Showing papers by "University of Texas System published in 2009"

Intravascular Delivery of Particulate Systems: Does Geometry Really Matter?

Abstract: In cancer therapy and imaging, the systemic passive delivery of particulate systems has relied on the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect: sufficiently small particles can cross the endothelial fenestrations and accumulate in the tumor parenchyma. The vast majority of man-made particulates exhibit a spherical shape as a result of surface energy minimization during their synthesis. The advent of phage display libraries, which are revealing the extraordinary molecular diversity of endothelial cells, and the development of processes for fabricating particles with shapes other than spherical are opening the path to new design solutions for systemically administered targeted particulates. In this paper, the role of particle geometry (i.e., size and shape) is discussed at the tissue and cellular scales. Emphasis is placed on how the synergistic effect of particle geometry and molecular targeting can enhance the specificity of delivery. The intravascular delivery process has been broken into three events: margination, firm adhesion and control of internalization. Predictions from mathematical models and observations from in-vitro experiments were used to show the relevance of particle geometry in systemic delivery. Rational design of particulate systems should consider, beside the physico-chemical properties of the surface coatings, geometrical features as size and shape. The integration of mathematical modeling with in-vitro and in-vivo testing provides the tools for establishing a rational design of nanoparticles.

Phytomelatonin: a review

Abstract: Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) has been detected in a number of plant species. Indeed, there exists evidence that this classically-considered animal indole is actually both synthesized in and taken up by plants. Among the actions that melatonin may carry out in plant tissues, its role as an antioxidant or growth promoter is most strongly supported by the experimental evidence. Other suggested functional implications include the co-ordination of photoperiodic responses and regulation of plant reproductive physiology, defence of plant cells against apoptosis induced by harsh environmental conditions, its participation as a free radical scavenging agent and/or up-regulator of certain protective enzymes in the senescent process. This review presents a detailed summary of the investigations that have been performed to date in the plant melatonin (phytomelatonin) field. The purpose of this summary is to bring the reader up to date on what is known about melatonin in plants and to encourage plant scientists to investigate this novel research topic; this would certainly assist in solving the numerous questions that still remain regarding the role of melatonin in plants.

Digital light processing hyperspectral imaging apparatus

Abstract: A hyperspectral imaging system having an optical path. The system including an illumination source adapted to output a light beam, the light beam illuminating a target, a dispersing element arranged in the optical path and adapted to separate the light beam into a plurality of wavelengths, a digital micromirror array adapted to tune the plurality of wavelengths into a spectrum, an optical device having a detector and adapted to collect the spectrum reflected from the target and arranged in the optical path and a processor operatively connected to and adapted to control at least one of: the illumination source; the dispersing element; the digital micromirror array; the optical device; and, the detector, the processor further adapted to output a hyperspectral image of the target. The dispersing element is arranged between the illumination source and the digital micromirror array, the digital micromirror array is arranged to transmit the spectrum to the target and the optical device is arranged in the optical path after the target.

Cohort Study of Molecular Identification and Typing of Mycobacterium abscessus, Mycobacterium massiliense, and Mycobacterium bolletii

Abstract: Mycobacterium abscessus is the most common cause of rapidly growing mycobacterial chronic lung disease. Recently, two new M. abscessus-related species, M. massiliense and M. bolletii, have been described. Health care-associated outbreaks have recently been investigated by the use of molecular identification and typing tools; however, very little is known about the natural epidemiology and pathogenicity of M. massiliense or M. bolletii outside of outbreak situations. The differentiation of these two species from M. abscessus is difficult and relies on the sequencing of one or more housekeeping genes. We performed extensive molecular identification and typing of 42 clinical isolates of M. abscessus, M. massiliense, and M. bolletii from patients monitored at the NIH between 1999 and 2007. The corresponding clinical data were also examined. Partial sequencing of rpoB, hsp65, and secA led to the unambiguous identification of 26 M. abscessus isolates, 7 M. massiliense isolates, and 2 M. bolletii isolates. The identification results for seven other isolates were ambiguous and warranted further sequencing and an integrated phylogenetic analysis. Strain relatedness was assessed by repetitive-sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), which showed the characteristic clonal groups for each species. Five isolates with ambiguous species identities as M. abscessus-M. massiliense by rpoB, hsp65, and secA sequencing clustered as a distinct group by rep-PCR and PFGE together with the M. massiliense type strain. Overall, the clinical manifestations of disease caused by each species were similar. In summary, a multilocus sequencing approach (not just rpoB partial sequencing) is required for division of M. abscessus and closely related species. Molecular typing complements sequence-based identification and provides information on prevalent clones with possible relevant clinical aspects.

