微小RNA Let-7/Lin28调节环与鼻咽癌血管新生的关系研究

目的  探讨微小RNA Let-7/Lin28调节环与鼻咽癌促血管生成因子的关系,并研究这一关系的作用机制。方法  选取2012年4月-2014年在湖北省襄阳市中心医院耳鼻喉科就诊的鼻咽癌患者54例。另选取同期40例慢性鼻炎患者和32例健康者作为对照组。采用实时荧光定量PCR（RT-PCR）检测组织中Lin28A、Lin28B及Let-7a miRNA相对表达量,ELISA检测血清中血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）、碱性成纤维生长因子（bFGF）及内皮抑素（ES）水平,蛋白免疫印迹法（Western blot）检测H-Ras/PTEN/PI3K/Akt通路蛋白表达情况,分析miRNA Let-7a/Lin28调节环与血管新生因子的关系。结果  RT-PCR检测发现鼻咽癌患者Lin28A miRNA和Lin28B miRNA相对表达量均高于慢性鼻炎组和健康对照组（P <0.05）,而Let-7a miRNA的相对表达量低于上述两组（P <0.05）;ELISA检测结果发现鼻咽癌患者组VEGF、bGFG、ES表达量均高于慢性鼻炎组和健康对照组（P <0.05）;Western blot检测发现鼻咽癌患者组病理组织中H-Ras、p-PI3K及p-Akt表达量高于慢性鼻炎患者组和健康对照组（P <0.05）,而p-PTEN表达量低于上述两组（P <0.05）;相关性分析发现,Lin28A、Lin28B miRNA与VEGF、bFGF、H-Ras、p-PI3K及p-Akt呈正相关（P <0.05）,Let-7a miRNA与VEGF、bFGF、H-Ras、p-PI3K及p-Akt呈负相关（P <0.05）。结论  miRNA Lin28/Let-7调节环与血管新生有定的关联性,而这一关联性可能与激活Ras/PI3K/PTEN/Akt通路有关。

     

SIAH2在鼻咽癌及癌旁组织中的表达及意义

目的观察人鼻咽癌及癌旁组织中SIAH2表达的变化,探讨SIAH2在鼻咽癌及癌旁组织中差异表达的临床意义。方法应用免疫组织化学检测120例鼻咽癌及癌旁石蜡包埋组织中SIAH2的表达情况,Westernblot检测40例鼻咽癌及癌旁组织中SIAH2的蛋白表达情况,Real time PCR检测上述标本中SIAH2 mRNA的表达并比较3种方法检测结果的差异。结果鼻咽癌组织中SIAH2蛋白表达量明显高于癌旁正常鼻咽组织中SIAH2蛋白表达量(P<0.05);鼻咽癌组织中SIAH2 mRNA表达量明显高于癌旁鼻咽组织中SIAH2 mRNA蛋白表达量(P<0.05)。结论 SIAH2过表达与鼻咽癌的发生发展有密切关系。通过将SIAH2作为靶点可为防控鼻咽癌的发生和发展提供新的思路。     

柔红霉素对HL-60敏感细胞miRNA-21等5种miRNA表达的影响

目的：通过观察柔红霉素（DNR）作用后急性早幼粒细胞白血病（APL）细胞株HL‐60敏感细胞中miRNA‐21、miR‐NA‐181d、miRNA‐125b、let‐7f和miRNA‐27a5种miRNA的表达变化，探讨他们与HL‐60细胞耐药性形成的相关性及其潜在的临床意义。方法常规培养HL‐60和HL‐60/A细胞。设置实验组、对照组1和对照组2，实验组使用小剂量DNR持续作用于HL‐60敏感细胞。对照组1和2分别是HL‐60/ADNR耐药细胞和不接受DNR持续作用的HL‐60敏感细胞。采用四甲基偶氮唑盐比色（MTT）法检测DNR对HL‐60细胞增的影响。采用实时荧光定量PCR（RT‐PCR）检测miRNA‐21等5种miRNA的表达量。结果MTT实验结果：随着小剂量DNR持续作用时间的延长，DNR对HL‐60敏感细胞的抑制作用减弱，并于加药后第10天左右，抑制率逐渐进入平台期。RT‐PCR检测结果：与对照组2比较，对照组1耐药细胞中的miRNA‐181d、miRNA‐27a和let‐7f的表达下调（P＜0．05），而实验组敏感细胞中这些miRNA的表达于加药后的第7天开始下调（P＜0．05）。相反，对照组1中的miRNA‐21和miRNA‐125b表达上调（P＜0．05），而实验组敏感细胞中这2种miRNA的表达则于加药后的第7天开始上调（P＜0．05）。结论miRNA‐21、miRNA‐125b、miRNA‐181d、miRNA‐27a和let‐7f5种miRNA表达的改变可能与HL‐60细胞耐药性有关。     

血管形成抑制剂Canstatin在鼻咽癌中表达鉴定及基因克隆

目的 检测Canstatin基因在鼻咽癌发病过程中的表达变化及克隆其编码序列.方法 利用半定量RT-PCR方法检测Canstatin在鼻咽癌组织、鼻咽癌细胞和正常鼻咽组织中的表达,比较它们之间的表达差异.设计含酶切位点的PCR引物,利用RT-PCR方法从相对正常鼻咽组织中获取Can-statin蛋白编码序列,T/A克隆入Pmd18载体中.利用PCR和酶切鉴定获得阳性重组子.重组子最后经测序证实.结果 与相对正常鼻咽组织相比,Canstatin在鼻咽癌组织和细胞中表达下调或缺失.RT-PCR法成功获得Canstatin基因编码区全长Cdna序列.重组克隆质粒插入片段经DNA测序后与Gen-Bank中Canstatin基因相应序列比较,100%同源.结论 Canstatin在鼻咽癌组织和细胞中表达下调或缺失.采用T/A技术成功克隆鼻咽组织中Canstatin基因,为Canstatin亚克隆入真核表达载体Pegfp-N1,探索其在鼻咽癌生长和转移中的作用奠定了基础.     

miRN A-125b在鼻咽癌中的表达及与顺铂化疗敏感性研究

目的：探讨微小RNA‐125b（miRNA‐125b）在鼻咽癌组织、血清中的表达及与顺铂化疗敏感性的相关性。方法收集34例临床确诊鼻咽癌完整病例资料及组织和血清标本,另取患者癌旁组织为组织对照,同时收集34例健康体检者血清标本为血清对照,运用实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应（real‐time qPCR）法检测miRNA‐125b在癌组织、癌旁组织、血清中的表达,并进行统计学分析。结果 miRNA‐125b在癌组织的表达显著低于癌旁组织（P＝0．006）,在鼻咽癌患者血清中的表达显著低于健康体检者（P＝0．000）;miRNA‐125b在患者癌组织与血清中的表达无相关性（r＝0．112,P＝0．528）。miRNA‐125b在癌组织中的表达与病理分型、T分期、N分期有关（P＜0．05）,在患者血清中的表达仅与N分期相关（P＜0．05）。miRNA‐125b在癌组织中表达与顺铂化疗敏感性呈负性相关（P＜0．05）,在患者血清中的表达与顺铂化疗敏感性无明显相关性（P＞0．05）。结论 miRNA‐125b的低表达可能参与了鼻咽癌的发生、发展,对鼻咽癌诊断、分型、分级有一定意义,在癌组织中的表达水平可作为筛选顺铂化疗方案的指标之一。     

miRNA-152表达与NSCLC对顺铂耐药的关系及其机制研究

目的：研究微小RNA‐152（miRNA‐152）在非小细胞肺癌（NSCLC）顺铂（DDP）耐药过程中的作用机制。方法实时荧光定量逆转录PCR（qRT‐PCR）检测NSCLC细胞株A549及其DDP耐药株A549／DDP细胞内的miRNA‐152水平。通过转染miRNA‐52模拟物（miRNA‐152 mimic）以提高A549／DDP细胞内的microRNA‐152水平。MTT试验、倒置相差显微镜技仪和流式细胞术观察上调miRNA‐152对细胞增殖及凋亡的影响,同时采用qRT‐PCR和Western blot技术观察细胞内Bcl‐2及核转录因子‐κB（NF‐κB）水平变化。结果 A549／DDP细胞中存在miRNA‐152的低表达,Bcl‐2及 NF‐κB的高表达。上调miRNA‐152后,DDP造成的A549／DDP细胞增殖抑制率和凋亡率显著高于未上调miRNA‐152的细胞,差异有统计学意义（P＜0．05）。此外, miRNA‐152 mimic转染可显著降低A549／DDP细胞中的Bcl‐2及 NF‐κB表达。结论低miRNA‐152表达可能引起 NSCLC对DDP的耐药,miRNA‐152可能通过调节Bcl‐2及NF‐κB的水平介导NSCLC细胞对顺铂的敏感性。     

血管形成抑制剂Tumstatin在鼻咽癌中表达鉴定及基因克隆

目的:检测Tumstatin基因在鼻咽癌发病过程中的表达变化及克隆其编码序列。方法:利用半定量RT-PCR方法检测Tumstatin在鼻咽癌组织、鼻咽癌细胞和正常鼻咽组织中的表达,比较它们之间的表达差异。设计含酶切位点的PCR引物,利用RT-PCR方法从相对正常鼻咽组织中获取Tumstatin蛋白编码序列,T/A克隆入pMD18载体中。利用PCR和酶切鉴定获得阳性重组子。重组子最后经测序证实。结果:与相对正常鼻咽组织相比,Tumstatin在鼻咽癌组织和细胞中表达下调或缺失。RT-PCR法成功获得Tumstatin基因编码区全长cDNA序列。重组克隆质粒插入片段经DNA测序后与GenBank中Tumstatin基因相应序列比较,100%同源。结论:Tumstatin在鼻咽癌组织和细胞中表达下调或缺失。采用T/A技术成功克隆鼻咽组织中Tumstatin基因,为下一步将Tumstatin亚克隆入真核表达载体pEGFP-N1,探索其在鼻咽癌生长和转移中的作用奠定了基础。     

