Dutch National Round Robin Trial on Plasma-Derived Circulating Cell-Free DNA Extraction Methods Routinely Used in Clinical Pathology for Molecular Tumor Profiling

BACKGROUND: Efficient recovery of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) depends on the quantity and quality of circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA). Here, we evaluated whether various ccfDNA extraction methods routinely applied in Dutch laboratories affect ccfDNA yield, ccfDNA integrity, and mutant ctDNA detection, using identical lung cancer patient-derived plasma samples. METHODS: Aliquots of 4 high-volume diagnostic leukapheresis plasma samples and one artificial reference plasma sample with predetermined tumor-derived mutations were distributed among 14 Dutch laboratories. Extractions of ccfDNA were performed according to local routine standard operating procedures and were analyzed at a central reference laboratory for mutant detection and assessment of ccfDNA quantity and integrity. RESULTS: Mutant molecule levels in extracted ccfDNA samples varied considerably between laboratories, but there was no indication of consistent above or below average performance. Compared to silica membrane-based methods, samples extracted with magnetic beads-based kits revealed an overall lower total ccfDNA yield (-29%; P < 0.0001) and recovered fewer mutant molecules (-41%; P < 0.01). The variant allelic frequency and sample integrity were similar. In samples with a higher-than-average total ccfDNA yield, an augmented recovery of mutant molecules was observed. CONCLUSIONS: In the Netherlands, we encountered diversity in preanalytical workflows with potential consequences on mutant ctDNA detection in clinical practice. Silica membrane-based methodologies resulted in the highest total ccfDNA yield and are therefore preferred to detect low copy numbers of relevant mutations. Harmonization of the extraction workflow for accurate quantification and sensitive detection is required to prevent introduction of technical divergence in the preanalytical phase and reduce interlaboratory discrepancies

Collaborative creativity: The Music Room

In this paper, we reflect on our experience of designing, developing and evaluating interactive spaces for collaborative creativity. In particular, we are interested in designing spaces which allow everybody to compose and play original music. The Music Room is an interactive installation where couples can compose original music by moving in the space. Following the metaphor of love, the music is automatically generated and modulated in terms of pleasantness and intensity, according to the proxemics cues extracted from the visual tracking algorithm. The Music Room was exhibited during the EU Researchers' Night in Trento, Italy

Molecular profiling for risk assessment of pre-invasive endobronchial lesions

Snijders, P.J.F. [Promotor]Smit, E.F. [Promotor]Heideman, D.A.M. [Copromotor

New business models in circular economy:A multiple case study into touch points creating customer values in health care

Circular Economy strives for economic, social and environmental value creation in every part of the system. In Healthcare, both environmental and economic values are seen as the most important values for a manufacturer. Little is known about customer values in a circular economy and the underpinning environmental, economic and service benefits. This study shows that customer value creation and -activities must be connected within a circular business model. These relationships built on six moments when customers and manufacturers can make choices to participate in a circular economy coined as Circular Touch Points. In our approach, Circular Touch Points are developed as pivot points between customer values (proposition part of business model) and supplier offerings (fulfilment part of business model, i.e. circular activities) resulting in (multiple) value creation. Our empirical study focuses on the customer perspective, and shows that customer values are paradoxical in a Circular Economy and need to be studied per Circular Touch Point. In addition, customers have to prioritize Circular Touch Points hierarchically. Economic value is measured, environmental value is more perceptive and service value proves to be unimportant. This research can be used by medical suppliers to better understand customer values. Hospitals as customers can use this research to develop their circular strategies. Further research can elaborate on the role of the insurer and the government. Also the supplier side of the business model could be further investigated in practice. Other sectors and other target groups can also be looked at, as well as perceived versus actual values for both suppliers and buyers

Contact through canvas: An entertaining encounter

When meeting someone new, the first impression is often influenced by someone's physical appearance and other types of prejudice. In this paper, we present TouchMeDare, an interactive canvas, which aims to provide an experience when meeting new people, while preventing visual prejudice and lowering potential thresholds. The focus of the designed experience was to stimulate people to get acquainted through the interactive canvas. TouchMeDare consists of a flexible, opaque canvas, which plays music when touched simultaneously from both sides. Dynamic variation of this bodily contact is reflected through real-time adaptations of the musical compositions. Two redesigns were qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated and a final version was placed in the Lowlands Festival as a case study. Evaluation results showed that some explanation was needed for the initial interaction with the installation. On the other hand, after this initial unfamiliarity passed, results showed that making bodily contact through the installation did help people to get acquainted with each other and increased their social interaction