Amniotic fluid cells are more efficiently reprogrammed to pluripotency than adult cells.

Recently, cultured human adult skin cells were reprogrammed to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, which have characteristics similar to human embryonic stem (hES) cells. Patient-derived iPS cells offer genetic and immunologic advantages for cell and tissue replacement or engineering. The efficiency of generating human iPS cells has been very low; therefore an easily and efficiently reprogrammed cell type is highly desired.

Chlamydophila pneumoniae and human cytomegalovirus in atherosclerotic carotid plaques--combined presence and possible interactions.

The aim of our study was to investigate the combination of Chlamydophila pneumoniae and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) as a pathogenic factor in atherosclerosis. Accordingly, we tested by means of PCR and immunohistochemistry the presence of these pathogens in the same atherosclerotic carotid specimen. The histology of the samples and the patients' antibodies against these pathogens were evaluated.

Silicone oil in the subarachnoidal space--a possible route to the brain?

Using this case report, we sought evidence that silicone oil may infiltrate the subarachnoidal space. Vitrectomy combined with silicone oil implantation was performed on the right eye of a 72-year-old woman. The silicone oil was removed 2 months later, because the patient had developed elevated intraocular pressure.

[The role of repeated biopsies in prognosis of prostate cancer].

Introduction: The treatment of prostate cancer is still controversial. One of the most common treatment form is the use of LHRH analogs, but its way of action is still not cleared enough.

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of some histological and immuno-histochemical parameters based on repeated biopsies taken from prostate carcinoma patients.