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Heinis FI, Merani S, Markin NW, Duncan KF, Moulton MJ, Fristoe L, Thorell WE, Sherrick RA, Wells TR, Andrews MT, Urban M. Considerations for the use of porcine organ donation models in preclinical organ donor intervention research. Animal Model Exp Med 2024. [PMID: 38689510 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Use of animal models in preclinical transplant research is essential to the optimization of human allografts for clinical transplantation. Animal models of organ donation and preservation help to advance and improve technical elements of solid organ recovery and facilitate research of ischemia-reperfusion injury, organ preservation strategies, and future donor-based interventions. Important considerations include cost, public opinion regarding the conduct of animal research, translational value, and relevance of the animal model for clinical practice. We present an overview of two porcine models of organ donation: donation following brain death (DBD) and donation following circulatory death (DCD). The cardiovascular anatomy and physiology of pigs closely resembles those of humans, making this species the most appropriate for pre-clinical research. Pigs are also considered a potential source of organs for human heart and kidney xenotransplantation. It is imperative to minimize animal loss during procedures that are surgically complex. We present our experience with these models and describe in detail the use cases, procedural approach, challenges, alternatives, and limitations of each model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frazer I Heinis
- School of Natural Resources, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Shaheed Merani
- Division of Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Nicholas W Markin
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Kim F Duncan
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Michael J Moulton
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Lance Fristoe
- Clinical Perfusion, Nebraska Medicine-Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - William E Thorell
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Raechel A Sherrick
- Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Tami R Wells
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Matthew T Andrews
- School of Natural Resources, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Marian Urban
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Bender M, Panelli A, Reichart B, Radan J, Mokelke M, Neumann E, Buttgereit I, Michel S, Bauer A, Fresch AK, Mayr T, Werner F, Egerer S, Bähr A, Kessler B, Klymiuk N, Ayares D, Wolf E, Hagl C, Brenner P, Längin M, Abicht JM. Hemodynamics in pig-to-baboon heterotopic thoracic cardiac xenotransplantation: Recovery from perioperative cardiac xenograft dysfunction and impairment by cardiac overgrowth. Xenotransplantation 2024; 31:e12841. [PMID: 38864375 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Orthotopic cardiac xenotransplantation has seen notable improvement, leading to the first compassionate use in 2022. However, it remains challenging to define the clinical application of cardiac xenotransplantation, including the back-up strategy in case of xenograft failure. In this regard, the heterotopic thoracic technique could be an alternative to the orthotopic procedure. We present hemodynamic data of heterotopic thoracic pig-to-baboon transplantation experiments, focusing on perioperative xenograft dysfunction and xenograft overgrowth. METHODS We used 17 genetically modified piglets as donors for heterotopic thoracic xenogeneic cardiac transplantation into captive-bred baboons. In all animals, pressure probes were implanted in the graft's left ventricle and the recipient's ascending aorta and hemodynamic data (graft pressure, aortic pressure and recipient's heart rate) were recorded continuously. RESULTS Aortic pressures and heart rates of the recipients' hearts were postoperatively stable in all experiments. After reperfusion, three grafts presented with low left ventricular pressure indicating perioperative cardiac dysfunction (PCXD). These animals recovered from PCXD within 48 h under support of the recipient's heart and there was no difference in survival compared to the other 14 ones. After 48 h, graft pressure increased up to 200 mmHg in all 17 animals with two different time-patterns. This led to a progressive gradient between graft and aortic pressure. With increasing gradient, the grafts stopped contributing to cardiac output. Grafts showed a marked weight increase from implantation to explantation. CONCLUSION The heterotopic thoracic cardiac xenotransplantation technique is a possible method to overcome PCXD in early clinical trials and an experimental tool to get a better understanding of PCXD. The peculiar hemodynamic situation of increasing graft pressure but missing graft's output indicates outflow tract obstruction due to cardiac overgrowth. The heterotopic thoracic technique should be successful when using current strategies of immunosuppression, organ preservation and donor pigs with smaller body and organ size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Bender
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alessandro Panelli
- Department of Anesthesiology and Operative Intensive Care Medicine (CVK, CCM), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bruno Reichart
- Transregional Collaborative Research Center 127, Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Radan
- Transregional Collaborative Research Center 127, Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maren Mokelke
- Transregional Collaborative Research Center 127, Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Neumann
- Transregional Collaborative Research Center 127, Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ines Buttgereit
