American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
-
Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Nov 2004
The novel antimicrobial peptide beta3-defensin is produced by the amnion: a possible role of the fetal membranes in innate immunity of the amniotic cavity.
Innate immunity evolved to eliminate microorganisms before, or after their entry into the tissues, but before enough antigen is available to activate an adaptive, immune response. Innate immunity is so successful that the majority of encountered microbes are neutralized. The beta-defensins are antimicrobial peptides produced by skin and mucosal surfaces and are an integral part of the innate immune system. The ability of the amnion cells, which are epithelial derivatives, to produce antimicrobial beta-defensins has not been explored. ⋯ Amnion cells have the ability to produce beta-defensins. The beta3-defensin appears to be the predominant epithelial defensin expressed. Its induction by microbial mimics suggests that the amniotic epithelium may play a role in the innate immunity of the amniotic cavity.
-
Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Nov 2004
Active management of risk in pregnancy at term in an urban population: an association between a higher induction of labor rate and a lower cesarean delivery rate.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether exposure to an alternative method of care, called the active management of risk in pregnancy at term, was associated with a lower group cesarean delivery rate. ⋯ Exposure to the active management of risk in pregnancy at term exposure was associated with a significantly lower group cesarean delivery rate. A prospective randomized trial that involved active management of risk in pregnancy at term exposure is needed to further explore this association.
-
The purpose of the study was to teach medical students the strategies of critical questioning to determine the effect on students' critical thinking skills, confidence in their ability to ask questions, and interaction between student and instructor. ⋯ Teaching students to ask critical questions improves critical thinking as measured by the California Critical Thinking Skills Test.