Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Dance Movement Therapy Interventions To Build Coping Skills And Identity In Adolescent Patients Dealing With A Cancer Diagnosis: Development Of A Method, Ariel Hortin

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Adolescents are a special category in pediatric oncology because of their unique physical and mental development. This patient population has needs specific to both their development and cancer diagnosis. Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) focuses on building awareness of inner sensations so that the patient can then connect those observations with felt emotions and thoughts. Connecting the physical experience with the emotional experience can provide helpful information for the patient as a tool for change. Building and strengthening relationships with family members also strengthens the critical support system for the patient. Dance Movement Therapy interventions may be effective in working with …

Using Geospatial Analysis To Evaluate Relationships Between Cancer Incidence And Social Factors In Brooklyn, Ny, Sheena Philogene

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the spatial distribution of cancer incidence in Brooklyn, NY. Using publicly available data, the relationships between cancer incidence and factors linked to cancer were investigated. Furthermore, the study explored the value of using large amounts of data with GIS techniques to quickly analyze geographic trends for cancer.

The Ketogenic Diet: Its Effectiveness As An Adjuvant Therapy For Cancer, Rheaonn Marin

Nursing | Senior Theses

This paper explores a total of six research studies and will contain a literature review and proposal for further study regarding the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet as an adjuvant cancer therapy. Each study addresses a variety of different factors involved in KD implementation, ranging from effects on body composition and lipid profiles, to self-proclaimed quality of life, to tumor expression and progression under a KD regime. Ultimately, each were divided into three separate categories depending on the aspects of research that were covered. Two studies, by Hagihara et.al and Jansen and Walach respectively, discuss the potential benefits of KD …

A Walk In Two Worlds: An Indigenous Health Research Mentorship Model Developed From The Experiences Of Mentors And Mentees In A Cancer Research Education Program Aimed At Increasing Representation Of American Indians/Alaska Natives In Cancer Research And Healthcare Professions, Kiana Borengasser, Aislinn C. Rookwood, Joyce C. Solheim, Maurice Godfrey, Karen Taraszka Hastings, Keyonna King, Hannah Robbins, Mariah Abney, Rudy Smith Jr., Liliana Tamayo, Regina Emily Robbins

Capstone Experience

The National Cancer Institute promotes workforce development programs that aim to increase representation of American Indian/Alaska Natives in health science and research careers. One such program, Youth Enjoy Science at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, has employed American Indian/Alaska Native youth in mentored cancer research internships from 2017 to 2022. The primary purpose of this study was to examine mentor and mentee experiences of participation in Youth Enjoy Science research education internships to learn from their stories. We conducted semi-structured interviews with current and former Youth Enjoy Science mentees (n=8) and mentors (n=8). We analyzed and collectively re-storied the …

Expanding The Role Of Occupational Therapy For Oncology Patients: A Focus On Tumor- And Blood-Based Cancers, Erika N. Clark

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Tumor and blood-based cancer diagnosis rates are increasing rapidly in the United States. To improve survivorship, treatment practices are constantly evolving, however, patients are often left to face the consequences of survival. With decreased range of motion, strength, and ability to participate in desired activities, patients may experience a decrease in overall quality of life. Through a holistic lens, occupational therapists are well suited to address the diverse needs of cancer patients through the duration of their cancer treatments. Unfortunately, occupational therapy remains a widely underutilized service for this population. This capstone experience worked to address this gap by expanding …

Developing Novel Water-Soluble Porphyrins For Potential Use As Photosensitizers In Photodynamic Therapy, Kayla R. Whittington

Honors Theses

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment modality for various illnesses, including some types of cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The prevalence of lung cancer in certain gender, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups add to existing health disparities in the United States. For this reason, it is necessary to address the social determinants underlying lung cancer disparities, as well as improve treatment options. These treatment options should be cost effective, convenient, and increase survival rates. This research focused on synthesizing novel water-soluble porphyrin compounds for use as photosensitive agents in PDT for …

