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- Creators: School of Life Sciences
Description
Chromothripsis, a phenomenon characterized by complex chromosomal rearrangements, has garnered significant attention in cancer research due to its potential implications in disease pathogenesis and progression. In this study, we investigate the role of chromothripsis in multiple myeloma (MM) using the EJM cell line as a model system. Through a comprehensive analysis of genome assembly methods and alignment algorithms, we aim to elucidate the impact of chromothripsis on the genomic landscape of MM and its potential clinical relevance. Our results highlight the efficacy of HifiASM and Shasta assemblers in handling complex genomic rearrangements associated with MM, suggesting their utility in genomic research and clinical applications. Comparative analyses of alignment lengths and coverage provide insights into assembly methodologies and algorithmic nuances, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate tools for accurate reconstruction of chromothripsis-affected genomes. Additionally, our study underscores the need for further optimization of assembly methodologies and analysis metrics, as well as the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies targeting chromothripsis-mediated genomic alterations in MM. Overall, our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of chromothripsis in MM pathogenesis and pave the way for personalized treatment approaches in MM patients.
ContributorsKulkarni, Nisha (Author) / Lynch, John (Thesis director) / Keats, Jonathan (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Computer Science and Engineering Program (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Caregiving for a disabled or ill relative can be an extremely stressful role, leading to increased acute physiological responses to stress and also chronic cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes. Furthermore, an important consideration for studying CVD and daily stress in caregivers is less is known about gender differences in the effects of caregiving. The aims of this study were to examine the associations between gender and daily stressors on cardiovascular health in caregivers. A sample of 1,841 respondents (ranging from 33-84 years) from the Midlife in the United States study answered a question about caregiving and participated in both a daily diary and biomarker subprojects. Within the sample, only 13.04% of respondents classified themselves as caregivers. Regression analysis was used to test 1. whether stressor exposure and stressor reactivity, which is the emotional response to stress, differ by caregiver status and gender, 2. cardiovascular health as indicated by the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple Seven measure (on scale of poor, intermediate, or ideal) is predicted by caregiving status and gender, 3. whether daily stress is associated with Life’s Simple Seven, and 4. whether daily stress moderates the associations between caregiving and gender with cardiovascular health. Important findings of the study included that caregivers and women experienced more daily stressors, while caregivers and men had greater cardiovascular risk, but this was not related to experience of daily stressors. These results are discussed within the context of study limitations and opportunities for future research building upon daily stress and caregiving.
ContributorsBiernot, Kelsey (Author) / Koffer, Rachel (Thesis director) / Gómez-Morales, Abigail (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
If students receive a form of sexual education, it usually occurs in their K-12 years in the United States. This education serves to prepare them for sexual activity as they transition into adulthood. The study sheds light on the importance of comprehensive and inclusive sexual education in reducing stigma and promoting healthy decision-making for all students. Our study aims to examine various factors influencing a college student's sexual health, including their sexual identity, religious affiliation, regional differences in K-12, sexual education, students' perceptions of their sexual education, and their comfort in discussing these topics with healthcare providers. A survey was conducted using responses from 200 ASU students, which collected data on their sexual behavior, and their responses were used to assess their level of sexual risk. Additionally, data was collected on topics outlined in our research questions, which explored several factors that can impact sexual health. Independent samples t-tests were conducted to analyze these correlations. The findings suggested a correlation between comprehensive sexual health education and increased positive and healthy behaviors related to sexual health. While some of our hypotheses were supported, the only statistically significant one was the impact of regional K-12 sexual health education on college students' sexual health. Overall, our study highlights the importance of implementing nationwide, comprehensive sexual education to promote healthy lifestyles and prepare adolescents with the knowledge to make informed decisions as they prepare for their transition into adulthood.
ContributorsStrasser, Maria (Author) / Brown, Taylor (Co-author) / Berkel, Cady (Thesis director) / Koskan, Alexis (Committee member) / Beaumont, Sarah (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
With the acknowledgement of Type 2 Diabetes as a disease that disproportionately affects the Latinx communities, this study is designed to look at the relationship between health literacy and diabetes awareness. This research was conducted using data from Dr. Felipe Castro's previous study on Latino Lifestyles for Diabetes Prevention. Multiple linear regressions were ran to find the correlation between certain measures and diabetes awareness. Major findings included seeing the positive relationship between education and diabetes awareness and the negative correlation between Behavior Intentions Self Monitoring and diabetes awareness. Further studies are required to see how different social factors impact an individual's ability to gain health literacy regarding Type 2 Diabetes.
ContributorsHuerta, Isabel (Author) / Castro, Felipe (Thesis director) / Lopez, Gilberto (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Human Evolution & Social Change (Contributor) / School of Public Affairs (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Patient care competency is an essential aspect in the roles of healthcare professionals. This study sought to discover how undergraduate pre-health students learn about patient care competency at Arizona State University. The study conducted interviews with pre-health advisors, students, and educators. Following interviews with 8 advisors, 24 pre-health students, and 7 professors, the research team analyzed the interviews for major themes. The study successfully learned about how pre-health students receive education on patient care inside and outside of ASU. The interviews demonstrated both positive features and limitations in the education on patient care competency at ASU. The study proposed a framework for improvement in order to ensure that all pre-health students receive sufficient education on patient care competency during their undergraduate years.
ContributorsAnderson, Ariana (Author) / Hurlbut, Ben (Thesis director) / Brian, Jenny (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
I researched and discussed the background of muscular hypertrophy as well as the potential mechanisms of sarcoplasmic hypertrophy. I proposed a hypothetical study that could help distinguish the effects of strength versus fatigue training and identified the impact of some key variables on muscle hypertrophy. The outcome of this hypothetical study could help improve the way athletes train in order to better suit their specific performance needs.
ContributorsSchaffer, Tarah (Author) / Rawls, Alan (Thesis director) / Smith, Cameron (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Aging presents a complex array of challenges, including increased susceptibility to various diseases due to decrease in the effective function of the immune system. White blood cells, or WBCs, play a crucial role in providing insight into the state of the body and it’s immune system, and is thus, a vital biomarker. Traditionally, obtaining WBC counts involves many man hours and involves labor intensive hand counting of WBCs seen in a blood smear. To streamline this process, machine learning and artificial intelligence may be used. Using a cell counting program, or CCP, this thesis aims to validate the accuracy of the CCP’s capabilities in the cell counting process. We compared CCP generated WBC proportional counts with a ground truth data set, called Zooniverse. From this, a minimal to moderate correlation was found between the CCP generated data and the Zooniverse data. In conjunction with this, significant discrepancies were observed between certain WBC subtypes, suggesting limitations in the CCP performance. Further analysis of the CCP outputted data revealed an uneven distribution of age in the samples considered, which could have produced a biasing result. Linear model regression analyses using CCP data indicated few significant associations between age, sex and the resulting WBC proportions, casting further doubt on the program validity. Our findings highlight both the promise and limitations of automated WBC counting programs. While the CCP model in question depicted that it does indeed offer time saving benefits, the current model’s accuracy in capturing the subtle age related changes in WBC composition are not entirely confirmed. Future improvements in algorithm design and validation methods are necessary to enhance the use of this particular CCP.
ContributorsAnand, Ritika (Author) / Ford, Isabella (Co-author) / Snyder-Mackler, Noah (Thesis director) / Sanchez Rosado, Mitchell (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / WPC Graduate Programs (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / School of Human Evolution & Social Change (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Aging presents a complex array of challenges, including increased susceptibility to various diseases due to decrease in the effective function of the immune system. White blood cells, or WBCs, play a crucial role in providing insight into the state of the body and it’s immune system, and is thus, a vital biomarker. Traditionally, obtaining WBC counts involves many man hours and involves labor intensive hand counting of WBCs seen in a blood smear. To streamline this process, machine learning and artificial intelligence may be used. Using a cell counting program, or CCP, this thesis aims to validate the accuracy of the CCP’s capabilities in the cell counting process. We compared CCP generated WBC proportional counts with a ground truth data set, called Zooniverse. From this, a minimal to moderate correlation was found between the CCP generated data and the Zooniverse data. In conjunction with this, significant discrepancies were observed between certain WBC subtypes, suggesting limitations in the CCP performance. Further analysis of the CCP outputted data revealed an uneven distribution of age in the samples considered, which could have produced a biasing result. Linear model regression analyses using CCP data indicated few significant associations between age, sex and the resulting WBC proportions, casting further doubt on the program validity. Our findings highlight both the promise and limitations of automated WBC counting programs. While the CCP model in question depicted that it does indeed offer time saving benefits, the current model’s accuracy in capturing the subtle age related changes in WBC composition are not entirely confirmed. Future improvements in algorithm design and validation methods are necessary to enhance the use of this particular CCP.
ContributorsFord, Isabella (Author) / Anand, Ritika (Co-author) / Snyder-Mackler, Noah (Thesis director) / Sanchez Rosado, Mitchell (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Bone tissue diseases involve the weakening of bones' flexibility, often leading to fractures. Annually, approximately 1.5 million individuals experience this condition, with a higher prevalence observed among older age groups. The primary solutions for bone diseases include allografts, which require an available donor and have been reported to elicit potential adverse host immune responses. Consequently, there is an opportunity for innovative solutions and treatments based on bone tissue engineering. One potential treatment involves the use of piezoelectric materials to support tissue regeneration and osteogenesis. To validate the suitability of this biomaterial, this study focuses on assessing its biocompatibility, particularly regarding cell viability and adhesion. Through the use of metabolic assays and scanning electron microscopy, scaffolds composed of multi-composite and piezoelectric biomaterials have shown promise in supporting the cell types necessary for bone regeneration.
ContributorsPulido, Tiffany (Author) / Chen, Xiangfan (Thesis director) / Lancaster, Jessica (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Criminal justice discourse has so far almost ignored a growing movement in police DNA collection, felony arrest DNA collection. Felony arrest collection is the practice of taking a DNA sample from everyone arrested for a felony, not charged nor convicted of a felony. To address this, this thesis project examines the history, concerns, and future of felony arrest DNA collection. It will use a failed attempt to pass felony arrest DNA collection bills in Arizona from 2022, as a case study to understand why this issue is so contentious, and what current evidence there is to support the two emerging sides of this debate. These bills, HB 2102 and 2572, started and died in the state legislature without much fanfare. However, felony arrest DNA collection has received academic attention, with discussions ranging from racial inequality to the security of databases. To bridge the gap, this project will bring academic information and original reporting to the public through the lens of the 2022 bills. It will contribute interviews with relevant political parties, a synthesis from academic sources, and transparent DNA collection rates in Arizona to create a base of knowledge for the future discussions surrounding felony arrest DNA collection.
ContributorsRamirez, Sophia (Author) / Brian, Jennifer (Thesis director) / Gomez, Alan (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05