Medical Specialties Commons^™

Combination Anti-Leukimic Therapy By Utilizing Suramin And Biologic Response Modifiers, Michael A. Doukas

Internal Medicine Faculty Patents

A method of treating leukemia which includes administering an effective amount of composition comprising suramin and a biological response modifier, wherein the suramin and the biological response modifier show synergistic or additive anti-leukemic activity. A pharmaceutical composition is also disclosed.

Phosphonated Agents And Their Antiangiogenic And Antitumorigenic Use, Delwood C. Collins, Antonio Gagliardi, Peter Nickel

Obstetrics and Genecology Faculty Patents

Phosphonic acid agents are synthesized and characterized which are potent inhibitors of angiogenesis, tumorigenesis and metalloproteinase activity. Their method of use for the inhibition of angiogenesis and metalloproteinase and the treatment of tumors is also shown.

Angiotensin Ii Promotes Atherosclerotic Lesions And Aneurysms In Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice, Alan Daugherty, Michael W. Manning, Lisa A. Cassis

Gill Heart & Vascular Institute Faculty Publications

Increased plasma concentrations of angiotension II (Ang II) have been implicated in atherogenesis. To examine this relationship directly, we infused Ang II or vehicle for 1 month via osmotic minipumps into mature apoE^–/– mice. These doses of Ang II did not alter arterial blood pressure, body weight, serum cholesterol concentrations, or distribution of lipoprotein cholesterol. However, Ang II infusions promoted an increased severity of aortic atherosclerotic lesions. These Ang II–induced lesions were predominantly lipid-laden macrophages and lymphocytes; moreover, Ang II promoted a marked increase in the number of macrophages present in the adventitial tissue underlying lesions. Unexpectedly, pronounced abdominal …

Regulation Of Acetylated Low Density Lipoprotein Uptake In Macrophages By Pertussis Toxin-Sensitive G Proteins, Stewart C. Whitman, Alan Daugherty, Steven R. Post

Gill Heart & Vascular Institute Faculty Publications

Class A scavenger receptors (SR-A) mediate the uptake of modified low density lipoprotein (LDL) by macrophages. Although not typically associated with the activation of intracellular signaling cascades, results with peritoneal macrophages indicate that the SR-A ligand acetylated LDL (AcLDL) promotes activation of cytosolic kinases and phospholipases. These signaling responses were blocked by the treatment of cells with pertussis toxin (PTX) indicating that SR-A activates G_i/o-linked signaling pathways. The functional significance of SR-A-mediated G_i/o activation is not clear. In this study, we investigated the potential role of G_i/o activation in regulating SR-A-mediated lipoprotein uptake. Treatment of mouse …

Means To Achieve Sustained Release Of Synergistic Drugs By Conjugation, Paul Ashton, Peter A. Crooks, Tadeusz Cynkowski, Grazyna Cynkowska, Hone Guo

Ophthalmology and Visual Science Faculty Patents

A codrug composition of at least two drug compounds covalently linked to one another via a labile bond to form a single codrug composition, or ionically linked to one another to form a single workings composition, and methods of use of the codrug for the treatment of various medical conditions. The codrug may be administered by itself or in the form of a bioerodible or nonbioerodible substance.

Cervical Pathology In West Virginia Adolescents, Hatim A. Omar, Patricia Callahan, Sanu Aggarwal, Kathaleen Perkins, Kathy Young

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Cytologic screening is an important diagnostic tool used to detect precancerous and cancerous lesions of the cervix. We studied the prevalence of cervical abnormalities, based on Pap smear results, in patients at the Outpatient Adolescent Clinic at West Virginia University. We found a high incidence of overall intraepithelial cell pathology (24%) in this group with 2.4% high grade and 9.9% low-grade lesions. These findings show that major cervical pathology is present in this age group. Furthermore, repeat smears at intervals of < one year were performed on 317 patients. Of these repeat smears, 7% changed from normal to abnormal in this period. Sexually active adolescent females should have Pap smears at least annually to detect abnormalities that may otherwise not be detected until they are more advanced and difficult to manage. Higher risk adolescents may need semiannual screening.

