Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Assessing Quality Outcomes In A Behavioral Oncology Program: Capstone Project, Elizabeth M. Archer-Nanda

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

The landscape of cancer care has changed dramatically over the past several decades. An illness that was once often fatal, now represents both an acute life threatening illness and a chronic condition. While there have been tremendous advancements in the treatment of the physiological aspects of cancer, management of related psychosocial and emotional issues have not seen this same progress. Limited information exists related to both the evaluation and outcome metrics associated with the screening and management of psychiatric sequelae after referral to specialized psychiatric services in cancer patient populations. This capstone project focused on (a) implementation of consistent use …

Natural Products As Therapeutic Agents In Cancer Treatment, Eric Huseman, Lauren P. Williams, Brittany Santee, Trevor Stump, Chelsae Ward, Rachel Kunze, Denise S. Simpson, Samson Amos

Pharmacy and Nursing Student Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Poster Session

Cancer accounts for 25% of deaths in the United States, and brain tumors greatly contribute to this percentage. However, relative to other types of cancers, brain tumors prove difficult to treat because they are heterogeneous, highly proliferative, highly invasive, and resistant to the traditional cancer treatments of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Past studies have shown that flavonoids and curcuminoids, two classes of compounds derived from natural sources, are effective in inhibiting the development and metastasis of breast and lung cancer cells. Research has also indicated that these compounds have potential for treating brain tumors.

The purpose of this research is to …

Rna Interference Targeting Glucose-Regulated-Protein 78 Induces Hepg2 Cell Apoptosis, Brittany Blackman

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Cancer is a complex genetic disease that is driven by genetic mutations resulting in chronic, inappropriate cell proliferation. Many current cancer therapies lack specificity towards tumor tissues, ultimately leading to adverse side effects and limited clinical efficacy. Recently, selective cancer cell therapy has examined a well-characterized cell surface marker that is preferentially expressed on tumor cells. The over-expression of an endoplasmic reticulum chaperone protein, 78-kDa glucose-regulated-protein (GRP78), has been observed on the surface of cancer cells, but not on normal tissues. By selectively targeting GRP78 with short-interfering RNA (siRNA), potent GRP78 silencing is anticipated by the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. …

Nkg2d Ligands In Cancer, Neha Das Gupta

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

NK cell transplantation has been increasingly used to treat cancers that are resistant to chemotherapy. However, not all cancers are susceptible to NK cell killing. The prevalence and mechanisms of NK cell resistance have not been well elucidated. Because NKG2D is a major activating receptor on NK cells, we sought to test the hypothesis that NKG2D is the primary pathway in tumor cell recognition. Herein, we comprehensively assessed 20 cancer cell lines representing a broad array of cancer types. In line with our primary hypothesis, no cancer cell lines that expressed low levels of NKG2D ligands were susceptible to NK …

Targeting Urokinase And The Transferrin Receptor With Novel, Anti-Mitotic N-Alkylisatin Cytotoxin Conjugates Causes Selective Cancer Cell Death And Reduces Tumor Growth, K Vine, V. Indira Chandran, J Locke, L Matesic, J Lee, D Skropeta, J Bremner, M Ranson

Danielle Skropeta

Tumor-specific delivery of ligand-directed prodrugs can increase the therapeutic window of chemotherapeutics by maintaining efficacy whilst decreasing toxic side effects. We have previously described a series of synthetic N-alkylated isatin cytotoxins that destabilize microtubules and induce apoptosis with 10-fold greater potency than conventional anti-mitotics in vitro. Here, we report the characterization, in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo efficacy of a lead compound, 5,7-dibromo-N-(p-hydroxymethylbenzyl)isatin (N-AI) conjugated via an esterase-labile linker (N-AIE) to two proven targeting ligands, transferrin (Tf) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (PAI-2/serpinB2). N-AI was released from N-AIE and the targeting ligands Tf/PAI-2 in an esterase-dependent manner at 37 …

Microrna Function In Human Diseases, Sathish Kumar Natarajan, Mary A. Smith, Cody J. Wehrkamp, Ashley M. Mohr, Justin L. Mott

Journal Articles: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

MicroRNAs are emerging as a hot topic in research, and rightfully so. They show great promise as targets of treatment and as markers for common human diseases, such as cancer and metabolic diseases. In this review, we address some of the basic questions regarding micro- RNA function in human disease and the clinical significance of microRNAs. Specifically, micro- RNAs in epigenetics, cancer, and metabolic diseases are discussed, with examples taken from cholangiocarcinoma and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Cellular Uptake Mechanism Of Paclitaxel Nanocrystals, Iris K. Archer, Zhaohui Wang, Tonglei Li

