牛初乳通过调节肠道菌群对小鼠溃疡性结肠炎的改善作用

为探讨牛初乳(BC)对小鼠溃疡性结肠炎的改善作用,采用葡聚糖硫酸钠(DSS)构建肠炎模型,监测小鼠体重、肠炎评分;应用HE染色、组织病理学评分观察牛初乳对小鼠肠炎影响;实时荧光定量PCR(QPCR)监测肠道菌群中常见微生物的含量。结果显示DSS组小鼠体重降低,肠炎评分升高,结肠组织炎性损伤明显,肠道内大肠杆菌含量增加,双歧杆菌、乳酸杆菌含量减少;与DSS组比较,BC+DSS组小鼠体重上升(P＜0.01),肠炎评分降低(P＜0.01),结肠组织炎性损伤显著缓解,三种微生物含量均恢复到正常对照组水平。这表明牛初乳可通过调节肠道菌群改善小鼠溃疡性结肠炎。     

Effects of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha on colon mucosa immunoregulation of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice

目的 探讨抗肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)抗体对葡聚糖硫酸钠(DSS)结肠炎小鼠肠黏膜免疫功能的影响.方法 制备小鼠DSS结肠炎模型,实验分成正常对照组、DSS模型组、抗TNF-α抗体组,每组6只.抗TNF-α抗体5 mg/kg腹腔注射给药,正常对照组和DSS模型组用等量生理盐水腹腔注射,每周2次,注射时间共7 d.每日进行疾病活动指数(DAI)评分,实验结束后取小鼠结肠进行HE染色评分,结肠黏膜匀浆检测髓过氧化物酶(MPO)活性和TNF-α、干扰素γ(IFN-γ)、白介素13(IL-13)和白介素17(IL-17)水平.结果 与正常对照组比较,DSS模型组小鼠出现明显体重减轻、便血和腹泻,DAI评分和HI评分增加(P<0.01),结肠匀浆中MPO活性、TNF-α、IFN-γ、IL-13和IL-17水平均有不同程度的增加(P<0.01).与DSS模型组比较,抗TNF-α抗体组小鼠DAI评分和HI评分明显降低(P<0.01),结肠匀浆中MPO活性、TNF-α、IFN-γ、IL-13和IL-17水平均有不同程度的降低(P<0.01).结论 DSS结肠炎小鼠结肠局部免疫功能紊乱,抗TNF-α抗体具有调节DSS结肠炎小鼠结肠黏膜局部免疫功能的作用.     

抗TNF-α抗体对结肠炎小鼠肠黏膜免疫功能影响的研究

目的探讨抗肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)抗体对葡聚糖硫酸钠(DSS)结肠炎小鼠肠黏膜免疫功能的影响。方法制备小鼠DSS结肠炎模型,实验分成正常对照组、DSS模型组、抗TNF-α抗体组,每组6只。抗TNF-α抗体5 mg/kg腹腔注射给药,正常对照组和DSS模型组用等量生理盐水腹腔注射,每周2次,注射时间共7 d。每日进行疾病活动指数(DAI)评分,实验结束后取小鼠结肠进行HE染色评分,结肠黏膜匀浆检测髓过氧化物酶(MPO)活性和TNF-α、干扰素γ(IFN-γ)、白介素13(IL-13)和白介素17(IL-17)水平。结果与正常对照组比较,DSS模型组小鼠出现明显体重减轻、便血和腹泻,DAI评分和HI评分增加(P<0.01),结肠匀浆中MPO活性、TNF-α、IFN-γ、IL-13和IL-17水平均有不同程度的增加(P<0.01)。与DSS模型组比较,抗TNF-α抗体组小鼠DAI评分和HI评分明显降低(P<0.01),结肠匀浆中MPO活性、TNF-α、IFN-γ、IL-13和IL-17水平均有不同程度的降低(P<0.01)。结论 DSS结肠炎小鼠结肠局部免疫功能紊乱,抗TNF-α抗体具有调节DSS结肠炎小鼠结肠黏膜局部免疫功能的作用。     

结肠康I号对UC大鼠T淋巴细胞亚群CD4、CD8和细胞黏附因子CD54的影响

目的 探讨经验方结肠康I号治疗溃疡性结肠炎的免疫机制.方法 以5 %2,4,6-三硝基苯磺酸和50 %乙醇注入大鼠肛门制备溃疡性结肠炎模型,灌胃给药15 d后,流式细胞仪单克隆抗体法检测T淋巴细胞亚群CD4、CD8及细胞黏附因子CD54.结果 造模后CD4、CD8显著降低,CD4/CD8、CD54显著升高(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);经结肠康I号治疗后,与模型组比较,结肠康I号大、小剂量组CD4、CD8显著升高,CD4/CD8、CD54显著降低(P＜0.05).结论 结肠康I号具有调节CD4/CD8平衡及抑制细胞黏附因子CD54表达的作用.     

