Medicine and Health Sciences

Public defences 2024

Attend a phd defence or find the archive of concluded doctoral research

Public defences 2024

Attend a phd defence or find the archive of concluded doctoral research

Extensive cardiac assessment in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors - Danielle Delombaerde (18/12/2024)

Danielle Delombaerde

  • 18 December 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: auditorium Kinsbergen - UZA or online​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. C. Vulsteke, prof. H. Prenen and prof. M. Peeters

Association between HIV integrase strand transfer inhibitor use and type 2 diabetes mellitus - Frank Mulindwa (12/12/2024)

Frank Mulindwa

  • 12 December 2024
  • Time: 6 PM - 8 PM
  • Venue: online​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. N. Brusselaers, dr. B. Castelnuovo and dr. J.M. Schwarz

Methylation Biomarkers for Pleural Mesothelioma: From Epigenetic Landscape Analysis to Diagnostic Assay Development - Janah Vandenhoeck (11/12/2024)

Janah Vandenhoeck

  • 11 December 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Gebouw Q - D.Q.002 Promotiezaal
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. Van Meerbeeck J, prof. Op de Beeck K and prof. Van Camp G

Unravelling the role of and the interrelation between somatosensory function and metabolic factors in chronic (postsurgical) OA pain - Lotte Meert (3/12/2024)

Lotte Meert

  • 3 December 2024
  • Time: 12.45 PM - 14.45 PM
  • Venue: online​
  • Joint PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. M. Meeus and prof. R. Smeets (UMaastricht)

Medication self-management during hospitalisation in severe mental illness - Elke Loots (29/11/2024)

Elke Loots

  • 29 November 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Gebouw Q - D.Q.02 Promotiezaal, registration via this link​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. B. Van Rompaey, prof. T. Dilles and prof. M. Morrens

Onchocerciasis associated epilepsy in South Sudan, an epidemiological, social and entomological study - Stephen Jada (29/11/2024)

Stephen Jada

  • 29 November 2024
  • Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Gebouw O - D.O.O3 or online​
  • Joint PhD defence
  • Supervisor: Em.prof. R. Colebunders

ABSTRACT

Strengthening Onchocerciasis Elimination Efforts Key to Reducing Epilepsy Cases in Endemic Areas

A PhD study of Stephen Jada of Amref Health Africa has further solidified the link between onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, and epilepsy, including nodding syndrome, in endemic regions of Central and East Africa. The findings underscore the urgent need to enhance onchocerciasis elimination measures to mitigate the devastating health and socioeconomic impact of this neglected tropical disease.

Onchocerciasis, caused by the nematode Onchocerca volvulus and transmitted through blackfly bites, is a leading cause of eye and skin disease in affected communities. Recent studies have highlighted the high prevalence of epilepsy, in areas with suboptimal or non-existent onchocerciasis control measures. While epidemiological evidence strongly suggests the association between onchocerciasis and epilepsy, the precise mechanisms causing onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE) remain unclear.

The PhD study, of Stephen Jada, conducted in onchocerciasis-endemic villages in South Sudan, provides vital insights into the burden of OAE and evaluated the impact of targeted elimination interventions.

The study confirmed the high prevalence of epilepsy and other onchocerciasis-related morbidities such as skin and blindness, in onchocerciasis-endemic areas in South Sudan with very weak onchocerciasis elimination programs. Moreover, the study highlighted the negative perceptions about epilepsy, creating barriers to care. A stark lack of treatment options further exacerbated the burden on affected individuals and families. A combination of bi-annual mass distribution of ivermectin (treatment of onchocerciasis) and a novel community-based vector control method (“Slash and Clear”) was evaluated in Maridi County from 2019 to 2022. Post-intervention surveys revealed a marked reduction in the annual incidence of epilepsy and nodding syndrome, as well as lower onchocerciasis infection rates in children.

