Genetically engineered pig heart transplantation in non-human primates.

Background: Improvement in gene modifications of donor pigs has led to the prevention of early cardiac xenograft rejection and significantly prolonged cardiac xenograft survival in both heterotopic and orthotopic preclinical non-human primate (NHP) models. This progress formed the basis for FDA approval for compassionate use transplants in two patients.

Methods: Based on our earlier report of 9-month survival of seven gene-edited (7-GE) hearts transplanted (life-supporting orthotopic) in baboons, we transplanted 10 gene-edited pig hearts into baboons (n = 4) using non-ischemic continuous perfusion preservation (NICP) and immunosuppression regimen based on co-stimulation blockade by anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody.

Bridging Educational Procedural Gap Via Analysis of Procedures Performed by Pediatric Nurse Practitioners in Clinical Practice: A Cross Sectional Survey.

Introduction: The complexity of healthcare is dynamic and requires educators to evaluate how to prepare pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs). The research team sought to evaluate procedures currently being performed by primary and acute care PNPs in clinical practice and determine how this aligns with the educational preparation recommended for certification.

Method: A cross-sectional survey of primary and acute care PNPs were evaluated through an online survey.

Analysis of education and previous nursing experience of certified PNPs in the United States.

Background: Educational programs to prepare nurse practitioners (NPs) were historically built upon foundational nursing experience. Originally prepared as certificate programs in 1965, the educational requirements for nurse practitioners (NPs) rapidly shifted from certificate programs to the Master's degree (DellaBella, 2015; Fairman, 2008). As Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree programs increase in number, it is unknown whether this foundational nursing experience has changed, or if it differs by certification type for pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs).

Evaluation of a semi-automated approach for FDG PET image analysis for routine clinical application in patients with multiple myeloma.

Background: FDG PET/CT is a tool for assessing response to therapy in various cancers, and may provide an earlier biomarker of clinical response. We developed a novel semi-automated approach for analyzing FDG PET/CT images in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) to standardize FDG PET application.

Methods: Patients (n = 8) with relapsed/refractory MM from the Phase 2 study (NCT02899052) of venetoclax plus carfilzomib and dexamethasone underwent FDG PET/CT at baseline and up to two timepoints during treatment.

Graft dysfunction in compassionate use of genetically engineered pig-to-human cardiac xenotransplantation: a case report.

Background: A genetically engineered pig cardiac xenotransplantation was done on Jan 7, 2022, in a non-ambulatory male patient, aged 57 years, with end-stage heart failure, and on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, who was ineligible for an allograft. This report details our current understanding of factors important to the xenotransplantation outcome.

Methods: Physiological and biochemical parameters critical for the care of all heart transplant recipients were collected in extensive clinical monitoring in an intensive care unit.