Abstract: A method of cellular therapy for a lung disease or condition in a subject is disclosed, wherein the method involves the administration of multipotent epithelial stem cells derived from amnion tissue (AECs). In a particular application, the method is used for the treatment of lung diseases and conditions such as chronic lung diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute lung conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and ventilator associated lung injury (VALI).

Abstract: Elevated levels of Inhibin-A in maternal serum or plasma have been shown to indicate the presence of Down's Syndrome. The assay method comprises the use of a monoclonal antibody specific for at least part of the inhibin-A .beta. sub-unit (.beta.A), and another monoclonal antibody specific for at least part of the Inhibin-A .alpha. sub-unit. The .beta.A antibody is used to capture Inhibin-A from the test sample, and the .alpha. sub-unit antibody is used as the detection antibody and is linked to a detectable marker. The method is carried out in the first or second trimester as a screening test to select patients for subsequent diagnostic testing.