扎根理论方法分析行为问题儿童沙盘特征

目的 根据扎根理论编制沙盘主题分析编码表分析行为问题儿童的沙盘主题特征.方法 以自编沙盘主题三级编码表为分析工具,收集儿童初始沙盘各级编码数据,采取分层、随机分组,描述分析不同类型行为问题、不同年龄、性别的沙盘主题特点.结果 行为问题儿童初始沙盘主题特征:一级编码“负向主题”频数[(3.33±1.25)分]高于“正向主题”频数[(0.81±1.25)分],差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.01);年龄因素对一级编码“正向主题”(P＜0.05),对二级编码“和谐”、“发展”主题特征有统计学意义影响(F=3.039,P＜0.05);性别、性别和年龄的交互作用对一级编码“负向主题”频数有统计学意义影响(F=5.395,P＜0.05; F=4.222,P＜0.05).结论 行为问题儿童初始沙盘主题特征以负性主题特征为主,不同性别、年龄的儿童表现出不同主题特征的沙盘.     

平衡功能与共患破坏性行为障碍的注意缺陷多动障碍的相关性研究

目的:探讨共患破坏性行为障碍(DBD)是否增加注意缺陷多动障碍(ADHD)儿童平衡功能损害的程度,平衡功能损害严重的患儿中共患DBD的比例是否增多.方法:使用平衡功能测试仪(Balance Master)对按照性别、年龄配对的单纯ADHD、ADHD+DBD和正常对照儿童各20例的平衡功能进行评价.同时以正常儿童各项指标晃动速率的第85位百分位数值作为临界值,比较各组儿童晃动速率高于该临界值者所占的比例.结果:单纯ADHD组在固定平面睁眼[(0.65±0.26) °/s]、固定平面闭眼[(0.65±0.30) °/s]、海绵垫平面睁眼[(0.95±0.29) °/s]、海绵垫平面闭眼[(1.70±0.49) °/s]状态下的晃动速率均明显高于正常对照组[分别为(0.47±0.18) °/s,(0.43±0.19) °/s,(0.76±0.21) °/s和(1.27±0.38) °/s],差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).ADHD+DBD组在海绵垫平面睁眼[(1.00±0.33) °/s]和闭眼[(1.78±0.66) °/s]状态下的晃动速率也大于正常对照组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).两组ADHD患儿在各种状态下的晃动速率的差异均无统计学意义.单纯ADHD组在固定平面睁眼(50%)、闭眼(50%)和海绵垫平面闭眼(50%)状态下的晃动速率高于临界值者所占的比例均显著高于正常儿童(分别为10%、5%和10%),差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01);共患组和正常儿童之间差异没有统计学意义.两组患儿在固定平面闭眼状态下的差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01),单纯ADHD组比例(50%)高于共患组(10%).结论:单纯ADHD患儿本身就存在平衡功能异常,共患DBD并不加重ADHD患儿平衡功能受损的程度,平衡功能受损明显的患儿中共患DBD的比例也未增加.     

注意缺陷多动障碍儿童脑电生物反馈治疗前后的事件相关电位研究

目的 通过Go/Nogo任务的行为学和事件相关电位,研究注意缺陷多动障碍(ADHD)儿童脑电生物反馈治疗前后的变化,探讨脑电生物反馈治疗ADHD的疗效.方法 选择42例ADHD儿童进行脑电生物反馈治疗20次,治疗前后分别完成Go/Nogo任务,同时记录行为学和脑电数据,对治疗前后的行为学和事件相关电位进行比较分析.结果 ①行为学:ADHD脑电生物反馈治疗后的虚报错误数[(2.95±2.22)个]明显低于治疗前[(4.65±4.47)个],差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).②事件相关电位:脑电生物反馈治疗后,ADHD儿童Go刺激的P2波潜伏期[(210.00±27.54) ms]和N2波潜伏期[(310.59±45.82) ms]明显短于治疗前[(228.27±34.17) ms,(328.00±42.27)ms],差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);Nogo刺激的N2波幅治疗后[(0.23±3.79)μV]明显低于治疗前[(-1.84±4.23)μV],差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 脑电生物反馈治疗可以减少ADHD儿童多动冲动行为,提高对靶刺激的察觉能力,改善注意力和冲突监测能力.脑电生物反馈是一种治疗ADHD的有效方法.     

注意缺陷多动障碍儿童冲突监测功能的事件相关电位研究

目的 比较注意缺陷多动障碍(ADHD)与正常儿童冲突监测的事件相关电位(ERP)差异,探讨ADHD冲突监测的认知神经机制.方法 选择ADHD及正常儿童各32名,采用空间Simon-Stroop任务,对ADHD与正常儿童行为学及ERP进行结果 比较.结果 1.行为学:①正确率在Simon和Stroop不一致条件下,ADHD组[分别为(0.80±0.11)分,(0.87±0.08)分]明显低于正常对照组[分别为(0.88±0.07)分,(0.93±0.04)分,P＜0.01].②反应时在Simon不一致条件下,ADHD组[(773.03±99.34)ms]明显长于正常对照组[(737.21±81.40)ms,P＜0.05].2.ERP:N2波幅在Simon不一致条件下,ADHD组[(-3.68±3.56)μV]明显低于正常对照组[(-5.53±2.81)μV,P＜0.05].潜伏期均差异无显著性(P＞0.05).3.溯源分析:在Simon不一致条件下,ADHD组前额叶,前扣带回等脑区激活低于正常对照组.结论 ADHD的注意资源分配不足会导致冲突监测的能力下降,其可能神经机制是ADHD的冲突信息加工相关脑区功能存在缺陷.提示行为学及ERP-N2波幅可作为ADHD的早期诊断及疗效评估的一个客观指标.     

注意缺陷多动障碍与抽动障碍共病患儿的注意特征研究

目的 探讨注意缺陷多动障碍(attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,ADHD)与抽动障碍(tic disorder,TD)共病(comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and tic disorder,CAT)患儿的注意特征.方法 采用视听整合持续操作评估系统(integrated visual and auditory continuous performance test,IVA-CPT)对CAT组60例,ADHD组79例,TD组60例,正常对照组71名儿童分别进行评估.结果 CAT组的视觉反应控制商数(VRCQ)得分[(85.15±21.10)分]略高于ADHD组[(78.52±21.85)分,(P＜0.05)],其他5项结果两组比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).CAT组儿童综合控制商数(FRCQ)、听觉反应控制商数(ARCQ)、VRCQ、综合注意力商数(FAQ)、听觉注意力商数(AAQ)和视觉注意力商数(VAQ)所有6项得分[分别为(83.43±20.98)分,(86.12±19.88)分,(85.15±21.10)分,(64.88±16.88)分,(67.92±17.11)分,(67.97±20.04)分],均显著低于TD组[分别为(96.47±17.83)分,(97.50±17.62)分,(95.72±18.87)分,(85.37±18.54)分,(86.47±17.32)分,(87.43±19.89)分]及正常对照组[分别为(98.42±12.67)分,(101.50±15.39)分,(95.92±11.79)分,(99.33±12.98)分,(98.50±12.09)分,(100.00±16.12)分](P＜0.01).结论 CAT儿童存在严重的控制能力降低及注意缺陷,其注意损害主要缘于ADHD的存在.     

