Abstract: This specification describes systems and methods for using Zero Echo Time (ZTE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences for applications to functional MRI (fMRI). In some examples, a system for functional magnetic resonance imaging includes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner and a control console implemented on at least one processor. The control console is configured for executing, using the MRI scanner, a zero echo time (ZTE) pulse sequence; acquiring, using the MRI scanner, magnetic resonance data in response to the ZTE pulse sequence; and constructing at least one MRI image using the magnetic resonance data and measuring tissue oxygenation (PtO2)-related T1 changes as a proxy of neural activity changes of a subject using the at least one MRI image.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 8, 2022
Date of Patent:
April 16, 2024
Assignee:
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
Inventors:
Yen-Yu Shih, Martin John MacKinnon, Yuncong Ma, Wei-Tang Chang
Abstract: The subject matter described herein relates to methods, systems, and computer readable media for dynamic cluster-based search and retrieval. An example method for dynamic cluster-based search and retrieval occurs at a server.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 2, 2022
Date of Patent:
April 16, 2024
Assignee:
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
Inventors:
Javed Mostafa, Michael Segundo Ortiz, Kazuhiro Seki, Mengqian Wang, Heejun Kim
Abstract: Compact x-ray devices, systems, and methods for capturing in tomosynthesis, two-dimensional radiography, fluoroscopy, and stereotactic imaging modes. In some embodiments, the compact x-ray imaging system includes an x-ray source array including spatially distributed x-ray focal spots and a digital area x-ray detector. In some embodiments, the imaging system includes an electronic switching device configured to alternate the imaging mode of the system. In some embodiments, the imaging system includes a mechanical support configured to enable a position and orientation of the x-ray source array and the digital area x-ray detector to be adjusted such that both upper and lower extremities of a patient can be imaged using various imaging modes while a position of the plurality of spatially distributed x-ray focal spots with respect to the digital area x-ray detector remains unchanged.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 1, 2021
Date of Patent:
April 9, 2024
Assignee:
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
Inventors:
Otto Z. Zhou, Jianping Lu, Yueh Zenas Lee, Christina Inscoe, Alex Billingsley
Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and formulations comprising glutathione with or without thiocyanate and methods of use thereof to treat diseases and disorders in mucosal/epithelial tissue.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 15, 2021
Date of Patent:
March 26, 2024
Assignee:
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Abstract: This invention relates to modified parvovirus inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) that do not functionally interact with wild-type large Rep proteins, synthetic Rep proteins that functionally interact with the modified ITRs, and methods of using the same for delivery of nucleic acids to a cell or a subject. The modifications provide a novel Rep-ITR interaction that limits vector mobilization, increasing the safety of viral vectors.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 1, 2022
Date of Patent:
March 26, 2024
Assignee:
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Abstract: The present disclosure provides a model of human fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC) cells maintained as a transplantable tumor line in a host and a method to establish a transplantable human FL-HCC tumor line. Methods of ex vivo cultures of the FL-HCC are provided. Methods of diagnosing and treating FL-HCC tumors are also provided.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 18, 2018
Date of Patent:
March 19, 2024
Assignee:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Abstract: Compositions and methods of transplanting cells by grafting strategies into solid organs (especially internal organs) are provided. These methods and compositions can be used to repair diseased organs or to establish models of disease states in experimental hosts. The method involves attachment onto the surface of a tissue or organ, a patch graft, a “bandaid-like” covering, containing epithelial cells with supporting early lineage stage mesenchymal cells. The cells are incorporated into soft gel-forming biomaterials prepared under serum-free, defined conditions comprised of nutrients, lipids, vitamins, and regulatory signals that collectively support stemness of the donor cells. The graft is covered with a biodegradable, biocompatible, bioresorbable backing used to affix the graft to the target site. The cells in the graft migrate into and throughout the tissue such that within a couple of weeks they are uniformly dispersed within the recipient (host) tissue.
Type:
Application
Filed:
August 28, 2023
Publication date:
March 14, 2024
Applicant:
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Inventors:
Lola M. Reid, Wencheng Zhang, Eliane Wauthier
Abstract: An apparatus for collecting or culturing cells or cell colonies includes: a common substrate formed from a flexible resilient polymeric material and having a plurality of wells formed therein; and a plurality of rigid cell carriers releasably connected to said common substrate, with said carriers arranged in the form of an array, and with each of the carriers resiliently received in one of the wells. A method of collecting or culturing cells or cell colonies with such an apparatus is carried out by depositing a liquid media carrying cells on the apparatus so that said cells settle on or adhere to said the carriers; and then (c) releasing at least one selected carrier having said cells thereon by gradual application of release energy to each carrier from the cavity in which it is received (e.g., by pushing with a probe).
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 28, 2021
Date of Patent:
March 12, 2024
Assignee:
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Inventors:
Nancy L. Allbritton, Christopher E. Sims, Yuli Wang, Pavak Kirit Shah
Abstract: An array of magnetic or paramagnetic micro-elements comprised of polysilsesquioxane is described having ultra-low-autofluorescence and other optical properties to improve microscopic imaging of cells or other objects present on the array. These materials are also amenable to chemical modification allowing surface attachment of affinity capture moieties or chemical reporters for selective binding or analysis of cells, macromolecules or other targets.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 29, 2018
Date of Patent:
March 5, 2024
Assignees:
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Cell Microsystems, Inc.
