Abstract: This invention relates to a pharmaceutical dosage form, particularly to a topical ocular pharmaceutical dosage form comprising a polymeric matrix of polyethylene oxide block copolymer, preferably polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer and hydroxpropyl cellulose, and a pharmaceutically active ingredient incorporated within the matrix. The invention extends to a method of manufacturing the pharmaceutical dosage form.

Abstract: This invention relates to an osteogenic device for the de novo induction of bone formation in a mammal. The device contains at least one transforming growth factor-?3 isoform and a retention matrix. The device is introduced by direct injection or surgical implantation into an area where de novo bone formation is desired and, once implanted, the retention matrix acts to retain the TGF-?3 isoform at its place of introduction and forms a scaffold for generated bone, the induction of which is promoted by the TGF-?3 isoform. The device may be used to induce bone growth where bone has been debrided in a surgical procedure and it may also be used to transform neoplastic primary and/or metastatic secondary masses into bone thus facilitating surgical debridement thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a titanium dioxide catalyst particle, the catalyst particle comprising ruffle nanorods having metal nanoparticles deposited at or near the free ends of the nanorods, which is suitable to catalyse reactions after exposure to temperatures above 550 deg C. The invention also provides for the use of a catalyst particle in catalysing reactions and a method of catalysing reactions, the catalyst particle being suitable to catalyse reactions after exposure to temperatures above 550 deg C.

Abstract: This invention relates to modified short interfering RNA (siRNA) nucleic acid molecules, particularly siRNA's which have been modified by the addition of a 2-0-guanidinopropyl (GP) modified nucleoside. In particular the invention relates to modified siRNAs which are capable of silencing target sequences, methods of treating and preventing infection by using the siRNAs, medicaments containing the siRNAs and use of the siRNAs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of modulating concentration of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) relevant proteins amyloid precursor protein (APP), beta (?) and gamma (?) secretases and amyloid beta peptide (A?), and also relates to a method of reducing A? shedding. Furthermore, this invention extends to a compound for use in the treatment of AD, and also to a method of treating AD.

Abstract: This invention relates to an orally administrable, gastroretentive pharmaceutical dosage form which contains at least one pharmaceutically active ingredient and at least one polymeric adjuvant. The adjuvant serves to retain the dosage form in a selected region of the gastrointestinal tract for sufficient time for the pharmaceutically active ingredient to be released and absorbed. Ideally the dosage form will contain two or more pharmaceutically active ingredients which are delivered to different regions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: An improved monolithic drug delivery dosage form releases a pharmaceutically active agent at a predetermined rate. The dosage form comprises a salted-out or crosslinked polymer and a pharmaceutically active agent. The salted-out or crosslinked polymer functions to polymerically entangle the pharmaceutically active agent but, progressively relaxes on contact with an aqueous medium in use to release the pharmaceutically active agent at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for identifying bacteria. In particular, this invention relates to a method for identifying and quantifying mycobacteria from a sputum sample taken from a subject using flow cytometry. Further described is the use of flow cytometry to identify and quantify Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum-derived samples. Once identified and quantified, the samples are spotted onto filter cards for use in verification of an existing method of diagnosis, calibration of an existing method of diagnosis and/or the establishment of an external quality control system for use in conjunction with these methods of diagnosis. In one embodiment the method is used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB).

Abstract: A pharmaceutical dosage form for the release of at least one pharmaceutically active ingredient is claimed. The pharmaceutical dosage form includes a polymer matrix, polymer-lipid nanoparticles incorporated within the matrix and the pharmaceutically active ingredient(s). The polymer matrix is formed from at least two crosslinked cationic and anionic polymers, such as Eudragit® E100 and sodium carboxymethlycellulose. It can also include a neutral polymer, such as one derived from locust bean. The polymer-lipid nanoparticles are formed from at least one polymer, such as Eudragit® E100 and/or chitosan, and at least one phospholipid, such as lecithin. The polymer(s) and phospholipid are crosslinking with a chelating agent, such as sodium tripolyphosphate. The active ingredient or ingredients can be any pharmaceutically active compound(s), and in particular poorly absorbed compounds such as levodopa for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for intraperitoneal delivery of an anti-neoplastic agent is provided for treating cancers associated with aberrant mucin expression, preferably ovarian cancer and pancreatic, prostate, metastatic breast, bladder and lung cancers. The composition comprises nanomicelles loaded with the anti-neoplastic agent, and antibodies such as anti-MUC16, anti-MUC1 or anti-MUC4 are conjugated to these nanomicelles. The antibody-bound nanomicelles are optionally embedded in a biodegradable pH- and thermo-responsive hydrogel capable of sol-gel transition at body temperature. The pharmaceutical composition is implantable in the peritoneum, where it transforms into a semi-solid gel at the body's core temperature. In response to pH, the hydrogel swells and releases the antibody-bound nanomicelles. The nanomicelles specifically target mucin antigens on cancer cells.

