Patents Assigned to University of Pittsburgh - of the Commonwealth Systems of Higher Education
  • Publication number: 20250069425
    Abstract: A computational systems pathology spatial analysis platform includes: (i) a spatial heterogeneity quantification component configured for generating a global quantification of spatial heterogeneity among cells of varying phenotypes in multi-parameter cellular and subcellular imaging data; (ii) a microdomain identification component configured for identifying a plurality of microdomains for tissue samples based on the global quantification, each microdomain being associated with a a tissue sample; and (iii) a weighted graph component configured for constructing a weighted graph for the multi-parameter cellular and subcellular imaging data, the weighted graph having a plurality of nodes and a plurality of edges each being located between a pair of the nodes, wherein in the weighted graph each node is a particular one of the microdomains and the edge between each pair of microdomains in the weighted graph is indicative of a degree of similarity between the pair of the microdomains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2024
    Publication date: February 27, 2025
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: Srinivas C. Chennubhotla, Filippo Pullara, Douglass L. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20250066444
    Abstract: Glucagon promoters are disclosed herein. In addition, disclosed are recombinant nucleic acid molecules that include a glucagon promoter operably linked to a nucleic acid molecule encoding at least one heterologous protein. Vectors including these recombinant nucleic acid molecules, and host cells transformed with these vectors, are also disclosed. Methods of use for these promoters, recombinant nucleic acid molecules, vectors and host cells are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2023
    Publication date: February 27, 2025
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: George Gittes, Ting Zhang
  • Publication number: 20250065128
    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 6, 2024
    Publication date: February 27, 2025
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Douglas Weber, Robert Gaunt, Timothy Bruns
  • Patent number: 12226400
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are small molecule compounds capable of disrupting Kv2.1-syntaxin binding. The compounds are useful for treating a variety of neurological disorders, diseases, and injuries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: Elias Aizenman, Carlos Jaime Camacho
  • Publication number: 20250052696
    Abstract: Systems and methods using single conductor guided surface electromagnetic (EM) waves to interrogate distant wireless active or passive sensor devices or media surrounding the conductor. The guided waves may be launched on the conductor over a wide frequency range (e.g., MHz to several GHz) using an RF launcher that is connected to an interrogator. Such guided surface EM waves can travel significantly longer distances as compared to the free space propagation of waves because they travel by waveguiding along the conductor surface. Using these waves, power and/or data can be delivered to sensors located on or near the conductor surface, and data can be received from the sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2024
    Publication date: February 13, 2025
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: PAUL R. OHODNICKI, JR., JAGANNATH DEVKOTA, DAVID GREVE
  • Publication number: 20250032044
    Abstract: A method of determining an extent of visual spatial neglect of a patient includes providing a software-based test to the patient via a presentation apparatus positioned on the head of the patient and having a display device positioned close and in front of the eyes of the patient. EEG information is collected from the patient during the test via an EEG apparatus positioned on the head of the patient. Portions of the EEG information collected during the test are used to determine the extent of the visual spatial neglect of the patient. An indication of the extent of the visual spatial neglect of the patient is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2023
    Publication date: January 30, 2025
    Applicants: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION, NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY, THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
    Inventors: Murat Akcakaya, Deniz Kocanaogullari, Emily Grattan, George F. Wittenberg, Jennifer Mak, Sarah Ostadabbas, Xiaofei Huang
  • Publication number: 20250032261
    Abstract: A cranial spring for treatment of craniosynostosis includes two arms that extend from a center point or center portion and have a space or gap disposed between end portions of the arms. Each of the arms can include a foot portion configured to distribute a spring force over a wider surface area of bone relative to conventional cranial springs. In some examples, the arms are linear and extend away from a curved central vertex portion, thereby giving the spring an overall U-shape or V-shape configuration. In other examples, the arms are continuously curved thereby giving the spring an overall circular shape. The spring can be formed from a bioresorbable material that is configured to dissolve after implantation over a specified resorption period, and therefore can be used in cranioplasty without requiring a second surgical procedure for removal thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2024
    Publication date: January 30, 2025
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Jesse A. Goldstein, Justin Beiriger, Henry Weinrieb
  • Publication number: 20250037942
    Abstract: Various perovskite solar cell embodiments include a flexible metal substrate (e.g., including a metal doped TiO2 layer), a perovskite layer, and a transparent electrode layer (e.g., including a dielectric/metal/dielectric structure), wherein the perovskite layer is provided between the flexible metal substrate and the transparent electrode layer. Also, various tandem solar cell embodiments including a perovskite solar cell and either a quantum dot solar cell, and organic solar cell or a thin film solar cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2024
    Publication date: January 30, 2025
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: Jung-Kun Lee, Gillsang Han
  • Publication number: 20250025540
    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: March 25, 2024
    Publication date: January 23, 2025
    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
  • Patent number: 12203830
    Abstract: A sensor system for detecting at least one analyte in an environment includes a dehumidifier system including at least one of a condenser unit and a desiccant unit and a sensor responsive to the analyte in fluid connection with the dehumidifier system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Sean Ihn Young Hwang, Alexander Star, Sung Kwon Cho, Hou-Yu Chen
  • Publication number: 20250017769
