scholarly journals Development of a Japanese version of the SARC-F for diabetic patients: an examination of reliability and validity

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 935-942 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoshi Ida ◽  
Kazuya Murata ◽  
Daiki Nakadachi ◽  
Yuki Ishihara ◽  
Kanako Imataka ◽  
...  

Abstract Background SARC-F is a 5-item, self-administered questionnaire developed to screen sarcopenia. To date, no Japanese version of the SARC-F has been developed. Aims To create a Japanese version of the SARC-F (SARC-F-J), a questionnaire for diabetic patients, and to investigate its reliability and validity. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. A Japanese translation of the SARC-F was created and revised, and the authors of the original version of the SARC-F verified the back-translation. The questionnaire was tested in diabetic outpatients aged ≥65 years who had received treatment at our hospital. After 14 weeks, the kappa coefficient was used to evaluate the retest reliability. Using the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia based on the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People as the reference standard, we calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the SARC-F-J. Results The study comprised 207 patients (men, 60.8%; women, 39.2%). The kappa coefficient was 0.66. For men and women, the sensitivities were 14.6 and 33.3%, specificities were 85.8 and 72.4%, positive predictive values were 33.3 and 17.3%, and negative predictive values were 65.7 and 86.2%, respectively. Discussion The probability of identifying the condition is considered high when patients are diagnosed with sarcopenia using SARC-F-J. Conclusions The retest reliability of SARC-F-J was regarded to be good. When EWGSOP was assumed as a reference, the specificity of SARC-F-J was high. Because the sensitivity was low, patients with sarcopenia could not be screened, and hence, attention is needed.

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 208-214
Author(s):  
Afonso César Polimanti ◽  
Rafael Vilhena de Carvalho Fürst ◽  
Sidnei José Galego ◽  
Alexandre Sacchetti Bezerra ◽  
Fernando Adami ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Adequate flow through a newly created arteriovenous fistula depends on multiple characteristics of the vessels and patient comorbidities. Several studies have related preoperative findings to failure, but few have analyzed the influence of intraoperative findings. Objectives To evaluate the predictive value of intraoperative findings on the immediate outcome of radial-cephalic arteriovenous wrist fistulas (RCAVF) by collecting data that are easily measured intraoperatively. Methods We designed a cross-sectional study, in which a single surgeon performed 101 RCAVF in 100 patients at a single center. We analyzed the immediate postoperative flow, assessed by thrill intensity immediately after fistula creation, against patient demographics and intraoperative data. The following variables were analyzed: age, sex, comorbidities, length of vein visible at preoperative examination, macroscopic arterial calcification, maximum vein diameter, and length of stenosis-free vein, measured by cannulation with a urethral catheter during the procedure. The chi-square test was used both to eliminate possible bias introduced by side of venous access (left or right), and to determine predictive values of immediate thrill. Results Side of access was not associated with any significant differences in variables. Absence of macroscopic arterial calcification, successful venous catheterization using a 6 French catheter or larger, and ability to advance it more than 10 centimeters along the lumen of the proximal vein were correlated with adequate immediate postoperative thrill (p = 0.004, p < 0.001, and p = 0.005, respectively). Conclusions In this series of 101 RCAVF, both the diameter of the catheter and its progress through the proximal vein and also absence of arterial calcification had positive predictive value for achieving adequate immediate thrill after vascular access construction.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoki Sakakibara ◽  
Hiroko Komatsu ◽  
Mikako Takahashi ◽  
Hideko Yamauchi ◽  
Teruo Yamauchi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The Barriers Questionnaire II (BQ-II) was developed to assess barriers to effective pain management. In this study, we aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the newly developed Japanese version of the BQ-II (JBQ-II).Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design. The study was conducted an ambulatory infusion center for cancer in a general hospital in Tokyo, Japan. Participants were 120 Japanese patients with cancer and 21 Japanese health professionals with experience in pain management. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to calculate reliability. Test–retest reliability was assessed with Spearman’s intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Construct, criterion-related, and discriminant validity were assessed using information about pain management, daily life, mental health, and subjective health.Results: The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.90 for the JBQ-II, and all ICCs exceeded 0.70 (P < 0.01). Factor analysis showed the JBQ-II had a virtually identical structure to the BQ-II, and path analysis supported the JBQ-II constructs. The JBQ-II was weakly correlated with poor mental state (r = 0.36, P < 0.01). Patients’ JBQ-II scores were significantly higher than health professionals’ scores.Conclusion: The JBQ-II is a valid and reliable measure of patient-related barriers to pain management among Japanese people with cancer.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (08) ◽  
pp. 1256-1260
Author(s):  
Nasir Ahmad Chaudhary ◽  
Samreen Hameed ◽  
Muhammad Sultan Ul Moazzam ◽  
Sarmad Zahoor ◽  
Sidrah Latif ◽  
...  

