In accordance with its mission to support high level research in Belgium, the University Foundation provides financial support towards the publication in high level international journals of scientific papers which report on research in Belgian research groups. Financial support may be granted to partially cover the costs due by the author for illustrations, for page charges and for article processing fees, and for linguuistic control.
Because the possible support is restricted to Belgian research groups, the regulations and application procedures are only available in French and in Dutch.
What follows is a list of articles that were subsidized recently by the University Foundation. The titles are ordered by year of publication and by title.
Pyl, M., Danis, B. et al. (2021) An effective method to assess the sorption dynamics of PCB radiotracers onto plastic and sediment microparticles. MethodsX, Volume 8, 101395. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2021.101395
Abstract : One important aspect of marine plastic pollution is that small particles are ubiquitously present in seawater and can transport a large variety of co-contaminants. The sorption-desorption kinetics of these co-contaminants sorbed to microplastics (MPs) are not fully understood, partially due to the lack of any standardised procedures between studies. The present work aims at describing a new and efficient method to investigate the sorption of co-contaminants onto different types of particles using proven radiotracer techniques.
Brock S, Vanderhasselt T, Vermaning S, et al. (2021) Defining the phenotypical spectrum associated with variants in TUBB2A. Journal of Medical Genetics, 58:33–40. doi:10.1136/jmedgenet-2019-106740
Abstract : Background Variants in genes belonging to the tubulin superfamily account for a heterogeneous spectrum of brain malformations referred to as tubulinopathies. Variants in TUBB2A have been reported in 10 patients with a broad spectrum of brain imaging features, ranging from a normal cortex to polymicrogyria, while one patient has been reported with progressive atrophy of the cerebellar vermis.
Gheysen, J., Marteleur, M., van der Rest, C., Simar, A. (2021) Efficient optimization methodology for laser powder bed fusion parameters to manufacture dense and mechanically sound parts validated on AlSi12 alloy. Materials & Design, Volume 199, 109433. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2020.109433
Abstract : The main drawback of laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), commonly called selective laser melting (SLM) is the high porosity which may lead to an early failure of the parts. To minimize it, the L-PBF parameters need to be optimized focusing on the laser power, scanning speed and hatching space. However, no standard guideline exists. In this study, an efficient and cost-effective methodology is developed and validated on AlSi12. This innovative methodology brings together single scan tracks (SST), macroscopic properties analysis and design of experiments (DOE).
Verdikt, R. † , Hernalsteens, O and Van Lint, C. (2021) Epigenetic Mechanisms of HIV-1 Persistence. Vaccines, 9, 514. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9050514
Abstract : Eradicating HIV-1 in infected individuals will not be possible without addressing the persistence of the virus in its multiple reservoirs. In this context, the molecular characterization of HIV-1 persistence is key for the development of rationalized therapeutic interventions. HIV-1 geneexpression relies on the redundant and cooperative recruitment of cellular epigenetic machineries to cis-regulatory proviral regions.
Pigeolet, M. et al. (2021) Evaluation of a surgical treatment algorithm for neglected clubfoot in low‑resource settings. International Orthopaedics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-021-05058-6
Abstract
Purpose : Idiopathic clubfoot affects approximately 1/1000 alive-born infants, of whom 80–91% are born in low- or middleincome countries (LMICs). This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the morphological, functional, and social outcomes in patients with neglected clubfoot in rural Bangladesh, after receiving surgical treatment.
Vanden Abeele et al. (2021) Evidence of past forest fragmentation in the Congo Basin from the phylogeography of a shade-tolerant tree with limited seed dispersal: Scorodophloeus zenkeri (Fabaceae, Detarioideae) BMC Ecology and Evolution https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-021-01781-1
Background: Comparative phylogeographic studies on rainforest species that are widespread in Central Africa often reveal genetic discontinuities within and between biogeographic regions, indicating (historical) barriers to gene flow, possibly due to repeated and/or long-lasting population fragmentation during glacial periods according to the forest refuge hypothesis. The impact of forest fragmentation seems to be modulated by the ecological amplitude and dispersal capacities of each species, resulting in different demographic histories.
