Awarded PIHC Projects 2016

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PIHC vouchers 2016

Rapid Point-of-Care Sepsis test

Fast and reliable diagnosis of sepsis at the hospital bedside would improve patient treatment and potentially save many lives. Current tests are either slow as they require blood culture, or unreliable as they are based on only one particular biomarker. We will extend our existing platform for point-of-care blood analysis to allow for the quantification of many soluble and cell surface biomarkers in parallel. By combining several known sepsis biomarkers in one test, providing results within 30 min with minimal sample preparation, we expect a significantly increased sensitivity and specificity in a format compatible with bedside testing. 

Dr. Markus Beck (UT), dr. Jennita Slomp (MST- Medlon), dr. Bert Beishuizen (MST), dr. Alex Cornet (MST), dr. Dorothee Wasserberg (UT), Joost van Dalum (UT)

Biomarkers in mesenteric ischemia

Mesenteric ischemia has a high mortality and morbidity, because diagnosis is often (too) late. The main shortcoming is early detection. Biomarkers have emerged as a diagnosticum for a number of years. Due to the development of a lab-on-a-Chip, we aim to provide patients and clinicians with a minimally invasive, simple and relatively inexpensive blood test. Making early detection and rapid treatment possible, which will lead to lower mortality, morbidity and costs. With this voucher, we want to investigate what techniques we can use to build the chip.

Drs. Juliette Blauw (MST, LUMC), dr ir. Loes Segerink (UT), prof. dr. Bob Geelkerken (MST, UT), prof. dr. Jeroen Kolkman (MST, RUG), dr. Marjolein Brusse-Keizer (MST)

Rapid microsensor to diagnose bacterial infection in COPD exacerbations

A correct determination of when to use antibiotics is urgently needed worldwide for the reduction of costs, side effects and risks such as resistant bacteria. A novel acoustic and colorimetric sensor to measure dynamic viscoelastic and color properties of small quantities of sputum could help in a fast and univocal way in the diagnosis of exacerbation of bacterial origin. Sputum properties vary very fast; hence cheap and reliable regular checks are needed. In this project we are initiating a new collaboration between the UT, MST and ZGT towards developing a hand-held device for diagnosis at the hospitals or at home.

Dr. David Fernandez Rivas (UT), dr. ir. Frans de Jongh (MST), dr. Paul van der Valk (MST), Timon Fabius (MST), Hans Timmer (ZGT), dr. Marjolein Brusse Keizer (MST), prof. dr. Michel Versluis (UT)

Development of an obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnostic tool using a nasal sensor that allows measuring pulse oximetry and airflow signals

Prompt diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a form of sleep-disordered breathing characterized by breathing cessations, is vital as untreated OSA is linked to hypertension, arrhythmias, heart failure, and stroke. Polysomnography (PSG), the gold standard diagnostic tool, is resource intensive and not widely available, resulting in long waiting lists and delays in diagnosing people in need. Thus, the aim of this study is to develop a portable, non-invasive, smartphone-based technology, not only to screen but also to diagnose OSA at home using an innovative nasal sensor that allows measuring both pulse oximetry and airflow simultaneously

Dr. Ainara Garde (UT), drs. Michiel Eijsvogel (MST), dr. ir. Frans de Jongh  (MST), prof. dr. ir. Hermie Hermens (UT), Maarten Ruinemans (ZGT)

MRIPro: Lowfield MRI as a diagnostic tool to simultaneously differentiate between underlying causes of problematic knee prosthetics

No diagnostic tools are currently available that are capable of simultaneously differentiate between various causes of (persistent) complaints of pain and / or instability in patients after primary total knee replacement. In order to be able to determine an effective treatment strategy, patients undergo a variety of (radiological) examinations and / or consultations. Due to its metal artifact reducing properties low field MRI provides the ability to simultaneously differentiate between various causes for problematic knee replacement so that targeted treatment strategies can follow faster en cheaper. This study is aimed at establishing and validating a scan protocol using low field MRI to make simultaneous differential diagnosis around problematic knee replacement possible.

