Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Critical Review Of Telomerase Biology And Model Systems For The Study Of Telomerase, Jeremy Charles Aisenberg

Theses and Dissertations

The study of telomere and telomerase biology holds substantial promise in uncovering the molecular process of aging and the treatment of cancers. Studies have shown that telomere shortening is directly linked to cellular aging and that telomerase expression is found in over 85% of human cancers, including 95% of all advanced malignancies. Development of effective model systems to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of telomeres and telomerase in the processes aging and cancer is of particular importance. While inbred strains of mice have provided a wealth of information for a variety of pathways and diseases, the mouse model …

Dual Regulation Of Telomerase Activity By Hsf1 And Its Role In Prostate Cancer Progression, Keith Douglas Ostergaard Jensen

Theses and Dissertations

It has been shown that the key components of the hsp90 chaperone complex, including hsp90, p23, hsp70, hsp40, and HOP (p60), associate with telomerase; however, their specific roles in telomerase function and tumor progression have not yet been defined. HSF1, the primary mammalian heat shock protein transcription factor, may affect telomerase activity and transformation by regulating the expression of several hsp90 chaperone complex proteins in response to stress as well as regulating the transcription of hTERT, the protein subunit of telomerase.In our in vitro model of prostate cancer progression, as cells progress from immortal but non-tumorigenic (P69) to tumorigenic (M2182) …

The Effect Of Silencing The Wilms' Tumor 1 Gene On The Radiation Sensitivity Of Glioblastoma Cells, Dana C. Chan

Theses and Dissertations

Glioblastomas are among the most devastating of human cancers with a median survival of only 9-12 months. This type of brain tumor is incurable, largely due its remarkable proliferative capacity and resistance to current treatments. High levels of the Wilms' Tumor 1 (WTI) gene have been identified in glioblastomas, suggesting an oncogenic function. Moreover, known WT1 target genes have been implicated in resistance to radiation. To determine the role of WT1 in radiation resistance, two glioblastoma cell lines expressing WT1 were treated with siRNAs to silence this gene. Confirmation of WT1 knockdown was achieved through real-time PCR and Western blot. …

Resistance Exercise In Men Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy For Prostate Cancer, Daniel A. Galvao

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This thesis encompasses two literature reviews (chapter 2 & 3) and two experimental chapters (4 and 5) examining the available literature on exercise and cancer, resistance training and its anabolic responses in older men and women, the side effects of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer and finally, the role of resistance exercise as a clinical intervention to counteract such changes as an adjuvant therapy.

The Macrobiotic Diet May Have Benefits In Cancer Prevention, Brittany Lewis

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Macrobiotics is one of the most popular alternative or complementary approaches to fighting cancer. The diet is primarily plant-based, is centered on the idea of an all encompassing "yin-yang" concept in life, mind, environment and food. The dietary components of the macrobiotic diet, along with the many lifestyle implications are shown to have beneficial effects in cancer prevention and therapy. The diet has many anti-carcinogenic compounds, as well as a decrease in foods thought to promote cancer. A cause for concern is the vitamin deficiencies that may ensue in following a strict macrobiotic diet, which typically results from an all …

The Role Of Connective Tissue Growth Factor (Ctgf) In Fibrosis Associated With Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors, Michael David Shapiro

Yale Medicine Thesis Digital Library

Carcinoid tumors of the small bowel often present with fibrosis in the peritumoral tissues, distant in the heart or lungs, and locally in the peritoneal cavity. The mechanism of the fibroblastic lesions in patients with small bowel carcinoids is unclear and their timely diagnosis impossible. There exists no test to determine the risk of fibrosis, detect its presence, or monitor its progression once discovered. Furthermore, no current therapy protects against such fibrosis. We have proposed that CTGF, a mediator of the profibrotic activities of TGFâ1 (a known regulator of fibrosis)is directly involved in the genesis of ileal carcinoid-related fibrosis. The …

Responding To Localised Prostate Cancer : Lifeworld Reconstruction During The First Post-Diagnostic Year, David P. Wall

