Abstract: The present invention provides method for predicting risk of cervical shortening, methods for predicting risk of preterm labour (PTL), and methods for characterising a pregnant subject having a history of previous PTL, mid-trimester loss or cervical cone biopsy as being in need of surveillance and/or intervention to prevent preterm labour, comprising determining the expression level of one or more of the miRNA molecules identified in Table 1 or Table 2 extracted from a biological sample obtained from said subject and comparing to a control value. Biochips and kits for use in carrying out the methods of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides method for predicting risk of cervical shortening, methods for predicting risk of preterm labour (PTL), and methods for characterising a pregnant subject having a history of previous PTL, mid-trimester loss or cervical cone biopsy as being in need of surveillance and/or intervention to prevent preterm labour, comprising determining the expression level of one or more of the miRNA molecules identified in Table 1 or Table 2 extracted from a biological sample obtained from said subject and comparing to a control value. Biochips and kits for use in carrying out the methods of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides method for predicting risk of cervical shortening, methods for predicting risk of preterm labour (PTL), and methods for characterising a pregnant subject having a history of previous PTL, mid-trimester loss or cervical cone biopsy as being in need of surveillance and/or intervention to prevent preterm labour, comprising determining the expression level of one or more of the miRNA molecules identified in Table 1 or Table 2 extracted from a biological sample obtained from said subject and comparing to a control value. Biochips and kits for use in carrying out the methods of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides method for predicting risk of cervical shortening, methods for predicting risk of preterm labour (PTL), and methods for characterising a pregnant subject having a history of previous PTL, mid-trimester loss or cervical cone biopsy as being in need of surveillance and/or intervention to prevent preterm labour, comprising determining the expression level of one or more of the miRNA molecules identified in Table 1 or Table 2 extracted from a biological sample obtained from said subject and comparing to a control value. Biochips and kits for use in carrying out the methods of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A telecommunication connector for a distribution point comprises a base part and a detachable configuration module, the configuration module being able to take a plurality of dispositions with respect to the base part, the base part having connection means to (i) a telecommunications cable from an exchange, (ii) a cable to a further distribution point, and (iii) a cable to a consumer, wherein the configuration module causes electrical connection from the exchange to the further distribution point in a first disposition but not in a second disposition. This permits the installer who is connecting a new consumer to disconnect the unnecessary part of the wire forming the relevant pair when activating the service whilst leaving intact the investment in the network. The configuration module can also contain protective devices for the line, such as three or five pin protection, over current devices and over voltage devices, or other active electronic elements.

Abstract: An electrical test adaptor comprises a pair of spaced apart elongate conductive probes supported on an insulating base, and a moveable deflector part comprising at least one cam surface adapted to bear on at least one of the probes when the deflector is in a closed position, thereby to deflect the probe from a non-contact position into a contact position. The contact position can be one in which the conductive probes are closer than in the non-contact position, and the deflector ideally has a pair of cam surfaces, each adapted to bear on one of the conductive probes. Further, an electrical test adaptor comprises a pair of elongate conductive probes supported on an insulating base, and a moveable locking part adapted to move between (i) an open position and (ii) a closed position in which the locking part is closer to the conductive probes than in the open position, the locking part having a retention surface facing the base. The retention surface can be a side of an aperture formed in the locking part.