In this study, we analyzed the quantitative electroencephalograms (EEGs) of forty-eight subjects (18 with methamphetamine dependence and 30 non-methamphetamine users as controls). Immediately following data collection, all personally identifying information was replaced with random numbers to prevent bias and protect privacy. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0 for MS Windows. To investigate the general characteristics of the demographic background of the study subjects, frequency and technical analyses were conducted. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to determine the difference in quantitative EEGs between methamphetamine users and non-methamphetamine users. Methamphetamine users demonstrated quantitative EEG abnormalities that were consistent with generalized encephalopathy.
Bias (Epidemiology) ; Brain Diseases ; Case-Control Studies* ; Data Collection ; Electroencephalography* ; Forensic Medicine ; Humans ; Methamphetamine* ; Privacy

Forty six patients (23 in-family and 23 out-family child sexual offenders) diagnosed with pedophilia participated in this study. For each patient, computerized objective data, obtained from the doctors, nurses, psychologists, and prosecutors involved, and the hospital information system, were collected. Immediately after the authors collected data that included any personal identifying information, it was replaced by random numbers to prevent bias and to protect privacy. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0 for MS Windows. Comparative items on demographic characteristics were evaluated by a paired t test and chi-square test. Out-family child sexual offenders were younger, assaulted younger victims, and possessed a higher sexual recidivism rate than in-family sexual offenders did (P<0.05). The four scales of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory showed a significant difference between in-family and out-family child sexual offenders. There was no statistically significant difference in the victim's gender and the incidence of comorbid psychiatric disease between in-family and out-family child sexual offenders.
Bias (Epidemiology) ; Child* ; Criminals* ; Forensic Medicine ; Hospital Information Systems ; Humans ; Incidence ; MMPI* ; Pedophilia* ; Privacy ; Psychology ; Sex Offenses ; Weights and Measures