Patents Assigned to The University of Pittsburgh-of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
  • USE OF EOMESODERMIN TO DETERMINE RISK OF ALLOGRAFT REJECTION
    Publication number: 20180045710
    Abstract: Pre-existing alloreactive memory T cells are a major barrier to the induction of allograft tolerance in organ transplant recipients. The use of Eomesodermin (Eomes) expression in memory T cells to determine the risk of allograft rejection in a subject is described. Also described is the use of Eomes expression in memory T cells of transplant recipients to modify immunosuppressive therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Mohamed B. Ezzelarab, Angus W. Thomson
  • THIOFLAVIN DERIVATIVES FOR USE IN ANTEMORTEM DIAGNOSIS OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND IN VIVO IMAGING AND PREVENTION OF AMYLOID DEPOSITION
    Publication number: 20180028694
    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: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH - OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: William E. KLUNK, Chester A. Mathis, JR., Yanming Wang
  • GRIFFITHSIN MUTANTS
    Publication number: 20180016307
    Abstract: The invention provides modified griffithsin polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, as well as corresponding nucleic acids, vectors, cells, fusion proteins, constructs, conjugates, and methods of inhibiting viral infection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Applicants: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Serv, University of Louisville Research Foundation, Inc., University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Barry R. O'Keefe, Tinoush Moulaei, Kenneth E. Palmer, Lisa C. Rohan, Joshua L. Fuqua, Lindsay F. Kramzer
  • SELF-ASSEMBLED ORGANOSILANE COATINGS FOR RESORBABLE METAL MEDICAL DEVICES
    Publication number: 20180015203
    Abstract: The invention relates to self-assembled organosilane coatings for resorbable medical implant devices. The coatings can be prepared from coating compositions containing organosilane and can be applied to metal or metal alloy substrates. Prior to applying the coatings, the surfaces of the substrates can be pre-treated. The coatings can be functionalized with a binding compound that is coupled with an active component. The coatings can be applied using various techniques and apparatus, more particularly, by a deep-coating process conducted at ambient conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: ELIA BENIASH, AVINASH JAGANNATH PATIL
  • METHOD TO PERFORM CONVOLUTIONS BETWEEN ARBITRARY VECTORS USING CLUSTERS OF WEAKLY COUPLED OSCILLATORS
    Publication number: 20180013439
    Abstract: A method to perform convolutions between arbitrary vectors includes estimating a first degree of match for a difference between a first vector having a plurality of first elements and a second vector having a plurality of second elements using a first cluster of coupled oscillators, estimating a second degree of match for the first vector using a second cluster of coupled oscillators, estimating a third degree of match for the second vector using a third cluster of coupled oscillators, deriving a first squared L2 norm from the first degree of match, deriving a second squared L2 norm from the second degree of match, deriving a third squared L2 norm from the third degree of match, adding the second squared L2 norm and the third squared L2 norm, and subtracting the first squared L2 norm to form a sum, and dividing the sum by two.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicants: HRL Laboratories, LLC, University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Praveen K. PILLY, Jose CRUZ-ALBRECHT, Narayan SRINIVASA, Steven P. LEVITAN, Donald M. CHIARULLI
  • TETRAHYDROISOQUINOLINES AS SELECTIVE NADPH OXIDASE 2 INHIBITORS
    Publication number: 20180009762
    Abstract: Embodiments of bridged tetrahydroisoquinolines and methods for their use in selectively inhibiting nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 2 are disclosed. The disclosed compounds have a structure according to general formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: wherein “” represents a single or double bond, R1 is hydrogen, halogen, lower aliphatic, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl; Ra is hydrogen, —CH2R2, R3, or —SO2R4; R2 is lower aliphatic, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl; R3 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl; R4 is lower aliphatic, or substituted or unsubstituted aryl; and R5 is hydrogen, halogen, or lower aliphatic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Patrick J. Pagano, Peter Wipf, Maria E. Cifuentes-Pagano, Erin M. Skoda
  • CALCIUM CHANNEL AGONISTS
    Publication number: 20180009810
