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result(s) for
"Verstraeten, M"
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Prospects for heavy neutral lepton searches at short and medium baseline reactor experiments
by
Sfar, H.
,
Verstraeten, M.
,
De Roeck, A.
in
Classical and Quantum Gravitation
,
Constraints
,
Cosmology
2024
A
bstract
Heavy neutrinos with masses in the MeV range can in principle simultaneously explain the light neutrino masses and the origin of baryonic matter in the universe. The strongest constraints on their properties come from their potential impact on the formation of light elements in the early universe. Since these constraints rely on assumptions about the cosmic history, independent checks in the laboratory are highly desirable. In this paper, we discuss the opportunity to search for heavy neutrinos within the MeV mass range in short and medium baseline reactor neutrino experiments, using the SoLid, JUNO and TAO experiments as examples. These experiments can give the currently strongest upper bound on the mixing between the light electron neutrinos and the heavy neutrino in the 2–9 MeV mass range.
Journal Article
The impact of mobility limitations on geriatric rehabilitation outcomes: Positive effects of resistance exercise training (RESORT)
by
Spoelstra, Thom
,
Verstraeten, Laure M. G.
,
Reijnierse, Esmee M.
in
Activities of Daily Living
,
Aged
,
Aged, 80 and over
2024
Background Regaining walking ability is a key target in geriatric rehabilitation. This study evaluated the prevalence of walking ability at (pre‐)admission and related clinical characteristics in a cohort of geriatric rehabilitation inpatients; in inpatients without walking ability, feasibility and effectiveness of progressive resistance exercise training (PRT) were assessed. Methods Inpatients within RESORT, an observational, longitudinal cohort of geriatric rehabilitation inpatients, were stratified in those with and without ability to walk independently (defined by Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC) score ≤ 2) at admission; further subdivision was performed by pre‐admission walking ability. Clinical characteristics at admission, length of stay, and changes in physical and functional performance throughout admission were compared depending on (pre‐)admission walking ability. Feasibility (relative number of PRT sessions given and dropout rate) and effectiveness [change in Short Physical Performance Battery, FAC, independence in (instrumental) activities of daily living (ADL/IADL)] of PRT (n = 11) in a subset of inpatients without ability to walk independently at admission (able to walk pre‐admission) were investigated compared with usual care (n = 11) (LIFT‐UP study). Results Out of 710 inpatients (median age 83.5 years; 58.0% female), 52.2% were not able to walk independently at admission, and 7.6% were not able to walk pre‐admission. Inpatients who were not able to walk independently at admission, had a longer length of stay, higher prevalence of cognitive impairment and frailty and malnutrition risk scores, and a lower improvement in independence in (I)ADL compared with inpatients who were able to walk at both admission and pre‐admission. In LIFT‐UP, the relative median number of PRT sessions given compared with the protocol (twice per weekday) was 11 out of 44. There were no dropouts. PRT improved FAC (P = 0.028) and ADL (P = 0.034) compared with usual care. Conclusions High prevalence of inpatients who are not able to walk independently and its negative impact on independence in (I)ADL during geriatric rehabilitation highlights the importance of tailored interventions such as PRT, which resulted in improvement in FAC and ADL.
Journal Article
Towards Precision Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes: A Scoping Review of Application of Omics and Wearables Technologies
by
Kuščer, Enej
,
Bedrač, Leon
,
Cvetko, Filip
in
Athletes
,
Athletic Performance - physiology
,
Biology
2024
Background: Endurance athletes require tailored nutrition strategies to optimize performance, recovery, and training adaptations. While traditional sports nutrition guidelines provide a foundational framework, individual variability in metabolic responses underscores the need for precision nutrition, informed by genetic, biological, and environmental factors. This scoping review evaluates the application of systems biology-driven sports nutrition for endurance athletes, focusing on ‘omics’ and wearable technologies. Methods: A scoping review of the literature was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Research questions, search strategies, and eligibility criteria were guided by the Population–Concept–Context framework with the following inclusion criteria: original research in English, involving endurance athletes, systems biology approaches, and nutritional interventions or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Results: Fifty-two studies were included, with distance runners as the most studied cohort. Eleven studies used metagenomics, eleven CGM, ten nutrigenetics, ten metabolomics, seven multi-omics, one proteomics, one epigenomics, and one lipidomics. Over half (n = 31; 60%) were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with generally high methodological quality. Conclusions: Most studies were proof-of-concept investigations aimed at assessing biomarkers; however, the evidence linking these biomarkers to performance, recovery, and long-term health outcomes in endurance athletes remains insufficient. Future research should focus on well-powered replicated crossover RCTs, multivariate N-of-1 clinical trials, 360-degree systems-wide approaches, and the validation of genetic impacts on nutritional interventions to refine dietary guidelines.
