Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of amphiphilic block copolymers for treating and preventing cancer, and in particular by reducing the proliferation rate of cancer cells. Preferred block copolymers comprises a central hydrophobic chain, preferably a polypropylene oxide chain, two which at least two hydrophilic side chains, preferably polyethylene oxide chains, are connected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an irregularly shaped grain for providing ingrowth and growth of connective tissue as well as growth of other cell types leading to cluster of cells, tissues and parts of organs. Said grain includes multiple pores that are continuous through said grain, and openings of said multiple pores and ducts or passages interconnecting at least a portion of said multiple pores have a width of greater than about 10 ?m. Said grain is preferably a metal or metal alloy. The invention also relates to different applications of the grains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an irregularly shaped grain for providing ingrowth and growth of connective tissue as well as growth of other cell types leading to cluster of cells, tissues and parts of organs. Said grain includes multiple pores that are continuous through said grain, and openings of said multiple pores and ducts or passages interconnecting at least a portion of said multiple pores have a width of greater than about 10 ?m. Said grain is preferably a metal or metal alloy. The invention also relates to different applications of the grains.

Abstract: A body, such as a grain, for providing ingrowth and growth of bone tissue and/or connective tissue. The body consists of a plastic or non-essentially elastic biocompatible material, preferably metal or metal alloy. It is also porous, having the following porosity characteristics: (a) the porosity is continuous and (b) the opening of cavities/indentations/pockets and the ducts connecting them has the width of >about 50 ?m for bone tissue and >about 10 ?m for connective tissue. In a method of making such a body, the body has been produced by blowing gas into a melt of metal. An advantageous use of bodies according to the invention is enclosing thereof in a casing, formed with openings, for making an implant, such as a spinal implant.

Abstract: An implant (prosthesis) comprising a batch of a mixture of porous grains/granular material of tissue-compatible type and disintegrated tissue-compatible biological material (preferably endogenous material, such as bone meal). The batch further comprises a component which allows moulding or modelling of the batch, and the batch is enclosed in a pouch or wrap made of a flexible tissue-compatible material and having pores/apertures/perforations or the like of a size which allows outgrowth and ingrowth of tissue of the biological material. The implant is applicable in many contexts, such as a fixing agent for a hip-bone prosthesis, as a filler in plastic surgery and as a bone growth promoting agent when treating rheumatism.

Abstract: A method for inserting a plug into a hole formed in a cranial bone by rotating the plug to insert. The plug having a body with a first end, a second end, and a peripheral surface interposed there between, the first end is slightly larger than the second end. The peripheral surface further includes irregularly distributed projections.

Abstract: An implant (prosthesis) comprises biological material in its surface intended to face the body tissue. The surface is formed of a layer (3) consisting of a mixture of grains (5) of tissue-compatible type and disintegrated tissue-compatible biological material (4).In a method of making the implant, an implant body (2) and a mixture of grains (5) of tissue-compatible type and disintegrated tissue-compatible biological material (4) as well as a nutrient solution (6) for the latter are placed in a mould (8). The biological material is allowed to grow in the mould, both out to the boundary wall of the mould cavity and in to the implant body.

Abstract: A method for fixing a joint prosthesis having an outer friction surface includes reaming a cavity in bone structure in which the prosthesis is to be applied and filling the cavity with grains of biologically compatible material. The stem of the prosthesis is driven down into the grain bed until it is substantially surrounded by the grains. The grains are subjected to an external force so that locking and compaction of the grains with respect to each other, and with respect to the prosthesis stem and bone tissue, is brought about. Preferably, the grains are irregular and/or plastic, having a particle size smaller than 5 mm, preferably between 0.5 and 2 mm. The prosthesis stem preferably is driven down into the grain bed by subjecting the grains, via the prosthesis, to vibrations of such a frequency that they are caused to fluidize.

Abstract: A device for measuring the inside dimensions of a cast iron mold includes a measuring device movably arranged inside the cast iron mold on one or several guide rails. The measuring device comprises a rim with plates, each of which forms a capacitor together with an adjacent portion of the mold wall. An electronic unit for generating and subsequently processing signals corresponding to the capacitances of the separate capacitors provides an indication of the interior dimensions of the mold, based upon the capacitance measurements.