Abstract: Materials and methods for the diagnosis of traumatic brain injury using miRNA biomarkers are disclosed. Amplification nucleotide chains amplify a detectable signal indicating the expression and/or upregulation of the biomarkers. Detection of the amplified signal is accomplished with capture nucleotide chains in a stem-loop conformation. The loop sequence of the capture nucleotide chains binds with the biomarkers and/or an indicator nucleotide chain released in the presence of one or more of the biomarkers. Binding is detected with indicators on one or more of indicator nucleotide chains released during amplification, the capture nucleotide chains, and signal nucleotide chains capable of complementary base-pair binding to the capture nucleotide chains. Incorporating the foregoing into a lateral flow assay permits point of care diagnosis.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a brain cooling and spinal cord cooling system, device or mechanism for use in military helmets, and in an adapted format in non-military helmets. The system is comprised of an inflatable pad, or a set of interconnected pads, attached to the interior surface of the helmet, together with a series of valves that allow cooling gases to be delivered from a high pressure canister. The use of different cooling gases permits the achievement and maintenance of cooling of the brain for 24 to 96 hours at a mild (36° C.) or moderate (33° C.-35° C.) brain hypothermia, which is 1.5° C.-4.5° C. below the core temperature.

Abstract: A cooling pad and system for patient care. The cooling pad includes an upper chamber, a lower chamber, and an intermediate chamber interposed between the upper chamber and the lower chamber. The upper chamber has an internal space and an inlet to accommodate a first cooling medium provided from an external source. The intermediate chamber contains a second cooling medium for transferring hypothermia from the upper chamber to the lower chamber. The lower chamber contains a third cooling medium to deliver hypothermia to the patient's skin. The cooling system can include one or more cooling pads adapted to be positioned on the patient's head and/or neck, and one or more containers for storing the first cooling medium and supplying the first cooling medium to the cooling pad(s).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a brain cooling and spinal cord cooling system, device or mechanism for use in military helmets, and in an adapted format in non-military helmets. The system is comprised of an inflatable pad, or a set of interconnected pads, attached to the interior surface of the helmet, together with a series of valves that allow cooling gases to be delivered from a high pressure canister. The use of different cooling gases permits the achievement and maintenance of cooling of the brain for 24 to 96 hours at a mild (36° C.) or moderate (33° C.-35° C.) brain hypothermia, which is 1.5° C.-4.5° C. below the core temperature.

Abstract: A formulation is provided for treatment or prevention of neural ischemic damage, or for treatment of stroke, hemorrhage, trauma, epilepsy, tumor, or any disease of the brain, the formulation comprising a mixture of a substantially solid, substantially water-insoluble, biocompatible, polymeric material, and a gap junction inhibitor such as carbenoxolone. The polymeric material may comprise a synthetic polymer such as EVA, for example in the physical form of a fiber, or a natural polymer such as a chitosan derivative, for example in the physical form of a hydrogel, disposed on or in a medical device such as a stent, which is implanted within the tissue of the patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of preventing and treating hypoxic-ischemic injury and the consequences of that condition in the newborn utilizing a class of drugs known as the gap junction blockers. The invention provides a method for treating a preterm or term newborn infant with suspected or diagnosed hypoxic-ischemic injury with a gap junction blocker either before or after delivery. The present invention also provides a method for preventing seizures in term or preterm newborn infants. A method for treating and preventing the consequences of head injury is also described.