Technologie en innovatie in Vlaanderen: Prioriteiten.

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Biobanking for Viral Hepatitis Research

Introduction: Viral hepatitis is a worldwide, important health issue. The optimal management of viral hepatitis infections faces numerous challenges. In this paper, we describe how biobanking of biological samples derived from viral hepatitis patients collected both in-hospital and during community outreach screenings provides a unique collection of samples. Materials and Methods: All samples and materials were provided with a study code within the SLIMS system Study protocols and an informed consent form were approved by the Antwerp University Hospital/University of Antwerp Ethical Committee. Systematic biobanking was initiated in October 2014. Collected sample types include: (1) serum and plasma of all newly diagnosed HBV, HCV, HDV, and HEV positive patients; (2) left-over serum and plasma samples from all PCR analyses for HBV and HCV performed in the context of routine clinical care; (3) left-over liver tissue not needed for routine histological diagnosis after liver biopsy; and (4) additional virus-specific, appropriate sample types using a scientific rationale-based approach. A community outreach screening program was performed in three major Belgian cities. Serum, EDTA, Tempus Blood RNA and BD Vacutainer CPT were collected. CPT tubes were centrifuged on-site and mononuclear cells collected within 24 h. Results: Concerning community screening: 298 individuals supplied all 4 sample types. Samples were stored at −150°C and were logged in the biobank SLIMS database. Samples were used for HBV-related immunological and biomarker studies. DNA isolated from plasma samples derived from chronic HBV patients was used to investigate Single Nucleotide Polymorphism rs 1790008. Serum samples collected from chronic hepatitis C patients were used to assess the efficacy of HCV treatment. Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) isolated from chronic HBV patients and healthy controls were used for different immunological study purposes. Virus isolated from biobanked stool of a chronic hepatitis E patient was used to establish a mouse model for Hepatitis E infections, allowing further HEV virology studies. Conclusion: The establishment of a biobank with samples collected both in-hospital and during community-outreach screening resulted in a unique, continuously expanding collection of biological samples which provides an excellent platform for prompt answers to clinically and translational relevant research questions

Technologie en innovatie in Vlaanderen: Prioriteiten

status: publishe

Cell culture system for studying bovine neutrophil diapedesis

Neutrophils are the major defense against bacterial infection in the bovine mammary gland. Neutrophils migrate from blood into the lumen of the gland in response to inflammatory stimuli. This study describes the development of a system of cell culture that can be used to study neutrophil diapedesis through secretory and ductal mammary epithelial barriers. The culture system consists of successive layers of collagen, fibroblasts, collagen, and a confluent monolayer of secretory or ductal epithelial cells layered on a porous membrane. Confluence was determined by electrical resistance and trypan blue diffusion. Neutrophil diapedesis occurred from the basal to the apical surface of the monolayers. Purified complement C5a, fetal bovine serum that had been activated by zymosan, and fetal bovine serum that had been activated by Escherichia coli induced neutrophil diapedesis. Neutrophil diapedesis was greater across ductal cell monolayers. Blood neutrophils from five cows differed in their ability to migrate through the multilayered culture system in response to C5a. Monoclonal antibodies to C5a blocked diapedesis induced by purified C5a but had no effect on diapedesis induced by fetal bovine serum that had been activated by zymosan or by fetal bovine serum that had been activated by E. coli endotoxin, indicating that factors other than C5a were chemotactic for neutrophils. Monomeric IgG(2), immune complexes, and E. coli endotoxin did not induce neutrophil diapedesis

Our Experience With Home Self-Assessment of Speech Recognition in the Care Pathway of 10 Newly-Implanted Adult Cochlear Implant Users

The number of CI users has grown rapidly, resulting in an increased workload for CI centres and a need for new and innovative ways to provide healthcare to users of a CI. A telehealth application was developed with a functionality to self-administer speech recognition tests at home, which was evaluated in 10 newly-implanted patients. Speech recognition in quiet and in noise improved steadily during the first few weeks of rehabilitation, after which it stabilized. The home tests provided a good alternative to testing in the clinic for newly-implanted patients who were able and willing to perform part of their CI care from home, and felt confident in using the technology required. Frequently administered speech recognition self-tests provide fine-grained progress details which enable clinicians to monitor their CI user's speech recognition ability over time without the need for users of a CI to visit the clinic. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Survey on current cognitive practices within the European Low-Grade Glioma Network: towards a European assessment protocol

Background The European Low-Grade Glioma network indicated a need to better understand common practices regarding the managing of diffuse low-grade gliomas. This area has experienced great advances in recent years. Method A general survey on the managing of diffuse lowgrade gliomas was answered by 21 centres in 11 European countries. Here we focused on specific questions regarding perioperative and intraoperative cognitive assessments. Results More centres referred to the same speech and language therapist and/or neuropsychologist across all assessments; a core of assessment tools was routinely used across centres; fluency tasks were commonly used in the perioperative stages, and object naming during surgery; tasks that tapped on attention, executive functions, visuospatial awareness, calculation and emotions were sparsely administered; preoperative assessments were performed 1 month or 1 week before surgery; timing for postoperative assessments varied; finally, more centres recommended early rehabilitation, whenever needed. Conclusions There is an emerging trend towards following similar practices for the management of low-grade gliomas in Europe. Our results are descriptive and formalise current discussions in our group. Also, they contribute towards the development of a European assessment protocol