姜黄素对DSS诱导的小鼠溃疡性结肠炎的保护作用

目的观察姜黄素对葡聚糖硫酸钠(DSS)所致小鼠溃疡性结肠炎(UC)的保护作用。方法采用DSS制备UC小鼠模型,将BALB/c小鼠50只,随机分为5组:正常组A、模型组B、地塞米松组C(1.5mg/kg·d)、姜黄素低剂量组D(15mg/kg·d)、姜黄素高剂量组E(60mg/kg·d),每组10只。7d后,进行组织学损伤评分,并检测结肠组织中IL-1、TNF-α含量及TNF-αmRNA表达。结果 D组的组织学损伤评分、结肠组织中IL-1、TNF-α含量及TNF-αmRNA的表达均高于C组及E组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);C组与E组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论高剂量姜黄素能降低小鼠组织学评分,降低结肠组织IL-1、TNF-α的含量,降低结肠黏膜TNF-αmRNA的表达,对溃疡性结肠炎具有保护作用。     

彝药益元化腐汤浸膏对溃疡性结肠炎模型T细胞亚群干预机制研究*

目的研究彝药益元化腐汤调控T细胞亚群介导治疗溃疡性结肠炎的效应机制，为益元化腐汤临床应用治疗溃疡性结肠炎提供科学基础。方法 32只C57BL/6健康雌性小鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、益元化腐汤中剂量（4.05 g·kg-1）和高剂量组（8.1 g·kg-1），每组8只。除正常组，其余以自由饮水的方式给予3%葡聚糖硫酸钠（sodium dextran sulfate，DSS）诱导建立溃疡性结肠炎小鼠模型，每2 d更换1次饮用水，自饮用DSS第1天起，各组按相应剂量灌胃给药，每日1次，连续8 d；采用疾病活动指数（diseases activity index，DAI）和苏木精-伊红染色法（hematoxylin-eosin staining，HE）分别评价溃疡性结肠炎症状及结肠组织形态学变化；荧光定量PCR（qPCR）检测淋巴细胞T细胞亚群相关因子转录的相对表达水平；流式细胞术（flow cytometry）检测T细胞亚群中辅助性T细胞1（T-helper 1 cell, Th1）、辅助性T细胞17（T-helper 17 cell，Th17）和调节性T细胞（regulatory T cell，Treg）的表达水平。结果 与正常组比较，病理模型组小鼠体质量和结肠质量显著下降、结肠长度显著缩短（P<0.05或P<0.01）；与病理模型组比较，益元化腐汤组显著增加小鼠体质量、结肠质量及其长度（P<0.05或P<0.01），改善结肠病理损伤程度；流式细胞术检测结果显示，益元化腐汤药物干预显著下调γδTCR表达（P<0.05），且抑制Th1细胞（CD4+ IFN-γ+ T细胞）、Th17细胞（CD4+ IL-17+ T细胞）绝对数量和比例（P<0.01），然而对Treg细胞（CD4+ Foxp3+ 调节性T细胞）表达无明显影响。qPCR检测结果显示，益元化腐汤显著下调UC小鼠Th17细胞因子IL-17A和转录因子RORγτ mRNA表达（P<0.01）。结论 彝药益元化腐汤可能通过抑制Th17细胞诱导的炎症反应介导治疗溃疡性结肠炎。     

冬凌草甲素对小鼠溃疡性结肠炎内质网应激的作用研究

目的 探讨冬凌草甲素对溃疡性结肠炎(UC)小鼠的结肠上皮组织内质网应激(ERS)的影响.方法 利用葡聚糖硫酸钠(DSS)建立小鼠UC模型组,设置冬凌草甲素及柳氮磺胺吡啶干预组;测定疾病活动指数(DAI),对结肠组织速行病理形态学评分(HPS),RT-qPCR检测结肠上皮组织肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6 (IL-6)、环氧合酶-2(COX-2)、葡萄糖调节蛋白78(GRP78)、转录因子EBP同源蛋白(CHOP)、激活性转录因子6(ATF6)、蛋白激酶R样内质网激酶(PERK)及肌醇酶1α (IRE1α)mRNA表达变化.结果 与健康小鼠相比,模型组结肠上皮组织中TNF-α、IL-6、COX-2、GRP78、ATF6、CHOP、PERK及IRE1α mRNA表达均明显上调(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);与模型组比较,冬凌草甲素干预组DAI与HPS均明显下降(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),疗效与柳氮磺胺吡啶干预组相当(P＞0.05,P＜0.01),除IER1α mRNA外,TNF-α、IL-6、COX-2、GRP78、CHOP、ATF6及PERK mRNA表达水平均明显下调(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).结论 冬凌草甲素能减轻DSS诱导小鼠结肠炎症,其机制可能与其调节结肠上皮组织ERS有关.     

