Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Mitochondria Imaging And Targeted Cancer Treatment, Tinghan Zhao

Dissertations

Mitochondria are essential organelles as the site of respiration in eukaryotic cells and are involved in many crucial functions in cell life. Dysfunction of mitochondrial metabolism and irregular morphology have been frequently found in human cancers. The capability of imaging mitochondria as well as regulating their microenvironment is important both scientifically and clinically. Mitochondria penetrating peptides (MPPs), certain peptides that are composed of cationic and hydrophobic amino acids, are good candidates for mitochondria targeting. Herein, a novel MPP, D-argine-phenylalanine-D-argine-phenylalanine-D-argine-phenylalanine-NH₂ (rFrFrF), is conjugated with a rhodamine-based fluorescent chromophore (TAMRA). The TAMRA-rFrFrF probe exhibits advantageous properties for long-term mitochondria tracking of …

Burden And Risk Of Non-Aids Defining Cancers In Hiv-Infected Persons Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy, Brittney L. Dickey

Theses & Dissertations

The burden of cancers not previously associated with an HIV infection, called non-AIDS defining cancers (NADCs), have increased in the years since highly active anti-retroviral therapy has been introduced. The studies in this dissertation attempted to quantify this burden via incidence and mortality compared to the general population. Further, an assessment of risk factors and creation of a predictive risk model, a nomogram, were utilized to better understand how factors associated with demographics, lifestyle, and immune response affected risk for an NADC diagnosis once therapy was initiated and HIV better controlled. Standardized incidence and mortality ratios showed that burden of …

Amphiphilic Cell-Penetrating Hybrid Cyclic-Linear Peptides As A Drug Delivery System, Saghar Mozaffari

Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) Dissertations

A number of cyclic peptides containing a positively charged ring composed of arginine residues attached to hydrophobic tail made of tryptophan residues through a lysine linker namely [R₅K]W₅, [R₆K]W₅, [R₅K]W₆, [R₇K]W₅, [R₅K]W₇, [R₆K]W₆, and [R₇K]W₇ were synthesized and evaluated as molecular transporters. The peptides were evaluated for their ability to deliver, fluorescence-labeled cell-impermeable negatively charged phosphopeptide (F′-GpYEEI), and fluorescent labeled anti-HIV drugs (F′-FTC and F′-d4T). The results indicated that the presence of positively …

Putting A Face To Cancer, Lenn Robbins

Capstones

About one month after I began my studies at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH). Three years and three relapses later, I have my MA, I defiant will to fight this disease and the hope that by chronicling my experience I might help others. If this project helps just one person, it's been worth the ride.

https://lennrobbins.wixsite.com/facetocancer

Synthesis Of Gadolinium-Doxorubicin Prodrug Carrying Functional Nanoceria For The Targeted Drug Delivery And Cancer Treatment, Arth Patel

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

The main focus of this research was the development of a polymer-coated nanoceria (PNC) platform to be used as a drug delivery system. Water-dispersible PNC is synthesized using a water-based alkaline precipitation method. Cerium nitrate hexahydrate and poly (acrylic acid) are used for the preparation of PNC. The synthesized PNC was characterized using ZETA, and UV- Vis characterization techniques. Polyacrylic acid (PAA)-coated cerium oxide nanoparticles fabricated for the targeted combination therapy of TNBC (MDA-MB-231) and MCF-7. Using EDC/NHS chemistry, the surface carboxylic acid groups of nanoceria was designed and synthesized with ICAM-1 antibody to target ICAM-1 overexpressing TNBC. Next, doxorubicin …

Evaluating The Utility Of Protein Biomarker, S100a7, And Diagnostic Test, Straticyte, In Predicting The Progression Of Oral Dysplasia, Lachlan Mclean

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Five-year survival of oral cancer has remained relatively unchanged despite advancements in treatment, mostly because diagnosis is often made at an advanced stage of disease. The progression of dysplasia to oral cancer often follows a stepwise progression. Histopathology is considered the ‘gold standard’ for diagnosing dysplasia and lesions at a high risk of progression to oral cancer, but lends itself to subjectivity. The protein biomarker, S100A7, in oral dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma has shown some predictive value for the transformation of dysplasia to cancer. Straticyte, a diagnostic test utilizing S100A7 to predict the probability of progression of oral dysplasia …

Dietary Advanced Glycation End-Products (Ages) And Breast Cancer Risk And Survival, Omonefe Opeyemi Omofuma

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases including cancer. AGEs are produced endogenously and are also consumed from foods. High amounts of AGEs are found in animal products and processed foods, and AGE formation is accelerated during cooking at high temperatures. Using data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO), we assigned and quantified NƐ-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML)-AGE content in food and investigated the association between dietary AGE intake and breast cancer (BrCa) risk. We assessed whether the risk was modified by race/ethnicity, obesity status, fruit and vegetable intake, BrCa invasiveness …

