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Integrated Portable Pneumatically Powered Ankle-Foot Orthosis Below the knee muscle weakness, defined by weak dorsiflexor (shin) or plantarflexor (calf) muscle groups, can result from a variety of physical impairments or... Read More Below the knee muscle weakness, defined by weak dorsiflexor (shin) or plantarflexor (calf) muscle groups, can result from a variety of physical impairments or congenital abnormalities. Stroke, spinal cord injuries, polio and multiple sclerosis are among some of the physical injuries and congenital defects responsible for the condition. The largest complication from below the knee muscle weakness is abnormal gait, which when compensated for can lead to further complications in other muscles and joints. Ankle-foot-orthoses (AFOs) have been designed to assist afflicted individuals in walking and rehabilitation of the weakened muscle groups. Unfortunately, many commercially available AFOs are passive devices that cannot provide assistance during the propulsive phase of gait. Furthermore, these instruments are not capable of adapting to changes in walking conditions. Powered AFOs have been engineered to overcome these limitations but lack practicality in that they are commonly tethered to off-board power sources. This technology provides a non-tethered, portable pneumatic powered AFO that controls and assists propulsion of the foot as well as ankle motion using plantarflexor and dorsiflexor torque at the ankle joint. A custom-built pneumatic rotary actuator is located at the ankle joint. Torque generated by the actuator is used for both motion control of the foot and to provide supplemental torque for the individual during gait. Pressure regulators are used to manage the force produced by the rotary actuator and valves are used to direct the flow of fluid power to the actuator. Control and sensing of the actuator is accomplished through use of pressure and angle sensors and onboard electronics. Applications This device can be used to aid individuals afflicted with below the knee muscle weakness or impaired gait resulting from any number of physical injuries or congenital disabilities. Portability of the device permits the device to be used in a variety of locations. Applications include: Assistance in walking (including flexibility to walk outside) Relief from pain and discomfort during walking Rehabilitation of dorsiflexors and plantarflexors (possible from the patients personal residence) Benefits The portable pneumatic AFO is beneficial compared to passive AFOs in that it: Controls velocity of foot during initial contact to prevent foot-slap Provides torque at end of the stance for propulsion Supports the foot in the neutral, 90 degree position during swing to prevent foot-drop and allow free range of motion throughout the walking cycle Enables full customization of timing and magnitude of assistance through electronic and mechanical means Benefits over other powered AFOs include: Portable, non-tethered power
Controlled Targets-Specific Drug Delivery via DNAzyme (aptazyme or aptamer) - Functionalized Liposome An amphiphilic substance includes a hydrophobic group, and a polynucleotide group attached to the hydrophobic group. The polynucleotide group includes a first... Read More An amphiphilic substance includes a hydrophobic group, and a polynucleotide group attached to the hydrophobic group. The polynucleotide group includes a first polynucleotide segment and a second polynucleotide segment. The first and second polynucleotide segments are at least partially complementary and are bound together by interactions including base pairing. At least one of the first and second segments includes at least one of an aptamer and a nucleic acid-based enzyme. A lipid vesicle may include the amphiphilic substance, a first polar lipid that is an unstable vesicle former, and a polar liquid. Upon exposure to a rupture agent, the vesicle may rupture, releasing the contents of the vesicle. Substances that may be released from the vesicle include bioactive agents, such as drug agents.
Functional Imaging Method Using FENSI: Flow Enhanced Signal Intensity A method for imaging a brain of a subject includes providing a cognitive task for the subject or measuring resting state blood flow without a cognitive task,... Read More A method for imaging a brain of a subject includes providing a cognitive task for the subject or measuring resting state blood flow without a cognitive task, applying a saturation pulse sequence to saturate a slice within an imaging volume in the subject, and applying an imaging pulse sequence to acquire data from the imaging volume. A saturated image is acquired shortly after termination of the saturation pulse sequence and a non-saturation image is acquired after spins flowing through the saturated slice have recovered. The saturation image and the non-saturation image are subtracted to generate a blood velocity or perfusion enhanced difference image indicating portions of the brain active during the cognitive task. When measuring resting state blood flow without a cognitive task, the method includes acquiring a calibration scan and performing a quantitative evaluation of the blood velocity perpendicular to the saturated slice.
