Patents Assigned to The University of Pittsburgh
  • Patent number: 11144137
    Abstract: A manually operable pointing device for use with a computer, adapted for use with a prosthetic hook, includes a shell, a bearing surface, a receptacle, and first and second actuating levers. The shell has a first end and a second end positioned distal thereto. The bearing surface is positioned at the first end of the shell for supporting a portion of the hook. The receptacle is positioned proximate to the second end of the shell and is adapted to receive a tip of the hook. The first actuating lever extends from the first end to the second end and is movable relative to the shell. The second actuating lever extends from the first end to the second end, is movable relative to the shell, and positioned adjacent to the first actuating lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignees: The United States Government as Represented by the Departnent of Veterans Affairs, The University of Pittsburgh—Of The Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Rory A. Cooper, Garrett Grindle, Zachary Anzelone, Aaron Anderson
  • Patent number: 10995061
    Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with N-(5-chloro-4-((4-chlorophenyl)(cyano)methyl)-2-methylphenyl)benzamide compounds that are capable of inhibiting SPAK kinase function, methods of treating hypoxic brain injuries due to, for example, ischemic stroke. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignees: United States Government as Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, The University of Pittsburgh—of the Commonwealth of Higher Education, Xiamen University, University of Exeter
    Inventors: Dandan Sun, Xianming Deng, Jinwei Zhang, Mohammad Iqbal Hossain Bhuiyan, Bradley J. Molyneaux
  • Patent number: 10948497
    Abstract: A proteomic expression platform to identify age-related sepsis risk is disclosed using patients with an intra-abdominal infection. A semi-quantitative plasma proteomics workflow was applied which incorporated tandem immuno affinity depletion, iTRAQ labeling, strong cation exchange fractionation, and nanoflow-liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry. A protein profile was determined that exhibit statistically significant differences in expression levels amongst patients with severe sepsis as a function of age. Representative pathways that are differentially-expressed include, but are not limited to, acute phase response, coagulation signaling, atherosclerosis signaling, lipid metabolism, and production of nitric oxide/reactive oxygen species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: The University of Pittsburgh—the Commonwealth of Higher Education
    Inventors: John A. Kellum, Zhiyun Cao, Derek Angus, Sachin Purushottam Yende, Rena Angilena Sowell Robinson
  • Patent number: 10420792
    Abstract: Methods are provided for treating corticosteroid-resistant asthma in a patient, comprising decreasing Interferon Regulatory Factor 5 (IRF5) activity in the patient. Antisense or RNA interference reagents and methods can be used to decrease IRF5 activity in the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: The University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Anuradha Ray, Prabir Ray, Sally Ellen Wenzel, Timothy B. Oriss
  • Patent number: 10137210
    Abstract: This invention relates to novel thioflavin derivatives, methods of using the derivatives in, for example, in vivo imaging of patients having neuritic plaques, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the thioflavin derivatives and method of synthesizing the compounds. The compounds find particular use in the diagnosis and treatment of patients having diseases where accumulation of neuritic plaques are prevalent. The disease states or maladies include but are not limited to Alzheimer's disease, familial Alzheimer's disease, Down's Syndrome and homozygotes for the apolipoprotein E4 allele.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: The University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: William E. Klunk, Chester A. Mathis, Jr., Yanming Wang
  • Publication number: 20170336411
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for diagnosing or predicting B-cell rejection in a subject. In one example, for assessing transplant rejection, the method includes determining an antigen presenting index by comparing uptake of a donor antigen to uptake of a reference antigen in a biological sample obtained from the subject. In another example, for assessing GVHD, the method includes determining an antigen presenting index by comparing uptake of a recipient antigen to uptake of a reference antigen in a biological sample obtained from the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Applicant: The University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Rakesh Sindhi, Chethan Ashokkumar
  • Publication number: 20150064136
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and materials for more effectively treating patients with interferon. It is based on the discovery that clinical response to interferon (IFN) therapy is mediated in part by inhibition of activation of MDSC and such inhibition can be observed after a test dose of interferon; a significant decrease of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by MDSC (as a measure of their activation) after IFN therapy is predictive of overall response to immunotherapy in cancer patients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: The University of Pittsburgh - of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Larisa Geskin, Oleg E. Akilov
