Patents Assigned to United States of America Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Patent number: 9241667
    Abstract: System, assembly and method are provided to facilitate reconstruction of cardiac information representing a complex rhythm disorder associated with a patient's heart to indicate a source of the heart rhythm disorder. The complex rhythm disorder can be treated by application of energy to modify the source of the rhythm disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, Topera, Inc., The United States of America as Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of General Counsel
    Inventors: Sanjiv Narayan, Ruchir Sehra
  • Patent number: 9226904
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the co-administration of two neurotransmitter agonists to patients with motor disorders, for the purpose of symptom reduction. In particular the present invention provides methods and compositions for alleviation of akinesia, rigidity and/or tremor associated with Parkinson's disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: William A. Wolf, Erik D. Istre
  • Patent number: 9220427
    Abstract: In a system and method for reconstructing cardiac activation information, an analysis cardiac signal and a reference cardiac signal are processed to determine a first point of change in a derivative of the analysis cardiac signal with respect to a derivative of the reference cardiac signal. The analysis cardiac signal and the reference cardiac signal are processed to determine a second point of change in a different derivative of the analysis cardiac signal with respect to a different derivative of the reference cardiac signal. An activation onset time is assigned in the analysis cardiac signal at a point based on a mathematical association of the first point of change and the second point of change to define cardiac activation indicating a beat in the analysis cardiac signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, Topera, Inc., The United States of America as Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the General Counsel
    Inventors: Sanjiv Narayan, Carey Robert Briggs, Ruchir Sehra
  • Patent number: 9173930
    Abstract: Methods for detecting an infection with Mtb in a subject are disclosed. The methods include detecting the presence of CD8+ T cells that specifically recognize an Mtb polypeptide. The methods include in vitro assays for detecting the presence of CD8+ T cells in a biological sample, and in vivo assays that detect a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction. The methods also include detecting Mtb polypeptides and polynucleotides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignees: Oregon Health & Science University, The United States of America as Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: David M. Lewinsohn, Deborah A. Lewinsohn
  • Patent number: 9173917
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for reducing oxidative stress in a cell, increasing glutathione levels in a cell, increasing L-cysteine levels in a cell and reducing hepatocytotoxicity by contacting a cell with a sulfhydryl protected glutathione prodrug or a sulfhydryl protected cysteine prodrug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignees: Max International, LLC, The United States of America as represented by the Department of Veteran Affairs
    Inventors: Herbert T. Nagasawa, Jonathan F. Cohen
  • Patent number: 9168275
    Abstract: The invention includes a method of treating gastrointestinal diseases associated with species of genus Clostridium such as clostridium deficit in human patients with gastrointestinal disorders having an etiological component such as a microbial agent producing a toxin where treated with an antimicrobial composition an amount effective to inhibit or eliminate the microbial agent. The antimicrobial composition in a form of probiotic mixture can be administrated alone or in combination with an antimicrobial agent, such as a bacteriophage which is specific for a bacterium producing toxin or antibiotics which are then used to eliminate or inhibit the clostridial species overgrown in a patient's gastrointestinal tract. Disorders that can be treated by the method of the invention include diarrhea or inflammatory bowel diseases such as colitis or Crohn's disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventor: Sydney M. Finegold
  • Publication number: 20150257710
    Abstract: An example system and method of reconstructing cardiac activation information are disclosed. In accordance therewith, there are accessed pairs of cardiac signals out of a plurality of cardiac signals obtained from a patient. The pairs have a first cardiac signal that is common among the pairs and second cardiac signals that are different among the pairs. The first cardiac signal and the second cardiac signals of the pairs are processed to identify points of change in the first cardiac signal at which a derivative of the first cardiac signal diverges with respect to derivatives of the second cardiac signals. An activation onset time is assigned at a point in the first cardiac signal based on correspondence of the points of change to define a cardiac activation indicating a beat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Gen
