Infection and Immunity nieuws
Infection and Immunity nieuws
Jun 30: Pathofysiology of multifocal choroiditis further unraveled
Thombosis of the microvasculature of the choriocapillaris, resulting in hypoperfusion, may play a central role in the pathophysiology of idiopathic multifocal choroiditis. In addition, myopia may acts as an extra stressor and could amplify the disease mechanisms that underly this rare eye disease. These were the main conclusions drawn in the PhD thesis by Evianne de Groot (UMC Utrecht) with respect to a potential root cause of this disease.
Read moreInaugural lecture José Borghans: The power of simplicity
On June 21, 2023, José Borghans - professor of Quantitative Immunology at the Center for Translational Immunology at UMC Utrecht - held her inaugural lecture titled "The Power of Simplicity." Her interdisciplinary research group, which she co-leads with Kiki Tesselaar, uses a combination of experimental work and mathematical modeling to understand the complexity of the immune system.
Read moreJun 16: ZonMw grants 2.5 million euros to NCOH for research on pandemic preparedness
ZonMw is making 2.5 million euros available to the Netherlands Centre for One Health (NCOH) for research on pandemic preparedness. The application for the research was submitted through Utrecht University on behalf of the NCOH (in which nine Dutch knowledge institutions participate, including UMC Utrecht). The research follows on from a National Growth Fund application that NCOH researchers previously submitted together with the Pandemic & Disease Preparedness Center (PDPC). Dick Heederik (Utrecht University), one of the submitters: "We are extremely pleased that ZonMw has granted these funds. Now we can get to work on the important lessons learned from the corona pandemic."
Read moreInaugural lecture Niels Bovenschen: synergy between education, research and society
By stimulating Medicine and Biomedical Sciences students to work together on scientific research early in their education, we can better address complex social problems. That is what Professor Niels Bovenschen stated in his inaugural lecture, which he gave yesterday in Utrecht University's Academy Building. Read more about his educational model in this interview.
Read moreHome measurement of blood oxygen level by corona patients themselves easily applicable
When corona patients themselves measure the oxygen level in their blood at home, this is well applicable through the general practice. This was shown in a study conducted by UMC Utrecht during the pandemic. The study showed that patients could easily perform the oxygen measurement themselves at home, they felt safe doing so and the number of GP or hospital visits did not increase. The researchers believe that - by enabling care close to home - patients experience more control and that it contributes to relieving caregivers and keeping healthcare affordable.
Read moreApr 28: BCG vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 in healthcare workers
A world-leading international trial into the immune boosting benefits of the tuberculosis vaccine, BCG, has found it does not protect healthcare workers against COVID-19. The BRACE trial to test whether the BCG vaccine could protect healthcare workers against SARS-CoV-2 in the first six months after vaccination found it didn’t reduce the risk of developing COVID-19 among those on the pandemic frontline.
Read moreApr 25: "Building bridges": inaugural lecture by prof. Marjolein de Bruin-Weller
On Tuesday, April 18, 2023, Marjolein de Bruin-Weller, professor of atopic dermatitis, delivered her inaugural lecture in Utrecht. In her speech, she discussed the significant progress that has been achieved in the treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis. Scientific research at UMC Utrecht under her leadership has yielded a great deal of knowledge in recent years, enabling prescribers to match the right medicine to the individual patient better than before, with optimal dosage and duration of treatment.
Read moreApr 19: Vacationers wanted to help scientists map mosquitoes and ticks
Dutch citizens going on vacation in the coming months can advance science by helping to map mosquitoes, ticks and the diseases they can transmit. Anyone of 18 years and older who will be on vacation for seven days or more this year in the Netherlands, Europe or the Dutch Caribbean can participate. While on vacation, a few questionnaires need to be answered via an app. In addition, participants will be asked to donate a few drops of blood once through a finger prick. Interested parties can easily register at www.ohtravel.nl.
Read moreApr 6: Vaccinating babies and elderly against RS virus is now possible
It is becoming possible to vaccinate babies, pregnant women and the elderly to prevent serious infection with the RS virus. This is according to three studies by prof. dr. Louis Bont, pediatrician-infectiologist at UMC Utrecht. The findings were published this week in Lancet Infectious Diseases and the New England Journal of Medicine.
Read moreApr 4: Strong together - the power of medical immunology within laboratory medicine
On Friday, March 31, 2023, Dörte Hamann, professor of Integral Immunological Diagnostics at UMC Utrecht held her inaugural lecture, titled “Strong together - the power of medical immunology in laboratory medicine”. In her lecture, Dörte elaborated on the collaboration between and integration of immunological research, medical-immunological diagnostics and clinical immunology. In addition, she focused on the increasing use of predictive biomarkers to select the best medicine for an individual patient with a chronic inflammatory disease. She concluded by calling on all medical diagnostic specialties to join forces.
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