This comprehensive research reaffirms the link between onchocerciasis and epilepsy and highlights the critical role of integrated elimination strategies. Strengthening interventions such as increased ivermectin coverage, community-based vector control, and education campaigns can significantly reduce the incidence of epilepsy in endemic areas.

These findings call for international support to scale up onchocerciasis control programmes, ensuring that vulnerable communities no longer face the dual burden of river blindness and epilepsy.

Sorting out the heterogeneity in Panic Disorder. On the neurobiology of its subtypes and the comorbidity with tinnitus - Thomas Pattyn (28/11/2024)

Thomas Pattyn

  • 28 November 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Gebouw O - D.O.O6 or online​
  • Joint PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. F. Van Den Eede, em.prof. B. Sabbe, prof. B. Penninckx and prof. D. Veltman

Realist evaluation of a community-based antiretroviral therapy programme for key populations in Nigeria - Olujuwon Ibiloye (21/11/2024)

Olujuwon Ibiloye

  • 21 November 2024
  • Time: 3 PM - 5 PM
  • Venue: Campus ITM - aula Janssens - Sint Rochusstraat 43 - 2000 Antwerpen or online​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. J. van Olmen, prof. C. Masquillier, dr. T. Decroo and dr. S. van Belle

SUMMARY

Key populations (KP; female sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender people, and persons who inject drugs) are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS and are at increased risk of contracting HIV compared to the general population. They are underserved and have limited access to quality HIV prevention, care and treatment services. To optimize access to quality HIV services among KP and improve treatment outcomes (such as retention-in-care, medication adherence, and viral suppression), the World Health Organization recommended community-based approaches to HIV service delivery. However, to inform the successful roll out and scale-up of community-based ART service delivery models for KP (KP-CBART), there is a need to study long-term outcomes and to explain the dynamics between contextual factors and mechanisms that influence the outcomes for successful implementation. The overall aim of this PhD research work is to use the realist evaluation approach to evaluate the performance of KP-CBART models for KP in Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African countries. Findings from this evaluation will provide answers to the following questions: “what works?”, “how and why does it work?”, “for whom”, and “in what circumstances (context)”?.

ART uptake, linkage to ART, retention in care, viral load coverage and viral load suppression are less good in KP-CBART than in the general population, and fall short of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. This calls for further differentiation of KP-CBART to improve the outcomes of individual clients and programmes. Also, to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target, the policy context needs to change to remove access barriers such as criminalization policies against same-sex, drug-use, and sex trade.

On the other hand, clinical outcomes in KP-CBART were at least as good as those in facility-based care. The thesis provides an empirically tested hypothesis (programme theory) that where HIV-positive KP receive ART in a safe place, KP clients will adhere to treatment and will be retained in care because they feel safe and trust the healthcare providers. Also, we show that the involvement of KPLHIV in the design, planning and implementation of HIV services improves medication adherence and retention in care because they perceive HIV services to be KP-friendly. Moreover, continuous psychological and social support enhances retention.

In conclusion, this research shows that clinical outcomes in KP-CBART need to improve. Providing a safe space, participation, and social support are ways to strengthen utilization of care.

Optimising Workplace Learning in Postgraduate Medical Education: Towards Supporting Residents and Supervisors in Clinical Practice - Marieke Robbrecht (20/11/2024)

Marieke Robbrecht

  • 20 November 2024
  • Time: 6 PM - 8 PM
  • Venue: Universiteit Gent - auditorium A - 1st floor K3, entrance 42 - Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent or online after registration​
  • Joint PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. S. Weyers, prof. M. Embo and prof. A. Mulder

Barbed Sutures in Cardiac Surgery - Filip Haenen (18/11/2024)

Filip Haenen

  • 18 November 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Gebouw Q - D.Q.002
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisor: prof. I. Rodrigus

Preparing students to collaborate interprofessionally through interprofessional education - Huyen Thi Thanh Nguyen (06/11/2024)