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Michel
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Bauer
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ann Kathrin Fresch
- Transregional Collaborative Research Center 127, Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja Mayr
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Fabian Werner
- Transregional Collaborative Research Center 127, Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Egerer
- Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Bähr
- Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara Kessler
- Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nikolai Klymiuk
- Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Eckhard Wolf
- Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Interfaculty Center for Endocrine and Cardiovascular Disease Network Modelling and Clinical Transfer (ICONLMU), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Hagl
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Paolo Brenner
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Längin
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan-Michael Abicht
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Konstantinov IE, Cooper DKC, Adachi I, Bacha E, Bleiweis MS, Chinnock R, Cleveland D, Cowan PJ, Fynn-Thompson F, Morales DLS, Mohiuddin MM, Reichart B, Rothblatt M, Roy N, Turek JW, Urschel S, West L, Wolf E. Consensus statement on heart xenotransplantation in children: Toward clinical translation. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2023; 166:960-967. [PMID: 36184321 PMCID: PMC10124772 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Igor E Konstantinov
- Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne Centre for Cardiovascular Genomics and Regenerative Medicine, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - David K C Cooper
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Iki Adachi
- Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex
| | - Emile Bacha
- Columbia University Medical Center, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, NY
| | | | | | - David Cleveland
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Ala
| | - Peter J Cowan
- Immunology Research Centre, St. Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - David L S Morales
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Muhammad M Mohiuddin
- Program in Cardiac Xenotransplantation, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Bruno Reichart
- Transregional Collaborative Research Center, Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Nathalie Roy
- Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Joseph W Turek
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Simon Urschel
- Pediatric Cardiac Transplantation Program, Stollery Children's Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lori West
- Pediatric Cardiac Transplantation Program, Stollery Children's Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Alberta Transplant Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
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Goerlich CE, Griffith BP, Shah A, Treffalls JA, Zhang T, Lewis B, Tatarov I, Hershfeld A, Sentz F, Braileanu G, Ayares D, Singh AK, Mohiuddin MM. A Standardized Approach to Orthotopic (Life-supporting) Porcine Cardiac Xenotransplantation in a Nonhuman Primate Model. Transplantation 2023; 107:1718-1728. [PMID: 36706064 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac xenotransplantation from swine has been proposed to "bridge the gap" in supply for heart failure patients requiring transplantation. Recent preclinical success using genetically modified pig donors in baboon recipients has demonstrated survival greater than 6 mo, with a modern understanding of xenotransplantation immunobiology and continued experience with large animal models of cardiac xenotransplantation. As a direct result of this expertise, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first in-human transplantation of a genetically engineered cardiac xenograft through an expanded access application for a single patient. This clinical case demonstrated the feasibility of xenotransplantation. Although this human study demonstrated proof-of-principle application of cardiac xenotransplantation, further regulatory oversight by the Food and Drug Administration may be required with preclinical trials in large animal models of xenotransplantation with long-term survival before approval of a more formalized clinical trial. Here we detail our surgical approach to pig-to-primate large animal models of orthotopic cardiac xenotransplantation, and the postoperative care of the primate recipient, both in the immediate postoperative period and in the months thereafter. We also detail xenograft surveillance methods and common issues that arise in the postoperative period specific to this model and ways to overcome them. These studies require multidisciplinary teams and expertise in orthotopic transplantation (cardiac surgery, anesthesia, and cardiopulmonary bypass), immunology, genetic engineering, and experience in handling large animal donors and recipients, which are described here. This article serves to reduce the barriers to entry into a field with ever-growing enthusiasm, but demands expertise knowledge and experience to be successful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corbin E Goerlich
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Bartley P Griffith
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Aakash Shah
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - John A Treffalls
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Tianshu Zhang
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Billeta Lewis
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Ivan Tatarov
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Alena Hershfeld
