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Sloot L, Bae J, Baker L, O'Donnell K, Menard N, Porciuncula F, Choe D, Ellis T, Awad L, Walsh C. O 089 - A soft robotic exosuit assisting the paretic ankle in patients post-stroke: Effect on muscle activation during overground walking. Gait Posture 2022; 95:217-218. [PMID: 29983296 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.06.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
This study compared overground walking with and without exosuit assistance in post-stroke patients. Exosuit-assisted walking was found to improve paretic propulsion and ground clearance during swing, two common gait deviations in stroke patients. No changes in leg muscle activity was found, motivating further study of the exosuit as a tool for gait training during stroke rehabilitation.
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Schnabel A, Nashawi M, Anderson C, Felsenstein S, Lamoudi M, Poole-Cowley J, Lindell E, Oates B, Fowlie P, Walsh J, Ellis T, Hahn G, Goldspink A, Martin N, Mahmood K, Hospach T, Lj M, Hedrich CM. TNF-inhibitors or bisphosphonates in chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis? - Results of an international retrospective multicenter study. Clin Immunol 2022; 238:109018. [PMID: 35460903 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.109018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) can cause significant morbidity, including bone pain and damage. In the absence of clinical trials, treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, TNF-inhibitors (TNFi) and/or bisphosphonates. In a retrospective chart review in the United Kingdom and Germany, we investigated response to TNFi and/or pamidronate. Ninety-one patients were included, receiving pamidronate (n = 47), TNFi (n = 22) or both sequentially (n = 22). Patients with fatigue [p = 0.003] and/or arthritis [p = 0.002] were more frequently treated with TNFi than pamidronate. Both therapies were associated with clinical remission at 6 months, and reduction of bone lesions on MRI at 12 months. While not reaching statistical significance, pamidronate resulted in faster resolution of MRI lesions. Fewer flares were observed with TNFi. Failure to respond to pamidronate was associated with female sex [p = 0.027], more lesions on MRI [p = 0.01] and higher CRP levels [p = 0.03]. Randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm observations and generate evidence.
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Stentiford GD, Peeler EJ, Tyler CR, Bickley LK, Holt CC, Bass D, Turner AD, Baker-Austin C, Ellis T, Lowther JA, Posen PE, Bateman KS, Verner-Jeffreys DW, van Aerle R, Stone DM, Paley R, Trent A, Katsiadaki I, Higman WA, Maskrey BH, Devlin MJ, Lyons BP, Hartnell DM, Younger AD, Bersuder P, Warford L, Losada S, Clarke K, Hynes C, Dewar A, Greenhill B, Huk M, Franks J, Dal-Molin F, Hartnell RE. A seafood risk tool for assessing and mitigating chemical and pathogen hazards in the aquaculture supply chain. NATURE FOOD 2022; 3:169-178. [PMID: 37117966 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-022-00465-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Intricate links between aquatic animals and their environment expose them to chemical and pathogenic hazards, which can disrupt seafood supply. Here we outline a risk schema for assessing potential impacts of chemical and microbial hazards on discrete subsectors of aquaculture-and control measures that may protect supply. As national governments develop strategies to achieve volumetric expansion in seafood production from aquaculture to meet increasing demand, we propose an urgent need for simultaneous focus on controlling those hazards that limit its production, harvesting, processing, trade and safe consumption. Policies aligning national and international water quality control measures for minimizing interaction with, and impact of, hazards on seafood supply will be critical as consumers increasingly rely on the aquaculture sector to supply safe, nutritious and healthy diets.
