Latest technologies from

Prevention of epileptic seizures by targeting canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels in the brain

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 10:28:40 GMT

10 mg/kg (i.p.) M084 hydrochloride was administered 30 minutes prior to a widely used model of seizure induction in mice (pilocarpine-induced seizure). The TRPC channel antagonist significantly blocked seizure activity, compared to vehicle-injected control animals. We will investigate TRPC channel block for control of seizures in multiple mouse models including chemoconvulsant-induced seizure and traumatic brain injury-induced seizure.

Oxytocin to prevent, reduce and reverse Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 07:21:35 GMT

Opioid-induced respiratory depression is the primary cause of death due to overdose. Opioid antagonism by naloxone (Narcan), the only FDA-approved drug to treat opioid overdose, causes severe withdrawal related pain and stress in resuscitation patients. Therefore, there is a desperate need for drug targets that counter respiratory depression by opioids without producing such undesirable side effects. Our studies reveal that selectively targeting of the oxytocin receptor with the neuropeptide oxytocin or non-peptide agonists is effective in preventing, reducing, and reversing...

A genetic test for platelet function from Chromosome 18

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 12:30:16 GMT

From the Invention Disclosure form and related documents: Individuals with one copy of 18p chromosome have decrease platelet aggregation response compared to healthy controls and individuals with Tetrasomy 18p. These results identify a possible human genetic test to predict platelet aggregation and clot formation. Value PropositionFrom the Invention Disclosure form and related documents: Current standard of care to define platelet function for pre-operation or during critical illness is to obtain a platelet count. Platelet count is a very poor marker of platelet function or if t...

Fluid movement pumping device with artificial valve for increased blood and lymph circulation

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 12:14:46 GMT

The proposed work will investigate a general approach to improving peripheral blood circulation in the lower legby augmenting venous blood return.The general approach is based onthe literature and findings of a recent investigation that assessed the effects of vacuum-assisted suspensionsystem (VASS) prostheses on blood circulation in dysvascular transtibialamputees.Some support was found for the hypothesis that such devices increase blood flow in the residual limb, but therealso were several unexpected outcomes including elevatedtranscutaneous oxygen in the residual limb and increased blood fl...

Pharmacological EZH2 inhibition enhances cancer cell sensitivity to genotoxic insults through suppressing DNA damage repair

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 13:06:09 GMT

HSC-1535 Pharmacological EZH2 inhibition enhances cancer cell sensitivity to genotoxic insults through suppressing DNA damage repair Kexin Xu: Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.Myles Brown: Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics and Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.Chen-Hao Chen and Xiaole Shirley Liu: Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public ...

Low profile PEG tube conversion kit

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 09:55:36 GMT

What are the advantages of your invention over the current state-of-the-art? PEG tubes are commonly used to provide enteral feedings . The long catheter and the attachments use to connect the tube to the enteral feedings are very uncomfortable to the patients , cause pain and are a constant reminder of their severe debilitating disease . Low profile G tube are used in many patients but are difficult to place the novo and are expensive . Converting a PEG tube into a low profile G tube is difficult as the bumper that is inside the patient’s stomach is very difficult...

Method and Apparatus for Applying Pressure to the Lower Limb to Increase Blood and Lymph Circulation

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Thu, 14 May 2020 10:01:07 GMT

The disclosed technology is intended to address fluid accumulation in the legs that is symptomatic of lower extremity disorders, such as peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and lymphedema. The device is designed to be worn on the foot and leg and to provide directional pressure to move the fluid in the lower extremity back towards the heart. The directional pressure force is created by the heel strike of each step.

Methods and protein design to increase the efficiency and contrast of photo convertible fluorescent proteins

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 09:59:14 GMT

We disclose two fluorescent protein technologies, which we refer to as “Janus” and “Ignis,” respectively. Bothare green-to-red photoconvertible fluorescent proteins (PC-FPs) of the EosFP family, generated through sitedirectedmutagenesis of the mEos4b protein coding sequence at amino acid positions 41 and 70 (Janus) andpositions 41, 70 and 197 (Ignis) relative to the start codon ATG. Methionine at position 41 has been mutated toisoleucine (Met41Ile) and valine at position 70 has been mutated to threonine (Val70Thr) in both proteins.Ignis fluorescent protein contains the ...

