• Liquid Biopsy Detection of Aberrant DNA Methylation as a Biomarker for Monitoring Reoccurrence in Trodelvy-Treated Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients

  Nelson, Mark A.; Stone, Isabel; Lybarger, Lonnie; Wilson, Jean (The University of Arizona., 2025)

  Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer characterized by the absence of estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, which renders it resistant to hormone-based and HER2-targeted therapies. The lack of targeted treatment options, along with a high risk of metastasis and a poor prognosis, underscores the urgent need for innovative diagnostic and monitoring strategies. Current gold-standard techniques, such as tissue biopsy and imaging, exhibit limitations in capturing tumor heterogeneity and the molecular evolution of the tumor during treatment. This study proposes a clinical trial to evaluate a six-gene liquid biopsy assay for detecting DNA methylation biomarkers in TNBC patients undergoing therapy with Trodelvy. Trodelvy, an antibody-drug conjugate that targets the TROP-2 protein, delivers SN-38, a potent chemotherapy agent, directly to cancer cells. Aim 1 focuses on validating the assay for differentiating TNBC from benign and normal tissue, while Aim 2 assesses its capacity to monitor biomarker levels and detect recurrence earlier than breast MRI. Liquid biopsy, a minimally invasive and cost-effective method for analyzing circulating blood tumor biomarkers, addresses the limitations of traditional tissue biopsies and imaging. By employing quantitative methylation-specific PCR (qMSP), this study seeks to establish liquid biopsy as a sensitive and specific tool for real-time monitoring of TNBC.
• Targeting Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts with Recently Approved HIF2𝛼 Inhibitor, Belzutifan, in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

  Zavros, Yana; Castaño, Lizette Anissa; Riall, Taylor; Pond, Kelvin (The University of Arizona., 2025)

  Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a formidable cancer with low survival rates, influenced by a hypoxic tumor microenvironment rich in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) which contribute to tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. This paper proposes a novel approach to PDAC treatment by identifying the effects of HIF2a inhibition. Leveraging Belzutifan, an FDA-approved HIF2a inhibitor, this paper aims to assess the mechanism by which Belzutifan can effectively target myofibroblastic CAFs in the PDAC tumor stroma. By conducting a literature review and integrating findings from preliminary in vitro experiments using PDAC organoid/immune/CAF cell co-cultures, I aim to explore the changes in gene expression and signaling pathways. This will include assessing the impact on immune cell recruitment and activation through advanced molecular techniques. The findings are anticipated to advance our comprehension of PDAC pathophysiology and highlight potential therapeutic avenues, offering a promising shift in PDAC treatment strategies.
• Beliefs of Arizona School Based Agricultural Education Teachers on Neurodivergent Students Within FFA Intracurricular Programs: A Multiple Case Study Analysis

  Rice, Amber H.; Saldaña, Samantha Christine; Molina, Quint; Torres, Robert (The University of Arizona., 2024)

  The purpose of this qualitative multi-case study was to examine the beliefs held by Arizona agriculture teachers about their role in serving neurodiverse students through intracurricular FFA programs. This study approached the research question through the lens of the neurodiversity paradigm which focuses on individuals finding acceptance and agency rather than a dysfunction to be cured. Four overarching themes emerged from the data describing Arizona agriculture teacher’s beliefs and experiences working with neurodiverse students within FFA: belonging is integral for neurodiverse students’ participation; the definition of neurodiverse student success differs from teacher to teacher; agriculture teachers believe they are more understanding of neurodiverse students; and peer learning is more impactful than traditional professional development. Recommendations for further research include expanding the number of participants to other states and programs in future analysis, comparing beliefs of general education and agriculture teachers, and exploring the self-efficacy of agriculture teachers for working with neurodiverse students. Recommendations for future practice include increased professional development and teaching training for working with neurodiverse student populations, future professional development focused on specific diagnoses within the neurodiversity umbrella, and increased effort by National FFA and state associations on inclusion for all students, including students with neurodiversity.
• Increased Resolution in Black and White Film Digitization Utilizing a Narrow Bandpass Light Source

  Furenlid, Lars R.; Westenskow, John Patrick; Sasian, Jose M.; Kupinski, Matthew A. (The University of Arizona., 2025)

  In an effort to preserve and to provide access to their collections of black and white film negatives, many institutions (museums, libraries, archives, etc) are digitizing these collections. Several international committees were formed to define the needed image quality and created digitization guidelines with specifics for different material types to ensure that collection materials are properly documented and digitally preserved. Current practices for digitizing black and white negatives involve many different technologies, most of which incorporate broad-band "white" light sources. To assist with black and white film digitization image quality improvement efforts and standardizations, the author explores the benefits of utilizing a camera sensor without a color filter array and differing narrow-band light sources to mitigate image degradation caused by diffraction and chromatic change of focus. This thesis demonstrates that utilizing this technique enhances the optical resolution, or modulation transfer function, of the imaging setup with minimal drawbacks as is discussed in this thesis.
• The Relevance of Direct and Indirect Photolysis Degradation of Trace Organic Compounds With 254 nm UV Light

  Saez, Eduardo; Landon, Michael; Savagatrup, Suchol; Blowers, Paul (The University of Arizona., 2024)

  Trace organic compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, hormones and disinfection by products, that persist after conventional wastewater treatment pose potential risks to the ecosystems and human health. Singlet oxygen, 1O2, is a reactive oxygen species that degrades organic compounds that are resistant to traditional wastewater treatment methods. It is not known if relevant amounts of 1O2 can be created with 254 nm UV light. Experiments using furfuryl alcohol (FFA) as a probe compound in deionized (DI) water and wastewater effluent were conducted to verify how relevant 1O2 would be for treating wastewater with 254 nm UV light. The experiments were repeated with an added photosensitizer, Perinapthenone (PN) and a singlet oxygen scavenger, sodium azide (NaN3) to compare how rapidly FFA was consumed with a guaranteed source of 1O2 and in the presence of a scavenger. These results were compared to direct photolysis experiments carried out in DI water and wastewater effluent. Unfortunately in wastewater, very low amounts of 1O2 appeared to be created. This was further verified by repeating the wastewater experiments with a variety of other TOrCs to further verify this. While most TOrCs were broken down to varying extents, Trimethoprim, notable for its extremely slow direct photolysis reaction rate, did not degrade. This suggests that very low amounts of 1O2 are created in wastewater effluent treated with 254 nm UV light.

View more