9,020 results match your criteria: "VUB & Universiteit Gent[Affiliation]"

Introduction: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are an important source of information that allow for a patient-centered assessment. Outcome measurement of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment traditionally focuses on drug use and deficits in functioning, overlooking other aspects of the personal and dynamic process of recovery. The substance use recovery evaluator (SURE) is a PROM developed with service user input to monitor the recovery journey and assess treatment outcomes in people with SUD.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Do measures of central sensitization relate to movement-evoked pain in people with chronic low back pain? A longitudinal prospective study.

Braz J Phys Ther

December 2024

Rehabilitation Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium; Frailty in Ageing Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Department Rehabilitation Sciences and Physical Therapy | Research Group MOVANT, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium.

Background: One of the most frequent complaints among people with musculoskeletal pain is pain during physical activity, commonly referred to as movement-evoked pain. It is suggested to be associated with quantitative sensory testing measures of central pain process in individuals with musculoskeletal pain.

Objective: To investigate the predictive association between movement-evoked pain scores and measures of central sensitization in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

To investigate the effect of a fermented soy supplement during 18 months in patients under active surveillance (AS) for low-risk and selected favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer (PCa), with an emphasis on PSA modulation. Low-risk patients with ISUP grade 1, clinical stage cT1 or cT2a, PSA < 10 ng/mL and favorable intermediate-risk patients with ISUP grade 2 (<10% pattern 4), clinical stage T2b-c, PSA 10-20 ng/mL. The primary outcome was PSA response defined as maximum PSA rise less than or equal to 0.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

During growth, cells need to synthesize and expand their envelope, a process that requires careful regulation. Here, we show that the GTPase ObgE of E. coli contributes to the regulation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) synthesis, an essential component of the Gram-negative outer membrane.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: The phase II PRIMMO trial investigated a pembrolizumab-based regimen in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic cervical (CC) or endometrial (EC) carcinoma who had at least one prior line of systemic therapy. Here, exploratory studies of the gut microbiome (GM) are presented.

Methods: The microbial composition of 77 longitudinal fecal samples obtained from 35 patients (CC, n = 15; EC, n = 20) was characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: The long-term effectiveness of immunotherapies against Multiple Myeloma (MM) remains elusive, demonstrated by the inevitable relapse in patients. This underscores the urgent need for an in-depth analysis of the MM tumor-immune microenvironment (TME). Hereto, a representative immunocompetent MM mouse model can offer a valuable approach to study the dynamic changes within the MM-TME and to uncover potential resistance mechanisms hampering effective and durable therapeutic strategies in MM.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Female contact sex pheromone recognition in the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) is mediated by two male antennae-enriched sensory neuron membrane proteins.

Pest Manag Sci

February 2025

State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, P. R. China.

Background: The German cockroach Blattella germanica is a notorious urban health pest that has developed resistance to multiple pesticides. Thus, novel non-lethal pest control agents are urgently needed. Olfaction interference via disruption of sex pheromone recognition-related genes offers a promising approach.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Various bacteria are suggested to contribute to colorectal cancer (CRC) development, including pks Escherichia coli, which produces the genotoxin colibactin that induces characteristic mutational signatures in host epithelial cells. However, it remains unclear how the highly unstable colibactin molecule is able to access host epithelial cells to cause harm. Here, using the microbiota-dependent ZEB2-transgenic mouse model of invasive CRC, we demonstrate that the oncogenic potential of pks E.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Shifted baselines: Using the adaptive cycle to assess the post-tsunami mangrove social-ecological system recovery in the Nicobar Islands.

Ambio

November 2024

Systems Ecology and Resource Management Research Unit (SERM), Department of Organism Biology, Université Libre de Bruxelles - ULB, Av. F.D. Roosevelt 50, CPi 264/1, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.

The 2004 tsunami and coastal subsidence resulted in 97% mangrove loss in the Nicobar Islands (India), leading to major social-ecological change. We assessed how the Nicobar mangrove social-ecological system (SES) responded to the 2004 event using the adaptive cycle (AC) framework. We describe the changes across AC phases (collapse-Ω, reorganisation-α, growth-r, and conservation-K) concerning various capital types (natural, built, human, social), connectedness and resilience.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The breast-sharing procedure uses a disposable flap for post-mastectomy reconstruction, allowing simultaneous reconstruction and symmetry without extra donor site issues.
  • A study on 10 patients showed this technique can effectively achieve aesthetic results, but complications like venous congestion and the need for fat grafting were noted.
  • Despite initial complications, with no recurrent disease over an average of 5.6 years follow-up, patient satisfaction was high, suggesting the technique is viable, especially if modifications are made to reduce risks.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Adequate energy and protein provision is mandatory to optimize survival chances in critical illness, prevent loss of muscle mass, and reduce length of stay. Data are available concerning feeding adequacy in intensive care unit (ICU) participants, but little is known about the adequacy in post-ICU participants. This systematic review aimed to evaluate feeding adequacy in post-ICU participants and addressed causes of feeding interruption leading to suboptimal adequacy.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Exploring knowledge, perception, and use of surface electromyography in physiotherapy post graduate trainees in Italy: a single center preliminary survey.

Front Rehabil Sci

October 2024

Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.

