苦参碱对急性心肌缺血大鼠血流动力学的影响

目的研究苦参碱对急性心肌缺血大鼠血流动力学的影响。方法将SD大鼠随机分为8组:正常对照组,假手术组,模型组,丹参组,硝酸甘油组,苦参碱2.5、5、10mg/kg剂量组。应用左冠状动脉前降支(LAD)结扎法制备大鼠急性心肌缺血模型,记录结扎前、结扎后5、15、30和60min大鼠左心室收缩压(LVSP)、左心室终末舒张压(LVEDP)、左心室内压最大上升速率( dp/dtmax)和左心室内压最大下降速率(-dp/dtmax)等指标。结果与对照组和假手术组比较,左冠状动脉前降支结扎后5、15、30,60min,模型组大鼠LVSP、 dp/dtmax、-dp/dtmax明显降低(P<0.05或P<0.01),LVEDP明显升高(P<0.01)。与模型组比较,左冠状动脉前降支结扎后5、15、30、60min,静脉注射苦参碱2.5、5和10mg/kg均可使大鼠LVSP、 dp/dtmax、-dp/dtmax明显升高(P<0.05或P<0.01),LVEDP明显降低(P<0.05或P<0.01)。此作用在左冠状动脉前降支结扎后15、30min最明显,且随着药物剂量增加,药物作用时间延长。结论静脉注射苦参碱可改善急性心肌缺血大鼠的心功能。     

槐定碱对家兔血流动力学的影响

目的研究槐定碱(sophoridine,SRI)对家兔血流动力学的影响。方法将32只家兔随机分为四组,即槐定碱2.5、5、10mg/kg及生理盐水对照组。采用经典的血流动力学方法观察给药前与给药后0、1、3、5、7、10min的心率(HR)、收缩压(SP)、舒张压(DP)、左心室收缩压(LVSP)、左心室终末舒张压(LVEDP)、左心室内压最大上升速率(dp/dtmax)、左心室开始收缩至dp/dtmax的间隔时间(t-dp/dtmax)、心室内压最大下降速率(-dp/dtmax)和等容舒张时间室内压下降的时间常数(T)的变化,并与对照组比较。结果(1)SRI对家兔心率和血压的影响:与对照组比较,静脉注射SRI 2.5mg/kg对心率无明显影响(P>0.05);5mg/kg在1min时明显减慢心率(P<0.05),10mg/kg能使家兔心率显著减慢(P<0.01)。SRI 2.5mg/kg能增加SP(P<0.05),对DP无明显影响;5mg/kg明显增加SP、DP(P<0.01或P<0.05);10mg/kg能显著增加SP、DP(P<0.01)。(2)SRI对家兔心功能的影响:与对照组比较,静脉注射SRI 2.5mg/kg对心功能各指标均无明显影响(P>0.05);5 mg/kg和10mg/kg能显著增加LVSP、±dp/dtmax(P<0.01),并能增加T值(P<0.05);SRI三个剂量对LVEDPt、-dp/dt-max均无明显影响(P>0.05)。以上参数的变化随着剂量的增加持续时间延长。结论静脉注射槐定碱5mg/kg和10mg/kg在10min内有减慢家兔心率,增加血压和心功能的作用。     

龙血竭对急性心肌梗死家兔左心功能的保护研究

目的探讨龙血竭对急性心肌梗死家兔左心功能的保护作用。方法将30只家兔随机分为三组,假手术组、心肌梗死组、龙血竭干预组,每组10只。采用左冠状动脉前降支结扎法,建立急性心肌梗死模型。观察HE染色的心肌组织结构变化,测量心率、左心室收缩末压(LVSP)、左心室舒张末压(LVEDP)、左心室内压最大上升速率(+dp/dtmax)、左心室内压最大下降速率(-dp/dtmax)。结果龙血竭干预组心肌组织结构明显好于心肌梗死组;心肌梗死组和龙血竭干预组其心率较假手术组明显减慢,龙血竭干预组心率减慢更明显(P<0.05或0.01)。心肌梗死组、龙血竭干预组与假手术组比较,其LVSP均明显下降、LVEDP均明显升高,而心肌梗死组与龙血竭干预组比较,其LVSP下降更明显、LVEDP升高更明显(P<0.05或0.01)。心肌梗死组和龙血竭干预组其+dp/dtmax和-dp/dtmax均较假手术组明显下降,且心肌梗死组较龙血竭干预组下降更明显,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论龙血竭对急性心肌梗死家兔左心功能具有较好的保护作用。     

