Publications by authors named "L Pieters"

Background: To accurately measure permeability of compounds in the intestine, there is a need for preclinical in vitro models that accurately represent the specificity, integrity and complexity of the human small intestinal barrier. Intestine-on-chip systems hold considerable promise as testing platforms, but several characteristics still require optimization and further development.

Methods: An established intestine-on-chip model for tissue explants was adopted for intestinal cell monolayer culture.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Sleep disturbances and reduced physical activity (PA) are important risk factors for poor physical and mental health outcomes in people with psychosis. However, the precise interrelations between sleep, PA and psychopathology remain unclear. This study combined experience sampling (ESM) and actigraphy in thirty-two patients with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder to investigate interrelations of day-to-day variations in actigraphic estimates of PA and sleep and psychotic and affective symptoms.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Walp. (Brassicaceae), also known as Maca or Peruvian ginseng, is a common ingredient in food supplements with many claimed health benefits, such as improved endurance, increased energy level, and enhanced sexual properties. Due to potential toxicity of its chemicals, including alkaloids, some regulatory authorities, e.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Nature has perennially served as an infinite reservoir of diverse chemicals with numerous applications benefiting humankind. In recent years, due to the emerging COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge in studies on repurposing natural products as anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents, including plant-derived substances. Among all types of natural products, alkaloids remain one of the most important groups with various known medicinal values.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Global aflatoxin contamination of agricultural commodities is of the most concern in food safety and quality. This study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of 80% methanolic leaf extract of Annona senegalensis against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced toxicity in rats. A.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF