原发性MALT淋巴瘤中Cyr61的表达及临床意义

目的 研究原发性MALT淋巴瘤肿瘤组织中富含半胱氨酸61 (Cyr61)表达的临床意义。 方法 采用免疫组织化学染色法对40例MALT淋巴瘤Cyr61的表达情况进行检测,用细胞核增殖相关抗原(Ki-67) 单克隆抗体标记肿瘤细胞并计算细胞增殖指数,用SPSS1010 软件分析Cyr61 表达与该肿瘤细胞增殖指数、临床特征及预后的关系。 结果 ①40例MALT淋巴瘤病例中,25例（62.5%）肿瘤细胞表达Cyr61蛋白;Cyr61蛋白表达在MALT淋巴瘤和DLBCL中有差异（P ＜ 0.05）;②Cyr61蛋白阳性表达病例细胞增殖指数平均值为26.4%,差异具有显著性（t = 2.078,P = 0.045）;③Cyr61阳性和阴性病例生存率差异无显著性（P = 0.798）,Cox多因素相关分析显示大细胞转化、复发和细胞增殖指数高的病例预后较差（P ＜0.05）。 结论 Cyr61蛋白表达与MALT淋巴瘤细胞转化有关,大细胞转化和复发为MALT淋巴瘤的独立预后因素     

VEGF基因在非特指外周T细胞淋巴瘤中的表达及意义

目的探讨血管内皮细胞生长因子(VEGF)在非特指外周T细胞淋巴瘤中的表达及意义。方法应用实时荧光定量PCR和免疫组织化学技术分别检测非特指外周T细胞淋巴瘤中VEGFmRNA及其蛋白水平的表达情况,用CD34单克隆抗体标记肿瘤血管计算其微血管密度(MVD),用SPSS10.0软件分析VEGF表达与该肿瘤微血管密度、临床特征及预后的关系。结果(1)20例非特指外周T细胞淋巴瘤中有14例(70.0%)VEGFmRNA表达上调,13例(65.0%)肿瘤细胞VEGF蛋白表达阳性;(2)VEGF表达与该肿瘤微血管密度呈正相关(r=0.8,p=0.0270);(3)VEGF表达与该肿瘤的临床分期、B症状及血清乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)有关(p=0.034,p=0.013和p=0.007);(4)Cox多因素相关分析显示,年龄>60岁和VEGF表达上调为预后不良因素(p=0.040和p=0.027)。结论VEGF在非特指外周T细胞淋巴瘤中广泛表达,可能与该肿瘤的临床特征和预后关系密切。     

血管内皮细胞生长因子在女性生殖系统原发性弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤中的表达及意义

目的 探讨血管内皮细胞生长因子(VEGF)在女性生殖系统原发性弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤中的表达及意义.方法 应用实时荧光定量PCR和免疫组化技术分别检测女性生殖系统原发性弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤中VEGF mRNA及其蛋白水平的表达情况,用CD34单克隆抗体标记肿瘤血管计算其微血管密度(MVD),分析VEGF表达与该肿瘤MVD、临床特征及预后的关系.结果 ①20例弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤中有17例(85.0%)VEGF mRNA表达上调,48例(48/56,85.7%)肿瘤细胞VEGF 蛋白表达阳性;②VEGF表达与该肿瘤MVD呈正相关(r=0.76,P:0.0170);③VEGF表达与该肿瘤的临床分期、B症状及血清乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)有关(r=0.77,P=0.044;r=0.58,P=0.023;r=0.69,P=0.017);④Cox多因素相关分析显示.年龄>60岁和VEGF阳性表达均为预后不良因素(P<0.05).结论 VEGF在女性生殖系统原发性弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤中广泛表达,可能与该肿瘤的临床特征和预后关系密切.     

食管鳞状细胞癌组织中Cyr61、WISP3 mRNA和蛋白表达及生存分析

目的:检测人食管鳞状细胞癌组织中Cyr61、WISP3 mRNA及蛋白的表达.方法:采用实时荧光定量PCR和免疫组织化学染色法对186例食管鳞状细胞癌和癌旁正常组织中Cyr61、WISP3表达水平进行测定.采用Kaplan-Meier进行单因素生存分析.结果:食管鳞状细胞癌组织中Cyr61、WISP3 mRNA和蛋白的表达较正常组织上调(P均<0.01).食管鳞状细胞癌组织中WISP3和Cyr61 mRNA的表达与淋巴结转移、浸润深度、肿瘤体积、肿瘤分期有关(P均<0.01).WISP3和Cyr61蛋白表达与吸烟、淋巴结转移、家族史、浸润深度和肿瘤分期有关(P均<0.05).单因素生存分析表明,WISP3、Cyr61 mRNA和蛋白的表达、性别、吸烟、家族史、浸润深度、肿瘤体积、肿瘤分期与患者的生存宰相关(P均<0.05).结论:Cyr61、WISP3在食管鳞状细胞癌发展过程中起重要作用;其在食管鳞状细胞癌病情进展的监测、转移潜能及预后的估计等方面具有应用价值.     

血管紧张素Ⅱ通过上调富含半胱氨酸蛋白61表达诱导HEK293T细胞凋亡

目的探讨富含半胱氨酸蛋白61（Cyr61）在血管紧张素Ⅱ（AngⅡ）诱导HEK293 细胞功能中的改变及作用。方法 HEK293T细胞于体外培养,并应用CRISPR/Cas9技术敲低HEK293T细胞Cyr61基因。将细胞分为四组：（1）对照组;（2）Cyr61 敲低组;（3）AngⅡ组;（4）AngⅡ+Cyr61敲低组,以10-7 mol/L AngⅡ处理细胞,48 h收集细胞用流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡,通过 实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)技术及蛋白质免疫印迹技术检测细胞Cyr61及Bcl-2的mRNA及蛋白表达量。结果Cyr61敲低 组Cyr61蛋白水平较正常对照组明显下降（P<0.05）,AngⅡ干预48 h 后Cyr61蛋白和mRNA表达水平显著升高（P<0.05）,Bcl-2 蛋白和mRNA表达水平明显下降（P<0.05）,敲低Cyr61 后Bcl-2 蛋白和mRNA表达水平明显升高（P<0.05）,与对照组凋亡率 （11.88±1.46）%相比,Cyr61敲低组凋亡率为（3.87±0. 83）%,AngⅡ干预组HEK293T细胞凋亡率为（26.94±3.73）%（P<0.05）,与 AngⅡ干预组相比,Cyr61 敲低+AngⅡ组凋亡率为（15.76±1.31）%（P<0.05）。结论Cyr61 表达量的上调与AngⅡ诱导的 HEK293T细胞损伤有关,下调Cyr61的表达可以有效地保护AngⅡ诱导的细胞损伤。     

Cyr61、VEGF在结直肠癌组织中的表达及其临床病理意义

目的探讨富半胱氨酸蛋白-61(Cyr61)、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)在结直肠癌中的表达水平和临床意义。方法选取2011年1月—2014年1月黄冈市中心医院收治的结直肠癌患者94例作为结直肠癌组,结肠炎患者20例作为结肠炎组,手术切除的标本应用免疫组化法检测Cyr61、VEGF的表达情况,分析Cyr61、VEGF蛋白表达与临床病理关系,随访患者存活率,并分析Cyr61、VEGF与患者预后关系。结果结直肠癌组组织中Cyr61和VEGF相对表达量与结肠炎组比较差异有统计学意义(Z=-2.647、-3.154,P<0.01)。结直肠癌组中肿瘤中高分化程度患者Cyr61和VEGF高表达率与低分化程度患者比较差异有统计学意义(x~2=8.309、7.733,P<0.01);肿瘤浸润T3/T4患者Cyr61和VEGF高表达率与T1/T2患者比较差异有统计学意义(x~2=4.532、3.778,P<0.05);有淋巴转移患者Cyr61和VEGF高表达率与无淋巴转移患者比较差异有统计学意义(x~2=6.365、7.050,P<0.01);Ⅲ+Ⅳ患者Cyr61和VEGF高表达率与Ⅰ+Ⅱ患者比较差异有统计学意义(x~2=34.535、57.343,P<0.01)。Cyr61高表达患者平均生存时间与Cyr61低表达患者比较差异有统计学意义(t=32.80,P<0.01);VEGF高表达患者平均生存时间与VEGF低表达患者比较差异有统计学意义(t=19.13,P<0.01)。多因素回归分析结果显示,VEGF表达水平、Cyr61表达水平是患者预后的独立危险因素。结论直结肠癌组织中,Cry61和VEGF与肿瘤的分化程度、浸润与否、淋巴转移和TNM分期密切相关。在临床中可通过检测Cry61和VEGF水平,对直结肠癌进行早期诊断、判断直结肠癌预后。     

富含半胱氨酸蛋白61在寻常型银屑病患者皮损中的表达与作用机制

【摘要】 目的 探讨富含半胱氨酸蛋白61 (Cyr61)在寻常型银屑病患者皮损中的表达及作用机制。方法 收集 38例寻常型银屑病患者的皮损组织和18例正常人的皮肤分别作为银屑病组和对照组,分别使用qRT-PCR和Western blot检测皮肤组织中Cyr61 mRNA和蛋白的表达。在TNF-a刺激HaCaT皮肤细胞的银屑病体外细胞模型中,使用 RNA干扰技术将Cyr61基因沉默(siCyr61),设计无关序列作为对照(siControl),依次使用CCK-8、qRT-PCR、Western blot、Elisa检测细胞增殖、炎性因子分泌和NLRP3炎症小体的表达。结果 银屑病患?者皮损组织中Cyr61 mRNA和蛋 白质的表达量显著高于对照组皮肤(P＜0.001)。与TNF-a + siContro 1组细胞相比较,TNF-a + siCyr61组细胞的增殖 在干预48h和72h时抑制效应显著(P＜0.001),细胞中IL-1β、JL-17、 JL-22、CXCL1 mRNA的表达量和细胞上清液中 IL-1β、JL-17、JL-22、CXCL1的含量均不同程度的降低(P＜0.05),细胞中NLRP3和maturvCaspaso 1蛋白的表达量显 著降低(P＜0.001)。结论 Cyr61在寻常型银屑病患者皮损中呈高表达,使用RNA干扰将Cyr61基因沉默后可降低 TNF-a诱导的HaCaT皮肤细胞增殖和炎性因子分泌,可能与抑制NLRP3炎症小体过度活化有关。     

蛋白免疫印迹法检测胃癌组织Cyr61和HIF-1α 蛋白的表达及其临床意义

目的 侵袭转移是恶性肿瘤最重要的生物学行为之一,也是导致死亡率增加的主要原因,而肿瘤细胞发生转移的机制一直是研究的热点.研究旨在检测富含半胱氨酸61(Cyr61)蛋白和低氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1 α)蛋白在胃癌组织中的表达水平,探讨两者与胃癌侵袭转移的关系.方法 将标本分成3组,分别为49例胃癌组、49例配对的癌旁组(距癌2 cm)和49例配对的正常组(距癌5 cm以上),用免疫组织化学和蛋白免疫印迹(Western b1ot)方法检测Cyr61和HIF-1 α的蛋白表达水平,并分析两者与胃癌的临床病理特征的关系.结果 免疫组织化学检测显示Cyr61在胃癌细胞的胞浆中表达,HIF-1 d在胃癌细胞的胞浆/胞核中表达.进一步用Western blot检测结果显示,胃癌中Cyr61蛋白的表达水平(0.2767±0.02200)高于癌旁组织(0.2145±0.02209)和正常组织(o.1055±0.02082),癌旁组织高于正常组织(均P＜0.01);胃癌中HIF-1α蛋白的表达水平(0.2663±0.02682)高于癌旁组织(0.2120±0.04087)和正常组织(0.1008±0.03867)(均P＜0.01),癌旁组织高于正常组织(P＜0.01).Cyr61和HIF-1α蛋白表达的增强与肿瘤的分化程度、淋巴转移及TNM分期相关(均P＜0.05).SPERMAN等级相关分析证明了Cyr61蛋白和HIF-1α蛋白的表达呈明显正相关(r=0.411,P＜0.05).结论 Cyr61蛋白和HIF-1α蛋白在胃癌组织中呈高表达,可能与胃癌的侵袭转移有关.联合检测Cyr61蛋白和HIF-1 α蛋白对指导胃癌临床及判断预后有重要价值.     