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a polymer-based gel implant and methods of making and using the same. The polymer-based gel implant comprises a polymer component and a therapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the polymer-based gel implant can be used to treat and/or prevent retinal diseases and/or retinopathies. The polymer-based gel implant exhibits physical properties that provide the ability to safely place the polymer-based gel implant in an ocular region without undesired diffusion and also to allow for controlled and timely release of the therapeutic agent to a desired region of the ocular region, such as the retina. In particular disclosed embodiments, the polymer-based gel implant can be used for safe and effective gene therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2022
    Publication date: January 16, 2025
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Morgan DiLeo, Leah Byrne, José-Alain Sahel
  • Publication number: 20250014771
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods to produce Ac-225 from Ra-226 using gamma-radiation generator are disclosed herein. The gamma radiation generator can utilize an electronic neutron generator or a nuclear reactor to produce high energy prompt-capture gamma-radiation. The Ra-226 is irradiated by the gamma radiation to produce Ra-225, which decays to produce Ac-225. The method of using electronic neutron generator and an irradiation target material such as Gd-157 to produce high energy gamma radiation without using a continuously decaying radioisotope such as Co-60 could significantly reduce the cost and increase the safety associated with the production of high energy gamma radiation and Ac-225.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Publication date: January 9, 2025
    Applicants: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC, University of Pittsburgh - of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Michael D. Heibel, Brian J. LoPresti, Thomas V. Congedo
  • Publication number: 20250009807
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for preventing and/or treating corneal scarring. The present disclosure further provides kits for performing such methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2024
    Publication date: January 9, 2025
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH - OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: Yiqin DU, Ajay KUMAR
  • Patent number: 12188099
    Abstract: Disclosed are synthetic 71 base pair, partially-double stranded DNA oligonucleotides and methods for their use in the amplification and identification or integrated proviral DNA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: Kevin Joseph, John W. Mellors
  • Publication number: 20250001111
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are endotracheal tubes that have multiple inflatable cuffs to help form a seal for ventilation, to reduce unwanted migration of the tube relative to the patient, reduce focalized pressure from a single cuff, and to help prevent aspiration of materials between the outside of the tube and the tracheal walls. Some devices include first and second distal cuffs for placement within the trachea and a proximal third cuff for blocking the entrance to the trachea. The cuffs can include ridges or textures to enhance sealing. The device can also include inflation channels, vacuum channels, and pressure sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2022
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Applicants: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, UPMC
    Inventors: Carl H. Snyderman, Nikki Cwalina, Brinden Elton, Maxwell Baxter, Garrett N. Coyan
  • Publication number: 20250001009
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed herein for promoting survival of a donor liver in a recipient subject, wherein the donor liver is homozygous for rs738409:G mutation in the patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) gene. The method can include administering to the subject glutathione (GSH) and/or a nucleic acid molecule encoding a component of the ferroptosis pathway (such as GPX4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Applicants: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, Regents of the University of Michigan, Kyushu University, National University Corporation
    Inventors: Alejandro Soto-Gutierrez, Kazuki Takeishi, Kazutoyo Morita, Nils Haep, Rodrigo Machado Florentino, Abhinav Achreja, Deepak Nagrath, Olamide Animasahun, Tomoharu Yoshizumi
  • Publication number: 20250002549
    Abstract: Recombinant C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) peptides modified to introduce a cleavage site for a protease, such as a protease activated during an inflammatory response, are described. The CXCL peptides have the capacity to activate CXCR3 until being cleaved by the protease. Proteolytic cleavage of the CXCL peptide minimizes the pro-inflammatory response and inhibits the development of fibrosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2024
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventor: Alan H. Wells
  • Publication number: 20240425559
    Abstract: Recombinant TGF-?2 monomers engineered to prevent dimerization and block TGF-? signaling are described. The engineered monomers lack the ability to bind and recruit TGF-? type I receptor (TbRI), but retain the capacity to bind the high affinity TGF-? type II receptor (TbRII). The TGF-?2 monomers also include additional modifications that increase their affinity for TbRII, reduce their aggregation and/or improve their folding. Nucleic acid molecules and vectors encoding the recombinant TGF-?2 monomers are also described. Isolated cells, such as T cells, can be re-programmed with a TGF-?2 monomer-encoding nucleic acid or vector to secrete the monomer. Use of the recombinant TGF-?2 monomers and/or cells producing the recombinant TGF-?2 monomers, to inhibit TGF-? signaling, such as to treat disorders associated with aberrant TGF-? signaling, are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2022
    Publication date: December 26, 2024
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Andrew P. Hinck, Kristin DePeaux, Greg M. Delgoffe
  • Publication number: 20240423941
    Abstract: A method including administering a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic agent to a subject for improving exercise performance, treating obesity, fatty liver, rhabdomyolysis, Leigh syndrome, mitochondrial Complex I deficiency, fatty acid oxidation disorders, lactic acidosis, metformin toxicity, ischemic acute kidney injury, or nephrotoxin-induced kidney injury, wherein the therapeutic agent is a straight-chain saturated dicarboxylic acid of 8 to 12 carbons in length, a triglyceride made from a straight-chain saturated dicarboxylic acid of 8 to 12 carbons in length, a metabolic intermediate produced during the catabolic chain-shortening of a straight-chain dicarboxylic acid of 8 to 12 carbons in length, a salt thereof, or a mixture thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2022
    Publication date: December 26, 2024
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Sunder Sims-Lucas, Eric S. Goetzman
  • Publication number: 20240412889
    Abstract: Described is a method comprising directing an ultra-low voltage electron beam to a surface of a first insulating layer. The first insulating layer is disposed on a second insulating layer. The method includes modifying, by the application of the ultra-low voltage electron beam, the surface of the first insulating layer to selectively switch an interface between a first state having a first electronic property and a second state having a second electronic property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2023
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventor: Jeremy Levy