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Medical Specialties

Western University

2009

Humans

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Oocyte Peptides As Paracrine Tools For Ovarian Stimulation And Oocyte Maturation., David G Mottershead, Andrew J Watson Dec 2009

Oocyte Peptides As Paracrine Tools For Ovarian Stimulation And Oocyte Maturation., David G Mottershead, Andrew J Watson

Obstetrics & Gynaecology Publications

Recent studies report the production and isolation of a stable bioactive recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 15 (rhBMP15) that is appropriately processed in HEK-293 cells and activates the SMAD 1/5/8 pathway in mouse granulosa cell cultures. Further, the purified rhBMP15 induces the expression of genes associated with cumulus expansion. Thanks to recent research, we have a greater understanding of the importance of the dialogue that occurs between the oocyte and the granulosa cell layer with regard to regulating folliculogenesis and the acquisition of oocyte developmental competence and maturation. BMP15 is one of the critical components of these intra-follicular communication pathways. …


The Effects Of Field-Of-View And Patient Size On Ct Numbers From Cone-Beam Computed Tomography., Katrina Y T Seet, Arvand Barghi, Slav Yartsev, Jacob Van Dyk Oct 2009

The Effects Of Field-Of-View And Patient Size On Ct Numbers From Cone-Beam Computed Tomography., Katrina Y T Seet, Arvand Barghi, Slav Yartsev, Jacob Van Dyk

Oncology Publications

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is used for patient alignment before treatment and is ideal for use in adaptive radiotherapy to account for tumor shrinkage, organ deformation and weight loss. However, CBCT images are prone to artifacts such as streaking and cupping effects, reducing image quality and CT number accuracy. Our goal was to determine the optimum combination of cone-beam imaging options to increase the accuracy of image CT numbers. Several phantoms with and without inserts of known relative electron densities were imaged using the Varian on-board imaging system. It was found that CT numbers are most influenced by the selection …


Adaptive Radiation Therapy For Localized Mesothelioma With Mediastinal Metastasis Using Helical Tomotherapy., James Renaud, Slav Yartsev, A Rashid Dar, Jacob Van Dyk Jan 2009

Adaptive Radiation Therapy For Localized Mesothelioma With Mediastinal Metastasis Using Helical Tomotherapy., James Renaud, Slav Yartsev, A Rashid Dar, Jacob Van Dyk

Oncology Publications

The purpose of this study was to compare 2 adaptive radiotherapy strategies with helical tomotherapy. A patient having mesothelioma with mediastinal nodes was treated using helical tomotherapy with pretreatment megavoltage CT (MVCT) imaging. Gross tumor volumes (GTVs) were outlined on every MVCT study. Two alternatives for adapting the treatment were investigated: (1) keeping the prescribed dose to the targets while reducing the dose to the OARs and (2) escalating the target dose while maintaining the original level of healthy tissue sparing. Intensity modulated radiotherapy (step-and-shoot IMRT) and 3D conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) plans for the patient were generated and compared. The …