Influence of BPPV and Meniere's Disease on Cognitive Abilities: A Questionnaire-Based Study

The vestibular system connects the inner ear to the midbrain and subcortical structures and can affect cognition. Patients with vertigo often experience cognitive symptoms such as attention deficits, memory problems, and spatial perception difficulties. This study aimed to explore the cognitive impairments associated with Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo(BPPV) and Meniere's Disease(MD). A non-experimental group comparison design was used with 107 participants divided into three groups: Group I(clinically normal), Group II(BPPV), and Group III(MD). Participants completed a questionnaire with 10 cognition-related questions, and their responses were scored. The data were found to be non-normally distributed. The analysis revealed a significant difference in scores between Group I and both Group II and Group III. Chi-square tests showed that the responses to cognition-related questions varied among the groups, with Group II exhibiting more cognitive problems. Associated conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and hearing loss did not significantly influence the responses within each group. This study suggests a significant relationship between cognitive problems and patients with BPPV and MD. However, there was no association found between the cognitive problems experienced in BPPV and MD patients. These findings align with previous research indicating that vestibular disorders can lead to deficits in spatial memory, attention, and other cognitive functions. By understanding the link between cognition and vestibular disorders, we can improve diagnosis and rehabilitation services to enhance the quality of life for these patients.

Transcultural Validation and Adaptation of the Academic Stress Questionnaire (CEA) in Students of Puerto Rico

Background: There are multiple questionnaires to measure academic stress in university students, which have been used in nursing students. In Puerto Rico, a questionnaire valid in content and reliability was required to measure the variable of academic stress in nursing students. Purpose: The aim of this study was to adapt transculturally and validate the Academic Stress Questionnaire (CEA) for its use in Puerto Rico. Materials and Methods: Used for the first phase of this study consisted in the evaluation of the validity of content and appearance, whereas the second phase was the actual administering of the questionnaire to 20 (twenty) nursing students, to pilot test its internal consistency using the Cronbach’s α test. Results: Validity of content and appearance allowed for the modification of the questionnaire into one, consisting of 42 items, thus eliminating 34 premises from the original 76 items the questionnaire was composed of. Furthermore, the appearance of the questionnaire was modified by placing the measuring scales in columns, adapting social, demographic, and academic data to the required Puerto Rican reality. The sections meant to measure the academic stress variables were left intact, except for the linguistics adaptation, which was accomplished by a team of experts in the Spanish language. With an α global of 0.80 and coefficients larger than 0.7 in the multi-item sub scales, which oscillated between 0.750 and 0.860, the questionnaire provides a high reliability. Conclusion: Although the values reported in this study are somewhat lower than previous research, they were comparable the Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients reported by Cabanach, in which the numbers reported are considered high (α > 0.70) which show acceptable confiability of the subscales included in the study and a high degree of consistency and thus can be relied upon in future research. In synthesis, the Academic Stress Questionnaire (CEA) modified and adapted, thoroughly fulfills the established criteria of confiability and validity to evaluate academic stress of Puertorrican nursing students.

Psychometric validation of the Chinese version of the dry eye-related quality-of-life score questionnaire