Abstract: A pH responsive and mucoadhesive pharmaceutical dosage form for the release of a pharmaceutically active agent is described. The dosage form includes a mucoadhesive layer for site-specific mucoadhesion, a water-insoluble outer layer, and an intermediate layer including one or more pharmaceutically active agents for site-specific delivery. The different membranous layers perform different functions in order to create a drug delivery system which is able to deliver a drug to a specific site, for a particular period of time and with a specific drug release pattern. The dosage form can have two or more intermediate layers, each layer comprising an active agent. The mucoadhesive layer can also include an active agents. The dosage form is preferably an oral or buccal delivery form for release of the active agent into the gastro intestinal tract. The intermediate layer can be an electrospun fibrous membrane layer containing the active agent.

Abstract: A polymeric hydrogel composition is described for the delivery of a pharmaceutically active agent when an electrical stimulus is applied to the composition. The composition comprises a polymer which forms the hydrogel, such as poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) cross-linked with diethyl acetamidomalonate (DAA), an electroactive polymer such as polyaniline and a pharmaceutically active agent such as an analgesic, and in particular, indomethacin. The composition can be subcutaneously implanted at a targeted site and under normal conditions, the active agent will be entrapped in the hydrogel itself. However, upon the application of an electric current to the hydrogel, the active agent will be released. When the electric current is removed, the change is reversed and the active agent will cease to be released. In one embodiment of the invention, the hydrogel composition is for use in alleviating chronic pain.

Abstract: This invention relates to an oramucosal pharmaceutical dosage form in the form of a wafer. The wafer comprises a porous, hydroscopic, muco-adhesive polymeric matrix with at least one desired pharmaceutically active compound added thereto. The polymer is selected from a number of polymers having different dissolution rates and, in use when taken orally, the matrix adheres to an oramucosal surface to dissolve over a predetermined period of time to release the pharmaceutically active compound. The invention also extends to a method of manufacturing an oramucosal pharmaceutical dosage form in the form of a wafer which involves freeze drying or lyophilisation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bioreactor for producing high rates of hydrogen from plant biomass. It also relates to the rapid screening, selection and isolation of biofilm forming mesophilic and/or thermophilic bacteria or bacteria consortia that generate high levels of hydrogen from plant biomass or from soluble hydrolysates derived from the hydrolysis of cellulosic materials including hemicellulose. The reactor comprises a primary reactor vessel having a bed of hydrogen producing bacteria towards its base located within a secondary reactor vessel which functions as a hydrogen gas collector and as a clarifier and separator. The plant biomass may be one or a mixture of insoluble cellulosic material and a hydrolysate derived from hydrolysis of cellulosic material. In one embodiment the bed of the primary reactor vessel is fluidised by recycling hydrogen gas saturated plant biomass effluent from the secondary reactor vessel to the primary reactor vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to biomaterials, said biomaterials for use in methods to control and/or induce bone growth. Particularly, the invention relates to macroporous calcium phosphate biomaterials pre-loaded with certain amounts of osteoclastic activity inhibitors for use in methods to control and/or induce bone growth in primates.

Abstract: This invention relates to the manufacture of novel chemical compounds which have biological activity, particularly to novel chemical compounds that are cytotoxic against colon cancer cells and colon cancer cell lines. The manufacturing of said chemical compounds displaying anti-cancer properties employs the use of multi-component chemical reactions. The object of this invention is to manufacture and isolate analogues of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine, namely compounds of Formula 1, which are cytotoxic against colon cancer cells, while concomitantly being relatively inactive against white blood cells. wherein, R is bromo, methyl, phenyl, nitro, hydrogen or an amide functional group; R1 is benzyl, 2,6-dimethylphenyl or cyclohexyl; and R2 is methoxy, benzyloxy or hydroxy.

Abstract: The field of this invention relates to supramolecular functional materials, particularly to coordination networks, more particularly to coordination polymers, more particularly to metal based one-dimensional coordination polymers. The metal based one-dimensional coordination polymers comprises a repeat unit [L1-M-L2]n where L1 and L2 are one of a plurality of carboxylate ligands and L1 can be the same as L2, M is a metal, particularly a transition metal, and n is an integer from 1 to infinity. The metal based one-dimensional coordination polymers display one or more physico-chemical properties giving at least one functionality to the supramolecular material.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for identifying bacteria. In particular, this invention relates to a method for identifying and quantifying mycobacteria from a sputum sample taken from a subject using flow cytometry. Further described is the use of flow cytometry to identify and quantify Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum-derived samples. Once identified and quantified, the samples are spotted onto filter cards for use in verification of an existing method of diagnosis, calibration of an existing method of diagnosis and/or the establishment of an external quality control system for use in conjunction with these methods of diagnosis. In one embodiment the method is used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB).

Abstract: A system for the production of synthesis gas and, for the production thereof, where the system is preferably a net carbon dioxide absorber. The invention covers both the methodology for the development of the process and the system for the implementation of the process, inclusive of the required utility systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coded aperture mask for use in diagnostic nuclear medicine imaging. The coded aperture mask consists of a sheet of radiation opaque mask material having a series of apertures extending therethrough. The thickness of mask material has an attenuation percentage of less than 75% and, in a preferred embodiment, about equal to 29%. The coded aperture mask also, in a preferred embodiment, has a lead attenuation tube and has a projection of the smallest hole occupying the same area as a single pixel of a detector. The invention extends to a diagnostic nuclear medicine imaging system which uses a 16 bit gamma camera as a radiation detector.