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium

Therapeutic options for metastasized human cancer in current practice remain limited and, sadly, there is no cure for metastatic cancer. The typical approach, chemotherapy, has both low efficacy due to poor drug solubility, and cytotoxic side effects to healthy tissue when delivered indiscriminately. To address both of these issues, we are pursuing the use of nanocrystal formulations of current chemotherapeutic agents as delivery platforms. Herein, we have studied cellular uptake mechanisms in cancer cells of nanocrystals of a chemotherapeutic agent, paclitaxel. Our goal in this study is to determine whether the nanocrystals can be taken up via endocytosis, especially when …

The Spatial Distribution Of Cancer Incidence In Fars Province: A Gis-Based Analysis Of Cancer Registry Data, Ali Goli, Mahbobeh Oroei, Mehdi Jalalpour, Hossein Faramarzi, Mehrdad Askarian

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Background: Cancer is a major health problem in the developing countries. Variations of its incidence rate among geographical areas are due to various contributing factors. This study was performed to assess the spatial patterns of cancer incidence in the Fars Province, based on cancer registry data and to determine geographical clusters.

Methods: In this cross sectional study, the new cases of cancer were recorded from 2001 to 2009. Crude incidence rate was estimated based on age groups and sex in the counties of the Fars Province. Age standardized incidence rates (ASR) per 100,000 was calculated in each year. …

The Role Of Nitric Oxide Dysregulation In Tumor Maintenance, Christopher Rabender

Theses and Dissertations

The inflammatory nature of the tumor microenvironment provides a cytokine and chemokine rich proliferative environment. Much of the responsibility of this environment is due to the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). These studies examined the proliferative rich tumor environment from a new perspective of Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) dysregulation. NOS’s have the ability to become uncoupled and generate superoxide in lieu of nitric oxide (NO). A requirement of NOS for the production of NO is the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) and when it is missing NOS becomes uncoupled and turns into a peroxynitrite synthase. Here I demonstrate that NOS is …

Integration Of Comprehensive Women’S Health Programmes Into Health Systems: Cervical Cancer Prevention, Care And Control In Rwanda, Agnes Binagwaho, Fidele Ngabo, Claire M. Wagner, Cathy Mugeni, Maurice Gatera, Cameron T. Nutt, Sabin Nsanzimana

Dartmouth Scholarship

PROBLEM: Although it is highly preventable and treatable, cervical cancer is the most common and most deadly cancer among women in Rwanda.

APPROACH: By mobilizing a diverse coalition of partnerships, Rwanda became the first country in Africa to develop and implement a national strategic plan for cervical cancer prevention, screening and treatment.

LOCAL SETTING: Rwanda - a small, landlocked nation in East Africa with a population of 10.4 million - is well positioned to tackle a number of "high-burden" noncommunicable diseases. The country's integrated response to infectious diseases has resulted in steep declines in premature mortality over the past decade. …

Development Of Tools To Assess The Effects Of Lunasin On Normal Development And Tumor Progression In Drosophila Melanogaster, Gillian E. Jones

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Soy contains many bioactive molecules known to elicit anti-cancer effects. One such peptide, Lunasin, has been shown to selectively act on newly transformed cells while having no cytotoxic effect on non-tumorigenic or established cancer cell lines. In this study we attempt to understand the developmental effects of Lunasin overexpression in vivo and create reagents that will help us understand Lunasin’s anti tumorigenic effects in an intact organism. cDNA encoding lunasin and EGFP-lunasin were cloned into pUAST and microinjected into Drosophila embryos. Tissue-specific overexpression of EGFP-Lun in the resulting transgenic lines was accomplished by crossing transgenics to various GAL4 driver lines. …

Concept Analysis Of Empowerment From Survivor And Nurse Perspectives Within The Context Of Cancer Survivorship, Teresa Jerofke-Owen

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

The liberal usage of the concept of empowerment has led to the development of a broad and ambiguous term. In health care, empowerment is a core principle of patient-centered care that promotes patient engagement in health management. This is an analysis of the concept of empowerment within the context of cancer survivorship using both Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis and Caron and Bower's dimensional analysis. The dimensional analysis followed the evolutionary concept analysis as the perspectives of patients and nurse providers emerged in the analysis. Data sources included a sample of 249 papers from multiple disciplines covering the period 2000–2013. Empowerment …

