Movement of and (Acari: Ixodidae) adult ticks in chaparral under natural conditions in Northern California, U.S.A.

The movement of and adult ticks down a hill slope under natural conditions was investigated using the mark-release-recapture (MRR) method. We evaluated the movement of host-seeking adult ticks down a hill slope to determine if ticks travel downhill from an uphill area to trail margins below. During the tick seasons in 2016-2018, the ticks were collected by flagging, marked with paint, released at a predetermined location, and recaptured by weekly flagging.

Epidermal growth factor variations in amniotic membrane used for ex vivo tissue constructs.

Introduction: The amniotic membrane (AM) is used for engineering ex vivo tissue constructs used in ocular surface reconstruction. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) content of the AM is believed to play a key role in supporting corneal epithelial cell expansion on AM. This study investigated EGF content in AM in relation to intra- and inter-donor variations and the effect of processing and preservation (handling).

Optimization of amniotic membrane (AM) denuding for tissue engineering.

Introduction: Amniotic membrane (AM) has gained increasing popularity as a useful carrier for ex vivo-expanded cells for tissue engineering, particularly in ocular surface reconstruction. However, current methods employed for denuding AM are highly variable, and the consequent effects on the structural and molecular composition of the AM basement membrane (BM) are ambiguous. We compare the effects of the main denuding procedures, and propose a highly effective standardized alternative.

Amniotic membrane for ocular surface reconstruction: donor variations and the effect of handling on TGF-beta content.

Purpose: Amniotic membrane (AM) transplantation is an accepted procedure in ocular surgery. However, little is known of the interdonor and intradonor variability within the membrane. In addition, the effects of the methods of processing, storage, and preoperative preparation on the membrane are not fully elucidated.

Do screening-preventative interventions in asymptomatic pregnancies reduce the risk of preterm delivery--a critical appraisal of the literature.

Recent research has suggested that women who experience preterm delivery (PTD) may be identified earlier in pregnancy and before onset of symptoms. Interventions commenced at this earlier asymptomatic stage may offer an opportunity to prevent PTD or lengthen gestation sufficiently to reduce adverse perinatal outcome. Our objective was to examine the evidence that supports or refutes this approach to preventing PTD.

Fetal brain activity and hemodynamic response to a vibroacoustic stimulus.

Previous studies have demonstrated the practicality of using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques to assess fetal brain activity. The purpose of this study was to compare the fetal hemodynamic response to that of the adult. Seventeen pregnant subjects, all of whom were at more than 36 weeks gestation were scanned while the fetus was exposed to a vibroacoustic stimulus.

Presenting and discussing nuchal translucency screening for fetal abnormality in the UK.

Objective: to investigate the relationship between information giving by midwives and decision-making by women offered nuchal translucency (NT) screening. To establish how risk figures are discussed in practice, with the intention of relating this to the existing, and often critical, literature on women's accounts of antenatal screening.

Design: a qualitative study following women through the process of being offered and deciding to undergo NT screening.

Fetal brain activity in response to a visual stimulus.

Previous studies have demonstrated the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess fetal brain activity. To extend these studies, a fetal fMRI experiment using a visual stimulus has been performed at 0.5 T.

Warfarin dosage in postpartum women: a case-control study.

Objective: To investigate the clinical suspicion that postpartum women are more difficult to anticoagulate with warfarin than non-pregnant women due to the physiological changes in coagulation proteins that persist into the postpartum period.

Design: A retrospective case-control study.

Setting: University Hospital, Nottingham, UK.