AIM:To psychometrically validate the Chinese version of the dry eye-related quality-of-life score questionnaire(DEQSCHN)among Chinese patients with dry eye.METHODS:This study involved 231 participants,including 191 with dry eye disease(DED)comprising the dry eye disease group,and 40 healthy participants forming the control group.Participants were required to complete the DEQS-CHN,and Chinese dry eye questionnaire and undergo clinical tests including the fluorescein breakup time(FBUT),corneal fluorescein staining(CFS),and Schirmer I test.To assess the internal consistency and retest reliability,Cronbach’sαand the intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC)were employed.Content validity was assessed by item-level content validity index(ICV)and an average scale-level content validity index(S-CVI/Ave).Construct validity was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis.The concurrent validity was assessed by calculating correlations between DEQS-CHN and Chinese dry eye questionnaire.Discriminative validity was evaluated through nonparametric tests,with receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve serving as conclusive indicators of the questionnaire’s distinguishing capability.RESULTS:The Cronbach’sαcoefficients for frequency and degree of ocular symptoms,impact on daily life,and summary score were 0.736,0.704,0.811,0.818,0.861,and 0.860,respectively,and the ICC were 0.611,0.677,0.715,0.769,0.711,and 0.779,respectively.All I-CVI scores ranged from 0.833 to 1.000,with an S-CVI/Ave of 0.956.Confirmatory factor analysis results exhibited a wellfitting model consistent with the original questionnaire[χ^(2)/df=2.653,incremental fit index(IFI)=0.924,comparative fit index(CFI)=0.924,Tucker-Lewis index(TLI)=0.909,and root mean square error of approximation(RMSEA)=0.065].There was a moderate positive correlation between the DEQS-CHN and the Chinese dry eye questionnaire(r^(2)=0.588).The dry eye group demonstrated significantly higher scores compared to the control group,and the area under the curve(AUC)value was 0.8092.CONCLUSION:The DEQS-CHN has been demonstrated as a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the impact of dry eye disease on the quality of life among Chinese individuals with DED.

Development and validation of a novel questionnaire regarding vision screening among preschool teachers in Malaysia

AIM:To develop and evaluate the validity and reliability of a knowledge,attitude,and practice questionnaire related to vision screening(KAP-VST)among preschool teachers in Malaysia.METHODS:The questionnaire was developed through a literature review and discussions with experts.Content and face validation were conducted by a panel of experts(n=10)and preschool teachers(n=10),respectively.A pilot study was conducted for construct validation(n=161)and test-retest reliability(n=60)of the newly developed questionnaire.RESULTS:Based on the content and face validation,71 items were generated,and 68 items were selected after exploratory factor analysis.The content validity index for items(I-CVI)score ranged from 0.8-1.0,and the content validity index for scale(S-CVI)/Ave was 0.99.Internal consistency was KR^(2)0=0.93 for knowledge,Cronbach’s alpha=0.758 for attitude,and Cronbach’s alpha=0.856 for practice.CONCLUSION:The KAP-VST is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing knowledge,attitude,and practice in relation to vision screening among preschool teachers in Malaysia.

Diagnostic values of questionnaires of Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey and College of Optometrists Vision Development Quality of Life in the screening of convergence insufficiency

AIM:To compare and analyse the diagnostic efficacy of the College of Optometrists Vision Development Quality of Life Questionnaire(COVD-QOL)and the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey(CISS)in detecting convergence insufficiency and to compare their diagnostic value in clinical applications.METHODS:Using the diagnostic test method,62 adult patients with convergence insufficiency(age:24.74±3.75y)and 62 normal participants(age:23.61±3.13y)who visited the Optometry Clinic of West China Hospital of Sichuan University from April 2021 to January 2023 were included.All subjects completed the CISS and COVD-QOL.Statistical analysis of the sensitivity and specificity of the CISS and COVD-QOL and comparison and joint experimental analysis of their diagnostic efficacy were performed.RESULTS:The sensitivity of the CISS and COVD-QOL for convergence insufficiency was 64.5%and 71.0%,respectively,while the specificity was 96.8%and 67.7%,respectively.Compared to the CISS alone,the combination of the CISS and COVD-QOL demonstrated lower sensitivity and specificity.The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of CISS,COVD-QOL and CISS combined with COVD-QOL were 0.806,0.694 and 0.782,respectively.CONCLUSION:Considering the low sensitivity of the CISS and the low specificity of the COVD-QOL,it is recommended to supplement these questionnaires with other screening tests for the detection of convergence insufficiency.