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Faith Sentz
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Gheorghe Braileanu
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Avneesh K Singh
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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5
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Mohiuddin MM, Singh AK, Scobie L, Goerlich CE, Grazioli A, Saharia K, Crossan C, Burke A, Drachenberg C, Oguz C, Zhang T, Lewis B, Hershfeld A, Sentz F, Tatarov I, Mudd S, Braileanu G, Rice K, Paolini JF, Bondensgaard K, Vaught T, Kuravi K, Sorrells L, Dandro A, Ayares D, Lau C, Griffith BP. Graft dysfunction in compassionate use of genetically engineered pig-to-human cardiac xenotransplantation: a case report. Lancet 2023; 402:397-410. [PMID: 37393920 PMCID: PMC10552929 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)00775-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
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. To ascertain the cause of xenograft dysfunction, we did extensive immunological and histopathological studies, including electron microscopy and quantification of porcine cytomegalovirus or porcine roseolovirus (PCMV/PRV) in the xenograft, recipient cells, and tissue by DNA PCR and RNA transcription. We performed intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) binding to donor cells and single-cell RNA sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. FINDINGS After successful xenotransplantation, the graft functioned well on echocardiography and sustained cardiovascular and other organ systems functions until postoperative day 47 when diastolic heart failure occurred. At postoperative day 50, the endomyocardial biopsy revealed damaged capillaries with interstitial oedema, red cell extravasation, rare thrombotic microangiopathy, and complement deposition. Increased anti-pig xenoantibodies, mainly IgG, were detected after IVIG administration for hypogammaglobulinaemia and during the first plasma exchange. Endomyocardial biopsy on postoperative day 56 showed fibrotic changes consistent with progressive myocardial stiffness. Microbial cell-free DNA testing indicated increasing titres of PCMV/PRV cell-free DNA. Post-mortem single-cell RNA sequencing showed overlapping causes. INTERPRETATION Hyperacute rejection was avoided. We identified potential mediators of the observed endothelial injury. First, widespread endothelial injury indicates antibody-mediated rejection. Second, IVIG bound strongly to donor endothelium, possibly causing immune activation. Finally, reactivation and replication of latent PCMV/PRV in the xenograft possibly initiated a damaging inflammatory response. The findings point to specific measures to improve xenotransplant outcomes in the future. FUNDING The University of Maryland School of Medicine, and the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad M Mohiuddin
- Program in Cardiac Xenotransplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Avneesh K Singh
- Program in Cardiac Xenotransplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Linda Scobie
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Corbin E Goerlich
- Program in Cardiac Xenotransplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alison Grazioli
- Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kapil Saharia
- Institute of Human Virology, Division of Infectious Disease, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Claire Crossan
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Allen Burke
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Cinthia Drachenberg
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Cihan Oguz
- Integrated Data Sciences Section, Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tianshu Zhang
- Program in Cardiac Xenotransplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Billeta Lewis
- Program in Cardiac Xenotransplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alena Hershfeld
- Program in Cardiac Xenotransplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Faith Sentz
- Program in Cardiac Xenotransplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ivan Tatarov
- Program in Cardiac Xenotransplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sarah Mudd
- Program in Cardiac Xenotransplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gheorghe Braileanu
- Program in Cardiac Xenotransplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathryn Rice
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Christine Lau
- Program in Cardiac Xenotransplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bartley P Griffith
- Program in Cardiac Xenotransplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this study was to highlight recent progress in xenotransplantation and discuss the remaining obstacles/steps before the FDA is likely to approve a clinical trial. RECENT FINDINGS Long-term survival of life-supporting xenografts in preclinical models has led to discussion of clinical trials of xenotransplantation. The reports of clinical cardiac xenotransplant based on compassionate use FDA approval and renal xenotransplants to brain-dead humans have led to further considerations of clinical trials. Discussions between the transplant community and the FDA have established critical next steps before a clinical trial of xenotransplants is likely to be approved. These steps include testing the clinical immunosuppression protocol and the organ from a genetically modified source animal in nonhuman primates with reproducible survival of at least 6 months. In addition, appropriate viral surveillance protocols and confirmation that the xenografts support appropriate human physiology are likely to be critical elements for FDA-approval. Finally, further studies in the human decedent model are likely to provide critical information about human immune and physiologic responses to xenografts. SUMMARY This review highlights the current progress in nonhuman primate models and recent reports of human xenotransplantation. It also describes the remaining hurdles and currently understood FDA requirements that remain to be achieved before a clinical trial of xenotransplantation can be approved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel H Wolbrom
