Continuous efforts have been devoted to unraveling the biophysiology and development of
the human fetal adrenal cortex, which is structurally and functionally unique from other …

The signals and mechanisms that synchronize the timing of human parturition remain a
mystery and a better understanding of these processes is essential to avert adverse …

Particulate pollution is a major public health concern because epidemiological studies have
demonstrated that exposure to particles is associated with respiratory diseases and lung …

After accommodating the pregnancy for an average of 40 weeks, the uterus expels the fetus,
the placenta and the membranes through the birth canal in a process named parturition. The …

The success of pregnancy depends on (1) fertilization and successful implantation of the
developing embryo into the endometrium;(2) development and function of the placenta;(3) …

Animal Lectins: Form, Function and Clinical Applications presents up-to-date knowledge of
animal lectins. Detailed descriptions on biological activities, tissue and/or subcellular …

The fetal membranes fulfill several functions during pregnancy. In addition to containing the
products of conception and amniotic fluid, they presumably have barrier functions and fulfill …

The mechanism of mouse parturition is thought to involve myometrial infiltration by amniotic
fluid (AF) macrophages, activated by surfactant protein-A (SP-A). In humans, the …

Lung alveolar type II (ATII) cells are specialized in the synthesis and secretion of pulmonary
surfactant, a lipid-protein complex that reduces surface tension to minimize the work of …

Context: Labor is characterized by “decidual activation” with production of inflammatory
mediators. Recent data suggest that surfactant protein-A (SP-A) may be critical to the onset …