Huyen Thi Thanh Nguyen

  • 6 November 2024
  • Time: 11:30 AM - 01:30 PM
  • Venue: online via BBCollab
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. J. Wens, prof. M. Valcke, prof. G. Tsakitzidis and prof. T. Minh Nguyen

Matching anatomy – Objective measures for patient-individualized cochlear implantation - Nora Weiss (04/11/2024)

Nora Weiss

  • 4 November 2024
  • Time: 4 PM - 6 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - building Q - aula Promotiezaal
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: em.prof. P. Van de Heyning, prof. V. Van Rompaey and dr. S. Dazert

Towards enhanced care: Exploring the implementation of novel diagnostics for acute respiratory tract infections in European primary care - Melanie Hoste (23/10/2024)

Melanie Hoste

  • 23 October 2024
  • Time: 4 PM - 6 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - building O - aula D.O.O8
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. S. Anthierens, em.prof. H. Goossens and dr. S. Tonkin-Crine

Diabetic foot and diabetes-related amputations in Belgium: facts, figures and the underexposed nutritional aspect - Patrick Lauwers (02/10/2024)

Patrick Lauwers

  • 2 October 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - building O - aula O6
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. E. Dirinck and prof. J. Hendriks

Induce pain to relieve pain: the effect of “exercise into discomfort” on clinical outcomes and ultrasound imaging parameters in patients with subacromial shoulder pain - Claudia Cavaggion (30/09/2024)

Claudia Cavaggion

  • 30 September 2024
  • Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Gebouw R - aula R2 or online​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. F. Struyf and prof. A. Luque Suarez

From silence to surge: Illuminating the stealthy threat of aneurysms and dissections with the aid of cell models and insights into the genetic architecture - Melanie Perik (30/09/2024)

Melanie Perik

  • 30 September 2024
  • Time: 4 PM - 6 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Gebouw Q - aula D.Q.002
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. B. Loeys, prof. A. Verstraeten, prof. L. Van Laer

Heterogeneity in individuals with knee osteoarthritis awaiting total knee arthroplasty and its impact on outcome from a biopsychosocial perspective - Sophie Vervullens (24/09/2024)

Sophie Vervullens

  • 24 September 2024
  • Time: 10 AM - 12 AM
  • Venue: Maastricht University, Aula, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK Maastricht, Nederland of online​
  • Joint PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. M. Meeus, prof. J. Verbrugghe, prof. R. Smeets

The dynamic regulation of miR-181c-5p in heart failure - Jente Boen (23/09/2024)

Jente Boen

  • 23 September 2024
  • Time: 4.30 PM - 6.30 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Gebouw O - aula O6 ​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. E. Van Craenenbroeck, prof. A. Gevaert and prof. V. Segers


Summary

This thesis provides insights in the dynamical role of miR-181c-5p in the healthy and failing heart, and investigates the cardioprotective/therapeutic potential of miR-181c-5p inhibition in heart failure with diastolic dysfunction. We paid particular attention for its fibrotic-regulating activity, its spatiotemporal nature, and its systemic effects on comorbid organs (kidney).

First, we evaluated the cellular endothelial localization of miR-181c-5p in healthy cardiac tissue. With a combined detection of miR-181c-5p via fluorescent in situ hybridization, and the endothelial protein marker isolectin via immunofluorescence, we demonstrated that miR-181c-5p was only located in a restricted group of cardiac blood vessels. This non-ubiquitous expression pattern supports the variable cell/time/tissue-dependent endothelial function of miR-181c-5p reported in endothelial studies and suggests that contextual data might be a pivotal factor for the interpretation of miRNA activity and their spatiotemporal mode-of-action.

