Projects
Visualization of inspiratory effort and respiratory mechanics to promote lung- and diaphragm protective ventilation (VIREM trial) KU Leuven
The final goal of the VIREM project is to achieve a reduction of lung and diaphragm damage in ventilated patients in intensive care units worldwide. In this way we want to increase the patient's chance of survival and shorten the length of ventilation, thereby also reducing the cost of healthcare for intensive care. Collaboration with international partners will ensure that our results can be widely used.
Achieving lung and diaphragm ...
Study of cellular factors involved in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection KU Leuven
This doctoral project focuses on the study of (new) cellular factors that contribute to the entry and replication of the human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Using in vitro genetic screenings, we aim to identify and characterize cellular proteins (receptors, proteases, …) which are necessary for an efficient RSV infection in cell cultures. In addition, we will investigate the antiviral activity of novel anti-RSV compounds.
Effects of Respiratory Muscle Training on Physiological and Psychological Aspects of Dyspnea Perception and Exercise Tolerance in Patients with COPD KU Leuven
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a highly prevalent chronic health condition leading to increased disability, morbidity and mortality. COPD is a treatable and preventable disease but the significant health care costs related to the medical treatment of the condition constitute a global financial burden (1, 2). Dyspnea or breathlessness is the main symptom in many COPD patients and contributes to limitations in daily activities ...
Occupational exposure and respiratory diseases KU Leuven
During the 20th century coal workers’ pneumoconiosis—or anthraco-silicosis—and asbestos-related diseases were the major occupational respiratory diseases among Belgian workers, both in terms of public health impact as well as public visibility. Except for asbestos-induced mesothelioma, the occurrence of these occupational diseases has been declining in recent decades, due to improved prevention but to a large extent also because many ...
Respiratory co-infection models for fundamental and translational biomedical research. University of Antwerp
Improving our understanding of respiratory muscle training to facilitate weaning from mechanical ventilation in the ICU. KU Leuven
A majority of mechanically ventilated patients develop respiratory muscle weakness during critical illness. Rehabilitation efforts in the intensive care unit (ICU) have so far largely focused on peripheral muscle dysfunction, whereas respiratory muscle rehabilitation has received relatively less attention. The potential value of respiratory muscle conditioning interventions are supported by observations showing that respiratory muscle ...
A platform to functionally assess clinically relevant respiratory parameters in small animal models for infectious and non-infectious pulmonary research. University of Antwerp
COMPASS: Computer Aided Respiratory Therapy based on Audio and Spirometry Signals KU Leuven
Effect of household air pollution (Biomass fuel and tobacco) on the microbiome (Gut- Respiratory-axis), growth and respiratory health of newborns from birth to their first birthday: Mutoto Cohort, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo KU Leuven
Background and Rationale Globally air pollution is the fourth cause of death accounting for nearly 7 million deaths every year. The report of the State of the Air Initiative (2022) highlighted the fact that people in Africa bear the disproportionate burden of the adverse effects of household air pollution (HAP). Air pollution attributed deaths ( 155 deaths/100,000 people) are much higher than the global average ( 85.6/100,000) accounting for ...