Patents Assigned to The University of Pittsburgh
  • Publication number: 20230255560
    Abstract: Electrodes providing excellent recording and physical stability. Electrodes are disclosed that may include a plurality of small teeth that possess a novel design shape and orientation. The shallow and relatively long teeth run parallel to the rim of the electrode that presses against the patient’s skin. When the electrode is twisted onto skin, the tiny teeth penetrate the stratum corneum and move nearly horizontally under the stratum corneum, thus anchoring the electrode securely to the skin. The electrodes cause minimal discomfort to the patient since the small teeth do not extend to the pain fibers which are located in deeper layers of the skin. The electrodes may be fabricated in a variety of geometries including cylindrical, disk, and blunt bullet or top shapes. In some instances, the electrodes may be connected to detachable leads having magnetic properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Mingui Sun, Wenyan Jia, Robert Joseph Sclabassi
  • Publication number: 20230260256
    Abstract: A computational pathology method includes receiving multi-parameter cellular and/or sub-cellular imaging data for an image of a tissue sample, and locating and segmenting a plurality of tissue components of the tissue sample in the multi- parameter cellular and sub-cellular imaging data to generate segmented multi¬ parameter cellular and sub-cellular imaging data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: Srinivas C. Chennubhotla, Akif Burak Tosun, Jeffrey Fine
  • Publication number: 20230241019
    Abstract: A method comprising administering to a subject having an aneurysm, suspected of having an aneurysm, or at risk of developing an aneurysm, a therapeutically effective amount of a compound selected from (i) a nitroalkene fatty acid, (ii) an unsaturated fatty acid having an electron withdrawing group, a leaving group, and a carbon-carbon double bond disposed between the electron withdrawing group and the leaving group, (iii) a thiolated nitro fatty acid, (iv) a dicarboxylic acid compound containing an electron withdrawing group, or a mixture of at least two of (i)-(iv).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Applicants: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Francisco J. Schopfer, Bruce A. Freeman, Yang Zhao, Yuqing E. Chen, Jifeng Zhang
  • Publication number: 20230241293
    Abstract: Described herein are biomaterials, systems, and methods for guiding regeneration of an epiphyseal growth plate or similar interfacial tissue structures. In one aspect, the disclosed technology can include a biologic material that can comprise one or more of a hydrogel carrier for growth factors and MSCs, chondrogenic and immunomodulatory cytokines, microparticles for prolonged and spatially controlled growth factor delivery; and/or porous scaffold providing mechanical support. The implanted material can be applied via various different modalities depending on the nature of the physeal injury. One modality is an injectable hydrogel and another modality is an implantable hydrogel infused scaffold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Juan M. Taboas, Jingming Chen
  • Publication number: 20230225963
    Abstract: A paranasal and/or nasal delivery system that includes a thermoresponsive gel; and a plurality of microparticles comprising a therapeutic amount of at least one paranasal and/or nasal condition-treating therapeutic agent, wherein the microparticles are included in the thermoresponsive gel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh- Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Andrea L. Schilling, Eric W. Wang, Stella Lee, Steven R. Little
  • Publication number: 20230228689
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the tread of a shoe includes a frame member, a waveguide structured to support the shoe when an outer sole of shoe is in contact with a surface of the waveguide, a light source structured to provide light within an edge of the waveguide such that the light will be internally reflected within the waveguide, and an imaging device structured and configured to generate an image of the outer sole of the shoe when the outer sole of shoe is in contact with the waveguide and the light is being provided within the waveguide. The system also includes a controller structured and configured to: (i) receive image data based on the image of the outer sole; (ii) determine from the image data a largest worn region size for the shoe; and (iii) determine a slip risk for the shoe based on the largest worn region size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2022
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: SARAH L. HEMLER, KURT E. BESCHORNER
  • Publication number: 20230217916
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are ex-vivo cardiac perfusion systems that can support the metabolic function of an ex-vivo heart and also have the capacity to test the functions of the heart. For example, an ex-vivo heart can be placed within and connected to a cardiac perfusion system, as disclosed herein, resuscitated and supported medically, and also tested to determine cardiac recovery. Further, these systems can also be used for research purposes to study the pressure, work, and mechanical function of many types of hearts (e.g., failed hearts that are explanted at the time of heart transplant). Some embodiments include a detachable sub-system that includes a heart chamber and components for operating in a Langendorff mode while transporting an ex-vivo heart, and the sub-system can be coupled to a differential perfusion system to form a larger, full service system for supporting, recovering, testing the heart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Applicants: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, UPMC