    Abstract: Embodiments of calcium channel agonists, as well as methods of making and using the calcium channel agonists, are disclosed. The disclosed calcium channel agonists and corresponding salt forms have a structure according to general formula I: wherein each bond depicted as “” is a single bond or a double bond as needed to satisfy valence requirements; Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, and Z5 independently are nitrogen or carbon; R1 and R3 are alkyl; R2 is alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, arylalkyl, or heteroarylalkyl; and R4 is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Peter Wipf, Stephen D. Meriney, Mary Liang
  • FURNITURE-INTEGRATED MONITORING SYSTEM AND LOAD CELL FOR SAME
    Publication number: 20180008168
    Abstract: A load cell apparatus for use with a bed includes a housing having a top portion and a bottom portion, and a load cell device held by the bottom portion of the housing. The load cell device is structured to generate a signal having a magnitude that is proportional to a first force being applied to the load cell device. The load cell apparatus also includes a button member held by the housing in a manner wherein the button member is structured to engage the load cell device and apply the first force to the load cell device in response to a second force being applied to the top portion of the housing. Also, various systems for monitoring parameters such as weight, sleep quality, fall risk, and/or pressure sore risk that may incorporate such a load cell apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicants: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION, THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
    Inventors: JONATHAN L. PEARLMAN, RORY A. COOPER, JONATHAN A. DUVALL, ANAND A. MHATRE
  • FATTY ACIDS AS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AGENTS
    Publication number: 20180008580
    Abstract: Compounds of formula I and their metabolites are potent mediators of an inflammatory response: where a, b, c, d, e, f, V, W, X, Y, Ra, Ra?, Rb, Rb?, Rc, and Rc? are defined herein. In particular, the compounds of the invention are candidate therapeutics for treating inflammatory conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Bruce A. Freeman, Francisco J. Schopfer
  • BIOMIMETIC DRUG DELIVERY OF AN IMMUNOMODULATORY AGENT FOR THE TREATMENT OF OCULAR CONDITIONS
    Publication number: 20170367981
    Abstract: A method for treating an ocular disorder in a subject comprising administering a therapeutic agent-loaded carrier to an ocular site of the subject in need thereof, wherein the therapeutic agent loaded-carrier provides controlled delivery of the therapeutic agent under conditions suitable for recruiting regulatory T cells to an ocular region of interest or inducing regulatory T cells in an ocular region of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Steven R. Little, Michelle L. Guaragno, Andrew J. Glowacki, Morgan V. Fedorchak, Stephen C. Balmert
  • VINYL SUBSTITUTED FATTY ACIDS
    Publication number: 20170369419
    Abstract: Activated fatty acids, pharmaceutical compositions including activated fatty acids, methods for using activated fatty acids to treat a variety of diseases, and methods for preparing activated fatty acids are provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicants: Complexa, Inc., University of Pittsburgh of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Bruce A. FREEMAN, Bruce BRANCHAUD
  • OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY AS A RAPID, ACCURATE, NON-CONTACT METHOD OF VISUALIZING THE PALISADES OF VOGT
    Publication number: 20170367573
    Abstract: The innovation provides for a system and method available to image and visualize the palisades of Vogt via a non-contact process, analyze the image volumes acquired, evaluate the status of the palisades of Vogt from the data represented therein, and display the data in real-time or as a part of a medical record for ongoing consideration and evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: KIRA LYNN LATHROP, JOEL STEVEN SCHUMAN, LAWRENCE EDWARD KAGEMANN
  • Devices, Systems and Methods for Treating Urological and Gastrointestinal Disorders by Electrical Stimulation of the Foot
    Publication number: 20170361091
    Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for treating urological and gastrointestinal disorders, including bedwetting, through stimulation of the dorsal or plantar surface of the foot, including the superficial peroneal nerve and branches thereof, such as the dorsal intermediate and medial cutaneous nerves, or the medial and/or and lateral plantar nerves. The device facilitates placement of electrodes on the foot. Also provided herein is a system including the device, a pulse generator, and a controller, and methods of manufacturing and using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventor: Changfeng Tai