Intimate Partner Violence And Cervical Neoplasia, Ann L. Coker, Maureen Sanderson, Mary Kay Fadden, Lucia Pirisi

CRVAW Faculty Journal Articles

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with a range of adverse physical health outcomes, including chronic and infectious diseases. An emerging literature suggests that partner violence and specifically sexual violence may be associated with an increased risk of cervical neoplasia. To assess the risk of preinvasive and invasive cervical cancer in a cross-sectional study of women screened for IPV by type, frequency and duration, 1152 women ages 18–65 were recruited from family practice clinics in 1997–1998. They were screened for IPV during a brief in-clinic interview, and health history and current status were assessed in a follow-up interview. Of 1152 …

Implantable Controlled Release Device To Deliver Drugs Directly To An Internal Portion Of The Body, Paul Ashton, Paul A. Pearson

Ophthalmology and Visual Science Faculty Patents

A simple and implantable sustained release drug delivery device with an inner core containing an effective amount of a low solubility agent covered by a non-bioerodible polymer coating layer that is permeable to the low solubility agent is disclosed. A method for treating a mammal to obtain a desired local or systemic physiological or pharmacological effect by surgically implanting such a sustained release drug delivery device into a mammal in need of treatment is also disclosed.

Insulin-Like Growth Factor Ii Signaling In Neoplastic Proliferation Is Blocked By Transgenic Expression Of The Metalloproteinase Inhibitor Timp-1, David C. Martin, John L. Fowlkes, Bojana Babic, Rama Khokha

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) II is overexpressed in many human cancers and is reactivated by, and crucial for viral oncogene (SV40 T antigen, [TAg])-induced tumorigenesis in several tumor models. Using a double transgenic murine hepatic tumor model, we demonstrate that tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) blocks liver hyperplasia during tumor development, despite TAg-mediated reactivation of IGF-II. Because the activity of IGFs is controlled by IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), we investigated whether TIMP-1 overexpression altered the IGFBP status in the transgenic liver. Ligand blotting showed that IGFBP-3 protein levels were increased in TIMP-1-overexpressing double transgenic littermates, whereas IGFBP-3 mRNA levels were …

Laser Skin Graft Harvesting Apparatus And Related Method, David S. Kirn

Surgery Faculty Patents

A laser dermatome is disclosed for harvesting and meshing grafts of skin. A roller driven by a motor lifts the leading edge of a portion of skin for cutting by a beam of light generated by a laser. Adhesive tape attached to the roller aids in lifting the portion of skin and is further utilized to secure the severed portion of skin to the roller. A stage mounted atop an axle supports the laser or a beam director. The movement of the stage is controlled by second and third motors which drive the stage along or rotate it about the …

Physical Violence During Pregnancy: Maternal Complications And Birth Outcomes, Vilma E. Cokkinides, Ann L. Coker, Maureen Sanderson, Cheryl Addy, Lesa Bethea

CRVAW Faculty Journal Articles

Objective: To assess the association between physical violence during the 12 months before delivery and maternal complications and birth outcomes.

Methods: We used population-based data from 6143 women who delivered live-born infants between 1993 and 1995 in South Carolina. Data on women's physical violence during pregnancy were based on self-reports of partner-inflicted physical hurt and being involved in a physical fight. Outcome data included maternal antenatal hospitalizations, labor and delivery complications, low birth weights, and preterm births. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to measure the associations between physical violence, maternal morbidity, and birth outcomes.