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Sciortino, Sarah Burki, Garrett N. Coyan, Brandon D'Aloiso
  • Publication number: 20230211053
    Abstract: The invention relates to biodegradable iron alloy-containing compositions for use in preparing medical devices. In addition, biodegradable crystalline and amorphous compositions of the invention exhibit properties that make them suitable for use as medical devices for implantation into a body of a patient. The compositions include elemental iron and one or more elements selected from manganese, magnesium, zirconium, zinc and calcium. The compositions can be prepared using a high energy milling technique. The resulting compositions and the devices formed therefrom are useful in various surgical procedures, such as but not limited to orthopedic, craniofacial and cardiovascular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH - OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: PRASHANT N. KUMTA, SUNG JAE CHUNG, PARTHA SAHA, OLEG VELIKOKHATNYI, MONI KANCHAN DATTA, DAE HO HONG, DA-TREN CHOU
  • Publication number: 20230210918
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to probiotics and probiotic compositions having modified energy metabolisms (e.g., modifying, metabolizing, or storing energy molecules, e.g., lipids, before the energy molecules are absorbed by a host subject), and thus modulating the absorption of the energy molecules by the host subject. The present disclosure also relates to methods of making such probiotics and probiotic compositions. The present disclosure further relates to methods of regulating (e.g., maintaining or reducing) body weight in a subject (e.g., a subject having a healthy BMI, a subject having an overweight BMI, a subject having an obese BMI), using the probiotics and probiotic compositions disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH - OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: Abhinav Prakash Acharya, Steven R. Little
  • Publication number: 20230183321
    Abstract: Methods for the rapid elimination of carbon monoxide (CO) from CO-bound hemoglobin, myoglobin and cytochrome c oxidase in subjects with CO poisoning are described. The disclosed therapy involves the use of rationally designed, modified, regulator of CO metabolism (RcoM) proteins and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, which scavenge carbon monoxide from poisoned tissue. The recombinant RcoM compositions are infused into blood, where they rapidly sequester carbon monoxide and limit the toxic effects of carbon monoxide on cellular respiration, oxygen transport and oxygen utilization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Jason J. Rose, Anthony W. DeMartino, Jesus Tejero Bravo, Mark Thomas Gladwin, Matthew R. Dent
  • Publication number: 20230183825
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention provides a method and reagents for detection of ?-herpesvirus circRNA. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method and reagents for detection of EBV circRNA. In still another embodiment, the invention provides a method and reagents for detection of KSHV circRNA. The method can be expanded to other herpesviruses and even non-herpesviruses that generate circRNA upon cellular infection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2022
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Patrick S. MOORE, Tuna TOPTAN, Yuan CHANG
  • Patent number: 11672757
    Abstract: Hot melt extrusion is disclosed as a process for forming vaginal drug delivery films. The methods involve extruding a composition comprising one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients and one or more polymer carriers at an elevated temperature through a die to thereby provide the film. Films prepared by hot melt extrusion are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: Lisa Cencia Rohan, Galit Regev
  • Patent number: 11672651
    Abstract: Artificial heart valve structures and methods of their fabrication are disclosed. The heart valve structures may be fabricated from a biocompatible polymer and include one or more heart valve leaflet structures incorporated within a conduit. The valve structures may incorporate one or more conduit sinuses, as well as a gap between the lower margin of the valve leaflets and the interior of the conduit. In addition, the valve structures may include one or more valve sinuses created in a space between the valve leaflets and the conduit inner surface. Computational fluid dynamics and mechanical modeling may be used to design the valve leaflets with optimal characteristics. A heart valve structure may also incorporate a biodegradable component to which cells may adhere The incorporated cells may arise from patient cells migrating to the biodegradable component, or the component may be pre-seeded with cells prior to implantation in a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignees: CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
    Inventors: Masahiro Yoshida, C. Douglas Bernstein, Onur Dur, Kerem Pekkan
  • Publication number: 20230176558
