This paper looks at a study conducted on mice which shows that the suppression of p53, done in conjunction with cancertherapy, may give patients some relief from unpleasant side-effects.
Abstract The paper suggests that while the chemicalinhibitor of p53 is suppressed, at the same time this treatment can allow for appropriate treatment to destroy p53-deficient cancer cells in a patient. The paper gives the chemical explanation for how the results were found in mice. The writer concludes with a discussion of the importance of this research for the future of cancer patients undergoing the intense treatment to fight the spread of the disease.
From the Paper "The p53 inhibitor had almost no protective effect if it was added up to 18 hours prior to, and removed immediately before, irradiation. A short, 3-hour treatment with PFT-alpha after irradiation had a pronounced protective effect on the cells, and a 24-hour incubation gave maximal protection. If PFT-alpha was added 3 hours after irradiation, it was not able to rescue the cells from radiation-induced damage. This suggests that ultraviolet radiation-induced apoptosis is significantly reduced within several hours, and completely eradicated within 24 hours of irradiation by PFT-alpha."
Abstract The paper analyzes the article "Small-Molecule MDM2 Antagonists Reveal Aberrant p53 Signaling in Cancer: Implications for Therapy" and explains the conclusions reached by the authors. The paper is of the opinion that the conclusions may have been slightly optimistic. The paper outlines the method used by the study discussed in the article and notes several limitations of the study.
Outline:
Summary
Method
From the Paper "The main focus of the article is around the protein murine double minute 2 (MDM2). MDM2 is a negative regulator of the p53 tumour suppressor protein. This is done through three mechanisms. Firstly, MDM2 binds at the p53 transactivation site and blocks its activation of transcription initiation [1]. Secondly, it participates in the nuclear export of p53 [1]. Thirdly, it serves as a ubiquitin ligase, promoting the degradation of p53. When p53 is activated, it can bring a halt upon the cell cycle and cause apoptosis [1]. This is very important as p53 acts as a transcription factor, the inactivation of which halts cellular apoptosis. In approximately half of all tumours that are malignant, p53 is perminantly disabled or deleted. However, in the other 50% of mutated cells, p53 simply remains inactive the misexpression of MDM2, which interferes with the proper functions of p53 [1]. So the object of the article is that disruption or inhibition of the MDM2-p53 interaction may correct p53 functioning and serve as a form of cancer therapy, such as suppression of tumour growth. Subsequently the problem that the authors tackle with is how to inhibit the actions of MDM2."
Abstract The paper discusses cancer drugs and their impact on patients. The paper relates that the medical community is aware of the harsh realities of cancer fighting drugs and has been working to try and develop drugs that can battle the disease while reducing the sideeffects. The paper presents a design for a cancer drug that will target only the cancer while leaving the healthy cells to do their work in assisting recovery.
Outline:
Introduction
How Drugs Work
Introducing the New Drug
Conclusion
From the Paper "For most of human history a diagnosis of cancer meant death. There was no hope, there was no cure, and the person was simply told they were going to die. The death was usually slow and painful with many side effects along the way. In recent history however, advances in medical science has improved the cure rates of cancer and today a cancer diagnosis no longer has to mean automatic termination of life. The drugs used to fight the disease are potent and often have serious and sometimes life threatening complications."
Abstract The paper argues that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for severe depression that has a negative stigma in the general population and is therefore underused in clinical practice. The paper describes electroconvulsive therapy and relates that the procedure does not cause brain damage in adults. The paper includes a review of patients' experiences and presents the cognitive sideeffects of ECT and how they relate to use with the depressed elderly. Finally, the paper presents a brief case study from the writer's place of work as an example of effective treatment.
From the Paper "Electroconvulsive therapy is also known as electroshock or ECT and is a well established, though controversial psychiatric treatment in which seizures are electrically induced in anesthetized patients for a therapeutic effect. ECT has been the subject of major controversy, receiving extensive negative media coverage and has faced legal obstacles in certain places (Bustin, Rapopor, Krishna, and Matusevich, 2007). Today, ECT is most often used as a treatment for severe major depression which has not responded to other treatment, and is also used in the treatment of mania (often in bipolar disorder), catatonia, schizophrenia and other disorders. Elderly depressed patients are the most likely to be receiving ECT for major depression (Bustin et al, 2007)."
