比索洛尔和胺碘酮治疗房颤比较

目的 观察、比较比索洛尔和胺碘酮治疗心房颤动的疗效和不良反应.方法 2001-2006年心内科门诊确诊为非瓣膜性心房颤动患者117例[男85例,女32例,年龄(65±15)岁],随机分为比索洛尔组(A组)、胺碘酮组(B组)两组.分别应用比索洛尔(5～10 mg/d,n=61)和胺碘酮(200～400 mg/d,n=56),治疗4周,疗效达到即可.未达到疗效者剂量加倍,再治疗4周即结束.观察疗效和不良反应.结果 A组和B组转律率差异无统计学意义(18.0% vs 21.4%,P＞0.05).A组心室率控制率明显大于B组(62.3% vs 35.7%,P＜0.01).A组治疗无效率明显低于B组(19.7% vs 42.9%,P＜0.01).A组症状改善率明显高于B组(96.7% vs 35.7%,P＜0.01).非心脏不良反应B组明显多于A组.结论 比索洛尔优于胺碘酮,可作为治疗房颤的一线药物.     

阿托伐汀联用依那普利对老年单纯收缩期高血压的作用

目的 观察阿托伐汀联用依那普利对老年单纯收缩期高血压患者血压的影响.方法 老年单纯收缩期高血压78例,血清胆固醇正常.单用依那普利组38例,口服依那普利10 mg/d;联用阿托伐汀组40例,口服依那普利片10 mg/d和阿托伐汀20 mg/d.观察12周,每2周记录血压1次.结果 治疗12周后.两组患者收缩压、舒张压和脉压均较治疗前下降(P＜0.05);单用依那普利组脉压从治疗前(74±8)mm Hg降至(68±6)mm Hg;联用阿伐他汀组脉压从治疗前(75±7)mm Hg降至(60±6)mm Hg;两组间差异有统计学意义(t=5.255,P＜0.01).结论 阿托伐汀联用依那普利有助于改善单纯收缩期高血压老年人脉压,可降低老年心脑血管事件的危险性.     

氟对大鼠骨代谢的影响

目的 观察氟对大鼠骨代谢的影响,探讨氟骨症的发病机制.方法 Wistar雄性大鼠80只,体质量80～100 g.将大鼠按体质量随机分为4组:对照组(饮用自来水),低剂量组(NaF,50 mg/L),中剂量组(NaF,100 mg/L),高剂量组(NaF,150 mg/L),每组20只.饲养12周,乙醚麻醉处死大鼠,观察大鼠氟斑牙发生率;股动脉取血,放射免疫法测定血清骨钙素(BGP)、甲状旁腺激素(PTH)、降钙素(CT);比色法测定血清碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、酸性磷酸酶(ACP).结果大鼠氟斑牙检出率组间比较差异有统计学意义(x2=82.81,P＜0.01);其中低(80%,16/20)、中(100%,20/20)、高剂量组(100%,20/20)与对照组(0,0/20)比较差异有统计学意义(x2值分别为22.67、40.00、40.00,P均＜0.01).大鼠血清BGP、PTH、CT组间比较差异有统计学意义(F值分别为38.614、20.778、3.023,P＜0.01或＜0.05);但ALP、ACP组问比较差异无统计学意义(F值分别0.609、2.895,P均＞0.05).血清BGP:低、中、高剂量组[(19.60±12.79)、(33.41±10.81)、(39.46±9.51)mg/L]高于对照组[(7.35±3.22)mg/L,P均＜0.01],中、高剂量组高于低剂量组(P均＜0.01);血清PTH:低、中、高剂量组[(72.27±25.38)、(67.80±12.01)、(106.52±36.37)pmol/L]高于对照组[(47.08±9.22)pmol/L,P均＜0.01],高剂量组高于低、中剂量组(P均＜0.01);血清CT:中、高剂量组[(13.39±2.07)、(15.05±4.77)pmol/L]低于对照组[(26.06±28.31)pmol/L,P均＜0.05],也低于低剂量组[(24.49±14.10)pmol/L,P＜0.05].结论氟影响大鼠的骨代谢,BGP、PTH、CT在氟骨症发病中起着重要的作用.     