阿托伐他汀抑制血管平滑肌细胞Cyr61的表达

目的 探讨阿托伐他汀对增殖的血管平滑肌细胞Cyr61的作用.方法 贴块法培养大鼠胸主动脉血管平滑肌细胞,将培养的平滑肌细胞分为正常对照组、血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)组和阿托伐他汀组.AngⅡ组将1μmol/L AngⅡ加入平滑肌细胞培养基,共培养180 min;阿托伐他汀组在AngⅡ刺激细胞前1h加入10 μmol/L阿托伐他汀到培养基中.采用RT-PCR及Western blot检测各组中各时点Cyr61 mRNA和蛋白表达.结果 AngⅡ组与正常对照组相比上调增殖的平滑肌细胞Cyr61mRNA和蛋白表达,阿托伐他汀组与AngⅡ组相比抑制AngⅡ刺激的Cyr61蛋白表达,尤其在30 min时点更加明显(P＜0.01).结论 阿托伐他汀抑制增殖的平滑肌细胞Cyr61的表达,为阿托伐他汀降脂外的抗动脉硬化作用增加新的理论依据.     

低氧对小鼠成骨细胞Cyr61/CCN1表达的影响

目的 探讨低氧环境对小鼠成骨细胞富含半胱氨酸61(Cyr61/CCN1)表达的影响.方法 分别在氧浓度和去铁敏诱导的低氧环境下培养小鼠成骨细胞,Real-time PCR和Western blotting于不同时间点检测成骨细胞低氧诱导因子- 1α(HIF-1α)、Cyr61/CCN1和血管内皮生长因子的表达.分别敲除小鼠成骨细胞中HIF-1α和VHL基因,检测细胞Cyr61/CCN1的表达.结果 两种低氧环境下,小鼠成骨细胞HIF-1α通路被激活,Cyr61/CCN1 mRNA和蛋白表达均显著增加(P<0.05或P<0.01).HIF-1α基因敲除小鼠成骨细胞Cyr61/CCN1 mRNA和蛋白表达均显著减少,VHL基因敲除成骨细胞Cyr61/CCN1 mRNA和蛋白表达均显著增加(P<0.05或P<0.01).结论 低氧环境通过激活HIF-1α通路来上调小鼠成骨细胞Cyr61/CCN1的表达.     

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.     

The clinicopathological and immuohistochemical analysis of solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas： report of 9 cases

Objective：To investigate the clinical features, pathological characteristics and immunophenotype of solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas（SPTP）. Methods：Nine surgically treated cases of SPTP were retrospectively reviewed. Hematoxylin and Eosin（HE） staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to analyze all cases, and the general clinical data was collected. Results：Six patients were asymptomatic except for a palpable mass. Two patients complained of vague-epigastric pain. One patient appeared jaundice. The tumor was encapsulated and solid tissues alternately with cystic tissues. Histologically, the histological structure of solid portion was pseudopapillary with a fibrovascular core. Tumor cells were uniform and medium-sized which were arranged in sheets ets or nests or pseudopapillary patterns. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that SPTP proved positive in vimentin（9/9 cases）, AAT（9/9 cases）, NSE（9/9 cases）, ACT（7/9 cases）, CK20（2/9 cases）, CgA（1/9 cases）, S-100（3/gcases）, PR（4/gcases）, Syn（3/9 cases） and CD56（5/9cases）, negative in CEA and ER. Conclusion：SPTP is a tumor predominantly occurring in young women frequently without special symptoms. This tumor has various characteristical histological patterns with different immunophenotype.     

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.