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This thesis investigated the experiences of men diagnosed with localised prostate cancer, as they reconstructed their lifeworlds during the first post-diagnostic year. With the exception of health related quality of life, a review of the psychosocial research literature revealed few studies that, explored the psychosocial experience of men diagnosed with localised prostate cancer. Furthermore, the review uncovered no studies that explored the process of Iifeworld reconstruction, and only three studies that considered the role of masculinity in the responses of men to the prostate cancer experience. Such a limited understanding, about the nature and process of lifeworld reconstruction, potentially compromises …

The Effect Of Professionally-Facilitated Group Support On Psychological Well-Being Among Clients With Cancer, Joann C. Harper Phd, Ms, Rn

Dissertations

Many persons suffer from cancer, some of whom seek psychological relief through group support. Despite the widely held belief that group support helps, its efficacy has not been consistently evident in the scientific literature. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of professionally-facilitated group support on the psychological well-being of clients with cancer between persons who participated in professionally-facilitated group support with those who did not. A comparison design measured effect by the Psychological General Well-Being (PGWB) index. Each study enrollee was diagnosed with a new or recurrent cancer within 18 months of study entry. ANCOVA was …

Synergistic Interactions Of Chlorambucil, Dha, And Trail In Jurkat And H460 Human Cancer Cells, Jennifer Ellen Bush-O'Donnell

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Traditional chemotherapeutic drugs are prone to toxicity and may result in secondary cancers. In recent years much attention has been garnered by alternate methods of cancer treatment with fewer side effects, including immunotherapy and administration of ω-3 fatty acids, both of which have been shown to cause apoptosis in cancer cells. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a fatty acid, is a normal component of cell membranes and is safe for systemic administration. The cytokine TRAIL (tumor necrosis factorrelated apoptosis-inducing ligand) is able to induce apoptosis in cancer cells while sparing normal tissue. In this study, the alkylating agent chlorambucil (CLB) was combined …

Developing And Testing A Pain Management Program For Family Caregivers Of Advanced Cancer Patients, Lynn Oldham

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Increasingly, advanced cancer patients are receiving care in the community supported by families and hospice home care services. However, little or no preparation is provided to family caregivers who assume this supportive role, often 24 hours per day. Pain management is consistently identified by family caregivers as their primary concern related to care and support of a relative with cancer. This project involved a three-phase program of research to develop and test a pain management program (PMP) that would provide family caregivers of advanced cancer patients with information and skills to manage the patient's pain.

Effect Of Relaxation On Neuro-Immune Responses Of Persons Undergoing Chemotherapy, Patricia K. Taylor Pothier Phd, Ms, Rn

Dissertations

Chemotherapy can be considered both a physiologic and a psychological stressor. Anxiety, nausea, emesis, and immunosuppression are commonly associated with chemotherapy, and may adversely affect the outcome or the process of treatment. Chemotherapy-related anxiety can exacerbate negative side-effects. Some psychological stressors, such as anxiety, can result in down-regulation of certain immune functions. Studies have demonstrated that behavioral interventions, such as specific relaxation strategies, can modify stress-related immune modulation. These behavioral interventions have also been shown to decrease the degree of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a relaxation intervention would result …

Attitudes, Practices And Knowledge Regarding Cervical Cancer Screening Among Greek Women In The Area Of Perth, Panagiota Karnaki

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The purpose of this thesis is to study the attitudes, practices and knowledge of Greek women in Perth, Western Australia, regarding cervical cancer screening. This is important because no study has yet examined the cervical screening pattern of this group, despite their low participation rate in screening programs. Qualitative semi-structured interviews among 15 Greek women in Perth were used for data collection. Interviews were conducted both in English and Greek. Eight out of the 15 women interviewed did not participate in frequent screening and many had had only one Pap test in their life. Culture and religion influenced negative attitudes …

Identification Of Needs In Treatment Of Breast Cancer, Luann Massey

MSN Research Projects

Breast cancer has been documented as the second leading cause of death in American women. Many needs are realized during the phases of treatment for breast cancer: at the time of diagnosis, during treatment, and after treatment. The purpose of this descriptive exploratory study was to identify the needs of women with breast cancer during phases of treatment. With the Neuman Systems Model as a theoretical framework, the research question was as follows : What are the needs of women with breast cancer during the phases of treatment? Data were obtained using the Massey Subject Profile and the Massey Questionnaire. …