As a result of the spatiotemporal nature of miRNAs, we studied the phenotype/time-related cardiac expression of miR-181c-5p in heart failure in historical samples of four rodent heart failure models. Analyses demonstrated that cardiac miR-181c-5p was reduced in the cardiometabolic heart failure phenotype with preserved ejection fraction (ZSF1 rats) and pressure overload-induced heart failure phenotype with reduced ejection fraction (TAC mice) only at later timepoints of heart failure progression. This points towards a potential role for miR-181c-5p in chronic remodeling processes (like cardiac fibrosis) or hypertension-related renal dysfunction, regardless of the ejection fraction. As we expected an upregulation, our observations challenge the predicted cardioprotective effect of miR-181c-5p inhibition in the heart.

To evaluate the impact of miR-181c-5p inhibition and its pathway regulation in the heart, we performed a target interaction analysis of heart failure-related genes upon miR-181c-5p inhibition in cardiac cell types and healthy cardiac tissue. We identified highly complex target interactions between Lats1, Vegfa, and Smad7 that are prone to spatiotemporal regulation and differ between dosages, cell types, in vitro, and in vivo setups. These results highlight the strong dynamic role of miR-181c-5p in the heart with cell-dependent actions, and support a potential role in cardiac fibrosis.

Finally, we tested the hypothesis that inhibition of miR-181c-5p is cardioprotective in a rodent heart failure model with diastolic dysfunction, that it affects myocardial fibrosis, and that the effect on comorbid organs, like the kidney, should be taken into account. Cardiac data showed a mild cardioprotective effect of miR-181c-5p inhibition on heart failure development in a three-hit mouse model of heart failure with diastolic dysfunction, partly by attenuating cardiac fibrosis through regulation of Tgfbr1-pathway. However, systemic miR-181c-5p inhibition tripled the mortality rate with increased occurrence of renal thrombotic microangiopathy and induced severe renal damage (glomerular damage, fibrosis) in both healthy and heart failure mice. We discovered that miR-181c-5p inhibition had different targets in the kidney: Tgfbr1 signaling was unchanged, but Vegfa expression was halved in kidney. It is likely that our results underestimate the actual effect of miR-181c-5p inhibition on the heart due to interference with renal damage, however, the anti-fibrotic potential of miR-181c-5p inhibition proposes an interesting candidate for future therapeutic approaches in the heart.

Unravelling risk factors for developing chronic dizziness after an acute unilateral vestibular deafferentation: the Activation study - Lien Van Laer (23/09/2024)

Lien Van Laer

  • 23 September 2024
  • Time: 4 PM - 6 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - building O - aula O5 or online​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. L. Vereeck, prof. V. Van Rompaey and prof. A. Hallemans

Designing and combining chimeric antigen receptors for improved cellular immunotherapy of hematological malignancies - Gils Roex (20/09/2024)

Gils Roex

  • 20 September 2024
  • Time: 4 PM - 6 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Gebouw O - D.O.O1
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. S. Anguille, prof. E. Lion

Implementation analysis of primary care interventions - Ine Huybrechts (16/09/2024)

Ine Huybrechts

  • 16 September 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - building Q - Promotiezaal or online​
  • Joint PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. S. Anthierens (UA), prof. P. Raeymaeckers (UA), prof. E. Verté (VUB) and prof. A. Declerq (KULeuven) 

Brain Health Oriented Care In Mutiple Sclerosis: A Critical Role For Specialst Nurses? - Liesbeth Van Hijfte (29/08/2024)

Liesbeth Van Hijfte

  • 29 August 2024
  • Time: 6 PM - 8 PM
  • Venue: UGent, Auditorium 3 Suzanne Lilar, Blandijn, Campus Boekentoren, Blandijnberg 2, Gent
  • Joint PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof B. Willekens, prof G. Laureys

Visualization, analysis and optimization of individual respiratory mechanics - Gregory De Meyer (22/08/2024)

Gregory De Meyer

  • 22 August 2024
  • Time: 4 PM - 6 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - building Q - Promotiezaal
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. P. Jorens, prof. V. Saldien, dr. T. Schepens

Molecular imaging for early response assessment of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and drugs targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in HER-2 amplified breast cancer - Yanina Dockx (09/07/2024)

