53 function common to colorectal tumors, MYC upregulates the expression of the tumor suppressor EGR1, leading to apoptosis. This MYC-EGR1 pathway has been observed in p53-knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts but has yet to be observed in human cells. These studies aim to assess the activity of the MYC-EGR1 pathway in human variants of the HCT116 human colorectal cancer cell line with and without functional p53 (p53+/+ and p53-/-, respectively). We transduced these sister cells line with shRNA targeting MYC or EGR1 expression or with a control, nontargeting shRNA. Transduction was verified with a GFP transduction marker. After transduction, RNA was isolated and expression of TP53 (the p53 gene), MYC and EGR1 were assessed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis to assess the activity of the MYC-EGR1 pathway in these HCT116 variant cell lines. We validated the absence of TP53 gene expression in the p53-/- cells indicating these cells as a good model for assessment to the MYC-EGR1 pathway in human cells. We further assessed whether the knockdown of MYC in each of the subject cell lines impacted the expression of EGR1. The identification of the MYC-EGR1 pathway in human colorectal cancer cells would represent the first step toward potentially identifying a novel therapeutic target for colorectal cancer
The Effect of Noise Pollution on the Diversity and Abundance of Bird Species at Different Locations at Warner Parks, Nashville, TN
No full textNoise pollution is a significant abiotic factor that can alter bird biodiversity and abundance of birds in urbanized areas. A new road is proposed through a relatively untouched area of Warner Parks in Nashville, TN, which may affect the bird community. Acoustic Song Meters were used to monitor bird sounds and soundscapes in the proposed road site and two areas of the park with different levels of noise pollution (roadside=high noise; isolated=low noise) for three weeks. Recordings were analyzed to determine bird species and abundance at each site to predict how increasing noise pollution may affect bird diversity in the proposed road site. Bird diversity was higher in the isolated site and lower along the roadside. Bird diversity in the proposed road site was mirrored closest by the isolated site, suggesting that diversity might change after the road is constructed. This study will provide valuable information to Metro Nashville Parks about bird communities in urbanized areas as Nashville continues to grow
Thanks Mom and Dad!: How does Parental Attachment relate to Emotion Regulation in Young Adults
No full textInvestigating Endoderm Differentiation Following MYC and EGR1 Knockdown in Pluripotent Stem Cells
No full textThe Wnt signaling pathway is a key regulator of development, controlling stem cell maintenance and differentiation from embryogenesis through adulthood. In the intestinal epithelium, Wnt activation stabilizes β-catenin, leading to the transcription of target genes, such as MYC, the most well-defined function of which is to promote cell growth, metabolism, and survival. Abnormal activation of the Wnt pathway and subsequent upregulation of MYC is the driving force behind most colorectal cancers. Previous studies have shown that MYC, in the absence of p53, will drive the expression of the Early Growth Response 1 (EGR1) gene, a transcription factor involved in differentiation and response to external stimuli, ultimately stimulating apoptosis. Preliminary data also indicate that EGR1 is upregulated in definitive endoderm derived from differentiation of pluripotent stem cells down the endoderm lineage. The role of EGR1 in endoderm differentiation is unclear, and the activity of the MYC-EGR1 pathway during this process has not been assessed.
To explore this relationship, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were transduced with shRNAs to knockdown MYC or EGR1 expression and evaluated their potential for differentiation into definitive endoderm. Using the SOX17 definitive endoderm marker, we assessed the percentage of differentiated cells in the cultures transduced with the MYC and EGR1 targeted shRNAs as compared to those transduced with a nontargeting, scrambled shRNA.
While data collection is ongoing, preliminary results suggest that decreased expression of either MYC or EGR1 decreases the number of SOX17 positive cells. These data indicate a potential role for the MYC-EGR1 pathway in the endoderm differentiation lineage. Future work will focus on verifying these effects and identifying the cellular context in iPSCs that stimulate the activation of the MYC-EGR1 pathway during endoderm differentiation
Physiological Response to Concealed Information in a Mock-Crime Paradigm
No full textThe Concealed Information Test (CIT), based on Lykken’s guilty knowledge framework, measures physiological responses when individuals recognize crime-related details compared to neutral alternatives. Previous studies show that variations in stimulus presentation enhance the CIT’s accuracy, especially through changes in electrodermal activity and heart rate. However, few studies have tested whether a Qualtrics-based mock-crime version of the CIT can replicate these physiological patterns. This study addresses that gap by adapting the CIT for a digital research environment. The goal is to determine whether participants show greater physiological arousal—measured through skin conductance, heart rate, and respiration—when exposed to crime-related “critical” stimuli compared to neutral “irrelevant” items during a mock-crime task. Participants (N = 20) will be recruited from Belmont University’s SONA pool and fitted with Biopac sensors to record physiological responses. Each participant will complete a Qualtrics-based mock-crime scenario followed by five multiple-choice questions, each containing one crime-related and four neutral items. Data will be analyzed using paired-samples t-tests to compare responses to critical versus irrelevant stimuli. This study extends traditional deception-detection methods by integrating biometric recording with a digital Qualtrics interface, enabling remote, customizable, and replicable administration of the CIT without specialized lab software. Beyond replicating classic findings, this digital adaptation provides a scalable platform for studying deception in accessible, low-cost environments. The broader significance lies in its potential application to remote forensic assessments, virtual law enforcement training, and cost-effective deception testing in pandemic-era or rural contexts, thereby broadening both the accessibility and societal relevance of psychophysiological research
Food Allergies on the College Campus: Increasing Awareness
No full textProject Title: Food Allergies on the College Campus: Increasing Awareness
Background and Rationale: The prevalence of food allergies in the United States is high and continues to increase, affecting approximately 32 million people (10.8% of the population). Food allergies are a chronic disease, and students transitioning to college are in the age group that experiences the highest rate of lethal anaphylactic reactions related to food allergies. Current best practice guidelines recommend that colleges should have a comprehensive, campus-wide approach to food allergy awareness, management, and emergency protocol. At a midsize southeastern university, there was no campus-wide approach to addressing the needs of food-allergic students as a population. Several best-evidence recommendations were missing, including early identification of students with food allergies, resources for these students, and awareness of food allergies among non-allergic students on the campus, including resident advisors.
SMART Aim: This quality improvement project aimed to increase food allergy awareness on the Belmont University campus by 25% as measured by pre-and post-intervention surveys of students, resident advisors, and resident directors by November 30, 2024,
Methods: 1) The campus registered dietician attended and had tabling at the Towering Tradition new student orientation sessions to identify students with food allergies proactively. Identification rates were measured by the Registered Dietician, who documented the number of one-on-one meetings requested by students with food allergies. 2) Resident Advisor education specific to the role during August 2024. 3) Resident Director education specific to the role during June 2024. 4) Peer education was offered at Towering Traditions\u27 new orientation summer sessions in June 2024 and during six Well Core events in the Fall of 2024. Awareness rates for all three groups were measured with pre- and post-education survey questions.
Outcomes: Results indicate a 23% increase in Resident Advisor, 21% in Peer, and 9% in Resident Director survey scores. Students and their families reported an appreciation for the increased awareness across campus. Students without food allergies demonstrated engagement and eagerness to learn during the six Well Core mandatory wellness sessions for undergraduate students
Facilitating Timely Initiation of HIV Care Through an Interdisciplinary, Algorithm-Guided Approach
No full textABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) within twenty-four hours of an HIV diagnosis is safe, shortens time to viral suppression, improves retention in care, and contributes to reduced HIV transmission at the community level (Bacon et al., 2021). Despite this evidence, patients across the United States do not universally receive timely HIV care (Bertolino et al., 2023). Barriers to early ART initiation include lack of staff buy-in, logistical challenges, and socioeconomic factors affecting patients (Doshi et al., 2023).
LOCAL PROBLEM: A small HIV care clinic in the southern United States observed a similar discrepancy, noting inconsistent timely initiation of ART among its patients. Barriers to early ART initiation were identified as: a lack of collaboration and a need for role clarification across disciplines.
INTERVENTION: This project aimed to strengthen clinical services and promote health equity through the interdisciplinary co-creation of an HIV testing-to-treatment algorithm.
METHODS: A mixed-methods convergent Quality Improvement (QI) design was utilized. Following the co-creation and implementation of the testing-to-treatment algorithm, quantitative data were collected on time-to-treatment for all newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients over a two-month period. Concurrently, anonymous surveys were distributed to staff involved in HIV testing, treatment, and case management. Staff surveys included questions on algorithm design and use.
RESULTS: During the project period, ART was initiated within 30 days of diagnosis in 83% of new HIV-positive cases. Qualitative survey findings demonstrated strong support for standardized protocols to facilitate timely ART initiation, with 100% of staff reporting that such processes improve access to care.
CONCLUSION: Identification of a streamlined and stepwise approach to HIV care can be a collaborative experience, with input from clinicians, case managers, and unlicensed community health workers. A lack of interdisciplinary collaboration remains a key barrier to evidence-based HIV care delivery.
Keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), antiretroviral therapy (ART), interdisciplinary collaboration, barriers, algorithm, standardized process
References
Bacon, O., Chin, J., Cohen, S. E., Hessol, N. A., Sachdev, D., Coffey, S., Scheer, S., Buchbinder, S., Havlir, D. V., & Hsu, L. (2021). Decreased time from human immunodeficiency virus diagnosis to care, antiretroviral therapy initiation, and virologic suppression during the citywide RAPID initiative in San Francisco. Clinical Infectious Diseases: An Official Publication of The Infectious Diseases Society of America, 73(1), e122–e128. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciaa620
Bertolino, D., Baim-Lance, A., D\u27Aquila, E., Coren, F., & Abraham, B. (2023). Immediate initiation of antiretroviral treatment: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among clinic staff in New York City. BMC Health Services Research, 23(1), 1039. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-09896-5
Doshi, R. K., Hull, S., Broun, A., Boyani, S., Moch, D., Visconti, A. J., Castel, A. D., Baral, S., Colasanti, J., Rodriguez, A. E., Jones, J., Coffey, S., & Monroe, A. K. (2023). Lessons learned from U.S. rapid antiretroviral therapy initiation programs. International Journal of STD & AIDS, 34(13), 945–955. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956462423118562