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
| | - Jacqueline I Kim
- NYU Langone Medical Center, Transplant Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Adam Griesemer
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
- NYU Langone Medical Center, Transplant Institute, New York, New York, USA
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7
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Cooper DKC, Pierson RN. Milestones on the path to clinical pig organ xenotransplantation. Am J Transplant 2023; 23:326-335. [PMID: 36775767 PMCID: PMC10127379 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2022.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Progress in pig organ xenotransplantation has been made largely through (1) genetic engineering of the organ-source pig to protect its tissues from the human innate immune response, and (2) development of an immunosuppressive regimen based on blockade of the CD40/CD154 costimulation pathway to prevent the adaptive immune response. In the 1980s, after transplantation into nonhuman primates (NHPs), wild-type (genetically unmodified) pig organs were rejected within minutes or hours. In the 1990s, organs from pigs expressing a human complement-regulatory protein (CD55) transplanted into NHPs receiving intensive conventional immunosuppressive therapy functioned for days or weeks. When costimulation blockade was introduced in 2000, the adaptive immune response was suppressed more readily. The identification of galactose-α1,3-galactose as the major antigen target for human and NHP anti-pig antibodies in 1991 allowed for deletion of expression of galactose-α1,3-galactose in 2003, extending pig graft survival for up to 6 months. Subsequent gene editing to overcome molecular incompatibilities between the pig and primate coagulation systems proved additionally beneficial. The identification of 2 further pig carbohydrate xenoantigens allowed the production of 'triple-knockout' pigs that are preferred for clinical organ transplantation. These combined advances enabled the first clinical pig heart transplant to be performed and opened the door to formal clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K C Cooper
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Richard N Pierson
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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8
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Goerlich CE, Griffith B, Hanna P, Hong SN, Ayares D, Singh AK, Mohiuddin MM. The growth of xenotransplanted hearts can be reduced with growth hormone receptor knockout pig donors. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2023; 165:e69-e81. [PMID: 34579956 PMCID: PMC8894505 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2021.07.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Genetically engineered pigs are thought to be an alternative organ source for patients in end-stage heart failure unable to receive a timely allograft. However, cardiac xenografts exhibit growth and diastolic heart failure within 1 month after transplantation. Grafts function for up to 6 months, but only after administration of temsirolimus and afterload-reducing agents to reduce this growth. In this study we investigated the growth and hemodynamics of growth hormone receptor (GHR) knockout xenografts, without the use of adjuncts to prevent intrinsic graft growth after transplantation. METHODS Genetically engineered pig hearts were transplanted orthotopically into weight-matched baboons between 15 and 30 kg, using continuous perfusion preservation before implantation (n = 5). Xenografts included knockout of carbohydrate antigens and knockin of human transgenes for thromboregulation, complement regulation, and inflammation reduction (grafts with intact growth hormone, n = 2). Three grafts contained the additional knockout of GHR (GHR knockout grafts; n = 3). Transthoracic echocardiograms were obtained twice monthly and comprehensively analyzed by a blinded cardiologist. Hemodynamics were measured longitudinally after transplantation. RESULTS All xenografts demonstrated life-supporting function after transplantation. There was no difference in intrinsic growth, measured using septal and posterior wall thickness and left ventricular mass, on transthoracic echocardiogram out to 1 month in either GHR knockout or GHR intact grafts. However, hypertrophy of the septal and posterior wall was markedly elevated by 2 months post transplantation. There was minimal hypertrophy out to 6 months in GHR knockout grafts. Physiologic mismatch was present in all grafts after transplantation, which is largely independent of growth. CONCLUSIONS Xenografts with GHR knockout show reduced post-transplantation xenograft growth using echocardiography >6 months after transplantation, without the need for other adjuncts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corbin E Goerlich
- Department of Surgery, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md; Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Bartley Griffith
- Department of Surgery, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Peter Hanna
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Susie N Hong
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | | | - Avneesh K Singh
- Department of Surgery, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Muhammad M Mohiuddin
- Department of Surgery, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md.