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Blaker E, Ellis T. Assessment, causes and consequences of short opercula in laboratoryreared Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Anim Welf 2022. [DOI: 10.7120/09627286.31.1.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Opercular deformity is a common morphological abnormality of laboratory and other cultured fishes, observed in a wide variety of species but with an unclear aetiology. Following observations of short opercula in stocks of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) reared in our laboratory,
we developed a photographic key to score individual fish on a scale of 1 to 5. Inter-rater reliability was assessed as 'almost perfect'. This visual method is quick and simple to use, can be used to score live fish in situ in tanks as well as sampled fish, does not require sophisticated
equipment and provides quantitative information to investigate the aetiology of short opercula. Opercular size was scored for a cohort of in-house reared Atlantic salmon, in a time series of random samples of ≥ 30 fish (mean weights ranging from 0.8 to 299 g) over 14 months. Short opercula
were first recorded during the parr stage, prevalence and severity increased as the fish grew, and the deformity was asymmetrical, occurring predominantly on the left side. Therefore, among the many potential causal factors, nipping is suggested as the primary cause of short opercula within
our culture system, with asymmetry due to the clockwise current. We also present evidence that short opercula are associated with gill damage which supports this deformity being a welfare issue that merits assessment.
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Jonsson B, Ellis T, Mannenbach M, Cain M, Homme J. 312 Compliance With Head Injury Imaging Guidelines for Adolescent Trauma Patients: Difference Between Adult and Pediatric Trauma Teams. Ann Emerg Med 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2021.09.326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Davies T, Cargill T, Shaw R, Ellis T, Jeffery K, Wangrangsimakul T. Assessing COVID-19 cohorting strategies in a UK district general hospital during the first wave of COVID-19. Clin Med (Lond) 2021; 21:40-41. [PMID: 34078692 DOI: 10.7861/clinmed.21-2-s40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Abuown A, Ellis T, Miller J, Davidson R, Kachwala Q, Medeiros M, Mejia K, Manoraj S, Sidhu M, Whittington AM, Pattani S. COVID-19 vaccination intent among London healthcare workers. Occup Med (Lond) 2021; 71:211-214. [PMID: 34002797 PMCID: PMC8194640 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqab057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The 10-month timeline from conception to regulatory approval of the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 is unprecedented in modern medicine. However, the climate of the pandemic has also seen anti-vaccination sentiments flourish. Aims To determine the intent to accept COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers at a London Hospital Trust and examine variation in uptake between demographic groups. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey open to staff working at the trust. Staff rated on a five-point scale the likelihood of them accepting COVID-19 vaccination. Results We received 514 responses, representing 16% of the workforce. About 59% of staff intended to seek vaccination, 24% to reject and 17% were unsure. There was significantly reduced intended uptake in females, younger age groups, healthcare assistants, nurses, staff of black ethnic backgrounds and those who rejected influenza vaccination. Safety was the dominant concern. Conclusions Our study finds COVID-19 vaccinate hesitancy is prevalent among healthcare workers at a London Hospital Trust. It is particularly concerning that hesitancy was highest amongst groups most exposed to COVID-19 and most at risk of severe disease. Reasons behind disparities in uptake must be addressed to protect staff and prevent deepening inequalities within the healthcare workforce.
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Mozumder MRH, Michael HA, Mihajlov I, Khan MR, Knappett PSK, Bostick BC, Mailloux BJ, Ahmed KM, Choudhury I, Koffman T, Ellis T, Whaley-Martin K, San Pedro R, Slater G, Stute M, Schlosser P, van Geen A. Origin of Groundwater Arsenic in a Rural Pleistocene Aquifer in Bangladesh Depressurized by Distal Municipal Pumping. WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH 2020; 56:e2020WR027178. [PMID: 33958831 PMCID: PMC8099038 DOI: 10.1029/2020wr027178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Across South Asia, millions of villagers have reduced their exposure to high-arsenic (As) groundwater by switching to low-As wells. Isotopic tracers and flow modeling are used in this study to understand the groundwater flow system of a semi-confined aquifer of Pleistocene (>10 kyr) age in Bangladesh that is generally low in As but has been perturbed by massive pumping at a distance of about 25 km for the municipal water supply of Dhaka. A 10- to 15-m-thick clay aquitard caps much of the intermediate aquifer (>40- to 90-m depth) in the 3-km2 study area, with some interruptions by younger channel sand deposits indicative of river scouring. Hydraulic heads in the intermediate aquifer below the clay-capped areas are 1-2 m lower than in the high-As shallow aquifer above the clay layer. In contrast, similar heads in the shallow and intermediate aquifer are observed where the clay layer is missing. The head distribution suggests a pattern of downward flow through interruptions in the aquitard and lateral advection from the sandy areas to the confined portion of the aquifer. The interpreted flow system is consistent with 3H-3He ages, stable isotope data, and groundwater flow modeling. Lateral flow could explain an association of elevated As with high methane concentrations within layers of gray sand below certain clay-capped portions of the Pleistocene aquifer. An influx of dissolved organic carbon from the clay layer itself leading to a reduction of initially orange sands has also likely contributed to the rise of As.