Background: Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications ofdiabetes affecting more than 1/4th of the diabetics and is also the leading cause of blindness inmany parts of the globe. Regular fundoscopic examination for screening is a routine practicein tertiary care hospitals but is not available in the primary care centers. This necessitatesthe development of a reliable screening tool which will allow for early referral of those withcomplications to the specialist centers. Objective: To determine the predictive value of HbA1clevels for the presence of diabetic retinopathy. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting:Diabetic Clinic of Mayo Hospital, Lahore. Period: 04 months, January to April 2017. Method:75 diabetic patients who presented in Diabetic clinic were investigated for HbA1c levels andfundoscopic evaluation was done to detect retinal changes. Results: Out of 75 patients, 35(46.7%) were female, 40 (53.3%) were male. Median age of the patients was 51 years. All patientshad HbA1c levels more than 6.0% and 62% patients had detectable changes on fundi while therest had no detectable retinal disease despite elevated HbA1c levels. Positive predictive value(PPV) of elevated HbA1c levels for the presence of diabetic retinal changes was calculated tobe 62.66%. Conclusion: All the patients who had retinal disease on fundoscopy had HbA1clevels of more than 6.0% (PPV = 62.66) which means that elevated HbA1c levels warrant afundoscopic retinal examination to rule out diabetic retinopathy.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bokretsion Gidey ◽  
Desalegn Nega ◽  
Adugna Abera ◽  
Abnet Abebe ◽  
Sindew Mekasha ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: In Ethiopia, malaria case is declining as a result of proven interventions and the country launched malaria elimination strategy in targeted settings since 2017. Accurate malaria diagnosis and prompt treatment are the key components of the strategy to prevent morbidity and stop continuation of the transmission. However, the quality of microscopic diagnosis in general is deteriorating as malaria burden declines. Therefore, this study was carried out toevaluate the competency of microscopists and the performance of health facilities on malaria microscopic diagnosis.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 01 to September 30, 2019 in nine Regional States and one city administration. A standard checklist was used for on-site evaluation, archived patient slides were re-checked and proficiency of microscopists was tested using WHO certified slides from national slide bank in public health institute. Strength of agreement, sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were calculated.Results: In this study, 102 health facilities (84 health centers and 18 hospitals) were included; from which, 202 laboratory professionals participated. In slide re-checking, moderate agreement (Agreement: 76.0%; Kappa: 0.41) was observed between experts and microscopists on malaria detection in all health facilities. The sensitivity and specificity of routine slide reading and the rechecking results were 78.1% and 80.7%, respectively. Likewise, positive predictive value of 65.1% and negative predictive value of 88.8% were scored in the routine diagnosis. By panel testing, a substantial overall agreement (A: 91.8%; K: 0.79) was observed between microscopists and experts in detecting malaria parasites. The sensitivity and specificity in detection of malaria parasites was 92.7% and 89.1%, respectively. Furthermore, in identifying species, slight agreement (A: 57%; K: 0.18) was observed between microscopists and experts. Conclusion: The study found significant false positive and false negative results in routine microscopy on slide re-checking of Plasmodium parasites. Moreover, reduced grade in parasite species identification was reported on the panel tests. Therefore, implementing comprehensive malaria microscopy mentorship, in-service training and supportive supervision are the key strategies to improve the overall performance of health facilities in malaria microscopy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 155-162
Author(s):  
Boonsak Hanterdsith

Although the arcus corneae (AC) has long been used as an age indicator for forensic purposes, its diagnostic value has not been evaluated. To evaluate the AC as a predictor of chronological age, the author has studied the correlation of AC with respect to age of the deceased. A cross-sectional study was conducted of 342 Thai corpses at the Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, Thailand. AC was graded into three levels: no AC, incomplete ring, and complete ring. One-way analysis of variance, chi-square test, binomial logistic regression, sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios were used for analysis. The Cohen’s kappa was used to determine the intraobserver and interobserver reliability. The prevalence of AC and the probability of complete AC were significant higher in corpses aged 60 years and above than in those under 60 years. Consequently, this study confirmed that the prevalence of AC was significantly correlated with the age of Thai individuals. If the complete AC is used as an indicator of age of 60 years and above, complete AC has high sensitivity (92.56%) but low specificity (72.85%), low positive predictive value (65.12%), but high negative predictive value (94.71%). For diagnostic value, the presence of AC can be used for age screening but not for absolute confirmation. The absence of AC indicates young age, incomplete AC indicates middle age, and complete AC indicates old age. The high intraobserver and interobserver reliability provides assurance of the value of AC as a means to estimate personal age.