Journal Article
Combating sarcopenia in geriatric rehabilitation patients: study protocol of the EMPOWER-GR observational cohort, sarcopenia awareness survey and randomised controlled feasibility trial
by
Verstraeten, Laure MG
,
van Wijngaarden, Janneke P
,
Tol-Schilder, Marina
in
Aged
,
Cohort Studies
,
Dietary supplements
2022
IntroductionSarcopenia is highly prevalent in geriatric rehabilitation patients. Resistance exercise training (RET) combined with protein supplementation is recommended to increase muscle mass and strength in older adults. However, sarcopenia awareness, feasibility to diagnose and treat sarcopenia, and efficacy of treatment in geriatric rehabilitation patients remain to be established.Methods and analysisEnhancing Muscle POWER in Geriatric Rehabilitation (EMPOWER-GR) encompasses four pillars: (1) an observational cohort study of 200 geriatric rehabilitation inpatients determining sarcopenia prevalence, functional and nutritional status at admission; (2) a survey among these 200 patients and 500 healthcare professionals and semistructured interviews in 30 patients and 15 carers determining sarcopenia awareness and barriers/enablers regarding diagnostics and treatment; (3) a feasibility, single-centre, randomised, controlled, open-label, two parallel-group trial in 80 geriatric rehabilitation patients with sarcopenia. The active group (n=40) receives three RET sessions per week and a leucine and vitamin D-enriched whey protein-based oral nutritional supplement two times per day in combination with usual care for 13 weeks. The control group (n=40) receives usual care. Primary outcomes are feasibility (adherence to the intervention, dropout rate, overall feasibility) and change from baseline in absolute muscle mass at discharge and week 13. Secondary outcomes are feasibility (participation rate) and change from baseline at discharge and week 13 in relative muscle mass, muscle strength, physical and functional performance, mobility, nutritional status, dietary intake, quality of life and length of stay; institutionalisation and hospitalisation at 6 months and mortality at 6 months and 2 years; (4) knowledge sharing on sarcopenia diagnosis and treatment.Ethics and disseminationEthical exemption was received for the observational cohort study, ethics approval was received for the randomised controlled trial. Results will be disseminated through publications in scientific peer-reviewed journals, conferences and social media.Trial registration numberNL9444.
Journal Article
Feasibility of bioelectrical impedance analysis in routine clinical care to assess body composition in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients: RESORT
by
van Wijngaarden, Janneke P.
,
Verstraeten, Laure M. G.
,
Kim, Dong Y.
in
Activities of daily living
,
Aged
,
Aged, 80 and over
2023
Background
Sarcopenia is prevalent in 20–50% of geriatric rehabilitation inpatients, but it is often undiagnosed.
Aims
The aim of the study is to evaluate the feasibility of bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) to measure muscle mass in routine clinical care in a cohort of geriatric rehabilitation inpatients.
Methods
REStORing Health of acutely unwell adulTs (RESORT) is an observational, longitudinal inception cohort of geriatric rehabilitation inpatients. BIA was implemented at admission and discharge as routine care performed by nursing staff. BIA feasibility was defined as completion rate (low ≤ 25%, moderate > 25– ≤ 50%, good > 50– ≤ 75%, excellent > 75%), reasons for non-completion and need for remeasurement. Clinical characteristics associated with BIA completion and remeasurements were assessed.
Results
Patients (
n
= 1890, 56% females) had a median age of 83.4 years (interquartile range: [77.6–88.4]). Of the total cohort, 5.7% had a contraindication (pacemaker/other electronic medical device) for BIA at admission and 4.5% at discharge. BIA was completed in 77.1% of patients eligible for BIA at admission and 63.2% at discharge indicating good feasibility; remeasurement was required in 7.4 and 6.9%, respectively; 5.9% had a medical reason preventing BIA completion at admission and 3.7% at discharge. Refusal and technical issues occurred in 1.6 and 0.7% at admission and 2.1 and 1.8% at discharge. Reason for non-completion was unknown/missing in 14.7% at admission and 28.6% at discharge. Worse functional and physical performance was associated with BIA non-completion and remeasurement.
