Abstract This paper discusses Parkinson's Disease. It examines what causes Parkinson's Disease, the symptoms associated with it, and the possible treatments for the illness. The paper further discusses embryonic and fetal stemcelltransplants in relation to the disease and whether or not these types of treatments should be considered for patients.
From the Paper "In modern society there are a variety of diseases that prevent individuals from functioning in their daily lives, and that create, for many, a lifetime of suffering. Parkinson's Disease is one such affliction that has begun to be viewed by science, not merely as a disease, but an illness that may find a cure through stem cell research. For those with Parkinson's Disease today this concept offers hope for a future without illness - a slim chance that one day they will not have to arrange their lives to accommodate the slow disintegration of their physical abilities. However, it is apparent that the reality of the disease, as well as the progress that has been made in stem cell research should be viewed prior to making assessments regarding the validity of those dreams."
Abstract This paper discusses metastatic breastcancer, cancer that originates in the breast and moves to lymph nodes and other bodily tissues. It provides a research study on its treatment using high-dosechemotherapy (HDC) followed by an autologous stemcelltransplantation (ASCT). It analyzes its efficacy and safety as well as some of the arguments that state that the effectiveness of HDC/ASCT may vary according to various non-treatment related factors-- age, stage of disease at diagnosis, hormone receptor status, use of prior adjuvant chemotherapy, initial disease-free interval, response to prior chemotherapy and number and sites of metastases. The paper includes tables of figures and diagrams.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Current Research
Efficacy
Safety
Future Prospects
From the Paper "Stress is another factor affecting treatment outcomes because high levels of stress may directly impact patients; both their mental and physical health. A study on post-traumatic stress disorder in stem cell transplant patients confirmed harmful effects on patients? quality of life. This study was not limited to patients with metastatic breast cancer, but was completed in a similar way as the previously mentioned studies that recorded personal health. Patients were asked to fill out questionnaires to judge if they were suffering from post-traumatic stress as a result of stem cell transplant. It was reported that the week before the transplant, approximately half of the patients had the highest levels of distress, which declined only slightly after the transplant was completed (Wettergren et al., 1999). The body's response to stress is complicated involving several organs, hormones and responses. This is extra energy that the body is expending and is therefore less able to focus on the task of recovery."
Abstract This paper discusses stemcell research, with specific attention to therapeutic cloning, and then relates this to the recent scientific breakthroughs concerning stemcell application to breast implants. The paper reviews research; public opinion and embryo stemcell cloning. It looks at reconstructive surgery and plastic surgery.
From the Paper "Stem cell research is experiencing great advances, allowing humans to see a future where diseases of today will not be of such concern tomorrow ..."
Tags: therapeutic cloning, stemcell research, breast implants
This paper examines the controversial issue of stemcelltransplantation and considers the views regarding the use of stemcells along with the debate that is currently in process.
Abstract This essay discusses the pros and cons of stemtransplantation by using rational examination of ideas based on logic and current research rather than emotion. Pope Leo XIII's Rerum Novarum is also used in order to give a basis to the theological arguments.
From the Paper ?The use of human material for extermination is very emotive subject. There are many personal feelings that surround the issues which, are complicated by social conditioning, religious beliefs and personal or societal needs and the personal moral framework. In many countries one of the debates that is currently raging is the use of human stem cells for research.In Germany there is research going ahead, but with imported stem cells and against the wishes of the Green Party and the National Ethics Council, in the United States there is disapproval of the research, and in the United Kingdom the research is approved for the purposes of finding cures for serious currently incurable conditions such as Parkinson's and diabetes."
Abstract This paper summarizes three articles on breastcancer. The first article concerns the tumor suppressor gene maspin, the second is about a mutant HDL receptor that inhibits human breastcancercell proliferation, and the third is about CD47-mediated killing of breastcancercells through a novel pathway.
Abstract The paper discusses embryonic stemcell research and states that the advancements in genetic engineering and genomic science are on the verge of creating a revolutionary change in our approach to treating diseases. The paper also relates that stemcell research, in particular, has created new hopes for innumerable number of people suffering from organ failure. Stemcell research has opened new vistas in the field of medicine as tissue regeneration promises new hope for millions of people who suffer from organ failure due to a variety of diseases. The paper then warns that there are some ethical and moral issues surrounding stemcell research that threaten to impede further progress in the field. The paper analyzes these and other related developments.
