慢性间歇低氧对大鼠肝CXC趋化因子配体10表达的影响及抗氧化剂的干预作用

目的：通过大鼠模型观察慢性间歇低氧(chronic intermittent hypoxia,CIH)对肝的损伤及其对肝CXC趋化因子配体10(CXC chemokine ligand-10,CXCL10)表达的影响,并探讨N-乙酰半胱氨酸(N-acetylcysteine,NAC)干预作用及机制。方法：21只健康雄性Spraque-Dawley大鼠随机分为正常对照组、慢性间歇低氧组(CIH组)和慢性间歇低氧+N-乙酰半胱氨酸组(CIH+NAC组),每组7只。对照组置于空气循环舱内,其余两组置于间歇低氧舱内,每日8 h,共5周;对照组及CIH组每日均给予生理盐水灌胃,CIH+NAC组每日给予NAC溶液灌胃。5周后处死大鼠,测定大鼠肝组织MDA含量和SOD活力,采用HE染色法观察各组大鼠肝组织病理改变,免疫组织化学法比较各组大鼠肝CXCL10的表达水平。结果：与对照组相比,CIH组、CIH+NAC组大鼠肝MDA水平均升高(均P<0.05),SOD活力均降低(均P<0.05);与CIH组比较,CIH+NAC组大鼠肝MDA降低,SOD活力升高,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。与对照组比较,CIH组和CIH+NAC组大鼠肝脂肪变程度及炎症反应均增加(均P<0.01);CIH+NAC组大鼠肝损伤较CIH组减轻(P<0.05)。与对照组相比较,CIH组和CIH+NAC组大鼠肝组织CXCL10表达均增强(均P<0.01);CIH+NAC组较CIH组减弱(P<0.01)。结论：CIH可导致大鼠肝组织损伤,并使大鼠肝组织CXCL10表达增加;NAC可以减轻CIH导致的大鼠肝氧化应激和炎症反应,部分改善大鼠肝损伤。     

不同方式低氧对大鼠离体主动脉环内皮依赖性舒张功能的影响

目的 比较不同方式低氧对大鼠离体主动脉血管环舒张功能的影响.方法 3组雄性wistar大鼠,分别经正常氧、慢性低氧及间断低氧30 d,取大鼠胸主动脉血管环,测定其对不同浓度(10-8 mol/L～10-5mol/L)乙酰胆碱(Ach)的舒张反应.结果 与常氧对照组比较,持续低氧组血管环对低浓度Ach(10-8,10-8×3mol/L)的舒张反应有所下降(P<0.05).而间断低氧组血管环对多数浓度Ach(10-8、10-8× 3、10-7、10-7×3、10-6mol/L)的舒张反应较常氧对照组和持续低氧组均明显降低(P<0.05或P<0.01).结论 间断低氧易导致大鼠主动脉内皮依赖性血管舒张(EDVR)功能受损.     

银杏叶提取物对阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停综合征合并高血压大鼠血压的影响

目的：研究银杏叶提取物( GBE)对阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停综合征( OSAS)合并高血压大鼠血压的影响,及GBE可能的作用机制。方法30只健康雄性SD大鼠随机均分为正常对照( NC)组、慢性间歇性低氧( CIH)组、GBE灌胃组,各组10只。于实验前后采用无创血压分析仪观察大鼠血压变化;HE染色观察大鼠心肌、肾、腹主动脉的病理变化;同时检测大鼠血清中肿瘤坏死因子α( TNF-α)、白细胞介素1(IL-1)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)的含量;及外周脂肪组织中Toll样受体4(TLR4)、c-Jun 氨基末端激酶(JNK)蛋白及其mR-NA表达水平。结果 CIH组大鼠血压明显高于对照组( P<0．01),GBE灌胃组大鼠血压显著低于CIH组(P<0．01);与 NC 组相比,CIH组心肌细胞、肾小管明显水肿呈水样变性,GBE灌胃组与CIH组比较心肌细胞、肾小管水肿显著降低,各组腹主动脉均无明显病理改变;与NC组比较,CIH组大鼠血清中 TNF-α、IL-1、IL-6的含量均显著增高( P <0．01),GBE灌胃组与CIH组比较大鼠血清中TNF-α、IL-1、IL-6的含量显著降低(P<0．05),GBE灌胃组与NC 组比较TNF-α、IL-6的含量差异无统计学意义,而IL-1的含量GBE灌胃组明显高于NC 组(P<0．01);与NC组比较,CIH组外周脂肪组织中TLR4、JNK蛋白及其mRNA表达水平显著增高(P<0．01),而GBE灌胃组其表达含量显著低于CIH组(P<0．01)。结论 GBE可以抑制OSAS合并高血压大鼠脂肪组织TLR4、JNK蛋白及mRNA的表达,降低血清中TNF-α、IL-1、IL-6的水平,对OSAS合并高血压大鼠血压有显著降压作用。     

