Visualization of meiotic spindle and subsequent embryonic development in in vitro and in vivo matured human oocytes.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between spindle location and embryonic development of in vivo and in vitro matured human oocytes.

Methods: The spindles of 134 in vivo matured, 105 in vitro matured oocytes were examined by Polscope at the time of ICSI.

Results: The spindles were visualized in 83.

Successful preimplantation genetic diagnosis for alpha- and beta-thalassemia in China.

Methods & Results: In southern China, the average carrier rates of alpha-thalassemia and beta-thalassemia in the population are as high as 10.3% and 2.8%, respectively.

[Successful preimplantation genetic diagnosis for alpha-thalassemia using fluorescent polymerase chain reaction].

Objective: To develop single-cell fluorescent gap polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in couples at risk of having child with alpha-thalassemia.

Methods: Single cell fluorescent gap PCR which can detect the alpha-thalassemia Southeast Asia deletion (-SEA deletion), was applied to single lymphocytes and blastomeres which coming from four clinical PGD cycles.

Results: The Single cell fluorescent gap PCR can detect the alpha-thalassemia -SEA deletion, which account for 94% of hydrop fetalis in Chinese population with an amplification efficiency of 90.

Closely linked polymorphic marker: successful application in preimplantation genetic diagnosis for beta-thalassemia.

Objective: To evaluate the applicability of the polymorphic marker closely linked with beta-globin gene for the preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in couples at risk of having child with beta-thalassemia.

Methods: Single cell multiplex nested PCR which coamplifies the beta-globin gene and the closely linked polymorphic marker, HumTHO1 gene, was applied in six clinical PGD cycles for four couples with beta-thalassemia.

Results: In six clinical PGD cycles, a total of 44 embryos were biopsied and 44 blastomeres were obtained.

[Successful preimplantation genetic diagnosis for beta-thalassemia using multiplex nested polymerase chain reaction].

Objective: To develop single-cell multiplex nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in couples at risk of having child with beta-thalassemia.

Methods: Primers were designed and synthesized according to the documented mutation sites common among Chinese. Venous blood was collected from 4 pairs of husband and wife, all heterozygotes for beta-thalassemia, and underwent multiple nested PCR.

[Outcome of repeated epididymal sperm aspiration or testicular sperm extraction in azoospermic patients].

Objective: To review the outcome of repeated percutaneous sperm aspiration (PESA) and testicular sperm extraction (TESE) for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Methods: Forty-three cycles of 31 cases of azoospermic patients which underwent at least two PESA or TESE for ICSI from January 2001 to December 2002 were collected. The sperm retrieval, fertilization, implantation and clinical pregnancy were analyzed.

[Clinical application of a modified pronuclear stage scoring system following conventional in-vitro fertilization].

Objective: To assess the clinical value of pronuclear stage scoring system in human conventional in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) program.

Methods: A modified pronuclear scoring system was used to score zygotes 16 - 18 hours after insemination during conventional IVF.

Results: A total of 178 IVF cycles were recruited in this study.

[Sperm retrieval methods and pregnancy outcome of 100 azoospermia patients].

Objectives: To review the retrospective treatment results of the azoospermia patients during January 2001 to January 2002 in the fertility center.

Methods: One hundred males attempted intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle for treatment of azoospermia. All patients were undergone sperm retrieval by percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) or testicular sperm extraction (TESE) while their wives received conventional ovarian hyperstimulation.