From the Paper "Compared to the controversies surrounding the embryonic stem cell research, umbilical cord stem cells hold no ethical or moral dilemma. Since there is no foetus or embryo involved in the process, and the very fact that the placenta is usually a biological waste, the case for cord stem cell research is very encouraging and without any controversies. Thus far, it was believed that stem cells derived from umbilical cord, being very few in number, could hardly be used in lieu of bone marrow transplant for adults. However, an interesting characteristic of cord stem cells is that they can proliferate rapidly unlike adult stem cells. Furthermore, immunological rejection is much less severe in the case of cord blood transplantation compared with Peripheral blood stem cell transplant or bone marrow transplant."
Abstract This paper summarizes a journal article on stemcell research. The article explores attitudes toward stemcell research and the use of fetal tissue. The author of this paper argues that benefits of stemcell research outweigh the dangers.
From the Paper "A collaborative volume of articles and information on stem cells was published by the Financial Times and Scientific American. The editors present information on the current and future state of stem cell research technology..."
Abstract This extensive paper examines a number of issues related to African-American women and breastcancer, with an emphasis on detection, treatment and survival. The paper gives a brief overview of cancer, the breast and types of breastcancers. The author then describes the purpose of this study, which was to determine the impact of racial disparity on breastcancer survival. The study also addresses socio-economic factors, such as lack of health insurance, and low incomes. The study attempts to identify the reasons why African-American women have a higher mortality rate than all other ethnic groups. Finally, the author questions whether education, community out-reach programs, resources would influence the probability of reducing breastcancer mortality rates among African-American women.
Outline:
Introduction and Problem Background
The Breast Development of the Breast What is Cancer?
What is BreastCancer?
Major Types of BreastCancers Risk Factors for developing BreastCancer Purpose of Study
Research Objectives
Limitation
Assumptions
Definition of Terms
Scope of Study
Review of Related Literature
Historical and General Background
Possible Barriers to The African-American Women having Mammograms
Existing Studies
Another Study of Racial Disparities in Breast Carcinoma Survival Rates
Methodology
Instrumentation
Statistical Approach
Relevant Results and Significant Studies
Summary of the Literature Reviewed
Findings
Association Between Socio-economic Status and BreastCancer Survival
Relationship between racial difference in treatment, and breastcancer mortality among the African-American women and the Caucasian-women
Summary, Conclusions, Recommendations
Summary
Conclusions
Recommendations
References
From the Paper "The incidence of breast cancer among the African-American women is slightly lower than it is for the Caucasian women. In any given year, 95 out of 100,000 African-American women are diagnosed with breast cancer, compared to 112 out of every 100,000 the Caucasian women. However, the African-American women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer after age 50 (www.netwellness.org, 2004). Breast cancer is the cancer with the second highest death rate for both the African-American women and the Caucasian women. The overall lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer is 10% for the African-American women and 14% for the Caucasian women. However, about 31 out of every 100,000 the African-American women died from the disease each year compared to just 27 out of every 10,000 the Caucasian women from 1989 to 1992, but the rate also rose by 2% for the African-American women during the same period."
This paper examines the progress and advancements in detecting and curing breastcancer, while stressing the importance of early detection as well as monthly self-breast exams.
Abstract The writer of this paper contends that education and monthly self-breast exams are paramount in the early detection and successful treatment of breastcancer. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 175,000 new cases of breastcancer are diagnosed each year and approximately 43,300 people die as a result of the disease. This paper details the eight components of self-breast examinations as well as the effectiveness and reliability of mammograms. This paper also contains statistical information regarding diagnosis and survival rates.
From the Paper "One reason that education is so important is because there are several indications that something is going on with a woman's body that are simply not cancer. Therefore, a woman should be able to discern between those times when medical advice is truly needed and when problems are likely less serious. For examples, skin problems are generally not symptomatic of breast cancer. Indeed, any condition that might crop up on other areas can occur on breast skin as well. Some commonly seen issues include eczema, moles (which should be examined to make certain they're not skin cancer), and cysts resulting from clogged hair follicles. Additionally, nipple discharge can typically be caused by a benign papilloma or dilated milk ducts."
Abstract A critique of the article "Risk Assessment of First-Degree Relatives of Women With BreastCancer: A Feasibility Study" using the article as a primary source in the discusion.
This paper examines the social, moral and ethical merits of stemcell research, as well the ongoing political debate regarding the funding for continued research in this controversial field of science.
Abstract This paper defines stemcells as primal undifferentiated cells which retain the ability to separate into other cell types which can be used as a repair mechanism to reproduce cells and repair systems in the body. The writer examines the negative side of stemcell research contending that there is evidence which states that the impact of this type of research on the human immune system as well as overall genetic growth will eventually decline. This paper also discusses the moral and ethical merits of stemcell research which is currently rife with controversy. Politics plays a large role in stemcell development, mainly due to funding. The writer contends that stemcells are too dangerous to be carelessly used and applied to the human race, while its continued research might be slightly beneficial, in the current stage the harms far outweigh the benefits.
From the Paper "The first step in analyzing the effects of stem cell research is through the scientific perspective. Stem cell research is important for the advancement of science because of its ability to replicate exact copies of different cells. Stem cells are obtained from a clone of the specific patient's cells, and thus have a genetically identical fit with a stem cell. This cell then has the ability to produce either missing tissue, or even an entire organ that will allow the patient to function as normal. Unlike transplants within the body that could be rejected by the immune system if there is a possibility of incompatibility, the stem cell created organ is a perfect construction of the body's organ and thus will be accepted as the original inside the patient's body. This is why stem cell research is so highly touted, it allows for a new frontier of technology in the health sciences industry."
Abstract This paper explains that the ethical dilemma involved in stemcell research is a rather straight- forward process because to achieve its full potential this type of research requires using stemcells from fetuses. The author points out that using stemcells from fetuses is controversial for a variety of reasons. The paper relates that many religious and political conservatives believe that stemcell researchers "harvest babies" for their stemcells.
From the Paper "Identifying the ethical dilemma involved in stem cell research is a rather straight- forward process, for to achieve its full potential this type of research requires using stem cells from fetuses. Doing so is controversial for a variety of reasons, and the moral dilemma involved with this issue is compounded by the fact that many of these reasons are as controversial as stem cell research itself. For example, many religious and political conservatives believe that stem cell researchers "harvest babies" for their stem cells. As Snow (2004) notes, they believe that fetuses have an inviolable right to life and that any medical use of a fetus in any form is morally indefensible."
Abstract This paper focuses on the subject of embryonic stemcell research. The paper discusses the process of obtaining embryonic stemcells, how those stemcells are used and the medical breakthroughs that embryonic stemcell research hopes to provide in curing many illnesses. The paper further discusses the differences in adult and embryonic stemcell research, the debates on both issues and speaks of the future of the research.
From the Paper "Beyond the moral, ethical and political debates that have surrounded embryonic stem cell research, many scientific processes are involved in its use. The modern misconception is that embryos used in stem cell research are obtained from a woman's body. According to the National Institutes of Health ("Stem Cell" 1) embryos used in stem cell research are never taken from a woman's body for the explicit use of laboratory testing. The embryos that are used in research are obtained in one of two methods: The first method is by collecting eggs that have been fertilized in vitro from donors who volunteer their use in research; the second method is through donations of the embryos of women who have elected to have abortions, ("Stem Cell" 1). The embryo is collected following the abortion procedure; therefore, it is not science that determines that a pregnancy will come to an end."
Abstract The different types of stemcell research involve the use of human eggs - and embryos - as intermediates and are at the center of controversy as to whether it should be considered human life. Recent advances are attempting to produce non-embryonic stemcells as well as address the said issue. This paper discusses the nature of stemcells, what they are, how they are produced and the issues surrounding them.
From the Paper "Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop and proliferate into more specialized cells such as neurons or skin cells. These specialized somatic cells comprise the different tissues and organs of the human body. The cloning process currently in use involves the use of the cellular machinery of an egg cell and the genetic material encoded in the nucleus of a somatic cell called somatic cell nuclear transplant (SCNT). First, the egg cell is secured to stabilize it. A needle is inserted into the egg to extract the nucleus and DNA."
Abstract This paper discusses the history of stemcell research, from its beginning with the first culture of human embryonic stemcells in 1998 to the present. The paper explains what stemcells are and how they work. The paper also outlines current research and hopes for the field in the future. The paper concludes with a discussion of some of the ethical issues involved in stemcell research, and includes the personal opinions of the author on the subject.
From the Paper "Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells, which are undifferentiated and therefore can differentiate into all the different cell types of the human body. They can also be coached into differentiating into particular cell types such as beating heart..."
