Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for screening, diagnosis and prognosis of chronic asthma, for monitoring the effectiveness of chronic asthma treatment, and for drug development. Chronic Asthma-Associated Features (CAFs), detectable by two-dimensional electrophoresis of tissue are described. The invention further provides Chronic Asthma-Associated Protein Isoforms (CAPIs) detectable in tissue preparations comprising isolated CAPIs, antibodies immunospecific for CAPIs, and kits comprising the aforesaid.

Abstract: An air purification system for purifying recirculated air eg in an aircraft, vehicle, offices or hospitals comprises the combination of a filter section with an ultraviolet illumination section and a coating of an antimicrobial agent on surfaces in one or both of the filter and illumination sections. Air flow through the illumination section is caused to be slightly turbulent by means of a multi-bladed fan being fixed in position between the filter and illumination sections. This increases the dwell time of contaminants in the illumination section.

Abstract: An air purification system for purifying recirculated air eg in an aircraft, vehicle, offices or hospitals comprises the combination of a filter section with an ultraviolet illumination section and a coating of an antimicrobial agent on surfaces in one or both of the filter and illumination sections. Air flow through the illumination section is caused to be slightly turbulent by means of a multi-bladed fan being fixed in position between the filter and illumination sections. This increases the dwell time of contaminants in the illumination section. The antimicrobial agent includes as an active ingredient a quarternary ammonium salt and preferably as the following structure.