Reversing the Loss of Immune Function in Aged Populations Through the Induction of Antioxidant Activity by a Gene Regulatory Pathway
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Friday, 12 September 08 - 10:03 PM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions |
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UCLA researchers have identified a small molecule that activates a molecular pathway that regulates antioxidant activity within immune cells. Antioxidant activity has been associated with a decrease in the loss of immune function in aged anima ls. Therefore, a new molecular entity that is determined to activate antioxidant pathways may provide for the development of novel neutraceutical supplements or adjuvants for use in older populations.
Sulforaphane (SFN), a chemical found in broccoli, is a known Nrf2 agonist that mediates the activation of antioxidant enzymatic pathways regulated by Nrf2. Recent evidence demonstrates that treatment with SFN reverses the decline of innate immune responses in aged mice. This observation was found in association with the restoration of redox equilibrium in SFN treated dendritic cells acquired from aged mice. Thus, this data suggests that activating Nrf2-mediated gene programs by SFN (or a yet undiscovered Nrf2 agonist) represents an approach that may be capable of reversing the decline in immune function in older human populations. The screening of available small molecule or natural product libraries may also uncover novel Nrf2 agonists that could be potentially developed and commercialized as antioxidant neutraceuticals. MORE [2008-560]
Methodology and System for Ubiquitous Teleconsulting in Healthcare
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Wednesday, 09 July 08 - 07:45 PM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions |
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Researchers at UCLA have developed a comprehensive teleconsultation system that enables physicians secure access to patient data by utilizing cutting edge technology and a multitasking operating system. The system supports both voice and data simultaneously, and from the first time a patient registers at a facility to post-care questions after release, it captures and organizes patient data. The system continuously compiles and instantaneously broadcasts secure and customizable records containing patient identity, health care summary, lab results, images, procedures and diagnoses to the attending physician's device. This teleconsulting system allows for thorough and timely care and increased patient satisfaction. MORE[2007-479]
Peptide for Induction of Immune Tolerance as Treatment for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
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Monday, 07 July 08 - 11:06 PM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions |
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UCLA researchers have identified the D form of a peptide called “D-pCons” for the D form of pConsensus. When the L-form of this autoantibody-based peptide is administered to a mouse model of SLE, it induces regulatory T cells to prevent autoantibody production and nephritis. In vitro, the L form also expands regulatory T cells in patients with SLE. The D form of the peptide should be resistant to degradation by acid and proteases, so oral administration is possible. The route of administration and safety should have an advantage over the injected L form of the peptide. Recent studies using the D form show intravenous expression significantly reducing α-DNA production. Additionally, studies demonstrating the efficacy of D-pCons are underway. MORE [2008-211]
New Gene/Protein Targets for Antibiotics
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Monday, 07 July 08 - 11:03 PM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions |
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Researchers at UCLA have identified a high-throughput screening method that can simultaneously identify a large number of genes that when inactive, can increase the susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics. Small molecules could then be designed to act as inhibitors that would render the desired gene(s) inactive. Therefore, these inhibitors would act as co-antibiotics (pharmaceutical agents that enhance antibiotic activity) and allow appropriate antibiotic treatments to work effectively. MORE [2008-014]
An Improved Novel Tactile Interface System for Use in Remote Sensory Processes
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Monday, 16 June 08 - 07:22 PM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions |
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UCLA researchers have developed a pneumatic haptic feedback system that can be used for a variety of applications including remote or robotically-assisted surgical procedures, neuroprosthetics, video-gaming and virtual-reality simulation. The enhanced system design is modular and scalable thereby allowing for easier system re-configuration and integration at a lower cost structure.
A pneumatic haptic feedback system has been designed to be modular, scalable and miniaturized. When the operator applies a force upon an object to be manipulated, a sensor transmits a signal that results in the application of proportional pressure upon the hands of the operator. In addition, a control system has been engineered to regulate the signal input in proportion to the applied force. The adaptability of this system allows for straightforward custom redesigns and lower system integration expenses. In addition, this system has been constructed for wireless applications. MORE [2006-552]
Method for Patient-centric Views of Medical Data
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Saturday, 07 June 08 - 12:04 AM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions |
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UCLA researchers in the Medical Imaging Informatics Group have developed software that provides patient-centric views of medical data. This software will enable patients to fully utilize available medical information to make educated decisions about their own medical care.
