Abstract: The present invention relates to biomarkers, and particularly, although not exclusively, to biomarkers of preterm birth. The biomarkers are useful, several weeks or months prior to birth, for distinguishing individuals at risk of experiencing birth before 37 weeks of gestation. The biomarkers, namely ECM1, FGA, EFEMP1, GGH, PEDF, PTN and LAMC2, are identified by a proteomics analysis, as being differentially expressed in vaginal fluid by women going to have preterm birth.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an integrated system and method for humidity control and vapor-phase decontamination of laboratory equipment with a multi-component vapor, one component of which is water vapor. The laboratory equipment can be a sealable enclosure such as an incubator, isolator, glove box, clean room, fume hood, safety cabinet, or centrifuge. The carrier gas flow is preferably in a multiple-pass, closed-loop recirculating mode. The humidity control and decontamination can be carried out automatically without user intervention for an indefinite period of time once the system has been installed, the required utilities connected and the desired settings including temperature and humidity level programmed. The integrated humidity control and decontamination system can be retrofitted onto existing laboratory equipment.

Abstract: An improved bio-safety cabinet having a microprocessor control system for the monitoring and control of the inflow, downflow and outflow of air, for creation of a performance envelope within the work chamber wherein all contaminated areas are under negative pressure or surrounded by negative pressure and the work chamber is continuously bathed in clean air, ensuring the microbiological work is protected form contamination in normal room air. Improved decontamination and other safety measures for a bio-safety cabinet are also proposed.