Powerful Biphosophonates for Treatment of Cancer, Bone Loss, and Infectious Disease Although there are already a few existing compounds for use in the treatment of bone diseases, these new compounds may have efficacy exceeding that of current... Read More Although there are already a few existing compounds for use in the treatment of bone diseases, these new compounds may have efficacy exceeding that of current commercial species. In some cases, existing treatments have high toxicity and low efficacy. These new compounds may, therefore, be better than existing therapeutic options. These new compounds can help restore the natural balance between normal bone destruction and replacement. They are also potential candidates for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases as related compounds have been shown to kill tumor cells and parasites. They have been shown to stimulate T-Cells, assisting in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. They have multiple targets, some involved in regulating apoptosis, and displays increased potency, making it a possible cancer drug. Its improved cell availability lowers the effective dose and can lead to fewer side effects. These compounds make up a series of bisphosphonates useful for the treatment of bone-related diseases, cancer and infections caused by protozoa and bacteria. The compounds represent new compositions of matter. Current clinical Bisphosphonates contain a nitrogen atom that can be positively charged. The new compounds have positively charged P, As, Sb, S, Se or Te sites instead of nitrogen. They may have higher activity in treating a variety of diseases than existing compounds and may have lower toxicity than existing compounds. Applications Treatment of bone diseases, cancer and infections Benefits Increased potency, makes it a possible cancer therapeutic Improved cellular availability lowers the effective dose required and can lead to fewer side effects Potential higher activity in treating a variety of diseases than existing compounds May have lower toxicity than existing compounds
Bioresorbable Silicon Electronics for Neural Sensing Dr. John Rogers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed bioresorbable silicon electronics that can be used for real-time sensing of neural... Read More Dr. John Rogers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed bioresorbable silicon electronics that can be used for real-time sensing of neural electrical activity. This invention could prevent follow-up neural surgeries, and has potentials for long-term monitoring of patients. 2015-158 Photo for Web.png
Quantum Dots with Thin Coatings that Allow for Efficient Bioconjugation Dr. Andrew Smith from the University of Illinois has developed new quantum dots with a multidentate polymer coating that minimizes size while maintaining stability and... Read More Dr. Andrew Smith from the University of Illinois has developed new quantum dots with a multidentate polymer coating that minimizes size while maintaining stability and improving efficiency of conjugation. Quantum dots are promising agents for cellular and molecular imaging, but their bulky organic coatings have limited their use in cells. Dr. Smith's quantum dots are small, stable, and can be conjugated to targeting molecules and purified easily.
Algorithm Modified Deoxynybomycin for the Treatment of Gram-Negative Bacteria Dr. Hergenrother from the University of IL has developed a novel antibiotic that is effective against certain antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria. His powerful... Read More Dr. Hergenrother from the University of IL has developed a novel antibiotic that is effective against certain antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria. His powerful predictive algorithm determines accumulation of molecules in Gram-negative bacteria and enables conversion of known Gram-positive only antibiotics into novel compounds with Gram-negative potency.
Multiscale Porosity Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration Dr. Amy J. Wagoner Johnson from the University of IL has developed a scaffold for the use in bone regeneration procedures. The scaffold can be custom... Read More Dr. Amy J. Wagoner Johnson from the University of IL has developed a scaffold for the use in bone regeneration procedures. The scaffold can be custom tailored to the individual patient through its additive manufacturing process. The scaffold has a variety of macropores and micropores. These differing pores influence capillarity and directionality of bone growth. This allows for predictability in how the bone will regenerate along the scaffold. These scaffolds have been shown to have enhanced weight bearing to current products. Efficacy of the scaffolds have been shown in in vivo pig studies.
Method and System for Increasing Radiation Sensitivity in Medical Imaging Detectors Dr. Abbaszadeh from the University of Illinois has invented a method and system for increasing radiation sensitivity in semiconductor detectors used in medical imaging... Read More Dr. Abbaszadeh from the University of Illinois has invented a method and system for increasing radiation sensitivity in semiconductor detectors used in medical imaging devices, such as Positron emission tomography (PET) scanners. Cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) is used in radiation detection medical applications. The cross- strip configuration of CZT detectors reduces the number of readout channels from n2 in pixelated electrode configuration to n. If there are multiple interaction photon events, multiple anodes and cathodes will be triggered at the same time and create ambiguity in determining the exact position of interaction. Generally, the multiple interaction events in cross-strip detectors are discarded. This invention will increase the sensitivity of semiconductor detectors by including these events. The sensitivity of the system is improved by nearly an order of magnitude. Schematic of box-shaped CZT-based small animal PET system.
Bioactive Composites Reinforced by 3D-Printable Foams Professor Harley from the University of Illinois and his collaborators have developed a unique bioactive composite structure for use in the regenerative repair of... Read More Professor Harley from the University of Illinois and his collaborators have developed a unique bioactive composite structure for use in the regenerative repair of craniomaxillofacial bone injuries. This bioactive composite material is based on a 3D-printable foam which can be generated to fit complex shapes, features mechanical properties that can be tailored to match the physical properties of the bone at the surgical site, and can maintain their physical properties after being further shaped intraoperatively. When included within the bioactive composite structure this modular fiber mesh both passively aids surgical-practicality and actively accelerates regenerative healingreinforcement. More specifically, these bioactive composites supported human bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stemcell osteogenesis and new bone formation.Importantly, this bioactive composite does not suffer from the drawbacks of autologous bone or alloplastic implants, the current clinical gold standard for repair. Moreover, unlike current biomaterials this biomaterial composite has not demonstrated the release of any negative degradation by products, such as metal ions or acids.