Researchers at UCLA have developed software that is capable of integrating underlying medical data and presenting the information in a way that enhances the patient's ability to navigate and understand the data. The main component of the invention is the "visualization dictionary." As the patient interacts with the interface, the visualization dictionary makes decisions whether a piece of information is relevant to a given medical problem based on its own knowledge base, number of data elements related to the problem, and frequency and recency of events. MORE [2008-313]
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines and Method to Generate Human Embryonic Stem Cells from Dermal Fibroblasts
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Tuesday, 03 June 08 - 01:30 AM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions |
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UCLA investigators have developed a method to generate human embryonic stem cell-like cells from human skin fibroblasts. These so-called induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have tremendous potential to create custom-made human embryonic stem cells to treat individuals with degenerative diseases.
UCLA researchers have developed a method to generate human iPS cells from human dermal fibroblasts. Researchers were able to reprogram human somatic cells by overexpressing transcription factors in human skin fibroblasts to induce pluripotency. These cells can, just like ES cells, be differentiated into cells of all three germ layers. The method can also be used to create custom-made human embryonic stem cells from any person. For people with degenerative diseases, human iPS cells can be generated and differentiated, and then transplanted back in the same person to avoid immunological rejection. Researchers have generated multiple human induced pluripotent stem cell lines that can be used to study their differentiation potential. MORE [2008-246]
Selective Kinase Inhibitor Decreases Atherosclerosis
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Friday, 30 May 08 - 07:15 PM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions |
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UCLA researchers have identified that a selective kinase inhibitor is able to suppress the development of atherosclerosis. As well, investigators are able to determine that vascular cell-derived M-CSF, rather than macrophage-derived M-CSF is primarily involved in atherosclerotic lesion formation. Selective kinase inhibitor experiments with mice have shown that inhibition of M-CSF signaling within artery walls decreases inflammation and lesion formation. These experiments also suggest that the mechanisms for M-CSF's effect on atherosclerosis involve monocyte recruitment and macrophage survival. The selective kinase inhibitor acts to decrease monocyte migration into artery walls and decrease macrophage survival within artery walls. MORE [2008-490]
Process for Directing Assemblies of Particulate Dispersions Using Surface Roughness
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Tuesday, 27 May 08 - 06:35 PM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions |
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UCLA scientists have discovered a new route for systematically designing and directing the assembly of custom-shaped particles by tailoring the surface roughness of custom-shaped microparticles.
Researchers at UCLA have studied dispersions of microscopic particles mixed with depletion agents and demonstrated that the strength of depletion attractions between the different surfaces of the particles can be tuned not only through shape control, but also through localized control of the surface roughness. This is another viable route for systematically designing and directing the assembly of custom-shaped particles by tailoring the surface roughness of custom-shaped microparticles dispersed in a liquid and varying the size of smaller nanoscale colloids relative to the roughness. Commercial applications include mass producing microscale devices made from several interlocking pieces, including microscale engines and pumps. In addition, particles can be aggregated and separated based on surface roughness to remove particles with very rough surfaces. Other applications include decorating surfaces with particles, depending on the roughness of the particles. MORE [2008-090]
Monoclonal Antibody to CDK2AP-1
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Wednesday, 21 May 08 - 12:27 AM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions |
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UCLA investigators have developed and produced a monoclonal antibody for CDK2AP-1, a cell cycle regulator and competency factor for stem cell differentiation. The research reagent is an important tool in the cancer biology and stem cell research communities. The mAb can be used for applications including immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunohistochemistry.
