University of Liège

5 ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN JoVE

Bioengineering

The Use of a β-lactamase-based Conductimetric Biosensor Assay to Detect Biomolecular Interactions

Marylène Vandevenne^*1, Mathieu Dondelinger^*1, Sami Yunus², Astrid Freischels¹, Régine Freischels¹, Oscar Crasson¹, Noureddine Rhazi¹, Pierre Bogaerts³, Moreno Galleni¹, Patrice Filée⁴

¹Life Science Department, University of Liège, ²Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanoscience, Catholic University of Louvain, ³Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Catholic University of Louvain, ⁴Biotechnology Department, CER Group

In this work, we report a new method to study protein-protein interactions using a conductimetric biosensor based on the hybrid β-lactamase technology. This method relies on release of protons upon hydrolysis of β-lactams.

Medicine

Effects of Allogeneic Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) on the Healing Process of Sectioned Achilles Tendons of Rats: A Methodological Description

Laura Greimers¹, Pierre V. Drion¹, Alain Colige², Vincent Libertiaux³, Vincent Denoël³, Christelle Lecut⁴, André Gothot⁴, Jean-François Kaux⁵

¹Experimental Surgery, GIGA-R & Credec, University of Liège, ²Laboratory of Connective Tissues Biology, GIGA-R, University of Liège, ³Department Argenco, University of Liège, ⁴Department of Clinical Biology, University Hospital of Liège, University of Liège, ⁵Physical Medicine and Sport Traumatology Department, FIFA Medical Center of Excellence, University Hospital of Liège, University of Liège

This protocol describes the evaluation process of healing tendons in rats that have been injected with allogeneic platelet rich plasma (PRP) or saline solution after removing part of the Achilles tendon. The progress of tendon healing is evaluated at several time points using different types of analyses.

Immunology and Infection

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Noemie Bricmont¹, Lionel Benchimol², Anne-Lise Poirrier², Christine Grignet³, Claire Seaton⁴, Mark A. Chilvers⁴, Marie-Christine Seghaye⁵, Renaud Louis^1,6, Philippe Lefebvre², Celine Kempeneers^1,7

¹Pneumology laboratory, I3 Group, GIGA Research Center, University of Liège, ²Department of ENT, University Hospital of Liège, ³Department for Occupational Safety and Health, Biosafety and Biosecurity Unit, University of Liège, ⁴Division of Respirology, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia and British Columbia Children's Hospital, ⁵Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Liège, ⁶Department of Pneumology, University Hospital of Liège, ⁷Division of Respirology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Liège

To guarantee a successful and high-quality ciliary functional analysis for PCD diagnosis, a precise and careful method for respiratory epithelium sampling and processing is essential. To continue providing PCD diagnostic service during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ciliary videomicroscopy protocol has been updated to include appropriate infection control measures.

Behavior

SECONDs Administration Guidelines: A Fast Tool to Assess Consciousness in Brain-injured Patients

Leandro R. D. Sanz^*1,2, Charlène Aubinet^*1,2, Helena Cassol^1,2, Olivier Bodart^1,2, Sarah Wannez^1,2, Estelle A. C. Bonin^1,2, Alice Barra^1,2, Nicolas Lejeune^1,2,3,4, Charlotte Martial^1,2, Camille Chatelle^1,2, Didier Ledoux^5,6, Steven Laureys^1,2, Aurore Thibaut^1,2, Olivia Gosseries^1,2

¹Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, GIGA research center, University of Liège, ²Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, ³CHN William Lennox, Groupe Hospitalier Saint-Luc, ⁴Institute of NeuroScience, UCLouvain, ⁵Department of Intensive Care, University Hospital of Liège, ⁶Anesthesia & Intensive Care Laboratory, GIGA-Consciousness, GIGA research center, University of Liège

These guidelines can be used for the administration of the Simplified Evaluation of CONsciousness Disorders (SECONDs), a short behavioral tool developed to diagnose brain-injured patients in time-constrained settings. This scale examines command-following, communication, visual pursuit, fixation, pain localization, oriented movements and arousal.

Environment

Tree Core Analysis with X-ray Computed Tomography

Tom De Mil¹, Jan Van den Bulcke^2,3

¹Forest Is Life, TERRA Teaching and Research Centre, Gembloux Agro Bio-Tech, University of Liège, ²UGent-Woodlab, Laboratory of Wood Technology, Department of Environment, Ghent University, ³UGent Centre for X-ray Tomography (UGCT)

Here we show how to process tree cores with an X-ray computed tomography toolchain. Except for chemical extraction for some purposes, no further physical lab treatment is needed. The toolchain can be used for biomass estimations, for obtaining MXD/tree-ring width data as well as for obtaining quantitative wood anatomy data.