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Author de Backer, J.W.; Vos, W.G.; Verhulst, S.L.; de Backer, W.
Title Novel imaging techniques using computer methods for the evaluation of the upper airway in patients with sleep-disordered breathing: a comprehensive review Type A1 Journal article
Year 2008 Publication Sleep medicine reviews Abbreviated Journal Sleep Med Rev
Volume 12 Issue 6 Pages 437-447
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
Abstract Patients with sleep related breathing disorders (SRBD) can be treated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) or with several upper airway (UA) interventions. While nCPAP is almost always effective when clinically well tolerated, the therapeutic outcome of UA surgery and UA devices is difficult to predict. The improvement of our capability to perform the latter predictions more accurately is of great clinical importance since it will prevent patients to be treated with ineffective, sometimes irreversible, techniques. In this review we describe the importance of new imaging methods in this respect. We first refer to the most important pathophysiological mechanisms known so far to play a role in SRBD, indicating that functional imaging could elucidate these mechanisms in a patient specific manner. Then we describe the new technologies that make UA imaging more functional referring to the data as they are presently available. Finally we summarise the studies that do indicate that the use of functional imaging of the UA in SRBD patients may significantly help to predict the clinical outcome after UA interventions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication New York Editor
Language Wos 000261904500003 Publication Date 2008-10-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1087-0792; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.958 Times cited 33 Open Access (down)
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.958; 2008 IF: 6.143
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:71640 Serial 2378
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Author Horemans, B.; Van Holsbeke, C.; Vos, W.; Darchuk, L.; Novakovic, V.; Fontan, A.C.; de Backer, J.; van Grieken, R.; de Backer, W.; De Wael, K.
Title Particle deposition in airways of chronic respiratory patients exposed to an urban aerosol Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication Environmental science and technology Abbreviated Journal Environ Sci Technol
Volume 46 Issue 21 Pages 12162-12169
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
Abstract Urban atmospheres in modern cities carry characteristic mixtures of particulate pollution which are potentially aggravating for chronic respiratory patients (CRP). Although air quality surveys can be detailed, the obtained information is not always useful to evaluate human health effects. This paper presents a novel approach to estimate particle deposition rates in airways of CRP, based on real air pollution data. By combining computational fluid dynamics with physical-chemical characteristics of particulate pollution, deposition rates are estimated for particles of different toxicological relevance, that is, minerals, iron oxides, sea salts, ammonium salts, and carbonaceous particles. Also, it enables some qualitative evaluation of the spatial, temporal, and patient specific effects on the particle dose upon exposure to the urban atmosphere. Results show how heavy traffic conditions increases the deposition of anthropogenic particles in the trachea and lungs of respiratory patients (here, +0.28 and +1.5 μg·h1, respectively). In addition, local and synoptic meteorological conditions were found to have a strong effect on the overall dose. However, the pathology and age of the patient was found to be more crucial, with highest deposition rates for toxic particles in adults with a mild anomaly, followed by mild asthmatic children and adults with severe respiratory dysfunctions (7, 5, and 3 μg·h1, respectively).
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Easton, Pa Editor
Language Wos 000310665000082 Publication Date 2012-10-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0013-936X;1520-5851; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.198 Times cited 5 Open Access (down)
Notes ; We are grateful for the financial support of n.v. Vooruitzicht. Furthermore, co-workers at the environmental analysis research group are acknowledged for their help in the fieldwork. ; Approved Most recent IF: 6.198; 2012 IF: 5.257
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:101411 Serial 2557
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Author de Backer, A.
Title Quantitative atomic resolution electron microscopy using advanced statistical techniques Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2015 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Antwerpen Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 0000-00-00
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (down)
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:125636 Serial 2747
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Author de Backer, J.W.; Vos, W.G.; Burnell, P.; Verhulst, S.L.; Salmon, P.; de Clerck, N.; de Backer, W.
Title Study of the variability in upper and lower airway morphology in Sprague-Dawley rats using modern micro-CT scan-based segmentation techniques Type A1 Journal article
Year 2009 Publication The anatomical record: advances in integrative anatomy and evolutionary biology Abbreviated Journal Anat Rec
Volume 292 Issue 5 Pages 720-727
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
Abstract Animal models are being used extensively in pre-clinical and safety assessment studies to assess the effectiveness and safety of new chemical entities and delivery systems. Although never entirely replacing the need for animal testing, the use of computer simulations could eventually reduce the amount of animals needed for research purposes and refine the data acquired from the animal studies. Computational fluid dynamics is a powerful tool that makes it possible to simulate flow and particle behavior in animal or patient-specific respiratory models, for purposes of inhaled delivery. This tool requires an accurate representation of the respiratory system, respiration and dose delivery attributes. The aim of this study is to develop a representative airway model of the Sprague-Dawley rat using static and dynamic micro-CT scans. The entire respiratory tract was modeled, from the snout and nares down to the central airways at the point where no distinction could be made between intraluminal air and the surrounding tissue. For the selection of the representative model, variables such as upper airway movement, segmentation length, airway volume and size are taken into account. Dynamic scans of the nostril region were used to illustrate the characteristic morphology of this region in anaesthetized animals. It could be concluded from this study that it was possible to construct a highly detailed representative model of a Sprague-Dawley rat based on imaging modalities such as micro-CT scans
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication New York, N.Y. Editor
Language Wos 000265766000010 Publication Date 2009-03-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-8486;1932-8494; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.431 Times cited 16 Open Access (down)
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.431; 2009 IF: 1.490
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:76455 Serial 3342
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Author De Backer, L.A.; Vos, W.; de Backer, J.; Van Holsbeke, C.; Vinchurkar, S.; de Backer, W.