染氟小鼠成骨细胞系MC3T3-E1细胞中还原型谷胱甘肽和氧化型谷胱甘肽观察

目的 观察染氟小鼠成骨细胞系MC3T3-E1细胞中还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)和氧化型谷胱甘肽(GSSG)的水平.方法 采用噻唑蓝(MTT)法检测不同染氟条件下[F-剂量分别为0(对照)、0.5、1.0、2.0、4.0、8.0、12.0、20.0 mg/L]MC3T3-E1细胞1、2、4、10 d的细胞活性.另外,按染氟剂量,将MC3T3-E1细胞分为0(对照)、2、8、20 mg/L组,分别染氟2、4、10 d,采用高效液相色谱—串联四极杆质谱技术检测细胞内GSH、GSSG和谷氨酰胺(Gln)水平.结果 染氟1d时2.0 mg/L组细胞活性(0.57±0.05)明显高于对照组(0.49±0.03,P＜0.01);染氟4d时8.0、12.0 mg/L组细胞活性(0.49±0.07、0.47±0.09)明显低于对照组(0.63±0.06,P＜ 0.05或＜ 0.01);染氟10d时8.0 mg/L组细胞活性(1.52±0.29)明显高于对照组(0.86±0.23),而20.0 mg/L组细胞活性(0,54±0.07)明显低于对照组(P均＜0.01).染氟2、10d时20 mg/L组细胞中GSH水平[(13.92±4.63)、(0.53±0.30) μmol/L]明显低于相应的对照组[(26.42±3.67)、(24.85±5.68)μmol/L,P均＜0.01].染氟2d时2 mg/L组、染氟4d时8 mg/L组、染氟10 d时8 mg/L组细胞内GSSG水平[(1.12±0.62)、(2.13±0.62)、(2.97±1.30)μmol/L]明显高于相应的对照组[(0.55±0.22)、(1.46±0.46)、(1.35±0.50)μmol/L,P＜ 0.05或＜ 0.01].染氟4d时2 mg/L组和染氟10d时8、20 mg/L组细胞内Gln水平[(62.80±17.41)、(122.26±19.51)、(19.38±8.11) μmol/L]明显低于相应的对照组[(83.28±14.32)、(147.15±16.95) rmol/L,P均＜0.05或＜ 0.01].结论 染氟能明显改变成骨细胞内的GSH、GSSG和Gln水平,从而影响细胞内氧化还原平衡态.     

葛根素对去卵巢大鼠机体骨代谢影响的观察

目的 观察葛根素对去卵巢大鼠机体骨代谢的影响,探讨其对雌激素缺乏引起的骨质疏松症的治疗作用.方法 3月龄清洁级SD大鼠60只,背驮式切除双侧卵巢后每日灌胃葛根素5 mg/kg(P-5组),10 mg/kg(P-10组)和20 mg/kg(P-20组),并设假手术组(Sham),模型组(OVX)和己烯雌酚阳性对照组(E).3个月后处死动物,测定大鼠胫骨干重、灰分重量和矿物质含量,胫骨Ca、P含量以及血清相关骨代谢指标.结果 与OVX组相比,葛根素各组的胫骨矿物质含量(mg/g)均有增加(574±17,590±22和597±18),其中P-20组差异显著(P＜0.05);葛根素各组的胫骨Ca含量(mg/g)高于OVX组 (132±10,222±7,228±8),其中P-10,P-20两组差异显著(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),说明服用葛根素后大鼠骨量得到增加;同时,葛根素各组的碱性磷酸酶(U/L)与OVX组有所降低(101±26,90±20,71±15),其中P-10,P-20两组差异显著(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),说明去卵巢大鼠骨的高转换状态得到改善.结论 葛根素能抑制去卵巢大鼠骨量的丢失,对骨代谢有较好的调节作用,对雌激素缺乏引起的骨质疏松症有一定的治疗作用.     

