Abstract: The present invention includes methods for the detection of neurotransmission or developmental disorders, including, but not limited to, myasthenia gravis that is seronegative for autoantibodies to the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and/or muscle specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK), the method including detecting autoantibodies that bind to LRP4, or an epitope thereof. Also included are methods for the treatment of an individual suffering from a neurotransmission disorder, the method including detecting in a bodily fluid of the individual autoantibodies that bind to LRP4, or an epitope thereof, and administering to the patient an effective amount an immunosuppressant and/or another appropriate therapeutic modality. Also included are antibodies that bind to autoantibodies to LRP4 and kits for the detection of neurotransmission or developmental disorders.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 11, 2015
Date of Patent:
February 20, 2018
Assignee:
AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
Inventors:
Lin Mei, Wen-Cheng Xiong, Bin Zhang, Chengyong Shen
Abstract: Dental contrast formulations (“fillers”) of tailorable X-Ray radiopacity and methods for their use are provided. The disclosed fillers include mixtures of solid particles suspended in a biocompatible fluid. The solid particles contain one or more X-ray radiopaque materials. The biocompatible fluid can also contain one or more soluble X-ray radiopaque components. By controlling the composition of the solid particles, the composition of the biocompatible fluid, and the loading of the solid particles in the biocompatible fluid, the X-ray radiopacity and stability of the filler can be tailored to allow for improved discrimination of the filler within periodontal pockets, relative to adjacent soft tissue and teeth, so that the 3-D shape, volume, and depth of the pocket can be precisely and rapidly determined by X-Ray imaging.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 1, 2015
Date of Patent:
November 14, 2017
Assignees:
Augusta University Research Institute, Inc., Georgia Tech Research Corporation
Inventors:
Christopher Cutler, Kenneth H. Sandhage
Abstract: Compositions and methods for the detection and treatment of cancer are provided. It has been discovered that uterine cancer cells selectively induce the survivin promoter to express a gene product. One embodiment provides a method for detecting uterine malignancy by systemic administration of a cancer-specific vector that utilizes a Survivin promoter to drive expression of a reporter gene. The expression of the reporter gene is detectable exclusively in malignant cells, for example using conventional imagining techniques.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 30, 2016
Date of Patent:
October 17, 2017
Assignee:
Augusta University Research Institute, Inc.
Abstract: A method of providing real-time feedback of task performance includes receiving sensor data from sensors coupled to an object. The sensor data is received in response to tasks performed on the object and references positional data with respect to a location on the object at which tasks are performed. The method also includes applying the sensor data to a model of performance measurements, which reflect a standard of performance. The method further includes identifying any deviations of the sensor data from data in the model, and outputting feedback in real-time. The feedback includes indicators signaling tasks performed are correctly implemented and indicators signaling tasks performed are incorrectly implemented. Corrective indicators include measures for modifying task performance to achieve an outcome that approaches or meets the standard of performance. The indicators correspond to one or more locations on the object as determined by the positional data.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 27, 2010
Date of Patent:
September 5, 2017
Assignees:
University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc., Augusta University Research Institute, Inc.
Inventors:
Aaron Andrew Kotranza, Benjamin Chak Lum Lok, David Scott Lind
Abstract: Described herein are materials and methods for treating dyslipidemia in a mammalian subject in need thereof comprising administering a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) antagonist or variant thereof to the subject.
Type:
Application
Filed:
January 19, 2017
Publication date:
July 20, 2017
Applicants:
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI, AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
Inventors:
Maritza Romero-Lucas, Andrew Schally, Rudolf Lucas, Neal Weintraub
Abstract: Methods of decreasing an immune suppressive response, increasing an immune stimulating response, or a combination thereof in a subject in need thereof are disclosed. The methods typically include administering the subject a composition including a compound that reduces the bioavailability of Akt3 in an amount effective to reduce the immune suppressive response, increase the immune stimulating response, or a combination thereof in the subject. Methods of increasing an immune suppressive response, decreasing an immune stimulating response, or a combination thereof in a subject in need thereof are also disclosed. The methods typically include administering the subject a composition including a compound that increases the bioavailability of Akt3 in an amount effective to increase the immune suppressive response, decrease the immune stimulating response, or a combination thereof in the subject.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 17, 2015
Date of Patent:
July 18, 2017
Assignee:
Augusta University Research Institute, Inc.
Abstract: Methods for detection and diagnosis of Sjögren's Syndrome in a subject, determining the stage or progression of Sjögren's Syndrome in a subject, determining the effectiveness of a treatment for Sjögren's Syndrome, and selecting a subject for treatment for Sjögren's Syndrome are disclosed. The methods typically include measuring the level of one or more Sjögren's Syndrome biomarkers in a biological sample obtained from a subject. Biomarkers for Sjögren's Syndrome include, but are not limited to, GADD153 and Del-1.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 22, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 18, 2017
Assignee:
Augusta University Research Institute, Inc.