Results: The prevalence …

Portocaval-Right Atrial Shunt, Bradley B. Hill

Surgery Faculty Patents

A shunt includes a tubular body having first and second legs at a proximal end and a third leg at a distal end. A fluid distensible balloon and cooperating insufflation conduit are carried on the tubular body. The first leg of the tubular body includes a longitudinal slit for receiving the second leg whereby the first and second legs may be positioned substantially coaxial so as to allow easier introduction of the shunt into the blood vessel of a patient. Similarly, the second leg having a longitudinally slit for receiving a portion of the cooperating insufflation conduit and also holding …

Nebulized Nitroglycerin In Children With Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary To Congenital Heart Disease, Hatim Omar, Fangqi Gong, Mei Y. Sun, Stanley Einzig

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Pulmonary hypertension continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality, despite new treatments. Since inhaled nitric oxide has been reported to be effective in some cases, we investigated using nebulized nitroglycerine to treat pulmonary hypertension in children with congenital heart disease. Four children (ages 6-72 months) with severe pulmonary hypertension secondary to congenital heart disease (all with membranous ventricular septal defect, undergoing cardiac catheterization) were given 3 cc of nebulized normal saline over 10 min as placebo control, followed by nebulized nitroglycerine (20 micrograms/Kg in 3 cc normal saline). Normal saline administration did not elicit any change, but …

Cytochalasins Useful In Providing Protection Against Nerve Cell Injury Associated With Neurodegenerative Disorders, Mark P. Mattson

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Patents

The present invention relates to novel therapeutic uses of certain compounds to protect nerve cells from injury and death. The compounds include cytochalasin D and related analogs, and cytochalasin E and related analogs.

Implantable Controlled Release Device To Deliver Drugs Directly To An Internal Portion Of The Body, Paul Ashton, Paul A. Pearson

Ophthalmology and Visual Science Faculty Patents

A simple and implantable sustained release drug delivery device with an inner core containing an effective amount of a low solubility agent covered by a non-bioerodible polymer coating layer that is permeable to the low solubility agent is disclosed. A method for treating a mammal to obtain a desired local or systemic physiological or pharmacological effect by surgically implanting such a sustained release drug delivery device into a mammal in need of treatment is also disclosed.

Method Of Discrete Orthogonal Basis Restoration, Edward B. Moody

Radiology Faculty Patents

A method is described for utilizing discrete orthogonal basis to restore signal system, such as radio or sound waves and/or image system such as photographs or medical images that become distorted while being acquired, transmitted and/or received. The signal or image systems are of the linear type and may be represented by the equation [B] [o]= [i] wherein [o] is an original signal or image, [i] is a degraded signal or image and [B] is a system transfer function matrix. The method involves estimating a signal-to-noise ratio for a restored signal or image. Next, is the selecting of a set …

Angled Snare Assembly, Bradley B. Hill

Surgery Faculty Patents

A snare assembly includes an outer, flexible sheath having a distal opening and a loop received for relative sliding movement with respect to the sheath. The loop has a proximal end and a distal end. The loop is formed from a resilient wire and includes a substantially 180° reverse bend at a midpoint forming the distal end and the ends of the wire are fastened together at the proximal end. A control handle is carried on the sheath for extending and retracting the loop out of and into the sheath through the distal opening. A flexible connector connects the control …

Experiencing Physical Violence During Pregnancy: Prevalence And Correlates, Vilma E. Cokkinides, Ann L. Coker

CRVAW Faculty Journal Articles

Violence during pregnancy directly impacts the mental and physical health of pregnant women. We assessed the prevalence and correlates of physical violence around the time of pregnancy in a representative sample of 6,718 women in South Carolina. Physical violence, defined as "being physically hurt by husband or partner" or "being involved in a physical fight" was reported by 10.9% of recently pregnant women. These were correlates of violence: experiencing increased numbers of stressful life events, being unmarried, having increased parity, being on Medicaid, and having an unwanted pregnancy. Screening to identify violence in pregnancy in health care settings is vital …

Permeable, Non-Irritating Prodrugs Of Nonsteroidal And Steroidal Agents, Paul Ashton, Thomas J. Smith, Peter G. Glavinos, John D. Conklin, Peter A. Crooks, Robert M. Riggs, Tadeusz Cynkowski, Grazyna Cynkowska

Ophthalmology and Visual Science Faculty Patents

Prodrugs containing an active drug molecule linked to a polyethylene glycol group, and a method of use thereof are described. Exemplary soluble ester prodrugs contain naproxen, triamcinolone acetonide, gancyclovir, taxol, cyclosporin, dideoxyinosine, trihydroxy steroids, and flurbiprofen molecules linked to polyethylene glycol (PEG) groups. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these prodrugs, and a method of using these esters for treating disease states or symptoms are also described.