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Kidney Transplant Questionnaire 25 to Greek

BACKGROUND Kidney transplantation leads to continuous improvement in the survival rates of kidney transplant recipients(KTRs)and has been established as the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage kidney disease.Health-related quality of life(HRQoL)has become an important outcome measure.It is highly important to develop reliable methods to evaluate HRQoL with disease-specific questionnaires.AIM To translate the disease-specific instrument Kidney Transplant Questionnaire 25(KTQ-25)to the Greek language and perform a cross-cultural adaptation.METHODS The translation and adaptation of the original English version of the KTQ-25 to the Greek language were performed based on the International Quality of Life RESULTS Eighty-four KTRs(59 males;mean age 53.5±10.7 years;mean estimated glomerular filtration rate 47.7±15.1 mL/min/1.73 m2;mean transplant vintage 100.5±83.2 months)completed the Greek version of the KTQ-25 and the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey,and the results were used to evaluate the reliability of the Greek KTQ-25.The Cronbach alpha coefficients for all the KTQ-25 dimensions were satisfactory(physical symptoms=0.639,fatigue=0.856,uncertainty/fear=0.661,appearance=0.593,emotions=0.718,total score=0.708).The statistically significant correlation coefficients among the KTQ-25 dimensions ranged from 0.226 to 0.644.The correlation coeffi-cients of the KTQ-25 dimensions with the SF-36 physical component summary(PCS)ranged from 0.196 to 0.550;the correlation coefficients of the KTQ-25 with the SF-36 mental component summary(MCS)ranged from 0.260 to 0.655;and the correlation coefficients of the KTQ-25 with the total scores with the SF-36 PCS and MCS were 0.455 and 0.613,respectively.CONCLUSION According to the findings,the Greek version of the KTQ-25 is valid and reliable for administration among kidney transplant patients in Greece.

中文简版Spatial Hearing Questionnaire的信效度分析

目的空间听觉指在复杂声环境下,患者能够理解言语和识别不同方位声音的能力,可以采用Spatial Hearing Questionnaire评估。本研究在正常听力受试者及耳聋受试者中进行中文简版Spatial Hearing Questionnaire信效度分析。方法首先对Spatial Hearing Questionnaire进行汉化形成C-SHQ12。纳入50例正常听力受试者及57例耳聋受试者进行研究,采用内部一致性检验评价量表的信度,采用探索性因子分析评价量表的结构效度。采用t检验分析正常听力受试者与耳聋受试者C-SHQ12得分的差别,采用pearson相关分析SHQ量表得分与实验室声源定位测试的相关性。采用配对t检验对人工耳蜗植入术前和术后的C-SHQ12得分进行比较。结果 Cronbach’sα系数为0.98,说明量表具有良好的内部一致性信度。采用探索性因子分析提取了2个公因子,分别是声源定位和噪声环境下言语能力,累计贡献率为94.8%。正常听力受试者C-SHQ12得分为87.74±7.99,耳聋受试者得分为52.80±21.76,P=2.2×10-16<0.01,两者差异有显著统计学意义。C-SHQ12量表得分与实验室声源定位得分有很好的相关性,P=2.858×10-6<0.01。人工耳蜗植入术前和术后的C-SHQ12得分有显著差异。结论 C-SHQ12量表信效度很高,可用于耳聋人群的空间听觉能力评估。

Questionnaire Design and Analysis for the Influences of Prototype Landscape on One's Landscape Perception

Prototype landscape refers to the impressive scenes that one has experienced in his/her living environment before 20 years old.Based on the analysis of the existing literature,the authors compiled a standard scale type questionnaire by means of a field survey,which was about the influences of prototype landscape on one's landscape perception.Taking Likert scale as the main part,this questionnaire analyzed the influence of prototype landscape on landscape perception from perception,attitude,and behavior dimensions.In order to further improve its rationality,the authors tested some other aspects of this questionnaire,including logic validity,construct validity,congeniality reliability,split-half reliability,etc..The results validated that the questionnaire possessed good theoretical structure and validity target,which can evaluate various aspects of prototype landscape on one's landscape perception in an effective and reliable way.Therefore,the questionnaire put forward by this study not only enriched the studies of prototype landscape on landscape designing,but also provided an effective tool for quantitative analysis of "the influences of prototype landscape on one's landscape perception".