Overview of the Multiple Biometrics Grand Challenge

Abstract: The goal of the Multiple Biometrics Grand Challenge (MBGC) is to improve the performance of face and iris recognition technology from biometric samples acquired under unconstrained conditions. The MBGC is organized into three challenge problems. Each challenge problem relaxes the acquisition constraints in different directions. In the Portal Challenge Problem, the goal is to recognize people from near-infrared (NIR) and high definition (HD) video as they walk through a portal. Iris recognition can be performed from the NIR video and face recognition from the HD video. The availability of NIR and HD modalities allows for the development of fusion algorithms. The Still Face Challenge Problem has two primary goals. The first is to improve recognition performance from frontal and off angle still face images taken under uncontrolled indoor and outdoor lighting. The second is to improve recognition performance on still frontal face images that have been resized and compressed, as is required for electronic passports. In the Video Challenge Problem, the goal is to recognize people from video in unconstrained environments. The video is unconstrained in pose, illumination, and camera angle. All three challenge problems include a large data set, experiment descriptions, ground truth, and scoring code.

Medical devices, apparatuses, systems, and methods

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for enabling electrical communication with a device positionable within a body cavity of a patient. Apparatuses and systems for magnetically positioning a device within a body cavity of a patient. Medical devices. Methods of use.

Electron beam exciter for use in chemical analysis in processing systems

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gas line electron beam exciter, gas line electron beam excitation system and method for exciting a gas using an electron beam exciter. The electron beam exciter generally comprises a variable density electron source for generating a cloud of electrons in an electron chamber and a variable energy electron extractor for accelerating electrons from the electron chamber as an electron beam and into an effluent stream for fluorescing species in the effluent. The electron density of the electron beam is variably controlled by adjusting the excitation power applied to the variable density electron source. The electrons in the electron chamber reside at a reference electrical potential of the chamber, typically near ground electrical potential. The electron energy of the electron beam is variably controlled by adjusting an electrical potential across the variable energy electron extractor, which energizes the electrons through an extraction hole of the chamber and toward the extractor. The greater the difference in the electrical potential between the electron extractor and the electron source, the higher the energy imparted to the electrons in the electron beam. The excitation power applied to the electron source can be adjusted independently from the electron energy of the electron beam, thereby altering the electron density of the electron beam without changing the energy level of the electrons of the electron beam.

Effect of short term calorie restriction on pro-inflammatory NF-kB and AP-1 in aged rat kidney

Abstract: Objective: To compare the effect of short-term calorie restriction (CR) on aging with that of already known long-term CR, the anti-inflammatory efficacy of 10-day CR was explored in aged rat kidney.

Photovoltaic devices based on nanostructured polymer films molded from porous template

Abstract: The present invention includes a template, an optoelectronic device and methods for making the same. The optoelectronic device includes a first substrate; a first electrode disposed on the first substrate; a first interdigitating, nano-structured charge-transfer molded material (e.g., a polymer) with a first electron affinity disposed on the first electrode; a second interdigitating, nano-structured charge-transfer material (e.g., single molecules, quantum dots, or particles) with a second electron affinity disposed on the first interdigitating, nano-structured charge-transfer material; a second electrode disposed in the second interdigitating, nano-structured charge-transfer material; and a second substrate disposed on the second electrode.

The emerging safety profile of mTOR inhibitors, a novel class of anticancer agents.

Abstract: Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has emerged as an important target for cancer therapy. Rapamycin has a distinct, well-documented toxicity profile and most of the toxicity data has been reported in patients with organ transplantation. Newer mTOR inhibitors have slightly different pharmacokinetic properties, yet they present toxicity profiles similar to rapamycin. Most of these toxicities are mild to moderate in severity and can be managed clinically by dose modification and supportive measures. Mucositis and pneumonitis are the most commonly reported toxicities, but they rarely lead to treatment discontinuation. Pathogenesis of pneumonitis is uncertain, but various hypotheses have been suggested, including cell-mediated immune response to the drug.

Water purification membranes with improved fouling resistance

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions for liquid separation and water purification. The present invention includes a purification membrane having a polymer matrix purification membrane that has been treated with dopamine to form a polydopamine coated membrane with a high water flux and a high hydrophilicity.

Oral and Parenteral Therapeutic Options for Outpatient Urinary Infections Caused by Enterobacteriaceae Producing CTX-M Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases

Abstract: Effective therapeutic options are needed for community-onset urinary tract infections due to Escherichia coli strains that produce CTX-M extended-spectrum β-lactamases. We examined 46 urinary isolates producing CTX-M against several oral or long-acting parenteral antimicrobial agents. Approximately 90% were susceptible to fosfomycin and to a combination of cefdinir plus amoxicillin-clavulanate. All were susceptible to ertapenem.