    Inventors: Sanjiv Narayan, Carey Robert Briggs
  • Patent number: 9133250
    Abstract: The invention relates to three isolated DNA molecules that encode for proteins, BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3, in the Leptospira sp bacterium which have repetitive Bacterial-Ig-like (Big) domains and their use in diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine applications. According to the present invention, the isolated molecules encoding for BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3 proteins are used for the diagnosis and prevention of infection with Leptospira species that are capable of producing disease in humans and other mammals, including those of veterinary importance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignees: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc., The Regents of the University of California, The United States of America represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz—FIOCRUZ
    Inventors: Albert I. Ko, Mitermayer Galvão Reis, Julio Henrique Rosa Croda, Isadora Cristina Siqueira, David A. Haake, James Matsunaga, Lee W. Riley, Michele Barocchi, Tracy Ann Young
  • Patent number: 9133460
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for determining whether a subject is suffering from a rheumatoid arthritis associated with the BRAF oncogene comprising contacting isolated fibroblasts from the subject with a molecule or pool of molecules directed to the BRAF oncogene; and culturing the sample in the presence of the agent and determining whether BRAF oncogene expression by the cell is decreased and/or whether cells in the sample return to a less transformed phenotype, exhibit decreased cell proliferation and/or exhibit increased contact inhibition, any of which is indicative that the subject is suffering from a rheumatoid arthritis associated with the BRAF oncogene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventor: Richard H. Weisbart
  • Patent number: 9133230
    Abstract: A patentable new class of hydrazone derivative compounds is described, as are methods for synthesizing such compounds. The hydrazones of the invention can be used, for example, as potent anti-cancer agents, including to inhibit the growth of cancer cells that exhibit multidrug resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
    Inventors: Hiremagular N. Jayaram, Praveen Kusumanchi, Mario Grifantini, Palmarisa Franchetti, Loredana Cappellacci, Riccardo Petrelli
  • Patent number: 9107932
    Abstract: A composition comprising a novel Ca2+-activated, [ATP]i-sensitive nonspecific cation (NCCa-ATP) channel is described. The channel is found in mammalian neural cells and exhibits a different sensitivity to block by various adenine nucleotides, and is activated by submicromolar [Ca]i. The NCCa-ATP channel is activated under conditions of ATP depletion, which causes severe cell depolarization, followed by cell swelling. The NCCa-ATP channel is regulated by a sulfonylurea receptor and is inhibited by sulfonylurea compounds glibenclamide and tolbutamide. Methods employing compositions comprising the NCCa-ATP channel to screen for compounds that block the channel and the use of such antagonists as therapeutics in preventing brain swelling and damage are described. In addition, methods employing compositions comprising the Kir2.3 channel to screen for compounds that open the channel and the use of such antagonists as therapeutics in preventing brain swelling and damage are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignees: University of Maryland, Baltimore, The United States of America as Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: J. Marc Simard, Mingkui Chen
  • Patent number: 9107600
    Abstract: An example method of representing cardiac information associated with a heart rhythm disorder is disclosed. The method includes accessing a plurality of neighboring cardiac signals obtained from a patient. The method also includes eliminating far-field activations from the plurality of neighboring cardiac signals using one or more divergence criteria that define local activations in the plurality of neighboring cardiac signals, the divergence criteria being associated with divergence among the plurality of neighboring cardiac signals. The method further includes constructing a clinical representation of local activations in the plurality of neighboring cardiac signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, Topera, Inc., The United States of America as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: Sanjiv Narayan, Carey Robert Briggs
  • Patent number: 9101520
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel approach to improving the use of wheelchairs by offering the ability for the wheelchair to transition between accommodation for a seated position, and accommodation for a standing position, more particularly, wherein the inventive mobile manual standing wheelchair allows for a standing position during the course of mobile use, and which also permits the user to traverse narrow entrances and doorframes, and also allows the user to have improved access in front for elevated surfaces such as countertops and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignees: The United States of America, as Represented by the Department of Veterans Affair, The Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Gary D. Goldish, Andrew Hansen, Eric A. Nickel
