Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for achieving and maintaining maximal analgesic effect following intra-articular administration of corticosteroid formulations. The invention also describes extended release, e.g., controlled- or sustained-release corticosteroid formulations, including extended release, e.g., controlled- or sustained-release formulations of triamcinolone acetonide (TCA), fluticasone propionate, cortisol, ciclesonide (monopropionate), beclometasone diproprionate, dexamethasone, flunisolide, budesonide, desisobutyryl-ciclesonide, and/or mometasone furoate, that produce a maximal analgesic effect greater than the acute analgesic effect provided by standard corticosteroid suspensions, including non-extended release corticosteroid suspensions, and that are also associated with a clinically insignificant effect on endogenous cortisol production following administration, for example, intra-articular, intrathecal, epidural, intra-bursal, or other local administration.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods and devices for observing or analysing samples on a support. More particularly, it concerns a device for sequential observation of several samples arranged on a common plate (19) comprising an objective (15) for observing a stage (17) for positioning the plate (19) adapted to ensure a relative displacement between the plate (19) and the observation axis in a plane perpendicular to the observation axis, while leaving free the vertical displacement along the observation axis, means (21) for illuminating the sample and means (23, 25) for acquiring an image at the objective (15) output.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for screening and/or identifying compounds exhibiting biological activity on neurons. The invention also relates to the isolation and culture of neurons, methods of inducing pathological conditions to said isolated neurons, as well as kits for implementing said methods. The invention can be used in experimental research, drug discovery, drug development, and the like. More particularly, the invention can be used to identify and/or characterize and/or improve compounds which are active on neurons and can be used for treating disorders of the nervous system.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods and devices for observing or analysing samples on a support. More particularly, it concerns a device for sequential observation of several samples arranged on a common plate (19) comprising an objective (15) for observing a stage (17) for positioning the plate (19) adapted to ensure a relative displacement between the plate (19) and the observation axis in a plane perpendicular to the observation axis, while leaving free the vertical displacement along the observation axis, means (21) for illuminating the sample and means (23, 25) for acquiring an image at the objective (15) output. It comprises a spacer (43) fixed relative to the objective (15) and having a support surface (45) on the support (19), said support surface being located proximate to the observation axis, so that said spacer (43) is adapted to maintain, on the observation axis, a constant distance between the objective (15) support (19) and the observation axis.