Abstract: Compositions are provided according to aspects of the present invention which include: a plurality of longitudinally extending fibers, each of the fibers having a longitudinal axis, wherein the longitudinal axis of each of a majority of the fibers is generally aligned; a plurality of stem cells capable of differentiation into a central or peripheral nervous system cell, a majority of the plurality of stem cells in contact with one or more of the plurality of longitudinally extending fibers; a biocompatible hydrogel, wherein the longitudinally extending fibers and stem cells are disposed in the matrix of a biocompatible hydrogel; a therapeutic amount of a neurotrophic factor disposed in the biocompatible hydrogel, wherein the neurotrophic factor is distributed as a gradient; a plurality of olfactory ensheathing cells disposed in the biocompatible hydrogel; and a therapeutic amount of a scar inhibitor disposed in the biocompatible hydrogel.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient/subject having neuronal injury, pain, neurotrauma and/or traumatic brain injury, such as diffuse axonal injury, which includes intrathecally and/or intraventricularly administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and/or a naturally occurring omega conotoxin, functional fragment thereof, a pharmacologically acceptable salt, ester, amide, or prodrug thereof.

Abstract: According to the subject invention, there is disclosed a method for treating a patient/subject having a spastic disorder, a convulsive disorder, pain or epilepsy which includes administering to the subject having any one of these conditions a therapeutically effective amount of the compound gamma-aminobutyramide, analogs, substituted forms, derivatives, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, amides, and prodrugs thereof, or compounds which yield gamma-aminobutyramide as an intermediate, a metabolite, or a by-product.

Abstract: A method of treating a neuronal disorder is provided that includes the intravenous administration to a subject suffering or predisposed to a neuronal disorder a therapeutically effective amount of gamma-aminobutyramide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Gamma-aminobutyramide has sufficient stability for intravenous administration and is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. A method of neuroprotection is provided that includes administration to a subject suffering or predisposed to a neuronal disorder associated with spasticity or convulsions a therapeutically effective amount of gamma-aminobutyramide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: A system for simulating cerebrospinal injury includes a simulated human head having an anatomically representative volume filled with a brain or spinal cord simulative mass material. A force sensor is located within the volume at a preselected location to yield information needed to simulate axonic cerebrospinal injury. Simulated cerebrospinal injury information is helpful in designing countermeasures to lessen such injury.

Abstract: A central nervous system (CNS) catheter assembly (20) adapted for use as a ventriculostomy catheter and a spinal catheter includes a catheter body (28) defining at least one lumen (30) therethrough having a drug delivery branch (22) and a monitoring/sensing branch (24). The drug delivery branch (22) and the monitoring/sensing second branch (24) are in fluid communication with the lumen (30). The assembly further includes a filter assembly (36) disposed in fluid communication with the drug delivery branch (22) and a valve assembly (54) disposed in fluid communication with the monitoring/sensing branch (24). Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a temperature control system (170) for use in controlling the temperature of a location within the central nervous system such as the brain or the spinal cord.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods of delivering a polypeptide to a cell comprising (a) contacting a cell with a replicon having a non-poliovirus nucleic acid substituted for a nucleic acid which encodes at least a portion of a protein necessary for encapsidation, the non-poliovirus nucleic acid encoding, in an expressible form, a polypeptide or fragment thereof; and (b) maintaining the cells under conditions appropriate for introduction of the replicons into the cells. The cell may be within a subject and the polypeptide may be a therapeutic agent. The methods of the invention may be used to treat diseases including central nervous system disorders, infectious diseases, and cancer.

Abstract: An apparatus for simulating human traumatic brain injury in an animal, said apparatus comprising a support having an aperture having end walls and side walls disposed therein; a sliding element slidingly engaged with said side walls of said aperture, said sliding element having a retainer disposed thereon for receiving an animal holder therein; and a crank arm operatively connected to both said sliding element and an actuator mechanism. There is also disclosed a method of simulating human traumatic brain injury in an animal which includes the steps of providing an animal and repeatedly laterally displacing the animal in a reciprocal manner in order to cause acceleration and deceleration of the animal laterally to cause the animal's brain to be correspondingly accelerated and decelerated thereby causing traumatic brain injury.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods of delivering a polypeptide to a cell comprising (a) contacting a cell with a replicon having a non-poliovirus nucleic acid substituted for a nucleic acid which encodes at least a portion of a protein necessary for encapsidation, the non-poliovirus nucleic acid encoding, in an expressible form, a polypeptide or fragment thereof; and (b) maintaining the cells under conditions appropriate for introduction of the replicons into the cells. The cell may be within a subject and the polypeptide may be a therapeutic agent. The methods of the invention may be used to treat diseases including central nervous system disorders, infectious diseases, and cancer.