On Developing the Questionnaire for Evaluating PBL's Multiple Learning Achievements

How to comprehensively,scientifically,objectively and impartially evaluate the multiple learning achievements of the PBL model should be highlighted when PBL is introduced and applied.A questionnaire of a total of 23 items involving such dimensions of language proficiency,subject contents and 21 st Century skills was designed.Its reliability and validity were tested and well-met with the statistical requirements.

Development of an Arabic version of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire as a tool to study eye diseases patients in Egypt

AIM:To develop and test an Arabic version of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25(NEI-VFQ-25).METHODS:NEI-VFQ-25 was translated into Arabic according to WHO translation guidelines. We enrolled adult consenting patients with bilateral chronic eye diseases who presented to 14 hospitals across Egypt from October to December 2012, and documented their clinical findings. Psychometric properties were then tested using STATA.RESULTS:We recruited 379 patients, whose mean age was(54.5±15)y. Of 46.2% were males, 227 had cataract,31 had glaucoma, 23 had retinal detachment, 37 had diabetic retinopathy, and 61 had miscellaneous visual defects. Non-response rate and the floor and ceiling numbers of the Arabic version(ARB-VFQ-25) were calculated. Internal consistency was high in all subscales(except general health), with Cronbach-α ranging from0.702-0.911. Test-retest reliability was high(intraclass correlation coefficient 0.79).CONCLUSION:RB-VFQ-25 isareliableandvalidtool for assessing visual functions of Arabic speaking patients. However, some questions had high non-response rates and should be substituted by available alternatives. Our results support the importance of including self-reported visual functions as part of routine ophthalmologic examination.

Psychosocial and spiritual needs of patients with chronic diseases: validation of the Chinese version of the Spiritual Needs Questionnaire

OBJECTIVE： Even in secular societies, a small portion of patients find their spirituality to help cope with illness. But for the majority of patients, psychosocial and spiritual needs are neither addressed nor even considered a relevant factor by health care professionals. To measure such specific needs, the Spiritual Needs Questionnaire （SpNQ） was developed. The aim of this study was to validate the Chinese version of the SpNQ （SpNQ-Ch） and thus to measure psychosocial and spiritual needs of Chinese patients. METHODS： This was a cross-sectional study among 168 patients with chronic diseases who were recruited in the Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China using standardized questionnaires. We performed reliability and factor analyses, as well as analyses of variance, first order correlations and regression analyses. RESULTS： The 17-item SpNQ-Ch had a similar factorial structure as the original version with two main and three minor factors which accounted for 64% of variance, and internal consistency estimates （Cronbach＇s a） ranging from 0.51 to 0.81. Included were the 4-item scale Inner Peace Needs, the 5-item scale Giving/Generativity （with 2 sub-constructs, Praying and Sources）, and a Needs, the 5-item scale Religious Needs 3-item scale Reflection/Release Needs. In Chinese patients with cancer （63%）, pain affections （10%）, or other chronic conditions （23%）, the needs for Giving/Generativity （which refer to categories of Connectedness and Meaning） and Inner Peace Needs scored highest, while Religious Needs and the Reflection/Release Needs scored lower. CONCLUSION： The SpNQ-Ch is congruent with its primary version, and can be used in future studies with the mostly nonreligious patients from China. First findings indicate specific psychosocial and spiritual needs which should be addressed by health care professionals to support patients in their struggle with chronic illness in terms of psycho-emotional stabilization, finding hope and meaning, and thus achieving peaceful states of mind despite chronic illness.

Food Frequency Questionnaire for Chinese Children Aged 12-17 Years: Validity and Reliability

