Objective: To investigate the glial cell and AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) receptor activity after surgery for disc herniation pain model. Methods: In total, 83 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: control (n=16), sham-operated (n=4), rats for pain behavior evaluation (n=3), nucleus pulposus-exposed groups for AMPA receptors (n=30), and glial cell (n=30). The rats were tested for mechanical allodynia; immunohistochemical staining for AMPA receptors (GluA1 and GluA2) and glial cells (OX-42 and glial fibrillary acid protein [GFAP]) in the spinal dorsal horn was performed on postoperative days 3, 7, and 14. Results: Mechanical withdrawal thresholds decreased after surgery, and this effect was maintained for up to 14 days. Immunohistochemical expression of GluA1 and GluA2 in the spinal dorsal horn had increased quantitatively on postoperative days 3 and 7 (p<0.05) to levels similar to that of the controls on postoperative day 14. Moreover, immunohistochemical expression of OX-42 and GFAP showed similar changes to AMPA receptors after surgery. Although the activity of AMPA receptors and glial cells achieved normalcy, the mechanical withdrawal threshold of the hind paw remained decreased 38 days after surgery. Conclusion The rat model of lumbar disc herniation showed increased expression of AMPA receptor and glial cell activity in the spinal dorsal horn 3 and 7 days after surgery, which deceased to control levels at 14 days. The AMPA receptors and glial cell activations showed similar patterns after disc herniation surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of MRI in bladder or rectal invasion of cervical cancer. METHODS: Between January 2000 and December 2005, 106 cervical cancer patients who underwent cystoscopy or sigmoidoscopy examination retrospectively compared with results of the MRI finding. A 5-point invasion score was used to determine bladder or rectal invasion in MRI (1 = no invasion, 3 = serosal invasion, 5 = definite mucosal invasion). Score of 3 or above was suspicious for both rectal and bladder invasion. RESULTS: Eighty one patients with negative for both rectal and bladder invasion in MRI were normal in cystoscopy and sigmoidoscopy. MRI identified 17 patients with suspected bladder invasion, 7 patients had confirmed bladder invasion in cystoscopy. MRI identified 11 patients with suspected rectal invasion, 1 patients had confirmed rectal invasion in sigmoidoscopy. The detection of rectal and bladder invasion by MRI had a negative predictive value of 100%. CONCLUSION: The use of a 5-point scoring system for predicting rectal or bladder invasion in MRI is accurate in detecting cervical cancer patients with no evidence of rectal or bladder invasion. The cervical cancer patients with no evidence of rectal or bladder invasion in MRI can obviate invasive cystoscopy and sigmoidoscopy.
Cystoscopy ; Diagnosis* ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Retrospective Studies ; Sigmoidoscopy ; Urinary Bladder* ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic value of conization using right-angled triangular shape loop cone biopsy excisor in patients with CIN 3 who want preserve the uterus. METHODS: A retrospective review of 64 patients was performed who underwent therapeutic conization for CIN 3 by using right-angled triangular shape loop cone biopsy excisor from January 2000 to August 2005. RESULTS: The mean duration of 64 follow-up patients who had conization for therapeutic purpose was 21.5 months (range 10-68). Their mean age was 41.1 years old and mean parity was 1.7. Two of 64 patients had CIN 3 on exocervix margin. During the followed up period, only one person (1/64) had relapse of CIN 3, hence, a simple hysterectomy was done. CONCLUSION: Right-angled triangular shape loop cone biopsy excisor is more effective than U-shaped loop with low rate of margin positive and recurrent rate in conservative treatment in CIN 3 patients who want to preserve uterus or fertility.
Biopsy ; Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia* ; Conization* ; Female ; Fertility ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Parity ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Uterus

Background: The selection of statistical analysis methods in research is a critical and nuanced task that requires a scientific and rational approach. Aligning the chosen method with the specifics of the research design and hypothesis is paramount, as it can significantly impact the reliability and quality of the research outcomes. Methods: This study explores a comprehensive guideline for systematically choosing appropriate statistical analysis methods, with a particular focus on the statistical hypothesis testing stage and categorization of variables. By providing a detailed examination of these aspects, this study aims to provide researchers with a solid foundation for informed methodological decision making. Moving beyond theoretical considerations, this study delves into the practical realm by examining the null and alternative hypotheses tailored to specific statistical methods of analysis. The dynamic relationship between these hypotheses and statistical methods is thoroughly explored, and a carefully crafted flowchart for selecting the statistical analysis method is proposed. Results: Based on the flowchart, we examined whether exemplary research papers appropriately used statistical methods that align with the variables chosen and hypotheses built for the research. This iterative process ensures the adaptability and relevance of this flowchart across diverse research contexts, contributing to both theoretical insights and tangible tools for methodological decision-making. Conclusions This study emphasizes the importance of a scientific and rational approach for the selection of statistical analysis methods. By providing comprehensive guidelines, insights into the null and alternative hypotheses, and a practical flowchart, this study aims to empower researchers and enhance the overall quality and reliability of scientific studies.