Abstract This paper briefly summarizes and then reviews an article on a potential cancertherapy entitled "Exploiting T cell Receptor Genes for Cancer Immunotherapy." The paper explains that the article reviewed discussed various cancer treatment options with T cell receptor immunotherapy and then goes on to discuss the results and conclusions found in the article. The paper concludes that the article was well-written and informative.
From the Paper "Adoptive antigen-specific immunotherapy is a potential cancer therapy because immunocompetence is not required and lymphocyte specificity can be targeted against tumour-associated antigens. T cell receptor (TCR) genes isolated from antigen-specific T cells may be therapeutically used for antigen-specific immunotherapy. TCR gene therapy may provide an appealing strategy to develop antigen-specific immunotherapy. Examples of this type of therapy include retroviral TCR gene transfer, TCR gene modified lymphocytes, and TCR gene expression."
Tags: monoclonal, generic, reagents, surface, helper, functions, cytotoxicity, cytokine, production
Abstract This paper aims to determine the extent of available information on the effectiveness of the drug known as Focalin to children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It identifies the additional knowledge still required for ADHD treatment and seeks to contribute to this knowledge gap by investigating the effects and sideeffects of Focalin intake among actual children, ages 10 and under, with ADHD. The paper contains an annotated bibliography and data analysis.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Literature Review
ADHD and Criminal Justice
ADHD Treatment
Treating ADHD with Focalin
Implications of Literature on Research & Criminal Justice
From the Paper "Although it is recognized that drugs when combined with behavior therapy contributes to the treatment of ADHD, limited studies have been conducted on the long-term effect of certain drugs on children with ADHD or the overall effectiveness of particular drugs. Biederman, Spencer and Wilens (2004, p. 300) provide that although many researches indicate the apparent effectiveness of dexmethylphenidate, the core component of Focalin, in improving the behavior of children with ADHD, the results of their study indicate different effects on children of different ages and comorbidities causing the researchers to recommend further research on this aspect to enhance knowledge on ADHD, drug treatment, and implications on long-term behavior.
In a later study, McGough, Pataki and Suddath (2005) found that dexmethylphenidate intake indicates that based on clinical trials of drug intake among children there was a reported significant improvement in terms of the children's academic and behavior ratings. Apart from the positive effects, the Focalin component was also satisfactorily tolerated by the children indicating on its safety as a drug for long-term use. Although there are also side effects such as loss of appetite and insomnia, the drug commands acceptable levels of tolerability among children with ADHD with extended drug intake."
Abstract This paper discusses the effectiveness of therapy and its role in the treatment of suicidal ideation and behavior. Therapy is usually prescribed, as an alternative treatment when other methods fail to produce desired results.
Abstract This paper is an in-depth examination of many of the new techniques available in the treatment of cancer. The author refers to many different reports written on the subject and includes a detailed definition of the many types of treatments. These include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, cryosurgery, immunotherapy, bone marrow transplant, peripheral bone stem cell transplantation, gene therapy and laser treatment. Each of these methods of treatment is detailed, giving both their positive and negative affects, including success rates and identifies the type of cancer and patient that is best suited to the treatment and its success.
From the Paper "Bone marrow is the soft, sponge-like material found inside bones. It contains immature cells called stem cells that produce blood cells. There are three types of blood cells: white blood cells, which fight infection; red blood cells, which carry oxygen to and remove waste products from organs and tissues; and platelets, which enable the blood to clot. Most stem cells are found in the bone marrow, but some stem cells called peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) can be found in the bloodstream. Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) are procedures that restore stem cells that have been destroyed by high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. The main purpose of BMT and PBSCT in cancer treatment is to make it possible for patients to receive very high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. BMT and PBSCT are most commonly used in the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma. They are also used in the treatment of childhood brain tumors and other rare childhood cancers."