Inventors:
Babak Baban, Mahmood Mozaffari, Rafik Abdelsayed, Jun Yao Liu
Abstract: In some embodiments, a cell collection device includes a sample brush including a proximal end, a distal end, and outwardly extending bristles provided at the distal end, and an outer sleeve adapted to receive the sample brush, the sleeve including a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the sleeve can be linearly slid along the length of the brush to encapsulate the bristles after they have been used to collect cells from a patient.
Type:
Application
Filed:
July 29, 2016
Publication date:
February 23, 2017
Applicant:
Augusta University Research Institute, Inc.
Abstract: Antibodies for detecting nitration of nitrotyrosine 247 PKG-1? and antibodies for detecting nitrotyrosine 425 of PKG-1? are disclosed. Methods of detecting nitrotyrosine 247 PKG-1? and nitrotyrosine 425 of PKG-1?, and uses thereof are also disclosed for identification and diagnosis or phenotypes, pathologies, diseases and disorders associated with protein nitration of PKG-1? are also disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the disclosed antibodies is used in the disclosed methods.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 30, 2014
Date of Patent:
January 24, 2017
Assignee:
Augusta University Research Institute, Inc.
Abstract: Compositions that inhibit or block the interaction between Erbin and ErbB2 and methods of their use are provided. Preferred compositions include peptides that inhibit or block Erbin and ErbB2 interaction under physiologic conditions in a subject. One embodiment provides an isolated peptide fragment of ErbB2 including the C-terminal 15 amino acids of ErbB2. The peptide fragment can be about 15 to 27 amino acids in length.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 24, 2014
Date of Patent:
November 15, 2016
Assignee:
Augusta University Research Institute, Inc.
Inventors:
Lin Mei, Wen-Cheng Xiong, Cheng-Yong Shen, Yan-Mei Tao, Shi-Wen Luo
Abstract: Compositions containing one or more COX inhibitors in combination with one or more antagonists of 20-HETE (20-hydroxyeicosatetraeonic acid), and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient are provided. Preferred compositions include rofecoxib in combination with HET0016. The compositions have reduced side effects due to COX inhibitors. Methods for treating or inhibiting cancer using the disclosed compositions are also provided.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 27, 2015
Date of Patent:
November 1, 2016
Assignee:
Augusta University Research Institute, Inc.
Abstract: The present invention provides improved treatment methods by the administration of both an inhibitor of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase in addition to the administration of an additional therapeutic agent.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 8, 2013
Date of Patent:
October 11, 2016
Assignee:
AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
Abstract: Green tea polyphenol compositions and methods of their use in treating herpes simplex virus (HSV) are provided. Representative green tea polyphenols include, but are not limited to (?)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate as well as green tea polyphenols with one on more ester-linked fatty acids.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 6, 2011
Date of Patent:
September 20, 2016
Assignee:
Augusta University Research Institute, Inc.
Abstract: Nitration shielding peptides that reduce or prevent nitration of a protein of interest are disclosed. The peptide can serve as molecular sink for nitrating agents, block access of the nitrating agents to the target tyrosine on the protein of interest, serve as substrate for the nitrating agent (i.e., provide an alternative nitratable tyrosine residue), provide a nitrating agent neutralizing moiety such as antioxidant, or a combination thereof. The nitration shielding peptide can be a fusion protein that includes one or more additional domains such a protein transduction domain, a targeting signal, a purification tag, or any combination thereof. Exemplary nitration shielding peptides for reducing nitration of RhoA and PKG-1?, and methods of use thereof for treating pathologies, disease, and disorders associated with nitration of RhoA and PKG-1?, respectively are also provided.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 15, 2014
Date of Patent:
September 20, 2016
Assignee:
Augusta University Research Institute, Inc.
Inventors:
Stephen M. Black, Ruslan Robertovich Rafitov
Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods for preventing and treating diseases such as intracerebral hemorrhage, cancer, or conditions associated with damaged cells, activated lymphocytes, or microbial products. The disclosed compounds are curcumin analogs. The curcumin analogs possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which in part, reduce AP-1 and NF-?B activity.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 22, 2014
Date of Patent:
June 21, 2016
Assignees:
Augusta University Research Institute, Inc., East China Normal University
Inventors:
Cargill H. Alleyne, Jr., Krishnan M. Dhandapani, Ken Wen, MingLiang Ma, WenJing Hu