Background: The selection of statistical analysis methods in research is a critical and nuanced task that requires a scientific and rational approach. Aligning the chosen method with the specifics of the research design and hypothesis is paramount, as it can significantly impact the reliability and quality of the research outcomes. Methods: This study explores a comprehensive guideline for systematically choosing appropriate statistical analysis methods, with a particular focus on the statistical hypothesis testing stage and categorization of variables. By providing a detailed examination of these aspects, this study aims to provide researchers with a solid foundation for informed methodological decision making. Moving beyond theoretical considerations, this study delves into the practical realm by examining the null and alternative hypotheses tailored to specific statistical methods of analysis. The dynamic relationship between these hypotheses and statistical methods is thoroughly explored, and a carefully crafted flowchart for selecting the statistical analysis method is proposed. Results: Based on the flowchart, we examined whether exemplary research papers appropriately used statistical methods that align with the variables chosen and hypotheses built for the research. This iterative process ensures the adaptability and relevance of this flowchart across diverse research contexts, contributing to both theoretical insights and tangible tools for methodological decision-making. Conclusions This study emphasizes the importance of a scientific and rational approach for the selection of statistical analysis methods. By providing comprehensive guidelines, insights into the null and alternative hypotheses, and a practical flowchart, this study aims to empower researchers and enhance the overall quality and reliability of scientific studies.

Background: The selection of statistical analysis methods in research is a critical and nuanced task that requires a scientific and rational approach. Aligning the chosen method with the specifics of the research design and hypothesis is paramount, as it can significantly impact the reliability and quality of the research outcomes. Methods: This study explores a comprehensive guideline for systematically choosing appropriate statistical analysis methods, with a particular focus on the statistical hypothesis testing stage and categorization of variables. By providing a detailed examination of these aspects, this study aims to provide researchers with a solid foundation for informed methodological decision making. Moving beyond theoretical considerations, this study delves into the practical realm by examining the null and alternative hypotheses tailored to specific statistical methods of analysis. The dynamic relationship between these hypotheses and statistical methods is thoroughly explored, and a carefully crafted flowchart for selecting the statistical analysis method is proposed. Results: Based on the flowchart, we examined whether exemplary research papers appropriately used statistical methods that align with the variables chosen and hypotheses built for the research. This iterative process ensures the adaptability and relevance of this flowchart across diverse research contexts, contributing to both theoretical insights and tangible tools for methodological decision-making. Conclusions This study emphasizes the importance of a scientific and rational approach for the selection of statistical analysis methods. By providing comprehensive guidelines, insights into the null and alternative hypotheses, and a practical flowchart, this study aims to empower researchers and enhance the overall quality and reliability of scientific studies.

Background: The selection of statistical analysis methods in research is a critical and nuanced task that requires a scientific and rational approach. Aligning the chosen method with the specifics of the research design and hypothesis is paramount, as it can significantly impact the reliability and quality of the research outcomes. Methods: This study explores a comprehensive guideline for systematically choosing appropriate statistical analysis methods, with a particular focus on the statistical hypothesis testing stage and categorization of variables. By providing a detailed examination of these aspects, this study aims to provide researchers with a solid foundation for informed methodological decision making. Moving beyond theoretical considerations, this study delves into the practical realm by examining the null and alternative hypotheses tailored to specific statistical methods of analysis. The dynamic relationship between these hypotheses and statistical methods is thoroughly explored, and a carefully crafted flowchart for selecting the statistical analysis method is proposed. Results: Based on the flowchart, we examined whether exemplary research papers appropriately used statistical methods that align with the variables chosen and hypotheses built for the research. This iterative process ensures the adaptability and relevance of this flowchart across diverse research contexts, contributing to both theoretical insights and tangible tools for methodological decision-making. Conclusions This study emphasizes the importance of a scientific and rational approach for the selection of statistical analysis methods. By providing comprehensive guidelines, insights into the null and alternative hypotheses, and a practical flowchart, this study aims to empower researchers and enhance the overall quality and reliability of scientific studies.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mechanisms of restenosis following successful coronary angioplasty (PTCA) are knownasvascularsmoothmuscle cells(VSMCs)proliferationandmigration, elastic recoil or vascular wall remodeling. Paclitaxel whose effect on the stabilization of microtubles leads to cell death is highly lipophilic, permitting easy pass through cell membrane, and has a long-term antiproliferative effect. This study was performed to evaluate effect of paclitaxel on VSMCs proliferation and whether locally delivered paclitaxel can prevent stenosis and neointimal formation in rat carotid artery injury model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cultured VSMCs were exposed to sequential concentrations of paclitaxel in vitro, and proliferation inhibition was analyzed with 3H-thymidine incorporation. Paclitaxel of a suitable concentration was applied to the endothelium-denuded carotid artery of Fisher 344 inbred rats for 20 minutes. Angiogram and morphometric analysis of carotid artery was performed after 2 weeks. RESULTS: 3H-thymidine incorporation in cultured VSMCs was decreased dose-dependently from the concentration of 0.1 micromol/L (2,454+/-149cpm/ microgram protein) to 100 micromol/L (1,323+/-69cpm/ microgram protein) of paclitaxel by single and 20-minute exposure in the presence of platelet-derived growth factor (p<0.005). In the absence of platelet-derived growth factor, the decrement of 3H-thymidine incorporation was evident above the concentration of 5 micromol/L of paclitaxel. To evaluate in vivo effect, paclitaxel (0.1 or 1 micromol/L) was administered into the endothelium-denuded carotid artery by balloon injury and incubated for 20 minutes. Percent stenoses (32.2+/-9.8%) of paclitaxel-treated group was less than those (46.3+/-7.5%) of control group on histologic analysis (p<0.01). Paclitaxel-treated group also had wider lumen on carotid angiogram and less neointimal thickening than control on histologic examination (p<0.005). CONCLUSION: Proliferation of VSMCs was effectively inhibited and neointimal formation and luminal stenosis was prevented in rat carotid artery injury model by single, brief and local delivery of low-dose paclitaxel. This strategy could be applied to clinical settings for the prevention of restenosis after PTCA.
Angioplasty ; Animals ; Carotid Arteries* ; Carotid Artery Injuries ; Cell Death ; Cell Membrane ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Neointima ; Paclitaxel* ; Phenobarbital ; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor ; Rats*