4335名儿童青少年莱顿强迫问卷调查分析

目的 调查儿童青少年强迫症状情况.方法 以莱顿强迫问卷(儿童版)( Leyton Obsessional Inventory-Child Version,LOI-CV)测量4335名儿童青少年,平均年龄(13.88±2.44)岁,男性占47.7％.结果 儿童青少年LOI-CV是/否得分的频数接近正态分布,而总干扰分的频数接近“J”型分布.儿童青少年LOI-CV是/否总分:女生高于男生[女生(8.55±3.87)分,男生(8.21±3.99)分,t=2.86,P＜0.01];农村和城市差异无统计学意义[(8.57±3.86)分,(8.35±3.9)分,t=1.32,P＞0.05];小学(n=937)、初中(n=1906)、高中(n=1492)差异有统计学意义[小学(7.86±3.82)分,初中(8.52±3.93)分,高中(8.55±3.891)分,F=11.03,P＜0.01],两两比较发现高中＞小学,初中＞小学.总干扰分:男生大于女生,差异有统计学意义[男生(11.35±9.10)分,女生(10.76±8.84)分,t=2.18,P＜0.05];农村大于城市,差异有统计学意义[农村(11.86±9.18)分,城市(10.88±8.92)分,t=2.61,P＜0.01];小学、初中、高中差异有统计学意义[小学(10.05±8.76)分,初中(11.73±9.17)分,高中(10.77±8.76)分,F=12.088,P＜0.01],两两比较发现,总干扰分初中高于小学,初中高于高中.总干扰分从小学四年级到高中三年级依次为:[(10.0±8.78)分,(10.01±8.64)分,(10.19±8.92)分,(11.43±9.16)分,(11.40±8.67)分,(12.58±9.76)分,(10.32±8.42)分,(10.19±8.38)分,(12.48±9.69)分],差异有统计学意义(F=5.90,P＜0.01).干扰分最高的年级为初三和高三.是否总分总的分布趋势同干扰总分相似.结论 强迫症状是儿童青少年中常见的症状,农村的初三或高三男生更容易受到强迫症状的干扰.     

不同亚型注意缺陷多动障碍儿童家庭环境与行为比较

目的 对注意缺陷多动障碍(ADHD)常见亚型的家庭环境与冲突处理能力进行比较,寻求ADHD行为问题的危险因素,探讨不同亚型认知损伤的差异.方法 选择ADHD注意缺陷型(ADHD-Ⅰ型)和混合型(ADHD-C型)各39例、正常儿童38名,进行Conners父母问卷(PSQ)、家庭环境量表(FES-CV)的评定和空间整合Simon-Stroop任务的完成.结果 1.量表:①PSQ:ADHD-Ⅰ型和ADHD-C型的品行问题[(0.65±0.32)分,(1.05±0.44)分]、学习问题[(1.58±0.58)分,(1.97±0.52)分]、冲动-多动[(1.06±0.46)分,(1.56±0.60)分]及多动指数[(1.01±0.31)分,(1.45±0.40)分]与正常组[(0.42±0.24)分,(0.77±0.49)分,(0.58±0.40)分,(0.55±0.34)分]比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);两亚型间上述4个评分差异有统计学意义;②FES-CV:ADHD-Ⅰ型和ADHD-C型的亲密度[(6.75±2.27)分,(6.61±2.03)分]、情感表达[(5.03±1.54)分,(5.06±1.91)分]、矛盾性[(3.28±1.70)分,(4.61±2.56)分]、知识性[(3.83±2.30)分,(3.61±1.81)分]、娱乐性[(3.70±2.12)分,(3.47±2.32)分]、控制性[(4.78±2.23)分,(4.81±2.07)分]与正常组[(8.06±1.71)分,(6.03±1.54)分,(2.36±1.44)分,(4.86±1.91)分,(4.83±2.29)分,(3.67±1.90)分]比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);两亚型间矛盾性评分差异有统计学意义.2.行为学:Simon不一致(Siin)和Stroop不一致(Stin)条件,ADHD-Ⅰ型和ADHD-C型的反应正确率(Siin:0.76±0.13,0.69±0.13;Stin:0.82±0.10,0.78±0.08)和反应时[Siin( 876.4±97.34) ms,( 893.8±130.1) ms;Stin(864.4±91.82) ms,(860.2±125.0) ms]与正常组[Siin(0.81 ±0.11)ms,(810.4±136.1) ms;Stin(0.87±0.08) ms,(797.4±136.1 )ms]比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);两亚型间Siin及Stin的正确率差异有统计学意义.3.Pearson相关分析:FES-CV某些环境因素与ADHD儿童的行为特点存在不同程度相关性.结论 不良的家庭环境是ADHD儿童发生行为问题的危险因素,且ADHD-C型的家庭、行为问题较ADHD-Ⅰ型突出.ADHD两亚型均存在冲突信息的处理能力不足,损害程度有所不同,ADHD-C型较ADHD-Ⅰ型重.     