Title The acute effect of budesonide/formoterol in COPD : a multi-slice computed tomography and lung function study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication European Respiratory Journal Abbreviated Journal Eur Respir J
Volume 40 Issue 2 Pages 298-305
Keywords A1 Journal article; Biophysics and Biomedical Physics; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
Abstract The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classification of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) does not always match with other clinical disease descriptors such as exacerbation frequency and quality of life, indicating that forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) is not a perfect descriptor of the disease. The aim of this study was to find out whether changes in airway geometry after inhalation of the most commonly used inhalation therapy in severe COPD can more adequately be described with an image-based approach than with spirometry. 10 COPD GOLD stage III patients were assessed in a double-blind crossover study. Airway volumes were analysed using segmentation of multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) images; airway resistance was determined using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Distal airway volume significantly increased (p=0.011) in patients 4 h after receiving a budesonide/formoterol combination from 9.6+/-4.67 cm(3) to 10.14+/-4.81 cm(3). Also CFD-determined airway resistance significantly decreased (p=0.047) from 0.051+/-0.021 kPa.s.L-1 to 0.043+/- 0.019 kPa.s.L-1. None of the lung function parameters showed a significant change. Only functional residual capacity (FRC) showed a trend to decline (p=0.056). Only the image-based parameters were able to predict the visit at which the combination product was administered. This study showed that imaging is a sensitive, complementary tool to describe changes in airway structure.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Copenhagen Editor
Language Wos 000307291700006 Publication Date 2011-12-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0903-1936;1399-3003; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 10.569 Times cited 37 Open Access (down)
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 10.569; 2012 IF: 6.355
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:101113 Serial 3568
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Author van den Broek, W.; Verbeeck, J.; Schryvers, D.; de Backer, S.; Scheunders, P.
Title Tomographic spectroscopic imaging; an experimental proof of concept Type A1 Journal article
Year 2009 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy
Volume 109 Issue 4 Pages 296-303
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Abstract Recording the electron energy loss spectroscopy data cube with a series of energy filtered images is a dose inefficient process because the energy slit blocks most of the electrons. When recording the data cube by scanning an electron probe over the sample, perfect dose efficiency is attained; but due to the low current in nanoprobes, this often is slower, with a smaller field of view. In W. Van den Broek et al. [Ultramicroscopy, 106 (2006) 269], we proposed a new method to record the data cube, which is more dose efficient than an energy filtered series. It produces a set of projections of the data cube and then tomographically reconstructs it. In this article, we demonstrate these projections in practice, we present a simple geometrical model that allows for quantification of the projection angles and we present the first successful experimental reconstruction, all on a standard post-column instrument.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language Wos 000265345400003 Publication Date 2008-12-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-3991; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.843 Times cited 1 Open Access (down)
Notes Esteem 026019 Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2009 IF: 2.067
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:77271 Serial 3671
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Author de Backer, J.W.; Vos, W.G.; Vinchurkar, S.C.; Claes, R.; Drollmann, A.; Wulfrank, D.; Parizel, P.M.; Germonpré, P.; de Backer, W.