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Treffalls RN, Lubas M, Morrison JJ, Stonko DP. Autologous blood resuscitation for large animals in a research setting using the Hemafuse device: Preliminary data of device use for controlled and real-world hemorrhage. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1069420. [PMID: 36619944 PMCID: PMC9814117 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1069420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction New low-cost technologies are needed to salvage lost blood in low-resource settings and large animal laboratories. The Hemafuse device is a simple mechanical device that can recover lost blood during surgery. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of this device for resuscitating large animals with controlled and unintended hemorrhage and to provide device considerations for use in this context. Methods This study had two experimental components: (1) the Hemafuse device was kept on-shelf and used as needed to assess real-world use for unintended hemorrhage during experiments, and (2) animals underwent a controlled hemorrhage protocol, where four anesthetized swine underwent aortic and external jugular vein catheterization for pressure monitoring. Animals were hemorrhaged into the pelvis, and the Hemafuse device was used to suction the blood through a filter and pushed into a heparinized bag for subsequent retransfusion. Blood samples were collected at baseline, hemorrhage, within the device, and post-retransfusion and laboratory tests were performed. Results Animals that underwent controlled hemorrhage had a baseline mean arterial pressure of 83.6 ± 7.8 mmHg, and central venous pressure of 12.8 ± 1.9 mmHg, with expected changes throughout hemorrhage and resuscitation. Following resuscitation, pH was similar to baseline (7.39 ± 0.05 vs. 7.31 ± 0.03, p = 0.24). Lactate increased throughout the experiment with no significant differences after autotransfusion compared to baseline (2.7 ± 0.7 vs. 4.1 ± 1.4 mmol/L, p = 0.37). There were no significant changes in metabolic physiology. Compared to baseline, the hemoglobin (7.8 ± 2.4 vs. 7.3 ± 1.8 g/dL, p = 0.74), hematocrit (23% ± 6.9 vs. 21.3% ± 5.6, p = 0.71), and activated clotting time (268.5 ± 44.5 vs. 193 ± 24.6 s, p = 0.35) were similar after retransfusion. When used for unintended hemorrhage, the animals were resuscitated using the device with a mean time to retransfusion time of 128.7 ± 13.3 s and 100% survival throughout the experiment. Conclusion The Hemafuse device is feasible and efficacious for supporting large animal resuscitation. This is preliminary evidence that the device is a low-risk and low-cost off-the-shelf option for resuscitation using autologous blood with no significant effect on physiology post-retransfusion. We recommend that research laboratories consider the Hemafuse device for emergency use, particularly for highly invasive surgical laboratories where banked blood is not readily available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca N. Treffalls
- R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Jonathan J. Morrison
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States,*Correspondence: Jonathan J. Morrison ✉
| | - David P. Stonko
- R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Singh AK, Griffith BP, Goerlich CE, Ayares D, Mohiuddin MM. The road to the first FDA-approved genetically engineered pig heart transplantation into human. Xenotransplantation 2022; 29:e12776. [PMID: 36125166 PMCID: PMC9547852 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We have been testing genetically engineered (GE) pig hearts and optimizing immunosuppression (IS) in non-human primates (NHPs) since 2005. We demonstrate how we translated this preclinical investigation into a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved clinical cardiac xenotransplantation. First, genetically engineered (GE) pig hearts were transplanted into the abdomen of NHP along with IS, which included anti-CD20 and anti-CD40-based co-stimulation blockade antibodies. We reported 945 days of survival of three gene GE pig hearts in NHPs. Building on this proof-of-concept, we tested 3-10 gene-modified GE pig hearts (in order to improve the immunocompatibility of the xenograft further) in a life-supporting orthotopic model, but had limited success due to perioperative cardiac xenograft dysfunction (PCXD). With novel non-ischemic continuous perfusion preservation (NICP), using the XVIVO Heart solution (XHS), life-supporting survival was extended to 9 months. We approached the FDA under an application for "Expanded Access" (EA), to transplant a GE pig heart in a patient with end-stage non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. He was without other therapeutic options and dependent on VA-ECMO. A team of FDA reviewers reviewed our preclinical research experience and data and allowed us to proceed. This clinical cardiac xenotransplantation was performed, and the patient survived for 60 days, demonstrating the translational preclinical investigation of cardiac xenotransplantation from bench to bedside. The ultimate etiology of graft failure is currently a topic of investigation and lessons learned will progress the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avneesh K Singh
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Expanding Donor Heart Utilization Through Machine Perfusion Technologies. CURRENT TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40472-022-00375-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Recent advances in donor heart preservation have allowed the utilization of hearts that would typically be discarded due to prolonged ischemic times or donation via the circulatory death pathway. This review will discuss recent advances in donor heart preservation including optimization of machine perfusion technologies and future strategies of potential benefit for the donor heart and transplant outcomes.