  • Patent number: 9089269
    Abstract: System, assembly and method are provided to facilitate reconstruction of cardiac information representing a complex rhythm disorder associated with a patient's heart to indicate a source of the heart rhythm disorder. The complex rhythm disorder can be treated by application of energy to modify the source of the rhythm disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, Topera, Inc., The United States of America as Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of General Counsel
    Inventors: Sanjiv Narayan, Ruchir Sehra
  • Publication number: 20150205985
    Abstract: The invention provides method for organizing the disinfection of one or more items contaminated with biological agent(s) comprising (a) attaching a radio-frequency ID (RFID) tag to an item(s) to be disinfected; exposing the item(s) of (a) to a disinfecting means for a period sufficient to disinfect the item; and (c) obtaining a signal from the tagged item when disinfection is complete thereby organizing the disinfection of one or more items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventor: Chetan Jinadatha
  • Patent number: 9084761
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of cardiovascular diseases. In particular, the present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for treating cardiovascular diseases by administration of a cytokine alone, or in conjunction with other therapeutic agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, The United States of America Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: Yerem Yeghiazarians, Joel S. Karliner, Andrew Boyle, Franca Angeli, Jean-Philippe Coppe
  • Patent number: 9079936
    Abstract: Derivatives of a novel antiproliferative factor comprising a glycopeptide is disclosed. In specific embodiments, the novel antiproliferative factor is associated with the bladder. Compositions, diagnostic kits and reagents, and methods of using the compounds for identifying and/or treating interstitial cystitis and cancer are disclosed. In particular embodiments, the glycopeptide comprises D-proline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignees: University of Maryland, Baltimore, The Government of the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, The United States of America as Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: Susan K. Keay, Zoltan Szekely, Maria Michejda
  • Patent number: 9079974
    Abstract: There are provided a novel series of peptide analogs of hGH-RH(1-29)NH2 and hGH-RH(1-30)NH2 which show high activities in stimulating the release of pituitary GH in animals. They retain their physiological activity in solution for extended periods of time and resist enzymic degradation in the body. These novel and useful properties appear to be due to novel substitution patterns ant at the 1, 15, 27 and 29 positions on the peptide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignees: The University of Miami, The United States of America, represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: Andrew V Schally, Ren Zhi Cai, Marta Zarandi
  • Patent number: 9078915
    Abstract: A method of detecting prostate tumorigenesis in a subject, the method including the steps of (a) obtaining a sample from the prostate of the human subject, (b) detecting quantitatively or semi-quantitatively in the sample a level of expression for PKC-? and (c) comparing the expression level in (b) to a level of expression in a normal control, wherein overexpression of PKC-?, with respect to the control, indicates the presence of prostate cancer in the subject. The present invention is based upon the discovery that PKC-? levels are elevated during prostate tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the proliferation rate of the tumor correlates with the level of PKC-?. The invention also provides methods of treating prostate cancer by administering to the subject a compound that inhibits the expression of PKC-?. The compound can be a small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignees: University of South Florida, The United States of America as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: Mildred Enid Acevedo-Duncan, Hla Y. Win, Raoul Salup
  • Patent number: 9072709
    Abstract: The use of autogenous bone graft is the current gold standard in the 1.5 million bone-grafting surgeries performed annually in the United States. Although this practice has resulted in high rates of fusion success, it is associated with increased operative time and blood loss, along with a significant degree of donor-site morbidity. Additionally, in certain settings such as revision cases, multilevel constructs, or in patients with medical comorbidities, autogenous bone graft may exist in limited quantity and quality. This significant need for a suitable alternative to autogenous bone graft has stimulated great interest in the exploration of bone graft substitutes and extenders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, The United States of America Represented by The Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: Samuel S. Murray, Elsa Murray, Jeffrey Wang, Keyvan Behnam