The Effects Of Floatation-Rest On Cortisol Levels Of Patients With Glioblastoma Grade Iv: A Conceptual Framework, Hilario Gomez

Selected Honors Theses

Glioblastoma is reported to be the most aggressive and common brain tumor in adults (Davis, 2016). To help alleviate pain in patients with glioblastoma, floatation-REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique) is proposed. Such therapy has been shown to benefit chronic tension headaches, muscle tension, and other stress-related pain conditions (Feinstein, 2018). The magnesium and sulfate components of Epsom salt combined with controlled warm water allow the muscles and joints to relax. Studies show that magnesium targets the Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) produced by the Anterior Pituitary Gland which in turn affects cortisol hormone levels to activate the body's immune defenses and eliminate …

An Analysis Of The Psychological And Physical Effects Of A Physical Activity Program During In-Patient Pediatric Cancer Treatment, Zoë Winters

Undergraduate Theses

There is limited published research regarding the use of physical activity in cancer treatment programs, and even fewer in pediatric treatment plans; however, there is a common consensus that following the conclusion of cancer treatment an individual’s physical fitness has been majorly impacted. The inactivity that commonly coexists with cancer treatment often results in extended periods of time in rehabilitation programs and decreased independence. Along with the physical detriments caused by inactivity, increased dependence on others often brings about feelings of helplessness that can further cause emotional detriments. It has however been demonstrated in previous research that adding physical activity …

The Experiences And Needs Of Individuals With A Variant Of Uncertain Significance (Vus) On Genetic Tests For Hereditary Cancer Syndromes: A Grounded Theory Study, Danielle Gould

Doctoral Dissertations

Background: The use of multigene panel testing for identifying individuals with hereditary cancer susceptibility has expanded in recent years. The number of individuals who have a variant of unknown significance (VUS) result is increasing. However, little is known about the experiences and needs of this group. This study’s purpose was to describe the experiences and needs of individuals with a VUS result by focusing on their experiences in communicating with healthcare providers and family members. Methods: A constructivist grounded theory approach was used. Recruitment took place from January–July 2021 through social media: the Prospective Registry of Multiplex Testing (PROMPT), and …

Increasing Cancer Survivorship Knowledge Through Individualized Cancer Survivorship Packets, Ashley Atkins

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This project was developed with the aim of formulating an individualized educational packet that would improve patients’ knowledge of their initial cancer diagnosis and provide additional information to facilitate a smooth transition from treatment to remission. Using a pretest and posttest, quantitative data was collected pertaining to 10 different types of patient education. The pretest survey collected eight questions that related to gathering information about their cancer diagnosis, resources, and knowledge level. The DNP Project Leader secured a Cancer Survivorship Guide through the American Society of Clinical Oncology that was added to the initial cancer survivorship education for all patients. …

Design And Synthesis Of Curcumin Analogs For Anticancer Activity And Discovery Of Novel Hit Molecules Targeting Cxcr4., Maryam Sadat Hosseini Zare

Dissertations (2016-Present)

Curcumin as a natural compound is made of various components including protein, carbohydrate, and curcuminoid. Curcuminoid is made of curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin and bis desmethoxycurcumin. Curcumin is used for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory disorders, but it has some therapeutic problems like poor bioavailability, poor efficacy, and chemical instability. To overcome these problems, the objective of this study is (1) synthesis of pyrazole curcumin analogs, (2) synthesis of triazole curcumin analogs, and (3) in-vitro study of the anticancer activity of these curcumin analogs on head & neck, breast, pancreatic and glioblastoma cancer cells. During this part of my Ph.D. project, …

Changing Selection And Epistasis On Drivers Over Tumorigenesis In Primary And Metastatic Prostate Cancer, Alexander Yang