BACKGROUND: The ankle brachial index (ABI) is a useful screening tool for peripheral arterial disease. It has been documented that the cerebral atherosclerosis is more frequent in stroke patients with abnormal ABI than in those with normal ABI. The present study compared the different calculation methods of ABI for coexistent intracranial and extracranial arterial stenosis (IECAS) in ischemic stroke. METHODS: We reviewed the data of patients admitted for acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. The following four distinct ABIs were calculated: the ratio of the higher (ABI-H), lower (ABI-L), or either of the systolic blood pressures (SBPs) of the posterior tibial (ABI-PT) and dorsalis pedis (ABI-DP) arteries relative to the higher of the brachial SBP. We compared the values of these four ABI measures relative to the presence of any IECAS using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: ABI-H, ABI-L, ABI-PT, and ABI-DP were abnormal (≤ 0.9) in 19 (13.1%), 36 (24.8%), 29 (20%), and 30 (20.7%) of 145 patients, respectively. The area under the ROC curve was significantly larger for ABI-H, ABI-L, and ABI-DP than for ABI-PT for any type of IECAS. The extracranial stenosis was more frequent when any of the four ABIs was abnormal, while intracranial stenosis was not correlated with the four ABIs. The IECAS was more frequent for abnormal ABI-H and ABI-DP than for normal ABIs. CONCLUSIONS: Our studies suggested that ABIs based on a higher SBP of the PT or DP (i.e., ABI-H) are more strongly associated with the presence of IECAS than are those using the SBP of the PT (ABI-PT). Extracranial artery stenosis seems to be more strongly associated with ABI than is intracranial stenosis.
Ankle Brachial Index* ; Ankle* ; Arteries* ; Atherosclerosis ; Constriction, Pathologic* ; Humans ; Intracranial Arteriosclerosis ; Ischemic Attack, Transient ; Mass Screening ; Methods* ; Peripheral Arterial Disease ; ROC Curve ; Stroke*

PURPOSE: The standard treatment for primary localized gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is surgical resection. The clinical behavior of gastric GIST after surgical resection is extremely variable. We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study of gastric GISTs patients who underwent curative surgical resection to evaluate clinical features and the prognosis of surgically treated gastric GISTs. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study on 406 consecutive patients who underwent curative resections for localized gastric GIST at four university hospitals in Daegu, Korea, between March 1998 and March 2012. The retrospectively collected medical records were reviewed with respect to clinical parameters including age, gender, tumor location, surgical approach, and recurrence. RESULTS: There were 406 patients: 157 males (38.7%) and 249 females (61.3%), with a mean age of 60.8 +/- 10.8 (standard deviation) years. The mean tumor size was 4.9 cm (range, 0.3-29 cm). Curative surgical resection was performed in all patients without tumor rupture or spillage. Laparoscopic wedge resections were performed in 156 patients (38.4%) and open resections in 250 patients (61.6%). The tumor size of the laparoscopic wedge resection group was smaller than that of open resection group (3.45 cm vs. 5.46 cm; P < 0.001). There were 11 recurrent cases (2.7%). No recurrence was observed in patients who underwent laparoscopic wedge resections. CONCLUSION: Gastric GISTs had a low recurrence rate after curative resection in our series. Laparoscopic gastric wedge resection is feasible for treating gastric GISTs in selected patients.
Daegu ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors* ; Hospitals, University ; Humans ; Korea ; Laparoscopy ; Male ; Medical Records ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies* ; Rupture ; Stomach*