OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the result of the human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in comparison with cervical cytology for the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and invasive cancer, and to establish the more economic and effective screening method for CIN and invasive cancer. METHODS: HPV DNA PCR test and cervical cytology were applied to 476 women, who were referred for abnormal cytology from April 2004 to March 2005 at National Health Insurance Corporation Ilsan Hospital. The results of both procedures were compared with the results of the histological diagnosis and we calculated and compared the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of cytology, HPV DNA PCR, and their combination, respectively. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for the detection of CIN or higher lesion were 98.3%, 64.4%, 82.4%, and 95.7% for HPV DNA PCR; 82.9%, 72.9%, 83.8% and 71.7% for cytology; 100%, 48.6%, 76.7%, and 100% for the combination test. The sensitivity and NPV value of cytology showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) compared with those of HPV PCR and combination test. The PPV value of combination test showed statistically significant difference compared with those of cytology and HPV PCR. The specificity of three tests were alike (p>0.05). The sensitivity of three tests for the detection of CIN 2, 3 or higher lesion showed no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: The routine application of HPV DNA PCR or combination test as a screening tools for the detection of CIN and invasive cancer seems to be inappropriate in view of effectiveness. But the HPV DNA PCR can be used as a valuable adjunct to cervical cytology for the triage of women with minimal abnormality in her cytology to determine the treatment and follow-up plan.
Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia* ; Diagnosis ; DNA* ; Female ; Humans* ; Mass Screening* ; National Health Programs ; Polymerase Chain Reaction* ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Triage

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the regression rate of the mild cervical dysplasia and to examine the factors associated with the regression. METHODS: One hundred and nine women pathologically confirmed with mild cervical dysplasia were recruited into this study. They were followed up by cytology, colposcopy and human papillomavirus DNA test at 3 months and 6 months after the diagnosis. The participants filled out a questionnaire on their demographic characteristics and sexual history. RESULTS: The rate of spontaneous regression for the mild cervical dysplasia was 59.6%(65/109). Multivariate analysis showed that initial ASCUS cytology, negative HPV status, non-smoker, condom user and age under 40 years old were associated with higher regression rate. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of regression for mild cervical dysplasia seen in our study was particularly higher than the result in previous study. Therefore, we recommend that the patients with mild cervical dysplasia can be followed up by cytology and HPV DNA study without any intervention, especially in young patients. Initial ASCUS cytology, negative HPV status, non-smoker, condom user and age under 40 years old were good related factors for regression.
Adult ; Colposcopy ; Condoms ; Diagnosis ; DNA ; Female ; Humans ; Multivariate Analysis ; Surveys and Questionnaire

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a highly prevalent disorder that affects millions of men worldwide. ED is now considered an early manifestation of atherosclerosis, and consequently, a precursor of systemic vascular disease. This study was designed to investigate the effects of male silkworm pupa powder (SWP) on the levels of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression, nitrite, and glutathione (GSH); lipid peroxidation; libido; and erectile response of the corpus cavernosum of the rat penis. We induced ED in the study animals by oral administration of 20% ethanol over 8 weeks. The SWP-treated male rats were divided into 3 groups that were orally administered 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg. The libido of the SWP-administered male rats was higher than that of the ethanol control group. In addition, the erectile response of the corpus cavernosum was restored in males on SWP administration, to a level similar to that of the normal group without ED. The testosterone concentration did not increase significantly. The lipid peroxidation in the corpus cavernosum of the male rats administered SWP decreased significantly. In contrast, compared to the ethanol group, SWP-administered male rats showed increased GSH levels in the corpus cavernosum. The level of nitrite and NOS expression in the corpus cavernosum of SWP-administered male rats increased significantly. These results indicated that SWP effectively restored ethanol-induced ED in male rats.
Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Atherosclerosis ; Bombyx ; Erectile Dysfunction ; Ethanol ; Glutathione ; Humans ; Libido ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Male ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; Penis ; Pupa ; Rats ; Testosterone ; Vascular Diseases

Constipation is one of the most common functional digestive complaints worldwide. We investigated the laxative effects of figs (Ficus carica L) in a beagle model of constipation induced by high protein diet and movement restriction. The experiments were consecutively conducted over 9 weeks divided into 3 periods of 3 weeks each. All 15 beagles were subjected to a non-treatment (control) period, a constipation induction period, and a fig paste treatment period. We administered fig paste (12 g/kg daily, by gavage) for 3 weeks following a 3-week period of constipation induction in dogs. Segmental colonic transit time (CTT) was measured by counting radiopaque markers (Kolomark) using a radiograph performed every 6 h after feeding Kolomark capsules, until capsules were no longer observed. Fig paste significantly increased fecal quantity in constipated dogs, and segmental CTT was also reduced following fig paste administration. There were no significant differences in feed intake, water intake, body weight, or blood test results, between the constipation and fig paste administration periods. Our results demonstrate that fig is an effective treatment for constipation in beagles. Specifically, stool weight increased and segmental CTT decreased. Fig pastes may be useful as a complementary medicine in humans suffering from chronic constipation.
Animals ; Body Weight ; Capsules ; Carica ; Colon ; Complementary Therapies ; Constipation ; Diet ; Dogs ; Drinking ; Ficus ; Hematologic Tests ; Humans ; Ointments ; Stress, Psychological