  • Patent number: 8809617
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for high content drug screening in C. elegans which may be used to identify compounds that treat disorders associated with protein aggregation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: The University of Pittsburgh—of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Stephen C. Pak, David H. Perlmutter, Gary A. Silverman
  • Patent number: 8264458
    Abstract: The present invention provides variable compliance joysticks with mechanical and software customization, and with an integrated control capability, and a method of systematically determining the best mechanical settings and compensatory algorithms to embed in the joysticks to offer an individual with substantial upper extremity motor impairments a personal fit and maximum function. The joysticks may include components for varying the compliance and dampening of the joystick shaft. The method may include providing the user access to operate the joysticks, operatively connecting the joysticks to a driving simulator, displaying an icon on the driving simulator, controlling movement of the icon by the joysticks, evaluating performance of the user based upon the user's ability to control movement of the icon, and modifying hardware settings and software algorithms for the joysticks based upon the evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignees: Dept. of Veterans Affairs, The University of Pittsburgh of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Rory A. Cooper, Donald Spaeth, Songfeng Guo
  • Patent number: 8165819
    Abstract: Provided are methods of simulating tissue healing. The methods comprise using a mechanistic computer model of the interrelated effects of inflammation, tissue damage or dysfunction and tissue healing to predict an outcome of healing of damaged tissue in vivo, thereby predicting the outcome of healing of damaged tissue in vivo. Implementations of these methods on a computing device also are provided. Non-limiting examples of diseases and/or conditions that are amenable to simulation according to the methods described herein include: a diabetes, diabetic foot ulcers, necrotizing enterocolitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, restenosis (post-angioplasty or stent implantation), incisional wounding, excisional wounding, surgery, accidental trauma, pressure ulcer, stasis ulcer, tendon rupture, vocal fold phonotrauma, otitis media and pancreatitis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: The University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Gilles Clermont, Patricia A. Hebda, Yee Key Li, Qi Mi, David L. Steed, Joshua Thomas Sullivan, Katherine Verdolini Abbott, Yoram Vodovotz, Ivan Petrov Yotov, Gary An
  • Patent number: 8124651
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to inhibitors of thioredoxin. Certain embodiments relate to palmarumycin based compounds and methods of using the same. Such compounds may be useful in inhibiting the overexpression of thioredoxin, inhibiting tumor growth and treating cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignees: The University of Pittsburgh Office of Technology Transfer, Arizona Board of Regents
    Inventors: Garth Powis, Peter Wipf
  • Patent number: 7902272
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure is directed towards a new film forming paint that Bragg diffracts light in the visible and NIR spectral regions. The paint may be comprised of highly charged polymer spheres that self assemble and maintain their diffraction in the presence of the different ingredients of the paint formulation, so that the self assembled arrays diffract light in both wet and dry states. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a process for making highly charged polymeric spheres. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to the highly charged polymeric spheres themselves. The high surface charge density of the spheres enables the stability and self assembly of the spheres in the presence of the other paint ingredients. These spheres can find useful practical applications in paints, inks, coatings, cosmetics and light filtering applications. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: The University of Pittsburgh of the Commonwealth System of High Education
    Inventors: Matti Ben-Moshe, Sanford A. Asher, Justin J. Bohn
  • Patent number: 7851144