An improved muscarinic-antagonist antidepressant

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 09:46:16 GMT

Scopolamine, a non-selective muscarinic antagonist, is a rapidly effective antidepressant compoundin humans likely mediated through an antimuscarinic effect. Unfortunately, scopolamine canproduce cognitive impairment including memory disturbances in humans. It is our goal to identifya muscarinic antagonist that may be able to relieve depression without disrupting cognitive effects.The 3-exo-1-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, 1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, and N-methyltetrahydropyidine 3-substituted-1,2,4-oxadiazoles appear to be excellent chemical scaffolds for the generation of potentmuscarinic agonists...

New approach for treating functional dyspepsia

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 13:29:39 GMT

My inventive idea is to use a therapeutic molecule that slows gastric emptying for the treatment of functional dyspepsia in non-diabetic patients. This contrarian idea is based on our research of gastric emptying which shows that 30% of non-diabetic patients referred for gastric emptying studies due to gastrointestinal symptoms have elevated postprandial glycemic excursions and that elevated postprandial glycemic excursions are due to rapid gastric emptying of the carbohydrate portion of the meal. Based on our observations and recording of symptoms, an unexpectedly high number of p...

Full field ElectroRetinoGraphy interpretation by artificial intelligence

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 13:18:31 GMT

Interpretation of full field ElecroRetinoGraphy is very difficult, since numerous variables exist and every disorder have their own patternof alterations in these variables. Therefore, interpretation of ffERG is something that is difficult to commit tomemory. To solve this problem, we have created software that carries out the following tasks:1) Define the threshold values for normal versus abnormal of every variable in the ffERG test.2) Software will automatically assign red color to excel cells that are abnormal for that specific variable. Greencolor will be assigned to variables that are no...

Closed-loop continuous sodium monitoring and hypertonic saline administration system

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 09:32:41 GMT

The device is a closed-loop continuous sodium monitor combined with an infusion pump that automatically adjusts hypertonic saline administration according to the serum sodium. For the initial prototype, an ion-specific electrode will be used for continuous sodium monitoring. We will also develop a noninvasive sensor for continuous sodium monitoring using near-infrared spectroscopy. The sodium value will feed back to the infusion pump which will be programmed to use What are the advantages of your invention over the current state-of-the-art? More precise administration of hypertonic saline...

Pharmacological manipulation of M-type (KCNQ, Kv7) potassium currents as a therapeutic target for treatment of addiction

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 11:55:25 GMT

Members of KCNQ2-5 (Kv7.2-7.5) K+ channel subunits underlie the neuronal M-type K+ current, a critical regulator of neuronal excitability, including resting membrane potential, threshold excitability and spike bursting. Inhibition of M-type channels is excitatory, whereas their augmentation usually has an inhibitory, silencing effect. M current has been described in VTA neurons, where they powerfully control bursting behavior, suggesting control over release of dopamine at nerve terminals, including that induced by psychostimulants. Given these facts, manipulation of M current in the VTA...

Dopamine 2 Receptor agonists as new therapeutics for Age Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 10:31:17 GMT

By understanding and controlling activation of specific dopamine receptors, we showed that the current dopamine pathway drugs can be used in new ways as new therapeutics to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). It will reduce the chance of a side effect of conventional ARMD or DR therapy, leading to vision loss after the intravitreal injection treatment. . These proposed specific dopaminergic molecules (in particular, dopamine 2 receptor agonists) would prevent side effects of current regimen by avoiding the invasive intravitreal injection...

CsA treatment for BRCA1 mutant cancers

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 09:02:25 GMT

I have demonstrated that BRCA1-mutant triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells are highly sensitive to cyclosporine (CsA) and non-immunosuppressive CsA-derivatives (NIM811 or Alisporivir). To determine whether CsA would also be effective in treating BRCA1-mutant TNBC cells in vivo, I set up a pilot study using a preclinical xenograft model to investigate the efficacy of CsA on BRCA1-mutant TNBC cell-derived tumors. Luciferase expressing SUM149PT BRCA1-mutant stably transfectant cells were created by G418 selection. To induce tumor formation, two million cancer cells were injected subcutaneou...

