TLRs are pattern recognition transmembrane receptors that play key roles in innate immunity. A recently discovered soluble truncated form of TLR2 (sTLR2) acts as a decoy receptor, down-regulating the host inflammatory response to bacteria. To identify the presence and functional role of sTLR2 in modulating the intraamniotic inflammatory response to infection, we studied 109 amniotic fluid sampl...

Experiments were performed to determine the effect of amniotic fluid dilution on the rate of intramembranous absorption. Seven fetal sheep at 118 days gestation were instrumented with a shunt between the trachea and esophagus and arterial and venous vascular catheters. In addition, the urachus of the fetal bladder was ligated, and a catheter was placed in the bladder. Ligation of the urachus do...

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is a common obstetric complication frequently occurring with concomitant chorioamnionitis. The present study aimed to evaluate levels of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) in serum and amniotic fluid in pregnant women with PROM and to compare sTREM-1 with the commonly used labor...

PURPOSE To evaluate how sutureless amniotic membrane patches may affect visual functions in normal human eyes. DESIGN Prospective intervention study. METHODS Ten sets of sutureless amniotic membrane patch manufactured as PROKERA were inserted in one eye of six normal patients. Four sets (one each) were inserted in four patients, while six sets (three each) were inserted in two patients. Unc...

Amniotic epithelial cells develop from the epiblast by 8 days after fertilization and before gastrulation, opening the possibility that they might maintain the plasticity of pregastrulation embryo cells. Here we show that amniotic epithelial cells isolated from human term placenta express surface markers normally present on embryonic stem and germ cells. In addition, amniotic epithelial cells e...

The proinflammatory stimulus of chorioamnionitis is commonly associated with preterm delivery. Women at risk of preterm delivery receive antenatal glucocorticoids to functionally mature the fetal lung. However, the effects of the combined exposures of chorioamnionitis and antenatal glucocorticoids on the fetus are poorly understood. Time-mated ewes with singleton fetuses received an intra-amnio...

In the literature, IGFs in the developing embryo are usually determined by blood serum concentrations. For this study, IGF-I/-II was quantified in the amniotic and allantoic fluids of fertile commercial broiler chicken (Gallus domesticus) (n=222), Pekin duck (Anas platyrhyncha) (n=250), and turkey (Meleagridis gallopavo) eggs (n= 200) during incubation. Amniotic and allantoic fluids were collec...

although amniotic fluid embolism is a rare event, but it is a tragic event. this kind of embolism occurs in 1 per 20,000 to 30,000 births with 86% maternal mortality rate in the united states. amniotic fluid embolism is in charge of near 10-15% of all maternal deaths. this article reflects the experiences of a nurse midwife encountered with a maternal and neonatal death due to an amniotic fluid...

Amniotic Band Syndrome is a sporadic congenital disorder that may result in constriction bands, amputation and multiple craniofacial, visceral and body wall defects. Its incidence is estimated at approximately 1:5000 to 1:10,000 pregnancies. Band formation most frequently affects the distal segments, including the hand. We report a case of constriction amniotic bands involving the trunk.