Abstract
One of the more challenging disorders identified in the 20th century is cystic fibrosis, with the cause of the disease only being discovered relatively recently. Although improved multifaceted healthcare interventions have allowed many cystic fibrosis sufferers to live much longer than even a few years ago, life expectancies for people with this condition remain far lower than the population at large and the condition itself detracts from the quality of life in a number of ways for the sufferer and family members alike. Unfortunately, a cure for cystic fibrosis remains elusive and many people who suffer from the disease will still succumb to the cumulative effects of repeated infections over time. To determine what progress is being made in this area, this paper provides an overview of cystic fibrosis, including its cause, symptoms and current treatment protocols. A discussion of what types of current research initiatives are underway to identify new treatment interventions is followed by a summary of the research and salient findings in the conclusion.

From the Paper
"Cystic fibrosis was first identified as a specific disorder in 1938; however, the precise cause for the disorder remained unknown until the cystic fibrosis (CF) gene was identified in 1989 (Schubert & Murphy, 2005). According to Schubert and Murphy, ''Mutations in this gene lead to the defective production of a salt-regulating protein known as the CF transmembrane conductance regulator. As a result, chloride ions and water cannot flow properly through cell membranes, leading to the production of thick, sticky mucus'' (p. 35). The disease affects a number of bodily organs, but tends to do the majority of damage to the lungs and pancreas; as a result, the most debilitating aspects of the disease involve difficulties in breathing because of effects on the pulmonary system and, for about 90 percent of those with CF, difficulty in digestion because of effects on the pancreas (Schubert & Murphy)."

Tags:cystic fibrosis, research, infection, chromosome, respiratory, digestive

Abstract
This paper examines cystic fibrosis (CF), which is an autosomal recessive disease that involves not only the pulmonary system, but also affects other organ systems. The writer explains that the pathogenesis of CF is caused by a genetic mutation on the long arm of Chromosome 7, specifically a mutation on the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator, or CFTR gene. This paper discusses treatment, complications and nursing interventions that need special attention in adolescents.

From the Paper
"Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that affects 1/3700 infants in the U.S. alone (Green, Grosse, Earley & Mei, 2005). It is a disease that predominantly affects individuals of Caucasian decent. It is a disease that can be screened for early on right after birth; however, the median age at which it is diagnosed is 14.5 months without newborn screening (median age for disease detection 0.5 months)...."

Tags:nursing, cystic fibrosis

Abstract
This research paper discusses the anatomy and physiology of the cystic fibrosis (CF). The paper discusses the imaging modalities and the unique tool represented in the MRI, as well as its drawbacks. The paper also discusses the drawbacks of the other imaging modalities and the future of imaging technology in the diagnosis and treatments of CF. The paper contains figures.

Table of Contents:
Literature Review
Chapter One
Diagnosis and the Anatomy and Physiology of a Life Threatening Disease: Cystic Fibrosis
What Science Looks For
A Complex Physiology
Chapter Two
Computerized, Tomography as a Tool in Treatment Approach for Cystic Fibrosis
Chapter Three
MRI and Cystic Fibrosis
Chapter Four
The Drawbacks of Modern Technology
Chapter Five
Discussion and Conclusion

From the Paper
"Genetic research today, more than anything else, is probably the most aggressive and advanced it has ever been before. It raises ethical and social issues in many circles, and those issues deserve debate and there is a need to ensure ethical practices when words like "cloning" and human genetic engineering are being used (Howie, 2002, p. 139). However, these ongoing discussions of ethics should not prohibit or bring to an end research that is going to ease the pain and suffering of children and young adults, and improve their quality of life and longevity with less pain."

Tags:pathology, genetics, lungs, radiology, imaging

Abstract
The author presents an extensive report on cystic fibrosis, its causes, treatments and future. Despite much research, the cause of cystic fibrosis has baffled the medical community. Recently the genetic link and mapping of cystic fibrosis has been pursued with some success. Many aspects of the disease including the enzyme treatments that are currently being studied, are presented.

From the Paper
"It is the leading genetic killing disease in the nation with 30,000 Americans having it currently. It is not particular about gender and strikes males and females equally often. It is also not picky about what race it affects, though studies indicate that there are more white people with the disease than there are other races with it. "

Tags:genetic, link, mapping, genetic, enzyme, therapies, hereditary, mucus, lungs, pancreas, digestion, fat, symptoms, wheezing, coughing, pneumonia, salty, tasting, skin, clubbed, fingers, toes, sweat, mutations, ashkenazi, jews, carrier, counseling, screening, adenovirus, delivery, system

Abstract
This paper discusses the hereditary lung disease, cystic fibrosis (CF). The paper presents statistics of those suffering from CF in the United States. The cause, symptoms and diagnosis of the disease are examined. The paper explores the prognosis for CF patients and analyzes the available treatments. The paper contends that although much progress has been made in recent years in terms of diagnosis, treatment, quality of life, as well as average life spans, there is clearly much more to be done.

Outline
Introduction: What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Incidence and Etiology
Pathology and Pathophysiology
Signs, Symptoms and Complications
Diagnosis
Prognosis
Treatment
Clinical Trials and Studies
Hidden Benefits
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Cystic fibrosis is a serious genetically inherited disease that is estimated to affect around 30,000 children and adults in the United States alone (CFF, 2005). In this disease, a defective gene causes parts of the body to produce abnormal sticky, thick mucus. This abnormal mucus causes the lungs to become clogged, and can also lead to serious lung infections that can be fatal (2005). In addition to the negative effect on lung function, the thick mucus also causes an obstructive barrier to the pancreas which results in the patient having difficulty with food digestion as well as nutrient absorption. Cystic Fibrosis can cause complications leading to early mortality (the average age of the Cystic Fibrosis patient today is 30). Yet advances in treatment have steadily increased life the life expectancy of people suffering from this disease."

