Abstract: The present invention concerns movement facilitation devices for facilitating movement between a first portion of a first object and a second portion of the first object. One or more of the movement facilitation devices may be combined to form a movement device for facilitating movement of at least one joint or limb of a patient's body. One form of a movement device according to the invention is a glove which at least partially encloses the joint or limb. The invention also encompasses systems for applying Continuous Passive Motion therapy to a joint or limb of a patient using the devices of the invention. The invention also encompasses the use of shape memory materials and of conducting polymers in the devices and systems of the invention, as well as the design of force transducers and actuators that may be used in the devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enhancing embryo viability comprising administering at least one inhibitor of p53 or a p53-associated pathway to one or more of the following: the embryo, oocytes, sperm, a femme animal or a male animal.

Abstract: A system (100) for simulating a fluid flow condition within a fluid carrying body cavity includes an elastically deformable bladder (101) simulating the body cavity and mounted to the body of a patient simulator manikin (3). An inlet tube (102) communicates a pressurised fluid supply (1) with the bladder (101). A solenoid valve (103) enables/disables flow of fluid through the inlet tube (102). The solenoid valve (103) is controlled by a control means (2) based on the simulated fluid flow condition. An inlet flow restrictor (106) restricts flow of fluid through the inlet tube (102). An outlet flow restrictor (105) is associated with an outlet (104) for restricting flow of fluid through the outlet to atmosphere. A simulator is also disclosed comprising a manikin (3) and various fluid flow simulation systems associated with the manikin (3) for simulating a lung respiratory rate, blood pulse rate and blood pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for the treatment and/or prevention of hypertension, said composition comprising an synergistic anti-hypertensive combination of a therapeutically effective amount of at least one angiotensin II inhibitor, and a therapeutically effective amount of at least one nitric oxide donor; said composition optionally further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent and/or adjuvant.

Abstract: An isolated polypeptide having cytotoxic activity comprising the amino acid sequence of Pilosulin 1 shown in the figure, and active portion thereof, or a functionally equivalent amino acid sequence thereof, and a method of inhibiting the growth of a cell comprising exposing the cell to an effective amount of Pilosulin 1 shown in the figure, and active portion thereof, or a functionally equivalent amino acid sequence thereof, such that the growth of the cell is inhibited.

Abstract: This invention concerns PAPP-A, its immunodetection and the clinical benefits of such immunodetection. Specifically, the invention includes monoclonal antibodies against PAPP-A and the use of these antibodies to detect PAPP-A at a very early stage of pregnancy. The invention also covers the use of the monoclonal antibodies for the detection of specific types of cancer and Down's Syndrome pregnancies.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides which affect T-cells, presumably by action on the T-cell antigen receptor. The present invention further relates to the therapy of various inflammatory and autoimmune disease states involving the use of these peptides. Specifically, the peptides are useful in the treatment of disorders where T-cells are involved or recruited. The peptide is of the following formula: A-B-C-D-E in which: A is absent or 1 or 2 hydrophobic amino acids, B is a positively charged amino acid, C is a peptide consisting of 3 to 5 hydrophobic amino acids, D is a positively charged amino acid, and E is absent or up to 8 hydrophobic amino acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enhancing implantation of an embryo within the uterus of a female mammal. The method comprises administering an amount of a PAF antagonist, effective to enhance implantation, to the mammal. The invention also relates to a method of increasing the level of PAF around an embryo in the uterus of a female mammal by administering an amount of a PAF antagonist sufficient to inhibit PAF catabolism. Desirably the PAF antagonist is administered together with PAF or a homologue or analogue thereof. The invention also provides compositions comprising a PAF antagonist together with PAF or a homologue or analogue thereof, and a process for preparing the same.

Abstract: A disposable medical testing device (17) adapted to be held against the skin of a patient, which enables the performance of skin testing for the diagnosis of both immediate hypersensitivity and delayed hypersensitivity immune reactions. The device is comprised of a hollow body with a sealed chamber in which is mounted a movable needle (3) capable of penetrating a patient's skin to a predetermined depth and a test reagent container (2). The device (17) is manipulable by a user to reduce the volume of the chamber and moving the needle thus releasing the reagent and causing penetration of the skin. The released reagent is delivered to the skin penetration site, and any resulting skin reaction is observed and recorded. Embodiments of the invention marked with a calibrated scale on a releasable transparent layer and details of patient and test date which allow multiple antigen tests to be performed are also disclosed. A method of testing for immune response using the device (17) is also disclosed.