p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶在溃疡性结肠炎中的作用

目的 探讨p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38MAPK)在溃疡性结肠炎(UC)以及葡聚糖硫酸钠(DSS)诱导的小鼠结肠炎中的作用。 方法 ①7只Balb/c小鼠随机分为3组:正常对照组、DSS结肠炎组、p38MAPK选择性抑制剂SB203580干预组。结肠炎组小鼠每日饮用5% DSS溶液,干预组小鼠则在饮用5% DSS溶液72 h后,加用SB203580[1 mg/(kg·d)]进行腹腔注射。观察并记录各组小鼠的疾病活动指数(DAI);7 d后处死小鼠,观察各组小鼠肠黏膜组织中肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)和白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)的表达。②收集36例活动性UC患者的肠黏膜组织标本,并以18例结肠癌旁的正常组织标本作对照,通过体外组织培养,观察SB203580对UC患者肠黏膜活检组织中TNF-α和IL-1β表达的影响。 结果 ①DSS结肠炎小鼠的DAI评分、肠黏膜组织中TNF-α和IL-1β的水平明显升高(P均<0.01),经SB203580干预后,其DAI评分、TNF-α、IL-1β的水平均明显降低,但仍然高于正常对照组(P均<0.01)。②体外组织培养结果显示,与未用SB203580处理的UC组比较,SB203580处理后UC患者肠黏膜组织中TNF-α和IL-1β的水平明显降低(P<0.01)。 结论 SB203580能阻断p38MAPK信号转导通路,从而降低促炎性细胞因子TNF-α和IL-1β的释放。     

抗小鼠TLR2胞外段单表位抗体TSP-2对小鼠溃疡性结肠炎外周血和肠系膜淋巴结CD4+CD25+Foxp3+调节T细胞表达的影响

目的 观察抗小鼠Toll样受体2(Toll-like receptor 2)胞外段(mTLR2ECD)单表位抗体TSP-2对溃疡性结肠炎小鼠外周血和肠系膜淋巴结CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+调节性T细胞表达的影响.方法 采用硫酸葡聚糖钠(C6H7Na3O14S3,DSS)制备溃疡性结肠炎小鼠模型(UC模型),将实验小鼠随机分成四组:正常对照(NC)组、模型(MD)组、TSP-2治疗组和兔IgG治疗组.除NC组外,其他实验组均给予5％ DSS造模7d后停用造模药,药物治疗组给予后续干预治疗7d.记录分析疾病活动指数(DAI),14 d后处死小鼠,取结肠组织行HE染色;流式细胞仪检测外周血和肠系膜淋巴细胞中表达CD4+ CD25+Foxp3+的Treg细胞的百分比率,并进行统计学分析.结果 TSP-2治疗组小鼠第9～14天DAI明显低于MD组(P＜0.05);MD组外周血和肠系膜淋巴细胞CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg细胞占CD4+T细胞的百分率明显低于NC组(P＜0.05); TSP-2治疗组外周血和肠系膜淋巴细胞CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg 细胞占CD4+T细胞的百分率明显高于MD组(P＜0.05);兔IgG治疗组与模型组比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 TSP-2可以提高CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg数量,调节机体和肠道免疫功能,对UC发挥治疗作用.     

清肠化湿方通过激活AhR/IL-22缓解小鼠溃疡性结肠炎的作用机制研究

目的  通过构建溃疡性结肠炎(Ulcerative colitis, UC)小鼠模型, 从芳香烃受体(AhR)角度, 观察清肠化湿方对白细胞介素-22(IL-22)分泌及黏蛋白-2(MUC-2)与紧密连接蛋白(Claudin4)表达的作用, 阐述其缓解小鼠UC的作用机制。 方法  用DSS构建UC小鼠模型, 每日观察小鼠体质量、粪便形状、隐血情况, 同时进行疾病活动指数(DAI)评分。给药结束后测量小鼠结肠长度,HE染色观察结肠病理情况,qPCR检测结肠组织白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、AhR的mRNA。Western blot检测结肠MUC-2、AhR、细胞色素P4501A1酶(CYP1A1)、IL-22、Claudin4表达水平。 结果  与正常组比较, 模型组小鼠DAI评分上升(P < 0.01), 结肠长度缩短(P < 0.01), 结肠黏膜病理受损情况严重; AhR的mRNA表达下降(P < 0.05), IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-6的mRNA表达上升(P < 0.05,P < 0.01);MUC-2、AhR、CYP1A1、IL-22、Claudin4蛋白表达下降(P < 0.05, P < 0.01)。与模型组比较, 美沙拉嗪组、清肠化湿方组DAI评分降低(P < 0.01), 结肠长度变长(P < 0.01), 结肠黏膜病理情况改善; IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-6的mRNA表达下降(P < 0.05,P < 0.01);MUC-2、CYP1A1、Claudin4蛋白表达升高(P < 0.01)。与模型组比较, 清肠化湿方组AhR的mRNA表达上升(P < 0.05),AhR、IL-22蛋白表达升高(P < 0.01)。与清肠化湿方组比较, 清肠化湿方+TMF组小鼠DAI评分上升(P < 0.01);结肠长度缩短(P < 0.05);结肠黏膜病理受损情况严重; IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-6的mRNA表达上升(P < 0.01);MUC-2、AhR、CYP1A1、IL-22、Claudin4蛋白表达下降(P < 0.01)。 结论  清肠化湿方能够激活AhR, 上调CYP1A1表达, 促进IL-22生成, 抑制炎症水平, 同时增加MUC-2及Claudin4的表达, 从而缓解UC。      

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.