Tags:pancreas, mucous, respiratory

Abstract
This paper begins by explaining that cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease, which is caused by the mutation of the gene called 'cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR). The paper shows how recent studies have brought about improvements in the life expectancy of CF sufferers, and there are hopes, through gene therapy of improving it even further.

Contents
Introduction
Definition of Term
Protein Influence
Diagnosis
Treatment
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease which cannot be prevented. When CFTR protein in cells that line passageways of the lungs, pancreas, colon, and genitourinary tract are abnormal, two problems result: blockage of the movement of chloride ions and secretion of abnormal levels of mucus. These problems are caused by a mutation of the CFTR, which is called deltaF508 CFTR. This mutation ". . . accounts for 70-80 percent of all CF cases. Various other mutations . . . seem to be the cause of other CF cases" (CaringParents.org., 2003, 1). This could mean that there are other, undetected as yet, causes for cystic fibrosis."

Tags:disease, cause, treatment, gene, therapy, protein, lung, mutation

Abstract
This paper discusses nursing management of cystic fibrosis (CF). It begins by describing the pathophysiology of the disease and the risk factors associated with it. The paper then looks at complications that may arise with the disease and possible treatment options that are available. Finally, the paper discusses the overall nursing management of CF.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Pathophysiology
Risk Factors
Treatment
Complications
Nursing Management

From the Paper
"Some of the many complications that may arise in CF patients are pulmonary in nature. Apart from pneumonia, a host of pulmonary complications such as atelectasis, pneumothorax, hemoptysis, allergic aspergillosis, hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, acute respiratory failure and chronic respiratory failure may result during the natural history of CF (Boat, 1998). Salt depletion can also occur in CF patients, particularly during warm weather and activity where sweat is excessively excreted. Gastrointestinal complications, including those of the hepatobiliary tree include intestinal obstruction, liver disease, pancreatitis and hyperglycemia may also occur and are treated accordingly."

Tags:respiratory failure, pulmonary chest autosomal recessive

Abstract
"Cystic Fibrosis: The Facts" is a comprehensive, informative and well-written book about the disease and its treatments. The paper explains how authors, Ann Harris and Maurice Super address the book to a general audience, making the book extremely accessible to laypeople. The paper first discusses the book, chapter by chapter and then provides an overview of this congenital disease that mainly affects the digestive and respiratory systems. The paper discusses the causes, symptoms and treatment of the disease, using Harris and Super's book as a reference.

From the Paper
"Newborn babies diagnosed with cystic fibrosis exhibit meconium ileus, a blockage of the lower intestine that causes abdominal swelling and bilious vomit. Surgery is necessary to correct meconium ileus. Children past the newborn stage who have cystic fibrosis will have symptoms like abdominal distension, loose and malodorous stool, and rectal prolapse. All these problems are associated with an improper functioning of the small intestine. In some cases, children with cystic fibrosis will develop a mild form of diabetes. In about 10% of cystic fibrosis cases, no gastrointestinal symptoms will be present. However, GI symptoms are usually detected far before respiratory ones are. The sweat glands are also affected by cystic fibrosis, as the disease causes increased electrolyte presence in the sweat. In fact, using sweat as a diagnostic measure is one of the safest and most reliable tests for cystic fibrosis."

Tags:pancreatic, functioning, cysts, sweat, glands, emphysema

Abstract
The paper shows that the field of pediatric nursing is a particularly large one in which its members may find themselves having to counsel both young patients and their families suffering from a myriad of diseases. Cystic fibrosis (CF), in particular, is a debilitating disease that strikes many young people. The paper discusses how, in the first years following its discovery, many children could not expect to make it to their teen years. Today, with advances in the management and care of this disease, patients are living into their 40s and it is even possible that there will one day be a cure. This paper will look at CF from a historical perspective. The timeline of its discovery and research are briefly presented, as are a few of the significant "milestones" in the history of the treatment of CF and what these mean for people battling this disease.

From the Paper
"Perhaps the most exciting advent in the history of the treatment of CF, as well as the most controversial, is the use of gene therapy. The idea behind gene therapy is to treat an illness by addressing and correcting its genetic cause. With the identification of the gene that actually causes CF, noting that it is a defect of sorts in the gene that causes the disease, it was only a matter of time before gene therapy was applied to CF. In 2000, an advanced experiment was performed in North Carolina. The idea was to give patients currently suffering from CF a healthy gene and hope that it will fix what is wrong with the unhealthy gene, even replace it, thereby curing the patient. Results and future applications of this procedure remain to be seen."

Tags:Dorothy, Andersen, protein, di, Sant-Agnese, pancreatic, enzymes

Abstract
The paper begins with a description of the physiology of cystic fibrosis. The causes and effects of the disease on bodily function are discussed. The segments of the population that the disease effects are outlined, as well as the current status of treatments.

From the Paper
"That nagging cough we all have may seem like a nuisance, but actually it is serving a very important purpose. When the airways become clogged the extreme causes are severe illnesses relating to breathing problems, such as asthma or emphysema. Cystic Fibrosis occur because of malfunction in the pancreas and lungs in the transportation of body salt, causing a thick mucus to block the breathing airways, and mislocation of the protein sequence, which is usually caused by a single mutation of one gene."

Tags:cough, pancreas, lungs, airway, mucus, breathing, gene, mutation