A new approach for treatment of liver cancers

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 08:52:14 GMT

The early stage of hepatocellular carinoma (HCC) tumors (<5cm) can either be excised surgically, or removed byablation therapy, but treatment of advanced stage HCC remain challegning. Since, HCC and other liver cancersare diagnosed at advanced stage, their surgical excision is not feasible. The existing front- and second-linetherapies for advanced hepatocellular carinoma include sorafenib (Nexavar) and cabozantinib (Cabometyx),respectively. However these drugs can extend median overall survival of HCC patients up to only 3 months.These facts underscore the most important unmet need, which i...

Scaffold System to Treat Aneurysms

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 14:30:12 GMT

Scaffold to Treat Aneurysms, Optimized to Direct Tissue Development and Control Blood Flow Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysms, commonly referred to as AAA, consist of a 50% enlargement of the abdominal aorta. While the exact cause of AAA is not well understood, it is believed to be a complex process involving loss of elasticity and strength, leading to arterial expansion. Studies show that 3% of all individuals aged 50 and over, have AAA. Only 25% of patients with ruptured aneurysms reach the hospital and only 10% make it to the operating room. Because of such high mor...

Bacteriophage-Enhanced Evolution of Bacterial Genes

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 14:43:13 GMT

Directed Evolution Enhanced Phage Therapy. Phage therapy has long been available for numerous antibiotic applications. However, the practice was largely replaced for the more cost effective, widespread use of conventional antibiotic compounds. In light of the growing number of antibiotic resistant pathogens encountered in the clinic, novel therapeutic avenues to extinguish resistant or recalcitrant organisms are desperately needed. A critical barrier limiting the effectiveness of current phage therapies is the lack of phage propagation in the treatment environment (such as the wound). Th...

MicroRNA mimics as potential differentiation agents for treating neuroblastoma

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 15:31:29 GMT

Neuroblastoma,themostcommonextracranialsolidtumorofchildhood,arisesfromneuralcrestcellprecursorsthatfailtodifferentiate.Inducingcelldifferentiationisanimportanttherapeuticstrategyforneuroblastoma.Wedevelopedadirectfunctionalhigh-‐contentscreentoidentifydifferentiation-‐inducingmicroRNAs,inordertodevelopmicroRNA-‐baseddifferentiationtherapyforneuroblastoma.WediscoverednovelmicroRNAs,andmorestrikingly,threemicroRNAseedfamiliesthatinduceneuroblastomacelldifferentiation.Inaddition,weshowedthatmicroRNAseedfamilieswereoverrepresentedintheidentifiedgroupoffourteendifferentiation-‐...

Gene Transfer to Improve Cognitive Dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 06:24:34 GMT

University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio researchers have developed a unique therapeutic approach which could restore learning and memory ability in those afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Abnormalities in the expression of cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) have been reported in Alzheimer’s patients. The inventors have demonstrated improved learning and memory deficits in an animal model of Alzheimer’s Disease by restoring CREB function via brain viral delivery of CREB-binding protein (CBP). &nbs...

Method of targeting liposomes to bone marrow

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 14:18:40 GMT

UT Health San Antonio and Waseda University in Shinjuku, Japan have collaboratively developed a drug delivery system capable of delivering a cargo preferentially to bone marrow. This drug delivery system shows promise for therapeutic and diagnostic applications for which the cells of the bone marrow play an important role. Background:Targeted anti-cancer therapies and protectants for untransformed cells hold great promise for effective and safe anti-cancer treatments, but development of such targeted agents has suffered from lack of systems able to selectively or preferential...

Increased-Cure and Color Stable Dental Adhesives

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 14:01:46 GMT

UT Health San Antonio researchers have developed a novel polyacrylate materials and/or light- and/or dual-cure resins that have low color and are color stable. The resins also demonstrate an increased degree of cure. The polyacrylate materials may be useful in dentistry applications as well as orthopedics and other biomedical applications. Background:Typically, self-cure and light-cure and dual-cure systems produce a yellow resin that continues to further yellow over time as the resin ages. Because of the high degree of color and the significant color shift over time, se...

Shoulder Rehabilitation Device

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 11:10:39 GMT

The invention is a device to be used specifically for shoulder rehabilitation. It provides a method for the patient to exercise the shoulder for rehabilitation without the supervision of a medical professional, thus improving the therapeutic outcome. Background:Shoulder injuries do not occur with the same frequency as knee or hip injuries and, as a result, the rehabilitation equipment available for treatment can be sparse or require use in a professional setting. For a full recovery of shoulder injuries or shoulder surgeries, it is important that patients perform frequent exercise r...