Reaction-Diffusion Models Of Cancer Dispersion, Kim Yvette Ward

Mathematics & Statistics Theses & Dissertations

The phenomenological modeling of the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of one-dimensional models of cancer dispersion are studied. The models discussed pertain primarily to the transition of a tumor from an initial neoplasm to the dormant avascular state, i.e. just prior to the vascular state, whenever that may occur. Initiating the study is the mathematical analysis of a reaction-diffusion model describing the interaction between cancer cells, normal cells and growth inhibitor. The model leads to several predictions, some of which are supported by experimental data and clinical observations $\lbrack25\rbrack$. We will examine the effects of additional terms on these characteristics. …

Predicting The Severity Of Radiation Skin Reactions In Women With Breast Cancer, Davina Porock

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Skin reactions are unavoidable side effects of radiotherapy for breast cancer that may limit the amount of treatment a patient is able to receive. As well, the discomfort associated with the treatment may negatively affect the patient's quality of life and their willingness to complete a course of treatment that typically extends over seven weeks. Prior literature suggests that variations in patients' tissue reactions to radiation may be related to Individual patient characteristics. Before health care providers can intervene to prevent or minimise skin reactions, a clinical model that helps predict which patients will experience more skin reactions is needed. …

Alterations In Calcium Homeostasis And The Insulin-Like Growth Factor Signaling Pathway Induced By Carcinogenic Polycyclic And Halogenated Aromatic Hydrocarbons In Human Mammary Epithelial Cells, Stacey L. Tannheimer

Pharmaceutical Sciences ETDs

Breast cancer is a major health concern for women, with only a small percent of the risk factors currently identified. It has been estimated that environmental factors may contribute to up to 80% of breast cancer cases. Many environmental carcinogens, such as polycyclic and halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs and HAHs), are proven mammary carcinogens in animal models. Therefore, these studies were conducted to elucidate potential roles of PAHs and HAHs in alterations in known signaling pathways in human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC). Carcinogenic PAHs have previously been shown to produce sustained alterations in the calcium (Ca2') homeostasis of lymphocytes Therefore, …

Coping Mechanisms Utilized By Women Survivors Of Breast Cancer, Elizabeth Polk Thomas

MSN Research Projects

The suspected and confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer evokes feelings of fear, anxiety, guilt, frustration, and vulnerability in an individual. A woman diagnosed with breast cancer may utilize a variety of coping mechanisms. This descriptive study sought to identify the most common and most effective coping mechanisms utilized by women survivors of breast cancer answering the following research question: Which coping mechanisms are most effective and most frequently utilized by women survivors of breast cancer? This study used the theory of Lazarus and Folkman (1984) as a framework for understanding coping. The final sample (N = 20) consisted of women …

The Cellular And Molecular Dynamics Of The Queuosine Modification In Transfer Rna: Definition, Modulation, Deficiencies And Effect Of The Queuosine Modification System, Rana C. Morris

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

The presence of the queuosine modification in the wobble position of tRNA^asn, tRN^asp, tRNA^his, and tRNA^tyr is associated with a decrease in cellular growth rate, an increase in the ability to withstand environmental stress, and differentiation of pleuripotent cells into mature phenotypes. The loss of this normal modification is strongly correlated with neoplastic transformation and tumor progression of a wide variety of cancers.

The "normal" system for formation of the queuosine modification in tRNA was studied in human fibroblast cell cultures and in mouse, rat and human liver tissues. The queuosine modification system …

What Is The Intimate Experience Of Couples Following The Woman's Cancer-Related Breast Surgery?, Lynne Amor

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe and interpret the experience of couples following the woman's surgery for breast cancer, in order to gain an in depth understanding of how this mutilating surgery affects their everyday lives. Breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in Australian women, and in most industrialised nations. Women in Australia have a one in fourteen lifetime risk of developing the disease. Little is known concerning what meanings this surgery brings to the intimacy experienced between partners. It is important to seek knowledge of the phenomenon of intimacy, how the couples understand …

Facilitators And Barriers To The Practice Of Breast Cancer In Black Women, Yvonne W. Tanner

