The United States Government as Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160120944 | SYSTEMIC AND LOCAL EX VIVO GENE THERAPY OF THE SKELETON - Methods are disclosed herein for increasing bone mass and strength or bone fracture healing in a subject. The methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of multipotent stem cells, wherein each multipotent stem cell is transformed with a recombinant nucleic acid molecule comprising a heterologous promoter operably linked to a nucleic acid encoding platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) B, and wherein the multipotent stem cells express a sufficient amount of PDGFB to increase bone mass and strength or bone fracture healing. A lentiviral vector also is disclosed that includes a phosphoglycerate kinase-1 (PGK) promoter operably linked to a nucleic acid encoding PDGFB. | 05-05-2016 |
20160113555 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE SCREENING AND MONITORING OF INNER EAR FUNCTION - Methods and systems for monitoring or testing the hearing of a user using a portable unit include presenting a plurality of test frequencies for selection by a user and storing data about those frequencies, and the user's response to stimuli presented at those frequencies, and comparing the stored data to previously acquired hearing data. Using mathematical prediction algorithms, changes in baseline hearing values can be used to identify potential hearing issues, especially hearing issues associated with ototoxicity. | 04-28-2016 |
20160106767 | USE OF PKC-IOTA INHIBITORS FOR THE TREATMENT OF BREAST CANCER - The subject invention pertains to uses of PKC-iota inhibitors for treatment of breast cancer. In one embodiment, the subject invention provides novel uses of 1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide, 5-amino-1-[2,3 -dihydroxy-4-[(phosphonooxy) methyl]cyclopentyl]-,[1R-(1α, 2β, 3β, 4α)] (ICA-1) and related compounds for treatment of breast cancer. The compounds of the subject invention have potent anti-proliferative effects against human breast cancer cells. The compounds of the subject invention also inhibit the phosphorylation of IKK-α/IKK-β, induce chromatin condensation, and/or induce DNA fragmentation in cancer cells. | 04-21-2016 |
20160103127 | METHODS FOR DETECTING A MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS INFECTION - Methods for detecting an infection with Mtb in a subject are disclosed. The methods include detecting the presence of CD8 | 04-14-2016 |
20160102132 | MONOMERIC RECOMBINANT MHC MOLECULES USEFUL FOR MANIPULATION OF ANTIGEN-SPECIFIC T-CELLS - The present invention provides, in particular embodiments, for modified recombinant T cell receptor (TCR) ligands (RTLs) comprising a MHC class I or MHC class II component. The modified RTLs have redesigned surface features that preclude or reduce aggregation, wherein the modified molecules retain the ability to bind Ag-peptides, target antigen-specific T cells, inhibit T cell proliferation in an Ag-specific manner and have utility to treat, inter alia, autoimmune disease and other conditions mediated by antigen-specific T cells in vivo. | 04-14-2016 |
20160003825 | USE OF PKC-ZETA AS A BREAST CANCER TUMORIGENIC BIOMARKER AS WELL AS A TARGET FOR TREATMENT OF BREAST CANCER - The present invention provides use of protein kinase C-zeta (PKC-ζ) as a diagnostic biomarker for breast cancer tumorigenesis. Also provided are uses of PKC-zeta inhibitors for inhibiting breast cancer tumorigenesis and for treatment of breast cancer. | 01-07-2016 |
20150343055 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS USING RECOMBINANT MHC MOLECULES FOR THE TREATMENT OF STROKE - Two-domain MHC polypeptides are useful for modulating activities of antigen-specific T-cells, including for modulating pathogenic potential and effects of antigen-specific T-cells. Exemplary MHC class II-based recombinant T-cell ligands (RTLs) of the invention include covalently linked β1 and α1 domains, and MHC class I-based molecules that comprise covalently linked α1 and α2 domains. These polypeptides may also include covalently linked antigenic determinants, toxic moieties, and/or detectable labels. The disclosed polypeptides can be used to target antigen-specific T-cells, and are useful, among other things, to detect and purify antigen-specific T-cells, to induce or activate T-cells, to modulate T-cell activity, including by regulatory switching of T-cell cytokine and adhesion molecule expression, to treat conditions mediated by antigen-specific T-cells, including treatment and/or prevention of central nervous system damage relating to stroke. | 12-03-2015 |
20150246010 | HISTONE ACETYL TRANSFERASE ACTIVATORS AND HISTONE DEACETYLASE INHIBITORS IN THE TREATMENT OF ALCOHOLISM - The present invention relates to the reduction of a symptom of an alcohol withdrawal state comprising administering a modulator of histone acetylation. | 09-03-2015 |