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Cremers I, Pisani A, Majerović M, Lillienau J, Michopoulos S, Wiencke K, Ellis T, Barrison I. European Specialty Examination in Gastroenterology and Hepatology examination — improving education in gastroenterology and hepatology. World J Meta-Anal 2020; 8:41-47. [DOI: 10.13105/wjma.v8.i2.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Federation of Royal Colleges, the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and the European Section and Board of Gastroenterology and Hepatology developed the European Specialty Examination in Gastroenterology and Hepatology (ESEGH) from the United Kingdom Specialty Certificate Examination, which was the original examination. Since 2018 the Specialty Certificate Examination and the ESEGH were combined into a single exam, identical across Europe and the rest of the world. The ESEGH is mandated in 4 countries (United Kingdom, Switzerland, The Netherlands and Malta) and the number of entries increased from 50 in 2014 to 490 in 2019. Candidates from countries were the ESEGH is not mandated are sitting the Exam, showing us they realize the enormous interest of holding a certificate for knowledge in their Curriculum. We also have an increasing number of candidates from countries outside Europe.
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Dijke E, Ellis T, Larsen I, Rebeyka I, Freed D, Al-Aklabi M, Levings M, West L. Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Class II Expression on Regulatory T Cells (Tregs) Isolated from Discarded Human Thymus is Induced by In Vitro Expansion Conditions. J Heart Lung Transplant 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2020.01.755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Gowers GOF, Chee SM, Bell D, Suckling L, Kern M, Tew D, McClymont DW, Ellis T. Improved betulinic acid biosynthesis using synthetic yeast chromosome recombination and semi-automated rapid LC-MS screening. Nat Commun 2020; 11:868. [PMID: 32054834 PMCID: PMC7018806 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14708-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology, genome engineering and directed evolution offer innumerable tools to expedite engineering of strains for optimising biosynthetic pathways. One of the most radical is SCRaMbLE, a system of inducible in vivo deletion and rearrangement of synthetic yeast chromosomes, diversifying the genotype of millions of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells in hours. SCRaMbLE can yield strains with improved biosynthetic phenotypes but is limited by screening capabilities. To address this bottleneck, we combine automated sample preparation, an ultra-fast 84-second LC-MS method, and barcoded nanopore sequencing to rapidly isolate and characterise the best performing strains. Here, we use SCRaMbLE to optimise yeast strains engineered to produce the triterpenoid betulinic acid. Our semi-automated workflow screens 1,000 colonies, identifying and sequencing 12 strains with between 2- to 7-fold improvement in betulinic acid titre. The broad applicability of this workflow to rapidly isolate improved strains from a variant library makes this a valuable tool for biotechnology.
