KNCV logo KNCV logo
Search

Golden Spatula 2017

Winner of the Golden Spatula 2018

Pascalle van Eijck

Investigating the effect of cigarette smoke extract on the release of exosomes by different cell types and the underlying mechanism, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences

This year, the Golden Spatula jury nominated Pascalle van Eijck's thesis, written as part of her bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, for the 2017 Golden Spatula Award.

Pascalle conducted research into the influence of substances in cigarette smoke on the excretion of potentially harmful extracellular vesicles by lung fibroblasts, lung epithelial cells, and macrophages. These cigarette smoke-induced extracellular vesicles may contribute to the pathogenic mechanism of COPD and cardiovascular disease. Among other things, Pascalle investigated whether certain vesicle biomarkers are present on lung epithelial cells and whether the expression of the biomarkers changes after exposure to cigarette smoke. It turned out that at least two markers are needed to quantify vesicles originating from the lung epithelium. In addition, it was found that the blood clotting protein tissue factor is present on vesicles originating from lung epithelium. Pascalle obtained excellent research results during her eight-month internship.

Her report is very well written and contains a clear discussion in which she critically compares her research results with published results from other researchers in this field. Pascalle also made some very good suggestions for follow-up research in her report. The report is of an exceptionally high standard that far exceeds the bachelor's level.

It quickly became clear to Pascalle's internship supervisors that they were dealing with a very talented and exceptionally committed student. During her internship, Pascalle continued to conduct literature research and proposed experiments to expand her research. In addition, Pascalle was always willing to learn new techniques and quickly mastered them. She was also always willing to help colleagues in the lab.

Based on the above facts, the selection committee concluded that Pascalle is an excellent candidate for nomination for the 2017 Golden Spatula Award.

The other two prizes were awarded to:

Laura Peeters - Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
The effects of aggrecan, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and celecoxib on cartilage formation in an in vivo bioreactor

Olivier Bakker - Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen
Joint analysis of correlated phenotypes identifies 6 novel loci associated with cytokine production capacity in humans