BACKGROUNDMost patients with epilepsy want to learn as much as possible about the disease, and many have turned to the internet for information. Patients are likely to use information obtained from the internet to control their epilepsy, but little is known about the accuracy of this information. In this survey, we have assessed the feasibility and usability of internet-based interventions for the treatment of epilepsy.

METHODSData were collected from an internet search. Different search terms were used to obtain general information on epilepsy together with information about medication, types of epilepsy, treatment, women's health, and other information. The accuracy of the information was evaluated by a group of experts.

RESULTSA total of 1320 web pages were assessed. The majority were websites related to health. A large number (80.2%) of web pages contained content related to the search term. A significant number of web pages 450/1058 (42.5%) claimed to provide information from a credible source; however, only 206/1058 (19.5%) of the information was accurate and complete; 326/1058 (30.8%) was accurate but incomplete; 328/1058 (31.0%) was correct but nonstandard, and 198/1058 (18.8%) was inaccurate. The authenticity of the information was not significantly different between the two search engines (χ2 = 0.009, P = 0.924). No significant difference was observed in the information obtained from a specialist or nonspecialist source (χ2 = 7.538, P = 0.057). There was also no correlation between the quality of the information and the priority (χ2 = 6.880, P = 0.076).

CONCLUSIONSSearching for information about epilepsy on the internet is convenient, but the information provided is not reliable. Too much information is inaccurate or for advertisement purposes, and it is difficult for patients to find the useful information. Turning to the internet for medical knowledge may be harmful. Physicians should be aware that their patients may search for information on the internet and guide them to safe, reputable websites.

No abstract available.
Biometry ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Research Personnel ; Data Interpretation, Statistical

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and adequacy of research papers reporting statistical testings for mean differences. METHODS: Original research articles utilized t-test, Chi-square test, and ANOVA were reviewed from Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing published from the year 2004 to 2006. Seventy-six papers were evaluated in accordance with formatted criteria in respect to an inclusiveness of research title, accuracy of statistical methods and presentation styles, and errors in reporting statistical outcomes. RESULTS: Research titles were quite comprehensive, however overall accuracy of statistical values and basic formats reached only 60 to 80% by items. Details of the presentation in the reporting of outcomes were not complied with the guidelines, which need careful concerns of the writers. Errors of English in table presentation were found in more than 30% of the papers. CONCLUSION: The outcome would be reflected in the submission guidelines for future writers. To reach the level comparable with internationally recognized nursing journals, concrete knowledge to apply statistical methods should be ensured in the processes of submission, reviews, and editing.
Analysis of Variance ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Nursing ; Women's Health

This study examines the factors that are associated with accidents from riding on inline skates and/or kick boards among students in the elementary schools. Data were collected from 902 students in 3 elementary schools in Seoul. Data were analyzed based on descriptive statistics and chi-square test. The results were as follows: 1.Thirty-eight percent of the students investigated were found to have kick boards while sixty-one percent of the students had inline skates. 2.The age of mothers who answered the questionnaires showed a statistically significant association with injuries of their children on inline skates and/or kick boards. Children whose mothers are younger had a lower percentage of injuries on inline skates and/or kick boards. 3. Children with a lower score on K-CBCL had a higher chance of having an accident from riding on inline skates and/or kick boards. That is, children with lack of attention were more likely to be involved in an accident. First-born children were less likely to have an accident. 4. While mothers' attitudes toward the safety of inline skates and kick boards appeared not to be associated with accidents of their children, their preventive actions for the safety related to riding on inline skates and kick boards reduced the chance to be involved in an accident of their children. In conclusion, this study shows that mothers with children going to the elementary schools should be more action-oriented to prevent their children's accidents from riding on inline skates and/or kick boards than merely recognizing the safety of inline skates and/or kick boards on their own. Implication of these findings and major findings of this study were discussed.
Chi-Square Distribution ; Child ; Humans ; Mothers ; Seoul ; Child Health

WHY: Calculating the sample size is essential to reduce the cost of a study and to prove the hypothesis effectively. HOW: Referring to pilot studies and previous research studies, we can choose a proper hypothesis and simplify the studies by using a website or Microsoft Excel sheet that contains formulas for calculating sample size in the beginning stage of the study. MORE: There are numerous formulas for calculating the sample size for complicated statistics and studies, but most studies can use basic calculating methods for sample size calculation.
Chi-Square Distribution ; *Research Design ; *Sample Size ; Statistics as Topic/*methods

Statistical analysts engaged in typical clinical trials often have to confront a tight schedule to finish massive statistical analyses specified in a Standard Operation Procedure (SOP). Thus, statisticians or not, most analysts would want to reuse or slightly modify existing programs. Since even a slight misapplication of statistical methods or techniques can easily drive a whole conclusion to a wrong direction, analysts should arm themselves with well organized statistical concepts in advance. This paper will review basic statistical concepts related to typical clinical trials. The number of variables and their measurement scales determine an appropriate method. Since most of the explanatory variables in clinical trials are designed beforehand, the main statistics we review for clinical trials include univariate data analysis, design of experiments, and categorical data analysis. Especially, if the response variable is binary or observations collected from a subject are correlated, the analysts should pay special attention to selecting an appropriate method. McNemar's test and multiple McNemar's test are respectively recommended for comparisons of proportions between correlated two samples or proportions among correlated multi-samples.
Appointments and Schedules ; Arm ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Cross-Over Studies ; Statistics as Topic ; Weights and Measures