20150240219 | METHODS FOR ACCELERATING BONE REPAIR - Vectors, such as retroviral vectors and transposon-based nonviral vectors, are disclosed herein that can be used to target transgene expression to the proliferating periosteal cells and cells in the marrow space after bone fracture. In one embodiment, these vectors include a human Cox-2 gene that is modified to improve mRNA stability and protein translation by truncating the 3′ untranslated region (UTR). In addition, in some embodiments, the native translation signal is replaced with an optimized Kozak sequence. These vectors can be used alone or with vectors expressing BMP2/4, FGF-2, or LMP-1 gene to repair bone fractures and increase prostaglandin secretion. Methods for identifying agents that accelerate bone repair are also disclosed. | 08-27-2015 |
20150202276 | METHODS FOR PRODUCING AN IMMUNE RESPONSE TO TUBERCULOSIS - Methods for producing an immune response to | 07-23-2015 |
20150119332 | ISOFORM-SELECTIVE INHIBITORS AND ACTIVATORS OF PDE3 CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDE PHOSPHODIESTERASES - The present invention concerns methods and compositions related to type 3 phosphodiesterases (PDE3). Certain embodiments concern isolated peptides corresponding to various PDE3A isoforms and/or site-specific mutants of PDE3A isoforms, along with expression vectors encoding such isoforms or mutants. In specific embodiments, methods for identifying isoform-selective inhibitors or activators of PDE3 are provided, along with methods of use of such inhibitors or activators in the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension and/or other medical conditions related to PDE3 effects on cAMP levels in different intracellular compartments. In particular, techniques are disclosed herein relating to the identification of a test compound that binds to an isolated polypeptide such as PDE3A2 and assaying the test compound for its ability to exhibit superior ability to interfere with binding of the isolated polypeptide when compared with at least a second isolated polypeptide such as of PDE3A1 and methods of treatment of cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension involving the resulting test compound. | 04-30-2015 |
20150099706 | TREATMENT OF ISCHEMIC STROKE WITH DRa1-MOG-35-55 - Methods and compositions used in treating ischemic stroke using a recombinant DRα-MOG-35-55 construct are disclosed. The disclosed methods involve administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising DRα-MOG-35-55 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to a subject that has had or is at risk of developing ischemic stroke. | 04-09-2015 |
20150098956 | RECOMBINANT POLYPEPTIDES COMPRISING MHC CLASS II a1 DOMAINS - Recombinant polypeptides comprising a DRα1 domain, an antigenic peptide, and a linker sequence are disclosed. The linker sequence comprises a first glycine-serine spacer, a thrombin cleavage site and a second glycine-serine spacer. Further disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the recombinant polypeptides, methods of treating inflammatory disease using said pharmaceutical compositions, and expression constructs comprising nucleic acids that encode the recombinant polypeptides. | 04-09-2015 |
20150038464 | METHODS OF INCREASING LIGHT RESPONSIVENESS IN A SUBJECT WITH RETINAL DEGENERATION - Disclosed herein are methods of increasing retinal responsiveness to light in a subject, such as a subject with retinal degeneration. The disclosed methods include administering one or more compounds that decrease or inhibit γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling to a subject with retinal degeneration. In some embodiments, the methods include selecting a subject with retinal degeneration and administering a γ-aminobutyric acid C (GABA | 02-05-2015 |
20150037363 | RECOMBINANT T-CELL RECEPTOR LIGAND FOR THE TREATMENT OF COGNITIVE AND NEUROPSYCHIATRIC IMPAIRMENT INDUCED BY SUBSTANCE ADDICTION - Methods are provided for the treatment of subjects with cognitive or neuropsychiatric impairment induced by substance addiction and for increasing cognitive function in a subject with substance addiction. In some embodiments, the methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule including covalently linked first, second, and third domains; wherein the first domain is an MHC class II β1 domain and the second domain is an MHC class II α1 domain; or wherein the first domain is an MHC class I α1 domain and the second domain is an MHC class I α2 domain; and wherein the third domain is covalently linked to the first domain and comprises an antigen of the central or peripheral nervous system. | 02-05-2015 |
20140350047 | ISOFORM-SELECTIVE INHIBITORS AND ACTIVATORS OF PDE3 CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDE PHOSPHODIESTERASES - The present invention concerns methods and compositions related to type 3 phosphodiesterases (PDE3). Certain embodiments concern isolated peptides corresponding to various PDE3A isoforms and/or site-specific mutants of PDE3A isoforms, along with expression vectors encoding such isoforms or mutants. In specific embodiments, methods for identifying isoform-selective inhibitors or activators of PDE3 are provided, along with methods of use of such inhibitors or activators in the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension and/or other medical conditions related to PDE3 effects on cAMP levels in different intracellular compartments. | 11-27-2014 |