UCLA researchers have developed a monoclonal antibody for CDK2AP-1. CDK2AP-1 is an essential gene for early embryonic development, and also a cell cycle regulator by the inhibition of G1/S transition through downregulation of CDK2. Investigators have determined that CDK2AP-1 confers competency for the proper differentiation of murine ES cells. Therefore, the CDK2AP-1 mAb will be useful in the immuno-detection of the stem cell differentiation competency factor CDK2AP-1. MORE [2008-679]
Detection of Cancer Stem Cells In Vitro and In Vivo
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Tuesday, 13 May 08 - 01:55 AM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions |
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UCLA investigators in the Department of Radiation Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine, have identified a novel method of detecting and tracking cancer stem cells in vitro and in vivo. This method has been fully developed and tested for immediate use.
Solid cancers contain a small population of cells that are called cancer stem cells. Even after conventional anticancer therapies, such as chemotherapy and/or radiation, have been administered to patients, cancer stem cells have the capability of regenerating and repopulating an entire tumor. The idea is that conventional anticancer therapies target the bulk of cancerous cells in a tumor. However, cancer stem cells are unaffected and therefore persist in growing the tumor once again. In order to treat these types of cancers, cancer stem cells must be identified and targeted with specific cancer stem cell therapies.
UCLA researchers have identified a novel technique to detect and track cancer stem cells in vitro and in vivo. Because cancer stem cells display low proteasome activity, inventors have identified a method that would degrade fluorescent proteins in the presence of proteasome activity. Therefore, low proteasome activity will render fluorescent proteins to be present, and facilitate the detection and tracking of cancer stem cells. Generation of knock-in mice and high-throughput screens for cancer stem cell therapies are in progress. MORE [2008-248]
Process for Optically Trapping and Manipulating Custom-Shaped Particles in Solution
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Monday, 12 May 08 - 09:55 PM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions |
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Through exploiting the diversity of microscopic particles, and systematically varying particles' shapes, the researchers have discovered a range of interesting trapping phenomena that can arise when laser tweezers are applied to complex dielectric structures. Commercial applications include building microscale biparticle or multiparticle devices having complex shapes and compositions useful in advanced pharmaceutical drug delivery, micro-architectural engineering, and in advanced security approaches. MORE [2008-091]
Fracture-driven Portable X-Ray-Electron-Ion Generator (FRAXGEN)
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Tuesday, 06 May 08 - 09:13 PM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions |
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UCLA researchers in the Department of Physics have developed and reduced to practice a low cost, breadboard version of a portable x-ray source that can be powered by a hand-crank or 9V battery for applications in medical imaging, security imaging, or lead contamination detection.
The invention is able to transduce a small mechanical force into energy to accelerate electric charges for x-ray generation via Bremsstrahlung radiation. MORE [2008-485]
Strategy to Suppress Dominant Oncogene in Leukemia Using Lentiviral Expressed microRNAs
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Saturday, 19 April 08 - 12:26 AM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions |
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Researchers at UCLA have identified a method that allows for the robust expression of multiple miRNAs from a single lentiviral vector that targets a validated and clinically-relevant human oncogenic mRNA. In vitro assays used for the assessment of downstream signaling demonstrate that this strategy strongly disrupts the activity of the oncogenic target. In addition, strong apoptotic effects were observed in a cell line expressing both the oncogene and the selected miRNAs. Further results point to a mechanism that may consist of a reduction in the levels of target RNA and target protein levels through inhibition of translation. This strategy may therefore provide the basis for an autologous transplantation scheme using a patient's own stem and progenitor cells, thereby reducing the need for a matched donor allogenic transplant. MORE [2008-234]
Predictive Markers for Dasatinib to Treat Solid Tumors
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Wednesday, 16 April 08 - 10:01 PM (GMT) By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions |
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Investigators at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine have identified potential markers to predict the response of breast cancer patients to dasatinib, an oral multi-kinase SRC/ABL inhibitor. There is potential to use these markers in the clinical development of dasatinib and other SRC kinase inhibitors that treat solid tumors.
UCLA researchers have identified predictive markers to identify human breast cancer cells that are likely to respond to dasatinib or to therapy with another SRC kinase inhibitor. This unique gene set has been identified by using an in vitro pharmocogenomic approach. MORE [2006-263]
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