University of Liege 11 articles published in JoVE Environment Tree Core Analysis with X-ray Computed Tomography Tom De Mil1, Jan Van den Bulcke2,3 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. Chemistry Ultrafast Lignin Extraction from Unusual Mediterranean Lignocellulosic Residues Maroua Kammoun1, Thomas Berchem1, Aurore Richel1 1Laboratory of Biomass and Green Technologies, University of Liege (Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech Campus) Deep eutectic solvent-based, microwave-assisted pretreatment is a green, fast, and efficient process for lignocellulosic fractionation and high-purity lignin recovery. 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 Cassol1,2, Olivier Bodart1,2, Sarah Wannez1,2, Estelle A. C. Bonin1,2, Alice Barra1,2, Nicolas Lejeune1,2,3,4, Charlotte Martial1,2, Camille Chatelle1,2, Didier Ledoux5,6, Steven Laureys1,2, Aurore Thibaut1,2, Olivia Gosseries1,2 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. 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 Louis1,6, Philippe Lefebvre2, Celine Kempeneers1,7 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, 4 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. Medicine Endoscopy Guided Photoablation of Endometrial Cysts using a 980 nm Laser with a Contact Fiber in Mares Jérôme Ponthier1, Geoffroy de la Rebière2, Alexandra Salciccia2, Stéfan Deleuze1 1Equine Reproduction, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Liège University, 2Equine Surgery, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Liège University The aim of this report is to describe the photoablation of endometrial cysts in the mare using an endoscopic laser device, and to discuss the interest and limitations of this new approach to deal with low fertility issues. Medicine Nerve Stimulator-guided Injection of Autologous Stem Cells Near the Equine Left Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Charlotte Sandersen1, Justine Ceusters1, Alexia Fourez1, Irene Tosi1, Helene Graide1, Jean-Philippe Lejeune1,2, Didier Serteyn1,2 1Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, 2Mont-le-Soie Equine Research Centre Here, we present a protocol to inject autologous muscle-derived stem cells in the proximity to the recurrent laryngeal nerve with the help of an electrical nerve stimulator. This novel technique may become useful for the treatment of equine recurrent laryngeal neuropathy. 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. 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 Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing Julien Guiot*1, Sophie Demarche*1,2, Monique Henket1, Virginie Paulus1, Sophie Graff1, Florence Schleich1, Jean-Louis Corhay1, Renaud Louis1, Catherine Moermans1 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, CHU Liege, GIGA I3 Research Group, University of Liege, 2Department of Clinical Pharmacy, CIRM (Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines), University of Liege Here we describe the technique of sputum induction. This protocol also explains the sputum processing to perform a differential cell count and to collect sputum supernatant and cells for further analysis. Developmental Biology Analysis of Chromosome Segregation, Histone Acetylation, and Spindle Morphology in Horse Oocytes Federica Franciosi1, Irene Tessaro1,2, Rozenn Dalbies-Tran3, Cecile Douet3, Fabrice Reigner4, Stefan Deleuze5, Pascal Papillier3, Ileana Miclea6, Valentina Lodde1, Alberto M. Luciano1, Ghylene Goudet3 1Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, 2IRCCS. Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 3PRC, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, INRA, 4PAO, INRA, 5Clinique des Animaux de Compagnie et des Équidés, Université de Liège, 6University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania This manuscript describes an experimental approach to morphologically and biochemically characterize horse oocytes. Specifically, the present work illustrates how to collect immature and mature horse oocytes by ultrasound-guided ovum pick-up (OPU) and how to investigate chromosome segregation, spindle morphology, global histone acetylation, and mRNA expression. Neuroscience Subcellular Patch-clamp Recordings from the Somatodendritic Domain of Nigral Dopamine Neurons Dominique Engel1 1GIGA-Neurosciences, Quartier Hôpital, University of Liege Subcellular patch-clamp recordings offer the possibility to investigate the functional properties of dendrites. However these fine structures are not easily accessible due to their small diameter. The protocol described here aims to facilitate the collection of stable and reliable recordings from the dendrites of dopamine neurons in slices in vitro.
