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54 -year -old Grandmother receives first pig kidney transplant, mechanical heart

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54 -year -old Grandmother receives first pig kidney transplant, mechanical heart

By Francesca Hangeior

A 54-year-old grandmother has successfully received the first-ever combined pig kidney and mechanical heart pump transplant.

Lisa Pisano, a New Jersey native with end-stage kidney disease and heart failure, was not a candidate for heart and kidney transplant due to the shortage of human organ donations and chronic health conditions that minimized her likelihood of a good outcome.

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She said: “All I want is the opportunity to have a better life.

“After I was ruled out for a human transplant, I learned I didn’t have a lot of time left.

“My doctors thought there may be a chance I could be approved to receive a gene-edited pig kidney, so I discussed it with my family and my husband. He has been by my side throughout this ordeal and wants me to be better.”

NYU Langone Health surgeons carried out an innovative two-stage procedure earlier this month in New York. On April 4, they surgically implanted a heart pump called a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) on Pisano.

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Then on April 12, they performed a successful gene-edited pig kidney transplant on her. It included a pig’s thymus gland to help against her body rejecting the animal organ.

“It is incredible to consider the scientific achievements that have led to our ability to save Lisa’s life, and what we are endeavoring to do as a society for everyone in need of a lifesaving organ,” stated lead surgeon Robert Montgomery on Wednesday, April 24, when the NYU Langone Health announced the feat.

Montgomery, who performed the world’s first gene-edited pig kidney transplant to a braindead person in 2021, said Pisano’s procedure will “bring closer the possibility that no one will have to die, waiting for someone else to die, so they can be saved”.

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Pisano is the second living patient to receive a pig kidney transplant, after Richard Slayman, 62, who also had end-stage kidney disease and was operated in Boston in March (read here).

While Slayman is the world’s first pig kidney transplant patient, Pisano is the first to receive a pig kidney transplant plus a heart pump.

“This unique approach is the first time in the world that LVAD surgery has been done on a dialysis patient with a subsequent plan to transplant a kidney,” stated Nader Moazami, chief of NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s Division of Heart and Lung Transplantation.

“The measure for success is a chance at a better quality of life and to give Lisa more time to spend with her family.”

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Pisano’s daughter, Brittany Harvill, said she hopes her mother will soon be able to go home and spend time with her grandkids.

“I saw her for the first time after the surgery – and even this morning,” said Harvill, according to the New York Post. “And she looks like the best she’s looked and sounds in years.”

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Retired 85-year-old Col bags P.hd

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A retired Colonel of the Nigerian Army, Bolaji Titilola Onafowokan, aged 85, is among the first set of doctoral degree students produced by the Tai Solarin University of Education, TASUED, Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, disclosed this at the weekend, while briefing the press on activities to mark the 16th convocation ceremony of the university.

He said the first set of PhD holders to be produced by the institution totalled 67.

“I am happy to inform you that the university will, at this 16th convocation ceremony, graduate its first set of doctoral degree holders.

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“They are 67 in number and the list included a retired Army Colonel, Bolaji Titilola Onafowokan, who is 85 years old. And he is getting his PhD in Educational Technology.

“I salute his courage and doggedness to pursue this dream of his. Even younger ones shy away from this kind of task.

27 First Class
“Also, out of the 4,140 graduating students, 27 have first class. We are also graduating 4 M.Phil, 275 Master’s degree and our best graduating student is Adedeji A. Adedamola with CGPA of 4.91.

“We are also giving honorary degrees to four distinguished Nigerians namely: Dr Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi, Prince Oluyemisi Adedoyin Shyllon, Otunba Jaiyeola Wasiu and Engineer Jubril Dotun Sanusi,” he stated.

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Prof. Banjo, who is winding down his tenure as the VC of the first university of education in Nigeria, added that some projects would be inaugurated by the Visitor, Governor Dapo Abiodun.
“We are happy to say that within the last one year, we have done some projects to add to what we have on ground. We have expanded the Medical Centre and the fund used was from our internally generated revenue.

“We are also weaning ourselves of epileptic power supply as we have our own Independent Power Project. It is 800 kva which can be scaled up.

“Even as it is, it is enough for our needs. It is less expensive than what we pay monthly as electricity bills to the power firm serving this area,” he said.

The VC also disclosed that the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, would deliver the convocation lecture titled, “From classroom to cloud: Leveraging digital literacy for national development.”

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OSUN: Adeleke Celebrates 2nd Anniversary With Novelty Match Between Lawmakers And Executives

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Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke celebrated his administration’s Second Anniversary with a Novelty Match between the Osun State House of Assembly Members and the Cabinet members otherwise known as the Executives at the Ataoja School of Science on Saturday, November 23, 2024.

This match was Day (2) of the activities lined up for the second anniversary celebrations.

The match that ended 1-0 in favour of the Executive was full of excitements and funs.

Adeleke who presented the Cup to the winner attributed the success of his administration to the dedication, commitment and loyalty of members of his cabinet, the lawmakers, the Judiciary, the Civil Servants and all the residents of the State who showed their love for his administration.

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He took a swipe at the opposition on the confusion in their camp, as they are asking among themselves on how Adeleke has been able to manage the affairs of his administration with massive infrastructural developments and good governance in two years, what they could not do in four years.

He said he was able to achieve in two years what others could not achieve in four years due to the fact that God is with him, “whoever traded with God will never suffer any loss, that is the secret of our success.”

“We have been able to reach this milestone without borrowing because we made the people the centre of our focus. When there is no way, there is always a way through God. We will not relent, from November 26, 2024 we will start commissioning our projects across the state.”

He added that on assumption of office Osogbo was dark but when I came in there was light everywhere.

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“The only thing we can do to Osun electorates and the residents is to give them the dividend of democracy and that is what we are doing now.”

The program continues on Sunday, November 24, 2024 with Thanksgiving Service at the C&S, Oke-Gada, Ede from 10.00am prompt.

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HoR to Lead March, Launch Initiatives Against Gender-Based Violence

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By Gloria Ikibah

As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the House of Representatives is set to lead a historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024, in a bold effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.

The march, which begins at 8:00 AM, will see over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public walk from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The event will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action against GBV and greater protection for vulnerable groups.

Speaking about the initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON, said, “This march and the activities that follow are not mere gestures but a reflection of our determination to confront gender-based violence head-on. We are committed to building a society where justice, equality, and safety prevail for all Nigerians.”

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In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Saturday in Abuja, he said, “The 10th House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to systemic reforms, collaboration, and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.

“In addition to the march, the House has outlined key activities in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) to sustain awareness and action throughout the campaign period.

Sash Demonstration Ceremony – Tuesday, November 26, 2024

“Convergence of State Assembly Speakers – Monday, December 9, 2024. A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative measures for combating GBV nationwide.

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“National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The summit will focus on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives led by the House of Representatives”.

Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s 16 Days of Activism aims to galvanise nationwide efforts and inspire collective action to protect human rights, ensure justice, and create a safer, more equitable Nigeria.

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