Integrated patient bed system

Abstract: The present invention includes an integrated system and methods for patient treatment, the system includes a hospital bed; a plurality of patient diagnostic and treatment devices connected to a network, wherein each of the devices can communicate to a network and exchange information with the network about the care of a patient; and a processor accessible adjacent to the bed and connected to the network to integrate information obtained from the devices through the network with one or more additional sources of information databases, wherein the processor can communicate to one or more patient treatment devices either directly or via the network and the processor directs the one or more patient treatment devices to change the treatment of the patient.

Methods and Compositions Involving miRNAs In Cancer Stem Cells

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for treating a patient having, suspected of having, or at risk of developing cancer by targeting cancer stem cells.

Modulation of gene expression through endogenous small RNA targeting of gene promoters

Abstract: Gene expression can be selectively regulated by endogenous miRNAs that target promoters of genes. Altering of the activity of these promoter-targeting miRNAs with single- stranded complementary oligonucleotides that bind the miRNA causes modulation of expression of the target gene. Endogenous miRNAs that modulate expression of target genes can be identified by (a) evaluating an endogenous miRNA for complementarity to a target gene promoter; and (b) determining that the complementary miRNA modulates expression of the target gene.

Ultracapacitors and methods of making and using

Abstract: An electrochemical device comprising a chemically modified graphene material is disclosed. An ultracapacitor comprising a chemically modified graphene material is disclosed, along either with a method of making an ultracapacitor, the method comprising forming two electrodes, wherein at least one of the two electrodes comprises a graphene material, and positioning each of the two electrodes such that each is in contact with an opposing side of a separator and a current collector

Interference management and decentralized channel access schemes in hotspot-aided cellular networks

Abstract: A system and method are provided wherein one or more femtocell base stations are deployed within a range of a cellular base station and utilize substantially the same frequency band as the cellular base station. Each femtocell base station may be configured to employ one or more interference avoidance techniques such that coexistence between the cellular and the corresponding femtocell base station is enabled. The interference avoidance techniques employed may include use of randomized time or frequency hopping; randomly selecting a predetermined number, or identifying one or more unutilized, frequency subchannels for signal transmission; using two or more transmit and two or more receive antennas; nulling one or more transmissions in a direction of a nearby cellular base station user; handing off at least one cellular user to one of the femtocell base stations and vice versa; and/or reducing the transmission power of at least one femtocell base station.

The Transcription Factor Homolog CTF1 Regulates β-Oxidation in Candida albicans

Abstract: Carbon starvation is one of the many stresses to which microbial pathogens are subjected while in the host. Pathways necessary for the utilization of alternative carbon sources, such as gluconeogenesis, the glyoxylate cycle, and β-oxidation of fatty acids, have been shown to be required for full virulence in several systems, including the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. We have investigated the regulatory network governing alternative carbon metabolism in this organism through characterization of transcriptional regulators identified based on the model fungi, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus nidulans. C. albicans has homologs of the ScCAT8/AnFacB and ScADR1/AnAmdX transcription factors that regulate induction of genes encoding the proteins of gluconeogenesis, the glyoxylate cycle, and ethanol utilization. Surprisingly, C. albicans mutants lacking CAT8 or ADR1 have no apparent phenotypes and do not regulate genes for key enzymes of these pathways. Fatty acid degradation and peroxisomal biogenesis are controlled by nonhomologous regulators, OAF1/PIP2 in S. cerevisiae and FarA/FarB in A. nidulans; C. albicans is missing OAF1 and PIP2 and, instead, has a single homolog of the Far proteins, CTF1. We have shown that CTF1 is required for growth on lipids and for expression of genes necessary for β-oxidation, such as FOX2. ctf1Δ/ctf1Δ (ctf1Δ/Δ) strains do not, however, show the pleiotropic phenotypes observed for fox2Δ/Δ mutants. The ctf1Δ/Δ mutant confers a mild attenuation in virulence, like the fox2Δ/Δ mutant. Thus, phenotypic and genotypic observations highlight important differences in the regulatory network for alternative carbon metabolism in C. albicans compared to the paradigms developed in other model fungi.