学习困难儿童智力及记忆力特征分析

目的 探讨学习困难儿童的智力、记忆力特征.方法 学习困难(LD)根据ICD-10五条诊断标准,精神发育迟滞(MR)根据国际疾病分类第10版(ICD-10)诊断标准,分为实验组:LD组;对照组:a.正常组,b.弱智组.采用中国韦氏儿童智力量表进行智力测验,记忆力测验采用中国科学研究院编制的临床记忆量表.结果 LD组与正常对照组在语言智商、操作智商、总智商[(86.23±10.65)分,(87.44±12.59)分,(84.09±13.96)分vs(102.27±10.21)分,(103.22±11.65)分,(103.28±9.88)分]及分测验值差异均有显著性(P＜0.01);LD组儿童VIQ与PIQ相距一个标准差以上的比率明显高于对照组(x2=9.29,P＜0.01),也较MR对照组多(x2=4.29,P＜0.05).LD组记忆商(MQ)明显低于正常对照组(P＜0.01).结论 LD儿童智商、记忆商水平低于正常儿童,且存在明显智力结构发展不平衡.     

伴对立违抗障碍的注意缺陷多动障碍儿童行为特征

目的 了解注意缺陷多动障碍(ADHD)及伴对立违抗障碍(ODD)患儿的行为特点.方法 采用二阶段流行病学调查方法,对湖南省六地区9495名儿童用半定式诊断检查表(K-SADS-PL)和DSMⅣ诊断标准进行临床诊断.凡符合ADHD和ADHD+ODD诊断标准的儿童由父母填写Achenbach儿童行为量表.从筛查阴性者中随机抽取正常对照组儿童.结果 (1)单纯ADHD组、ADHD+ODD组CBCL各行为问题得分高于正常儿童对照组(P<0.01),ADHD+ODD组的违纪问题[(4.10±3.17)分,(2.68±2.63)分]、攻击行为[(8.80±6.34)分,(6.85±5.69)分]、外向性问题[(12.90±9.09)分,(9.54±7.88)分]、行为问题总分[(36.39±25.59),(30.35±24.32)]高于ADHD组.(2)ADHD组各社会能力得分低于正常儿童对照组(P<0.01),ADHD+ODD组学校分及社会能力总分低于正常儿童对照组(P<0.01).结论 ADHD患儿行为问题的发生高于正常儿童,合并ODD的ADHD患儿行为问题更加严重.     

精神分裂症患者自我面孔识别与共情的相关性

目的 探讨精神分裂症患者自我面孔识别能力及其与共情能力的关系.方法 采用自我面孔识别任务(SFRT)对62例精神分裂症患者进行测试,与54例健康对照者作比较,同时作人际反应指针量表(IRI-C)评估.结果 患者组SFRT平均反应时[(2188±1138) ms]长于对照组[(1152±326) ms,P＜0.01],正确率[(80±16)％]低于对照组[(88±6)％,P＜0.01].患者组IRI-C总分、PT分、FS分、EC因子分[分别为(44.82±10.50)分,(8.98±3.56)分,(11.87 ±4.38)分,(14.73 ±4.00)分]均低于对照组[分别为(49.85±10.28)分,(10.78 ±3.86)分,(14.98±6.12)分,(17.39 ±4.56)分],PD因子分[(9.37±5.12)分]高于对照组[(6.52±3.89)分],差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.05 ～0.01).患者组SFRT正确率与IRI-C的FS因子分呈正相关(r=0.322,P＜0.05),平均反应时与PD因子分呈正相关(r=0.303,P＜0.05);对照组SFRT正确率与IRI-C的FS因子分呈正相关(r=0.360,P＜0.01).结论 精神分裂症患者存在自我面孔识别及共情能力的缺损,自我面孔识别能力与共情能力间存在某种关联.     

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.