苦豆子总碱对大鼠血流动力学的影响

目的研究苦豆子总碱对大鼠血流动力学的影响。方法将24只SD大鼠随机分为三个剂量组(1、2和4mg/kg),静脉注射方式给药,用股动脉插管、右颈总动脉心室插管和连续记录肢体Ⅱ导联心电图的方法观察其心率(HR)、收缩压(SP)、舒张压(DP)、平均动脉血压(AP)、左心室收缩压(LVSP)、左心室舒张压(LVDP)、左心室平均压(LVAP)、左心室终末舒张压(LVEDP)、左心室内压最大上升速率(+dp/dtmax)、左心室开始收缩至dp/dtmax的间隔时间(t-dp/dtmax)、左心室内压最大下降速率(-dp/dtmax)和等容舒张时间室内压下降的时间常数(T)的变化。结果静脉注射苦豆子总碱1、2和4mg/kg后,均能使大鼠心率显著减慢(P<0.01),显著降低SP、DP、AP、LVSP和T值(P<0.01);对LVDP、LVEDP和t-dp/dtmax的影响无显著影响(P>0.05)。静脉注射苦豆子总碱2和4mg/kg能抑制左室内压最大变化速率(±dp/dtmax)和降低LVAP(P<0.05)。结论苦豆子总碱有减慢大鼠心率,降低动脉血压,抑制心肌收缩和舒张功能的作用。     

静脉注射胺碘酮对急性心肌缺血大鼠血流动力学的影响

目的 观察静脉应用胺碘酮对急性心肌缺血大鼠血流动力学的影响.方法 健康雄性SD大鼠40只,体重250～300g,采用随机数字表法,将大鼠随机分为五组:假手术组(S组);缺血再灌注组(I/R组):胺碘酮2.5mg·kg-1+持续泵注组(A1组);胺碘酮5.0mg·kg-1组(A2组),不进行持续泵注;胺碘酮5.0 mg· kg-1组+持续泵注组(A3组)均于缺血前10min静脉注射胺碘酮.分别记录缺血前10min(T0),缺血后30min(T1),再灌注30min(T2),再灌注60min(T3),再灌注120min(T4)大鼠心率(HR),左心室收缩压(LVSP)、左心室终末舒张压(LVEDP)、左心室内压最大上升速率(+dp/dtmax)、左心室内压最大下降率(-dp/dtmax)的变化以及心律失常的分析.结果 各组大鼠在T0时HR、LVSP、LVEDP、+dp/dtmax、-dp/dtmax比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);在缺血以后,与S组比较,I/R、A1、A2、A3组大鼠的HR、LVSP、+dp/dtmax、-dp/dtmax降低(P＜0.05),LVEDP升高(P＜0.05);与I/R组比较,A1、A2、A3组HR、LVSP、+dp/dtmax、-dp/dtmax升高(P＜0.05),LVEDP降低(P＜0.05);A1组HR、LVSP、+dp/dtmax、-dp/dtmax比A2、A3组降低,LVEDP升高(P＜0.05),A3组HR、LVSP、+dp/dtmax、-dp/dtmax比A2组升高,LVEDP降低(P＜0.05),组间比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).各组大鼠在急性缺血期心律失常的评分显示,I/R、A1、A2、A3组评分均高于S组(P ＜0.05);A1、A2、A3组评分均低于I/R组(P＜0.05);A2、A3组低于A1组,A3组低于A2组,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 静脉应用胺碘酮可以改善急性心肌缺血大鼠的血流动力学及减少心律失常的发生率,以5.0mg·kg-1加持续泵注组效果最佳.     

