Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons^™

Hepcidin-Mediated Iron Regulation In P19 Cells Is Detectable By Mri, Kobra Alizadeh Pourbouyeh

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to track cellular activities in the body using iron-based contrast agents. However, intrinsic cellular iron handling mechanisms may also influence the detection of magnetic resonance (MR) contrast. For instance, inflammation involves downregulation of iron export in macrophages by the hormone hepcidin, due to degradation of the iron export protein, ferroportin (Fpn). We examined the effect of hepcidin on iron regulation and MR transverse relaxation rates in multi-potent P19 cells, which display high iron export activity, similar to macrophages. In response to varying conditions of iron supplementation, our results showed similar Fpn expression in …

E-Visits For Early Post-Operative Visits Following Orthopaedic Surgery Can They Add Efficiency Without Sacrificing Effectiveness, William G. Jeffery

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

We asked 217 sport surgery and 135 total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients to complete a questionnaire (e-Visit) before attending their two and six-week post-operative appointment. Our primary objective was to use the questions asked of patients prior to their appointment to develop a model that could be used as web-based e-Visit to predict early post-operative adverse events. Gold standard comparison was the surgeon’s opinion as to the presence or absence of an event at follow-up. Secondary objective was evaluation of a simplified model. We found good area under the curve (AUC) statistics (0.76 (95% CI 0.69 - 0.84) and 0.80 …

Determining The Detective Quantum Efficiency (Dqe) Of X-Ray Detectors In Clinical Environments, Terenz R. Escartin

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

According to Health Canada, dental and medical radiography accounts for more than 90% of total man-made radiation dose to the general population. Ensuring patients receive the health benefits of diagnostic x-ray imaging without use of higher radiation exposures requires knowledge and understanding of the detective quantum efficiency (DQE). Currently, the DQE is not measured in clinics because it requires specialized instrumentation and specific DQE-expertise to perform an accurate analysis. In this regard, the goals of this thesis were to: 1) address the limitations of measuring the DQE in clinical environments that affects the accuracy of the measurement; 2) develop and …

The Application Of Self-Administered Nutrition Screening Tools And Evaluations Of The Impact Of Malnutrition On Quality Of Life In Individuals With Head And Neck Cancer, Mark J. P. Lynch

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Abstract

Background: Individuals with head and neck cancer (HNCa) are at an increased risk of malnutrition. Therefore, self-administered nutrition screens which attempt to address their nutritional concerns may yield benefits for treatment outcomes and quality of life (QOL).

Methods: 34 participants (26 men, 8 women) completed one demographic and two QOL surveys, two nutrition self-screening tools, a nutrition assessment and an ease-of-use questionnaire. Results of the screens were compared to those of the assessment, and relationships between QOL, nutrition status, and demographics were examined.

Results: 32.3% of participants were identified as nutritionally compromised. The sensitivity and specificity for the PG-SGA …

Mechanical Properties Of Retrieved Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene Acetabular Liners In Total Hip Arthroplasty, Gurpreet Singh

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) has replaced the conventional ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene (UHMWPE) as the gold standard bearing surface in total hip arthroplasty (THA) due to superior wear characteristics and survivorship. However, HXLPE has demonstrated poorer mechanical properties, in vivo oxidation, and concerns of rim fractures. The purpose of this project was to study the mechanical properties at the rim of retrieved HXLPE acetabular liners.

We developed a simple technique for measurement of hardness at the rim of irradiated, remelted, HXLPE liners of a specific design. The effect of shelf time on mechanical properties of retrieved liners was determined and showed no correlation …

Evaluating Evolving Leukocyte Populations In Peripheral Blood Circulation Post-Concussion In A Human Longitudinal Analysis Of Female Athletes, Kevin A. Blackney

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Concussions are generating increasing concern due to potential long-term neurological consequences. Currently there is no universally recognized diagnostic approach for concussion. I hypothesize that a signature temporal response of biomarkers of inflammation in systemic circulation will provide an objective diagnosis of concussion and could also be used to track patient recovery. The Western University women’s rugby team underwent blood draws at pre-season and post-season as a baseline evaluation, and players determined to have sustained a concussion underwent repeat blood analysis post-concussion. Blood samples were analyzed by flow cytometry to profile immune cell populations alongside accepted concussion assessments, and complete blood …

Developments In Pet-Mri For Radiotherapy Planning Applications, John Christian Patrick

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The hybridization of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) provides the benefit of soft-tissue contrast and specific molecular information in a simultaneous acquisition. The applications of PET-MRI in radiotherapy are only starting to be realised. However, quantitative accuracy of PET relies on accurate attenuation correction (AC) of, not only the patient anatomy but also MRI hardware and current methods, which are prone to artefacts caused by dense materials. Quantitative accuracy of PET also relies on full characterization of patient motion during the scan. The simultaneity of PET-MRI makes it especially suited for motion correction. However, quality assurance …

Discovery Of Novel Diagnostic Biomarkers On Prostate Tumor Microparticles For Discriminating Between Low And High Risk Prostate Cancer And Improving Prostate Cancer Screening, Sabine Brett

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

There are few protein-based biomarkers to accurately distinguish between patients with low risk prostate cancer from those with high risk disease in a non-invasive manner. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is used for clinical follow-up of prostate cancer; however, it is not effective as a screening tool. As a result, many men with non-life threatening disease having to undergo unnecessary and painful biopsies. Therefore, there is a dire need for minimally invasive platforms for monitoring patients with clinically significant prostate cancer. Prostate cell microparticles (PCMPs) released by prostate epithelial cells into plasma are a potential source of biomarkers specific for prostate …

Design Of Radio-Frequency Arrays For Ultra-High Field Mri, Ian R O Connell

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an indispensable, non-invasive diagnostic tool for the assessment of disease and function. As an investigational device, MRI has found routine use in both basic science research and medicine for both human and non-human subjects.

Due to the potential increase in spatial resolution, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and the ability to exploit novel tissue contrasts, the main magnetic field strength of human MRI scanners has steadily increased since inception. Beginning in the early 1980’s, 0.15 T human MRI scanners have steadily risen in main magnetic field strength with ultra-high field (UHF) 8 T MRI systems deemed to …