Objective The primary objective of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire(FFQ) among Chinese children aged 12-17 years. Methods A semi-quantitative 72-food item FFQ was developed for children aged 12-17 years. The reliability and validity of this FFQ were evaluated against 24-h dietary recalls(24 h DRs) to measure the consumption of foods and nutrients. We administered two FFQs and three DRs to children(N = 160) over a period of 1 month to evaluate the reliability and validity. Reliability was examined by quartile agreement and intraclass correlation coefficients(ICCs), and validity was examined by quartile agreement, Bland-Altman plots and correlation with DRs. Results For reliability, the ICCs between the two FFQs ranged from 0.21 to 0.76 for foods and nutrients, and the quartile agreement ranged from 70.0% to 95.0% in the same or adjacent quartiles. Spearman’s correlation coefficients of foods and nutrients between the second FFQ and the 24 h DRs ranged from-0.04 to 0.59. The Bland-Altman plots demonstrated good agreement across the range of intakes among nutrients. The quartile agreement ranged from 50.0% to 100.0%, with infrequent misclassification. Conclusion The FFQ assessment of dietary intakes demonstrated acceptable relative validity and high reproducibility for Chinese children aged 12-17 years.

Validity and Reliability of Chinese Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children Aged 10-17 Years

Objective This study is aimed to report the development,the reliability and validity of the Chinese Children Physical Activity Questionnaire(CCPAQ)which was designed for the assessment of physical activity pattern in young population in China.Methods The CCPAQ was administered for two times in 119 children(mean age 13.1±2.4 years;boys 47%)to examine reliability by using intraclass correlation coefficients.Validity was determined in 106 participants by agreement with the CCPAQ measures and the objective method,the ActiGraph accelerometer.Data on physical activity patter n including time spe nt on d iff ere nt intensi ties and total physical activity,sedentary behavior as well as physical activity energy expenditure were used to assess the validity with Spearman's correlation coefficient and the Bland-Altman plots.Results The reliability coefficient of the CCPAQ ranged from 0.63-0.93(Intra-class correlation coefficient).Spearman's correlation coefficient for validity of time spent on total physical activity and sedentary behavior were all 0.32(P<0.001),and for physical activity energy expenditure was 0.58(P<0.001).Time spent on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and light physical activity showed a relatively low correlation with the accelerometer(rho=0.20,P=0.040;rho=0.19,P=0.054).Conclusion The CCPAQ appears to be a promising and feasible method to assess physical activity pattern in Chinese children.

Psychometrics of chronic liver disease questionnaire in Chinese chronic hepatitis B patients

AIM: To evaluate psychometrics of the Chinese (mainland) chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS: A cross-sectional sample of 460 Chinese patients with CHB was selected from the Outpatient Department of the Eighth Hospital of Xi'an, including CHB (CHB without cirrhosis) (n = 323) and CHB-related cirrhosis (n = 137). The psychometrics includes reliability, validity and sensitivity. Internal consistency reliability was measured using Cronbach's α. Convergent and discriminant validity was evaluated by item-scale correlation. Factorial validity was explored by principal component analysis with varimax rotation. Sensitivity was assessed using Cohen's effect size (ES), and independent sample t test between CHB and CHB-related cirrhosis groups and between alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normal and abnormal groups after stratifying the disease (CHB and CHB-related cirrhosis).RESULTS: Internal consistency reliability of the CLDQ was 0.83 (range: 0.65-0.90). Most of the hypothesized item-scale correlations were 0.40 or over, and all of such hypothesized correlations were higher than the alternative ones, indicating satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity. Six factors were extracted after varimax rotation from the 29 items of CLDQ. The eligible Cohen's ES with statistically significant independent sample t test was found in the overall CLDQ and abdominal, systematic, activity scales (CHB vs CHBrelated cirrhosis), and in the overall CLDQ and abdominal scale in the stratification of patients with CHB (ALT normal vs abnormal). CONCLUSION: The CLDQ has acceptable reliability, validity and sensitivity in Chinese (mainland) patients with CHB.

