Patents Assigned to Vanderbilt University
  • Patent number: 9826904
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting a tissue property. The system comprises a first unit positioned outside a patient body and a second unit positioned inside the patient's body. The first unit includes a first housing, and a magnetic field source supported by the first housing. The second unit includes a second housing, a pressure sensor supported by the second housing, a localization module supported by the second housing, a controller, and a power source. The pressure sensor is configured to detect an indentation force applied to the tissue, and the second unit is configured to wirelessly transmit the indentation force data and localization data to a computer to generate a volumetric stiffness map for the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Pietro Valdastri, Marco Beccani, Christian Di Natali
  • Patent number: 9824440
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a system evaluating a surgical margin of tumor tissues of a living subject. In one embodiment, the system includes a light source configured to emit a source light; at least one optical probe; a scanner; a spectrometer; and a controller coupled with the scanner and the spectrometer for operably controlling the scanner and the spectrometer. In operation, a working end of the optical probe is positioned proximate to a surface of a specimen of the tumor tissues. A source channel of the optical probe deliver the source light emitted by the light source from the working end to the surface of the specimen, and a plurality of collection channels collect from the working end diffused/reflected light generated from interaction of the source light with the specimen. The spectrometer receives the collected diffused/reflected light to evaluate a margin status of the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Anita Mahadevan-Jansen, The-Quyen Nguyen, Xiaohong Bi, Zain Gowani, Ginger Holt, Isaac Pence
  • Patent number: 9821050
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of use comprising a chimeric dengue virus E glycoprotein comprising a dengue virus E glycoprotein backbone, which comprises amino acid substitutions that introduce a dengue virus E glycoprotein domain I and domain II hinge region from a dengue virus serotype that is different from the dengue virus serotype of the dengue virus E glycoprotein backbone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignees: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Aravinda M. De Silva, A. Ruklanthi De Alwis, Wahala M. P. B. Wahala, Ralph S. Baric, William B. Messer, James E. Crowe, Jr., Scott A. Smith
  • Patent number: 9808501
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating diseases associated with dyslipidemia, including hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, steatohepatitis, atherosclerosis, obesity, hyperglycemia, metabolic syndrome, and related aspects of and conditions associated with metabolic syndrome. The compositions and methods disclosed herein are useful for regulating the lipid balance (lipid homeostasis) in a subject. Compositions and methods including a Nuclear Transport Modifier may be administered to a subject to modulate the transport of transcription factors, mediated by nuclear import adaptors, into the nucleus of a cell resulting in a decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood and liver, a decrease in atherosclerotic lesion size, a decrease in body weight and in hyperglycemia, a reduction of fatty liver inflammation, and an improvement in liver function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Jack J. Hawiger, Ruth Ann Veach, Jozef Zienkiewicz, Yan Liu, Robert D. Collins, Amy S. Major
  • Publication number: 20170312255
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of treating, preventing, and/or ameliorating systemic sclerosis, by administration of a therapeutically effective amount of ifetroban or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicants: Cumberland Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Leo Pavliv, James West, Ines Macias-Perez, Erica Carrier
  • Patent number: 9803758
    Abstract: A directional-control valve is typically comprised of a valve spool that slides linearly within a valve body. The valve body typically includes five internal ports, which are covered or exposed as the spool slides within the body. The typical five-internal-port architecture precludes certain combinations of port connectivity when the spool is in the center position. For example, when the spool is in the center position, providing connectivity between the actuator ports, while simultaneously providing fluid isolation of the supply and exhaust ports, is not directly achievable with a standard five-port architecture. This application describes three embodiments that enable the aforementioned port connectivity when the spool is in the center position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Michael Goldfarb, Jason Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9801946
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present inventions comprise composites of polyurethane(s), osteoconductive matrix, and, optionally, a growth factor. Embodiments further comprise methods of making such composite and uses thereof. The osteoconductive matrix can be a tricalcium phosphate, bioglass, or the like, and can include particles that are surface modified. Growth factors can be provided in powder form, including bone morphogenic proteins such as rhBMP-2. A composition may be moldable and/or injectable. After implantation or injection, a composition may be set to form a porous composite that provides mechanical strength and supports the in-growth of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Scott A. Guelcher, Jerald Dumas, Edna M. Prieto, Anne Talley, Andrew Harmata, Katarzyna Zienkiewicz
  • Patent number: 9795640
    Abstract: A method for treating obesity, insulin sensitivity, and related conditions involves administering to the subject a bacterium for overexpressing a N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE) and/or a N-acylethanolamine (NAE). A composition includes a bacterium for overexpressing a N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE) and/or a N-acylethanolamine (NAE); and an ingestible vehicle in which the bacterium is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Sean S. Davies, Zhongyi Chen, Lilu Guo, Yongqin Zhang
  • Patent number: 9790245
    Abstract: Iridium catalysts for nuclear spin polarization enhancement in solution via signal amplification by reversible exchange are provided. The iridium catalysts can be water-soluble iridium catalysts. Also provided are methods for preparing iridium catalysts, and methods of activating and using iridium catalysts for nuclear spin polarization enhancement in solution via signal amplification by reversible exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignees: Vanderbilt University, Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University
    Inventors: Eduard Y. Chekmenev, Boyd M. Goodson, Roman V. Shchepin, Milton L. Truong, Ping He, Quinn A. Best, Fan Shi, Kirsten A. Groome, Aaron M. Coffey