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions involving detecting the presence of and/or assessing the risk of cancer in a subject. These methods include methods of detecting and diagnosing cancer in an individual; methods of identifying individuals at risk of developing a cancer; and methods of staging a cancer. The methods generally involve detecting a palladin gene nucleotide sequence alteration that has been found to be associated with cancer and/or detecting a level of a palladin mRNA and/or protein in a biological sample. The present invention further provides nucleic acid probes, nucleic acid primers, and antibodies, as well as kits comprising one or more of the same, for use in a subject method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignees: The University of Washington, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, The University of Pittsburgh, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: Teresa A. Brentnall, Ru Chen, Katherine L. Pogue-Geile, David C. Whitcomb, Mary Patricia Bronner, Carol A. Otey
  • Patent number: 7776908
    Abstract: Novel Wortmannin analogs and their use in inhibiting inhibiting PI-3-kinase activity in mammals as well, as tumor formation in a subject are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignees: Arizona Board of Regents, The University of Pittsburgh
    Inventors: Garth Powis, Peter Wipf
  • Publication number: 20090087441
    Abstract: Novel wortmannin analogs and their use in inhibiting PI-3-kinase activity in mammals and the treatment or prevention of cancer and tumor formation in a subject are described herein. Preferably, the wortmannin analogs may be administered with other chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicants: Prolx Pharmaceuticals Corp., Arizona Board of Regents, acting on hehalf of The University of Arizona, The University of Pittsburgh
    Inventors: Lynn Kirkpatrick, Garth Powis, Peter Wipf
  • Patent number: 7446124
    Abstract: Novel wortmannin analogs and their use in inhibiting PI-3-kinase activity in mammals and the treatment or prevention of cancer and tumor formation in a subject are described herein. Preferably, the wortmannin analogs may be administered with other chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignees: Prolx Pharmaceuticals Corp., The University of Pittsburgh, Arizona Board of Regents, Acting on Behalf of the University of Arizona
    Inventors: Lynn Kirkpatrick, Garth Powis, Peter Wipf
  • Patent number: 7438919
    Abstract: The present invention provides experimentally-generated cold-adapted equine influenza viruses, and reassortant influenza A viruses comprising at least one genome segment of such an equine influenza virus, wherein the equine influenza virus genome segment confers at least one identifying phenotype of the cold-adapted equine influenza virus, such as cold-adaptation, temperature sensitivity, dominant interference, or attenuation. Such viruses are formulated into therapeutic compositions to protect animals from diseases caused by influenza A viruses, and in particular, to protect horses from disease caused by equine influenza virus. The present invention also includes methods to protect animals from diseases caused by influenza A virus utilizing the claimed therapeutic compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: The University of Pittsburgh -- of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Patricia W. Dowling, Julius S. Youngner
  • Patent number: 7411058
    Abstract: The present invention provides experimentally-generated cold-adapted equine influenza viruses, and reassortant influenza A viruses comprising at least one genome segment of such an equine influenza virus, wherein the equine influenza virus genome segment confers at least one identifying phenotype of the cold-adapted equine influenza virus, such as cold-adaptation, temperature sensitivity, dominant interference, or attenuation. Such viruses are formulated into therapeutic compositions to protect animals from diseases caused by influenza A viruses, and in particular, to protect horses from disease caused by equine influenza virus. The present invention also includes methods to protect animals from diseases caused by influenza A virus utilizing the claimed therapeutic compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: The University of Pittsburgh - of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Patricia W. Dowling, Julius S. Youngner
  • Patent number: 7399477
    Abstract: The present invention provides experimentally-generated cold-adapted equine influenza viruses, and reassortant influenza A viruses comprising at least one genome segment of such an equine influenza virus, wherein the equine influenza virus genome segment confers at least one identifying phenotype of the cold-adapted equine influenza virus, such as cold-adaptation, temperature sensitivity, dominant interference, or attenuation. Such viruses are formulated into therapeutic compositions to protect animals from diseases caused by influenza A viruses, and in particular, to protect horses from disease caused by equine influenza virus. The present invention also includes methods to protect animals from diseases caused by influenza A virus utilizing the claimed therapeutic compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: The University of Pittsburgh-of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Patricia W. Dowling, Julius S. Youngner
  • Patent number: D894899
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignees: The United States Government as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, The University of Pittsburgh—Of The Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Rory A. Cooper, Garrett Grindle, Zak Anzelone, Aaron Anderson