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Ellis T, Rimmer GSE, Parker SJ, Joiner C, Sebire M, Verner-Jeffreys DW, Lines J. In-Tank Underwater Cameras can Refine Monitoring of Laboratory Fish. Anim Welf 2019. [DOI: 10.7120/09627286.28.2.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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13
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Morrison S, Ellis T, Fillingham E, Song Y, Birtle A. Less to Hold – a Comparison of Bowel and Bladder Toxicities in Patients Undergoing Prostate Radiotherapy between those Treated with an Empty Bladder and those Following a Bladder Filling Protocol. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Choudhury R, Nath B, Khan MR, Mahanta C, Ellis T, van Geen A. The Impact of Aquifer Flushing on Groundwater Arsenic Across a 35-km Transect Perpendicular to the Upper Brahmaputra River in Assam, India. WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH 2018; 54:8160-8173. [PMID: 30906078 PMCID: PMC6424526 DOI: 10.1029/2017wr022485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Well testing in the floodplain of the Brahmaputra River in Golaghat and Jorhat districts of Assam, India, shows that groundwater arsenic (As) concentrations increase with distance from the river. To establish the origin of this pattern, an additional 900 wells <60 m deep were tested for As and 9 sites were drilled along a 35-km transect perpendicular to the river. The field data show no relation between groundwater As concentrations ranging from <1 to 660 μg/L along the transect and (a) As concentrations of <1-5 mg/kg in cuttings of aquifer sand recovered while drilling or (b) the degree of reduction of iron oxides in these cuttings. The drilling indicates, however, a marked increase in the thickness of a clay layer capping the aquifer starting from <1-5 m near the river to over 60 m at the most distant site towards the base of the Naga foothills. Organic radiocarbon ages of 18-46 kyr obtained from all but one of 13 clay samples indicate pre-Holocene deposition of the underlying sands across the entire transect. Radiocarbon ages of dissolved inorganic carbon of 0.2, 4.7, and 17.8 kyr were measured in groundwater from 3 monitoring wells installed to 30-60 m depth at distances of 10, 20, and 40 km from the river, respectively. A conceptual groundwater flow model consistent with monitored heads and groundwater ages suggests that thick clay layers capping the aquifer further from the river inhibited flushing of the aquifer and, as a result, preserved higher As levels in groundwater.
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Rajakumar PD, Gowers GOF, Suckling L, Foster A, Ellis T, Kitney RI, McClymont DW, Freemont PS. Rapid Prototyping Platform for Saccharomyces cerevisiae Using Computer-Aided Genetic Design Enabled by Parallel Software and Workcell Platform Development. SLAS Technol 2018; 24:291-297. [DOI: 10.1177/2472630318798304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Biofoundries have enabled the ability to automate the construction of genetic constructs using computer-aided design. In this study, we have developed the methodology required to abstract and automate the construction of yeast-compatible designs. We demonstrate the use of our in-house software tool, AMOS, to coordinate with design software, JMP, and robotic liquid handling platforms to successfully manage the construction of a library of 88 yeast expression plasmids. In this proof-of-principle study, we used three fluorescent genes as proxy for three enzyme coding sequences. Our platform has been designed to quickly iterate around a design cycle of four protein coding sequences per plasmid, with larger numbers possible with multiplexed genome integrations in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This work highlights how developing scalable new biotechnology applications requires a close integration between software development, liquid handling robotics, and protocol development.
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Blount BA, Gowers GOF, Ho JCH, Ledesma-Amaro R, Jovicevic D, McKiernan RM, Xie ZX, Li BZ, Yuan YJ, Ellis T. Rapid host strain improvement by in vivo rearrangement of a synthetic yeast chromosome. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1932. [PMID: 29789540 PMCID: PMC5964169 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03143-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology tools, such as modular parts and combinatorial DNA assembly, are routinely used to optimise the productivity of heterologous metabolic pathways for biosynthesis or substrate utilisation, yet it is well established that host strain background is just as important for determining productivity. Here we report that in vivo combinatorial genomic rearrangement of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast with a synthetic chromosome V can rapidly generate new, improved host strains with genetic backgrounds favourable to diverse heterologous pathways, including those for violacein and penicillin biosynthesis and for xylose utilisation. We show how the modular rearrangement of synthetic chromosomes by SCRaMbLE can be easily determined using long-read nanopore sequencing and we explore experimental conditions that optimise diversification and screening. This synthetic genome approach to metabolic engineering provides productivity improvements in a fast, simple and accessible way, making it a valuable addition to existing strain improvement techniques. The Sc2.0 project has built the Synthetic Chromosome Rearrangement and Modification by LoxP-mediated Evolution (SCRaMbLE) system into their synthetic chromosomes. Here the authors use SCRaMbLE to rapidly develop, diversify and screen strains for diverse production and growth characteristics.
