Abstract: A process for generating multipotent cells from glial cells using in vitro techniques to dedifferentiate fetal or adult mammalian glial cells into multipotent cells. The multipotent cells may further be differentiated into particular types of nervous system cells, including neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. A small sample of astrocytes is used to establish an in vitro culture of cells that is expanded and processed to yield multipotent cells that may be used directly or be differentiated to yield neurons and/or oligodendrocytes and/or astrocytes. The invention includes implanting the generated cells into patients. The invention includes a step of exposing the cells to a growth factor.

Abstract: The invention relates to the stable transfection of neurons with DNA encoding proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and replication factor C (RFC). Also, co-transfection of a functional gene along with the DNA encoding PCNA and RFC causes stable integration of the functional gene.

Abstract: A method is provided for inducing DNA synthesis in differentiated neurons. According to certain embodiments of the invention, a method for inducing DNA synthesis in a differentiated neuron is provided that includes obtaining a vector comprising nucleic acid encoding an E2F regulator and/or an E1A regulator, wherein the vector can be used to express the nucleic acid in a differentiated neuron, and transfecting a differentiated neuron with the vector.

Abstract: A method is provided for inducing DNA synthesis in differentiated neurons. According to certain embodiments of the invention, a method for inducing DNA synthesis in a differentiated neuron is provided that includes obtaining a vector comprising nucleic acid encoding an E2F regulator and/or an E1A regulator, wherein the vector can be used to express the nucleic acid in a differentiated neuron, and transfecting a differentiated neuron with the vector.

Abstract: The invention relates to the stable transfection of neurons with DNA encoding proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and replication factor C (RFC). Also, co-transfection of a functional gene along with the DNA encoding PCNA and RFC causes stable integration of the functional gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to the stable transfection of neurons with DNA encoding proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and replication factor C (RFC). Also, co-transfection of a functional gene along with the DNA encoding PCNA and RFC causes stable integration of the functional gene.

Abstract: A method is provided for inducing DNA synthesis in differentiated neurons. According to certain embodiments of the invention, a method for inducing DNA synthesis in a differentiated neuron is provided that includes obtaining a vector comprising nucleic acid encoding an E2F regulator and/or an E1A regulator, wherein the vector can be used to express the nucleic acid in a differentiated neuron, and transfecting a differentiated neuron with the vector.

Abstract: The present invention is a vehicle having a mobile extremity pumping apparatus mounted thereon. The mobile extremity pumping apparatus comprises a control module, a driver module and one or more compression units. A two-layer bladder assembly is positioned between the inner layer and the outer shell comprising precompression and compression bladder layers. The precompression bladder layer extends longitudinally along the person's extremity with the individual bladders each wrapping around and arranged sequentially along the extremity. The precompression bladder layer is surrounded by a compression bladder layer mounted between the precompression bladder layer and the outer shell. A pump in the driver module compresses the media, which may be water, air, or similar media, and directs the compressed media to a manifold for distribution to each valve in the driver module.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for inducing expression of neurotrophic factor receptors trkB and trkC in neurons. The compositions include a material that activates a nuclear hormone receptor, a material that activates the second messenger response system, and a material that elevates Ca.sup.2+.

Abstract: This invention relates to pH-sensitive immunoliposomes with a conjugated antibody sensitive to cells of the mammalian CNS, a method for introducing genetic material into the cells of the mammalian CNS in vitro through these liposomes, and a method of introducing genetic material into the cells of the mammalian CNS through direct injection of the liposomes into the CNS.

Abstract: A portable, hydraulic extremity pump apparatus for treatment of edema is disclosed. The apparatus consists of a flexible compression unit that wraps around an individual's extremity. The compression unity has a plurality of prefill bladders each containing a separate compression bladder. The bladders are connected to a hydraulic pump through valves. Pressure sensors are connected to prefill bladders. The valves, the pump and the pressure sensors are all connected to a programmable control processor to operate the valves and pump and to monitor the bladder pressures. The valves to the prefill bladders are closed at an appropriate pressurization and the pump is shut down to mold the compression unit around the extremity. The occurrence of edema may then be detected by the monitoring of the pressure in the prefill bladders.

Abstract: A power supply implanted behind a tissue barrier in a human body and operating a medical device and incorporating a high frequency power receiver antenna coil; a transmitter having a high frequency transmitter antenna coil generating high frequency power and transmitting the power from the transmitting coil to the implanted receiver coil; an implanted non-ferrous magnet affixed within the implanted annular receiver coil; and a magnetic field sensing device or magnetically operated reed switch affixed concentrically within the transmitter coil of the transmitter and controlling transmission of high frequency power from the transmitter to the implanted power supply.