孕期补充DHA对脂多糖所致宫内感染仔鼠脑组织TLR4表达的影响

目的探讨宫内感染的孕鼠经二十二碳六烯酸(DHA)干预后,对围产期炎症暴露的仔鼠脑组织炎症状态的影响。方法将孕鼠随机分为3组,①实验组(LPS+DHA组):孕期第1天开始给予DHA 130 mg/kg灌胃至分娩。于孕第17、18天连续2次腹腔注射LPS,剂量为350μg/kg;②模型组(LPS组):无菌生理盐水灌胃,同期连续2次腹腔注射LPS,剂量同上;③对照组(NS组):无菌生理盐水灌胃,同期腹腔注射无菌生理盐水0.6 mL。取各组孕21天,生后第1、7、14天(G21,P1,P7,P14)的胎鼠及幼鼠脑组织,用苏木精-伊红染色法观察不同时间点脑组织的病理改变。Realtime-PCR法检测脑组织Toll样受体4(TLR4)、IL-1βmRNA转录水平,Western blot法检测脑组织TLR4、IL-1β蛋白表达水平。结果模型组新生鼠平均出生体重较实验组及对照组减低(均P<0.05)。模型组脑组织苏木精-伊红染色见细胞水肿,组织疏松,细胞数减少。实验组脑细胞水肿较模型组减轻,细胞数减少不明显,而对照组脑组织炎性改变不明显。模型组及实验组IL-1βmRNA、IL-1β蛋白表达较对照组高(均P<0.05),但实验组表达较模型组减低(均P<0.05)。模型组及实验组TLR4mRNA、TLR4蛋白表达较对照组升高(均P<0.05),实验组表达较模型组减少(均P<0.05)。结论孕期LPS腹腔注射可引起孕鼠胎盘和胎儿的炎症反应,导致子代的脑损伤。孕期补充DHA能减少仔鼠脑内致炎细胞因子的表达,因此可能会降低宫内炎症暴露仔鼠脑损伤的发生率。     

早期干预对脑损伤仔鼠脑组织中肝细胞生长因子表达的影响

目的:研究早期干预对脑损伤后仔鼠脑组织中肝细胞生长因子(HGF)表达的影响。方法:给予孕17天的30只大鼠连续2天腹腔注射脂多糖(LPS)420μg/kg,10只腹腔注射等剂量无菌生理盐水作为对照组。随机选取LPS组仔鼠40只,分为干预组(T)20只与非干预组(NT)20只,生理盐水组(NS)仔鼠20只。仔鼠出生后1日,随机选取各组仔鼠各3只进行脑组织HE染色,并观察脑组织病理改变情况。LPS组和NS组仔鼠出生后均进行早期干预,分别在生后7日、14日、21日、28日的4个时间点行脑组织免疫组织化学染色,观察仔鼠脑组织中HGF的表达及运动功能情况。结果:(1)LPS组仔鼠出生后7日、14日、21日、28日脑组织HGF的表达量较对照组升高(P<0.01);(2)生后7日、14日、21日、28日干预组仔鼠脑组织HGF表达量较非干预组升高(P<0.01)。结论:孕鼠腹腔注射LPS后HGF的表达升高,早期干预可进一步提高其表达量并有效改善脑损伤仔鼠的运动功能。     

丰富康复训练对先天性脑损伤仔鼠脑神经髓鞘发育和修复的影响

目的:观察和探讨宫内感染致脑损伤仔鼠脑神经髓鞘改变及丰富康复训练的影响和机制。方法:连续2天对孕第17天的脂多糖(LPS)组孕鼠腹腔注射LPS(450μg/kg.d),制备脑损伤模型;对照组孕鼠腹腔注射等量无菌生理盐水。LPS组仔鼠随机分为非干预组和丰富康复训练组,丰富康复训练组于第2天开始进行干预,用电子显微镜观察d14、d28各组仔鼠脑神经髓鞘厚度情况,并应用体视学技术测量和计算脑神经髓鞘厚度平均值,同时用免疫组化方法检测仔鼠脑皮质区BDNF表达情况。结果:非干预组、丰富康复训练组仔鼠脑神经髓鞘厚度平均值均明显低于对照组,差异有显著性(P<0.01),丰富康复训练组仔鼠脑神经髓鞘厚度平均值高于非干预组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);丰富康复训练组仔鼠脑的皮质区BDNF阳性细胞计数明显高于对照组和非干预组,差异有显著性(P<0.01)。结论:(1)宫内感染可致脑损伤仔鼠脑神经髓鞘厚度平均值降低。(2)丰富康复训练可提高脑损伤仔鼠脑神经髓鞘厚度平均值。(3)丰富康复训练可增强脑损伤仔鼠脑组织BDNF阳性表达。     