PARP-1 Inhibitor Nanoparticle and Treatment Method for Ewing Sarcoma

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 13:16:56 GMT

A novel nanoparticle formulation of an existing PARP-1 inhibitor and an associated administration regimen has been developed for the treatment of Ewing Sarcoma. This technology allows the therapeutic treatment to be targeted to the tumors, resulting in reduced required doses and system toxicity. Background:Ewing Sarcoma is rare cancer of the bone that primarily affects adolescents and young adults. It occurs in approximately 3% of adolescents 10-19 years old and is considered an orphan disease. It has a fairly high survival rate if diagnosed before metastasis; however, t...

Micro-RNA Therapy for High-Risk Pediatric Brain Cancer

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 11:41:50 GMT

A MicroRNA therapy has been developed for the purpose of increasing the chemo- and radio-sensitivity of tumor cells in Medulloblastoma. The invention would allow for lower dosages of radiation and chemotherapy by working synergistically with these therapies, thus reducing adverse side effects. It may also lead to more complete eradication of the tumor cells, improving quality of life, long term recurrence rates and survival rates. Background:Medulloblastoma is a malignant brain tumor with the primary tumor occurring in the cerebellum, a region of the brain at the base of the skull, and ma...

Glow Bright

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 11:59:32 GMT

Small, fluorescent surgical disposables (i.e. needles, sutures, and trocars) have been invented by UT Health SA that fluoresce to aid in visualization of the item. This functionality can be used in the event that the items are lost or unaccounted for during or after a surgical procedure. Background:Losing an instrument during surgery is a rare but potentially serious event that can cause prolonged operative time and patient harm. It is common practice for surgical teams to perform equipment counts before and after a procedure to account for all items. Equipment can be dropped,...

Novel Capsazepine Analogs to Treat Cancer

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 10:47:15 GMT

Novel compounds have been developed based upon the capsazepine pharmacophore that are effective in halting tumor cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Capsazepine is a known, off-patent, analog of Capsaicin that has been proposed and studied as a TRPV1 antagonist for treatment of pain. Although Capsazepine has been proposed for alleviation of pain, previous studies have not identified Capsazepine as an effective anti-tumor agent. Background:Often, patients with head and neck cancers are inoperable because these tumors invade or are close to critical structures, such as the...

Antipsychotic Drugs to Reduce the Abuse Liability of Opioids

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 12:20:03 GMT

This invention is a novel use of “atypical” antipsychotic drugs in combination with opioids to reduce the abuse potential of the opioid pain medication. The abuse potential is reduced by inhibiting the stimulation of the reward center in the brain. Background:The global pain market is estimated to reach $21.6 billion USD in 2022 and an estimated 207 million opioids prescriptions were written for pain in 2013. The U.S. sells over 80% of the opioid drugs worldwide with an estimated market value of $8 billion USD. With the rise of the opioid market, the U.S. had 1.9 million...

Device to Determine the Proper Operation of IV Catheters

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 09:55:38 GMT

A device to allow the verification of the correct placement of an intravenous (IV) catheter has been developed by a physician at UT Health San Antonio. The device contains a signaling unit which can introduce pressure or acoustic impulses into the fluid inside the catheter. The pulses can be detected visually to verify the patency of the catheter - that it has been placed successfully in the vein and/or that the vein is not blocked/occluded. Background:Over 250 million intravenous (IV) catheters are inserted into patients in the U.S. every year for the delivery of intravenous fluids...

Attenuated Chlamydia Vaccine

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 14:12:10 GMT

An attenuated Chlamydia strain has been developed that can be used as a vaccination against Chlamydia infections. The attenuated organism is capable of infecting mucosal tissues and eliciting a robust immune response without inducing the typical inflammation associated with Chlamydia infections. Background:Chlamydia infections are the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease in both men and women and are caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis organism. Chlamydia infections often have very few symptoms and, if left untreated, can potentially lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy,...