Recent Findings
Improvements in organ preservation strategies have enabled retrieval of donor hearts that were not ideal for static cold storage. Machine perfusion (normothermic and hypothermic) and normothermic regional perfusion have ultimately expanded the donor pool for adult heart transplantation. Xenotransplantation has also incorporated machine perfusion for porcine donor heart preservation.
Summary
Traditional static cold storage is feasible for non-complex donors and transplants. Machine perfusion has enabled increased donor heart utilization however optimal preservation strategies are dependent on the donor criteria, predicted ischemic times and surgical complexity.
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Goerlich CE, Singh AK, Griffith BP, Mohiuddin MM. The immunobiology and clinical use of genetically engineered porcine hearts for cardiac xenotransplantation. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2022; 1:715-726. [PMID: 36895262 PMCID: PMC9994617 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-022-00112-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A summary of the scientific rationale of the advancements that led to the first genetically modified pig-to-human cardiac xenotransplantation is lacking in a complex and rapidly evolving field. Here, we aim to aid the general readership in the understanding of the gradual progression of cardiac (xeno)transplantation research, the immunobiology of cardiac xenotransplantation (including the latest immunosuppression, cardiac preservation and genetic engineering required for successful transplantation) and the regulatory landscape related to the clinical application of cardiac xenotransplantation for people with end-stage heart failure. Finally, we provide an overview of the outcomes and lessons learned from the first genetically modified pig-to-human cardiac heart xenotransplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corbin E Goerlich
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Avneesh K Singh
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bartley P Griffith
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Muhammad M Mohiuddin
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Wadiwala IJ, Garg P, Yazji JH, Alamouti-fard E, Alomari M, Hussain MWA, Elawady MS, Jacob S. Evolution of Xenotransplantation as an Alternative to Shortage of Donors in Heart Transplantation. Cureus 2022; 14:e26284. [PMID: 35754438 PMCID: PMC9230910 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aims to show and illustrate the history, current, ethical considerations, and limitations concerning xenotransplantation. Due to the current shortage of available donor organs for transplantation, many alternative sources are being examined to solve the donor shortage. One of them is xenotransplantation which refers to the transplantation of organs from one species to another. Compared to other nonhuman primates (NHP), pigs are ideal species for organ harvesting as they rapidly grow to human size in a handful of months. There is much advancement in the genetic engineering of pigs, which have hearts structurally and functionally similar to the human heart. The role of genetic engineering is to overcome the immune barriers in xenotransplantation and can be used in hyperacute rejection and T cell-mediated rejection. It is technically difficult to use large animal models for orthotopic, life-sustaining heart transplantation. Despite the fact that some religious traditions, such as Jewish and Muslim, prohibit the ingestion of pork products, few religious leaders consider that donating porcine organs is ethical because it saves human life. Although recent technologies have lowered the risk of a xenograft producing a novel virus that causes an epidemic, the risk still exists. It has major implications for the informed consent procedure connected with clinical research on heart xenotransplantation.