20140256917 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR OSTEOGENIC GENE THERAPY - The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for increasing bone growth and/or enhancing wound healing, for example, fracture repair. The disclosure provides recombinant nucleic acids useful for promoting bone growth. For example, the disclosure provides recombinant nucleic acids that encode a fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) analog. The disclosure also provides vectors and cells incorporating these nucleic acids, as well as FGF-2 analogs encode by them. The disclosure also provides a mouse system of bone marrow transplantation and methods for producing as well as methods for using the system. Methods for inducing division and/or inducing differentiation of a hematopoietic stem cell are also provided, as are methods for enhancing bone growth and/or wound repair (for example, fracture repair). | 09-11-2014 |
20140220547 | Methods and Compositions for Vein Harvest and Autografting - The leading cause of graft failure is the subsequent development of intimal hyperplasia, which represents a response to injury that is thought to involve smooth muscle proliferation, migration, phenotypic modulation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Surgical techniques typically employed for vein harvest—stretching the vein, placing the vein in low pH, solutions, and the use of toxic surgical skin markers—are shown here to cause injury. The invention therefore provides for non-toxic surgical markers than also protect against stretch-induced loss of functional viability, along with other additives. Devices and compositions for reducing physical stress or protecting from the effects flowing therefrom, also are provided. | 08-07-2014 |
20140109944 | Self Leveling Walker - This invention relates to a self leveling walker to assist persons who have insufficient strength or movement in their legs when standing and walking on uneven surfaces, and for traversing ramps and stairs. The inventive self leveling walker includes a frame assembly with a leveling assembly for adapting the relative length of the four legs of the walker to accommodate a substantially constant level of the walker so that the user may maintain an erect standing posture at all times, without the need to lean forward or back to accommodate uneven surfaces. The invention employs a fluid or gas based circuit between the front and back walker legs on each respective side, so as to shorten or lengthen each front and back leg with respect to each other, thereby maintaining the overall level of the walker on the subject surface being traversed. | 04-24-2014 |
20140065208 | PROSTATE CARCINOGENESIS PREDICTOR - 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-ι and (c) comparing the expression level in (b) to a level of expression in a normal control, wherein overexpression of PKC-ι, with respect to the control, indicates the presence of prostate cancer in the subject. The present invention is based upon the discovery that PKC-ι levels are elevated during prostate tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the proliferation rate of the tumor correlates with the level of PKC-ι. The invention also provides methods of treating prostate cancer by administering to the subject a compound that inhibits the expression of PKC-ι. The compound can be a small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecule. | 03-06-2014 |
20140056936 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS USING RECOMBINANT MHC MOLECULES FOR THE TREATMENT OF STROKE - Two-domain MHC polypeptides are useful for modulating activities of antigen-specific T-cells, including for modulating pathogenic potential and effects of antigen-specific T-cells. Exemplary MHC class II-based recombinant T-cell ligands (RTLs) of the invention include covalently linked β1 and α1 domains, and MHC class I-based molecules that comprise covalently linked α1 and α2 domains. These polypeptides may also include covalently linked antigenic determinants, toxic moieties, and/or detectable labels. The disclosed polypeptides can be used to target antigen-specific T-cells, and are useful, among other things, to detect and purify antigen-specific T-cells, to induce or activate T-cells, to modulate T-cell activity, including by regulatory switching of T-cell cytokine and adhesion molecule expression, to treat conditions mediated by antigen-specific T-cells, including treatment and/or prevention of central nervous system damage relating to stroke. | 02-27-2014 |
20140011811 | MYOSIN BINDING PROTEIN-C FOR USE IN METHODS RELATING TO DIASTOLIC HEART FAILURE - The invention provides methods relating to the diagnosis and treatment of diastolic heart failure, kits for diagnosing diastolic heart failure or diastolic dysfunction, and related systems, computer readable storage media, and methods implemented by a processor in a computer. | 01-09-2014 |