Folate Receptor-Targeting Liposomes For The Delivery Of Antisense Molecules To Cancer Cells, Colin J. Way

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

RNAi (RNA interference) is emerging as a promising tool for cancer therapy. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules are activated in that pathway to reduce specific tumour cell RNAs that mediate malignancy. SiRNA treatment has been primarily limited to in vitro studies: lack of efficient, preferential in vivo delivery to target cells remains a major obstacle. Many human tumours overexpress folate receptors (FR), and siRNA-mediated reduction of thymidylate synthase (TS) sensitizes tumour cells to anti-TS drugs. I developed a folate-containing cationic liposome to preferentially deliver anti-TS siRNA to FR-expressing human tumour cells. I show, in vitro, that liposome-encapsulated siRNA (but …

Self-Reported Side Effects Of Breast Cancer Treatment: A Cross-Sectional Study Of Incidence, Associations, And The Influence Of Exercise, Sheridan A. Gho, Julie R. Steele, Sandra C. Jones, Bridget J. Munro

Sandra Jones

Purpose Side effects as a result of breast cancer treatment may have a lasting detrimental impact on quality of life. Exercise has been shown to be an effective intervention in post-treatment care. This study aimed to gain a better understanding of breast cancer treatment-related side effects through identifying potential patient characteristic associations, including current levels of exercise. Methods Four hundred and thirty-two breast cancer patients completed an online survey covering their treatment and demographic background, current exercise levels, and self-reported treatment side effects. Side effects were considered in a binary logistic regression against age, surgery, currently undergoing treatment, and exercise …

Microspheres For Liver Radiomicrospheres Therapy And Planning, Alejandro Amor-Coarasa

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Liver cancer accounts for nearly 10% of all cancers in the US. Intrahepatic Arterial Radiomicrosphere Therapy (RMT), also known as Selective Internal Radiation Treatment (SIRT), is one of the evolving treatment modalities. Successful patient clinical outcomes require suitable treatment planning followed by delivery of the microspheres for therapy. The production and in vitro evaluation of various polymers (PGCD, CHS and CHSg) microspheres for a RMT and RMT planning are described. Microparticles with a 30±10 µm size distribution were prepared by emulsion method. The in vitro half-life of the particles was determined in PBS buffer and porcine plasma and their potential …

Male Reproductive Health And Yoga, Pallav Sengupta

Pallav Sengupta, PhD

Now-a-days reproductive health problems along with infertility in male is very often observed. Various Assisted Reproductive Technologies have been introduced to solve the problem, but common people cannot afford the cost of such procedures. Various ayurvedic and other alternative medicines, along with regular yoga practice are proven to be not only effective to enhance the reproductive health in men to produce a successful pregnancy, but also to regulate sexual desire in men who practice celibacy. Yoga is reported to reduce stress and anxiety, improve autonomic functions by triggering neurohormonal mechanisms by the suppression of sympathetic activity, and even, today, several …

Counterfactual Thinking In Response To Hypothetical Breast Cancer Scenarios: A Pilot Study, Amy Y. Chan, Sandra C. Jones, Karen T. Rich

Sandra Jones

This paper examined womens counterfactualthoughts in response to hypothetical scenarios aboutearly versus late breast cancer diagnoses.Womenaged 50 and over (N=29) read hypotheticalscenarios about the experience of fictitious womenof mammography screening age and completedcounterfactual statements from the protagonistsperspective.In two scenarios, the protagonist failedto attend mammography screening regularly andwas diagnosed with advanced breast cancer; thethird scenario depicted a woman who hadmammograms biennially and received an early-stagebreast cancer diagnosis.Consistent with pastliterature on counterfactual thinking, participantsgenerated exclusively upward counterfactuals fromthe two late-diagnosis scenarios, and predominantlydownward counterfactuals from the early-diagnosisscenario.Furthermore, participants primarilyfocussed on what the protagonist could personallyhave done differently to lead to a differentoutcome.Hence …

Biomarkers For Ovarian Cancer, Eric T. Fung, Frederick Ueland, J. R. Van Nagell, Paul D. Depriest, Andre T. Baron

Epidemiology and Environmental Health Faculty Patents

The present invention provides protein-based biomarkers and biomarker combinations that are useful in qualifying ovarian cancer status in a patient. In particular, the biomarkers of this invention are useful to classify a subject sample as ovarian cancer, ovarian cancer of low malignant potential, benign ovarian disease or other malignant condition. The biomarkers can be detected by SELDI mass spectrometry.

