Rapid cooling of the amniotic membrane as a model system for the vitrification of posterior corneal lamellae.

To vitrify human amniotic membrane specimens so that the maximum of epithelial cells survives in order to develop a procedure for the eventual vitrification of posterior corneal lamellae without using cryoprotective agents. To assess different methods of tissue sample preparation preceding vitrification. In group 1, the amniotic membrane specimens were stretched on nitrocellulose support.

The role of steroids in the development of post-partum mental disorders.

Background: Unfavorable post-partum changes to mental well-being affect more than half of all women, and are a risk to the health of both mother and baby. Their effects place strains on health and social systems. Currently, no generally accepted theory exists of the causes and mechanisms of post-partum mental disorders.

The apo(a) gene (TTTTA)n promoter polymorphism and its association with variability in exons of the kringle IV types 8 to 10.

Background: A large portion of lipoprotein (a) concentration is explained by the variable number of kringle domains at the apo(a) gene. The (TTTTA)(n) repetition from the promoter of the apo(a) gene is supposed to be a relevant candidate for the additional regulation of lipoprotein (a) levels.

Methods: We scanned the kringle IV types 8-10 of the apo(a) gene for candidate variants that could be at least partly responsible for the (TTTTA)(n) repetition effect.