Differentiation of human epidermal neural crest stem cells (hEPI-NCSC) into virtually homogenous populations of dopaminergic neurons.

Here we provide a protocol for the directed differentiation of hEPI-NCSC into midbrain dopaminergic neurons, which degenerate in Parkinson's disease. hEPI-NCSC are neural crest-derived multipotent stem cells that persist into adulthood in the bulge of hair follicles. The experimental design is distinctly different from conventional protocols for embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.

Emergency caesarean section: influences on the decision-to-delivery interval.

RCOG/NICE guidelines recommend that, for fetal compromise in labour, delivery should be accomplished ideally within 30 minutes. In this study, we investigated the factors which affect the decision-to-delivery (DD) intervals for emergency caesareans. To achieve this, prospective data were collected for all grade 1 and 2 caesareans performed on a busy labour ward over 12 months.

Human epidermal neural crest stem cells (hEPI-NCSC)--characterization and directed differentiation into osteocytes and melanocytes.

Here we describe the isolation, characterisation and ex-vivo expansion of human epidermal neural crest stem cells (hEPI-NCSC) and we provide protocols for their directed differentiation into osteocytes and melanocytes. hEPI-NCSC are neural crest-derived multipotent stem cells that persist into adulthood in the bulge of hair follicles. Multipotency and self-renewal were determined by in vitro clonal analyses.

The management of pregnancy in paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria on long term eculizumab.

In Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH), pregnancy is associated with increased maternal and foetal complications to such an extent that the condition has been considered relatively contra-indicated in PNH. Eculizumab has revolutionized the treatment of PNH. We evaluate its use in pregnancy to date.

Recombinant Activated Factor VII (rFVIIa) in the Management of Major Obstetric Haemorrhage: A Case Series and a Proposed Guideline for Use.

Major obstetric haemorrhage remains a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Previous case reports suggest the potential benefit of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa: NovoSeven(R)) as a haemostatic agent. We performed a retrospective review of the use of rVIIa in major obstetric haemorrhage in the Northern Region between July 2004 and February 2007.

Epigenetic modulation of the protein kinase A RIIα (PRKAR2A) gene by histone deacetylases 1 and 2 in human smooth muscle cells.

Recently we reported that the expression of the protein kinase A (PKA) regulatory subunit RIIα is dynamically regulated in human smooth muscle cells of the uterus. We showed that expression levels of mRNA/protein were substantially increased during pregnancy and decreased upon labour, changes that were mirrored by particulate type II PKA activity. This implied an important role for RIIα in maintaining uterine quiescence during pregnancy.

Characterization of cellular retinoid-binding proteins in human myometrium during pregnancy.

Many complementary or competing signalling pathways bear an influence on the myometrium at any one time, and because the retinoic acid signalling pathway influences differentiation of a wide array of human tissues, this may be one of the determinants of myometrial differentiation during pregnancy. We have explored the novel hypothesis that the retinoids may act as important regulators in controlling the differentiated state of the human myometrium during pregnancy by characterizing the expression profiles for cellular retinoid-binding proteins CRBPI, CRABPI and CRABPII in non-pregnant, pregnant (non-labouring) and labouring human myometrium taken from the functionally distinct upper and lower uterine segments. In addition, we have investigated the effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on the expression of several retinoic acid response genes including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and connexin-43 (Cx-43).