20130316338 | CCR6 As A Biomarker of Alzheimer's Disease - Disclosed are methods used to diagnose Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a subject. The methods involve determining the amount of chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) expressed in a biological sample. Expression of CCR6 in the sample that exceeds a threshold level of expression signifies that the subject has AD, even if the subject has not yet developed symptoms of AD. The methods may also be used to monitor the effectiveness of an AD treatment. Kits that facilitate the use of the methods are also disclosed. | 11-28-2013 |
20130309229 | RECOMBINANT T CELL LIGANDS AND ANTIBODIES THAT BIND B CELLS FOR THE TREATMENT OF AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES - Methods are disclosed for treating or inhibiting an autoimmune disease in a subject. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of one or more Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules including covalently linked first, second and third domains; wherein the first domain is an MHC class II β1 domain and the second domain is an MHC class II α1 domain, wherein the amino terminus of the α1 domain is covalently linked to the carboxy terminus of the β1 domain; or wherein the first domain is an MHC class I α1 domain and the second domain is an MHC class I α2 domain, wherein the amino terminus of the α2 domain is covalently linked to the carboxy terminus of the α1 domain; and wherein the third domain is covalently linked to the first domain and comprises an antigen associated with the autoimmune disorder. The method also includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of one or more antibodies that bind to B cells, for example an antibody that specifically binds CD20. In specific non-limiting examples, the autoimmune disease is multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis. | 11-21-2013 |
20130274628 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE SCREENING AND MONITORING OF INNER EAR FUNCTION - Methods and systems for monitoring or testing the hearing of a user using a portable unit include presenting a plurality of test frequencies for selection by a user and storing data about those frequencies, and the user's response to stimuli presented at those frequencies, and comparing the stored data to previously acquired hearing data. Using mathematical prediction algorithms, changes in baseline hearing values can be used to identify potential hearing issues, especially hearing issues associated with ototoxicity. | 10-17-2013 |
20130190221 | MONOMERIC RECOMBINANT MHC MOLECULES USEFUL FOR MANIPULATION OF ANTIGEN-SPECIFIC T-CELLS - The present invention provides, in particular embodiments, for modified recombinant T cell receptor (TCR) ligands (RTLs) comprising a MHC class I or MHC class II component. The modified RTLs have redesigned surface features that preclude or reduce aggregation, wherein the modified molecules retain the ability to bind Ag-peptides, target antigen-specific T cells, inhibit T cell proliferation in an Ag-specific manner and have utility to treat, inter alia, autoimmune disease and other conditions mediated by antigen-specific T cells in vivo. | 07-25-2013 |
20130189690 | SCN5A Splice Variants for Use in Methods Relating to Sudden Cardiac Death and Need for Implanted Cardiac Defibrillators - Provided herein are methods of determining a subject's need for an implanted cardiac defibrillator, methods of determining a subject's risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD), arrhythmias, or heart failure, methods of determining a subject's need for an anti-arrhythmic agent, e.g., a sodium channel blocker, and methods of reducing risk of SCD in a subject. In exemplary embodiments, each of the methods comprise the step of determining a ratio, R | 07-25-2013 |
20130189366 | DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE - Disclosed herein are systems for delivery of one or more molecules (such as a drug, for example, a small molecule, polypeptide, and/or nucleic acid) to a subject, for example to a targeted location in the subject. In some embodiments, the delivery system includes an encapsulated inducing agent or repressing agent and a plurality of cells. In some examples, the inducing agent or repressing agent and the cells are each separately encapsulated. In other examples, the encapsulated inducing agent or repressing agent and the cells are co-encapsulated. The cells include one or more genes which are operably linked to an inducible promoter or a repressible promoter which is inducible or repressible by the encapsulated inducing agent or repressing agent, respectively. Methods of use of the delivery systems, for example to treat or inhibit a disease or disorder in a subject, are also disclosed. | 07-25-2013 |