The Role Of Kidney Injury Molecule-1 In The Metastasis Of Renal Cell Carcinoma, Jasper Lee

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Over 30% of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) present with metastases, with median survival of 2 years. Kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) is a cell-surface glycoprotein expressed by >90% of RCC tumours. Preliminary data mined from The Cancer Genome Atlas RNA-sequencing database indicates that KIM-1 overexpression predicts overall survival in patients. Here we sought to determine if tumour KIM-1 plays a role in RCC cell extravasation and metastasis to the lungs. In vitro invasion and in vivo metastasis assays were performed to investigate the metastatic potential of KIM-1-expressing cells, and RNA-seq was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes between …

Effects Of Visit Frequency On Swallowing Function During Organ Preservation For Head And Neck Cancer, Mathew Blaine Vansant

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Chemoradiotherapy is not without risk of injury to the muscles and nerves associated with swallowing function. Current research supports the use of prophylactic behavioral swallowing exercise in the HNC population, however, wide variations in swallowing treatment methodologies exist and no optimal SLP-patient visit frequency has been established. In addition, poor patient adherence to swallowing exercise appears prevalent. The current study explored the impact of speech language pathologist (SLP)-patient contact time, adherence to prophylactic behavioral swallowing exercises, and explored effects of exercise intensity on immediate post-radiation swallowing outcomes. Groups included a high frequency group (5 weekly SLP-patient visits, n = 15), …

Investigating The Role Of Cd109 In Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Mennatallah Shaheen

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the 3rd leading cause of cancer death in the US. We performed loss of function genomic screening on a cohort of four patient derived PDAC cell populations and our data shows a cell surface receptor CD109 to be a common vulnerability, the biologic role of which in PDAC is yet unstudied and largely unknown. We hypothesized that CD109 expression provides PDAC cells with a survival advantage, and promotes cancer progression through activation of downstream signaling. We believe therefore that targeting CD109 could improve PDAC patients’ survival. Here we report that CD109 plays a role in …

Comorbidity Profile Of Head And Neck Cancer Patients With And Without Depression, Michaela Frenzel

Capstone Experience

This population-based retrospective study used SEER-Medicare data from 2002-2010 to assess depression, comorbidity, and substance use in the elderly head and neck cancer population. Out of 3,533 head and neck cancer patients, 10.6% had depression diagnoses two years prior to cancer diagnosis, 8.9% were newly diagnosed with depression within one year after cancer diagnosis, and 44.5% of those with preexisting depression had an additional depression diagnosis within one year following cancer diagnosis. Comorbid conditions (p<0.0001) and substance use (p=0.0017) showed associations with depression prior to cancer diagnosis yet, no significant associations with incidence of depression in this head and neck cancer population. This study affirms the need for continual depression screenings in head and neck cancer patients and suggests the need for increased research into the burden of comorbid conditions and substance use within the head and neck cancer population.

The Effects Of Hand Holding On Cancer Patients Level Of Anxiety: A Single-Case Study, West Loveland

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to explore how the anxiety levels of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients receiving chemotherapy are affected while holding hands with a secure attachment. This study utilized three experimental single-case designs: participant one measured under a B-design, participant two measured under a B-A design, and participant three measured under an A-B design. Each participant’s anxiety was assessed during six chemotherapy treatments and one meeting with their primary oncologist to discuss the prognosis of their cancerous disease. Results visually indicate a greater effect on anxiety reduction during treatment when the intervention is utilized compared to only having a …

Melanoma, Dianna Lauer

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

There are many types of skin cancer prevalent in the world today. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma (Watson et al, 2015). In the words of Hawryluk & Tsao (2014), “Melanoma is an aggressive malignancy borne of melanocytes, the pigment-generating cells of the skin”. Melanoma is known to cause the most deaths of the three main skin cancers and has many risk factors. The personal risk factors include, “family history, multiple moles, fair skin, blue eyes, red hair, and freckles” (Watson et al, p.e92, 2015). There are risk factors …

Human Papillomavirus (Hpv) And Cervical Cancer, Stephanie Gregorc

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases with more than 100 types. The American Cancer Society (2019) reports, “Most men and women who have ever had sexual contact will get HPV at some time in their lives.” Certain strands are more detrimental than others, however it is important to understand how it spreads and ways to minimize its occurrence. Preventative actions are available to women, such as pap smear screenings, which can allow for early identification and treatment of abnormalities. As an advanced practicing nurse, it is essential to provide education to women surrounding HPV, …

Cervical Cancer, Katie Redmon

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Cervical Cancer is a major health concern worldwide for women. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the major health risk factors known to causing cervical cancer. Early prevention and detection are key to preventing the cancer. There are vaccinations to prevent HPV and ways to detect abnormal cells by having a Papanicolaou cytology (Pap) test. The underlying signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, and implications for nursing care are discussed within the poster.