NF-κB在小鼠感染性早产发生中作用的研究

目的通过研究NF-κB与感染性早产的关系,探索感染性早产的发病机制.方法将45只孕15 d的小鼠分为LPS组、LPS PDTC(pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate)组、生理盐水组3组,每组15只,分别注药后观察它们的分娩时间,另外同样分组孕鼠,每组5只,共15只,在给予上述同样药物16 h后处死,以免疫组化技术检测其胎盘TNF-α、IL-8水平.结果 LPS PDTC组孕鼠的妊娠时间较LPS组明显延长,另3组孕鼠检测TNF-α、IL-8水平,发现在LPS PDTC组中,其表达较LPS组明显降低.结论 NF-κB活化可能是通过调控某些细胞因子的表达,参与感染性早产的发生.     

NF-κB与系统性红斑狼疮鼠树突状细胞参与免疫耐受机制的关系

目的 探讨NF-κB与系统性红斑狼疮鼠树突状细胞(DCs)参与免疫耐受机制的关系.方法 系统性红斑狼疮模型小鼠18只,随机分为激素组、NF-κB特异性抑制剂吡咯啉烷二甲基硫脲(PDTC)组及病理对照组,每组6只;C57BL/6小鼠6只作为正常对照组.病理对照组与正常对照组每天予等量盐水灌胃,激素组以醋酸泼尼松混悬液2 mg/(kg·d)灌胃,PDTC组以PDTC 70 mg/kg隔天腹腔注射,干预8周后处死所有小鼠,取骨髓干细胞分离诱导培养DCs,观察并检测DCs,检测混合淋巴细胞反应(MLR)后IL-10、IFN-γ水平.结果 成熟树突状细胞(mDCs)与未成熟树突状细胞(iDCs)各组间比较:光镜下两者明显不同;流式细胞仪分析:iDCs激素组较病理对照组表面标志物CD80、CD86和 MHC-Ⅱ下降(P<0.05),PDTC组较激素组、病理对照组、正常对照组表面标志物表达均下降(P<0.05);mDCs激素组较病理对照组仅CD86表达下降(P<0.01),PDTC组CD80、CD86和 MHC分子表达均明显下降(P<0.001);MLR表明激素组刺激同种异体T细胞活化增殖能力下降(P<0.05),PDTC组较激素组明显下降(P<0.001);ELISA检测IL-10、IFN-γ表明激素组MLR培养上清液中IL-10、IFN-γ水平均下降(P<0.001),PDTC组较激素组明显下降(P<0.001).结论 系统性红斑狼疮鼠DCs参与免疫耐受机制可能与NF-κB有关.     

电针对先天性脑损伤仔鼠脑白质神经髓鞘修复的影响

目的观察和探讨电针对宫内感染致脑损伤仔鼠脑白质神经髓鞘修复的影响和机制。方法连续两天对孕第17天的孕鼠腹腔注射脂多糖（LPS）[450μg/（kg.d）],制备先天性脑损伤仔鼠模型;对照组孕鼠腹腔注射等量无菌生理盐水,随机选取对照组仔鼠22只;随机选取LPS组仔鼠40只,随机分为非干预组22只和电针组18只,电针组电针组于第7天开始进行干预,分别于第14天、第28天用电子显微镜观察各组仔鼠脑白质神经髓鞘,并应用体视学技术测量和计算出脑白质神经髓鞘厚度平均值。结果非干预组、电针组仔鼠脑白质神经髓鞘厚度平均值均明显低于对照组（P﹤0.01）,电针组仔鼠脑白质神经髓鞘厚度平均值高于非干预组（P﹤0.01）。结论电针干预可促进脑损伤仔鼠脑白质神经髓鞘修复。     

孕期补充木犀草素对细菌脂多糖诱发宫内胎鼠生长发育迟缓的影响

目的探讨孕期补充木犀草素对细菌脂多糖(LPS)暴露引起宫内胎鼠死亡和生长发育迟缓的影响。方法 8周龄ICR雌、雄鼠按照4∶2交配,所得孕鼠被随机分为4组,即对照组、木犀草素组(LUT)、LPS组和木犀草素干预组(LUT+LPS),每组各10只。实验一:LUT组和LUT+LPS组于孕第14～17天补充木犀草素;LPS组和LUT+LPS组于孕第15～17天注射LPS,且LPS在木犀草素处理1 h后注射;孕18天剖杀孕鼠,记录各组活胎鼠数、死胎鼠数、吸收胎数,称量胎仔和胎盘的重量,测量活胎鼠身长。实验二:方法同实验一,每组孕鼠各5只,且于孕第15天LPS处理2 h后,剖杀各组孕鼠,留取母鼠血清和羊水,以检测其炎性因子的表达。结果与对照组相比,LPS组平均每窝死胎数增加,胎盘均重降低,活胎鼠均重和平均身长也显著降低;补充木犀草素后,活胎鼠均重和平均身长较LPS组均显著增加,但对平均每窝死胎数和胎盘均重无明显变化。母鼠血清和羊水炎性因子检测发现,孕期补充木犀草素可明显降低母鼠血清和羊水中TNF-α、IL-1β及IL-6的含量。结论孕期补充木犀草素可通过降低母鼠血清和羊水中炎性因子表达而减轻LPS...     