N-乙酰半胱氨酸通过下调缺氧诱导因子-1α抑制胃癌SGC-7901细胞MMP-9的表达的实验研究

目的研究N-乙酰半胱氨酸(NAC)能否通过下调低氧环境诱导的HIF-1α抑制胃癌SGC-7901细胞MMP-9的表达。方法首先将胃癌SGC-7901细胞分为3组,分别为常氧组(Normoxia组)、低氧组(Hypoxia组)和低氧+NAC组(Hypoxia+NAC组)。在低氧环境下对胃癌SGC-7901细胞使用NAC干预,在3个不同时间点(0h、24h和72h)使用MTT法对SGC-7901细胞活性进行检测;同时在干预24h后,分别采用RT-PCR法和western blot法对SGC-7901细胞MMP-9和HIF-1α的mRNA和蛋白水平进行检测。结果低氧环境下SGC-7901细胞活性呈时间依赖性下降,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);且在各时间点低氧+NAC组细胞活性较低氧组细胞下降更加明显,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。在干预24h后,SGC-7901细胞MMP-9和HIF-1αmRNA和蛋白的表达水平较未干预细胞明显降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论在低氧环境下,NAC可以通过抑制HIF-1α的合成下调胃癌SGC-7901细胞MMP-9的表达,抑制肿瘤细胞的增殖。     

慢性间歇低氧大鼠肺组织中C/EBP同源蛋白的表达变化及依达拉奉的干预作用

目的探讨慢性间歇低氧大鼠肺组织中C/EBP同源蛋白(CHOP)的表达变化以及依达拉奉的干预作用和可能机制。方法采用随机数字表法将120只成年雄性Wistar大鼠随机分成正常对照组(UC组)、慢性间歇低氧组(CIH组)、依达拉奉干预组(NE组)和生理盐水组(NS组),以上4组又分别随机分成5个时间亚组,分别为3 d、7 d、14 d、21 d、28 d亚组,每个时间亚组6只大鼠。采用苏木精–伊红染色法光镜下观察各组大鼠肺组织病理形态变化。采用免疫组织化学法检测各组大鼠肺组织中CHOP的表达变化。结果苏木精–伊红染色法观察发现,UC组大鼠肺组织未见明显病理改变,CIH组大鼠肺组织上皮细胞出现明显水肿、充血,肺泡间隔增宽,局部可见炎性细胞浸润,且随间歇低氧时间延长,病理损伤越严重;NE组亦出现病理变化,但肺组织损伤程度明显低于CIH组;NS组病理改变与CIH组比较无明显变化。免疫组织化学法结果显示,CHOP的表达在CIH组较UC组明显升高,且随时间延长表达增多;NE组亦较UC组表达增多,但仍明显低于CIH组;NS组CHOP的表达较CIH组无明显变化。结论慢性间歇低氧大鼠肺组织中CHOP蛋白表达增强,CHOP蛋白的高表达对慢性间歇低氧大鼠并发肺组织损伤起到一定作用。依达拉奉可能通过抑制CHOP的表达对慢性间歇低氧大鼠肺组织损伤起到一定保护作用。     