Yanina Dockx

  • 9 July 2024
  • Time: 3 PM - 5 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building Q - D.Q.002
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisor: prof. S. Stroobants, prof. M. Huizing

A deep dive in sacral neuromodulation to improve its efficacy and understanding of its action - Sam Tilborghs (03/07/2024)

Sam Tilborghs

  • 3 July 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building O - aula O5 ​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisor: prof. S. De Wachter

Unravelling energy expenditure and hypermetabolism in cancer patients during initial treatment - Timia Van Soom (26/06/2024)

Timia Van Soom

  • 26 June 2024
  • Time: 4 PM - 6 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building Q - D.Q.002
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisor: prof. E. van Breda, prof. N. Gebruers, prof. W. Tjalma

Bringing Biomarkers to Clinical Practice in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Primary Tumor Location, Methylation and Liquid Biopsies - Katleen Janssens (25/06/2024)

Katleen Janssens

  • 25 June 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building Q - D.Q.002
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. M. Peeters, prof. G. Van Camp, prof. K. Op de Beeck

Nasopharyngeal carriage of Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, SARS-CoV-2 and other common pathogens in infants attending daycare centers in context of the changes in the pediatric vaccination program in Belgium - Esra Ekinci (20/06/2024)

Esra Ekinci

  • 20 June 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building O - aula O7 or online​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. H. Theeten, prof. P. Beutels and prof. S. Malhotra

ERBB4 Stimulation as a Therapeutic Strategy for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation - Michiel Tubeeckx (19/06/2024)

Michiel Tubeeckx

  • 19 June 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building O - aula D.O.1 or online​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisor: prof. H. Heidbuchel, prof. V. Segers, prof. G. De Keulenaer

Why women choose homebirth with traditional birth attendants and the effectiveness of interventions to promote institutional childbirth care utilization in rural Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2017-2022 - Mekdes Gurara (19/06/2024)

Mekdes Gurara

  • 19 June 2024
  • Time: 4 PM - 6 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building ​
  • Joint PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. Y. Jacquemyn and prof V. Draulans

Sports and the heart - on structural and electrical remodeling - Hielko Miljoen (17/06/2024)

Hielko Miljoen

  • 17 June 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building Q - Promotiezaal
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisor: prof. H. Heidbuchel

Towards quality assessment of integrated nature-based interventions in healthcare facilities: development of a framework for practice - Ann Sterckx (12/06/2024)

Ann Sterckx

  • 12 June 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building O - aula O8 ​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. H. Keune, em.prof. R. Remmen and prof. K. Van den Broeck

Hitting the target. Motor Learning and Performance in Schizophrenia and Ageing - Claudia Cornelis (11/06/2024)

Claudia Cornelis

  • 11 June 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building Q - Promotiezaal or online​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: em.prof. W. Hulstijn, prof. M. Morrens and em.prof. B. Sabbe

Cerebral perfusion imaging in the angiography suite The use of flat detector CT cerebral pooled blood volume mapping - Thijs van der Zijden (07/06/2024)

Thijs van der Zijden

  • 7 June 2024
  • Time: 3 PM - 5 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Gebouw Q - Promotiezaal 
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. T. Menovsky and prof. P. Parizel

Spectrinopathies in rare neurological and neuromuscular diseases: large-scale efforts towards the identification of novel molecular causes - Liedewei Van de Vondel (06/06/2024)

Liedewei Van de Vondel

  • 6 June 2024
  • Time: 2 PM - 4 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building Q - Promotiezaal
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisor: prof. J. Baets, prof. V. Timmerman

The Search for Novel Treatments for Major Depressive Disorder - Peter Niemegeers (05/06/2024)

Peter Niemegeers

  • 5 June 2024
  • Time: 4 PM - 6 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building Q - Promotiezaal
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: em.prof. B. Sabbe and em.prof. W. Hulstijn