PDTC对癫痫大鼠脑组织IL-6及TGF-β1水平的影响

目的观察吡咯烷二硫代氨基甲酸盐(PDTC)的干预对慢性癫痫大鼠脑组织中白介素-6(IL-6)和转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)的影响。方法 SD大鼠随机分为对照组24只、戊四氮(PTZ)模型组24只、PDTC干预组24只,PTZ模型组腹腔注射生理盐水稀释的PTZ 35 mg/kg,对照组腹腔注射等量生理盐水,PDTC干预组腹腔注射PTZ(35mg/kg)和PDTC(100mg/kg)。分别于14d、21d、28d、35d采血,用ELISA法测定大鼠血清IL-6、TGF-β1水平动态变化。结果与对照组相比,PTZ模型组IL-6含量14d、21d、28d、35d明显升高,TGF-β1含量相应时段均明显升高(P<0.01);与PTZ模型组相比,在各个时间段,PDTC干预组IL-6显著降低,而TGF-β1显著升高(P<0.01)。结论 NF-κB活化及细胞因子IL-6、TGF-β1的过度表达是参与慢性癫痫发病的重要机制;PDTC通过抑制NF-κB活化过程进而影响IL-6、TGF-β1的表达,以达到减轻慢性癫痫大鼠脑损伤的作用。     

PDTC对大鼠急性肺损伤肿瘤坏死因子-α表达的影响

目的 探讨核因子-κB 抑制剂PDTC在脂多糖(LPS)所致大鼠急性肺损伤(ALI)时血浆及BALF中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)含量的变化.方法 雄性大鼠54只,对照组(N组)6只,腹腔注射生理盐水8 mL/kg.ALI组(L组)24只,腹腔注射LPS 8 mg/kg.PDTC干预组(P+L组)24只,先腹腔注射PDTC 120 mg/kg,半小时后再腹腔注射LPS 8 mg/kg.后两组分别于腹腔注射 LPS后2、4、8、12 h作为观测时间点.观察血浆及BALF中TNF-α的变化.结果 L组各时相肺血浆及BALF中TNF-α较N组显著升高(P<0.01),且随着时间延长增加明显,但P+L组TNF-α与L组比较显著减少(P<0.05).结果 LPS引起血浆及BALF中TNF-α大量释放,NF-κB参与炎症的调控,在ALI中起重要作用.PDTC通过调控炎性介质的表达和释放,可有效地减轻LPS所致大鼠ALI.     

吡咯烷二硫代氨基甲酸盐对脓毒症大鼠急性肺损伤的保护作用及机制

目的 研究脂多糖(lipopolysaccharide,LPS)所致急性肺损伤(acute lung injury,ALI)的病理过程,探讨吡咯烷二硫代氨基甲酸盐(pyrrolidine dithiocarbamates,PDTC)对LPS所致Au的保护作用及机制.方法 96只SD雄性大鼠分为对照组、模型组,PDTC预防组.静脉注射LPS(6 mg/kg)复制ALI动物模型,分别于注射后2、4、8、12 h活杀.PDTC预防组在注射LPS前30 min予以PDTC(120 mg/kg)腹腔注射.测定肺湿/干质量比(W/D),石蜡包埋切片经HE染色行肺组织病理评分,TUNEL法测肺泡巨噬细胞(alveolar macrophages,AM)凋亡率,免疫组化法检测核因子-κBp65(nuclear factor-κBpp65,NF-κBp65)表达,RT-PCR法检测AM的sPLA_2ⅡA、Bcl-2、Bax基因的表达.结果 与对照组比较,模型组肺W/D、肺组织病理评分、AM的NF-κBp65表达及凋亡、AM的sPLA_2 IIA基阙表达增加(P<0.05),AM Bcl-2、Bax基因的表达下降(P<0.05).与模型组比较,PDTC预防组上述改变得以逆转,肺损伤程度明显减轻(P<0.05).结论 预防性予以PDTC可抑制AM NF-κB活化,抑制sPLA_2ⅡA基因表达,促进Bcl-2基因表达,抑制AM凋亡,对LPS所致的ALI有一定的保护作用.     

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.     

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.     

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.