Inventors:
Nancy L. Allbritton, Yuli Wang, Christopher E. Sims, Nicholas C. Dobes, Steven C. Gebhart, Nicholas C. Trotta
Abstract: Described herein is an ink solution, comprising: i. a composition having the formula ABX3; ii. a compound having the formula NH2—R1—NH2; and iii. a solvent. Methods for producing polycrystalline perovskite films using the ink solutions described herein in a fast blading process and the use of the films in photoactive and photovoltaic applications are additionally described.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 14, 2020
Date of Patent:
March 5, 2024
Assignee:
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
Abstract: Provided herein are methods of mitigating and/or preventing side effects from chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in a subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a toll-like receptor 2/6 (TLR 2/6) ligand, including fibroblast-stimulating lipopeptide 1 (FSL-1). Methods of treating and/or preventing gastrointestinal disorders are also disclosed. Additionally, methods of increasing granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) production in a subject undergoing a medical treatment, including administering FSL-1 compositions, are provided.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 19, 2018
Date of Patent:
March 5, 2024
Assignee:
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Inventors:
Jenny P.-Y. Ting, Willie June Brickey, Hao Guo, Cathryn Julia Robbins
Abstract: Heparin compounds and synthetic heparin analogues having short acting anticoagulant activity are provided. Methods of synthesizing such heparin compounds, including chemoenzymatic pathways using sulfotransferase enzymes are provided. Methods of treating subjects in need of anticoagulant activity are provided.
Type:
Application
Filed:
July 17, 2023
Publication date:
February 29, 2024
Applicant:
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions of modified oligonucleotide primer and probe combinations, structurally modified with locked nucleic acids, quenchers, and dyes, effective to detect tumor-derived Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and tumor-derived Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and, especially, to distinguish viral DNA derived from tumors from viral DNA derived from infectious viral particles.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 15, 2022
Date of Patent:
February 27, 2024
Assignee:
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Inventors:
Gaorav Gupta, Bhishamjit S. Chera, Sunil Kumar
Abstract: The present disclosure provides AAV capsid proteins comprising a modification in the amino acid sequence and virus capsids and virus vectors comprising the modified AAV capsid protein. The disclosure also provides methods of administering the virus vectors and virus capsids of the disclosure to a cell or to a subject in vivo.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 15, 2018
Date of Patent:
February 20, 2024
Assignee:
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Abstract: The present disclosure relates to bifunctional chemical epigenetic modifiers, and methods of making, kits and using the bifunctional chemical epigenetic modifiers. The bifunctional chemical epigenetic modifiers can include a FK506 molecule or derivative thereof, a linker and a bifunctional ligand. The bifunctional ligand can be a histone deacetylase inhibitor.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 3, 2018
Date of Patent:
February 20, 2024
Assignee:
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
Inventors:
Nate Hathaway, Jian Jin, Kyle Butler, Anna Chiarella
Abstract: Disclosed herein are WD40 repeat domain protein 5 (WDR5) degradation/disruption compounds including a WDR5 ligand, a degradation/disruption tag, and a linker, and methods of using such compounds in the treatment of WDR5-mediated diseases.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 21, 2019
Date of Patent:
February 20, 2024
Assignees:
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Inventors:
Jian Jin, Gang Wang, Jing Liu, Xufen Yu, Dongxu Li
Abstract: Heparin compounds and synthetic heparin analogues having short acting anticoagulant activity are provided. Methods of synthesizing such heparin compounds, including chemoenzymatic pathways using sulfotransferase enzymes are provided. Methods of treating subjects in need of anticoagulant activity are provided.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 12, 2018
Date of Patent:
February 20, 2024
Assignee:
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with substituted phenyl ethynyl pyridine carboxamide compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and methods of treating viral infections due to a Coronavirus such as, for example, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus disease 2019 (SARS-CoV-2), using the compounds. 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:
December 21, 2022
Date of Patent:
February 20, 2024
Assignees:
Southern Research Institute, Vanderbilt University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Inventors:
Syed Kaleem Ahmed, Shilpa Dutta, John Phillip Tillotson, Corinne E. Augelli-Szafran, Ashish Kumar Pathak, Omar Moukha-Chafiq, Timothy Patrick Sheahan, Ralph S. Baric, Amy Catherine Sims, Mark R. Denison
Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle comprising a surface-bound peptide that enhances transduction of cells across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Also disclosed herein is a modified AAV capsid protein comprising an insertion of a polypeptide that enhances transduction of cells across the BBB, and an AAV particle comprising the modified AAV capsid protein. Specific peptides are provided. Pharmaceutical formulations and method of administering/delivering a nucleic acid to a cell of the brain and/or central nervous system are also disclosed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 19, 2018
Date of Patent:
February 20, 2024
Assignee:
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of Formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (II) or (III), salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, as well as therapeutic methods of treatment and prevention.
Type:
Application
Filed:
August 31, 2022
Publication date:
February 15, 2024
Applicants:
GlaxoSmithKline Intellectual Property Development Limited, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, ViiV Healthcare Company
Inventors:
Martha DE LA ROSA, Richard M. DUNHAM, David MARGOLIS, Vincent Wing-Fai TAI, Jun TANG