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a condition of a mobility system includes a number of sensors coupled to the mobility system, the number of sensors being structured and configured to generate data indicative of use of the mobility system during use, and a controller implementing a trained machine learning system. The controller is structured and configured to receive the data, characterize a lifecycle stage of the mobility system using the trained machine learning system based on at least the received data, and generate an alert for required maintenance for and/or predicted breakdown of the mobility system based on the characterized lifecycle stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh-Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Anand Ashok Mhatre, Jonathan L. Pearlman
  • Publication number: 20230173043
    Abstract: A vaccine is disclosed that promotes CD4+ T cell-independent host defense mechanisms to defend against infection by fungi such as Pneumocystis spp. The vaccine may be used to prevent or to treat fungal infections. The novel vaccine can provide protective immunity, even for immunocompromised individuals such as HIV patients having reduced levels of CD4+ T cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2022
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Applicants: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH - OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION, Board Of Supervisors Of Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
    Inventors: Jay K. Kolls, Michael Zheng, Karen Norris, Heather Kling
  • Publication number: 20230166012
    Abstract: The invention relates to self-assembled organosilane- and small molecule drug-containing coatings for resorbable medical implant devices. The coatings can be prepared from precursor compositions containing an organosilane and a small molecule drug, and can be applied to substrates. Prior to applying the coatings, the surfaces of the substrates can be pretreated. 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: January 13, 2023
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH - OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: ELIA BENIASH, AVINASH PATIL
  • Publication number: 20230157275
    Abstract: In one representative embodiment, a method of perfusing organs in a patient's body is provided. The method comprises isolating the visceral arteries and the visceral veins from blood circulating through the patient's heart and perfusing the visceral arteries, the visceral veins, and the abdominal organs with a perfusion fluid that is fluidly separated from the blood circulating through the patient's heart. While the visceral arteries and the visceral veins are isolated, and the visceral arteries, the visceral veins, and the abdominal organs are being perfused, the patient's blood is allowed to continue to circulate through the heart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2023
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Bryan W. Tillman, Amit D. Tevar, Youngjae Chun
  • Publication number: 20230158504
    Abstract: A digital microfluidic system includes a substrate, a plurality of electrode sets provided on the substrate, wherein each of the electrode sets includes two co-planar interdigitated finger electrodes, and a driving circuit including an AC/DC voltage source and a controller. Each of the electrode sets is individually addressable by the driving circuit under control of the controller such that an AC/DC voltage generated by the AC/DC voltage source may be selectively provided to one or more of the electrode sets. Also, an anti-biofouling electrode for a digital microfluidic system includes an electrode layer, and a slippery liquid infused porous surface structure provided on the electrode layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2023
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: HONGYAO GENG, SUNG KWON CHO
  • Publication number: 20230158305
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for monitoring and regulating physiological states and functions are disclosed. Several embodiments include application of one or more microelectrode arrays to a dorsal root ganglion for measurement of sensory neuron activity, or stimulation of sensory reflex circuits. The methods and apparatuses can be used, for example, for monitoring or controlling bladder function in a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2022
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Douglas Weber, Robert Gaunt, Timothy Bruns
  • Publication number: 20230154465
    Abstract: A method of analyzing instructor discourse includes recording an audio signal representing speech of the instructor during a class session, converting the audio signal to a session transcript comprising speech data for the session using an automatic speech recognition tool and segmenting the transcript into utterances, extracting a set of features from the session transcript, filtering student talk out from the utterances, analyzing a first subset of the features to produce a number of local context predictions for each utterance of the session transcript, analyzing a second subset of the features to produce a number of global context predictions for the session transcript, and combining a subset of the number of local context predictions and the number of global context predictions into a classification that attends to differential reliability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicants: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, a body corporate
    Inventors: SEAN P. KELLY, SIDNEY D'MELLO