  • Patent number: 9783510
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to N-acetamidoalkyl-5-arylisoxazole-3-carboxamide analogs, derivatives thereof, and related compounds, which are useful as mediators of transcriptional induction of E-cadherin; synthesis methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of treating disorders associated with E-cadherin activity using the compounds and compositions. 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: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Craig W. Lindsley, Alex G. Waterson, R. Daniel Beauchamp
  • Patent number: 9782152
    Abstract: A method for real-time correction of tissue compression for tracked ultrasound includes acquiring an ultrasound image of tissues of interest with an ultrasound probe having a probe surface, where the ultrasound probe is tracked to provide a position and an orientation of the probe surface of the ultrasound probe for the acquired ultrasound image; acquiring intraoperative measurements of the undeformed tissue surface; constructing a generic grid representation of tissues for use with a mathematical model of tissue biomechanics, where the generic grid representation is pre-aligned to the acquired ultrasound image by performing a calibration to the ultrasound probe; determining boundary conditions to the mathematical model represented by the generic grid representation; solving the mathematical model for 3D displacements in the generic grid representation of the tissues; and performing correction of tissue compression by using the reversed and interpolated 3D displacement field on the acquired ultrasound image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Michael I. Miga, Thomas S. Pheiffer
  • Publication number: 20170281453
    Abstract: A apparatus includes an a exoskeleton system with a plurality of sensors for generating signals indicating a current motion and a current arrangement of at least the exoskeleton system, a hip segment, and at least one lower limb. The lower limb includes thigh and shank segments for coupling to a lateral surface of a user's leg. The thigh segment includes a first powered joint coupling the thigh segment to the hip segment, a second powered joint coupling the thigh segment to the shank segment, and a controller coupled to the sensors, the first powered joint, and the second powered joint. The controller is configured for determining a current state of the exoskeleton system and a current intent of the user based on the signals and generating control signals for the first and second powered joints based on the current state and the current intent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Applicant: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Michael GOLDFARB, Ryan J. FARRIS, Hugo A. QUINTERO
  • Patent number: 9775557
    Abstract: Systems and methods for magnetic resonance analysis and imaging are provided. IN particular, pulse sequences for DWI, APT, and MRS analysis and imaging are provided which rely on an RF excitation pulse for the signal of interest, followed by one or more refocusing pulses and acquisition steps, based on the type of imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Zhu He
  • Patent number: 9767573
    Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting and processing physical space data for use while performing an image-guided surgical (IGS) procedure are provided. The system and method includes obtaining a computer model of a non-rigid structure of interest in a patient and performing a rigid alignment of the computer model and surface data in a patient space associated with at least a portion of the non-rigid structure. The system and method also include computing a deformation of the computer model that provides a non-rigid alignment of the computer model and surface data, the deformation computed using a set of boundary conditions defined for each node of the computer model based on the rigid alignment and a kernel function. Additionally, the system and method can include displaying data for facilitating the IGS procedure based on the deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Michael I. Miga, Prashanth Dumpuri
  • Patent number: 9757038
    Abstract: A miniature intraoperative probe (30) capable of forward-imaging with optical coherence tomography. The probe includes a housing (130), an actuator (150) supported by the housing, and a single mode (146) fiber supported by the housing and configured to laterally scan light data reflected from a sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Karen Joos, Jin Hui Shen
  • Patent number: 9757463
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are glycidol-based polymers, nanoparticles, and methods related thereto useful for drug delivery. 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: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Eva M. Harth, Dain B. Beezer, GuangZhao Li, Benjamin R. Spears, David M. Stevens
  • Patent number: 9750620
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling a lower limb device having at least one powered joint. The method includes detecting a stumble event based on one or more sensor signals associated with an overall motion lower limb device, classifying the stumble event based on sensor signals following the sensor signals associated with the stumble event, and selecting a stumble recovery strategy for the lower limb device based on the classification of the stumble event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Michael Goldfarb, Huseyin Atakan Varol, Brian Edward Lawson, Frank Charles Sup
  • Patent number: 9745377
    Abstract: The present invention concerns antibodies that react immunologically with an epitope comprising VDKSRWQQG (SEQ ID NO: 1), including those that bind to cancer cells, and methods relating thereto. In particular, the antibodies that react immunologically with a particular epitope found in anti-tumor antigen antibodies are not only indicative of favorable therapy using the anti-tumor antigen antibodies, but are therapeutic in and of themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Paula R. Pohlmann, Raymond L. Mernaugh, Carlos L. Arteaga
  • Patent number: 9745419
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are glycidol-based polymers, nanoparticles, and methods related thereto useful for a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, drug delivery. 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: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Eva M. Harth, Benjamin R. Spears
  • Patent number: 9744171
    Abstract: Positive allosteric modulators of melanocortin receptors, especially allosteric potentiators of the receptors MC3R and MC4R are described herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing the positive allosteric modulators and methods of treating obesity or an obesity-related disorder such as type 2 diabetes, comprising administering an effective amount of the positive allosteric modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Roger D. Cone, Julien A. Sebag, Jacques Pantel, Savannah Y. Williams, David C. Weaver, Gary A. Sulikowski, Craig W. Lindsley, Padma S. Portonova, Chao Zhang