Β-Estradiol-Dependent Activation Of The Jak/Stat Pathway Requires P/Cip And Carm1, N. Coughlan, G. Thillainadesan, J. Andrews, M. Isovic, J. Torchia

Paediatrics Publications

The steroid receptor coactivator p/CIP, also known as SRC-3, is an oncogene commonly amplified in breast and ovarian cancers. p/CIP is known to associate with coactivator arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) on select estrogen responsive genes. We have shown, using a ChIP-on-chip approach, that in response to stimulation with 17β-estradiol (E2), the p/CIP/CARM1 complex is recruited to 204 proximal promoters in MCF-7 cells. Many of the complex target genes have been previously implicated in signaling pathways related to oncogenesis. Jak2, a member of the Jak/Stat signaling cascade, is one of the direct E2-dependent targets of the p/CIP/CARM1 complex. Following E2-treatment, histone …

Uv Radiation And The Skin, John A. D'Orazio, Stuart G. Jarrett, Alexandra Amaro-Ortiz, Timothy Scott

Toxicology and Cancer Biology Faculty Publications

UV radiation (UV) is classified as a "complete carcinogen" because it is both a mutagen and a non-specific damaging agent and has properties of both a tumor initiator and a tumor promoter. In environmental abundance, UV is the most important modifiable risk factor for skin cancer and many other environmentally-influenced skin disorders. However, UV also benefits human health by mediating natural synthesis of vitamin D and endorphins in the skin, therefore UV has complex and mixed effects on human health. Nonetheless, excessive exposure to UV carries profound health risks, including atrophy, pigmentary changes, wrinkling and malignancy. UV is epidemiologically and …

The Design Of Patient-Specific Implants To Treat Bone Cancer, Shelby Marks

Honors Theses

Benign and malignant tumors often arise in bone due to metastasizing cancer. Thirty years ago limbs affected by tumors were treated with amputation, now with new technology, limb‐saving surgery is used most of the time; however, these surgical methods have limitations. Research shows a trend of using allografts and metallic implants to fill the bone gap once the tumor is resected. In some cases sections up to one third of the femur can be removed, sometimes disrupting the joint. There are many problems such as the integration and risk of failure in these implants. A more patient specific approach can …

Carter, Tim Lee, 1910-1987 (Mss 80), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

MSS Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Manuscripts Collection 80. Correspondence, photographs, audiotapes, film, clippings, general office files, and records of legislative proceedings relating to the political career of Tim Lee Carter, U.S. Representative (Republican) for Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District, 1965-1981.

Wnt/Ss-Catenin/Lef-1 Signaling In The Uterus And Its Implications In Uterine Gland Formation And Cancer Development, Dawne N. Shelton, Michael J. Goodheart

Michael J. Goodheart

Wnt/b-catenin signaling appears to be important in a multitude of cancers. This review article details current knowledge of the Wnt/b-catenin/Lef1 pathway in generalized gland regulation and formation in addition to endometrial cancer. Wnt signaling is critical for the development of the female urogenital system, in particular mullerian duct formation. Dysregulation of this signaling pathway at multiple nodes has been observed in numerous tumor types, including endometrial cancer. In particular, nuclear accumulation of b-catenin correlates with tumor severity. As such, therapeutic modulation of Wnt signaling represents an emerging avenue for the treatment of cancers that rely on this pathway.

Synthesis And Biological Evaluation Of Novel Folic Acid Receptor-Targeted, Β-Cyclodextrin-Based Drug Complexes For Cancer Treatment, Juan-Juan Yin, Sonali Sharma, Stepan P. Shumyak, Zhi-Xin Wang, Zhi-Wei Zhou, Yangde Zhang, Peixuan Guo, Chen-Zhong Li, Jagat R. Kanwar, Tianxin Yang, Shyam S. Mohapatra, Wanqing Liu, Wei Duan, Jian-Cheng Wang, Qi Li, Xueji Zhang, Jun Tan, Lee Jia, Jun Liang, Ming Q. Wei, Xioatian Lee, Shu-Feng Zhou

Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Drug targeting is an active area of research and nano-scaled drug delivery systems hold tremendous potential for the treatment of neoplasms. In this study, a novel cyclodextrin (CD)-based nanoparticle drug delivery system has been assembled and characterized for the therapy of folate receptor-positive [FR(+)] cancer. Water-soluble folic acid (FA)-conjugated CD carriers (FACDs) were successfully synthesized and their structures were confirmed by 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF-MS), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and circular dichroism. Drug complexes of adamatane (Ada) and cytotoxic doxorubicin (Dox) with FACD were readily …

Αvβ8 Integrin Interacts With Rhogdi1 To Regulate Rac1 And Cdc42 Activation And Drive Glioblastoma Cell Invasion, Steve Reyes

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

As an interface between the circulatory and central nervous systems, the neurovascular unit is vital to the development and survival of tumors. The malignant brain cancer glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) displays invasive growth behaviors that are major impediments to surgical resection and targeted therapies. Adhesion and signaling pathways that drive GBM cell invasion remain largely uncharacterized. Here we have utilized human GBM cell lines, primary patient samples, and pre-clinical mouse models to demonstrate that integrin αvβ8 is a major driver of GBM cell invasion. β8 integrin is overexpressed in many human GBM cells, with higher integrin expression correlating with increased invasion …

Inflammatory Breast Cancer: The Immune Perspective, Evan N. Cohen

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most insidious form of locally advanced disease. Although rare and less than 2% of all breast cancer, IBC is responsible for up to 10% of all breast cancer deaths. Despite the name, very little is known about the role of inflammation or immune mediators in IBC. Therefore, we analyzed blood samples from IBC patients and non-IBC patients, as well as healthy donor controls to establish an IBC-specific profile of peripheral blood leukocyte phenotype and function of T cells and dendritic cells and serum inflammatory cytokines.

Emerging evidence suggests that host factors in the microenviromement …

Examining Stage At Diagnosis And Survival In Three Cancers With Definitive Screening Guidelines For Average-Risk Adults: The Role Of Marital Status, David J. Blackley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Each year there are more than 350 000 new cases and nearly 100 000 deaths attributed to colorectal, female breast, and cervical cancer in the United States. Screening tests can reduce morbidity and mortality associated with these cancers. Patient marital status has been associated with health outcomes, but no study has focused on the relationship of marriage with disease stage and survival for the 3 cancers with established screening guidance. It is critical to identify special populations that may be at risk for poor cancer outcomes.

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship of marital status with …

Pain Interventions In Pediatric Oncology Patients, Allison P. Mcconnell

Senior Honors Theses

Managing pain in the pediatric oncology population can be a daunting task. Often pain in these patients is severe and often not adequately treated or assessed. Studies have found that the reason for this disconnect is due to the impulse to follow unsubstantiated fears and myths held by healthcare professionals and even by the caregivers of the patients. For this reason, many pediatric oncology patients suffer from unnecessary pain when there are both pharmacological and non-pharmacological means available to intervene. The diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer is multidimensional; however, it can be managed based on recent research and evidence-based …

Defining Genetic Intra-Tumor Heterogeneity: A Chronological Annotation Of Mutational Pathways, Wentao Luo, Fan Wu, Susan R. Atlas, Gavin Pickett, Kimberly K. Leslie, Donghai Dai

Donghai Dai

Tumor heterogeneity is believed to be important in tumor progression and its response to therapies. However, despite numerous mutations being reported in human tumors, genetic intra-tumor heterogeneity remains poorly defined. We have developed a novel strategy to provide a chronological annotation of mutational events in a tumor. We used an endometrial tumor from a patient and transplanted it into athymic mice to create many tumor xenografts. While the patient tumor xenografts were initially responsive to raloxifene treatment, xenografts created with cancer cell clones isolated from the same patient tumor showed dramatic differences in response to raloxifene, indicating existence of intra-tumor …

The Effects Of Vitamin C On Cancer: A Cellular And Epidemiological Perspective, Amy C. Mclaughlin

Senior Honors Theses

While vitamin C has been proven to benefit the immune system during acute infections, there are now many studies to support the findings that vitamin C may also contribute to more effective chemotherapy and lessened damage on the body as a result of chemotherapy. This thesis investigates the impact of vitamin C on many components of cancer such as C-reactive protein, interleukins, reactive oxygen species, and many types of antioxidants and examines vitamin C's ability to inhibit or promote these agents' functions in the body. In addition, this thesis evaluates the ability of vitamin C to keep tumor cells from …