Prospective study of the prevalence and co-morbidities of obstructive sleep apnea in active-duty army personnel in the three southernmost provinces of Thailand using questionnaire screening

Background: It is crucial for the army to know the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea(OSA) syndrome in activeduty army personnel. Little information has been reported on the prevalence of OSA and clinical features in activeduty army personnel. This study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of snoring and risk of developing OSA in activeduty army personnel in Thailand and to identify the co-morbidities of OSA. In total, 1107 participants who were aged20–60 years and were deployed to the three southernmost provinces of Thailand were enrolled. All the participants completed the Phramongkutklao(PMK) Hospital OSA Questionnaire that was modified and validated from the Berlin Questionnaire and underwent physical examination. The participants were 1107 active-duty army personnel in the three southernmost provinces of Thailand, both males and females, aged 20–60 years.Methods: The PMK OSA Questionnaire was used to assess the risk of OSA together with interviewing for snoring,fatigue, falling asleep and day-time sleepiness. Physical examination of the neck, chest and hip circumference,and height was performed. Information concerning physical training, co-morbid diseases, smoking and alcoholic consumption was collected.Results: The prevalence of snoring was 58.5, and 4.8% met the PMK OSA Questionnaire criteria, thus indicating a high risk of OSA. The information obtained indicated that laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR), current smoking and alcoholic consumption were significantly higher in the high-risk OSA group.Conclusions: Early detection and treatment of OSA in active-duty army personnel are imperative. Physical examination and polysomnography can be used to reveal the high-risk group. High body mess index(BMI), laryngopharyngeal reflux, current smoking and alcoholic consumption are modifiable factors for OSA and are avoidable. A policy to decrease the BMI and risk of LPR, as well as to stop smoking and alcoholic consumption, should be applied.

Responsiveness and minimal clinically important difference of the Chinese version of the Low Vision Quality of Life Questionnaire after cataract surgery

AIM: To investigate the Chinese version of the Low Vision Quality of Life Questionnaire(CLVQOL) as an instrument for obtaining clinically important changes after cataract surgery.METHODS: Patients underwent cataract surgery in Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, who fit the inclusion criteria were recruited. Two CLVQOLs were administered, including a preoperative CLVQOL and a CLVQOL at the end of the 3 mo follow-up period, and were completed using face-to-face interviews or phone interviews conducted by trained investigators. The minimal clinically important difference(MCID) was calculated using an anchor-based method and a distribution method. In addition, the responsiveness of the questionnaire was measured.RESULTS: A total of 155 residents were enrolled. The average visual acuity(VA) preoperatively was 0.08(SD=0.05), and it increased to 0.47(SD=0.28) at the end of followup. Statistically significant positive changes in the CLVQOL scores indicated significant improvement of vision related quality of life after cataract surgery. With the larger value between the two results as the final value, the MCID values of the CLVQOL(scores of the four scales as well as the total score) were 8.94, 2.61, 4.34, 3.10 and 17.63, respectively. The CLVQOL has both good internal and external responsiveness.CONCLUSION: CLVQOL scores are appropriate instruments for obtaining clinically important changes after cataract surgery. This study is an effective exploration for establishingcataract surgery efficacy standards, which helps clinical and scientific research workers in ophthalmology to gain a more in-depth understanding when using CLVQOL.

Translation and validation of the Greek chronic liver disease questionnaire

AIM:To translate into Greek and validate the chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ).METHODS:Two hundred and six consecutive adult patients with the diagnosis of a chronic liver disease from 2 general hospitals in Athens were enrolled in the study from May to September 2008.In order to assess their quality of life (QOL) the CLDQ was applied.The instrument was translated from English,back translated and reviewed in focus groups within the framework of a large multicenter study.The measurements that were performed included:2 independent sample t tests,oneway analysis of variance,reliability coefficients,explanatory factor analysis using a varimax rotation and the principal components method.RESULTS:One hundred and twenty five (61%) patients were men,half were aged 40-59 years and > 33% were > 60 years old.Among the patients,48 (23%) were hospitalized and 97 (47%) were cirrhotic according to the Child-Pugh score.The internal consistency of the Greek CLDQ version using Cronbach's alpha coefficient was found to be 0.93.Exploratory factor analysis identified 7 domains accounting for 65% of the variance of CLDQ items and only partially overlapping with those found in the original version.The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was calculated at 0.813 and the logistic estimate for the threshold score of 167.50 provided a sensitivity of 74.3% and a specificity of 71.6% for the model.CONCLUSION:Our data confirmed the validity of the Greek version of the CLDQ in identifying the QOL among patients with chronic liver disease.