Lin28与肝癌细胞紫杉醇耐药关系的研究

[目的]Lin28是一种重编程因子和保守的RNA结合蛋白,存在Lin28A和Lin28B两种同源基因,两者结构和功能类似。本研究旨在探讨Lin28与肝癌细胞对紫杉醇耐药的关系。[方法]MTT法检测紫杉醇对HepG2、Hep3B、SMMC-7721肝癌细胞的IC50;用荧光定量PCR法（简称RTPCR）在RNA水平检测Lin28A和Lin28B在Hep3B、HepG2、SMMC-7721中的表达,蛋白质印迹法分析Lin28A和Lin28B蛋白在Hep3B、HepG2、SMMC-7721细胞中的表达情况。[结果]Hep3B、HepG2、SMMC-7721细胞株对紫杉醇的IC50分别为：Hep3B为0.194μM、HepG2为19.54μM、SMMC-7721为0.444μM。HepG2、SMMC-7721细胞株中的Lin28A基因表达量分别是Hep3B的5.06、3.10倍;HepG2、SMMC-7721细胞株中的Lin28B基因表达量分别是Hep3B的7.16、3.16倍。Hep3B、HepG2、SMMC-7721细胞株中Lin28A和Lin28B蛋白的表达量与从荧光定量数据显示的趋势一致。[结论]Lin28与肝癌细胞对紫杉醇耐药密切相关,肝癌细胞中Lin28表达与肝癌细胞对紫杉醇的耐药性成正比,暗示Lin28表达可能是肝癌细胞紫杉醇耐药的潜在机制并有望成为逆转肝癌紫杉醇耐药的靶点。     

鼻咽癌组织中X 连锁凋亡抑制蛋白及caspase-3 和Smac /DIABLO 的表达及意义

目的采用组织芯片技术研究鼻咽癌组织中X连锁凋亡抑制蛋白(XIAP)、caspase-3与其拮抗蛋白Smac/DIABLO的表达及其意义。方法以50例鼻咽癌患者鼻咽部活体组织石蜡标本和20例鼻咽部慢性炎症组织石蜡标本为研究对象,利用组织芯片技术同时采用SP免疫组织化学方法检测鼻咽癌组织芯片中XIAP、caspase-3和Smac/DIAB-LO的表达。结果鼻咽癌组织中XIAP的阳性表达高于鼻咽部慢性炎症组织,caspase-3和Smac/DIABLO的阳性表达明显低于鼻咽部慢性炎症组织,差别均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。XIAP阳性的鼻咽癌石蜡标本Smac/DIABLO阳性表达率低于XIAP阴性的鼻咽癌石蜡标本Smac/DIABLO阳性表达率,鼻咽癌组织中XIAP与Smac/DIABLO表达呈负相关(P<0.05)。结论 XIAP在鼻咽癌中高表达,caspase-3、Smac/DIABLO在鼻咽癌中低表达,鼻咽癌中XIAP和Smac/DI-ABLO表达呈负相关。XIAP、caspase-3和Smac/DIABLO可能是鼻咽癌细胞凋亡信号传导网络中的重要一环,与鼻咽癌的发生、发展密切相关。     

鼻咽癌组织中XIAP和Smac/DIABLO的表达及意义

[摘要] 目的 采用组织芯片技术研究鼻咽癌组织中X连锁凋亡抑制蛋白（XIAP）与其拮抗蛋白Smac/DIABLO的表达及其意义。方法 以50例鼻咽癌患者鼻咽部活体组织石蜡标本和20例鼻咽部慢性炎症组织石蜡标本为研究对象,利用组织芯片技术同时采用S-P免疫组织化学方法检测鼻咽癌组织芯片中XIAP和Smac/DIABLO的表达。结果 （1）鼻咽癌中XIAP的阳性表达明显高于鼻咽部慢性炎症组织,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05)。鼻咽癌中Smac/DIABLO的阳性表达均明显低于鼻咽部慢性炎症组织,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05)。（2）Smac/DIABLO在XIAP阳性的鼻咽癌石蜡标本中的阳性表达率低于在XIAP阴性的鼻咽癌石蜡标本中,XIAP和Smac/DIABLO表达均呈明显负相关（P <0.05）。结论 XIAP在鼻咽癌中高表达,Smac/DIABLO在鼻咽癌中低表达,鼻咽癌中XIAP和Smac/DIABLO表达呈负相关。XIAP和Smac/DIABLO可能是鼻咽癌细胞凋亡信号传导网络中的重要一环,其与鼻咽癌的发生、发展密切相关。     

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.