阿托伐他汀联合肠溶阿司匹林对颈动脉粥样硬化患者斑块稳定性及脑血管事件的影响

目的 观察标准剂量阿托伐他汀联合肠溶阿司匹林对颈动脉粥样硬化患者斑块稳定性及脑血管事件的影响. 方法 将67例颈动脉粥样硬化患者随机分成2组,治疗组34例,对照组33例,治疗组口服阿托伐他汀(10 mg/d)和肠溶阿司匹林(100 mg/d),对照组仅口服肠溶阿司匹林(100 mg/d).观察2组患者在治疗6月、12月后颈动脉粥样硬化斑块缩小程度及脑血管事件的发生率.结果 治疗6月后2组颈动脉斑块大小及脑血管事件的发生率变化无统计学差异(P＞0.05),但治疗组稳定性斑块数目增加,与治疗前比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).治疗12月后2组斑块大小、稳定性斑块数目及脑血管事件的发生率与治疗前比较均有统计学差异(P＜0.01),2组间也存在显著性差异(P＜0.05).结论 阿托伐他汀联合阿司匹林治疗可通过调节颈动脉粥样硬化患者炎性细胞因子,抑制血小板活化,缩小或稳定颈动脉粥样硬化斑块,长时间服用可降低脑血管事件的发生率.     

肾小球疾病患者霉酚酸血药浓度监测及其临床意义

目的监测接受霉酚酸酯(MMF)治疗的肾小球疾病患者霉酚酸(MPA,MMF的脱酯活性成分)血药浓度,分析剂量-血药浓度-不良反应的关系,以及血药浓度的影响因素. 方法110例经肾穿刺活检明确诊断的肾小球疾病患者,包括狼疮性肾炎(n=73)、系统性血管炎(n=16)和IgA肾病(n=21).患者分别接受MMF 1.5 g/d(n=74)或2.0 g/d(n=36)治疗后,采用高效液相色谱法(HPLC)测定MPA血药浓度. 结果(1)1.5 g/d和2.0 g/d MMF组MPA 平均血药浓度分别为(44.86±12.89)mg·h/L和(51.29±15.12)mg·h/L,2.0 g/d MMF组明显高于1.5 g/d MMF组(P《0.05).达到有效血药浓度(30～60 mg·h/L)者在1.5 g/d MMF组为78.36%,2.0 g/d MMF组为72.22%.MPA血药浓度《30 mg·h/L比例在1.5 g/d MMF组明显高于2.0 g/d MMF组(P《0.05);》60 mg·h/L比例明显低于2.0 g/d MMF组(P《0.05).(2)1.5 g/d MMF组和2.0 g/d MMF组不良反应发生率相比无统计学差异,但2.0 g/d MMF组有增高的趋势(P》0.05).(3)两组患者MPA 血药浓度与血白蛋白和血肌酐呈显著正相关(P《0.01和P《0.05),与体重呈显著负相关(P《0.01和P《0.05),而与性别和年龄无相关性. 结论肾小球疾病患者无论接受1.5 g/d或2.0 g/d MMF都有70%以上的MPA血药浓度值维持在30～60 mg·h/L有效范围内.但是,服用2.0 g/d MMF的患者MPA血药浓度》60 mg·h/L比例明显高于1.5 g/d MMF,发生不良反应的机会也有增加的趋势.体重、血白蛋白和肾功能均对MPA血药浓度有影响.临床上有必要根据疗效、不良反应,结合上述指标和血药浓度来调整MMF剂量,以期达到最大限度地发挥药物的治疗作用,同时减少不良反应的发生.     

脂质体携载前列腺素E1对冠心病合并糖尿病患者发生造影剂肾病的预防作用

目的 探讨脂质体携载前列腺素E1(PGE1)对冠心病合并糖尿病的患者发生造影剂肾病的预防作用.方法 选取行冠脉造影或介入治疗的合并糖尿病的冠心病患者198例,随机分为对照组和PGE1组.PGE1组在常规治疗的基础上予PGE1 20μg+生理盐水20ml静脉注射,1次/d,共10 d,比较两组造影前、造影后48 h、5d血肌酐(Scr)、尿素(BUN)、胱抑素C(CysC)水平及造影剂肾病发生率等.结果 造影后48 h、5dScr、BUN、Cys C等在PGE1组分别为(113.92±54.89)μmmol/L、(7.85±4.05)mmol/L、(1.38±0.34)mg/L和(86.72±35.26)μmmol/L、(6.61±3.09 )mmol/L、(1.29±0.29)mg/L优于对照组(129.22±50.18)μmmol/L、(9.26±3.95) mmol/L、(1.56±0.23)mg/L和(109.83±31.76)μmmol/L、(8.07±3.11)mmol/L、(1.37±0.21)mg/L,差异有统计学意义(均P＜0.05).经直线相关分析,造影剂剂量与BUN、Scr呈显著正相关(r=0.74,P＜0.05; r=0.82,P＜0.01).结论 PGE1对冠心病合并糖尿病的患者发生造影剂肾病有预防作用.     

