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Methods Section (methods + section)
Selected AbstractsNeural Cell Adhesion Molecule Expression in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Head and Neck,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 6 2000James A. Hutcheson MD Abstract Objective To investigate whether there is a correlation between neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) expression and perineural spread in patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck (ACCHN). Study Design Retrospective review of medical records and immunohistochemical staining of specimens from 37 patients treated at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock from 1987 to 1997. Methods Sections from paraffin-embedded specimens were e-amined for the presence of NCAM using monoclonal anti-NCAM antibody by avidin-biotin-pero-idase immunohistochemical staining. NCAM staining was scored in each specimen and correlated with the data obtained from patient charts. Results Twenty-five of 37 specimens (68%) showed histopathological evidence of perineural spread. All 37 specimens (100%) stained positive for NCAM, regardless of perineural spread status. Conclusion Our results suggested that the use of NCAM expression as a predictor of perineural spread is highly unlikely. [source] Identification of MUC5B Mucin Gene in Human Middle Ear With Chronic Otitis Media,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 4 2000Hirokazu Kawano MD Objectives To identify the mucin gene and its expressing cells in the middle ear mucosa with chronic otitis media (COM), and to study the correlation between infiltration of inflammatory cells in the submucosa and expression of the mucin gene in the mucosal epithelium with COM. Study Design Middle ear mucosal specimens removed from the inferior promontory area of 19 patients undergoing middle ear surgery for COM were studied. Methods Sections were stained with H&E, Alcian blue-periodic acid Schiff (AB-PAS), polyclonal MUC5B antibody, and specific MUC5B riboprobe for histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical, and mucin mRNA analyses. Results H&E staining revealed pseudostratified epithelia in 18 of the middle ear specimens with COM and cuboidal secretory epithelia in one. AB-PAS staining of epithelia revealed abundant secretory cells and their products (glycoconjugates). In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry studies demonstrated that the secretory cells of the middle ear mucosa with COM expressed MUC5B mucin mRNA and its product MUC5B mucin. Conclusions The MUC5B mucin gene and its product were identified in the middle ear secretory cells of patients with COM. Its e-pression was e-tensive in pseudostratified mucosal epithelia and related to infiltration of inflammatory cells in the submucosa of the middle ear cleft with COM, suggestive that inflammatory cell products are involved in the production of MUC5B. [source] Sensitivity and specificity of a visual acuity screening protocol performed with the Lea Symbols 15-line folding distance chart in preschool childrenACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 6 2006Francesca Bertuzzi Abstract. Purpose:, The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a visual acuity (VA) test using the Lea Symbols 15-line folding distance chart and its diagnostic validity in detecting VA deficiency in preschool children. Methods:, A group of 149 children aged 38,54 months underwent VA examination performed with the Lea 15-line folding optotype at a distance of 3 metres, according to a test protocol described in the Methods section. After the VA test, a complete ophthalmological examination, including cycloplegic retinoscopy, a cover test and examination of the anterior and posterior segments, was performed on each child in order to detect any VA-threatening ocular abnormality. The Lea Symbols test's sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR +, LR ,) and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were calculated by means of standard procedures using each VA level of the chart from 0.1 to 1 (1,0 logMAR) as a cut-off point. Results:, The Lea Symbols test could be successfully used in 95.9% of the population. The most useful cut-off points for screening preschool children were found to be 0.8 (LR +,5.73, LR ,,0.05) or 0.63 (LR +,11.7, LR ,,0.23). Conclusion:, The Lea Symbols test proved to be clinically useful in detecting VA deficiency in preschool children. The choice between the two best performing cut-off levels should be made according to the expected cost-effectiveness of the screening programme. [source] Phospholipid content, expression and support of thrombin generation of neonatal plateletsACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 2 2009Heike Bernhard Abstract Aim: Newborns have, despite low clotting factors and poor in vitro platelet function, a well functioning haemostasis. We investigated whether phospholipids (PL) in neonatal platelets differ from those in adult platelets in their exposure on the platelet surface, and their effect on thrombin generation. Methods: The effect of newborn and adult platelets on thrombin generation (TG) was measured by means of calibrated automated thrombography (CAT), and in a purified system. In addition, clotting times were measured. Phosphatidylserine (PS)-exposure was measured by flow cytometry. The amount of PL was determined by means of mass-spectrometry (Materials and Methods section in Supporting Information online). Results: In comparison with adults the clotting times in platelet-rich plasma of newborns were less shortened by adding calciumionophore. No differences in the support of TG between neonatal and adult platelets were found by means of CAT. In the purified system, TG was increased by ionophor-stimulated platelets but no difference was evident between newborn and adult platelets. Flow cytometric analysis showed no difference between adult and newborn platelets. Results of mass-spectrometry showed a very similar pattern of phospholipid-content of adult and newborn platelets. Conclusion: Our results do not provide any evidence that a different phospholipid-expression of neonatal platelets may alter TG in neonates. [source] Guidelines for assessment of bone microstructure in rodents using micro,computed tomographyJOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 7 2010Mary L Bouxsein Abstract Use of high-resolution micro,computed tomography (µCT) imaging to assess