2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 102-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meral Çeliker ◽  
Mustafa Yavuz Selçuk ◽  
Serdar Olt

Abstract Objective. To investigate the relationship between sarcopenia and diabetic nephropathy. Methods. 56 diabetic patients without complications, 50 diabetic patients with nephropathy, 53 healthy controls included in this present study. Demographic characteristics such as sex, age, anthropometric measurements such as weight, body mass index [BMI], hip circumference, waist circumference and upper arm circumference were measured. Sarcopenia diagnosis was based on European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People [EWGSOP] criteria which consist of hand grip strength, 6-meter walking test and muscle mass. Results. The frequency of sarcopenia increased gradually from 15.1% in healthy control group to 21.4% in the diabetes group, and 34% in diabetic nephropathy group (X2 for trend, p = 0.029). The frequency of sarcopenia was similar in diabetes and diabetic nephropathy group. However, the frequency of sarcopenia was higher in diabetic nephropathy than healthy controls (OR = 2.89, CI [1.11-7.51] in logistic regression). Conclusion: In the present study, the prevalence of sarcopenia was higher in patients with diabetic nephropathy compared to healthy controls.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Shuo Yan ◽  
Qing-Hu Zheng ◽  
Dong-Mei Sun ◽  
Ying Wu ◽  
Tu-Ming Li ◽  
...  

This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of lipid accumulation product (LAP) in hypertension in Chinese population older than 65 years. A total of 2092 adults from the communities in Pudong New Area of Shanghai were included in this cross-sectional study. The participants filled in questionnaire and received anthropometric and laboratory examinations. The receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) was used to analyze the predictive value of different risk factors in hypertension. Results showed that LAP was closely related to hypertension (adjusted OR: 1.011, 95% CI: 1.007–1.015). In females, LAP, fasting blood glucose (FPG), and body mass index (BMI) were associated with hypertension; in males, triglycerides (TG) and waist circumference (WC) were related to hypertension. LAP (AUC = 0.655, 95% CI: 0.632–0.679) was better than neck circumference (NC) and BMI in predicting hypertension. When the cutoff value was 33.5, LAP had the best predictive performance. In males, LAP at 36.72 and 56.76 had the best predictive performance in males (AUC = 0.663, 95% CI: 0.629–0.697) and females (AUC = 0.650, 95% CI: 0.618–0.682), respectively. In conclusion, LAP is a risk factor of hypertension in the elderly. For hypertension, BMI, FPG, and LAP have favorable predictive performance in females, and WC and TG have better predictive performance in males.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rei Oshiro ◽  
Takafumi Soejima ◽  
Sachiko Kita ◽  
Kayla Benson ◽  
Satoshi Kibi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The 10-item short form of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI-SF) has been utilized worldwide. However, there is no Japanese version. Furthermore, the PTGI-SF does not capture a broader category of existential spiritual growth that has been incorporated in the more recent Expanded version of the PTG Inventory (PTGI-X). Thus, we developed a Japanese version of the Short Form (PTGI-X-SF-J), which reflects more diverse perspectives on existential and spiritual growth. Methods A cross-sectional study using questionnaires was conducted in Japan. The first sample consisted of 408 university students, and the second sample comprised 284 university students. Exploratory factor analysis was performed using data from the first sample. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted, and reliability and validity were confirmed using the second sample. Results The PTGI-X-SF-J is composed of 10 items including two items from each of the five subscales of the PTGI-X, similar to the original version of the PTGI-SF, and this model fits the data well. Items concerning existential/spiritual change in the PTGI-X-SF-J were “I feel more connected with all of existence” and “I have a greater sense of harmony with the world,” which were not included in the original PTGI-SF. The score of the PTGI-X-SF-J was significantly correlated with the scores of the Core Beliefs Inventory and the Event Related Rumination Inventory-Deliberate; however, no correlation was observed with the scores of the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5. Conclusions We developed the PTGI-X-SF-J using 10 items to measure PTG among people whose first language is Japanese and confirmed its factor structure, reliability, and validity. The PTGI-X-SF-J is useful for assessing PTG more efficiently and accurately as it considers more diverse spiritual/existential experiences of personal growth and reduces physical and psychological burdens due to its brevity.


