Introduction and Background: Neuroblastoma
Grid Computing
Grid computing is an ever-evolving group of computer systems used cohesively to correlate information about particular subjects. Grid computing helps maintain, link, and make accessible the important knowledge among all those seeking a common goal. According to Search Data Center this type of research shows potential because of these three reasons: 1. Cost effective, 2. problem solving in areas that need vast amounts of computer power, and 3. the ability for an immense group of researchers to join together to work towards a common purpose. (1)
What is
Neuroblastoma?
Neuroblastoma is the development of a malignant tumor in
infants and children. The tumor is formed within the tissues of the
sympathetic nervous system and can occur in many different areas of the body. In
several cases the tumors begin within the adrenal gland, next to the spinal
cord, or in the chest. From there the cancer often times spreads to the
bones, bone marrow, liver, lymph nodes, skin, and around the eyes.
Unfortunately, in majority of cases, by the time a diagnosis is made the cancer
has already spread. (2)
Disease Statistics
The disease occurs in approximately 1 out if 100,000
Children.
It is slightly more common in boys.
Most commonly diagnosed before age five. (2)
Among the most frequent of solid tumors in children during
the first two years of life.
Accounts for 50% of all tumors in children.
Accounts for 6-10% of all childhood cancers.
Accounts for 15% of cancer related deaths in children. (3)
Suggested Causes
The direct cause of
neuroblastoma is still being researched but certain doctors are suggesting it
is related to a cell growth occurring during the development of the adrenal
glands and sympathetic ganglia. It
has been suggested that three proteins, TrkB, ALK, and SCxx, are expressed at
elevated levels or have undergone mutations in especially aggressive
neuroblastomas. Scientists believe that if these proteins are blocked or
disabled then chemotherapy could work at a more successful rate. In particular,
the study of certain drugs with proper shapes and chemical make up are being
explored as options to block these proteins. World Community Grid is involved
in the simulation of experiments for testing the millions of potential drugs.
The results will reveal the best drugs to block those proteins, which will
then allow them to be implemented into laboratory testing for the drug’s efficiency
against neuroblastoma. (3)
Images
http://surgery.med.umich.edu/pediatric/clinical/physician_content/n-z/neuroblastoma.shtml
Figure
2: A) Infant with a large, distended abdomen and a right-sided
abdomen mass. B) Infant with stage 4-S neuroblastoma with multiple skin
nodules, sometimes called the blueberry muffin syndrome. C)
This skin tumor on the scalp is found in another infant with stage 4-S
neuroblastoma.
This is a fantastic start! Your information is cited, you've given a strong introduction to your grid and your topic, and you've included links and pictures. Well done. The only thing that bothers me (only because I'm a little OCD) is that "Introduction" is hyperlinked to nothing. However, not a big deal. You've earned all 15 points. Great job!
ReplyDelete-Dr. Walker