Problem-Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize conserved sequences on the surface of pathogens and trigger effector cell functions. Previously, we described the expression of TLR3 by human trophoblast and their ability to respond to (Poly[I:C]). Here we evaluate the effect of Poly[I:C] on mouse pregnancy and characterize the local and systemic response.Method of study-C57B/6 wild type (wt) and TLR3 knockout (TLR3KO) mice were treated with Poly[I:C] at 16.5 dpc and pregnancy outcome recorded. Morphologic changes, cytokines and chemokines levels in blood and utero-placental tissue were determined. NF-κB pathway was evaluated in vivo and in vitro. Results-Poly[I:C]in C57B/6 wt mice caused preterm delivery within 24 hr (4.5 mg/kg). No effect was observed in TLR3KO mice. In addition, we observed local (placenta) and systemic (serum) response characterized by increased production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The NF-κB pathway was activated by Poly[I:C] in human and mice trophoblast cells.Conclusion-We report that Poly[I:C] induces preterm delivery via TLR3-dependent manner. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the trophoblast is able to recognize Poly[I:C] through TLR3 and respond to viral infection, modulating the immune system at the feto-maternal interface.

This study shows that it is possible to process placental blood to RBCs by gravity separation with a hollow-fiber system. The quality of the RBCs thus processed was suitable for 35 days storage. The use of placental blood in the treatment of children with anemia (e.g., malaria) in the underresourced world is widely discussed. Because the separation device used here needs no additional equipment or electrical devices, it is considered to be an ideal method for use in these countries.

Our findings suggest an important role of survivin to promote trophoblast cell survival and proliferation during placentation, thus maintaining pregnancy. The pregnancy-associated expression of a cancer molecule such as survivin supports the 'pseudo-malignancy' hypothesis of pregnancy. Our data may contribute to the better understanding of trophoblast cell development during implantation and placentation.

Sister Mary Joseph's nodule is an inconspicuous and uncommon clinical sign of advanced malignant disease, especially gastric cancer. Pregnancy-associated gastric cancer is an extremely rare condition and can be difficult to diagnose, due to the absence or misinterpretation of symptoms as pregnancy-related. Diagnostic aids, such as a basic chemistry panel and imaging techniques, may not show any abnormalities. We present a case of a 37-yearold pregnant patient whose umbilical nodule was the first presenting physical sign of gastric cancer, which had metastasized throughout the abdominal and pelvic regions.

We report on a 27-year-old primipara suffering from pre-eclampsia who died within 2 days postpartum. Toxemia with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and acute renal failure had masked the symptoms of invasive candida esophagitis and disseminated candidiasis in both lungs. Candida sepsis was discovered as the cause of death at postmortem examination. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) deficiency was identified as having supported the invasive candida infection. We conclude that a combination of MPO-deficiency and gestational toxemia may indicate increased susceptibility to severe candida infections.