Elevated platelet activating factor level in ischemia-related arrhythmia and its electrophysiological effect on myocardium / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The mechanism through which platelet activating factor (PAF) induces cardiac electrical activity and arrhythmia is not well understood and previous studies have suggested a potential involvement of ion channels in its action. The present study was aimed to clarify the role of PAF in fatal arrhythmias following acute myocardia infarction (AMI) and the underlying mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>(1) Blood PAF levels were measured among 72 AMI patients at the time of diagnosis with AMI and 48 h later, and their electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded continuously. (2) Ischemia simulation and surface electrocardiogram were conducted in 20 pigs and their PAF levels were measured. (3) PAF perfusion and standard microelectrode recording were performed on guinea pig papillary muscles.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In both humans and pigs, elevated PAF levels were detected in AMI and simulated ischemia, respectively, and even higher PAF levels were found when fatal arrhythmias occurred. In guinea pig myocardium, PAF induced a shortening of action potential duration at 90% level of repolarization (APD90)under non-ischemic conditions and a more pronounced shortening under early simulated ischemic conditions.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>AMI and ischemia are associated with increased PAF levels in humans and pigs, which are further raised when fatal arrhythmia follows. The effects of PAF on the myocardium may be mediated by multiple ion channels.</p>

Comparison between tow methods of acute physiology and chronic health evaluation III and acute lung injury scale to evaluate the severity and prognosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation III (APACHE III) and acute lung injury (ALI) scale in the severity and prognosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 38 SARS patients, including survivors (24 cases) and no survivors (14 cases) were collected and evaluated with APACHE III and ALI scoring systems. The correlation of scores and prognosis was evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The scores of APACHE III in the non survivors were higher remarkably than those in the survivor group (P < 0.001). The scores of APACHE III had positive correlation with the overall fatality rate. When the scores of APACHE III was higher than 60, the mortality increased obviously (chi(2) = 3.886, P < 0.05). Elderly patients with SARS who were over 60 years old had a high mortality (chi(2) = 8.660, P < 0.05). The scores of ALI in the non survivors had not statistical significance than those in the survivor group (P = 0.127).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The score of APACHE III in the SARS are correlated with the patient's condition and prognosis. Elderly patients with SARS have a high mortality.</p>