EGCG对乙酸诱导大鼠结肠炎的治疗作用及抗氧化机制

目的:在大鼠结肠炎的模型中,研究表没食子儿茶素没食子酸酯(epigallocatechin-3-gallate,EGCG)的治疗作用及其抗氧化损伤作用的机制.方法:SD大鼠60只,随机分为正常对照组(n=10)、模型安慰剂组(n=20)、EGCG治疗组(n=15)、柳氮磺吡啶(SASP)治疗组(n=15).正常组常规饲养,模型安慰剂组、EGCG组、SASP组80 g/L乙酸造模后分别予以生理盐水2 mL/d、EGCG 50 mg/(kg·d)、SASP0.25 g/(kg·d)灌胃治疗7 d,观察大鼠活动状态,进食量,体质量,大便性状,大便出血情况,计算疾病活动指数(DAI),判断疗效.第8天处死大鼠并进行结肠黏膜损伤指数(CMDI)评分,组织学评级,测定组织一氧化氮自由基(NO)、脂质过氧化产物丙二醛(MDA)以及超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)含量.结果:与模型安慰剂组相比,EGCG显著改善DAI(1.1±0.9 vs 3.9±0.4,P＜0.01)、CMDI(1.5±0.9 vs 3.3±0.6,P＜0.05)和组织学评级(4.6±3.1 vs 9.3±2.8,P＜0.01).与SASP组相比,EGCG显著改善DAI(1.1±0.9 vs 3.0±1.2,P＜0.01)、CMDI(1.5±0.9 vs 2.3±0.9,P＜0.05)和组织学评级(4.6±3.1 vs 7.9±4.0,P＜0.05).与模型安慰剂组相比,EGCG组NO含量显著下降(9.1±5.6 μmol/g vs 15.4±5.0μmol/g,P＜0.05),MDA含量也显著下降(0.9±0.6 μmol/gvs 1.5±0.6 μmol/g,P＜0.05),SOD含量显著提高(3090.6±568.4 nkat/mg vs 1373.6±410.1 nkat/mg,P＜0.05).与SASP组相比,EGCG组SOD含量显著提高(3090.6±568.4 nkat/mg vs 1268.6±431.8 nkat/mg,P＜0.05).结论:EGCG可通过抑制氧化损伤减轻结肠炎症反应,且疗效优于传统药物SASP.     