Yale Medicine Thesis Digital Library

Background: Many attempts have been made to characterize and describe the driver genes and mutations responsible for prostate cancer tumorigenesis. We have quantified the cancer effect size—a direct measurement of the survival advantage a mutation confers—for 2699 primary and metastatic prostate tumor samples. Our measure of cancer effect treats tumorigenesis as an evolutionary process, subject to positive and negative selective pressures. We have applied this metric in a stage-specific manner to elucidate which mutations are selected for as prostate cancer develops.Methods: We analyzed 2699 prostate cancer tumor exomes, genomes, and panel sequences (1648 primary tumors and 1051 metastatic samples). The …

A Literature Resource For Those Supporting Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Cancer, Kaylee James

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts both social interaction and patterns of behavior. ASD is rooted in genetic, biological, and environmental causes. Cancer begins when cells grow out of control and there is also a genetic and biological cause of cancer. There is an overlap between the genetic and biological causes of ASD and cancer. As a result, evidence supports an increased risk of developing some types of cancer as well as protective factors for some times of cancer for individuals with ASD. Therefore, individuals with ASD may be at a heightened risk to develop cancer, …

The Efficacy Of The Role Of Therapeutic Play In Alleviating Pain Or Anxiety In Pediatric Cancer Patients, Savannah B. Duke

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic play in alleviating pain or anxiety in the pediatric cancer patient.

Background: Therapeutic play is an intervention often incorporated within the care of pediatric cancer patients and children with other disease processes to promote well-being. Even though play therapy is supported by research, nurses have the option to implement nursing care interventions in a play-like manner. Therapeutic play is an individualized technique that provides an intentional opportunity for children to express their emotional responses in a controlled environment.

Method: The databases used in this search included CINAHL, MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, ERIC, and Education …

Analyzing The Relationship Between The Quality Of Life And Race Of Lung Cancer Survivors, Alina S. Wise

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Purpose: The relationship between racial disparities and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of lung cancer patients is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to quantify the overall HRQoL of lung cancer patients and compare differences in HRQoL among racial groups in the United States.

Methods: We analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System (BRFSS), a population-based national cross-sectional study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The BRFSS is conducted annually in all 50 states and collects information on demographics, health behaviors, health-related experiences, health conditions, use of medications, and use of …

The Factors Urban African American Men Perceive As Preventing Early Prostate Cancer Screening, Joel Mongo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Prostatic carcinoma, or prostate cancer, is the leading cause of death among adult males in the United States. The highest rate of prostate cancer is found in males of African American ethnicity, as males within this cohort are 50% more likely to develop prostate cancer than other ethnicities. African Americans men are 1.6 times more likely to develop prostate cancer and 2.4 times more likely to die from it than Caucasians. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the perceptions of urban African American men about factors that prevent them from seeking and receiving prostate cancer screening, and …

Why Some Cancer Patients Chose Fasting Instead Of, Or With, Conventional Treatments, Richard Alvin Sacks

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract Conventional cancer treatment consists of some combination of three therapies: chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. The purpose of this study was to understand why some individuals diagnosed with cancer elected to follow an alternative course of treatment, consisting of fasting on juices or water only rather than, or in addition to, conventional cancer treatment. The theory chosen to guide this study was the Markula Center for Applied Ethics framework for ethical decision making. Research questions were designed to understand the decision-making process of study participants in choosing fasting on juice or water only, rather than, or in addition to, the …

Food Insecurity In Oncology Patients: An Educational Intervention For Nurses, Chinelo Pernilla Onwuazombe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractFood insecurity is not having enough food or resources or not being able to procure nutritious foods. An observation that nurses in one oncology clinic rarely assessed their patients for food insecurity as part of their regular assessment led to the development and testing of an educational intervention for nurses which was to create awareness on the importance of assessing food insecurity among oncology patients and to learn to use the Household Food Insecurity Assess Scale (HFIAS) in assessing patients. Summative evaluation was done using a pre/and posttest. The Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and the Virginia Henderson nursing need theories …

Therapeutic Music Effectiveness In Managing Anxiety And Depression Feelings In Cancer Patients, Aida L. Ramos