2017 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 222-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ângelo Zambam de MATTOS ◽  
Larissa Faraco DAROS ◽  
Angelo Alves de MATTOS

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND - Variceal bleeding has a high mortality among cirrhotics, and screening with endoscopy is indicated at the diagnosis of cirrhosis. Screening with endoscopy implies discomfort, risks and considerable costs. OBJECTIVE - To evaluate platelet count squared/spleen diameter-aspartate aminotransferase ratio (PS/SA), as a non-invasive predictor of esophageal varices in cirrhotics. METHODS - This cross-sectional study evaluated cirrhotics for PS/SA and presence of esophageal varices. Outpatient records of cirrhotic patients were reviewed for the abovementioned data. Sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values of PS/SA were calculated. After the univariate analysis, variables with P<0.10 were submitted to a logistic regression. RESULTS - The study included 164 cirrhotics, 59.70% male, with a mean age of 56.7 years. Hepatitis C was the most frequent cause of cirrhosis, being present in 90 patients. Patients were classified as Child-Pugh A in 52.44% and as Child-Pugh B or C in 47.56%. Esophageal varices were present in 72.56% of the patients at endoscopy. PS/SA, with a cutoff of 3x108, had a sensitivity of 95.80% (confidence interval of 95% - 95%CI=0.92-0.99), a specificity of 22.70% (95%CI=0.10-0.35), a positive predictive value of 77.20% (95%CI=0.70-0.84) and a negative predictive value of 66.70% (95%CI=0.42-0.91). In the logistic regression, only platelet count and Child-Pugh score were associated to esophageal varices (P<0.05). CONCLUSION - PS/SA has an excellent sensitivity to predict esophageal varices, allowing almost one fourth of patients without esophageal varices to spare endoscopy. Nevertheless, PS/SA is not independently associated to esophageal varices.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e047763
Author(s):  
Rina Agustina ◽  
Ari Fahrial Syam ◽  
Fadila Wirawan ◽  
Indah S Widyahening ◽  
Ahmad Jabir Rahyussalim ◽  
...  

ObjectivesAffordable options for COVID-19 epidemiological surveillance are needed. Virus detection by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) is sensitive but costly, and antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are cheap but with reduced sensitivity; both detect current infection but not exposure. RDT-IgM/IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 detect exposure but have poor sensitivity for current infection. We investigated if the integration of symptomatic, demographical and diet-related comorbidities data with antibody RDTs improves their potential to assess infection rates in addition to exposure, thereby broadening their utility for surveillance.DesignWe conducted a cross-sectional study using data from community surveillance for SARS-CoV-2. Health workers collected nasopharyngeal swabs for RT-PCR and RDT antigen assessments and venous blood for RDT-IgM/IgG from symptomatic and asymptomatic persons. Data on age, gender, contact history, symptoms (ie, fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, dyspnoea and diarrhoea), diet-related comorbidities (ie, diabetes and hypertension) and chest radiology were collected.SettingHigh-risk communities in Jakarta, Indonesia, in May 2020.Participants343 community members’ data were included.Outcome measuresRDT-IgM/IgG sensitivity, specificity and predictive values and area under receiver operating characteristic curve for RT-PCR positivity using RDT results alone and in combination with other predictors, including symptom components derived from principal component analysis.ResultsThere were 24 PCR-confirmed infections. RDT-IgM/IgG-positive tests were associated with infection (OR 10.8, 95% CI 4.43 to 26.4, p<0.001) with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.708% and 50% sensitivity, 91.5% specificity, 30.8% positive predictive value (PPV) and 96.1% negative predictive value (NPV). RDT results combined with age, gender, contact history, symptoms and comorbidities increased the AUC to 0.787 and yielded 62.5% sensitivity, 87.0% specificity, 26.6% PPV and 96.9% NPV.ConclusionsSARS-CoV-2 RDT-IgM/IgG results integrated with other predictors may be an affordable tool for epidemiological surveillance for population-based COVID-19 exposure and current infection, especially in groups with outbreaks or high transmission.


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