University of Pittsburgh

Other

Flir Detection, Inc.

David C Wilson

Raphael Hirsch

Anthony D Marinov

Jeremy P Walker

Anna M Leech

Jessica J Sinclair

The present invention provides a biomolecule conjugate having one or more functionalized biomolecules wherein the biomolecule is functionalized with one or more reactive sites, and at least one polymer capable of undergoing a polymer growth reaction, wherein the polymer is attached to at least one of the reactive sites of the functionalized biomolecule and wherein the polymer envelopes the functionalized biomolecule to form a reversible nanoparticle structure which protects the biomolecule by dynamically collapsing to preserve the biomolecule when an adverse environmental stimulus is present. A method of protecting a biomolecule from environmental conditions is also provided.

Stabilization of biomolecules by attachment of responsive polymers and sensors thereof

The present invention relates to methods and compositions for diagnosis of inflammatory disorders, and in non-limiting embodiments, of inflammatory disorders associated with elevated interleukin-1&#x3b2; ('IL-1&#x3b2;'), based on increased levels of follistatin-like protein 1 ('FSTL-1'). In particular non-limiting embodiments, the invention further provides for methods of identifying subjects with systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (&#x201c;SOJIA&#x201d;) who are at increased risk for developing macrophage activation syndrome (&#x201c;MAS&#x201d;) comprising detecting, in said subjects, hyper-increased levels of FSTL-1. In additional non-limiting embodiments, the invention provides for methods of identifying subjects with Kawasaki disease who are at increased risk of developing aortic aneurysms comprising detecting, in said subjects, hyper-increased levels of FSTL-1.

Follistatin-like protein-1 as a biomarker for inflammatory disorders

Follistatin-like protein (FSTL-1) is a secreted glycoprotein of unknown function, first isolated from mouse osteoblastic cells as a transforming growth factor-&#x3b2;1-inducible gene. The inventors have discovered that FSTL-1 is a proinflammatory mediator. As such, the invention provides for composition and methods of using agents that bind to FSTL-1 to modulate various types of inflammation (e.g., autoimmune diseases). Inhibitors and antagonists of FSTL-1, particularly antibodies or antibody fragments, may be used to treat conditions related to inflammation, such as arthritis. In addition, the inventors have discovered that FSTL-1 has a role in the Th17 pathway. Accordingly, the invention provides for compositions and methods of using agents which bind to FSTL-1 to modulate the generation of Th17 cells. Such agents are useful for delaying development of and treating diseases associated with undesired production of Th17 cells, such as autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, since FSTL-1 is a proinflammatory mediator with a role in cancer, the invention provides for compositions and methods of using a pharmaceutical composition of FSTL-1 to delay development of or treat cancer.

Immunomodulation of inflammatory conditions utilizing Follistatin-like Protein-1 and agents that bind thereto

Immunomodulation of inflammatory conditions utilizing Follistatin-like protein-1 and agents that bind thereto

A solar collector for use in either an upfeed forced hot water heating system or a downfeed system features a pair of serpentine coils arranged in opposing flow relationship within a shallow insulated collector housing having a sealed glass closure panel. The two serpentine coils lie in spaced parallel planes within the housing, and the two coils are offset laterally so that their individual longitudinal loops overlap laterally by approximately one-half the width of each loop. The flow of heated fluid in each serpentine coil is controlled independently of the other coil by a temperature-responsive modulating valve connected in each coil close to the outlet end thereof within the housing. Efficiency of operation and practicality and economy of construction are featured.

Solar collector for fluid heating system

A paddle and puck game is provided in which each player is equipped with two paddles but must defend three goals. The playing equipment comprises an open tray, which provides a playing surface and opposite goals. The playing surface is marked with a center line to divide the available ranges of activity of the opposing players to their own separate courts. Near each end of the tray the side walls are slotted, removably to receive goal strips. Each goal strip generally includesthree scoring slots of different scoring values in its lower border. Goal strips of varying difficulty may be provided to accommodate players of differing levels of ability, and to permit goals of unequal difficulty to be used simultaneously at opposite ends for handicapping purposes. The goal spaces behind the slots are partitioned off from one another so that a scoring puck will generally be appropriately trapped, for avoiding disagreement as to which goal slot it passed through. Angular deflecting pieces are fixed behind the goals to avoid direct rebounding to a free area of a scoring puck. The lower margins of the side walls and the goal strips, as well as the lateral face portions of the puck, are desirably coated with a rubbery material such as neoprene, to deaden the sound and to increase the liveliness of rebounding of the puck.

Growing community of inventors

Monroeville, PA, United States of America

David C Wilson