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Johnson C, Ellis T. Reply to "Allocation Based on Virtual Crossmatch Alone: Not Yet Ready for Primetime". Am J Transplant 2016; 16:3578-3579. [PMID: 27483201 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.13994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Choudhury I, Ahmed KM, Hasan M, Mozumder MRH, Knappett PSK, Ellis T, van Geen A. Evidence for Elevated Levels of Arsenic in Public Wells of Bangladesh Due To Improper Installation. GROUND WATER 2016; 54:871-877. [PMID: 27015264 PMCID: PMC5035712 DOI: 10.1111/gwat.12417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
One of the mainstays of mitigation to reduce the exposure of the rural population of Bangladesh to arsenic (As) from private, mostly <90-m deep wells over the past 15 years has been the installation of over 300,000 deeper community wells. A comprehensive testing campaign previously conducted across a 180 km2 of area of Bangladesh identified 9 out of total of 927 wells >90 m deep that contained >50 µg/L arsenic. We show here that for five of these nine wells, conductivity profiles obtained after spiking the well bore with salt indicate a shallow leak that could explain the high As in the well water. In two of the five leaky wells, the presence of additional screens at the depth of the leak was documented with a downhole camera. The downhole camera did not detect anomalies in the construction of the remaining three leaky wells or in the four wells that did not leak. The four wells that did not leak were all >150-m deep and located in two villages separated by less than 500 m. Excluding these two villages and a handful of leaky wells, the results indicate an aquifer that is consistently low in As over a sizeable area at depths >90 m. Isolated cases of public wells that are elevated in As that have been reported elsewhere in Bangladesh may therefore reflect improper installation rather than actual contamination of the deep aquifer.
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Allana S, Liou J, Jacobs E, Ellis T, Rahko P, Akhter S, Dhingra R. Does Left Ventricular Assist Device Mechanics Impact Pre Cardiac Transplant Allosensitization and Post-Transplant Survival? J Heart Lung Transplant 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2016.01.431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Dhingra R, Yu M, Johnson M, Lozonschi L, Kohmoto T, Akhter S, Ellis T. Pre-Transplant Donor Specific Antibody Levels Using Single Antigen Bead Assay and Long-Term Survival Post Heart Transplant. J Heart Lung Transplant 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2016.01.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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21
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Sackett SD, Brown ME, Tremmel DM, Ellis T, Burlingham WJ, Odorico JS. Modulation of human allogeneic and syngeneic pluripotent stem cells and immunological implications for transplantation. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2016; 30:61-70. [PMID: 26970668 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Tissues derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a promising source of cells for building various regenerative medicine therapies; from simply transplanting cells to reseeding decellularized organs to reconstructing multicellular tissues. Although reprogramming strategies for producing iPSCs have improved, the clinical use of iPSCs is limited by the presence of unique human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, the main immunologic barrier to transplantation. In order to overcome the immunological hurdles associated with allogeneic tissues and organs, the generation of patient-histocompatible iPSCs (autologous or HLA-matched cells) provides an attractive platform for personalized medicine. However, concerns have been raised as to the fitness, safety and immunogenicity of iPSC derivatives because of variable differentiation potential of different lines and the identification of genetic and epigenetic aberrations that can occur during the reprogramming process. In addition, significant cost and regulatory barriers may deter commercialization of patient specific therapies in the short-term. Nonetheless, recent studies provide some evidence of immunological benefit for using autologous iPSCs. Yet, more studies are needed to evaluate the immunogenicity of various autologous and allogeneic human iPSC-derived cell types as well as test various methods to abrogate rejection. Here, we present perspectives of using allogeneic vs. autologous iPSCs for transplantation therapies and the advantages and disadvantages of each related to differentiation potential, immunogenicity, genetic stability and tumorigenicity. We also review the current literature on the immunogenicity of syngeneic iPSCs and discuss evidence that questions the feasibility of HLA-matched iPSC banks. Finally, we will discuss emerging methods of abrogating or reducing host immune responses to PSC derivatives.