葡萄籽原花青素联合阿托伐他汀治疗老年颈动脉粥样硬化患者的观察

目的 观察葡萄籽原花青素和阿托伐他汀联合应用对老年患者颈动脉粥样硬化的疗效. 方法 将存在颈动脉粥样硬化斑块的老年高脂血症患者122例,随机分为单药组63例,给予阿托伐他汀20 mg/d；联合用药组59例,给予阿托伐他汀l0mg/d和葡萄多酚胶囊400mg/d.治疗前及治疗后3、6、12个月测定患者平均最大颈动脉内中膜厚度(MMCIMT)、斑块积分、斑块性质及血脂和超敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)水平的变化. 结果 治疗3个月后,单药组和联合用药组患者与治疗前比较血清总胆固醇(TC)[(4.9±1.0)比(6.5±0.7)mmol/L、(4.7±0.6)比(6.3±0.6)mmol/L]、三酰甘油(TG)[(2.3±0.5)比(2.9±0.4)mmol/L、(2.2±0.7)比(3.0±0.4) mmol/L]、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C) [(3.3±0.9)比(4.2±0.7)mmol/L、(3.1±0.6)比(4.0±0.6)mmol/L]降低(均P＜0.01),且随着治疗时间的延长进一步降低.联合用药组患者治疗3个月后高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(H DL-C)水平较治疗前升高20.2％ (P＜0.05).治疗后两组患者血清hs-CRP水平均下降(均P＜0.05).单药组治疗3个月MMCIMT较治疗前减小1.3％(P＞0.05),治疗6个月减小3.4％ (P＞0.05),12个月减小5.1％(P＜0.05).联合用药组治疗3个月后MMCIMT较治疗前减小2.0％(P＞0.05),6个月减小5.3％(P＜0.05),12个月减小8.6％(P＜0.01).12个月组间比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).单药组治疗3个月斑块积分较治疗前减小6.8％(P＞0.05),治疗6个月减小14.5％ (P＞0.05),12个月减小19.2％(P＜0.05)；联合用药组患者治疗3个月斑块积分减少13.1％(P＞0.05),且随着治疗时间的延长,斑块积分进一步降低(6个月下降28.0％,P＜0.05；12个月下降45.0％,P＜0.01).治疗6个月(P＜0.05),两组12个月联合治疗组斑块积分降低更明显(P＜0.01)；联合用药组较单药组斑块总数和不稳定斑块数减少更明显. 结论 葡萄籽原花青素与阿托伐他汀联合应用,可加强抗动脉粥样硬化治疗的效果.     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Changes in connexin43, the gap junction protein of astrocytes, during development of the rat pineal gland

Abstract: The abundance of gap junctions between rat pineal astrocytes formed by connexin43 (Cx43) was studied during development. Levels and distribution of Cx43 were measured by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence, respectively. The amount of Cx43 in cells located within the gland was low until about the 7th postnatal day and increased to adult values between the 14th and 21st days postpartum. Although astrocytes, recognized by their vimentin immunoreactivity, were scarce before birth, they were abundant by the 7th postnatal day suggesting that the low levels of Cx43 found at this age corresponded to a low expression of this protein. Localization of the immunoreactivity to Cx43 and vimentin showed a close correlation, indicating that mature or immature pineal astrocytes form gap junctions made of Cx43. Since Cx43 levels attained their adult values at about the time the innervation and the functional state of the gland reached maturity (2–3 weeks after birth), it is proposed that astrocyte gap junctions are involved in the function of the adult rat pineal gland.     

Conservative management of perforated duodenal diverticulum： A case report and review of the literature

Duodenal diverticula are a relatively common condition. They are asymptomatic, unless they become complicated, with perforation being the rarest but most severe complication. Surgical treatment is the most frequently performed approach. We report the case of a patient with a perforated duodenal diverticulum, which was diagnosed early and treated conservatively with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of secondary retroperitoneal abscesses. We suggest this method could be an acceptable option for the management of similar cases, provided that the patient is in good general condition and without septic signs.     

Presence of immunoreactive growth hormone and prolactin in the ovine pineal gland

Abstract: The use of antisera raised against bovine growth hormone (GH) and ovine prolactin (PRL) enabled the detection of related immunoreactive (ir) sequences of proteins in ovine pineal tissue. The isolation of PRL-like ir-material was accomplished using a 0.25 M ammonium sulphate (pH 5.5) extraction followed by ethanol precipitation, whereas the resulting 2.0 M ammonium sulphate (pH 7.0) precipitate contained a GH-like immunoreactivity. Gel chromatography of the GH-like immunoreactivity (Sephadex G-100) indicated the presence of several GH-like fragments ranging in the M_r range of 7,000 to 55,000. Analyses of the PRL-like ir-material found in pineal tissue on HPLC using a TSK 545-DEAE column led to the resolution into a single peak of immunoreactivity. A single peak of activity was also observed following chromatofocusing and hydrophobic interaction chromatography of the ir-peak from the TSK 545-DEAE column. The PRL-like ir-material inhibited the binding of [¹²⁵I]ovine PRL-S14 to anti-ovine PRL antibodies without showing an affinity for binding to anti-rat PRL or anti-bovine GH antibodies. Scatchard analysis of the binding of pineal PRL-like ir-material and pituitary ovine PRL-S14 to liver membranes from day-20 pregnant rats revealed similar affinity constants (K_a of 4.7 ± 0.2 × 10⁹ M^-1). In addition, the replication of Nb 2 Node rat lymphoma cells was stimulated by pineal PRL-like ir-material, an effect known to be specific for lactogenic hormones. The pineal PRL-like immunoreactivity appeared on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels as a single major band of M_r 24,000. The functional status of PRL-and GH-like ir-material in the ovine pineal remains to be determined, but evidence is presented that the overall protein synthesis rate of the rat pineal responded to circulating concentrations of PRL.     