普罗布考与塞来昔布联合应用对大鼠动脉粥样硬化的影响

目的:探讨普罗布考与塞来昔布联合应用对大鼠动脉粥样硬化的影响。方法:SD雄性大鼠 40只, 随机分为正常组、模型组、普罗布考组、塞来昔布组及普罗布考与塞来昔布联合组(联合组), 每组各8只。正常组给予基础饲料喂养, 模型组为建立动脉粥样硬化模型, 予以高脂饲料+维生素D₃+动脉内膜球囊损伤术, 普罗布考组、塞来昔布组、联合组同法造模后分别予以普罗布考、塞来昔布、普罗布考联合塞来昔布灌胃。药物干预12周后, 检测血清总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C), 酶联免疫吸附试验法检测血清C反应蛋白(CRP)和正五聚体蛋白3(PTX3), HE染色观察胸主动脉的病理形态改变并计算动脉内膜、中膜厚度及内膜/中膜厚度比。结果:与正常组比较, 模型组、普罗布考组、塞来昔布组和联合组的TC、LDL-C、CRP均明显升高(P<0.01);与模型组比较, 普罗布考组和联合组的TC、LDL-C、CRP、PTX3均显著降低(P<0.01);与正常组比较, 普罗布考组、塞来昔布组和联合组的内膜厚度、中膜厚度、内膜/中膜厚度比均明显增加(P<0.01), 普罗布考组、塞来昔布组和联合组与模型组比较, 内膜厚度、内膜/中膜厚度比均显著减小, 中膜厚度增加(P<0.01)。结论:普罗布考和塞来昔布联合应用可明显降低动脉粥样硬化大鼠血脂和炎性因子水平, 有一定的抗动脉粥样硬化作用。     

高同型半胱氨酸血症大鼠主动脉平滑肌细胞中巨噬细胞炎性蛋白lα和C-C型趋化因子受体1的表达

目的 通过检测高同型半胱氨酸血症大鼠胸主动脉平滑肌细胞中巨噬细胞炎性蛋白1α(MIP-1α)和C-C型趋化因子受体1(CCR1)蛋白的表达,探讨高同型半胱氨酸血症引起动脉粥样硬化(AS)的机制.方法 8周龄SD雄性大鼠16只随机分为对照组和高蛋氨酸组,每组8只.对照组给予普通饲料喂养,高蛋氨酸组在普通饲料喂养的基础上加质量分数2%的蛋氨酸.喂养8周后处死大鼠,心脏采血,取胸主动脉.肉眼及光镜下观察血管形态学改变,采用高效液相色谱法测定血浆同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)浓度,S-P免疫组织化学染色法检测MIP-1α和CCR1的表达.结果 (1)血浆Hey浓度:高蛋氨酸组大鼠血浆Hcy浓度(45.74±9.65)mmol·L-1显著高于对照组(7.38±2.28)mmol·L-1(P<0.01).(2)形态学改变:肉眼观可见对照组大鼠胸主动脉内膜光滑,高蛋氨酸组胸主动脉内膜粗糙、隆起;光镜下可见对照组大鼠主动脉内膜内皮细胞排列整齐,高蛋氨酸组内膜细胞排列紊乱,脂质沉积.(3)免疫组织化学染色结果 :MIP-1α和CCR1蛋白的阳性表达表现为细胞质呈棕褐色.MIP-1α和CCR1蛋白在高蛋氨酸组的阳性表达强于对照组,二者在高蛋氨酸组的阳性表达平均灰度值明显低于对照组(P<0.01).结论 高同型半胱氨酸血症可诱导大鼠胸主动脉平滑肌细胞MIP-1α及其受体CCR1的表达,引起血管壁的炎症,导致AS形成.     

L-半胱氨酸对慢性间歇性低氧大鼠血压和交感神经活动的影响

目的 探讨L-半胱氨酸(L-cys)增加内源性H2S对间歇性低氧引起的大鼠高血压的影响及机制.方法 将雄性SD大鼠随机分为正常氧(Control)组、慢性间歇性低氧(CIH)组、正常氧L-cys干预(Control+ L-cys)组和慢性间歇性低氧L-cys干预(CIH+ L-cys)组.CIH组和CIH+ L-cys组大鼠放入低氧仓进行间歇性低氧处理,每天8h,连续15 d.L-cys干预组每天给予L-cys(10 mg/kg)灌胃.用无创套尾法测大鼠的尾动脉收缩压(SBP),PowerLab数据采集分析处理系统在体记录大鼠肾交感神经活动(RSNA),ELISA法测量血浆中去甲肾上腺素(NE)、H2S含量和CSE、CBS活性.结果 与Control组相比,间歇性低氧15 d后,CIH组大鼠SBP、RSNA,血浆中NE水平较升高,而血浆中H2S水平降低;应用L-cys可增加CIH大鼠血浆中H2S水平,显著抑制间歇性低氧引起的血压升高和交感神经活动过度激活.结论 L-cys可能通过增加内源性H2S改善间歇性低氧引起的高血压.     