L-NNA对大鼠血流动力学的影响

目的研究N硝基左旋精氨酸(L-NNA)对麻醉大鼠血流动力学的影响。方法将32只SD大鼠随机分为4组:L-NNA 0.5mg/kg组、L-NNA 1mg/kg组、L-NNA 2mg/kg组和生理盐水对照组。静脉方式给药,用股动脉插管、右颈总动脉心室插管和连续记录肢体Ⅱ导联心电图的方法观察给药前和后5、15、30和60分钟大鼠的心率(HR)、收缩压(SBP)、舒张压(DBP)、平均动脉血压(AP)、左心室收缩压(LVSP)、左心室舒张压(LVDP)、左心室平均压(LVAP)、左心室终末舒张压(LVEDP)、左心室内压最大上升速率( dp/dt max)、左心室开始收缩至dp/dt max的间隔时间(t-dp/dt max)、左心室内压最大下降速率(-dp/dt max)和等容舒张时间室内压下降的时间常数(T)的变化。结果静脉注射L-NNA 0.5、1和2 mg/kg 5、10和30分钟均能使大鼠心率显著加快(P<0.05),SBP升高(P<0.05或P<0.01),LVSP显著升高(P<0.05或P<0.01),对LVDP、-dp/dt max、t-dp/dt max和T值无显著性影响(P>0.05);静脉注射L-NNA 1和2 mg/kg后5、15和30分钟均能使麻醉大鼠DBP、AP、LVAP和 dp/dt max明显升高(P<0.05或P<0.01),对LVDP、LVEDP、t-dp/dt max、-dp/dt max和t值无显著影响(P>0.05)。结论N硝基左旋精氨酸有加快麻醉大鼠心率,升高动脉血压、增强心肌收缩功能的作用。     

银杏叶提取物对心脏血流动力学和冠脉流量的影响

[目的]研究银杏叶提取物（Extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves,EGB）对家兔心脏血流动力学以及大鼠离体心脏冠脉流量的影响。[方法]采用心室内插管技术，观察静注EGB前后对家兔左心室收缩压（LVSP）、左心室终末舒张压（LVEDP）、心率（HR）、左室内压最大上升速率（dp/dtmax）、左室内压最大下降速率（-dp/dtmax）、左室开始收缩至dp/dtmax的间隔时间（t-dp/dtmax）等血流动力学指标的影响。以Langendorff法制备大鼠离体心脏，观察心肌收缩幅度并测定心脏冠脉流量。[结果]EGB能显增加冠脉流量（P＜0．05），明显降低LVSP和dp/dtmax，延长t-dp/dtmax，减慢HR及降低心肌的收缩振幅（P＜0．01或P＜0．05），对LVEDP和-dp/dtmax等舒张性指标无明显影响。[结论]EGB具有抑制心肌收缩力、减慢心率和增加冠脉流量作用。     