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to detail the effects of various time intervals between large loop excision of transformation zone (LLETZ) and total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) upon post-operative morbidity. METHODS: The charts of 169 patients selected among 306 patients who had underwent LLETZ followed by type 1 extended abdominal hysterectomy from Jan. 1996 to Dec. 2001 at Yonsei University Medical Center were retrospectively reviewed for post-operative morbidity. The patients were categorized into three groups according to time interval: within 48 hours, within 48 hours to 6 weeks, longer than 6 weeks. Correlation of post-operative morbidity and time interval was evaluated. One way ANOVA and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographic and obstetric characteristics among three groups. There were no significant differences in operative time (104.3 min, 99.6 min, 102.4 min), blood loss (190 ml, 182 ml, 160 ml), hemoglobin change (1.12 g/dl, 0.92 g/dl, 1.28 g/dl), febrile morbidity (6.7%, 6.8%, 0.0%), wound problems (6.7%, 9.1%, 10.0%) and urinary difficulty (2.9%, 0.0%, 5.0%). CONCLUSION: We found no significant differences in post-operative morbidity according to various time intervals between LLETZ and TAH. It could be recommended for TAH after LLETZ to be performed regardless of the intervening interval because there is no specific suitable time for the patients.
Academic Medical Centers ; Analysis of Variance ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Humans ; Hysterectomy* ; Operative Time ; Retrospective Studies ; Wounds and Injuries

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to detail the effects of various time intervals between large loop excision of transformation zone (LLETZ) and total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) upon post-operative morbidity. METHODS: The charts of 169 patients selected among 306 patients who had underwent LLETZ followed by type 1 extended abdominal hysterectomy from Jan. 1996 to Dec. 2001 at Yonsei University Medical Center were retrospectively reviewed for post-operative morbidity. The patients were categorized into three groups according to time interval: within 48 hours, within 48 hours to 6 weeks, longer than 6 weeks. Correlation of post-operative morbidity and time interval was evaluated. One way ANOVA and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographic and obstetric characteristics among three groups. There were no significant differences in operative time (104.3 min, 99.6 min, 102.4 min), blood loss (190 ml, 182 ml, 160 ml), hemoglobin change (1.12 g/dl, 0.92 g/dl, 1.28 g/dl), febrile morbidity (6.7%, 6.8%, 0.0%), wound problems (6.7%, 9.1%, 10.0%) and urinary difficulty (2.9%, 0.0%, 5.0%). CONCLUSION: We found no significant differences in post-operative morbidity according to various time intervals between LLETZ and TAH. It could be recommended for TAH after LLETZ to be performed regardless of the intervening interval because there is no specific suitable time for the patients.
Academic Medical Centers ; Analysis of Variance ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Humans ; Hysterectomy* ; Operative Time ; Retrospective Studies ; Wounds and Injuries

BACKGROUND: Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is a mononeuropathy affecting the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. The disease is often diagnosed clinically, but electrophysiological tests play an important role. The aim of this study is to clarify clinical characteristics of MP as well as the role of sensory nerve conduction study (NCS) in the diagnosis of MP. METHODS: Sixty-five consecutive patients with clinical diagnosis of MP between March 2001 and June 2012 were retrospectively reviewed at a single tertiary center. General demographics, clinical characteristics and sensory NCS findings were investigated. Measurements of sensory NCS included the baseline-to-peak amplitude, side-to-side amplitude ratio and the conduction velocity. To compare between the normal and abnormal NCS groups, independent t-tests and chi-square test were performed. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients had male predominance (56.9%) with mean age of 48.4+/-13.4 years (range: 16-75). Seven patients (13.5%) had undergone operation or procedure before the symptom onset. The sensory nerve action potentials were obtainable in 52 (80%) of 65 clinically diagnosed MP patients. Sensory NCS revealed abnormalities in 38 patients (73.1%), and others (n=14, 26.9%) showed normal findings. Between the normal and abnormal NCS groups, there is no statistically significant difference on demographics or clinical features. CONCLUSIONS: We clarify the clinical features and sensory NCS findings of MP patients. Due to several limitations of sensory NCS, the diagnosis of MP could be accomplished both clinically and electrophysiologically.
Action Potentials ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Demography ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Male ; Mononeuropathies ; Neural Conduction ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo investigate the potential correlation between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the KLKB1 region and pulmonary thromboembolism(PTE) in a Chinese Han population.

METHODSIn this case-control study, 95 patients with confirmed PTE were enrolled as the PTE group and 90 healthy subjects as the control group. The genotypes, alleles, and haplotypes of the SNPs were analyzed with PLINK 1.07 and Haploview 4.2 software using chi-square test and Logistic regression analysis. SNPs were further analyzed under three genetic models (additive, dominant, and recessive).

RESULTSThe distribution of rs3733402 in KLKB1 gene showed significant difference between PTE group and control group (P=0.041). The distributions of GTG haplotypes consisted of rs2292423, rs4253325,and rs3733402 in KLKB1 gene were also significantly different between PTE group and control group(P=0.040).

CONCLUSIONThe rs3733402 locus variation in KLKB1 gene is associated with PTE in Chinese Han people.