Questionnaire survey regarding the current status of superextended lymph node dissection in Japan

AIM To verify the current status of super-extended lymph node dissection for advanced gastric cancer according to a questionnaire survey.METHODS One-hundred and five institutions responded to the questionnaire.The survey included the following items: Number of experiences,whether performed prophylactically and/or therapeutically,whether preoperative chemotherapy was provided,number of preoperative chemotherapy rounds,and therapeutic options after chemotherapy.RESULTS Eighty-seven of the 105 institutions(83%) had performed D3 gastrectomy in the past or continued to perform D3 gastrectomy at present.However,D3 gastrectomy was rarely performed prophylactically in clinical practice.Seventy-eight institutions(74%) indicated that preoperative chemotherapy with curative intent was required for patients suspected of having para-aortic node(PAN) metastases.After chemotherapy,a D3 gastrectomy was scheduled for patients with a complete or partial response,stable disease,and progressive disease at 36(46%),28(36%),and 13(17%) of the institutions,respectively.CONCLUSION For patients with apparent PAN metastasis,a D3 gastrectomy is typically planned if a few courses of preoperative chemotherapy yield at least a stable disease condition.

Reliability and Validity of Simplified Chinese STOP-BANG Questionnaire in Diagnosing and Screening Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome

The main purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the simplified Chinese STOP-BANG Questionnaire(SBQ)as a diagnosing and screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS).Two hundred and ten patients with suspected OSAHS were recruited in this study.The simplified Chinese SBQ was completed twice before and after polysomnography(PSG)monitoring.SPSS 20.0 was used to analyze the test-retest reliability,discriminant validity,comparative validity and predictive validity of the SBQ.Fourteen patients were excluded on account of fragmentary data,and valid 196 were divided into four groups:non-OSAHS group(n=28,14.29%),mild OSAHS group(n=28,14.29%),moderate OSAHS group(n=31,15.81%)and severe OSAHS group(n=109,55.61%).The test-retest coefficient tor the first four items was 0.810,0.679,0.775,0.963 respectively and the total score of the STOP questionnaire was 0.854.The analysis of discriminant validity revealed that there were significant differences among four groups in the total score of the SBQ and scores of item 1,3,7 and 8,which were also validated between patients with normal blood oxygen saturation and different degrees of hypoxemia.The SBQ evaluation showed low consistency with diagnostic gold standard PSG(k=0.3O3,P<0.05).When taking apnea hypopnea index(AHI)≥5/h,≥15/h and≥30/h as cut-offs to evaluate the SBQ predictive value,the areas under ROC curve were 0.77,0.81 and 0.78,the sensitivity was 90.48%,93.57%and 93.33%,and corresponding negative predictive values were 40.74%,66.67%and 85.19%,respectively.It was suggested that the simplified Chinese version of SBQ had good reliability,and could distinguish the severity of OSAHS.Despite its limited diagnostic accuracy,the SBQ can be considered as an ideal tool for screening OSAHS with superior predictive validity.

Reproducibility and Validity of a Chinese Food Frequency Questionnaire

Objectives This study was design to develop a semi-quantitative Chinese Food Frequency Questionnaire （FFQ） and to conduct a validation study for the questionnaire. Methods Based on the survey experience in recent years, a new Chinese food frequency questionnaire （FFQ） with 149 items in 17 food categories was developed. A validation study on this new FFQ was conducted in Jiangsu and Beijing of China between 1999 and 2001. The period of study covered 1 year and the FFQ was validated by comparing with data obtained by a six repeated 24-hour recalls for 3 consecutive days, or a totally 18-day 24- hour recall throughout the year. A total of 271 healthy adult subjects were enrolled in the study. Food and nutrient intakes measured by the 18-day dietary recalls and food frequency questionnaires （FFQs） were computed in the National Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety, China CDC using the existing nutrition database. The average daily intake of foods and nutrients over the 18-day recall was used to compare with FFQ1 and FFQ2, which was conducted at the beginning and the end of the year, respectively. All statistical analyses were carried out using SAS software version 6.12.