Conclusions
BIA in routine clinical care in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients is feasible; completion rates may be enhanced further by reviewing barriers and enablers.
Journal Article
Marine biodiversity change impacts relational values: expert survey shows policy mismatch
by
Vargas-Fonseca, O. A.
,
Dajka, J. C.
,
Menendez, V. A.
in
631/158/670
,
704/844/4081
,
Biodiversity
2025
Understanding the complex ways that biodiversity change influences Nature’s Contributions to People (NCPs) is at the heart of current debates on coastal conservation, as researchers and practitioners seek to translate ecological shifts into meaningful impacts for society and policy. Specifically, we often lack quantitative evaluations of this relationship. We address this gap through a survey of biodiversity experts, focusing on the Wadden Sea located along the coasts of Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands, as well as Algoa Bay in South Africa. We asked the experts to assess which changes in Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) of selected marine organism groups (phytoplankton, macrozoobenthos, birds, and fish) link to which NCP category. Expert opinions indicated a significant influence of biodiversity changes on non-material NCPs compared to material and regulating NCPs. Specifically, experts perceive significant impacts on experiences, learning, inspiration, and cultural identities derived from the marine environment. However, there is a lack of conservation focus on non-material NCPs with regards to marine biodiversity change, indicating a gap between stakeholder perceptions policy priorities. Our study emphasises the importance of integrating relational values into conservation strategies and calls for knowledge co-production involving diverse stakeholders to address power imbalances and develop more inclusive and effective management approaches for marine biodiversity.
Journal Article
Determination of a reference system for the three-dimensional study of the glenohumeral relationship
2013
Objective
Knowledge of the normal and pathological three-dimensional glenohumeral relationship is imperative when planning and performing a total shoulder arthroplasty. There is, however, no consensus on which references should be used when studying this relationship. The purpose of the present study was to define the most suitable glenoid plane with normally distributed parameters, narrowest variability, and best reproducibility.
Materials and methods
Three-dimensional reconstruction CT scans were performed on 152 healthy shoulders. Four glenoid planes, each determined by three surgically accessible bony reference points, were determined. Two planes were triangular, with the same base defined by the most anterior and posterior point of the glenoid. The most inferior and the most superior point of the glenoid, respectively, define the top of Saller’s inferior plane and the Saller’s superior plane. The two other planes are formed by best-fitting circles. The circular max plane is defined by the superior tubercle, and two points at the distal third of the glenoid. The circular inferior plane is defined by three points at the rim of the inferior quadrants of the glenoid.
Results
The parameters of all four planes behave normally. The humeral center of rotation is identically positioned for both the circular max and circular inferior plane (X = 91.71°/X = 91.66°
p
= 0.907 and Y = 90.83°/Y = 91.7°
p
= 0.054, respectively) and different for the Saller’s inferior and Saller’s superior plane (
p
≤ 0.001). The circular inferior plane has the lowest variability to the coronal scapular plane (
p
< 0.001).
Conclusions
This study provides arguments to use the circular inferior glenoid plane as preferred reference plane of the glenoid.
Journal Article
Protein farnesylation inhibitors cause donut-shaped cell nuclei attributable to a centrosome separation defect
by
Olive, Michelle
,
Collins, Francis S
,
Verstraeten, Valerie L.R.M
in
Aging
,
Aneuploidy
,
Animals
2011
Despite the success of protein farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) in the treatment of certain malignancies, their mode of action is incompletely understood. Dissecting the molecular pathways affected by FTIs is important, particularly because this group of drugs is now being tested for the treatment of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. In the current study, we show that FTI treatment causes a centrosome separation defect, leading to the formation of donut-shaped nuclei in nontransformed cell lines, tumor cell lines, and tissues of FTI-treated mice. Donut-shaped nuclei arise during chromatin decondensation in late mitosis; subsequently, cells with donut-shaped nuclei exhibit defects in karyokinesis, develop aneuploidy, and are often binucleated. Binucleated cells proliferate slowly. We identified lamin B1 and proteasome-mediated degradation of pericentrin as critical components in FTI-induced \"donut formation\" and binucleation. Reducing pericentrin expression or ectopic expression of nonfarnesylated lamin B1 was sufficient to elicit donut formation and binucleated cells, whereas blocking proteasomal degradation eliminated FTI-induced donut formation. Our studies have uncovered an important role of FTIs on centrosome separation and define pericentrin as a (indirect) target of FTIs affecting centrosome position and bipolar spindle formation, likely explaining some of the anticancer effects of these drugs.
