Infertile heterosexual couples comprise the majority of those pursuing parenthood via adoption. While research into the experience of adoptive parenthood has focused on adoptive mothers and couples, the research on either group has not fully captured the experience of adoptive fathers. The present study was aimed at understanding how men perceive adoption, and its pursuit, following failed infertility treatment. Sixteen established and prospective adoptive fathers were recruited to participate in individual semi-structured interviews. Narrative analysis was used to evaluate the men’s meaning-making process related to fatherhood. The men told stories which indicated they both believed and countered western culture’s master narrative that fatherhood is constructed via genetic reproduction. I elaborate on the implications of these narratives for understanding the experience of adoptive fatherhood in specific, and fatherhood in general. Following this, recommendations are made for infertility treatment practitioners, adoption service providers, and future researchers based on these implications.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2005. / Title from PDF title page screen. Includes bibliographical references (p. 95-105).

Thesis (M.A.)--Indiana University, 2007. / Title from screen (viewed on July 20, 2007) Department of English, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 63-66)

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2006. / Title from title screen (site viewed May 23, 2007). PDF text: ix, 198 p. ; 1.88Mb UMI publication number: AAT 3236912. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in microfilm and microfiche formats.

Adoptive cell transfer techniques identify and isolate patient anti-tumor lymphocytes in vitro followed by ex vivo expansion of these tumor specific T cells. Identification and isolation of lymphocytes from patient tumors allows for the selection of anti-tumor lymphocytes that are highly specific for individual tumor antigens. Furthermore, recombinant technology allows for engineering of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) which allow these T cells to target multiple tumor antigens. Techniques involving ex vivo growth lead to a 1,000- to 5,000-fold increase in numbers of lymphocytes. Cultured lymphocytes can then be infused via IV and growth maintained with administration of exogenous IL-2. Cancer patients are then monitored for both immunological activity as well as any adverse cytokine reactions. We looked at several trial studies for the application of adoptive cell transfer in metastatic melanoma compare the efficacy of the regimen to other established melanoma treatments. Adoptive transfer has proven to be effective for patients with late stage melanoma, however, the aim of this study was to examine some of the challenges in creating an effective standard protocol for adaptation in clinical settings, including difficulty in obtaining significant cell populations from tumors, challenges in the proliferation of these tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and determination of antigen-specificity, i.e. facilitation of a simplified and quicker approach to the therapy.

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The adoptive transfer of cancer-specific T-cells has demonstrated success as a novel treatment strategy in some hematological malignancies but this approach has not yet achieved widespread curative potential in the majority of tumors. To circumvent many of the limitations currently facing adoptive cell therapies, our lab has recently developed a combination therapy involving the in vivo boosting of adoptively transferred tumor-specific memory T-cells with an oncolytic viral vaccine. While this represents a demonstrably powerful approach in preclinical models of cancer it is limited by its targeting of a single antigen. Therapeutic resistance is a common concern when targeting a single antigen or pathway and an ideal therapy would include built-in mechanisms to address the heterogeneity and mutability that is inherent to cancer. Thus the focus of this research involved the development of a strategy to target therapeutic resistance in the context of the adoptive cell transfer with oncolytic viral boost regimen. In order to address the single antigen limitations, the engineering of tumor-specific T-cells with a targeting capacity for a second antigen is described. In addition to their endogenous tumor target it is shown that these cells have specificity for and can kill cells expressing ligands for the natural killer group 2 member D receptor which are commonly upregulated on both cancer cells and components of the tumor microenvironment. Indeed it is demonstrated in an in vivo model of relapse that T-cells capable of targeting both antigens produce more consistent and prolonged remissions than those with only their endogenous targeting capacity. Furthermore pharmacological strategies for the enhancement of engineered T cell survival and efficacy are also described. Finally the early development of a chimeric tumor model to further characterize the potential of dual-specific T-cells to address tumor heterogeneity is presented. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Mortality and decreased weight gain resulting from infection and disease in dairy calves is a problem within the dairy industry. Colostrum is the sole source of maternal immunity for the calf, having a substantial impact on health and survival. To date, colostrum quality is determined by concentration of antibodies. Colostrum also contains proteins and cells, which may enhance immune development in the neonate. Our goals were to determine the impact of colostral immune cells on (1) immune status during the first month of life and (2) immune development over time. To determine the impact of adoptively transferred colostral immune cells, calves were fed either whole colostrum (WC) or cell-free colostrum (CFC) at birth. During the first month of life, calves fed CFC had decreased numbers of CD4+ T cells when compared to WC-fed calves. However, CFC-fed calves had a greater percentage of monocytes during the first month of life. To determine the influence of colostral immune cells on immune development, cellular blood parameters were measured in response to two series of vaccinations (A and B). After vaccination series A, CFC-fed calves had decreased numbers of B cells when compared to WC-fed calves. After vaccination series B, CFC-fed calves had decreased levels of interleukin-2 gene expression and numbers of CD4+ and gamma delta T cells when compared to WC-fed calves. This study demonstrates that colostral immune cells impact immune status and development in dairy calves. / Master of Science