Intravenous Tramadol for Treatment of anti-NMDA Encephalitis

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 13:36:52 GMT

The invention is a combinatorial therapy used to enhance the efficacy of plasma exchange (PLEX) in treating patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. This treatment regimen would treat both the psychiatric and immunological manifestations of this disorder and substantially lower the patients’ recovery periods. Background:Anti-NMDAR encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder that is characterized by serum and/or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) antibody titers positive for NMDARs. It is generally accepted that an infection and/or tumor leads to the development of NMDAR-targeting antibodies that...

Non-Contact Specific Electromagnetic Energy Dosimeter

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 15:38:50 GMT

This invention is a method and apparatus for quantifying the electromagnetic energy absorbed by a surface. It uses the change of speed of an acoustic wave, caused by a temperature change in the surrounding medium, to quantify the electromagnetic energy absorbed at the surface. It can be used to characterize the biologically significant Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), the electromagnetic energy dose absorbed by the human body. Background:Generation of radio frequency (RF) energy is a critical component of all communications equipment, such as cellular phones, radio towers, microwave ...

Novel Bone Regeneration System

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 08:28:45 GMT

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have developed a process to form bone grafting material. One may provide a porous collagen scaffold and insert the scaffold into a perfusion chamber of a perfusion flow system. This may then be followed by continuously providing a mineralization perfusion fluid flow through the scaffold at a flow rate to provide dynamic intrafibrillar mineralization of the scaffold and form a collagen/hydroxyapatite composite scaffold. One may optionally provide the scaffold with bone tissue forming cells and then deliver a perfusion fluid including oxygen and one...

Novel hamstring stretching device to treat lower back pain

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 13:48:30 GMT

Researchers at the UT Health SA have designed a machine that effectively stretches the hamstring muscles while reducing strain on the lower back. This machine maintains lumbar stability while stretching the hamstring muscles, resulting in the optimum posture needed for safe and effective stretching exercises with minimal lumbar strain. A measuring tool is incorporated into the device which can be used to record a variety of measurements to track the progress of a patient. The machine contains foot, leg and hip supports and is fully adjustable to accommodate a wide range of body types and sizes...

Potential Cancer Therapeutic: TGF-beta Trap

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 11:13:06 GMT

The discovery is a group of novel pan-TGF-beta inhibitor fusion proteins that bind TGF-betas with higher affinity than other compounds currently in preclinical and clinical studies. This TGF-beta antagonist may be useful for treating and/or ameliorating cancer, especially at the metastatic stages. Background:TGF-beta is a potent growth inhibitor in normal epithelial cells by inducing cell cycle arrest, cell senescence, and/or apoptosis. The loss of the inhibitory effect of TGF-beta may lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation and the development of cancer. This effect may ...

Allosteric Proteasome Inhibitors for Treatment of Cancer

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 10:08:55 GMT

UT Health San Antonio scientists have discovered novel small-molecule compounds that have allosteric signaling activity to modulate proteasome catalytic activity. The allosteric proteasome inhibitors can be used alone or in combination with existing competitive proteasome inhibitors for the treatment of cancer. Studies of combination treatment demonstrate that the allosteric inhibitors sensitize the proteasome to inhibition by established proteasome inhibitors. This synergistic effect may allow use of established proteasome inhibitors in solid cancers. Background:The pro...

System for Selectively Labeling RNA

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 08:58:34 GMT

The invention pertains to a three step initiation, elongation and termination method and platform for synthesizing selectively labeled RNA molecules by first polymerizing a first liquid phase RNA molecule from a solid phased DNA template fixed onto a solid phase. Background:The method includes the steps of incubating the solid and liquid phases at appropriate elongation temperatures and then terminating elongation by a separation stage where the phases are incubated at near 0 degrees Celsius where it selectively terminates RNA elongation. The steps can be repeated by the number bases (rN...

Pneumococcal Vaccine with Cardiac Protection

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 08:49:24 GMT

With the emergence of pneumococcal infections caused by non-vaccine serotypes and multidrug resistant strains, this broadly effective vaccine may be the best strategy for decreasing morbidity and mortality. Because it also protects against adverse cardiac events during and after pneumococcal pneumonia, it has strong potential as a vaccine for seniors who already have cardiovascular disease and it provides an additional indication for a pneumococcal vaccine outside of the current vaccine recommendations. Phase 1 clinical study is ongoing.KEYWORDS: Community-acquired pneumonia adverse cardiac ev...