Journal Article
Reorganization of the nuclear lamina and cytoskeleton in adipogenesis
by
Kuijpers, Helma J
,
van Steensel, Maurice A. M
,
Kamps, Miriam
in
3T3-L1 Cells
,
Adipocytes - cytology
,
Adipocytes - metabolism
2011
A thorough understanding of fat cell biology is necessary to counter the epidemic of obesity. Although molecular pathways governing adipogenesis are well delineated, the structure of the nuclear lamina and nuclear-cytoskeleton junction in this process are not. The identification of the ‘linker of nucleus and cytoskeleton' (LINC) complex made us consider a role for the nuclear lamina in adipose conversion. We herein focused on the structure of the nuclear lamina and its coupling to the vimentin network, which forms a cage-like structure surrounding individual lipid droplets in mature adipocytes. Analysis of a mouse and human model system for fat cell differentiation showed fragmentation of the nuclear lamina and subsequent loss of lamins A, C, B1 and emerin at the nuclear rim, which coincides with reorganization of the nesprin-3/plectin/vimentin complex into a network lining lipid droplets. Upon 18 days of fat cell differentiation, the fraction of adipocytes expressing lamins A, C and B1 at the nuclear rim increased, though overall lamin A/C protein levels were low. Lamin B2 remained at the nuclear rim throughout fat cell differentiation. Light and electron microscopy of a subcutaneous adipose tissue specimen showed striking indentations of the nucleus by lipid droplets, suggestive for an increased plasticity of the nucleus due to profound reorganization of the cellular infrastructure. This dynamic reorganization of the nuclear lamina in adipogenesis is an important finding that may open up new venues for research in and treatment of obesity and nuclear lamina-associated lipodystrophy.
Journal Article
Implementing a Personalized Integrated Stepped-Care Method (STIP-Method) to Prevent and Treat Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Persons With Dementia in Nursing Homes: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study
by
Verstraeten, Helma M F
,
Ziylan, Canan
,
Gerritsen, Debby L
in
Behavior disorders
,
Caregivers
,
Collaboration
2022
Background: Neuropsychiatric symptoms occur frequently in many nursing home residents with dementia. Despite the availability of multidisciplinary guidelines, neuropsychiatric symptoms are often inadequately managed. Three proven effective methods for managing neuropsychiatric symptoms were integrated into a single intervention method: the STIP-Method, a personalized integrated stepped-care method to prevent and treat neuropsychiatric symptoms. The STIP-Method comprises 5 phases of clinical reasoning to neuropsychiatric symptoms and 4 stepped-care interventions and is supported with a web application. Objective: This study aims to identify the facilitators and barriers in the implementation of the STIP-Method in nursing homes. Methods: A mixed methods design within a participatory action research was used to implement the STIP-Method in 4 facilities of 2 Dutch nursing home organizations. In total, we aimed at participation of 160-200 persons with dementia and expected an intervention fidelity of 50% or more, based on earlier studies regarding implementation of effective psychosocial interventions to manage neuropsychiatric symptoms. All involved managers and professionals were trained in the principles of the STIP-Method and in using the web application. An advisory board of professionals, managers, and informal caregivers in each facility supported the implementation during 21 months, including an intermission of 6 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In these 6-weekly advisory board meetings, 2 researchers stimulated the members to reflect on progress of the implementation by making use of available data from patient records and the web application. Additionally, the 2 researchers invited the members to suggest how to improve the implementation. Data analysis will involve (1) analysis of facilitators and barriers to the implementation derived from verbatim text reports of advisory board meetings to better understand the implementation process; (2) analysis of patient records in accordance with multidisciplinary guidelines to neuropsychiatric symptoms: personalized, interdisciplinary, and proactive management of neuropsychiatric symptoms; (3) evaluation of the web application in terms of usability scores; (4) pre- and postimplementation analysis of patient records and the web application to evaluate the impact of the STIP-Method, such as changes in neuropsychiatric symptoms and informal caregiver burden. Results: We enrolled 328 persons with dementia. Data collection started in July 2019 and ended in December 2021. The first version of this manuscript was submitted in October 2021. The first results of data analysis are expected to be published in December 2022 and final results in June 2023. Conclusions: Our study may increase understanding of facilitators and barriers to the prevention and treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms in nursing home residents with dementia by implementing the integrated STIP-Method. The need for well-designed implementation studies is of importance to provide nursing homes with optimal tools to prevent and treat neuropsychiatric symptoms. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/34550
Journal Article