Metabolically Inactive Insulin Analog Prevents Type I Diabetes In Prediabetic Nod Mice, Dennis G. Karounos, J. Scott Bryson, D. A. Cohen

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to determine the relative importance of the metabolic effects of insulin for diabetes prevention by administering insulin or an inactive insulin analog by daily subcutaneous injections to prediabetic mice. A recombinant monomeric human insulin analog, which does not bind to the insulin receptor as a consequence of an alteration of a single amino acid at position 25 of the B chain, was shown to be equally effective at diabetes prevention as was intact insulin. In contrast to native insulin, the insulin analog did not cause hypoglycemia after subcutaneous injection. The insulin analog, however, protected …

Intrinsic And Extrinsic Control Of Hemopoietic Stem Cell Numbers: Mapping Of A Stem Cell Gene, Gerald De Haan, Gary Van Zant

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

We evaluated in vivo interactions between extrinsic (growth factor induced) and intrinsic (genetically determined) effectors of mouse primitive hemopoietic stem cell proliferation and numbers. Accordingly, stem cell frequency and cell cycle kinetics were assessed in eight strains of inbred mice using the cobblestone area–forming cell (CAFC) assay. A strong inverse correlation was observed between mouse lifespan and the number of autonomously cycling progenitors (CAFC day 7) in the femur. The population size of primitive stem cells (CAFC day 35) varied widely (up to sevenfold) among strains, unlike total CAFC day 7 numbers (cycling and quiescent), which were similar. Administration of …

Method For Employing The Delta Opioid Dadle To Extend Tissue Survival Time During Ischemia, Sufan Chien

Surgery Faculty Patents

This invention concerns a method for extending the survival time of mammalian lung tissue subjected to ischemia, by which said tissue is perfused with a preservation solution comprising a therapeutic dose of the delta opioid DADLE ([D-Ala²,D-Leu⁵]-Enkephalin) under hypothermic conditions.

Neuroprotective Action Of Cycloheximide Involves Induction Of Bcl-2 And Antioxidant Pathways, Katsutoshi Furukawa, Steven Estus, Weiming Fu, Robert J. Mark, Mark P. Mattson

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

The ability of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX) to prevent neuronal death in different paradigms has been interpreted to indicate that the cell death process requires synthesis of “killer” proteins. On the other hand, data indicate that neurotrophic factors protect neurons in the same death paradigms by inducing expression of neuroprotective gene products. We now provide evidence that in embryonic rat hippocampal cell cultures, CHX protects neurons against oxidative insults by a mechanism involving induction of neuroprotective gene products including the antiapoptotic gene bcl-2 and antioxidant enzymes. Neuronal survival after exposure to glutamate, FeSO₄, and amyloid β-peptide …

Method Of Tendon Repair, Bradley B. Hill

Surgery Faculty Patents

A method for repairing a transected or torn flexor or extensor tendon of a finger that has retracted proximally within its protective sheath includes the steps of: (a) visually locating a distal end of the tendon within the sheath; (b) engaging the distal end of the tendon, (c) pulling the tendon distally through the sheath to a tendon mending position; and (d) repairing the tendon.