Dr. Rianne Huis in ´t Veld (ZGT), dr. Anne Vochteloo (ZGT), dr. ir. Bennie ten Haken (UT), prof. dr. ir. Nico Verdonschot (UT)

DELICATE: Diabetes and Lifestyle Coaching Project Twente

Insufficient physical activity, often starting at a young age, causes health problems including diabetes mellitus type 2. Interventions aimed at lifestyle changes, are necessary but unsuccessful so far. Here, we develop an application that will measure parameters, relevant for glucose regulation, but not regularly available (physical activity, sleep, diet, continuous glucose monitoring). The challenges are to phenotype patients based on the collected data (current project), and ultimately to develop a portable automated personalized coaching system aimed at healthy behavior and better glucose regulation, that takes into account all relevant individual factors including insulin-sensitivity (follow-up project).

Dr. Goos Laverman (ZGT), prof. dr. Miriam Vollenbroek-Hutten (ZGT, UT), drs. Christina Gant (ZGT), dr. ir. Bert-Jan van Beijnum (UT), prof. dr. ir. Hermie Hermens (UT), 

Early detection of foot complications in diabetes using infrared imaging technics for smartphones

Two percent of the people with diabetes develop foot ulcers. Foot ulcers are the most important reason for amputation in people with diabetes. Early detection and treatments of wounds are effective in prevention of amputation. Currently it is known that heightened skin temperature in the foot is an indication for the development of a wound. The aim of this project is to realize a camera based home monitoring system that gives the patient and professionals detailed insight in the development of foot complications so that measures can be taken timely and a wound can be prevented.

Dr. Sjef van Baal (ZGT), dr. ir. Ferdi van der Heijden (UT), dr. Jaap van Netten (Queensland University of Technology), prof. dr. Miriam Vollenbroek-Hutten (UT, ZGT)

Self-management and telemedicine in patients with COPD and chronic heart failure

We want to develop a home-based motivational self-management programme for patients with COPD and heart failure. Using telemedicine, self-management will be patient-tailored and more accessible by offering care at distance. Elements include action plans for self-treatment of exacerbations, an avatar for better communication and personal feedback, sensorised inhalers for improved medication adherence, and a test to determine the cause of breathlessness symptoms. This will lead to better decision making and an earlier start of proper treatment in the home-setting. In particular, this is important for frail older patients with COPD and heart failure, with potentially other diseases as well.

Anke Lenferink (MST, UT, Flinders University), dr. Gerard Linssen (ZGT), prof. dr. ir. Hermie Hermens (UT), dr. Paul van der Valk (MST), dr. ir. Monique Tabak (RRD), Martijn Grinovero (Amiko), prof. dr. Miriam Vollenbroek-Hutten (UT, ZGT), prof. dr. Job van der Palen (MST, UT), dr. Tanja Effing (Repatriation General Hospital, Flinders University)


Menzis PIHC voucher

“Up and go” after a hip fracture

Functional recovery and going back to the former living situation after a hipfracture is currently suboptimal. “Up and go” after a hipfracture aims to develop a technology supported service that monitors progress of the older adults during rehabilitation up to 6 months after surgery. This information is accessible for the involved care professionals, which enables that the right action is taken by the right professional at the right time. In addition, personalized motivated feedback and advises can also be provided to the older person himself so he/she is able to optimize his/her own rehabilitation process also.

Dr. Han Hegeman  (ZGT), Ellis Folbert (ZGT), prof. dr. Miriam Vollenbroek-Hutten (UT, ZGT), prof. dr. ir. Hermie Hermens (UT), Fred Schrander MBA (Trivium Meulenbelt Zorg), dr. Anno Wester (Carint Reggeland), drs. Monique van Hattem (Thuiszorg Noord West Twente)