[Summation of GABA- and glutamate-mediated currents in rat cortical neurons].

Whole-cell patch clamp recordings from isolated neurons from rat prefrontal cortex have been made to study the interaction of responses induced by application of GABA and glutamate. Two different pipette solutions were used in this research: the first one was based on CsCl, while the second one was CsF-based. With CsCl-based pipette solution being used, co-application of GABA (200 microM) and glutamate (200 microM) resulted in producing a total current smaller than the sum of the two individual responses.

[The melatonin influences on neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio of mammals blood depends on age of animals].

The influence of melatonin on age dynamics of neutrophils and lymphocytes in blood of laboratory rats kept under different light conditions and predatory mammals--farmer silver fox, raccoon dog kept under natural light (NL) was investigated. The decrease of lymphocyte level, increase neutrophils content and alteration of neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio of aged rats (24 months) kept under natural light (NL) and standard light (LD) and adult silver foxes (2-5 years) kept under natural light in comparison with juvenile animals were detected. The reduced lymphocytes level and increased neutrophil level in rats under constant light (LL) were revealed in younger ages.

[Oocytes cryopreservation: in which circumstances? Who should pay? Approaches amongst attending IVF physicians and researchers in the field of bioethics and health regulation].

Background: In recent years there have been significant advances in the process of oocyte cryopreservation. Advanced techniques including vitrification have seen increasing success rates of fertilization. These successes warrant renewed public consideration and debate on several issues: In what circumstances? Who should pay? How should the process be regulated?

Study Question: Our goals were to examine the approach to oocyte cryopreservation amongst attending in-vitro fertilization (IVF) physicians and amongst researchers in the field of bioethics and health regulation.

Discordant views of experts and laypersons on the adoption of new fertility technology.

Background: Healthcare costs are increased by the adoption of novel technologies before solid evidence on efficacy and risks. Oocyte cryopreservation for preserving fertility raises special ethical challenges. We compared opinions of professionals for assisted reproductive technology (ART), bioethicists, medical students and the general population toward the questions: do you support access to oocyte cryopreservation to preserve fertility for personal reasons and who should bear the costs?

Methods: The surveys conducted for this study were carried out in Israel included the following: (1) survey of 21 ART unit directors; (2) interviews with 23 bioethics experts; (3) survey of 196 medical students from 2 universities; (4) random digit-dial population-based survey of the public (N=600).

Primiparity: a traditional intrapartum obstetric risk reconfirmed.

Background: Intrapartum risk is based mainly on obstetric history, which is lacking in primiparous women.

Objectives: To ascertain whether the traditional known risk of primiparity is an independent variable for both maternal and neonatal outcome.

Methods: All women admitted to labor during March-April 2002 were canvassed for eligibility to participate in the study based on an obstetric risk scoring system developed and validated for our population.

[Can we improve the content and quality of information delivered prior to amniocentesis?].

Introduction: Amniocentesis is a procedure often used for pregnant women, as an important tool to identify chromosomal abnormalities, trisomy 21 being the main one. Amniocentesis may involve certain possible complications, the most prevalent is miscarriage. In order to make an informed decision, a woman must understand some statistical information regarding the risks and benefits of management options.