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractWith the emergence of advances in health care technology, increased life expectancy has exacerbated the manifestation of chronic disease states such as cancer. The side effects of cancer treatments can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety, which can be as devastating as disease process. Many studies have provided evidence supporting the practice problem, therapeutic music effectiveness in managing anxiety and depression feelings in cancer patients. Available pharmacological treatments may result in additional side effects that may outweigh the benefits of their use. Current systematic reviews of literature demonstrating the effectiveness of therapeutic music use as a non-pharmacological thera-peutic adjunct …

Changes In Physical Activity And Relationships To Submaximal Exercise Capacity And Cardiac Function During Breast Cancer Therapy, Moriah P. Bellissimo

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Breast cancer (BC) survivors are at high risk for heart failure due to curative cancer therapies. In non-cancer populations, physical activity is a first line treatment for preventing cardiovascular disease. This study examined whether more physical activity was associated with better submaximal exercise capacity and cardiac function during the first three months of cancer therapy.

Methods: Participants included 223 women with stage I-III BC before therapy and after three months of undergoing treatment and 126 controls. Leisure time physical activity was reported using the Godin Sheppard leisure time exercise questionnaire. Cardiac function was assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance, and …

"It’S Just Another Thing”: Perceptions Of Well Water Quality And Barriers In An Arsenic Hot Spot, Linzy Rosen

Honors Theses

Privately owned water is the primary source of drinking water for 43 million Americans. Although residential or private wells are susceptible to a variety of contaminants, the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 positions individuals as responsible for the testing, remediation, and management of this water. Despite the elevated presence of arsenic in Maine, which is linked to various cancers, cardiovascular disease, and neurological damage, little is known about how private well owners perceive the safety and quality of their own water.

This study takes a qualitative approach to understanding concerns and opinions by conducting semi - structured interviews with …

System Measurements For X-Ray Phase And Diffraction Imaging, Erik Wolfgang Tripi

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

In medical imaging, X rays are used to look inside the body to find fractures in bones, abnormal masses, cavities in teeth, and so on. What makes X rays so good at looking at these types of structures is the X ray’s penetration power. When imaging soft tissue to search for tumors, X-ray images tend to have difficulty performing well. The reason for this is that the background structures, such as fat or fibro glandular tissue have similar absorption coefficients as the tumor. Mammography tends to have a high false positive rate and can miss tumors entirely as well. There …

Optimization Of The Structure Of Ttr Ligands For Half-Life Extension (Tlhe), Guanming Jiang

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Many potential therapeutic agents face challenges for their clinical development due to short circulation half-life. As a result, prolonging the half-life of therapeutic drugs in circulation while preserving their hydrophilicity and small size will be a key step toward more effective and safe pharmacological molecules. Our lab developed a new approach for enhancing the safety and efficacy of therapeutic agents. By endowing therapeutic agents with a hydrophilic small molecule (a derivative of the clinical candidate, AG10) which reversibly binds to the serum protein transthyretin (TTR), the half-life of the therapeutic agent should be extended by binding to the TTR in …

Intracellular Trafficking And Distribution Of Cd And Inp Quantum Dots In Hela And Ml-1 Thyroid Cancer Cells, Min Zhang

MSU Graduate Theses

The study of the interaction of engineered nanoparticles, including quantum dots (QDs), with cellular constituents and the kinetics of their localization and transport, has provided new insights into their biological consequences in cancers and for the development of effective cancer therapies. The present study aims to elucidate the toxicity and intracellular transport kinetics of CdSe/ZnS and InP/ZnS QDs in late-stage ML-1 thyroid cancer using well-tested HeLa cells as a control. The XTT viability assay showed that ML-1 cells, and non-cancerous mouse fibroblast cells, exhibit no viability defect in response to these QDs, whereas HeLa cell viability decreases. These results suggest …

A Review Of Monte Carlo Methods And Their Application In Medical Physics For Simulating Radiation Transport, Joe Shields