N-acetyl-L-cysteine combined with mesalamine in the treatment of ulcerative colitis： Randomized,placebo-controlled pilot study

AIM： To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oral N-acetyl-L-cysteine （NAC） co-administration with mesalamine in ulcerative colitis （UC） patients.
METHODS： Thirty seven patients with mild to moderate UC were randomized to receive a four-wk course of oral mesalamine （2.4 g/d） plus N-acetyl-L-cysteine （0.8 g/d） （group A） or mesalamine plus placebo （group B）. Patients were monitored using the Modified Truelove-Witts Severity Index （MTWSI）. The primary endpoint was clinical remission （MTWSI ≤ 2） at 4 wk. Secondary endpoints were clinical response （defined as a reduction from baseline in the MTWSI of ≥ 2 points） and drug safety. The serum TNF-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and MCP-1 were evaluated at baseline and at 4 wk of treatment. RESULTS： Analysis per-protocol criteria showed clinical remission rates of 63% and 50% after 4 wk treatment with mesalamine plus N-acetyl-L-cysteine （group A） and mesalamine plus placebo （group B） respectively （OR = 1.71; 95% CI： 0.46 to 6.36; P = 0.19; NNT = 7.7）. Analysis of variance （ANOVA） of data indicated a significant reduction of MTWSI in group A （P = 0.046） with respect to basal condition without significant changes in the group B （P = 0.735） during treatment. Clinical responses were 66% （group A） vs 44% （group B） after 4 wk of treatment （OR = 2.5; 95% CI： 0.64 to 9.65; P = 0.11; NNT = 4.5）. Clinical improvement in group A correlated with a decrease of IL-8 and MCP-1. Rates of adverse events did not differ significantly between both groups.
CONCLUSION： In group A （oral NAC combined with mesalamine） contrarily to group B （mesalamine alone）, the clinical improvement correlates with a decrease of chemokines such as MCP-1 and IL-8. NAC addition not produced any side effects.     

Delorme's transrectal excision for internal rectal prolapse

Surgical therapy of functional outlet obstruction in patients with internal rectal intussusception may include abdominal, perineal, or transrectal procedures. Because abdominal procedures often result in significant physiologic impact but unrelieved constipation, the authors have elected Delorme's transrectal excision for management of these patients. Since a short-term placebo effect attends many therapies, this report describes results of transrectal excision only after a threeyear postoperative period. Delorme's transrectal excision of internal intussusception accomplished sustained symptomatic relief in over 70 percent of otherwise refractory constipated patients. The association of internal intussusception with other abnormalities underscores the importance of defining both anatomic and functional components when selecting patients whose constipation may require surgical therapy. Critical technical elements, surgical pitfalls, and potential complications of the procedure are discussed.Poster presentation at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Toronto, Canada, June 11 to 16, 1989.     

The oral glucose tolerance test: A comparison of the time points on the basis of limit values,normal dispersion,and reproducibility

Summary Time points in the glucose tolerance test (GTT) are compared on the basis of limit values, dispersion within a reference population, and reproducibility. We suggest using the distance between a limit value and the median reference value as a measure of the magnitude of abnormality. The distance between 140 mg/100 ml and the median fasting plasma glucose value is chosen as a standard distance and limits for other points in the GTT are calculated to equal this standard distance of abnormality. We suggest that the probability of correctly interpreting an inividual result is directly related to the reproducibility of the test and inversely related to the percentage of the total range of values which is dispersed among the normal population. The ratio of reproducibility to percentage normal dispersion is proposed as an index of the probability of correctly interpreting an individual result. According to this index, the probability of correct interpretation varies in order: fasting plasma glucose concentration>3-h>2-h>0.5-h>1-h plasma glucose concentration.