Synthesis Of New Aliphatic Pseudo-Branched Polyester Co-Polymers For Biomedical Applications, Zachary Shaw

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

In this study, a hyperbranched polyester co-polymer was designed using a proprietary monomer and diethylene glycol or triethylene glycol as monomers. The synthesis was carried out using standard melt polymerization technique and catalyzed by p-Tolulenesulfonic acid. The progress of the reaction was monitored with respect to time and negative pressure, with samples being subjected to standard characterization protocols. The resulting polymers were purified using the solvent precipitation method and characterized using various chromatographic and spectroscopic methods including GPC, MALDI-TOF, and NMR. We have observed polymers with a molecular weight of 29,643 kDa and 33,996 kDa, which is ideal to be …

Human Papillomavirus, Alexandra Irwin

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that is not curable. HPV can damage cell DNA which increases the risk of oncogene expression; this leads to an increased risk of cancer. HPV is one of the leading causes of cervical cancer, among other types of cancers. Prevention is key because HPV is usually asymptomatic. The population at risk is anyone sexually active, including participation in oral sex. The health care provider should advocate for preventative measures against HPV. There are vaccinations that prevent the contraction of HPV that should be given before a person is sexually active for …

Utilization Of Evidence-Based Telehealth For Routine Follow-Up Visits In Outpatient Palliative Care, Kori Fitzgerald Bsn, Rn, Phn, Fnp/Dnp Student

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Title: Utilization of Telehealth for Palliative Care Follow-up Visits

Background: A vital part of cancer management is the implementation and integration of palliative care, to prevent and relieve suffering and to improve quality of life for patients with serious chronic illness. However, access to palliative care services continues to be inadequate. There is a nationwide shortage of skilled palliative providers and the supply is insufficient to meet the growing demand.

Purpose of Project: Implementing telehealth visits with palliative care patients with advanced cancer at the UCSD Moores Cancer Center has the potential to maintain patient satisfaction with …

Considering Art Therapy For Adults With Fear Of Cancer Recurrence (Fcr): A Literature Review, Max Roberts

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a major problem for many cancer survivors. As cancer treatments improve and more people are surviving cancer, FCR will likely become a larger problem in general for the healthcare system. Art therapists working with cancer survivors need to be prepared for addressing FCR as they are likely to encounter this clinical issue. A literature search was conducted and no research investigating art therapy specifically for FCR was found, indicating there is currently no empirically supported approach to art therapy for FCR. Mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies appear to be efficacious for reducing effects of FCR. …

Analysis Of Tobacco Use Vital Sign Assessment, Latonya King

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There is a massive problem of tobacco-related cancer outcomes in patients that are affected by race and ethnicity. Although this is a known disparity, there continues to be a gap in care for asking patients if they use tobacco and in advising and assisting them in making a quit attempt. Health information technology requirements and meaningful use regulations require the utilization of systematic electronic documentation. In order to improve and support tobacco use screening, systematic tobacco use assessment and documentation are essential. There is a widespread belief that adding screening for tobacco use to the vital sign assessment will lead …

Caspases And Cancer: Connections Through Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy, Sarah M. Hethcox

Honors College Theses

While excessive cell death inevitably leads to negative effects, the endurance of damaged cells in the presence of death signals can be equally detrimental to health. Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a highly regulated process in which cues from within or from outside a cell can trigger an irreversible sequence of signals that carry out cell destruction known as the apoptotic cascade. A group of enzymes called caspases play a vital role in this cascade with some participating as initiators and others acting as effectors of protein cleavage and intracellular breakdown. Although it is normal for the activity of …

Understanding The Skills Necessary For Advanced Practice Nurses In Oncology To Deliver Bad News To Patients With Cancer: The Results Of A Delphi Analysis, Matthew Michael Burke

Doctoral Projects

Overcoming the dichotomy of providing bad news in a compassionate, empathetic manner that strengthens dialogue and enhances a caring environment is the ultimate challenge advanced practice nurses (APN) face in oncology. This study aims to understand the skills necessary for APNs in oncology to deliver bad news to patients with cancer.