Apparatus And Method For Restoring Eyelid Function, Robert S. Baker, Brian J. Willoughby, Robert R. Marshall

Ophthalmology and Visual Science Faculty Patents

An apparatus is provided to restore eyelid function in a patient unable to voluntarily raise an eyelid. The apparatus includes a spiral torsion spring and pulley arrangement mounted in a housing that is implanted in the superior portion of the orbit of the eye. A wire connects the pulley to the eyelid. A spiral torsion spring provides the necessary spring force in tension to overcome the weight of the eyelid and draw the eyelid open. The natural muscles of eye closure are, however, sufficiently strong to overcome the spring tension thereby paying out wire from the pulley and closing the …

Identification Of An Idiotypic Peptide Recognized By Autoantibodies In Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1-Infected Individuals, Q. L. Wang, H.-T. Wang, Edwin Blalock, Sybille Müller, Heinz Köhler

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Antibodies against HIV-1 proteins in HIV-1-infected individuals share a cross-reactive idiotype defined by the monoclonal antiidiotypic antibody 1F7 (5). Using a computer algorithm based on the molecular recognition theory, regions of inverse hydropathy between the variable sequence of 1F7 and human monoclonal anti-HIV-1 antibodies were identified, which are assumed to be involved in idiotype-antiidiotype contacts. A peptide was designed from the proposed contact in the variable heavy chain framework 3-complementarity determining region 3 (FR3-CDR3) of human antibodies and was synthesized. This peptide is recognized by the antiidiotype 1F7 and inhibits the binding of 1F7 to human anti-HIV-1 antibodies which express …

Method For Inhibiting Angiogenesis With Aurintricarboxylic Acid, Its Analogues Or Salts, Delwood C. Collins, Antonio Gagliardi, Anjan Bhattacharyya

Obstetrics and Genecology Faculty Patents

Aurintricarboxylic acid has potent anti-angiogenic activity and may be used for new therapeutic approaches for diseases of neovascularization including the treatment of solid tumors, diabetic retinopathy and arthritis, among others.

Immune Response To The Carcinoembryonic Antigen In Patients Treated With An Anti-Idiotype Antibody Vaccine, Kenneth A. Foon, Mala Chakraborty, William J. John, Amanda Sherratt, Heinz Köhler, Malaya Bhattacharya-Chatterjee

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

We have generated an IgG1 murine monoclonal anti-idiotype antibody (Ab2) designated 3H1, which mimics a specific epitope on the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Patients with CEA positive tumors are immunologically "tolerant" to CEA. We used 3H1 as a surrogate for CEA for vaccine therapy of 12 patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Each of the patients received a minimum of four intracutaneous injections of aluminum hydroxide precipitated 3H1 at either 1, 2, or 4 mg dosage per injection. 9 of 12 patients demonstrated anti-anti-idiotypic (Ab3) response to 3H1. All nine patients generated specific anti-CEA antibody demonstrated by reactivity with radiolabeled purified CEA; …

Sustained Release Drug Delivery Devices, Thomas J. Smith, Paul Ashton, Paul A. Pearson

Ophthalmology and Visual Science Faculty Patents

A method and device for treating a mammalian organism to obtain a desired local or systemic physiological or pharmacological effect is provided. The method includes administering a sustained release drug delivery system to a mammalian organism in need of such treatment at an area wherein release of an effective agent is desired and allowing the effective agent to pass through the device in a controlled manner. The device includes an inner core or reservoir comprising the effective agent; a first coating layer, which is essentially impermeable to the passage of the effective agent; and a second coating layer, which is …

The Relationship Between Diet, Activity, And Other Factors, And Postpartum Weight Change By Race, Debra J. Boardley, Roger G. Sargent, Ann L. Coker, James R. Hussey, Patricia A. Sharpe

CRVAW Faculty Journal Articles

Objective: To identify the impact of dietary intake and activity level on postpartum weight change.

Methods: White (n = 121) and black (n = 224) women, 7-12 months postpartum, participating in the Special Supplemental Feeding Program for Women, Infants, and Children were assessed for dietary intake, activity level, body weight, and other maternal characteristics.

Results: For both black and white women, the most important variables in predicting postpartum weight loss were pre-pregnancy weight, gestational weight gain, parity, and prenatal exercise. After these factors were controlled, race predicted that black women retained 6.4 lb more than white women. These results may …