Contemporary Treatment of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Abstract: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a fascinating disease that for the past 50 years has captured the interest of clinicians and surgeons alike. It is a primary disease of cardiac myocytes that is characterized by concentric, yet asymmetric, cardiac hypertrophy and by an increased or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Despite the descriptions of the pathologic phenotype by Liouville in 18691 as cardiac contraction below the aortic valve and by Schmincke in 19072 as diffuse muscular “hyperplasia” at the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), the clinical recognition of HCM had to await the development of advanced diagnostic tools in the 2nd half of the 20th century. Accordingly, Braunwald and colleagues, in the 1960s, emphasized the hemodynamic features of HCM and coined the term “idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis” or “IHSS” to describe the LVOT obstruction.3,4 The recognition of LVOT obstruction as a major characteristic of HCM led to the 1st performance of a surgical transaortic septal myectomy, described by Morrow and colleagues in 1964.5 The asymmetric type of cardiac hypertrophy in HCM was recognized very early, and the finding of asymmetric septal hypertrophy on an echocardiogram became the sine qua non for a diagnosis of HCM.6 The application of Doppler echocardiography to the evaluation of patients with HCM shed further light on the physiology of the LVOT obstruction and helped in the evaluation of diastolic function.7–10 More recently, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) has been applied to obtain an early diagnosis of HCM (before, and independent of, the development of cardiac hypertrophy) and to further evaluate myocardial function in HCM.11,12 Consequently, echocardiography, including Doppler evaluation, is the most commonly used diagnostic technique in HCM—supplanting cardiac catheterization, which is now reserved for specific indications. The seminal work of Seidman and associates13 led to the discovery, in 1990, of the 1st causal gene and mutation for HCM, ushering in a new era of molecular genetics in application to the disorder. The discovery had a watershed effect, as it led to partial elucidation of the molecular genetic basis of HCM and to the identification of more than a dozen causal genes that encode sarcomeric proteins.14 Accordingly, HCM is now recognized as a disease of sarcomeric proteins. Advances in the molecular genetics of HCM have raised considerable interest in early diagnosis and in genotype-dependent risk stratification and treatment. These studies, on the other hand, have illustrated the presence of considerable phenotypic variability among subjects with identical causal mutations; hence, they have emphasized the importance of considering the plurality of determinants of clinical phenotypes. Similarly, molecular genetic studies have illustrated the shortcomings of clinical diagnosis in distinguishing between HCM and HCM-phenocopy conditions (conditions that mimic HCM, such as storage diseases). Despite considerable advances in the clinical recognition and molecular genetics of HCM, the pharmacologic treatment of patients with HCM has remained largely unchanged during the past several decades. However, 2 major non-pharmacologic interventions—percutaneous transcatheter septal ablation (or alcohol septal ablation) and the implantation of internal cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs)—have changed the landscape significantly. Sigwart15 introduced the catheter-based reduction of septal hypertrophy for the treatment of LVOT obstruction in 1995. The procedure has proved a highly effective method for the reduction of LVOT obstruction and alleviation of symptoms.16–18 The potential for arrhythmogenesis, which can originate from the local site of induced myocardial injury, has somewhat subdued enthusiasm for the routine use of alcohol septal ablation, particularly in consideration of the fact that HCM is an arrhythmogenic phenotype. Indeed, HCM remains the most common discernible cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the young—particularly in competitive athletes.19,20 The advent of implantable defibrillators has provided physicians with an effective option for primary and secondary prevention of SCD in high-risk patients.21,22 However, implantable defibrillators have no substantial effects on the underlying phenotype of cardiac hypertrophy and its accompanying fibrosis, so additional therapies are needed. Experimental data obtained from the study of animal models of HCM have suggested the potential usefulness of various pharmacologic agents—including statins, inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), and N-acetylcysteine—in the prevention and reversal of the cardiac phenotype in HCM.23–27 The field awaits large-scale randomized clinical studies in human beings who have HCM, in order to determine the potential beneficial effects of these novel therapeutic and preventive interventions.

Nano-patterned active layers formed by nano-imprint lithography

Abstract: Patterned active layers formed by nano-imprint lithography for use in devices such as photovoltaic cells and hybrid solar cells. One such photovoltaic cell (400) includes a first electrode (406, 408) and a first electrically conductive layer (402, 404) electrically coupled to the first electrode. The first conductive layer (402, 404) has a multiplicity of protrusions (412, 414) and recesses (416, 422) formed by a nano-imprint lithography process. A second electrically conductive layer (402, 404) substantially fills the recesses (416, 422) and covers the protrusions (412, 414) of the first conductive layer (402, 404), and a second electrode (406, 408) is electrically coupled to the second conductive layer (402, 404). A circuit (410) electrically connects the first electrode (406, 408) and the second electrode (406, 408).