Thin-Film Capacitive Sensor with Multiple Applications

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 08:43:48 GMT

This wireless implantable flexible sensor technology addresses the ubiquitous need for blood pressure monitoring and control, and could serve patients with chronic cardiovascular conditions to ensure compliance with treatment and as a warning system for an acute event. There are significant uses beyond biomedical ? the sensor can be configured to measure capacitance, resistance, or resonance. This platform technology provides for a range of sensors with thin and flexible profiles which are suitable for constrained spaces that were previously inaccessible.

Novel Inhibitors of Proto-Oncogene PELP1

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 07:31:08 GMT

Novel peptide inhibitors that disrupts the functional interactions of oncogenic protein PELP1 have been discovered by researchers at UT Health San Antonio. These inhibitors can be used for treatment of cancers that are characterized as over-expressing PELP1. Background:PELP1 overexpression, noted in many hormone-related cancers such as breast, prostate, ovary and glioma, promotes cancer cell proliferation and is prognostically linked to shorter survival, development of hormonal therapy resistance, and metastasis. Targeting PELP1, an important downstream co-regulator molecule for many sign...

Compression/Stabilization for Foot and Ankle Surgery

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 07:44:27 GMT

A novel orthopedic device providing simultaneous stabilization and compression for patient's foot, ankle, and/or lower extremity has been developed by UT Health San Antonio researchers. It is intended for use by surgeons during Charcot foot and ankle surgeries, revisional foot and ankle fusions (nonunions), and in cases where a patient's bones suffer from decreased mineral density and cortical stiffness, such as those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Background: Charcot Neuroarthropathy (CN) is defined by a bone and/or joint deformity in limbs that have lost sensory innervations. ...

Advanced Cervical Ripening System (ACRS)

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 13:40:49 GMT

UT Health San Antonio researchers have developed a unique method for advanced cervical ripening which causes the effacement and thinning that occurs in natural child birth. This advanced cervical ripening system is superior to traditional methods because the unique design allows for uniform ripening by adapting to the geometry of each patient, and the device does not cause localized pressure to the fetus' head. Background:In normal child birth, cervical ripening (the effacement or thinning of the cervix) is followed by dilation in preparation for the birthing process. The ripening p...

Image Alignment in Radiographic Imaging

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:59:47 GMT

A researcher at UT Health San Antonio has developed a unique, patented data registration device and methods to facilitate alignment of two or more digital radiographic images. The technology is particularly useful in Cone Beam CT (CBCT) or dental radiography to align and compare digital images after acquisition of the images, thus reducing inconvenience to the patient, allowing quantitative comparison and facilitating digital subtraction radiography (DSR). Background:Improvements in digital dental imaging have facilitated DSR for early disease detection, measurement of disease progre...

Endocrine Therapy Diagnostic for ER+ Breast Cancer

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:30:05 GMT

UT Health San Antonio seeks to partner with a diagnostic products company to develop and commercialize a clinical diagnostic with the potential to determine if a patient with estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer is suitable for treatment with endocrine therapy (e.g., tamoxifen and/or the aromatase inhibitors anastrozole (Arimidex®), letrozole (Femara®), and others). Background:Overall, approximately 60-65% of breast cancers are found to be ER-positive upon biopsy. Estrogen is a growth hormone and in patients with ER+ breast cancers, estrogen binds to the estr...

A High-Efficiency System for in vitro and in vivo Biotinylation

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:53:58 GMT

A novel system with an improved efficiency for in vitro, as well as in vivo, biotinylation of a large amount of Avi-tagged target proteins. This system is an improvement over the only pre-existing commercial systems available for in vivo biotinylation because it greatly improves biotinylation efficiency and enables the complete labeling of target proteins. In addition, this MBP-BirA fusion encoding vector can be used stand-alone to produce a large amount of enzymatically active BirA biotin ligase that can be utilized for in vitro biotinylation. Expanded Description:UT Health San Anto...

Electricity generating system using heartbeats to recharge automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator biventricular pacemakers

saenzv@uthscsa.edu — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:30:41 GMT

For information about this specific licensing opportunity, please contact the case manager assiged to this technology. For more information about South Texas Technology Management, click this online link www.utsttm.org