Plasma dye coating as straightforward and widely applicable procedure for dye immobilization on polymeric materials

Here, we introduce a novel concept for the fabrication of colored materials with significantly reduced dye leaching through covalent immobilization of the desired dye using plasmagenerated surface radicals. This plasma dye coating (PDC) procedure immobilizes a preadsorbed layer of a dye functionalized with a radical sensitive group on the surface through radical addition caused by a short plasma treatment. The non-specific nature of the plasmagenerated surface radicals allows for a wide variety of dyes including azobenzenes and sulfonphthaleins, functionalized with radical sensitive groups to avoid significant dye degradation, to be combined with various materials including PP, PE, PA6, cellulose, and PTFE. The wide applicability, low consumption of dye, relatively short procedure time, and the possibility of continuous PDC using an atmospheric plasma reactor make this procedure economically interesting for various applications ranging from simple coloring of a material to the fabrication of chromic sensor fabrics as demonstrated by preparing a range of halochromic materials

The effect of a multidisciplinary weight loss program on renal circadian rhythm in obese adolescents

Adolescent obesity is a serious health problem associated with many comorbidities. Obesity-related alterations in circadian rhythm have been described for nocturnal blood pressure and for metabolic functions. We believe renal circadian rhythm is also disrupted in obesity, though this has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to examine renal circadian rhythm in obese adolescents before and after weight loss. In 34 obese adolescents (median age 15.7 years) participating in a residential weight loss program, renal function profiles and blood samples were collected at baseline, after 7 months, and again after 12 months of therapy. The program consisted of dietary restriction, increased physical activity, and psychological support. The program led to a median weight loss of 24 kg and a reduction in blood pressure. Initially, lower diurnal free water clearance (- 1.08 (- 1.40-- 0.79) mL/min) was noticed compared with nocturnal values (0.75 (- 0.89-- 0.64) mL/min). After weight loss, normalization of this inverse rhythm was observed (day - 1.24 (- 1.44-1.05) mL/min and night - 0.98 (- 1.09-- 0.83) mL/min). A clear circadian rhythm in diuresis rate and in renal clearance of creatinine, solutes, sodium, and potassium was seen at all time points. Furthermore, we observed a significant increase in sodium clearance. Before weight loss, daytime sodium clearance was 0.72 mL/min (0.59-0.77) and nighttime clearance was 0.46 mL/min (0.41-0.51). After weight loss, daytime clearance increased to 0.99 mL/min (0.85-1.17) and nighttime clearance increased to 0.78 mL/min (0.64-0.93). Conclusion: In obese adolescents, lower diurnal free water clearance was observed compared with nocturnal values. Weight loss led to a normalization of this inverse rhythm, suggesting a recovery of the anti-diuretic hormone activity. Both before and after weight loss, clear circadian rhythm of diuresis rate and renal clearance of creatinine, solutes, sodium, and potassium was observed.What is Known:center dot Obesity-related alterations in circadian rhythm have been described for nocturnal blood pressure and for metabolic functions. We believe renal circadian rhythm is disrupted in obesity, though this has not been investigated yet.What is New:center dot In obese adolescents, an inverse circadian rhythm of free water clearance was observed, with higher nighttime free water clearance compared with daytime values. Weight loss led to a normalization of this inverse rhythm, suggesting a recovery of the anti-diuretic hormone activity.center dot Circadian rhythm in diuresis rate and in the renal clearance of creatinine, solutes, sodium, and potassium was preserved in obese adolescents and did not change after weight loss

EPTRI Belgian Joint Research Unit : harmonisation and concertation of paediatric research in Belgium to ensure better and safer healthcare for children

We want to put the excellent translational paediatric research in Belgium on the ESFRI national roadmap in order to participate in the European Paediatric Translational Research Infrastructure (EPTRI) project. Therefore, we are in the preparatory phase to form a Belgian national EPTRI Joint Research Unit (JRU). Academic research organisations and hospitals from both regions, Flanders and Wallonia are currently involved. The Belgian JRU partners will gather complementary scientific and technological competencies in the different EPTRI thematic research platforms: 1. Paediatric medicines discovery: with different types of “in vitro” paediatric models, placental and umbilical cord and 3D organoid cell cultures from paediatric samples and juvenile animal models such as the rabbit BPD model, juvenile Göttingen minipig, juvenile conventional pig model and developmental zebrafish model; 2. Paediatric biomarkers and biosamples: identification, characterisation and validation of the biomarkers used as prognostic tools, safety markers and diagnostic tools in paediatric diseases; 3. Developmental pharmacology: including PK (bioavaibility/bioequivalence) studies, Population PKPD analysis and PK/PD modelling; 4. Paediatric medicines formulations and medical devices: including regulatory knowledge of paediatric medical devices. The partners will ensure a strong liaison with other RI’s such as the BBMRI-ERIC for paediatric biobanking and the IMI conect4children network paediatric clinical trials. We propose an integrated paediatric research system that links together EPTRI Belgium with landmark RIs, conect4children and the many paediatric clinical research networks and institutions that provide services to paediatric research. This integrated system can provide: expertise, experienced facilities and practical support for pre-clinical and clinical paediatric research in Belgium and Europe. Sharing understanding of patients’ needs and concerted efforts in paediatric research will further enhance the health of children

The European Paediatric Clinical Trials Network conect4children : activities of the Belgium National Network and its progression

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Development of a PMMA based implantable glucose sensor

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