Abstract: Antibodies to the enzyme matriptase-2 (MTP-2) are presented. Inhibiting MTP-2 reduces uptake of dietary iron and reduces the release of iron from cellular stores in the body. Inhibitors of MTP-2 (such as antibodies to the serine protease domain) can be used to treat iron overload, which is a feature of diseases such as beta-thalassaemia and which otherwise leads to toxic accumulation of iron. Combination of an MTP-2 inhibitor with an activin receptor ligand trap, or with erythropoietin, provides additional therapeutic effects.

Abstract: A horticultural applicator having a raft, at least one cable attached to the raft, a boom associated with the raft, and a conduit in communication with the raft. The raft includes a lower surface, first and second side surfaces extending upwardly and outwardly from the lower surface at opposite ends thereof, and first and second end surfaces extending generally perpendicular from opposite ends of the lower surface between the first and second side surfaces. The cable is used to drag the raft over a surface containing vegetation. The boom is adapted to apply a substance onto the vegetation traveling below the lower surface of the raft.

Abstract: A horticultural applicator (10) device comprising a raft (12) having a means for applying a substance to plants (14) and a means to drag the raft (22). The raft (12) is dragged over the top of the plants and the means for applying the substance (14) mounted to the raft (12) applies the substance onto said plants.