Putative Biomarkers for Acute Pulmonary Embolism in Exhaled Breath Condensate

Current diagnostic markers for pulmonary embolism (PE) are unspecific. We investigated the proteome of the exhaled breath condensate (EBC) in a porcine model of acute PE in order to identify putative diagnostic markers for PE. EBC was collected at baseline and after the induction of autologous intermediate-risk PE in 14 pigs, plus four negative control pigs. The protein profiles of the EBC were analyzed using label-free quantitative nano liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 897 proteins were identified in the EBCs from the pigs. Alterations were found in the levels of 145 different proteins after PE compared with the baseline and negative controls: albumin was among the most upregulated proteins, with 14-fold higher levels 2.5 h after PE (p-value: 0.02). The levels of 49 other proteins were between 1.3- and 17.1-fold higher after PE. The levels of 95 proteins were lower after PE. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (fold change 0.3, p-value < 0.01) was among the most reduced proteins 2.5 h after PE. A prediction model based on penalized regression identified five proteins including albumin and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin. The model was capable of discriminating baseline samples from EBC samples collected 2.5 h after PE correctly in 22 out of 27 samples. In conclusion, the EBC from pigs with acute PE contained several putative diagnostic markers of PE

DIGITAL ASSESSMENTS

In accordance with The Danish eGOVERNMENT strategy 2011-2015 digital assessment and exam should be implemented at all Danish universities by the end of 2013. University of Southern Denmark (SDU) decided to start the implementation in May 2010.By the exam term of January 2013, the implementation proved successful, and close to completion. The majority of assessments at all of the 5 faculties and 5 campuses were digital, and students had handed in a total of 17.021 digital assessments.On the basis of a conscious approach to active learning and activating teaching as well as E-learning, SDU has implemented digital assessments. There are many models in use at SDU, but since there is not just one model and one way to assess students a broad selection of IT-tools has been developed: multiple choice questionnaire (MCQ-test), e-Portfolios2, exam with internet access, exam with some internet access