运动性心肌肥厚与病理性心肌肥厚大鼠模型中线粒体膜电位的差异

目的比较运动性和病理性心肌肥厚大鼠模型中线粒体膜电位(MMP)的差异及其对心功能的影响。方法36只Spargue-Dawley大鼠随机分为对照组、有氧训练组、腹主动脉缩窄组,每组12只。有氧训练组和腹主动脉缩窄组大鼠分别采用跑台法、腹主动脉缩窄法制备心肌肥厚模型,利用生物机能实验仪检测3组大鼠血流动力学指标,测定全心质量指数(HMI),反转录-聚合酶链反应法测定心房钠尿肽(ANP)mRNA表达;激光共聚焦对MMP进行半定量分析。结果有氧训练组大鼠的心率(HR)显著低于对照组(P<0.05),左心室收缩压(LVSP)、左心室内压最大下降速率(-dp/dtmax)、左心室内压最大上升速率(+dp/dtmax)显著高于对照组(P<0.05或P<0.01),但左心室舒张末压(LVEDP)与对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。腹主动脉缩窄组大鼠的HR、LVSP、LVEDP、+dp/dtmax显著高于对照组(P<0.05或P<0.01),-dp/dtmax显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。腹主动脉缩窄组大鼠的HR显著高于有氧训练组(P<0.01),-dp/dtmax显著低于有氧训练组(P<0.01),LVSP、LVEDP、+dp/dtmax与有氧训练组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。有氧训练组和腹主动脉缩窄组大鼠HMI均高于对照组(P<0.05),有氧训练组与腹主动脉缩窄组大鼠HMI比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。有氧训练组、腹主动脉缩窄组大鼠ANP mRNA相对表达均高于对照组(P<0.05),有氧训练组与腹主动脉缩窄组大鼠ANP mRNA相对表达比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。有氧训练组大鼠MMP显著高于对照组和腹主动脉缩窄组(P<0.05),腹主动脉缩窄组大鼠MMP显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论在运动性和病理性心肌肥厚模型中,心肌细胞MMP的显著变化可能是影响心功能改变的主要原因之一。     

一氧化氮在家兔脑室注射P物质引起心血管效应中的作用

目的 :探讨脑内P物质 (SP)的心血管效应与一氧化氮 (NO)的关系。方法 :家兔 18只 ,乌拉坦静脉麻醉 ,侧脑室注射SP(n =9) ,对照组注射人工脑脊液。记录给药前后平均动脉血压 (MAP)、左室收缩压 (LVSP)、左心室舒张末期压 (LVEDP)、心室内压最大上升速率 (+dp/dtmax)和下降速率 (-dp/dtmax)、心肌收缩成分实测最大缩短速度 (Vpm)、心率 (HR)。硝酸还原酶法测定家兔脑室注射SP(7 46nmol)前、后脑脊液中NO的含量。结果 :与对照组比较 ,侧脑室注射SP可引起MAP、HR、LVSP、LVEDP、+dp/dtmax、-dp/dtmax和Vpm的值明显增加 (P <0 0 5 ) ,小脑延髓池脑脊液中NO的含量显著降低 (P <0 0 0 1)。结论 :(1)脑内SP可增强麻醉家兔心脏的收缩功能 ,并能升高动脉血压。 (2 )脑内SP引起的心血管效应伴有NO的减少。     

强心方对超容量负荷型心衰模型兔的治疗作用

【目的】观察强心方对超容量负荷型心衰模型兔的治疗作用。【方法】新西兰雄性兔20只,随机分为4组:模型组、强心方组(中药组,2.6 g/kg)、西药组(20μg/kg地高辛 1 mg/kg速尿片)、中西药组(2.6 g/kg强心方 20μg/kg地高辛 1 mg/kg速尿片);复制超容量负荷型心衰模型,造模后6 h各给药组分别按设计剂量灌胃给药,连续7 d;采用四道生理仪记录并计算心率(HR)、主动脉收缩压(SBP)、主动脉舒张压(DBP)、左心室收缩压(LVSP)、左心室舒张压(LVPP)、左室内压最大上升速率( dp/dtmax)、左室内压最大下降速率(-dp/dtmax),左室内压最大变化速率(±dp/dtmax)的值,并采血检测血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和丙二醛(MDA)的含量。【结果】造模后各组体质量无显著性差异,给药1周后西药组体质量显著下降(P<0.05);造模后各组心率下降(与造模前比较,P<0.05或P<0.01),给药1周后各给药组心率与模型组比较无显著性差异;给药1周后各给药组对SBP、DBP、LVDP值无明显影响,中西药组可使LVSP值升高(P<0.01);给药后各组 dp/dtmax、-dp/dtmax、±dp/dtmax值均升高(与模型组比较,P<0.05或P<0.01);模型组血清SOD水平降低,MDA水平升高(均P<0.01),各给药组均可升高SOD水平,降低MDA水平(P<0.05或P<0.01)。【结论】强心方对超容量负荷型心衰模型兔具有一定的治疗作用,与强心、利尿西药合用可减轻其副作用。     

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.     

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.