Background The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 exposed a global problem, as highly effective vaccines are challenging to produce and distribute, particularly in regions with limited resources and funding. As an alternative, immunoglobulins produced in eggs of immunized hens (IgY) can be a simple and inexpensive source for a topical and temporary prophylaxis. Here, we developed a method to extract and purify IgY antibodies from egg yolks of hens immunized against viral pathogen-derived proteins using low-cost, readily available materials, for use in resource-limited settings. Methods Existing protocols for IgY purification and equipment were modified, including extraction from yolks and separation of water-soluble IgY using common household reagents and tools. A replacement for a commercial centrifuge was developed, using a home food processor equipped with a 3D printed adapter to enable IgY precipitation. IgY purification was verified using standard gel electrophoresis and Western blot analyses. Results We developed a step-by-step protocol for IgY purification for two settings in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC): a local laboratory, where commercial centrifuges are available, or a more rural setting, where an alternative for expensive centrifuges can be used. Gel electrophoresis and Western blot analyses confirmed that the method produced highly enriched IgY preparation; each commercial egg produced ~ 90 mg of IgY. We also designed a kit for IgY production in these two settings and provided a cost estimate of the kit. Conclusion IgY purified from eggs of immunized local hens can offer a fast and affordable prophylaxis, provided that purification can be performed in a resource-limited setting. Here, we created a low-cost method that can be used anywhere where electricity is available using inexpensive, readily available materials in place of costly, specialized laboratory equipment and chemicals. This procedure can readily be used now to make an anti-SARS-CoV-2 prophylaxis in areas where vaccines are unavailable, and can be modified to combat future threats from viral epidemics and pandemics.
devices (LVADs) have provided an invaluable alternative for thousands of patients with severe left-sided heart failure. Nevertheless, right ventricular failure is a leading cause of death and morbidity following several cardiothoracic procedures, including implantation of LVAD devices. [1,2] According to Lampert et al., postoperative right ventricular failure, defined as the inability of the right ventricle to maintain enough blood flow through the pulmonary circulation, remains the most frequent and serious complication after LVAD implantation and occurs in up to 35% of LVAD recipients, especially in patients with smaller left ventricular size, such as women. [2][3][4] LVAD implantation requires the right ventricle (RV) to increase its output flow in order to match the LVAD flow, a concept referred to in medical jargon as "hemodynamic adaptation." [5] It is worth noting that failure to adapt to the new hemodynamic requirements manifests acutely in the first few days or weeks following surgical procedures. [5] Limiting LVAD patient selection based on predictive models is an attractive option, but preoperative risk factors of RV failure in LVAD patients are inconsistent and newer deep-learning methods to predict postoperative RV failure have yet to be tested in prospective trials. [6,7] Thus, clinical strategies and devices should be designed to provide adequate protection to the RV and support its adaptation to the new hemodynamic demand. In this context, continuous monitoring over the days following the surgery would be an effective way to track and adjust treatment response.Failure to adapt to new hemodynamic demand can put the RV at a biomechanical disadvantage, characterized by strain concentrations that trigger adverse dilatation (or "remodeling") and, eventually, failure. It has been shown that such dilatation is a well-recognized precursor of heart failure, and is driven by biomechanical perturbations in the passive filling phase of the heart's cycle, such as excessive tissue stresses or strains due to overfilling of the ventricle. [8,9] Previous attempts at mechanically reducing ventricular strain through devices have been referred to as ventricular restraint therapy: a non-transplant surgical treatment mainly investigated in the context of the left ventricular dilation. This strategy was attempted in patients where the left ventricle (LV) had experienced significant dilatation, in an attempt to prevent failure. To limit undesired tissue distention and expansion, the epicardial (outer-most) layer of the heart Right ventricular (RV) failure remains a significant burden for patients with advanced heart failure, especially after major cardiac surgeries such as implantation of left ventricular assist devices. Device solutions that can assist the complex biological function of heart muscle without the disadvantages of bulky designs and infection-prone drivelines remain an area of pressing clinical need, especially for the right ventricle. In addition, devices that incur contact between blood and artificial sur...
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