Development and Validation of the Immune Status Questionnaire (ISQ).

The self-assessment of perceived immune status is important, as this subjective observation leads individuals to decide whether or not to seek medical help or adapt their lifestyle. In addition, it can be used in clinical settings and research. The aim of this series of studies was to develop and validate a short questionnaire to assess perceived immune functioning.

Development and validation of bioengineered intestinal tubules for translational research aimed at safety and efficacy testing of drugs and nutrients.

Currently used intestinal cell models have limited translational value, therefore, development of novel in vitro intestinal models that recapitulate the human in vivo setting more closely are of interest. Here, an advanced intestinal model was developed by the incorporation of physiological parameters, such as extracellular matrix (ECM) elements and shear stress, to cultured Caco-2 cells in a 3-dimensional environment. Caco-2 cells grown on ECM-coated hollow fiber membranes (HFM) under physiological shear stress show an improved phenotype, as demonstrated by the presence of enterocytes, goblet, Paneth, enteroendocrine and stem cells.

Proceeding of the 9th Alcohol Hangover Research Group Meeting.

Background: Alcohol hangover is a common occurrence among individuals who have experienced an episode of heavy alcohol consumption the previous night. Until now defined as the general feeling of misery that develops once the Blood Alcohol Concentration approaches zero. Despite its prevalence and several related adverse consequences, insufficient research has been conducted with regards to this matter and further understanding of the pathology of alcohol hangover is necessary.