Theses and Dissertations
This collection includes both ASU Theses and Dissertations, submitted by graduate students, and the Barrett, Honors College theses submitted by undergraduate students.
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- Creators: School of Nutrition and Health Promotion
Description
The development of the Diabetic Physiological state is influenced by the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE). This receptor was discovered in 1992, and the accumulation of research on this subject has been extensive. Structural characterization studies of the RAGE protein have shown that it is a transmembrane protein that binds a number of different motile ligands. The diversity of ligands that can attach to the binding domain is the primary factor that allows for RAGE to exhibit its wide-range effects on host cells. Two different studies were completed: one study dealt with the role of IAPP in beta cell death, and the second study was related to RAGE influence on cardiomyocytes and, more specifically, it was related to cardiac cell death. After the completion of the two studies, a comprehensive report was written for each topic. The two papers were merged into a single document. Molecular studies are important for understanding the underlying mechanisms that motivate pathophysiological presentation. In addition to a molecular understanding of the development of diabetes, a clinical research study was completed through the examination of appropriate literature sources. This clinical aspect allowed for the progression of different phases in the research process. A relationship between vinegar and lower plasma glucose was found. The exact mechanism behind this relationship will be studied in the future.
ContributorsGonzalez, Matthew Joseph (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis director) / Collins, Michael (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Nutrition and Health Promotion (Contributor)
Created2015-05
Description
The main objective of this thesis/creative project was to tackle the idea and condition of Phantom Pain Syndrome (PPS). Simply put, PPS is the feeling of pain in a limb that is no longer there due to an amputation of some sort. These phantom pains/sensations can include twisting, burning, pulling, and stabbing. This condition, while explored, seems to not have many research and therapies to holistically help the amputees effectively that may be struggling with it. Because of this lack of research and uniqueness of the condition, this thesis proposed a research assessment (a new questionnaire) with the goal to re-evaluate current PPS treatments and take deeper looks into the implications of PPS. It is the intent of this new questionnaire to spur further research on three aspects of PPS: physical, mental, and social. The main objective for the new questionnaire that this thesis proposed is to initiate a re-evaluation of current PPS treatments so that more holistic treatments and therapies can be instituted to help amputees that may be struggling with phantom pains/sensations. This re-evaluation and new treatments would ultimately help amputees with PPS regain their bearings in their life, not let the phantom pains control how they act/feel, and walk proudly again in society. This thesis and the proposed new questionnaire were donned the name Project Sahelanthropus because they both aim at helping amputees, regardless of which types of lost limbs, to stand proudly again in society (just as Sahelanthropus tchadensis is believed to be the earliest known hominid to proudly walk bi-pedal or upright compared to other hominids). This thesis is the culmination of five different works: a literature review analyzing current PPS treatments, a literature review analyzing credible questionnaires, a created informed consent form, the proposed new questionnaire, and finally the research proposal itself.
ContributorsDiaz, Brandon Ryan (Author) / Savaglio, Lauren (Thesis director) / Collins, Michael (Committee member) / School of Nutrition and Health Promotion (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2016-05
Description
Health and wellness coaching has shown promising results in numerous studies. However, there is lack of published research evaluating the impact of using wellness-coaching interventions implemented by coaching trainees in a worksite setting. The main objective was to examine the changes in self-reported scores of the 12-wellness dimensions of health in ASU students, faculty, and staff after participating in an eight-week health and wellness program. The secondary outcome was to evaluate if additional health and wellness recommendations had a significant impact. The participants were aged 18 to 58 years and were divided into two groups: the first group received health and wellness coaching, while the second group received the health and wellness coaching in addition to recommendations on specific worksite social/embedded programs and supporting activities. Both groups had significantly increased scores in Eating/Nutrition and Thinking (p<0.001 and P<0.014 respectively). Health and wellness coaching trainees were effective in assisting clients on reaching realistic progress. Our program shows potential benefits in worksite wellness.
ContributorsBlackwell, Jared (Author) / Gregory-Mercado, Karen (Thesis director) / Collins, Michael (Committee member) / Scribner, Christina (Committee member) / School of Nutrition and Health Promotion (Contributor) / School for the Science of Health Care Delivery (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2017-12
Description
Despite the initial emergence of the infectious disease in the 1950's, Zika virus did not gain notoriety as an epidemic until 2015. It's rapid dissemination and potentially lethal and expensive consequences have afforded Zika the title of Public Health Emergency of International Concern. While the flu-like symptoms of the mosquito-borne illness are a mere mild nuisance, the links between Zika and Guillian-Barre Syndrome as well as a birth defect known as microcephaly are alarming to say the least. Guillian-Barre Syndrome causes temporary or permanent paralysis, which can sometimes lead to fatality. Microcephaly is a fetal anomaly that causes physical and mental defects and disabilities for a lifetime. Though most countries in Latin America are solely pursuing mosquito-prevention tactics including aerial sprays, bug kits, and door-to-door educational efforts, this is not enough to solve the problem at large. Antiquated laws restricting abortions must be jettisoned, and contraceptives must be accessible to all women in order to mitigate these disastrous effects. With Brazil at the epicenter of this crisis, policy makers in Latin America have no choice but to address this impending disaster. Without a firm grasp on a solution and potential vaccination, the near-isolated cases in Latin America are going to gain a wider global spread. Mosquito season is looming overhead, and there have already been confirmed cases in the United States. Due to constraints in the political, cultural, and religious environments of Latin America, any and all solutions to mitigate the effects of Zika are going to include major changes to the laws and social norms.
ContributorsNoe, Sarah A (Author) / Wood, Reed (Thesis director) / Hinojosa, Magda (Committee member) / School of Politics and Global Studies (Contributor) / Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law (Contributor) / School of Nutrition and Health Promotion (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2017-05