Costs of Multimorbidity and Patient Lived Experience (COMPLEX) - Phuong Bich Tran (04/06/2024)

Phuong Bich Tran

  • 4 June 2024
  • Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building Q - Promotiezaal or online​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. J. van Olmen, prof. G. Van Hal and prof. P. Beutels

The role of exercise in the development of myocardial fibrosis during viral myocarditis - Kasper Favere (31/05/2024)

Kasper Favere

  • 31 May 2024
  • Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building Q - Promotiezaal
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisor: prof. H. Heidbuchel, prof. PJ. Guns and prof. J De Sutter (UGent)

Need-based care in nursing homes: from evidence to integration in caregivers’ clinical decision-making - Katrin Gillis (28/05/2024)

Katrin Gillis

  • 28 May 2024
  • Time: 4 PM - 6 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Gebouw O - aula O7 ​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. P. Van Bogaert, dr. L. Van Diermen, prof. S. Verhaeghe and dr. D. Lips

Crosstalk between MUC13 signalling and the mucosal microbiota in gastric cancer development - Baptiste Oosterlinck (24/05/2024)

Baptiste Oosterlinck

  • 24 May 2024
  • Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Gebouw O - aula O3
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. B. De Winter, prof A. Smet

Optimization of electrical stimulation/modulation therapies in the management of neurogenic and non-neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction - Xavier Biardeau (21/05/2024)

Xavier Biardeau

  • 21 May 2024
  • Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Venue: Université de Lille, Pôle Recherche, Salle des Thèses, 1, Place de Verdun, 59000 Lille or online​
  • Joint PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. S. De Wachter and prof. P. Vermersch

Evaluating an Ebola Vaccine Regimen and Booster Dose among Healthcare Personnel of the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a Step Towards Outbreak Prevention - Ynke Larivière (30/04/2024)

Ynke Larivière

  • 30 April 2024
  • Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building O - aula O1
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. P. Van Damme, prof. JP. Van geertruyden en prof. H. Muhindo

Burnout among Emergency Physicians from detection to prevention - Francis Somville (30/04/2024)

Francis Somville

  • 30 April 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building O - aula O5
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. E. Franck and prof. P. Van Bogaert

Dealing with challenges in an Ebola vaccine trial in a remote and endemic Ebola setting of the Democratic Republic of the Congo - Trésor Zola (30/04/2024)

Trésor Zola

  • 30 April 2024
  • Time: 3:15 PM - 5:15 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building O - aula O1
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. P. Van Damme, prof. JP. Van geertruyden en prof. H. Muhindo

Physical activity, participation and health-related quality of life in chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple osteochondromas - Kuni Vergauwen (25/04/2024)

Kuni Vergauwen

  • 25 April 2024
  • Time: 4 PM - 6 PM
  • Venue: Maastricht, Minderbroedersberg 4-6
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. M. Meeus, prof. R. Smeets, prof. I. Huijnen

First-void urine: A reservoir of HPV-related biomarkers - Laura Téblick (24/04/2024)

Laura Téblick

  • 24 April 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building Q - Promotiezaal Q.002 or online​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. S. Van Keer, prof. P. Delputte, prof. A. Vorsters

Novel, rationally designed combination strategies, based on (phospho)proteomic analyses, to enhance the response to cetuximab therapy in head and neck cancer - Hannah Zaryouh (11/03/2024)

Hannah Zaryouh

  • 11 March 2024
  • Time: 4.30 PM - 6.30 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building Q - room D.Q.002 (promotiezaal)
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. F. Lardon, prof. A. Wouters, dr. J. De Waele

Prognostic value of HPV genotyping in cutaneous warts - Nina Redzic (08/03/2024)

Nina Redzic

  • 8 March 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building O - aula O8 or online​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. JP. Bogers and prof. D. Vanden Broeck

Decoding the Genetic Puzzle of Inherited Cardiac Arrhythmias: Insights from Molecular Autopsy, Genetic Profiling and iPSC-derived Cardiomyocyte Modelling - Eline Simons (06/03/2024)