Electromagnetic detection of HIV DNA in the blood of AIDS patients treated by antiretroviral therapy

Abstract: Electromagnetic signals of low frequency have been shown to be durably produced in aqueous dilutions of the Human Imunodeficiency Virus DNA. In vivo, HIV DNA signals are detected only in patients previously treated by antiretroviral therapy and having no detectable viral RNA copies in their blood. We suggest that the treatment of AIDS patients pushes the virus towards a new mode of replication implying only DNA, thus forming a reservoir insensitive to retroviral inhibitors. Implications for new approaches aimed at eradicating HIV infection are discussed.

Inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin

Abstract: Disclosed are microcapsules that include an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) within the microcapsules, and pharmaceutical compositions and kits that include the microcapsules. Also disclosed are methods for treating or preventing an age- related disease, condition, or disorder in a subject that involve administering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of microcapsules that includes an inhibitor of mTOR within the microcapsules.

Candidate genetic analysis of plasma high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and severity of coronary atherosclerosis

Abstract: Plasma level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), a heritable trait, is an important determinant of susceptibility to atherosclerosis. Non-synonymous and regulatory single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes implicated in HDL-C synthesis and metabolism are likely to influence plasma HDL-C, apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) levels and severity of coronary atherosclerosis. We genotyped 784 unrelated Caucasian individuals from two sets of populations (Lipoprotein and Coronary Atherosclerosis Study- LCAS, N = 333 and TexGen, N = 451) for 94 SNPs in 42 candidate genes by 5' nuclease assays. We tested the distribution of the phenotypes by the Shapiro-Wilk normality test. We used Box-Cox regression to analyze associations of the non-normally distributed phenotypes (plasma HDL-C and apo A-I levels) with the genotypes. We included sex, age, body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus (DM), and cigarette smoking as covariates. We calculated the q values as indicators of the false positive discovery rate (FDR). Plasma HDL-C levels were associated with sex (higher in females), BMI (inversely), smoking (lower in smokers), DM (lower in those with DM) and SNPs in APOA5, APOC2, CETP, LPL and LIPC (each q ≤0.01). Likewise, plasma apo A-I levels, available in the LCAS subset, were associated with SNPs in CETP, APOA5, and APOC2 as well as with BMI, sex and age (all q values ≤0.03). The APOA5 variant S19W was also associated with minimal lumen diameter (MLD) of coronary atherosclerotic lesions, a quantitative index of severity of coronary atherosclerosis (q = 0.018); mean number of coronary artery occlusions (p = 0.034) at the baseline and progression of coronary atherosclerosis, as indicated by the loss of MLD. Putatively functional variants of APOA2, APOA5, APOC2, CETP, LPL, LIPC and SOAT2 are independent genetic determinants of plasma HDL-C levels. The non-synonymous S19W SNP in APOA5 is also an independent determinant of plasma apo A-I level, severity of coronary atherosclerosis and its progression.

Polymer deposition and modification of membranes for fouling resistance

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and compositions for the reduction, prevention and elimination of biofilm formation on a surface. The present invention provides a method of depositing a coating material to reduce or prevent biofilm formation on a surface by adding a dopamine coating material to a liquid solvent to form a solution mixture, adjusting a pH of the solution mixture to 8, 9, or 10 and dissolving the dopamine coating material in the liquid solvent. The solution mixture is then placed into contact with one or more surfaces to form a dopamine coating on the surface to reduce biofilm formation.

Treatments of disease or disorders using nanoparticles for focused hyperthermia to increase therapy efficacy

Abstract: Methods are provided for the treatment of diseases and disorders using systematically-introduced nanoparticles to create a focused localized hyperthermia in a target area to enhance the effect of additional treatment therapies such as ionizing radiation. Advantages include an enhancement of the therapeutic effect of other therapies by increasing perfusion or reducing hypoxia in the treatment area, further, the methods herein may also result in the disruption of the vasculature, which provide further impetus for such treatments, singly and in combination with conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Methods for treating a target area may comprise systemically introducing nanoparticles into an organism; allowing the nanoparticles to preferentially accumulate in the target area, applying an external energy where the nanoparticles are adapted to transduce at least a portion of the external energy into a heal energy so as to create a focused localized hyperthermia; and applying a subsequent additional therapy.

Nanoparticles and methods of making and using

Abstract: A nanoparticle composition is disclosed comprising a copper indium gallium selenide, a copper indium sulfide, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed is a layer comprising the nanoparticle composition. A photovoltaic device comprising the nanoparticle composition and/or the absorbing layer is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for producing the nanoparticle compositions, absorbing layers, and photovoltaic devices described herein.