313 results about "Functional recovery" patented technology

Techniques make surfing global computer networks, such as the Internet World Wide Web, more satisfying and / or pleasurable. A “Virtual World” is simulated which graphically and functionally restores a user's sense of proximity, or distance, while surfing on the Web. A visitor to this Virtual World is presented with the ability to traverse a two- or three-dimensional geographic terrain. The visitor’ icon is moved along the graphic display in the direction of various destinations representing by appropriate graphic designations, with subsequent pages being cached in the preferred embodiment so that subsequent pages are instantly displayed, eliminating the annoying delay often associated with the choice of a subsequent page of a web site. Metrics, including Common Metrics and Customized Metrics, are used to enhance user interactions. A Common Metric is when the geographic terrain on which the various visitors are located is common to all, so that one person can approach the other person by reducing the distance between the two. Customized Metrics, based upon user profiles or interaction histories, are attached to a person, indicating how their “view” of the Virtual World should be constructed. In addition to dedicated Web sites, the invention is applicable to portals or front ends of web sites wherein, for example, an initial or early screen provides a user or visitor with a variety of choices, each connected with one or more additional screens or Web site pages. Regardless of implementation, the invention improves a user's experience during visiting a Web site in several ways, including e-commerce sites wherein each visitor is be assigned an icon that can be moved between destinations graphically represented on the site display at a visually perceptible rate, using virtual currency to purchase goods or services.

In a patient suffering from neural impairment, stimulation is provided to sensory surfaces of the face and / or neck, or more generally to areas of the body that stimulate the trigeminal nerve, while performing an activity intended to stimulate a brain function to be rehabilitated. The simulation may then be continued after the performance of the activity has ceased. It has been found that the patient's performance of the activity is then improved after stimulation has ceased. Moreover, it tends to improve to a greater extent, and / or for a longer time, when the post-activity stimulation is applied, as compared to when postactivity stimulation is not applied.

The invention discloses methods and compositions useful for facilitating neuronal regeneration and functional recovery in neurodegenerative diseases. The methods and compositions utilize ligands for the sigma receptor, wherein the ligand is preferably siramesine, or salts, or solvates thereof. These molecules can be delivered alone or in combination with agents which treat or prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as those caused by ischemic stroke, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, cancer therapy induced neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Huntington's disease or Parkinson's disease. In other methods, the sigma receptor ligands are administered after stroke to facilitate functional recovery. The administration of the sigma receptor ligands effects faster functional recovery.