Van Schependom, J. et al. (2021) Increased brain atrophy and lesion load is associated with stronger lower alpha MEG power in multiple sclerosis patients NeuroImage: Clinical Volume 30, 102632 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2021.102632
Abstract: In multiple sclerosis, the interplay of neurodegeneration, demyelination and inflammation leads to changes in neurophysiological functioning. This study aims to characterize the relation between reduced brain volumes and spectral power in multiple sclerosis patients and matched healthy subjects. During resting-state eyes closed, we collected magnetoencephalographic data in 67 multiple sclerosis patients and 47 healthy subjects, matched for age and gender. Additionally, we quantified different brain volumes through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Schiller I., Morsomme D., Kob M. & Remacle A. (2021) Listening to a Dysphonic Speaker in Noise May Impede Children’s Spoken Language Processing in a Realistic Classroom Setting. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools Vol. 52, 396–408.
Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate children's processing of dysphonic speech in a realistic classroom setting, under the influence of added classroom noise.
Abstract : Aristotelian diagrams, such as the square of opposition, are well-known in the context of normal modal logics (i.e., systems of modal logic which can be given a relational semantics in terms of Kripke models). This paper studies Aristotelian diagrams for non-normal systems of modal logic (based on neighborhood semantics, a topologically inspired generalization of relational semantics). In particular, we investigate the phenomenon of logic-sensitivity of Aristotelian diagrams. We distinguish between four different types of logic-sensitivity, viz.
Burgeon, C., (2021) Past, present, and future trends in boar taint detection Trends in Food Science and Technology, Volume 112, 283-297 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2021.04.007
Background
Boar taint is an unpleasant smell found in the meat of some uncastrated male pigs. This taint is often prevented by surgical castration without anesthesia or analgesia. However, this practice is an animal welfare concern. Production of entire males and immunocastration were suggested as alternatives. Ensuring that meat is untainted remains a priority for slaughterhouses. This has initiated research about the development of new boar taint detection methods. Most focus on detecting skatole and androstenone, two major contributors to boar taint.
Nea, F., et al. (2021) Phytochemical Investigation and Biological Activities of Lantana rhodesiensis. Molecules 26, 846. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26040846
Abstract: Lantana rhodesiensis Moldenke is a plant widely used to treat diseases, such as rheumatism, diabetes, and malaria in traditional medicine. To better understand the traditional uses of this plant, a phytochemical study was undertaken, revealing a higher proportion of polyphenols, including flavonoids in L. rhodesiensis leaf extract and moderate proportion in stem and root extracts.
Colin, M., Dechêne, L. et al. (2021) Priming of mesenchymal stem cells with a hydrosoluble form of curcumin allows keeping their mesenchymal properties for cell‐based therapy development Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jcmm.16403
Abstract : Mesenchymal stem cells are increasingly studied for their use as drug‐carrier in addition to their intrinsic potential for regenerative medicine. They could be used to transport molecules with a poor bioavailability such as curcumin in order to improve their clinical usage. This natural polyphenol, well‐known for its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, has a poor solubility that limits its clinical potential.
Sow, M.; De Spiegelaere, M.; Raynault, M.-F. (2021) Risk of Low Birth Weight According to Household Composition in Brussels and Montreal: Do Income Support Policies Variations Explain the Differences Observed between Both Regions? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18, 7936. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18157936
Abstract: Variations in social policy between countries provide opportunities to assess the impact of these policies on health inequities. This study compares the risk of low birth weight in Brussels and Montreal, according to household composition, and discusses the impact of income support policies. For each context, we estimated the impact of income support policies on the extent of poverty of welfare recipients, using the model family method.
Wauters, W. (2021) Smelling Disease and Death in the Antwerp Church of Our Lady, c. 1450-1559. Early Modern Low Countries, 1, pp. 17-39. DOI 10.51750/emlc10006
Abstract : Early modern societies were pervaded by smells and odours, but few traces have survived that offer a glimpse of the olfactory experience. This essay reconstructs this lost early modern ‘smellscape’, focusing on the smell of disease and death in the late medieval Antwerp Church of Our Lady (c. 1450-1559). Bustling cathedrals and parish churches could be a minefield of life-threatening odours, as there was a strong interaction between externally perceived body odour and a person’s inner sweetness.
Desbouys, L., Rouche, M., De Ridder, K., Pedroni, C., Castetbon, K. (2021) Ten‑year changes in diet quality among adolescents and young adults (Food Consumption Survey 2004 and 2014, Belgium) European Journal of Nutrition https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-021-02499-y
Abstract
Purpose To estimate the 10-year change in the overall nutritional quality of adolescent and young adult’s diet, as measured by the modified Nutrient Profiling System of the British Food Standards Agency individual Dietary Index (FSAm-NPS-DI) which funds the Nutri-Score development, and in different components of this score, overall and according to the individual characteristics.