MSN Research Projects

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer in black women, yet black women are among the least likely to participate in breast screening. Little is known about factors that promote or inhibit the practice of breast cancer screening in this population. The purpose of this study was to determine what facilitators and barriers exist to the practice of breast cancer screening in black women. The theoretical frameworks for this study were Leininger's Transcultural Nursing Theory and Champion's Modified Health Belief Model. Utilizing a descriptive research design, a sample of 67 black women with no history of breast cancer …

Mathematical Models Of Chemotherapy, John Carl Panetta

Mathematics & Statistics Theses & Dissertations

Several mathematical models are developed to describe the effects of chemotherapy on both cancerous and normal tissue. Each model is defined by either a single homogeneous equation or a system of heterogeneous equations which describe the states of the normal and/or cancer cells. Periodic terms are added to model the effects of the chemotherapy. What we obtain are regions, in parameter space (dose and period), of acceptable drug regimens.

The models take into account various aspects of chemotherapy. These include, interactions between the cancer and normal tissue, cell specific chemotherapeutic drug, the use of non-constant parameters to aid in modeling …

Art Therapy In The Paediatric Oncology Setting: An Assessment Of The Feasibility Of Art Therapy To Address The Psychosocial Needs Of Paediatric Cancer Patients, Anthea Carboni

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

It is well recognised that children with cancer have special needs. Art therapy has been shown to be effective in meeting some of these needs. An exploratory study was conducted to assess the feasibility of art therapy to address the psychosocial needs of paediatric cancer patients in a medical setting where art therapy has not been practised before. A qualitative research design was used to investigate the research questions, using interviews as the main instrument. Subjects were recruited from the oncology team of a metropolitan children's hospital. The sample of thirteen informants consisted of representatives from the medical, nursing and …

The Role Of Small Peptides In Cancer Physiology And Chemotherapy, Bao-Ling Tsay

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

The targeting of proven anticancer drugs specifically to cancer cells would provide a unique opportunity to restrict neoplasms without damaging the cancer patient. The present research utilizes the phenomenon of illicit transport, i.e. the coupling of normally impermeant metabolites to permeant metabolites, in targeting the drug melphalan to mouse Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. The dipeptide beta-alanyl-melphalan was synthesized and tested in vitro for toxicity towards mouse Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, mouse liver cells, and mouse 3T3 embryonic cells. The parent compound, melphalan, was used as a control treatment. In addition, both melphalan and beta-alanyl-melphalan were utilized in in vivo chemotherapeutic …

Personal And Professional Practices Of Breast Self-Examination In Nurses, Julia Agars

Theses : Honours

Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer in females in Western Australia (W.A.). Despite technological advances the death rate from breast cancer is not decreasing. With the hope of reducing the mortality rates, preventative measures are being encouraged for the early detection of breast cancer. The Cancer Foundation of W.A. promote the performance of Breast Self Examination (BSE) on a monthly basis. The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency of BSE practice amongst nurses and the incidence of nurses teaching BSE to patients. The Health Belief Model (HBM) is used as a theoretical framework. This model …

In Vitro Comparative Studies On The Effect Of Vinblastine Sulfate And Hyperthermia On Normal And Transformed Human Lung Fibroblasts, Fernando Alberto Duk

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Although the differential response of malignant cells to hyperthermia was observed at the end of the last century, few investigations into the phenomenon were made until fairly recently. At first the results obtained were inconsistent due mostly to the inefficient techniques in use at the time. The advent of cell and tissue culture, increased knowledge in tumor biology, advances in molecular biology, and the development of equipment which could raise and monitor the temperature of tumors during hyperthermic treatments, have made the study of the effects of supranormal temperature on malignant neoplasias substantially more reliable.

The effectiveness of the combined …

The External Morphology Of The First Zoeal Stages Of Cancer Magister (Dana), Cancer Antennarius (Stimpson), And Cancer Anthonyi (Rathbun), Robert Dotson Mir

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The literature dealing with the larva of Pacific Coast brachyuran crabs is slight. The prominent papers, those of Aikawa (1927, 1928, 1929, 1933, 1937), deal with a variety of genera and offer information useful in determin- ing family relationships. A single paper by Hart (1935) also deal with a number of brachyuran larvae found in the Pacific Ocean. None of these papers, however, identifies to species any member of the genus Cancer, although one member, C. magister (Dana) is of considerable economic importance on the pacific coast of North America. In the fall of 1958 an investigation was under taken …