雌激素对低氧性肺血管重建的作用

目的观察17-β雌二醇对低氧性肺动脉高压大鼠肺血管重建的作用。方法采用间断常压低氧法建立大鼠低氧性肺动脉高压模型,以右心导管法测定肺动脉压力(mPAP);测定右心室肥厚指数[RV/(LV S)];肺组织切片采用HE染色,经图像分析技术测定大鼠肺小血管管壁厚度指标[管壁厚度与血管外径的百分比(WT%)和管壁面积与血管总面积的百分比(WA%)];用放射免疫法测定血清中17β雌二醇浓度。将24只SD大鼠随机分成正常对照组、低氧组、雌激素预防组(每天低氧前腹腔注射17β雌二醇30μg/kg,共3周)、雌激素治疗组(低氧3周后每天腹腔注射17β雌二醇30μg/kg,共7d)。结果(1)低氧组大鼠的mPAP、RV/(LV S)(%)、WT%和WA%均高于正常对照组(P<001);血清中17β雌二醇浓度与正常对照组比较无显著性差异(P>005)。(2)雌激素预防组、雌激素治疗组的大鼠mPAP、RV/(LV S)(%)、WT%和WA%均低于低氧组(P<005),而血清中17β雌二醇浓度高于低氧组和正常对照组(P<001)。结论17β雌二醇能有效降低低氧性肺动脉高压大鼠的肺动脉压力、阻抑右心室肥厚,对低氧性肺动脉高压血管重建具有预防和治疗作用。     

urantide对实验性动脉粥样硬化大鼠胸主动脉损伤的影响

目的：观察urantide对动脉粥样硬化（AS）大鼠胸主动脉损伤的影响,探讨其防治AS的作用机制。方法：采用高脂饲料喂养及腹腔注射维生素D3损伤动脉内膜的方法建立大鼠AS模型,随机分为正常组、AS模型组、阳性药组及urantide组。全自动生化分析仪检测大鼠血清中的甘油三酯(TG) 、总胆固醇(TC) 、高密度脂蛋白(HDL) 、低密度脂蛋白(LDL) 和Ca²⁺的水平;胸主动脉HE染色观察各组大鼠胸主动脉形态学变化。RT-PCR方法检测大鼠胸主动脉中尾加压素Ⅱ（UⅡ）及其受体G蛋白偶联受体14（GPR14 ）mRNA的表达。结果：与正常组比较,AS模型组大鼠血清中Ca²⁺、TG、TC、HDL及LDL水平明显升高（P<0.01）;urantide组大鼠在给药后,血清中上述各项指标均随给药时间的延长呈现逐渐降低的趋势,达到或接近阳性药组大鼠的水平,与AS模型组比较差异有统计学意义（P<0.01）。与正常组比较,AS模型组大鼠胸主动脉出现典型AS病变;与AS模型组比较,urantide组大鼠AS病理改变逐渐减轻。与正常组比较,AS模型组大鼠UⅡ及GPR14 mRNA的表达水平增高（P<0.01）;与AS模型组比较,urantide组大鼠随给药时间的增加,UⅡ及GPR14 mRNA表达水平降低（P<0.01）。结论: urantide对AS大鼠胸主动脉损伤有一定的保护作用。     

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.     

APPLICATION OF LORNOXICAM TO PATIENT-CONTROLLED ANALGESIA IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING ABDOMINAL SURGERIES

FOR anesthesiologis s ,treatingpostoperativepainhas alwaysbeen a problem.Althoughopioidshave been provedtobe effective,theirsideeffectscouldnotbeignored.With thedevelopmentofscienceand pharmacology,many drugs with aspectsof satisfactoryanalgesicefficacyand couldbe welltoleratedby patientshave been developed.And lornoxicamisone of them, which isa non-steroidalanti-inflammatorydrug (NSAID ), with analgesic, anti-infl-ammatory,andantipyreticproperties.Itseliminationhalf-time(3 to 5 hours) isle…     

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.     

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.