"BIQUALIFE-RG"
Birth Cohort and Quality of Life Research Group
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About Our Research Group
Welcome to the official website of our research group dedicated to advancing the fields of birth cohort studies, health outcomes, and quality of life research. We are thrilled to have you here and excited to share our journey, discoveries, and innovations in understanding the impact of early life factors, promoting well-being, and developing meaningful solutions to enhance quality of life for individuals and communities.
Research Sub-Theme
Our research group focus on issues of environmental and behavioral factors that affect mother and child health and their quality of life. We are currently conducting a birth cohort study starting from pregnancy through two years of life. Depending of the availability of grant, we are planning to investigate the intergenerational determinant of children and adolescent health.
Field & Laboratory Activities
Integrating On-Site Research and Laboratory Analysis for Comprehensive Scientific Insights
Participant Recruitment and Data Collection
Participant recruitment is a crucial step in ensuring the success of our birth cohort study. We employ a systematic approach to identify and enroll eligible pregnant women based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Recruitment is conducted through collaborations with healthcare facilities, community outreach programs, and direct engagement with expecting mothers. Once enrolled, participants undergo comprehensive data collection at multiple time points, starting from pregnancy through the child's first two years of life. Data collection methods include structured interviews, standardized questionnaires, medical record reviews, and biological sample collection (e.g., blood, urine, stool). Additionally, environmental assessments are conducted to evaluate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions and other factors influencing maternal and child health.
Biomedical Samples Collection
Biomedical sample collection is a vital aspect of our study, enabling the assessment of key biological markers related to maternal and child health. We collect blood and stool samples at multiple time points from pregnant women and their infants to investigate systemic inflammation, gut health, and environmental enteric dysfunction (EED). Blood samples are analyzed for inflammatory markers, nutritional biomarkers, and immune responses, providing insights into maternal and neonatal health. Stool samples are examined to assess gut microbiome composition, intestinal permeability, and biomarkers of EED, which may influence pregnancy outcomes and child development.
Sample Processing, Storage, and Biomarker Analysis
Collected blood and stool samples undergo meticulous processing and storage to ensure the integrity of biological markers for further analysis. Blood samples are centrifuged to separate plasma or serum, while stool samples are aliquoted and stored under controlled conditions to preserve microbial and molecular components. All samples are labeled, logged, and stored at appropriate temperatures until laboratory analysis. Biomarker analysis focuses on detecting inflammatory markers, gut health indicators, and environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) biomarkers. Blood samples are analyzed for C-reactive protein (CRP) and other systemic inflammation markers, while stool samples undergo microbiological and molecular assessments to evaluate gut permeability, intestinal inflammation, and microbiome composition. Microbiological and molecular testing employs advanced techniques, including ELISA, PCR, and sequencing, to detect key biomarkers linked to maternal and child health outcomes. These analyses provide crucial insights into the impact of environmental and behavioral factors on pregnancy and early childhood development. All procedures adhere to strict quality control measures to ensure data accuracy and reliability.
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