Abstract This paper begins with the pathological classification of breast cancer and a description of its various types and stages. The author explains that the type of treatment and prognosis of the disease varies with the staging of breast cancer, and that in general, the treatment may include: mastectomy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and endocrine therapy. The author discusses several of the sideeffects of breast cancer treatment, including postoperative infection, lymphedema, hair loss, fatigue, and nausea and vomiting. Adequate patient education and psychosocial support are vital components of nursing care, although the nursing assessment may vary according to the different phases of treatment and depending on individual criteria. The paper concludes that alternative medicine is also increasingly being considered in the management of breast cancer.
From the Paper "Intraductal carcinoma represents about 5% of breast carcinomas. The neoplastic cells either assume a glandular pattern or piles up within the ducts as irregular excrescences. Continued proliferation eventually fills the ducts with compressed tumor cells. Clinically, they present as a palpable mass or as ropy cords within the breast. Eventually, the ducts are filled with cheesy necrotic tumor tissue. This cheesy necrotic tissue can be extruded with slight pressure when the ducts are transected (therefore called comedocarcinoma) About 70 % of these tumors become invasive."
Abstract Discusses use of hormone therapy, or chemical castration, as an effective treatment program for recidivist sex offenders. Describes how hormone therapy works. States that permit its use. Controversy over the treatment regarding medical risks and Constitutional issues. Research studies conducted on effectiveness. Need for psychological therapy Need for future research studies.
From the Paper "For many years, the U.S. has sought to eliminate sexual offenses by treating sexual offenders with various methods such as behavioral modification therapy, relapse prevention and cognitive reconditioning (?Review of the research literature,? 2001, p. 5). Since 1981, with the discovery of the effectiveness of specific hormones in reducing testosterone levels in human beings (Berlin & Meinecke, 1981), hormone therapy, known as chemical castration, has been tested extensively on sex offenders. Essentially, the objective of administering these drugs is to reduce the blood serum testosterone levels and lead to a concomitant decrease in sexual arousal and sexual preoccupations. The drugs work by acting on the hypothalamus..."
Abstract The paper discusses lung cancer as one of the most lethal diseases in the United States, causing more deaths compared to any other form of cancer. The paper then states that research in gene therapy and improvements in radiation therapy have provided a new ray of hope for lung cancer patients. The paper also discusses the management of the symptoms and methods of improving the quality of life as one of the most important features of cancer care. IN addition, the paper comments that the cancer nurse plays a large role by providing proactive and treatment centric nursing interventions for symptoms palliation.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Genetic and Molecular Biology of Cancer Lung Cancer Treatment Methods
Radiotherapy
Conclusion
From the Paper "Radiotherapy has been one of the mainstay treatments for cancer. However, conventional radiotherapy has not been very effective and so more effective forms of non-conventional interventions such as hyperfractionated, accelerated and combined hyperfractionated/ accelerated radiotherapy regimens have begun to be tested. A recent study by Lester et.al showed that conventional radiotherapy is not very effective in terms of treatment outcome even with higher dosages and that it only resulted in increased side effects including oesophagitis, anemia, etc. Of the fourteen trials which were reviewed for the study, it was found that even with high dosage RT there was only very little improvement in terms of survival with 5% at one year and 3% at 2 years. The study also found that for those patients with higher PS (performance status), increasing the radiation dosage to as 36Gy/12F would offer better survival chances though the risk for oesophagitis and other radiation side effects are also increased."
This paper reviews and analyzes the published literature pertaining to the use of music therapy in caring for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Abstract This paper delves into how and why musical therapy offers a better quality of life when used with patients suffering from the effects of dementia or Alzheimer's. The writer of this paper details the results of the Remington study which exposed individuals to either music, massage or both in 10-minute intervals to see both the long and short-term effects it had on patients diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's. The writer analyzes the published scientific reports and studies that prove music and music therapy stimulates the minds of young children and can thus be used in older individuals to aid in re-stimulating the mind. This paper focuses on both the physical and psychological side-effects of dementia and Alzheimer's before music therapy as well as after receiving treatment. This paper also examines the genetic and environmental causes of dementia and Alzheimer's as well as the importance of early detection in order to offset, at least temporarily, the eventually devastating side-effects of both diseases.
