Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a neuropsychiatric disease characterized by an abnormally elevated level of a fragment of an isoform of a neural cell adhesion molecule, N-CAM, in the brain or cerebrospinal fluid of an affected human subject, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of protease inhibitors and neuraminidase inhibitors, whereby administering the compound to the subject treats the human subject. The present invention further provides a method of monitoring the efficacy of treatment with the method of the present invention. Moreover, the present invention provides a method of screening for compounds effective in treating neuropsychiatric disease associated with an abnormally elevated level of a fragment of a neural cell adhesion molecule in the cerebrospinal fluid of an affected human subject. Further provided are fragments of an isoform of N-CAM in the cerebrospinal fluid of human subjects.

Abstract: An apparatus—which could be a chair (10), but could also be an apparatus that supports a person in other than a seated position—comprising a moveable platform (including a seat (12) in case of a chair) urged always toward a neutral position when a person is seated or otherwise positioned on the apparatus (10). The motion of the platform/seat (12) toward and away from the neutral position is constrained so that the platform/seat (12) remains at least approximately horizontal in its orientation relative to the floor on which the apparatus/chair (10) is positioned even when traveling along a path not horizontal to the floor, i.e. e.g. along a path inclined to the floor. A method is also provided in which the apparatus/chair (10) is used to provide lower-back therapy.