Andrea R Slate studies liver transplantation, particularly the challenges faced during surgery in animal models, specifically cynomolgus monkeys. She has developed an innovative H-shaped vein bypass technique that maintains blood flow during the critical periods of surgery when the liver is not present. This research is crucial because it directly impacts the success of organ transplantation surgeries and aims to create more reliable models for future studies on liver transplants.
Key findings
The H-shaped vein bypass technique significantly improved surgical survival rates in cynomolgus macaques during liver transplantation experiments.
By using this method, researchers can maintain optimal blood flow during the critical no-liver phase, which is essential for keeping the animal stable.
This advancement leads to more consistent and reliable animal models for testing liver transplantation methods, thereby enhancing future research possibilities.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Slate study liver transplantation?
Yes, Dr. Slate focuses on improving techniques related to liver transplantation.
What treatments has Dr. Slate researched?
Dr. Slate has researched surgical techniques, particularly the innovative H-shaped vein bypass for maintaining blood flow during liver surgeries.
Is Dr. Slate's work relevant to patients needing liver transplants?
Yes, her research aims to improve surgical outcomes for liver transplants, which is directly relevant to patients who require these surgeries.
Publications in plain English
Electrical Stimulation of Vocal Fold Adduction Triggered by Laryngeal Electromyography Using a Custom Implant.
2023
Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR
Plain English In this study, researchers tested a new device designed to improve voice function in people with one paralyzed vocal fold. They found that their custom implant could effectively stimulate the paralyzed vocal fold by detecting electrical activity in the opposite vocal fold, leading to nearly simultaneous movement in both folds. This advancement could help restore more natural voice control and improve communication for individuals with vocal fold paralysis.
Who this helps: Patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis.
Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS
Shomer NH, Allen-Worthington KH, Hickman DL, Jonnalagadda M, Newsome JT +4 more
Plain English This research paper looks at how to choose the best method for euthanizing laboratory rodents while keeping their pain and distress to a minimum. It found that different rodent strains react differently to euthanasia methods, like using CO₂ gas, so it's important for researchers to consider these differences when making their decision. This matters because selecting the right euthanasia method can lead to better scientific results and ensure ethical treatment of animals in research.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and laboratory personnel who work with rodents.
PersistentInfectious Hyperkeratotic Dermatitis in Immunocompetent Epidermal-MutantMice.
2020
Veterinary pathology
Miedel EL, Ragland NH, Slate AR, Engelman RW
Plain English Researchers studied a skin condition in two types of genetically altered mice that became infected and developed persistent skin problems. These infected mice showed symptoms of thickened skin and continued to test positive for the infection for over 45 days. This finding suggests that the changes in their skin and immune systems play a significant role in their susceptibility to the infection, which is important for ensuring that future medical studies using these mice remain valid and reliable.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists conducting studies that involve mouse models.
Novel H-shunt Venovenous Bypass for Liver Transplantation in Cynomolgus Macaques.
2017
Comparative medicine
Kato Y, Griesemer AD, Wu A, Sondermeijer HP, Weiner JI +7 more
Plain English Liver transplant experiments in cynomolgus monkeys are hampered by the animals' poor tolerance of portal vein clamping during surgery. This study developed and tested an H-shaped vein bypass to maintain blood flow during the critical no-liver phase, dramatically improving surgical survival. The technique enables more reliable primate liver transplant models for future research.
Efficacy of enrofloxacin in a mouse model of sepsis.
2014
Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS
Slate AR, Bandyopadhyay S, Francis KP, Papich MG, Karolewski B +2 more
Plain English The study looked at how effective an antibiotic called enrofloxacin is for treating severe infections in mice. Researchers found that mice receiving enrofloxacin through injections had higher drug levels in their bloodstream and better survival rates—65% survived compared to only 25% in untreated mice. This matters because it suggests that injecting enrofloxacin is more effective than giving it through drinking water for serious infections.
Who this helps: This helps veterinarians treating infected mice and may inform similar antibiotic treatments in other animals.