Translating encouraging preliminary results of novel immuno-gene therapy, in combination with a novel molecular genetic chemotherapy, into a new treatment for intracerebral breast cancer. 2003 NeuroGrant Recipient.

Translating encouraging preliminary results of novel molecular genetic immunotherapy into the clinical setting. Determining the safety and efficacy of treating human intracerebral malignant tumors using genetically modified IL-2 secreting cells as a tumor vaccine.

A two part project which will: 1) provide educational information to breast cancer patients regarding the prevalence of metastases to the brain, available treatments, and the importance of brain scans and early detection and 2) undertake a research project which will examine the role of early screening for brain metastases arising from breast cancer. 2006 NeuroGrant Recipient

Determine the safety and efficacy of treating human intracerebral malignant tumors using genetically modified IL-2 secreting cells transduced with the patient’s DNA, as a tumor vaccine. 2006 NeuroGrant Recipient

Compilation of a comprehensive database containing diagnosis and treatment parameters.

A combination of human clinical studies and animal studies to investigate the molecular basis of epileptogenesis. 2004 2005, and 2006 NeuroGrant Recipient

Evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of chronic deep brain stimulation of the feeding center, ventromedial hypothalamus (VHM) of obese rats to effect weight loss. 2003 NeuroGrant Recipient

Evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of chronic deep brain stimulation to the lateral hypothalamus of obese rats to effect weight loss.

Investigating the possibility of direct brain-to-speech activity in locked-in patients. 2004 NeuroGrant Recipient

To determine if bilateral deep brain stimulation of the Lateral Hypothalamus will lead to significant and sustained weight loss in primates. 2004 NeuroGrant Recipient

Prospective longitudinal study to assess the impact of deep brain stimulation on behavior and mood in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease. 2005 NeuroGrant Recipient

Assessing the safety and efficacy of bilateral deep brain stimulation of the Globus Pallidus Internus in medically refractory dystonia. 2003 NeuroGrant Recipient

Evaluating the immunological potential for the rejection of stem cell grafts in the treatment of MPTP-induced Parkinson-like symptoms. 2005 NeuroGrant Recipient

Elucidating the pathophysiology of patients with unusual diseases undergoing deep brain stimulation through the analysis of firing patterns. 2005 NeuroGrant Recipient

Pre – and post operative gait analysis using videography.

Describing variables that may predict the QOL of patients who have undergone various types of spinal surgery for nonmalignant spinal disease. Identifying potential risk factors of a poor QOL outcome in the surgical spine population. 2003 NeuroGrant Recipient

Describing reports of back pain or discomfort and correlating self-reports to patterns of physical activity. Describing potential risk factors that may predispose a pregnant female to experience back pain during pregnancy. Demonstrating the applicability of selected pain scales used in the general population in the pregnant population. 2003 NeuroGrant Recipient

Identifying if musculoskeletal ultrasound can be used in the clinic to assist patients in relieving low back pain by fine tuning their exercise program and providing objective feedback. 2003 NeuroGrant Recipient

Assess one application of intraoperative monitoring and its efficacy in prevention of post-operative C5 palsies. 2004 NeuroGrant Recipient

Determining the effect of a multifidus exercise program on the cross sectional area of the multifidus muscle. 2005 NeuroGrant Recipient

Determining the efficacy of image guidance in the placement of thoracic pedicle screws. 2005 NeuroGrant Recipient

Investigating the efficacy of percutaneous facet joint synovial cyst aspiration, a seldom used and relatively novel treatment for decompressing synovial cysts of the lumbar spine. 2005 NeuroGrant Recipient

1) To produce a working protocol for culturing spinal cord progenitor cells from the spinal cords of mammalian embryos and human cadavers, 2.) to investigate simulated stress environments in vitro on spinal cord progenitor cells, and efficacy of methylprednisolone as a neuroprotective agent. 2004 NeuroGrant Recipient

To examine how accurately a surgeon can predict how well a patient will do after surgery for mechanical pain. 2006 NeuroGrant Recipient

Determining whether 3x daily administration of heparin (versus 2x) will significantly reduce the rate of DVT formation without significantly increasing the post-operative complication rate. 2004 NeuroGrant Recipient

Defining the long-term safety and efficacy of the stent and coil technique for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. 2005 NeuroGrant Recipient

Evaluating treatment parameters and outcomes in AVMs treated with radiosurgery.

Equipment and flow models for a hemodynamic neuroendovascular laboratory to facilitate investigation into new techniques and devices.

Advancing development of a sensory glove prototype with capabilities to assist neurosurgeons in monitoring their suturing techniques as well as providing a feed back on the state of the hand/surgical tools and conditions during surgery.