trabecular and cortical bone morphology has grown immensely. There are several commercially available µCT systems, each with different approaches to image acquisition, evaluation, and reporting of outcomes. This lack of consistency makes it difficult to interpret reported results and to compare findings across different studies. This article addresses this critical need for standardized terminology and consistent reporting of parameters related to image acquisition and analysis, and key outcome assessments, particularly with respect to ex vivo analysis of rodent specimens. Thus the guidelines herein provide recommendations regarding (1) standardized terminology and units, (2) information to be included in describing the methods for a given experiment, and (3) a minimal set of outcome variables that should be reported. Whereas the specific research objective will determine the experimental design, these guidelines are intended to ensure accurate and consistent reporting of µCT-derived bone morphometry and density measurements. In particular, the methods section for papers that present µCT-based outcomes must include details of the following scan aspects: (1) image acquisition, including the scanning medium, X-ray tube potential, and voxel size, as well as clear descriptions of the size and location of the volume of interest and the method used to delineate trabecular and cortical bone regions, and (2) image processing, including the algorithms used for image filtration and the approach used for image segmentation. Morphometric analyses should be based on 3D algorithms that do not rely on assumptions about the underlying structure whenever possible. When reporting µCT results, the minimal set of variables that should be used to describe trabecular bone morphometry includes bone volume fraction and trabecular number, thickness, and separation. The minimal set of variables that should be used to describe cortical bone morphometry includes total cross-sectional area, cortical bone area, cortical bone area fraction, and cortical thickness. Other variables also may be appropriate depending on the research question and technical quality of the scan. Standard nomenclature, outlined in this article, should be followed for reporting of results. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research [source] Can paying for results help to achieve the Millennium Development Goals?JOURNAL OF EVIDENCE BASED MEDICINE, Issue 2 2009Overview of the effectiveness of results-based financing Abstract Objective Results-based financing and pay-for-performance refer to the transfer of money or material goods conditional on taking a measurable action or achieving a predetermined performance target. Results-based financing is widely advocated for achieving health goals, including the Millennium Development Goals. Methods We undertook an overview of systematic reviews of the effectiveness of RBF. We searched the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and MEDLINE (up to August 2007). We also searched for related articles in PubMed, checked the reference lists of retrieved articles, and contacted key informants. We included reviews with a methods section that addressed the effects of any results-based financing in the health sector targeted at patients, providers, organizations, or governments. We summarized the characteristics and findings of each review using a structured format. Results We found 12 systematic reviews that met our inclusion criteria. Based on the findings of these reviews, financial incentives targeting recipients of health care and individual healthcare professionals are effective in the short run for simple and distinct, well-defined behavioral goals. There is less evidence that financial incentives can sustain long-term changes. Conditional cash transfers to poor and disadvantaged groups in Latin America are effective at increasing the uptake of some preventive services. There is otherwise very limited evidence of the effects of results-based financing in low- or middle-income countries. Results-based financing can have undesirable effects, including motivating unintended behaviors, distortions (ignoring important tasks that are not rewarded with incentives), gaming (improving or cheating on reporting rather than improving performance), widening the resource gap between rich and poor, and dependency on financial incentives. Conclusion There is limited evidence of the effectiveness of results-based financing and almost no evidence of the cost-effectiveness of results-based financing. Based on the available evidence and likely mechanisms through which financial incentives work, they are more likely to influence discrete individual behaviors in the short run and less likely to create sustained changes. [source] 1342: Communicating numerical results correctlyACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010T KIVELÄ Purpose To highlight some pearls and pitfalls in reporting numerical data related to the eye with special reference to the instructions of the EVER Journal, Acta Ophthalmologica. Methods Personal experience of the author as a writer, reviewer and editorial board member is used to highlight common issues specific for reporting statistics. The rules and the reasoning behind them are explained using abundant real life examples. Results Statistics and mathematical analyses applied should be described in the methods section, but the software used need not be referenced unless it is specific for the test used. The following rules regarding reporting are highly recommended: 1. Report proportions if the number of subjects is smaller than 10; percentages in integers if the number of subjects is less than 100; if the number of subjects is larger, one decimal place can be given but is seldom necessary. 2. Report summary statistics of normally distributed variables as mean with standard deviation; other variables as medium with range. 3. Use parametric and nonparametric statistical tests accordingly. 4. Give exact p-values (e.g. p=0.034); if p-value is less than 0.001, report p<0.001. 5. Give 95% confidence intervals for main findings. 6. Mention the statistical test used with the p-value (e.g. p=0.015, paired t-test) if multiple methods are used. Conclusion Efficient reporting and analysis of data related to the eye is not difficult as long as one is aware of the basic rules. Putting them into action helps to ensure that the conclusions the readers draw from your study are proper. [source] | ||||||||||