20130189257 | USE OF PKC-IOTA INHIBITORS FOR THE TREATMENT OF BREAST CANCER - The subject invention pertains to uses of PKC-iota inhibitors for treatment of breast cancer. In one embodiment, the subject invention provides novel uses of 1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide, 5-amino-1-[2,3 -dihydroxy-4-[(phosphonooxy) methyl]cyclopentyl]-,[1R-(1α, 2β, 3β, 4α)] (ICA-1) and related compounds for treatment of breast cancer. The compounds of the subject invention have potent anti-proliferative effects against human breast cancer cells. The compounds of the subject invention also inhibit the phosphorylation of IKK-α/IKK-β, induce chromatin condensation, and/or induce DNA fragmentation in cancer cells. | 07-25-2013 |
20130180557 | Vertical Lift Walker for Sit to Stand Transition Assistance - This invention relates to a lift to assist in standing and/or walking for persons who have insufficient strength or movement in their legs. The inventive lift walker includes a frame assembly having a lower an upper and lower portion that wheels are provided beneath the lower frame so as to enable the lift to be propelled and maneuvered. A bracing assembly is provided at the upper portion and comprises a supporting platform which is adapted to fit under the forearms of a person, and optional handles for gripping by the user's left and right hands. An elevator assembly is provided which includes lift and stabilization tracks for raising and lowering the supporting assembly in a coordinated, purely vertical fashion, and further includes gas lift means for effectuating the same via use of a remotely switched activation mechanism. There are also anti-tip means for maintaining the stability of the device when contacting uneven ground surface during movement. | 07-18-2013 |
20130165554 | Dynamic Mechanical Polymer Nanocomposites - Polymer nanocomposites exhibit a reversible change in stiffness and strength in response to a stimulus. The polymer nanocomposites include a matrix polymer with a comparably low modulus and strength and nanoparticles that have a comparably high modulus and strength. The particle-particle interactions are switched by the stimulus, to change the overall material's mechanical properties. In a preferred embodiment, a chemical regulator Is used to facilitate changes of the mechanical properties. Methods for inducing modulus changes in polymer nanocomposites are also disclosed. | 06-27-2013 |
20130109951 | System for Screening the Skin Condition of the Plantar Surface of the Feet | 05-02-2013 |
20120232037 | TREATMENT OF OBESITY, METABOLIC SYNDROME, AND DIABETES WITH PROTEIN KINASE C INHIBITORS - Disclosed herein are methods for treating obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or a combination of these conditions. The methods include selecting a subject with obesity, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound that specifically inhibits hepatic protein kinase C (PKC)-τ, thereby treating the obesity, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes in the subject. In some embodiments the compound that specifically inhibits hepatic PKC-τ includes a thio-gold compound (such as aurothiomalate, aurothioglucose, and auranofin) or a derivative thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In other embodiments, the compound that specifically inhibits hepatic PKC-τ includes 1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide, 5-amino-1-[2,3-dihydroxy-4-[(phosphonooxy)methyl]cyclopentyl]-[1R-(1α,2β,3β,4α)] (ICAPP) or a derivative thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. | 09-13-2012 |
20120128637 | Cellular Seeding and Co-Culture of a Three Dimensional Fibroblast Construct - The present invention provides methods for cellular seeding onto three-dimensional fibroblast constructs, three-dimensional fibroblast constructs seeded with muscle cells, and uses therefore. | 05-24-2012 |
20110262479 | RECOMBINANT MHC MOLECULES USEFUL FOR MANIPULATION OF ANTIGEN-SPECIFIC T-CELLS - Two-domain MHC polypeptides useful for manipulation of antigen-specific T-cells are disclosed. These polypeptides include MHC class II-based molecules that comprise covalently linked β1 and α1 domains, and MHC class I-based molecules that comprise covalently linked α1 and α2 domains. These polypeptides may also include covalently linked antigenic determinants, toxic moieties, and/or detectable labels. The disclosed polypeptides can be used to target antigen-specific T-cells, and are useful, among other things, to detect and purify antigen-specific T-cells, to induce or activate T-cells, and to treat conditions mediated by antigen-specific T-cells. | 10-27-2011 |
20100179171 | Pharmacological Treatment of Parkinson's Disease - 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. | 07-15-2010 |
20100173795 | HIV and Hepatitis C Microarray to Detect Drug Resistance - The invention provides arrays and probes for resequencing gene sequences of HIV and HCV using an array of probes complementary to a set of reference sequences, and to each possible single nucleotide substitution of the reference sequences, and for identifying known mutations in HIV and HCV gene sequences associated with resistance to antiviral therapy. Methods of identifying mutations in HIV and HCV sequences, methods of characterizing HIV and HCV isolates, and methods of evaluating and optimizing a patient's antiviral therapy regimen are also provided. | 07-08-2010 |