Honors Theses and Capstones

Monte Carlo methods are used to calculate statistical behavior through the use of random number generators and probability density functions. They have been used extensively in medical physics for research in radiotherapy, designing technology, dosimetry, and advanced clinical applications. This paper provides a background on Monte Carlo methods and a review of radiation therapy physics and dosimetry. Additionally, there is a discussion of the different ways Monte Carlo methods are used in medical physics as well as a review of current research related to Monte Carlo methods. The final portion of this paper contains my own Monte Carlo simulation using …

Human Papillomavirus 16 E2 Regulates Host Cell Pathways Important For Cancer Progression And Treatment Sensitivity Which May Contribute To Cancer Outcomes, Christian Fontan

Theses and Dissertations

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are causative agents in around 5% of all cancers, including cervical and oropharyngeal. A feature of HPV cancers is their better clinical outcome compared with non-HPV anatomical counterparts. In turn, the presence of E2 predicts a better clinical outcome in HPV-positive cancers; the reason(s) for the better outcome of E2-positive patients is not fully understood.

Previously, we demonstrated that HPV16 E2 regulates host gene transcription that is relevant to the HPV16 lifecycle in N/Tert-1 cells. One of the genes repressed by E2 and the entire HPV16 genome in N/Tert-1 cells is TWIST1. In these studies, we demonstrate …

Differentiating The Mechanistic Role And Chemotherapeutic Potential Of Src And Podoplanin In Oncogenic Transformation, Edward P. Retzbach

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Theses and Dissertations

There were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2020, resulting in nearly 1000 deaths per hour [1]. Oral cancer exemplifies the difficulties of treating cancer patients. The first line for oral cancer treatment is surgery and radiation that can lead to patient disfigurement and decreased quality of life in cancer survivors [2-4]. Though there have been many developments in chemotherapy in the last 30 years, the 50% mortality rate associated with oral cancer has not changed [4, 5]. Longitudinal studies that track survival rates in oral cancer patients demonstrate a 3-fold reduction in patient deaths when patients …

The Investigations Of Nps Modulated Immunity And Immunometabolism, Brittney Leigh Ruedlinger

Biomedical Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Cancers remain in the top noncommunicable diseases responsible for premature mortality. The heterogeneity among cancers and within tumors makes treating them ever more challenging. Our misfortune for developing cures is mocked by cancer, with the lowest probability of success (PoS) through clinical trials and FDA approval. At the basic level, there are generally two broad gaps impeding cancer eradication: the unidentified shared mechanism(s) exploited by all cancers and the therapeutic approach to intervene. Nanosecond pulse stimulation (NPS) offers a unique approach since its broad impacts intersect those often hijacked by oncogenesis. Metabolic pathways, known for dysfunctions among cancers, share a …

Perceived Social Support, Family Relationships, And Health-Related Quality Of Life Among Women With Breast Cancer In Jordan., Hedaya Rateb Hina

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Jordanian women. Perceived social support (PSS) and family relationships are strongly associated with positive psychosocial outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This area was widely explored in Western countries, but little attention was devoted to investigate this area in Middle East region. Purpose: to investigate the interrelationships among PSS, family relationships, and HRQoL of women with breast cancer in Jordan using an exploratory cross-sectional design. Method: The contextual model of HRQoL designed by Ashing-Giwa (2005) provided the foundation for this study. A total of 140 women were …

Uncovering A Myc-Driven Tumor-Suppressive Program In Proliferating Lymphocytes, Elena Tonc

Arts & Sciences Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Rapid cell proliferation is a hallmark feature of adaptive immune cells lymphocytes. It is essential for the establishment of diverse antigen receptor repertoires and amplification of antigen-specific immune responses. While such proliferation is beneficial for host protection from infections and cancers, it inevitably elevates the risk of oncogenic transformation. In developing and germinal center B lymphocytes, the risk is further increased by endogenous, genomic insults due to antigen receptor rearrangements and somatic mutations, with which expression of the proto-oncogene c-MYC is closely associated. Nonetheless, frequencies of cancers originated from B lymphocytes are relatively low, suggesting that they are protected from …