Bidirectional communication between neural and cardiac cells in human amniotic fluid.

Objective: To evaluate whether amniotic fluid cells contain cardiomyocyte- and neuron-like cells.

Study Design: In this experimental study, cells from human amniotic fluid samples were analyzed for mRNA expression of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2), vimentin and oxytocin (OT) receptor via RT-PCR. Immunocytochemistry was also performed with MAP-2, OT receptor, vimentin and troponin I antibodies.

Surveillance data on paediatric HIV infection and AIDS in Greece.

In Greece, HIV/AIDS surveillance is conducted by the Hellenic Centre for Infectious Diseases Control. The AIDS case reporting system was implemented in 1984, followed by notification of HIV infections in 1998. This article presents surveillance and trend analysis of paediatric HIV infection and AIDS, including cases identified prior to 1998.