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Strauss ER, Odonkor PN, Williams B. Porcine Orthotopic Cardiac Xenotransplantation: The Role and Perspective of Anesthesiologists. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2022; 36:2847-2850. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Mohiuddin MM, Goerlich CE, Singh AK, Zhang T, Tatarov I, Lewis B, Sentz F, Hershfeld A, Braileanu G, Odonkor P, Strauss E, Williams B, Burke A, Hittman J, Bhutta A, Tabatabai A, Gupta A, Vaught T, Sorrells L, Kuravi K, Dandro A, Eyestone W, Kaczorowski DJ, Ayares D, Griffith BP. Progressive genetic modifications of porcine cardiac xenografts extend survival to 9 months. Xenotransplantation 2022; 29:e12744. [PMID: 35357044 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
We report orthotopic (life-supporting) survival of genetically engineered porcine cardiac xenografts (with six gene modifications) for almost 9 months in baboon recipients. This work builds on our previously reported heterotopic cardiac xenograft (three gene modifications) survival up to 945 days with an anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody-based immunosuppression. In this current study, life-supporting xenografts containing multiple human complement regulatory, thromboregulatory, and anti-inflammatory proteins, in addition to growth hormone receptor knockout (KO) and carbohydrate antigen KOs, were transplanted in the baboons. Selective "multi-gene" xenografts demonstrate survival greater than 8 months without the requirement of adjunctive medications and without evidence of abnormal xenograft thickness or rejection. These data demonstrate that selective "multi-gene" modifications improve cardiac xenograft survival significantly and may be foundational for paving the way to bridge transplantation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad M Mohiuddin
- Department of Surgery, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Corbin E Goerlich
- Department of Surgery, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Avneesh K Singh
- Department of Surgery, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tianshu Zhang
- Department of Surgery, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ivan Tatarov
- Department of Surgery, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Billeta Lewis
- Department of Surgery, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Faith Sentz
- Department of Surgery, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alena Hershfeld
- Department of Surgery, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gheorghe Braileanu
- Department of Surgery, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Patrick Odonkor
- Department of Anesthesiology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Erik Strauss
- Department of Anesthesiology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Brittney Williams
- Department of Anesthesiology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Allen Burke
- Department of Pathology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jamie Hittman
- Department of Pathology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Adnan Bhutta
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ali Tabatabai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anuj Gupta
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | - Amy Dandro
- Revivicor, Inc., Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | | | - David J Kaczorowski
- Department of Surgery, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Bartley P Griffith
- Department of Surgery, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Singh AK, Goerlich CE, Shah AM, Zhang T, Tatarov I, Ayares D, Horvath KA, Mohiuddin MM. Cardiac Xenotransplantation: Progress in Preclinical Models and Prospects for Clinical Translation. Transpl Int 2022; 35:10171. [PMID: 35401039 PMCID: PMC8985160 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2022.10171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Survival of pig cardiac xenografts in a non-human primate (NHP) model has improved significantly over the last 4 years with the introduction of costimulation blockade based immunosuppression (IS) and genetically engineered (GE) pig donors. The longest survival of a cardiac xenograft in the heterotopic (HHTx) position was almost 3 years and only rejected when IS was stopped. Recent reports of cardiac xenograft survival in a life-sustaining orthotopic (OHTx) position for 6 months is a significant step forward. Despite these achievements, there are still several barriers to the clinical success of xenotransplantation (XTx). This includes the possible transmission of porcine pathogens with pig donors and continued xenograft growth after XTx. Both these concerns, and issues with additional incompatibilities, have been addressed recently with the genetic modification of pigs. This review discusses the spectrum of issues related to cardiac xenotransplantation, recent progress in preclinical models, and its feasibility for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avneesh K. Singh
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Corbin E. Goerlich
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Aakash M. Shah
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Tianshu Zhang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ivan Tatarov
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Keith A. Horvath
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Muhammad M. Mohiuddin
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Muhammad M. Mohiuddin,
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Siems C, Huddleston S, John R. A Brief History of Xenotransplantation. Ann Thorac Surg 2022; 113:706-710. [DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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