From the Paper "Some studies have also indicated that the risk of developing dementia rises when the individual has a lower education and lower lifetime occupational achievement. Because of this, the importance of stimulating the mind and keeping it active can readily be seen. This is largely where music therapy comes into the equation. Music does stimulate the mind, and there is scientific evidence that children that study music perform better in school. With this in mind, music can then be used to help those whose minds are starting to fail, by stimulating those minds once again. This may not work for everyone with dementia, but studies have shown that there are some positive effects for most individuals, and that is certainly enough to warrant a further examination of the issue. Music therapy has been used for some time for the elderly."
Abstract The paper deals with small cell lung cancer and the problem with regard to radiation and memory loss. The paper states that this form of cancer is prone to brain metastases. The paper confirms that prophylactic cranial irradiation is a controversial method of radiation that has shown to have positive outcomes in small cell lung cancer patients. However, little is known about the effects of radiation on the brain and especially on long-term cognitive and memory loss. The paper, in referring to various studies, concludes that the research is compounded by the large number of variables that need to be taken into account in ascertaining the effects of the process of radiation.
Outline:
Introduction
Prolegomena: Overview and Background
The Brain, Memory and Radiation Treatment
Summation and Conclusion
From the Paper " Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer that affects both men and women in the United States and the world. As figure 1 above illustrates, the number of deaths from lung cancer in the United States far exceeds other common forms of cancer. There are numerous statistics that indicate the increased risks of lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Figure 2 below illustrates a projection of morality rates in various countries over a ten your period of time. This again clearly indicates the importance of research into lung cancer and particularly the more severe form of small cell lung cancer."
Abstract This paper looks at the harrowing effects of chemical warfare and how it changed the face of war during WWI. It gives examples of the types of weaponry used, their sideeffects and how these have developed to become the destructive arms of today.
From the Paper "According to many of the period's experts, WWI was supposed to be fought by large numbers of men, in a heroic fashion, with the other technologically advanced weapons such as planes, machine-guns and tanks. Instead of the 'normal' war of the attacker winning and the defender put on the run, this war was interrupted by trench warfare and battles of attrition. Trenches were the norm, and to help get battles back to 'natural' means, gas was put into practice to help each side get back into (in their eyes at the time) a more modern conflict. So what were these chemical weapons? How and when were they used? What role did they play in the soldier's day-to-day life both physically and psychologically? "
Tags: bombs, chemicals, france, gas, germany, hague, history, military, trench, war, warfare, wwi
This paper discusses the effects of spinal vs. general anesthesia on the projected outcome for patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).
Abstract This paper explains that the majority of research indicates that anesthetic choice has little impact on the outcome of surgery for patients undergoing TURP and related procedures. The author points out that physicians should instead take into consideration the likelihood for increased overall morbidity and mortality rates in patients due to the nature of the surgery and increased likelihood that patients are coming into a procedure with increased complications prior to surgery. The paper states that general and spinal anesthesia both carry risks, and both carry adverse sideeffects; which sideeffects a patient is best equipped to handle should be the determining factor for the majority of patients undergoing TURP.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Literature Review
Implications to Practice
From the Paper "There is research indicating that adverse effects may result from anesthetic choice during prostatectomy, or at least evidence indicating that in general this procedure is more risky and likely to result in a greater likelihood for poor outcome. The Department of Urology at Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, UK conducted a study that examined complications and morbidity resulting from prostatectomy in 1400 men. The patients were examined for a period of 8 months, with patients undergoing TURP examined from 12 separate institutions. Data was collected related to "factors potentially affecting mortality and morbidity" which included the American Society of Anesthesiologists co-
morbidity scores. Complications post-surgery included 8% of patients developing sepsis, with a large percentage of patients having a "significantly increased rate of deaths and complications" and emergent situations requiring re-admission to the hospital . The study concluded that due to the increased likelihood of complications, which were seen across population groups of varying ages, it is essential that care providers further examine potential increased causes for morbidity rates after prostatectomy. The increased likelihood of complications was not directly tied to anesthetic technique, but this possibility was also not ruled out."