Using a Delphi analysis, an established method of developing a consensus, a novel, patient-centered survey tool has been developed designed to extract as much information as possible about the present issue from an expert panel. Oncology APNs were recruited via Facebook. The survey tool was administered using a web-based …

Mindfulness-Based Interventions For Adolescents With Cancer And Teen Cancer Survivors, Daniela Ramirez-Ibarra

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Adolescence is a significant period for identity construction and self development (Jones, Blunda, Biegel, Carlson, Biel, & Wiener., 2013). This critical development period is quickly disrupted for adolescents with cancer. With the challenges of undergoing cancer treatment, come abnormal daily routines and changes to the developing self, which may cause anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders (Jones et al., 2013). Even after an adolescent survives cancer, he or she may be likely to face chronic adjustment difficulties, cognitive challenges, struggles at school, social deficits, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression (Jones et al., 2013). To address the stressful …

Identifying Pathogenic Variants In Hereditary Cancer Syndrome Genes Via Tumor Molecular Profiling, Carol Nowlen

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

Tumor molecular profiling is often performed in order to direct cancer treatment options. However, because many of the genes analyzed on tumor molecular profiling overlap with genes known to be associated in the germline with hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes, tumor molecular profiling can unknowingly uncover germline predisposition to cancer development. In this study, we determined the number of patients with pathogenic variants (PVs) identified in BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) via tumor molecular profiling at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, then performed a retrospective chart review to determine the proportion of such patients that received germline …

Synthesis, Characterization, And Evaluation Of Metal Complexes With Cancer Selective Anti-Proliferative Effects And Hydrogen Evolution Catalytic Properties., Nicholas Vishnosky

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Bis-thiosemicarbazones (BTSC) and their metal chelates have properties that are useful in several different scientific fields. These systems have already received attention in major fields of biology and engineering. Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts need to be cheap and operate under minimal overpotentials with a long lifetime. The treatment of cancer requires, novel agents that have potent cytotoxic activity against cancer cells while displaying minimal side effects. In this dissertation the modular synthesis of these bis-thiosemicarbazone systems is utilized to regulate the redox chemistry for employment in the desired sector of chemistry. The ligand and metal chelates synthesized were characterized …

Art Therapy Based Curriculums With Patients Who Have Or Had Cancer, Gabriela Espinoza

LMU/LLS Theses and Dissertations

Patients who have/had cancer are often left with emotional distress, as well as, anxiety, and depression amongst other effects. Art therapy based curriculums have been utilized with patients that have/had cancer with promising results of decreasing emotional distress and other effects. Five different art therapy based curriculums are explored through archival research approach. Through this approach, information is collected to explore five research questions that are presented to understand how these art therapy-based curriculums can help patients who have/had cancer. These research questions explore the type of interventions being utilized in the curriculum when the curriculum is being implemented in …

Prevention Of Oral Mucositis In Cancer Patients, Patricia E. Biel

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Oral mucositis [OM] is one of the most severe non-hematological problems related to cancer treatments and can impact quality of life. It is linked to poorer outcomes due to the associated weight loss, pain, dehydration, and risk of developing life-threatening infections. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to determine if OM is preventable with the use of an oral care protocol and zinc supplementation when compared to use of oral care protocols alone. The Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model was used to guide project implementation in an outpatient oncology office. Recommendations were developed from an exhaustive review …

Developing An Evidence-Based Supportive Services Program For Cancer Survivors In A Private Oncology Practice, Joseph Ellul

Doctoral Projects

Improvements in cancer treatment have led to a rapidly increasing survivor population. In response, multiple side effects of cancer and cancer treatment as well as the various wellness needs of survivors have been recognized. Survivorship programs have been developed to care for survivors with residual effects of cancer and the side effects of treatment; however, additional support is needed. The purpose of the project was to highlight the need for a comprehensive supportive services program for the cancer survivor population and describe the steps that were required to successfully develop the program. The clinical question addressed by the project was: …

The Regulation Of Skeletal Muscle Fatigue During The Progression Of Cancer Cachexia, Brandon N. Vanderveen

Theses and Dissertations

Cachexia is the unintentional loss of body weight secondary to chronic disease and is prevalent is roughly 50% of cancer patients. The loss of body weight and skeletal muscle mass is reduced functional capacity associated with reduced life quality. The etiology of cachexia is multimodal and complex; however, cachexia has been linked to several systemic (e.g. chronic inflammation, hypogonadism, anemia, insulin resistance) and behavioral (e.g. anorexia, inactivity) changes that can compound to accelerate muscle mass and body weight loss. While several inflammatory cytokines are associated with cachexia’s disease progression, our laboratory has established that Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a key regulator …

Psychometric Evaluation Of Lung Cancer Stigma Among Lung Cancer Survivors In South Carolina, Lisa A. Webb

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Despite the improved screening and treatment modalities, lung cancer is the second leading cause of cancer and accounts for 27% of all cancer deaths in the United States. Survivors of lung cancer experience physical, social, and particularly psychological challenges. Lung cancer stigma is a formidable challenge for survivors of lung cancer that complicates their physical, psychological and social well-being.

The Cataldo Lung Cancer Stigma Scale is the first instrument adapted to measure lung cancer stigma. This instrument was adapted from Berger’s HIV Stigma Scale. HIV stigma and lung cancer stigma share similarities. These health-related stigmas reflect behaviors that …