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Dijke IE, Hoeppli RE, Ellis T, Pearcey J, Huang Q, McMurchy AN, Boer K, Peeters AMA, Aubert G, Larsen I, Ross DB, Rebeyka I, Campbell A, Baan CC, Levings MK, West LJ. Discarded Human Thymus Is a Novel Source of Stable and Long-Lived Therapeutic Regulatory T Cells. Am J Transplant 2016; 16:58-71. [PMID: 26414799 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.13456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cell (Treg)-based therapy is a promising approach to treat many immune-mediated disorders such as autoimmune diseases, organ transplant rejection, and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Challenges to successful clinical implementation of adoptive Treg therapy include difficulties isolating homogeneous cell populations and developing expansion protocols that result in adequate numbers of cells that remain stable, even under inflammatory conditions. We investigated the potential of discarded human thymuses, routinely removed during pediatric cardiac surgery, to be used as a novel source of therapeutic Tregs. Here, we show that large numbers of FOXP3(+) Tregs can be isolated and expanded from a single thymus. Expanded thymic Tregs had stable FOXP3 expression and long telomeres, and suppressed proliferation and cytokine production of activated allogeneic T cells in vitro. Moreover, expanded thymic Tregs delayed development of xenogeneic GVHD in vivo more effectively than expanded Tregs isolated based on CD25 expression from peripheral blood. Importantly, in contrast to expanded blood Tregs, expanded thymic Tregs remained stable under inflammatory conditions. Our results demonstrate that discarded pediatric thymuses are an excellent source of therapeutic Tregs, having the potential to overcome limitations currently hindering the use of Tregs derived from peripheral or cord blood.
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Zacharias M, Hynes B, Sweitzer N, Johnson M, Akhter S, Ellis T, Dhingra R. Outcomes in Cardiac Transplant Recipients According to Pretransplant AT1R Antibody Levels and Donor AT1R Polymorphisms. J Heart Lung Transplant 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2015.01.500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Dijke E, McMurchy A, Ellis T, Boer K, Larsen I, Rebeyka I, Ross D, Baan C, Levings M, West L. Expanded Thymic CD25+FOXP3+ Regulatory T Cells (Tregs) Maintain Stable Function and Phenotype Under Inflammatory Conditions - Potential for Cellular Therapy? J Heart Lung Transplant 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2014.01.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Scott AP, Hill T, Beresford N, Runnalls TJ, Sumpter JP, Ellis T. Out-of-season production of 17,20β-dihydroxypregn-4-en-3-one in the roach Rutilus rutilus. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2013; 83:233-249. [PMID: 23902304 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In this study, although the highest production of two physiologically significant progestins in teleosts [17,20β-dihydroxypregn-4-en-3-one (17,20β-P) and 17,20β,21-trihydroxypregn-4-en-3-one (17,20β,21-P)] was observed in the period just prior to spawning in both male and female roach Rutilus rutilus, there was also a substantial production (mean levels of 5-10 ng ml(-1) in blood; and a rate of release of 5-20 ng fish(-1) h(-1) into the water) in males and females in the late summer and early autumn (at least 7 months prior to spawning). During this period, the ovaries were increasing rapidly in size and histological sections were dominated by oocytes in the secondary growth phase [i.e. incorporation of vitellogenin (VTG)]. At the same time, the testes were also increasing rapidly in size and histological sections were dominated by cysts containing mainly spermatogonia type B. Measurements were also made of 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) in males and 17β-oestradiol and VTG in females. The 3 months with the highest production of 11-KT coincided with the period that spermatozoa were present in the testes. In females, the first sign of a rise in 17β-oestradiol concentrations coincided with the time of the first appearance of yolk globules in the oocytes (in August). The role of the progestins during the late summer and autumn has not been established.
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