  • MICROSPHERE-BASED DELIVERY AND EX VIVO MANIPULATION OF DENDRITIC CELLS FOR AUTOIMMUNE THERAPIES
    Publication number: 20170360834
    Abstract: The present invention relates to tolerogenic mammalian dendritic cells (iDCs) and methods for the production of tolerogenic DCs. In addition, the present invention provides methods for administration of tolerogenic dendritic cells as well as particles containing oligonucleotides to mammalian subjects. Enhanced tolerogenicity in a host can be useful for treating inflammatory and autoimmune related diseases, such as type 1 diabetes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Nick Giannoukakis, Massimo M. Trucco
  • IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES HAVING DOUBLE WALLED MICROSPHERES
    Publication number: 20170354762
    Abstract: An implantable medical device including at least one double-walled microsphere containing an active agent, and a biodegradable polymer layer containing the at least one double-walled microsphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Applicant: University Of Pittsburgh - Of The Commonwealth System Of Higher Education
    Inventors: Lauren Elizabeth Kokai, Kacey Gribbin Marra
  • DEGRADABLE CARBON NANOTUBE-CONTAINING BIOSENSORS AND METHODS FOR TARGET CLINICAL MARKER DETECTION
    Publication number: 20170343543
    Abstract: The invention relates to carbon nanotube-containing composites as biosensors to detect the presence of target clinical markers, methods of their preparation and uses in the medical field. The invention is particularly suitable for the detection in patient biological specimens of bone markers and tissue markers. The biosensors of the invention include carbon nanotubes deposited on a substrate, gold nanoparticles deposited on the carbon nanotubes and, binder material and biomolecule deposited on the gold-coated carbon nanotubes. The biomolecule is selected to interact with the target clinical markers. The biosensor can be used as an in-situ or an ex-situ device to detect and measure the presence of the target clinical markers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH - OF - THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: PRASHANT NAGESH KUMTA, Madhumati Ramanathan, Mitali Shirish Patil
  • MULTIPARAMETRIC METHOD FOR ASSESSING IMMUNE SYSTEM STATUS
    Publication number: 20170343536
    Abstract: The invention provides a multiparametric method of assessing the reaction of a patient's immune system to a test subject. The invention compares a patient sample reacted with a test sample and a third party sample and combines the assessments of the multiple parameters to correlate the test reaction with a clinical event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventor: Rakesh Sindhi
  • SUPER ELASTIC, BIOABSORBABLE ENDOVASCULAR DEVICES
    Publication number: 20170340463
    Abstract: The invention relates to endovascular medical implant devices and materials of composition for forming these devices to provide improved mechanical properties and biodegradability. The devices include a combination or integration of superelastic material, biodegradable metal and, thin film nitinol and/or biodegradable polymer. A structural frame is formed of individual elongated pieces composed of biodegradable metal. These pieces are joined together by connector pieces composed of superelastic material. At least a portion of the structural frame has deposited thereon the thin film nitinol and/or biodegradable polymer. The structural frame of the device is collapsible for insertion in a delivery tube and, recoverable for deployment and placement in a vascular location of a patient body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: YOUNGJAE CHUN, WILLIAM R. WAGNER, XINZHU GU, PETER DREW WEARDEN, TOMO YOSHIZUMI
  • PARP GENOMIC VARIANTS CONFERRING RESISTANCE AND SENSITIZATION TO CHEMOTHERAPY UNDER INHIBITION
    Publication number: 20170342498
    Abstract: A method is provided for selecting a subject diagnosed with cancer as a candidate for treatment with a PARP1 inhibitor, or both a PARP1 inhibitor and a chemotherapeutic agent such as an alkylating agent. The method includes detecting the presence or absence of a mutation in a non-coding region of a PARP1 gene, wherein the presence of a mutation in the PARP1 gene indicates that the cancer can be treated with the PARP1 inhibitor, optionally in conjunction with the chemotherapeutic agent. In a specific, non-limiting example, the PARP1 inhibitor is verliparib (ABT-888).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Hussein A. Tawbi, Petr Pancoska, Panagiotis Benos, Marjorie Romkes, Andrew J. Sedgewick, Irina Abecassis
  • B-CELL ANTIGEN PRESENTING CELL ASSAY
    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