Introduction: Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a non-invasive technique that records muscle electrical activity using skin-surface electrodes, aiding physiotherapists in assessing and treating muscular and neuromuscular conditions. Despite its potential, sEMG remains underutilized in Italy. This study aims to evaluate Italian physiotherapists' knowledge and use of sEMG, specifically among those who completed the Master's Degree in Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal and Rheumatological Disorders at the University of Genoa.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

CD38 is a multifunctional transmembrane glycoprotein found in multiple tissues and overexpressed in many cancer cells, notably in hematological malignancies such as leukemia and multiple myeloma (MM). Therefore, targeting CD38 remains an attractive strategy for cancer treatment in hematological malignancies as well as in solid tumors. It plays a critical role in the progression of these diseases through its ADP-ribosyl cyclase and cADPR-hydrolase activities.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Fat accumulation, de novo lipogenesis, and glycolysis are key drivers of hepatocyte reprogramming and the consequent metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Here we report that obesity leads to dysregulated expression of hepatic protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). PTPRK was found to be increased in steatotic hepatocytes in both humans and mice, and correlates positively with PPARγ-induced lipogenic signaling.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Slope of the Delocalization Function Is Proportional to Analytical Hardness.

J Phys Chem Lett

November 2024

Research Group of General Chemistry (ALGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium.

Conceptual Density Functional Theory (CDFT) has been extended beyond its traditional role in elucidating chemical reactivity to the development of density functional theory methods, e.g., the investigation of the delocalization error.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Upper limb exoskeletons are recommended to alleviate muscle fatigue, particularly in working conditions inducing musculoskeletal discomfort like overhead work. However, wearing an exoskeleton might introduce cognitive-motor interference, affecting performance. Understanding its neural impact and potential gender differences in design effects is crucial.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Recent research has recognized executive dysfunction as another component affected in Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). This systematic review aimed to examine what information distinctive neurophysiological markers can provide in the evaluation of executive function (EF) deficits in PPA, and to what effect executive function deficits can be assessed through the characteristics of functional markers.

Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search following the PRISMA guidelines across studies that employed neuropsychological assessments and neurophysiological imaging techniques (EEG, MEG; PET, SPECT, fMRI, fNIRS) to investigate executive dysfunction correlates in PPA.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Microbial ecology and metabolite dynamics of backslopped triticale sourdough productions and the impact of scale.

Int J Food Microbiol

October 2023

Research Group of Industrial Microbiology and Food Biotechnology (IMDO), Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium. Electronic address:

Triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) is a hybrid of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and rye (Secale cereale L.), combining the positive attributes of both cereals.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Depression and metabolic connectivity: insights into the locus coeruleus, HF-rTMS, and anxiety.

Transl Psychiatry

November 2024

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.

Article Synopsis
  • * Although there were significant differences in LC connectivity between the groups, baseline LC connectivity did not predict treatment outcomes with HF-rTMS; however, post-treatment improvements showed a correlation with changes in LC connectivity and cognitive regions.
  • * The research highlights the influence of state anxiety on HF-rTMS efficacy in treating MDD, suggesting that understanding LC connectivity and anxiety levels can help tailor personalized treatment strategies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Using digital technologies and applications in midwifery practice in Belgium: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

Midwifery

January 2025

Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Future Health Department, Limburg Clinical Research Center/Mobile Health Unit, Genk, Belgium; Department of Future Health, Ziekenhuis Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Limburg Clinical Research Center/Mobile Health, UnitUHasselt - ZOL, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium.

Introduction: Over the past two decades, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of digital technologies within healthcare and also in midwifery. However, scarce literature exist on the use of digital technologies and applications in midwifery practice particularly in the Belgian setting.

Aim: To map the use of digital technologies and applications by midwives in various settings, encompassing hospitals, primary care, and educational institutions in Belgium.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Direct laser writing of curved SERS for light-guided enhancement.

Talanta

February 2025

Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Brussels Photonics, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussel, Belgium.

Article Synopsis
  • Flexible SERS substrates, which are used on uneven surfaces, have not been fully studied for their potential optomechanical effects that could enhance SERS performance.
  • A new microbender structure was created to investigate how bending these substrates affects their effectiveness, with simulations showing a significant improvement in performance based on specific pillar measurements.
  • Raman tests indicated that curved SERS arrays can achieve comparable performance to finely crafted planar SERS arrays, suggesting that bending existing technology could provide effective solutions without needing higher-resolution fabrication techniques.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Exploring the utility of complementary separations in liquid chromatography.

J Chromatogr A

December 2024

Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussel, Belgium. Electronic address:

An alternative strategy is explored for the separation of samples by liquid chromatography (LC). Unlike traditional approaches that aim to resolve all components in a given sample within a single LC separation, the proposed strategy uses two or more distinct separations carried out with a different gradient program and/or using different separation chemistries i.e.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

In the soil environment, microplastics (MPs) commonly coexist with organic pollutants such as nonylphenol (NP), affecting the migration of NP through adsorption/desorption. However, few studies have focused on the interaction between NP and MPs in soil, especially for MPs of different types and ageing characteristics. In this study, non-polar polypropylene (PP) and polar polyamide (PA) MPs were aged either photochemically (144 h) or within soil (60 days), then used to determine the effect of 5 % MPs on the adsorption behaviour of NP (0.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF