慢病毒载体介导的增强型绿色荧光蛋白转基因小鼠的建立

目的 以慢病毒作为载体,制作增强型绿色荧光蛋白(EGFP)转基因小鼠,建立慢病毒介导的转基因动物制备技术平台.方法 慢病毒包装采用三质粒系统.3个质粒分别为转基因质粒FUGW、病毒结构蛋白表达质粒psPAX2以及病毒包膜蛋白表达质粒pMD2.G.病毒包装时,用磷酸钙沉淀法将三质粒共转染来源于人胚肾细胞系的293FT细胞,培养48 h后,收取含病毒的上清,并通过高速离心浓缩病毒.将含浓缩病毒液作梯度稀释后感染293FT细胞,通过流式细胞计数仪测定病毒滴度.用显微注射法将浓缩的病毒液注射至FVB/N小鼠1-细胞期胚胎透明带下.在荧光显微镜下观察胚胎EGFP的表达.将注射后发育至2-细胞期的胚胎移植至假孕受体母鼠,得F0代小鼠.通过紫外光照射观测EGFP在小鼠活体内的表达水平.结果 病毒液浓缩前的滴度≥106 TU/ml(transducing unit,TU),经过高速离心对病毒进行浓缩和纯化,其滴度达到109 TU/ml以上.将浓缩病毒液注射至小鼠1-细胞期胚胎透明带下,注射后胚胎的2-细胞期卵裂率为81.8%(1 189/1 453),利用荧光显微镜分别在注射后60、84、132 h观察胚胎,均发现有较强荧光.在2-细胞期,每一视野下胚胎阳性率＞90%,说明包装的病毒成功并高效地转染小鼠胚胎.胚胎移植后假孕母鼠妊娠率为42.9%(12/28),首建鼠阳性率为60.8%(73/120),转基因小鼠的总体研制效率(转基因小鼠数/注射胚胎数)为5.0%(73/1 453).将F0代EGFP转基因小鼠分别与野生型小鼠交配,在其F1、F2、F3代小鼠中均获得了EGFP阳性小鼠,阳性率分别为91.4%(32/35)、93.8%(30/32)、93.1%(27/29).结论 通过慢病毒载体感染小鼠1-细胞期胚胎可有效地制备转基因小鼠.我们已初步建立了慢病毒介导的转基因小鼠制备技术体系.     

慢病毒介导HLA-G转基因小鼠的建立

目的以慢病毒作为载体建立HLA-G转基因小鼠,为研究HLA-G与移植免疫提供模型动物。方法利用FUW载体,构建含有HLA-G编码序列的慢病毒表达载体FUW-HLA-G。用磷酸钙沉淀法将包装质粒psPAX2、PMD2.G与重组慢病毒载体质粒FUW-HLA-G共转染293FT细胞,包装成慢病毒。通过同步转染含有绿色荧光标记基因的慢病毒质粒FUGW为参照,测定FUW-HLA-G病毒液的滴度。用显微注射法将浓缩后的病毒液注射至FVB/N小鼠1-细胞期胚胎透明带下,建立HLA-G转基因小鼠。PCR鉴定转基因小鼠的基因整合,用RT-PCR检测转基因在转录水平的表达,用Western blot检测HLA-G蛋白的表达。结果载体BamHⅠ、EcoRⅠ双酶切结果和测序结果显示重组的慢病毒质粒与所设计的序列一致。浓缩和纯化后的病毒液滴度达到109TU/ml以上,符合用慢病毒制备转基因小鼠的要求。PCR筛选出阳性鼠6只,RT-PCR与Western blot检测结果表明HLA-G基因在F0和F1代转基因小鼠中均有表达。结论通过慢病毒介导的基因转移,成功建立了表达人HLA-G蛋白的转基因小鼠,为研究HLA-G的功能及其在器官或组织移植中的效应提供了动物模型。     

小鼠NMNAT1基因的过表达和RNAi重组慢病毒的构建包装和检测

目的:针对小鼠烟酰胺单核苷酸腺苷酰转移酶1( NMNAT1)基因构建质粒并进行慢病毒包装,同时检测其表达水平和干扰效率,为进一步探讨该基因的功能提供研究工具和实验基础.方法:根据NMNAT1基因信息,用慢病毒载体pLenti6构建三种重组质粒,分别包含NMNAT1 cDNA全长、一个针对NMNAT1的小干扰序列和一个用于干扰对照的阴性序列.把这些质粒包装进慢病毒载体,并检测病毒滴度,再用慢病毒感染Hela细胞检测NMNAT1表达量和RNA干扰效率.结果:测序结果证明目的序列正确地插入到载体内.通过qPCR方法鉴定慢病毒包装成功,病毒滴度均为2×108 TU/ml以上.表达NMNAT1的重组慢病毒感染Hela细胞,该细胞能够高水平表达NMNAT1蛋白,而携带RNAi序列的慢病毒能够显著抑制其表达,干扰效率在70％以上.结论:针对NMNAT1的过表达和RNAi重组慢病毒制备成功,为进一步研究NMNAT1基因的功能和用慢病毒进行基因治疗提供了良好的研究工具.     

小鼠BTLA基因重组慢病毒载体的构建及鉴定

目的 :构建小鼠B、T淋巴细胞衰减子(BTLA)基因重组慢病毒载体,探讨BTLA基因过表达对小鼠脾T淋巴细胞增殖及活化的影响。方法:以小鼠脾脏组织总RNA为模板,逆转录为c DNA,通过PCR技术扩增BTLA基因,构建p WPTS-m BTLA慢病毒载体,磷酸钙法感染人胚肾上皮细胞株293T细胞。RT-PCR及Western blot法检测BTLA m RNA和BTLA蛋白表达,50%组织培养感梁剂量(TCID50)法检测重组慢病毒滴度。通过感染p WPTS-m BTLA及p WPTS-GFP慢病毒载体的293T细胞与小鼠脾脏T淋巴细胞混合培养,初步研究BTLA基因过表达对小鼠脾T淋巴细胞活化与增殖的影响。结果:成功构建小鼠p WPTS-m BTLA慢病毒载体,并制备高滴度病毒颗粒(1.3×108pfu/ml)。通过对比实验组与对照组小鼠脾T淋巴细胞的增殖结果 ,发现4 d及8 d T细胞的增殖效应均明显受抑制,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05),且这种抑制作用在0~8 d内具有时间依赖性。结论:过表达BTLA基因的293T细胞与小鼠脾T淋巴细胞混合培养后对其增殖及活化有抑制作用,提示成功构建具有生物学效应的小鼠BTLA基因重组慢病毒载体。     

Rho鸟苷酸解离抑制因子-2过表达载体的构建与慢病毒包装

目的:为研究β2肾上腺素能受体减敏的机制,构建Rho鸟苷酸解离抑制因子-2(Rho GDI2)过表达慢病毒载体.方法:GenBank搜索Rho-GDI2基因序列(Gene ID:14570,序列号:NM_008113),设计PCR引物扩增目的基因,双酶切后凝胶电泳回收酶切产物.质粒双酶切获得线性载体,将目的基因和线性载体进行琼脂糖凝胶电泳分离回收目的条带.再行目的基因和载体的连接,连接产物转化感受态细胞;菌液PCR阳性克隆鉴定并抽提质粒并测序.最后293T细胞内包装慢病毒质粒并测其病毒活力与滴度.结果:通过DNAStar SeqMan软件对测序结果进行分析,测序结果与目标序列一致.病毒质粒转染细胞效率较高,病毒活力较高,通过标准曲线测得病毒滴度pLenti-GDI慢病毒液:1.22×108 vp/mL.结论:成功构建了Rho GDI2过表达慢病毒载体.     

Preparation of lentivirus-mediated HLA-G transgenic mice

[目的]以慢病毒作为载体建立HLA-G转基因小鼠,为研究HLA-G与移植免疫提供模型动物.[方法]利用FUW载体,构建含有HLA-G编码序列的慢病毒表达载体FUW-HLA-G.用磷酸钙沉淀法将包装质粒psPAX2、PMD2.G与重组慢病毒载体质粒FUW-HLA-G共转染293FT细胞,包装成慢病毒.通过同步转染含有绿色荧光标记基因的慢病毒质粒FUGW为参照,测定FUW-HLA-G病毒液的滴度.用显微注射法将浓缩后的病毒液注射至FVB/N小鼠1-细胞期胚胎透明带下,建立HLA-G转基因小鼠.PCR鉴定转基因小鼠的基因整合,用RT-PCR检测转基因在转录水平的表达,用Western blot检测HLA-G蛋白的表达.[结果]载体BamH I、EcoR I双酶切结果和测序结果显示重组的慢病毒质粒与所设计的序列一致.浓缩和纯化后的病毒液滴度达到109TU/ml以上,符合用慢病毒制备转基因小鼠的要求.PCR筛选出阳性鼠6只,RT-PCR与Western blot检测结果表明HLA-G基因在F0和F1代转基因小鼠中均有表达.[结论]通过慢病毒介导的基因转移,成功建立了表达人HLA-G蛋白的转基因小鼠,为研究HLA-G的功能及其在器官或组织移植中的效应提供了动物模型.     

慢病毒介导APP695基因RNAi对体外培养的APP695转基因小鼠皮质神经元β淀粉样蛋白分泌的影响

目的 探讨慢病毒介导RNA干扰(RNAi)抑制APP695基因表达对体外培养的APP695转基因小鼠皮质神经元细胞分泌β淀粉样蛋白(Aβ)的影响.方法 构建靶向APP695基因的短发夹状RNA(shRNA)慢病毒表达质粒(pFU-GW-iRNA),进行酶切和测序鉴定.慢病毒表达质粒与包装质粒(pHelper 1.0和Helper 2.0)共转染293T细胞,获得病毒浓缩液并测定滴度.使用APP695-shRNA慢病毒载体感染体外培养的APP695转基因小鼠皮质神经元,设定为慢病毒介导阳性干扰(APP695-RNAi)组,另设阴性对照病毒感染(NC)组、未经病毒感染(CON)组.采用实时荧光定量PCR检测APP695基因mRNA的表达,Western印迹检测APP695蛋白的表达,采用Elisa检测Aβ40和Aβ42的生成.结果 PCR扩增和测序结果证实,APP695 shRNA核苷酸链序列插入正确,包装慢病毒产生病毒悬液的滴度为5×108 TU/ml.使用慢病毒载体感染体外培养的APP695转基因小鼠皮质神经元,实时荧光定量PCR检测APP695-RNAi组APP695基因mRNA的抑制率为76.70%,与NC组和CON组相比差异有统计学意义(P＜0.001).Western印迹结果显示蛋白水平表达下降与定量PCR一致.Elisa检测干扰72 h后APP695-RNAi组、NC组、CON组Aβ40的分泌分别为(184±15)ng/L、(647±30)ng/L、(656±40)ng/L.APP695-RNAi组与NC组和CON比较差异均有统计学意义(均为P＜0.001);APP695-RNAi组、NC组、CON组Aβ42的分泌分别为(19.2±1.9)ng/L、(67.6±6.0)ng/L、(68.6±7.0)ng/L.APP695-RNAi组与NC组和CON比较差异均有统计学意义(均为P＜0.001).结论 慢病毒载体介导的APP695基因RNA干扰可以有效抑制痴呆小鼠皮质神经元细胞Aβ40和Aβ42的分泌.     

慢病毒载体在人角质形成细胞基因组中的整合位点分析

目的 检测慢病毒载体(lentiviral vector)在人角质形成细胞基因组中的整合位点,初步分析慢病毒载体在表皮细胞基因组中的整合位点分布规律.方法 以本课题组前期研究中构建的慢病毒载体感染的人永生化角质形成细胞系为研究对象,应用连接介导PCR(ligation-mediated PCR,LM-PCR)技术克隆慢病毒载体在其基因组中的整合位点序列,测序克隆片段后经在线工具GTSG-QuickMap在人类基因组上定位,从而得到整合位点.再从整合位点分布与染色体、基因及其转录起始位点的关系来分析慢病毒载体在人角质形成细胞基因组中的整合倾向性.结果 对1 148个阳性转化子DNA测序及定位分析,共得到199个整合位点.与GTSG-QuickMap模拟的随机对照相比,慢病毒载体的整合频率在第4、5、15、16号染色体上、基因转录起始位点上游5 kb至50 kb范围内显示出统计学显著性差异.结论 慢病毒载体倾向于整合在人角质形成细胞基因组中的基因转录起始位点附近区域,而并不倾向于整合在基因内部的整合模式.     

小鼠BMPRⅠb基因慢病毒载体构建及转染神经干细胞

目的:构建携带小鼠BMPRⅠb基因的慢病毒载体,并转染神经干细胞,为研究BM-PRⅠb在BMPs调控神经干细胞分化中作用奠定基础。方法:利用RT-PCR从小鼠脑组织中获得BMPRⅠb基因,然后定向插入慢病毒表达质粒,进行双酶切及测序鉴定。将鉴定成功的重组慢病毒质粒和另外两种辅助质粒共转染包装细胞,收集、浓缩慢病毒并检测其滴度。利用获得的慢病毒载体转染NSCs,并观察目的基因表达情况。结果:RT-PCR产物经电泳及测序证实克隆成功BM-PRⅠb基因,酶切及测序鉴定成功构建重组慢病毒质粒,共转染293T细胞72h后大部分细胞表达绿色荧光,病毒滴度为5×108 TU/ml。慢病毒感染后的NSCs表达绿色荧光且BMPRⅠb mRNA表达上升。结论:成功构建BMPRⅠb基因慢病毒载体,并成功转染NSCs。     

p38MAPK基因RNAi慢病毒载体的构建及在MC3T3-E1细胞的表达

目的 构建小鼠p38MAPK基因RNAi慢病毒载体,观察其对MC3T3-E1成骨细胞p38MAPK表达及细胞凋亡的影响.方法 设计并合成3对互补的针对小鼠p38MAPK mRNA的oligoDNA片段,退火形成双链DNA,与经HpaⅠ酶切后的载体连接,PCR筛选阳性克隆,测序鉴定.重组质粒与慢病毒包装载体共转染293T细胞,包装产生慢病毒,流式细胞仪检测病毒滴度,p38MAPK-shRNA慢病毒载体转染体外培养MC3T3-E1细胞,荧光定量PCR 检测MC3T3-E1细胞p38MAPK mRNA表达,进行p38MAPK干扰有效靶点的筛选.22.2 mol/L葡萄糖刺激培养MC3T3-E1细胞7 d,Western blot检测MC3T3-E1细胞p38MAPK蛋白的表达,流式细胞术检测MC3T3-E1细胞凋亡.结果 酶切和测序均证实各重组质粒核苷酸序列插入正确,所得质粒分别命名为p38MAPK-shRNA1、p38MAPK-shRNA2、p38MAPK-shRNA3,流式细胞仪测定病毒滴度分别为2.4×108、2.8×108、2.5×108 TU/ml. p38MAPK-shRNA转染MC3T3-E1细胞效率达到74%以上,RT-PCR检测结果显示,各p38MAPK-shRNA转染组MC3T3-E1细胞p38MAPK mRNA表达较正常对照组分别下降了78.8%、84.3%和60.2%(P<0.01),其中以p38MAPK-shRNA2的干扰效率最高.Western blot检测结果显示,与正常对照组相比,高糖组、空载体转染组MC3T3-E1细胞p-p38MAPK蛋白表达明显增加(P<0.01).p38MAPK-shRNA慢病毒转染组MC3T3-E1细胞p-p38MAPK蛋白表达水平较高糖组明显下调(P<0.01).流式细胞仪检测结果显示,与正常对照组相比,高糖组MC3T3-E1细胞凋亡率显著增加(P<0.01);p38MAPK-shRNA慢病毒转染组以及p38MAPK信号转导阻断剂组较高糖组MC3T3-E1细胞凋亡率明显减少(P<0.05,P<0.01).结论 成功构建了靶向p38MAPK基因RNAi慢病毒载体,其能有效抑制MC3T3-E1细胞p38MAPK基因表达,减少高糖诱导的MC3T3-E1细胞凋亡.     

Value of D-Dimers in patients with acute aortic dissection

Objective: To evaluatel the value of D-dimers in patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD). Methods: This study consisted of 16 patients with AAD and 27 non-AAD patients. Serum D-dimets were measured by Sta-Liatest D-DI immunoturbidimetric assay. Results: D-dimer level was higher (P ＜ 0.001) in patients with AAD(7.91 ± 5.52 μg/ml) than that in non- AAD group(1.57±1.24 μg/ml). D-dimer was positive (＞0.4 μg/ml) in all patients with AAD and in 10 control group patients (37%). Among patients with acute AAD, D-dimers tended to be higher in Stanford A than in Stanford B (8.67 ± 4.31 μg/ml vs. 3.24±1.27 μg/ml, P ＜0.01). D-dimer values tended to be higher in more extended disease(3.84 ± 1.65 μg/ml, 8.57 ± 3.58 μg/ml and 11.87 ± 5.69 μg/ml in thoracic aorta, thoracic and abdominal aorta, thoracic and abdominal aorta and iliacal arteries, respectively, P ＜ 0.05 for both 8.57 ± 3.58 and 11.87 ± 5.69 vs. 3.84 ± 1.65 ). Including the control group into the analysis, we found a sensitivity of 100%, a negative predictive value of 100%, and a specificity of 66% and a positive predictive value of 64% for D-dimer in diagnosis of AAD in our patients with suspected AAD. Conclusion: D-dimer was elevated in patients with AAD. A negative D-dimer test result could be useful in excluding AAD.     

Research of combined liver-kidney transplantation model in rats

Objective： To set up a simple and reliable rat model of combined liver-kidney transplantation. Methods： SD rats served as both donors and recipients. 4℃ sodium lactate Ringer＇s was infused from portal veins to donated livers,and from abdominal aorta to donated kidneys, respectively. Anastomosis of the portal vein and the inferior vena cava （IVC） inferior to the right kidney between the graft and the recipient was performed by a double cuff method, then the superior hepatic vena cava with suture. A patch of donated renal artery was anastomosed to the recipient abdominal aorta. The urethra and bile duct were reconstructed with a simple inside bracket. Results： Among 65 cases of combined liver-kidney transplantation, the success rate in the late 40 cases was 77.5%. The function of the grafted liver and kidney remained normal. Conclusion： This rat model of combined liver-kidney transplantation can be established in common laboratory conditions with high success rate and meet the needs of renal transplantation experiment.     

BLOOD PRESSURE CHANGE WITH AGE IN SALT-SENSITIVE TEENAGERS

Objective To observe blood pressure change with age in salt-sensitive teenagers whose salt sensitivity were determined by repeated testing.Methods Salt sensitivity was determined through intravenous infusion of normal saline combined with volume-depletion by oral diuretic furosemide in 55 teenagers. After five years, salt sensitivity was re-examined and subject blood pressure was followed up. Blood pressure changes in salt-sensitive teenagers were compared to that of non-salt sensitive teenagers over five years.Results After 5 years, the repetition rate of salt sensitivity determined by intravenous saline loading is 92.7%. In teenagers with salt sensitivity on the baseline, both the systolic blood pressure increments and increment rates were much higher than non-salt sensitive teenagers (12.7±12.1 mmHg vs. 2.8±5.2 mmHg, P＜ 0.01; 12.2%± 12.0% vs. 2.5% ±4.4%, P＜ 0.001,respectively). There was a similar trend for diastolic blood pressure (8.4 ± 6.4 mmHg vs. 3.7 ± 6.4 mmHg, P = 0.052; 13.2% ±10.6 % vs. 6.8%± 10.1%, P = 0.053, respectively).Conclusions Salt sensitivity determined by intravenous saline loading showed good reproducibility. Blood pressure increments with age were much higher in salt-sensitive teenagers than non-salt sensitive teenagers, especially in terms of systolic blood pressure.     

安心颗粒对急诊经皮冠状动脉介入术后生活质量影响的研究

目的：评价使用安心颗粒对急诊经皮冠状动脉介入术（PPCI）术后生活质量的影响.方法：将160例接受PPCI的急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者随机分为安心颗粒组（术前顿服安心颗粒8.8g,术后安心颗粒4.4 g/次,每日2次）和对照组（仅接受基础药物治疗）.所有患者均服用阿司匹林、氯吡格雷和阿托伐他汀.分别在入院时、出院前1d、出院后180 d时,应用心肌梗死多维度量表（MIDAS）、中文版SF-36评价量表对患者生活质量评分.并观察术后30 d以内的出血并发症、血小板减少症发生情况.结果：入院时和出院前1d,两组患者的心肌梗死MIDAS、SF-36量表评分比较无差异（P＞0.05）;出院后180 d时,与对照组比较,安心颗粒组MIDAS、SF-36评分明显减低（P＜0.05）;组内与入院时比较,两组出院前1d、出院后180 d时,MIDAS、SF-36评分均降低（P＜0.05）.两组患者在随访期间均无大量出血、少量出血、重度和极重度血小板减少症发生,安心颗粒组有4例、对照组有7例发生不明显出血（P＞0.05）.两组发生轻度血小板减少症的患者数比较无差异（P＞0.05）.结论：PPCI使用安心颗粒,能改善急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者的生活质量,且不增加出血风险.     

The comparative studies of the influences of Urapidil and Nicardipine on sino-atrial node function, atrio-ventricular node function and hemodynamics

Objective:To investigate the influences of urapidil and nicardipine on rabbit sinus function,atrio-ventricular node function and hemodynamics.Methods:Thirty-two Angora's rabbits were selected and randomly divided into four groups.U1 group:urapidil 0.25 mg/kg;U2 group:urapidil 0.5 mg/kg;N1 group:nicardipine 10 μg/kg;N2 group:nicardipine 20 μg/kg.All these medicine were administrated within 30 seconds.Measurements were taken before and after the administration of urapidil or nicardipine for the following data:mean blood pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR),sino-atrial conduction time(SACT),maximal sinoatrial recovery time(SNRTmax)corrected sinus node recovery time(CSNRT),index of sinus node recovery time(SNRTI),Wenckebach A-V conduction frequency (WB),and P-R interval.Results:Significant MAP and HR changes were identified in all of the four groups before and after administration of both urapidil and nicardipine.No significant changes could be found in the rest of the parameters.Intergroup analysis showed that SACT and CSNRT of N1 and N2 groups were shorter than those of the U2 group(P＜0.01);the MAP decreased(P＜0.01)and the HR increased drastically(P＜0.01).Conclusions:Neither urapidil(0.25 mg/kg,0.5 mg/kg)nor nicardipine(10μg/kg,20μg/kg)has any significant influence on rabbit sinus function or rabbit atrio-ventricular node function.Nicardipine could be a better choice than urapidil for parafunctional sinus node patients.     

Expression of OPGmRNA and ODFmRNA in the patients of hip fracture due to osteoporosis

Objective：To investigate the gene expression of osteoprotegerin（OPG） and osteoclast differentiation factor（ODF） in the bone tissue of patients with hip fracture due to osteoporosis. Methods：OPGmRNA and ODFmRNA in the bone tissue in 50 cases of osteoporosis sufferers（over 50 years old） with hip fracture（Observer Group） and 30 cases of hip facture sufferers with no osteoporosis（Control group） were analyzed with the Semi-Quantitative RT-PCR method. Results：The mRNA expressed of ODF, OPG were both high in the patients with hip fracture. In the control group, the expression of OPG mRNA was observed, while the expression of ODF mRNA was very slight. Conclusion：Aged patients contained all signals including OPG, ODF that are essential for inducing osteoclastogenesis and promoting bone resorption.     

Dynamic Changes in Serum Estradiol and Progesterone levels in Patients of Premenstrual Syndrome with Adverse Flow of Liver-qi

Objective:To probe into the influence of changes of ovarian hormones on the pathogenesis of the specific sub-type premenstrual syndrome(PMS)and reveal partial microcosmic mechanisms of adverse flow of liver-qi.Methods:Estradiol(E2)and progesterone(P)levels in serum were determined at different phases of menstrual cycle by radioimmunoassay.Results:In the group of PMS with adverse flow of liver-qi.the secretive peak value Of E2 and P at the follicular phase significantly decreased,and the secretive peak value at the luteal phase did not come into being.Conclusions:Low E2 and P secretive peak at the follicular phase and absence of secretive peak at the luteal phase is one of the microcosmic mechanisms of PMS with adverse flow of liver-qi.One of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of specific sub-type PMS is probably the continuous low level of E2and P.     

Real-time Three-dimensional Echocardiography in Assessment of Left Ventricular and Right Ventricular Volumes

Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE)is a new ultrasound technique that enables dynamic threedimensional visualization and quantification of the heart in real time. Investigation of feasibility and methodology of RT3DE in determining left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volumes, RT3DE was performed in 35 normal adults using Philips SONOS 7500 system with a 2-4 MHz matrix array transducer. The 60°×60° "pyramid" volume database was obtained and analyzed on a TomTec echo workstation. Both LV and RV volumes were calculated with four 3DE methods (i.e. apical 2, 4, 8, and 16-plane) through manually tracing ventricular endocardial borders in end diastole and end systole. Stroke volumes were then calculated. LV volume was also measured by 2DE Simpson's rule using GE VIVID 7 ultrasound machine.     

SCREENING FOR A 21-CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITY IN PREIMPLANTED EMBRYOS OF ELDERLY WOMEN

Increasing maternal age is the only etiological factor unequivocally linked to Down's syndrome in humans. The occurrence rate of newborns with Down's syndrome is about 1/220 in women over 35 years old. However, the occurrence rate in embryos fertilized in vitro, of the elder woman is unclear. Using FISH we screened the number of chromosome 21 in preimplanted embryos of 5 elderly women (average age, 38.4 years) to study the feasibility and necessity of screening trisomy 21 in embryos in patients over 35 years old at the in vitro fertilization (IVF) center.     

Scientific principles and rigorous processes should be followed in developing clinical guidelines for therapeutic interventions of integrative medicine

A clinical guideline for the therapeutic interventions of integrative medicine may be defined as a written document which states a series of recommendations on therapeutic interventions of integrative medicine for a special disease or condition. The guideline may provide assistance to medical professionals in making clinical decisions aimed at improving the clinical outcome of patients and reducing the costs of medical care（~＇4~. Recommendations issued by a guideline should be based on the best available evidence in both Western and Chinese medicine. For fulfilling this purpose, the development of clinical guidelines for therapeutic interventions in the field of integrative medicine should follow scientific principles and undergo a rigorous processes.