Projects
Effects of prenatal and early childhood exposure to ambient air pollution and residential green spaces on the human gut microbiome and corresponding consequences on cardiovascular function and neurobehavioral performance. Hasselt University
Neurobehavioral effects of fine particulate air pollution in primary schoolchildren Hasselt University
Neurobehavioral effects of environmental pollution in primary school children and adolescents. Hasselt University
Mitochondriomics as chronicle of early-life ambient air pollution exposure and effects on cardiovascular and cognitive function in childhood Hasselt University
The role of 'endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress' and the 'integrated stress response' in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE): Exploring the therapeutic potential of ER stress modulation in HE. Ghent University
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) describes the deterioration of brain function in patients with acute or chronic liver failure. This entity, typified by cognitive, behavioral and motoric deficits, relates to neuronal death, the origin of which is unknown in HE. About 80% of patients suffering from liver cirrhosis are at risk to develop HE, resulting in high morbidity and mortality, reduced quality of life and a high economic burden. Current ...
Effects of muscle fatigue, cognitive complexity and time pressure on the proprioceptive control of movement in young and older adults. KU Leuven
In our rapidly aging society, functional independence of the older adults is a critical challenge for health and well-being with considerable socioeconomic consequences. In this regard, proprioception, the ability to interpret our musculoskeletal state (e.g., movement) is critically important for daily functioning. Here, I will investigate proprioception deficits in aging using a comprehensive neurobehavioral approach. First, I will study the ...
The effects of chemotherapy during childhood on early maternal bonding and adult social and cognitive functioning in laboratory mice KU Leuven
The impact of cancer and its intensive treatments, like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, on the developing brain is overwhelming. Survivors often struggle with cognitive issues that impact attention, memory, and executive functions. Emotional challenges like anxiety, depression, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress are also widespread. As survival rates continue to rise, leading to a growing number of survivors, there is an urgent need for the ...
HI(I)T it! The neurophysiological basis of high-intensity interval training for enhancing motor learning and memory consolidation in young and older adults. KU Leuven
Healthy aging is associated with a progressive decline in motor function. Hence, interventions promoting prolonged independent functioning are of utmost importance. This has sparked interest in non-pharmacological, low-risk approaches targeting excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms that are known to be akin to synaptic plasticity and motor memory consolidation. One exciting avenue is to prime initial memory formation processes through the ...
ER stress and the integrated stress response in the neurogliovascular unit: relation with inflammation and apoptosis in hepatic encephalopathy Ghent University
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) describes the deterioration of brain function in patients with acute or
chronic liver failure. This entity, typified by cognitive, behavioral and motoric deficits, relates to
neuronal death, the origin of which is unknown in HE. It has been proposed that HE is a gliopathy,
referring to the aberrant neuronal function as a secondary effect to astrocyte dysfunction. HE is
...