Advanced Research Models to Study the Role of Endothelial Cells in Solid Organ Transplantation.

The endothelium plays a key role in acute and chronic rejection of solid organ transplants. During both processes the endothelium is damaged often with major consequences for organ function. Also, endothelial cells (EC) have antigen-presenting properties and can in this manner initiate and enhance alloreactive immune responses.

The quantitative assessment of interstitial lung disease with positron emission tomography scanning in systemic sclerosis patients.

Objectives: The reversibility of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in SSc is difficult to assess by current diagnostic modalities and there is clinical need for imaging techniques that allow for treatment stratification and monitoring. 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT scanning may be of interest for this purpose by detection of metabolic activity in lung tissue. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of 18F-FDG PET/CT scanning for the quantitative assessment of SSc-related active ILD.

A feasibility study on the effects of Triton X-100 for the in vitro inactivation of Ebola virus on haematological assays.

Aims: The aim of this study was to check the effect of Triton X-100 on various, commonly used haematology test parameters.

Methods: Anonymised blood samples were treated with 10 µL of 10% Triton X-100 per 1 mL of blood. Treated and untreated samples were tested in parallel for blood film morphology, complete blood counts (CBCs), flow cytometry, blood grouping and antibody screens.