Title Validation of computational fluid dynamics in CT-based airway models with SPECT/CT1 Type A1 Journal article
Year 2010 Publication Radiology Abbreviated Journal Radiology
Volume 257 Issue 3 Pages 854-862
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Vision lab; Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre (ASTARC); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
Abstract Purpose: To compare the results obtained by using numerical flow simulations with the results of combined single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and computed tomography (CT) and to demonstrate the importance of correct boundary conditions for the numerical methods to account for the large amount of interpatient variability in airway geometry. Materials and Methods: This study was approved by all relevant institutional review boards. All patients gave their signed informed consent. In this study, six patients with mild asthma (three men; three women; overall mean age, 46 years ± 17 [standard deviation]) underwent CT at functional residual capacity and total lung capacity, as well as SPECT/CT. CT data were used for segmentation and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. A comparison was made between airflow distribution, as derived with (a) SPECT/CT through tracer concentration analysis, (b) CT through lobar expansion measurement, and (c) CFD through flow computer simulation. Also, the heterogeneity of the ventilation was examined. Results: Good agreement was found between SPECT/CT, CT, and CFD in terms of airflow distribution and hot spot detection. The average difference for the internal airflow distribution was less than 3% for CFD and CT versus SPECT/CT. Heterogeneity in ventilation patterns could be detected with SPECT/CT and CFD. Conclusion: This results of this study show that patient-specific computer simulations with appropriate boundary conditions yield information that is similar to that obtained with functional imaging tools, such as SPECT/CT.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Easton, Pa Editor
Language Wos 000284469300031 Publication Date 2010-11-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0033-8419;1527-1315; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.296 Times cited 100 Open Access (down)
Notes ; Supported by Novartis. ; Approved Most recent IF: 7.296; 2010 IF: 6.069
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:85379 Serial 3831
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Author de Backer, A.; De wael, A.; Gonnissen, J.; Martinez, G.T.; Béché, A.; MacArthur, K.E.; Jones, L.; Nellist, P.D.; Van Aert, S.
Title Quantitative annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy for nanoparticle atom-counting : what are the limits? Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Journal of physics : conference series Abbreviated Journal
Volume 644 Issue Pages 012034-4
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Quantitative atomic resolution annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF STEM) has become a powerful technique for nanoparticle atom-counting. However, a lot of nanoparticles provide a severe characterisation challenge because of their limited size and beam sensitivity. Therefore, quantitative ADF STEM may greatly benefit from statistical detection theory in order to optimise the instrumental microscope settings such that the incoming electron dose can be kept as low as possible whilst still retaining single-atom precision. The principles of detection theory are used to quantify the probability of error for atom-counting. This enables us to decide between different image performance measures and to optimise the experimental detector settings for atom-counting in ADF STEM in an objective manner. To demonstrate this, ADF STEM imaging of an industrial catalyst has been conducted using the near-optimal detector settings. For this experiment, we discussed the limits for atomcounting diagnosed by combining a thorough statistical method and detailed image simulations.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Bristol Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1742-6588; 1742-6596 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (down)
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:129198 Serial 4506
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Author De Backer, J.
Title The versatile nature of cytoglobin, the Swiss army knife among globins, with a preference for oxidative stress Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2023 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages XVIII, 232 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Pharmacology. Therapy; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Proteinscience, proteomics and epigenetic signaling (PPES)
Abstract Since its discovery 20 years ago, many studies have been performed to gain insight into the functional role of cytoglobin (Cygb). However, Cygb has been proven to be a promiscuous protein. Yet, there is a consensus that Cygb is a cytoprotective protein involved in redox homeostasis. CYGB is a ubiquitously expressed hexacoordinated globin that is highly expressed in melanocytes and is often found to be downregulated during melanocyte-to-melanoma transition. In Chapter III, we investigated the molecular mechanism through which CYGB could be involved in redox regulation. Here, we showed that CYGB contains two redox-sensitive cysteine residues and that the formation of an intramolecular disulfide bridge resulted in the heme group becoming more accessible to external ligands. This supports the hypothesis that Cys38 and Cys83 serve as sensitive redox sensors. In Chapter IV we showed that CYGB mRNA and protein levels were elevated upon exposure to hypoxia. Interestingly, this upregulation was most likely HIF-2α-dependent. We propose that in melanoma, HIF-2α, rather than HIF-1α, positively regulates CYGB under hypoxic conditions in a cell type specific way. In Chapter V, the cytotoxic effect of indirect NTP treatment in two melanoma cell lines with divergent endogenous CYGB expression levels was investigated. We confirmed that NTP endows cytotoxicity that induces cell death through apoptosis and that this was mediated through the production of ROS. Moreover, we showed that CYGB protects melanoma cells from ROS-induced apoptosis by the scavenging of ROS. Interestingly, CYGB expression influenced the expression of NRF2 and HO-1. We identified the lncRNA MEG3 as a possible mechanism through which NRF2 expression and its downstream target HO-1 can be regulated by CYGB. In chapter VI, increased basal ROS levels and higher degree of lipid peroxidation upon RSL3 treatment contributed to the increased sensitivity of CYGB knockdown G361 cells to ferroptosis. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis demonstrates the enrichment of multiple cancer malignancy pathways upon CYGB knockdown, supporting a tumor-suppressive role for CYGB. Remarkably, CYGB expression regulation was identified as a critical determinant of the ferroptosis–pyroptosis therapy response. This suggests that CYGB is involved in the regulation of multiple modes of programmed cell death. FInally, we sought to delineate the RONS that are responsible for plasma-induced ICD. Our results highlight the importance of the short-lived species. Furthermore, we are first to demonstrate that NTP-created vaccine is safely prepared and offers complete protection. Moreover, we provide conclusive evidence that direct application of NTP induces ICD in melanoma.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (down)
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:193568 Serial 7277
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