This thesis aims to determine whether people with Parkinson's disease differ from people with multiple sclerosis in their responsivity to reactive balance training, which is vital for reducing the risk of falls, as measured by the amount of time it takes for postural muscle activation after the addition of a perturbation stimulus.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most diagnosed heart diseases globally, affecting about 5% of adults over the age of twenty[1]. Lifestyle changes can positively impact risk of developing CAD and are especially important for individuals with high genetic risk [1]. In this study, we sought to predict the likelihood of developing CAD using genetic, demographic, and clinical variables. Leveraging genetic and clinical data from the UK Biobank on over 500,000 individuals, we classified and separated 500 genetically similar individuals to a target individual from another 500 genetically dissimilar individuals. This process was repeated for 10 target individuals as a proof-of-concept. Then, CAD-related variables were used and these include age, relevant clinical factors, and polygenic risk score to train models for predicting CAD status for the 500 genetically similar and 500 genetically dissimilar groups, and determine which group predicts the likelihood of CAD more accurately. To compute genetic similarity to the target individuals we used the Mahalanobis distance. To reduce the heterogeneity between sexes and races, the studies were restricted to British male Caucasians. The models using the more similar individuals demonstrated better predictive performance. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was found to be significantly higher for the ‘similar’ rather than the ’dissimilar’ groups, indicating better predictive capability (AUC=0.67 vs. 0.65, respectively; p-value<0.05). These findings support the potential of precision prevention strategies, since one should build predictive models of disease for any one target individual from more similar individuals to that target even within an otherwise homogenous group of individuals (e.g., British Caucasians). Although intuitive, such practices are not done routinely. Further validation and exploration of additional predictors are warranted to enhance the predictive accuracy and applicability of the model.

Aging is influenced by genetic and lifestyle factors, which manifest differently in each individual. While genetic predispositions and structural brain changes occur throughout the aging process, interventions such as mindfulness meditation are promising in preventing cognitive decline and promoting healthy aging. Findings from various studies explore the impacts of various lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, and mindfulness interventions on cognitive function and overall health as people age. Furthermore, mindfulness interventions have been shown to enhance cognitive performance, emotion regulation, and cardiovascular health. Addressing the psychological and physiological aspects of aging and the benefits of non-pharmaceutical interventions offers a holistic approach to healthy aging that is often overlooked. In this thesis, I examined various literature reviews, exploring the intersections between individual differences and mindfulness interventions in promoting healthy aging.

Breast cancer is the most common disease among women and the second most common disease worldwide, accounting for 2.09 million new cases of cancer diagnosis in 2018. It accounts for 11.6% of all cancer cases and is the leading cause of cancer mortality for women as well as the fourth cause of cancer death overall. HER2-positive breast cancer is distinguished as a distinct subtype of breast cancer by the overexpression of HER2, a specific protein found on the surface of cancer cells. Because targeted medicines precisely target the overexpression of the HER2 protein, the management of HER2-positive breast cancer has undergone a complete revolution. Monoclonal antibodies targeting the extracellular domain of the HER2 protein were regarded to be a step forward in the treatment of breast cancer; however, affibody-DNA nanoparticles in particular offer a paradigm-shifting picture of cancer treatment and diagnostics. The advantages of affibody DNA nanoparticles include targeted distribution, customization, small size, potential for combination therapy, and unique character. These attributes make them a promising alternative to monoclonal antibodies, the current standard therapy, in the treatment of HER2 positive breast cancer. The purpose of this paper is to provide information on the most promising recently developed nanoparticle-based therapies for the diagnosis and management of HER-2-positive breast cancer.

The current study examined the experiences of individuals with severe mental health symptoms and low physical activity who were referred by their medical provider to a program called InSHAPE. In this program, participants are paired with a health mentor, whose goal was to improve the level of physical activity engagement. Health coaches also promoted community engagement through participation in physical activity. Each week individuals were assigned a physical health goal and a non-physical health goal. It is hypothesized that individuals who accomplish their goals in the first week are more likely to stay in the program. I hypothesize that more time in the program will be positively correlated with more success in terms of participants reaching their goals as well as engaging in community activity. Finally, it is hypothesized that the more time in the program, the healthier participants will become. The results of this study report no significant associations between variables, suggesting that there is no significant correlation between time spent in the InSHAPE program and success in the program in terms of goal attainment and community involvement. More research is needed to delineate the multidirectional relationship between physical activity and mental health. A better understanding of the mood benefits of physical activity can better inform holistic treatments for those with negative mental health symptoms. Documentation of programs focused on increasing physical activity specifically for mental health gains implemented in the community are needed.

Our gut microbiome is a dynamic and complex community of microorganisms that play a vital role in our immune system and metabolism. Probiotics have gained significant traction in the health and scientific communities due to their potential health benefits particularly in our gut microbiome. A particular probiotic organism that is already known to beneficially aid in metabolism, primarily glucose metabolism is the bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus. Due to most probiotic foods and supplements being developed using multiple strains and species, it is of interest to quantify the potential synergistic abilities of the two most used species of probiotics when used in combination: the bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus and the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii. With the rise of metabolic disorders and the price of synthetic insulin in the United States, identifying novel approaches to regulate glucose levels could offer alternate or complementary therapies. The objective of this study was to explore any potential synergistic effects of a co-culture of S. boulardii and L. acidophilus in metabolizing dietary glucose. Probiotic supplements are typically consumed in the morning during breakfast, therefore, to replicate this process and as a source of dietary glucose, a super food mix consisting of white bread, orange juice, and one whole egg was prepared. After both probiotic organisms had been revived, they were thoroughly mixed with 1 ml of the super food mix and 1 ml of a stomach acid solution both individually and in co-culture. Total glucose levels [mg/dL] in each incubation were measured using a glucose colorimetric detection kit. In this ‘proof-of-concept' experiment, the introduction of both S.boulardii and L.acidophilus into an in vitro stomach incubation caused glucose levels to decrease by 25.6%. Although there was a marked decrease, more testing is required to determine the statistical significance. These experiments do show some promise of a positive collaborative effect between these microorganisms in reducing GI levels of glucose.

This paper examines the multifaceted challenges surrounding college students' nutrition, with a specific focus on Arizona State University (ASU). Examining economic shifts, psychological influences, nutrition knowledge, and body image dynamics, it reveals the profound impact on students' food security and eating behaviors. Despite existing initiatives, persistent gaps in resources remain, necessitating comprehensive interventions to support students effectively. In response, "The Ultimate Health Resource for ASU Students," a website, was developed as an innovative solution. This platform aims to empower students by providing a centralized hub to access vital resources, connect with peers, and discover nutritious recipes. Proposed strategies encompass expanding food pantry offerings, developing mobile applications for nutritional guidance, and fostering partnerships with local organizations. By tackling these challenges head-on and fostering a culture of support, ASU can ensure that all students have equitable access to nutritious food options and the necessary resources to thrive academically and personally. The website serves as a place of empowerment, offering practical solutions and fostering a sense of community among ASU students striving for optimal health and well-being.

In this thesis, I examine Change The Ref’s media spectacles in order to argue that Change the Ref has been effective in transforming the conversation on school shootings because of its utilization of the media in combination with art to evoke an emotional response from the public, and because of the work they do in collaboration with other survivors and victims’ parents.