Eline Simons

  • 6 March 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building O - aula O1​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. M. Alaerts, prof. B. Loeys and dr. D. Schepers

From Cyclic Stretch to Vascular Ageing: A Comprehensive Analysis of Aortic Tissue Mechanics - Cédric Neutel (05/03/2024)

Cédric Neutel

  • 5 March 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building O - room D.O.O5
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. PJ. Guns, prof W. Martinet

Improving the management of hospitalized presumptive Xpert MTB/RIF-negative tuberculosis cases in Ethiopia - Wakjira Kebede Deyyas (21/02/2024)

Wakjira kebede Deyyas

  • 21 February 2024
  • Time: 4 PM - 6 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building R - room R.008
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. A. Van Rie, prof. G. Abebe and prof. E. Gudina

Cellular and molecular aspects of skeletal muscle wasting in a rat model of severe burns - Dorien Dombrecht (16/02/2024)

Dorien Dombrecht

  • 16 February 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Building O - room D.O.O6​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. E. van Breda, prof. U. Van Daele, prof. PJ. Guns

Evaluation of performance of diabetes care initiatives implemented in Cambodia - Vannarath Te (16/02/2024)

Vannarath Te

  • 16 February 2024
  • Time: 2 PM - 4 PM
  • Venue: ITM, Aula Janssens, Sint-Rochusstraat 43, 2000 Antwerpen or online​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. J. van Olmen, prof. E. Wouters, prof. W. Van Damme and dr. Ir Por

Implementation of lifelong ART (Option B+) for Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV in Uganda - Aggrey Mukose (14/02/2024)

Aggrey Mukose

  • 14 February 2024
  • Time: 4 PM - 6 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Gebouw R - room R.0O3 or online​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. JP. Van geertyrudyen and prof. H. Bastiaens

Alternative methodological approaches to assess long-term HIV virological and clinical outcomes in resource-limited settings - Anita Mesic (08/02/2024)

Anita Mesic

  • 8 February 2024
  • Time: 11 AM - 1 PM
  • Venue: ITM, Aula Janssens, Sint-Rochusstraat 43, 2000 Antwerpen or online​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. J. van Olmen, prof. L. Lynen, dr. T. Decroo and dr. K. Ritmeijer

Contemporary Challenges in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in Belgium - Thibaut Vanbaelen (31/01/2024)

Thibaut Vanbaelen

  • 31 January 2024
  • Time: 3 PM - 5 PM
  • Venue: ITM, Aula Janssens, Sint-Rochusstraat 43, 2000 Antwerpen
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. E. Florence, prof. C. Kenyon and prof. V. Verhoeven

Factors supporting informed decision-making in breast cancer screening programmes - David Ritchie (29/01/2024)

David Ritchie

  • 29 January 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Gebouw O - aula O3 or online
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: Prof G. Van Hal and prof. S. Van den Broucke

Primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases in Belgian primary health care - Naomi Aerts (25/01/2024)

Naomi Aerts

  • 25 January 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Gebouw Q - Promotiezaal​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. H. Bastiaens, prof L. Peremans and prof. P. Van Bogaert

Psychotic depression and cognition in older adults. Differences and similarities with non-psychotic depression in older adults - Tom Vermeulen (19/01/2024)

Tom Vermeulen

  • 19 January 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Gebouw Q - Promotiezaal 
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. R. van der Mast, prof. B. Sabbe

Novel insights in the clinical evaluation and management of childhood obesity - Eline Vermeiren (12/01/2024)

Eline Vermeiren

  • 12 January 2024
  • Time: 4 PM - 6 PM
  • Venue: Campus Drie Eiken - Gebouw O - aula O3 or online​
  • PhD defence
  • Supervisors: prof. S. Verhulst, prof. B. De Winter and prof. K. Van Hoorenbeeck