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 convergenc...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.展开更多
The Baumann Skin Typing System diagnoses patients as having one of 16 skin types based on their answers to a validated questionnaire [i] known as the Baumann Skin Type Indicator [ii]. The BSTI questionnaire has been t...The Baumann Skin Typing System diagnoses patients as having one of 16 skin types based on their answers to a validated questionnaire [i] known as the Baumann Skin Type Indicator [ii]. The BSTI questionnaire has been tested over the last decade on over 200,000 people of various ages and ethnicities in different geographic locations around the world. In this study, data were collected from 52,862 patients to compare skin type prevalence between those who presented to doctor’s offices and those who took the quiz without supervision online. The most common skin types varied only slightly between patients that took the quiz online and those that completed the questionnaire in their doctor’s office. This indicates that the prevalence of skin types seen in the doctor’s office is similar to that in the general population and that supervision is not necessary to get an accurate result on the BSTI. [iii] In addition, comparison of data gathered in China, Korea, and the US did not show a significant difference in skin type prevalence between Asian and Caucasian skin types. [iv] This study demonstrates that the English version of the BSTI is valid for English speaking patients online, and in doctors’ offices in the US, China and Korea.展开更多
A concept is introduced in this article which has strong practical impact for computer aided system configuration. System configuration is a cumbersome and fault sensitive task while setting up systems in a broad rang...A concept is introduced in this article which has strong practical impact for computer aided system configuration. System configuration is a cumbersome and fault sensitive task while setting up systems in a broad range of business applications like ERP （enterprise resource planning） and other workflow-systems. Given a generic process or workflow model in YAWL-notation （yet another workflow language） or any other process modeling language like business process model and notation or WFMC （workflow management coalition）, it could be stated that, by using a set of reduction rules as introduced, it is possible to generate a hierarchically structured tree of sub graphs of the workflow graph-representation. According to the notation used, authors call these sub graphs facts. The tree structure of the graph-representation on one hand and the logical relation between the branches and leafs of the tree on the other can be utilized to create a set of constraints and dependencies among the single facts. Some researchers showed that the nested branches can be associated to （predefined） questions with respect to the configuration of a workflow management system, for instance an ERP-application. They presented an algorithm which dynamically sorts the questions and answers in a maximum efficient configuration path, while working through the corresponding questionnaire. By combining the different elements as facts, constraints on questions, and configuration space, it is thus possible to algorithmically generate the efficient structured and interactive questionnaire for the configuration of workflow systems and algorithmically check the consistency （dead lock free, free of synchronization structural conflict） of the underlying workflow model. The concept was tested in the prototype of the interactive questionnaire for configuration of the web-service based ERP-Application Posity.展开更多
Vougiouklis ＆ Vougiouklis have proposed the replacement of Likert scales, usually used in questionnaires, with a bar. With this proposal a discrete situation is replaced by a fuzzy one. There are identified certain a...Vougiouklis ＆ Vougiouklis have proposed the replacement of Likert scales, usually used in questionnaires, with a bar. With this proposal a discrete situation is replaced by a fuzzy one. There are identified certain advantages concerning the use of the bar as compared to that of a scale during both the stages of filling-in as well as processing a questionnaire. The main advantage associated with business research requirements is the fact that it is expected to be much quicker to fill in and much easier to explain to participants. The bar provides the potential for different types of processing Likert scales cannot. Therefore the researchers are allowed to ascertain that the given answers follow not only the already suggested and used Gauss distribution but also a parabola distribution as it will be suggested in present paper, and which is expected to give the researcher the opportunity to ＂correct＂ this tendency. Therefore, a possibility of choosing amongst a number of alternatives is offered, by utilizing fuzzy logic in the same way as it has already been done in industry and combining mathematical models with multivalued operations.展开更多
There are several approaches to data collection, such as questionnaires, interviews, observations, focus groups and so on. This essay will look at two specific methods, interviews and questionnaires. It will involve i...There are several approaches to data collection, such as questionnaires, interviews, observations, focus groups and so on. This essay will look at two specific methods, interviews and questionnaires. It will involve individual strengths and weaknesses at first and then have a brief clarification of'why'and'when'to use. Finally, this essay will list out some problems that researchers might face during the process.展开更多
AIM:To use a survey to characterize and identify potential barriers to the use of digital chromoendoscopy(DC)by practicing gastroenterologists.METHODS:An anonymous,internet-based survey was sent to gastroenterologists...AIM:To use a survey to characterize and identify potential barriers to the use of digital chromoendoscopy(DC)by practicing gastroenterologists.METHODS:An anonymous,internet-based survey was sent to gastroenterologists in Connecticut who were members of one of three national gastrointestinal organizations.The survey collected demographic information,frequency of DC use,types of procedures that the respondent performs,setting of practice(academic vs community),years out of training,amount of training in DC,desire to have DC training and perceived barriers to DC use.Responses were collected anonymously.The primary endpoint was the proportion of endoscopists utilizing DC.Associations between the various data collected were analyzed usingχ2 test.RESULTS:One hundred and twenty-four gastroenterologists(48%)of 261 who received the online survey responded.Seventy-eight percent of surveyed gastroenterologists have used DC during the performance of upper endoscopy and 81%with lower endoscopy.DC was used in more than half of procedures by only 14%of gastroenterologists during upper endoscopy and 12%during lower endoscopy.Twenty-three percent(upper)and 21%(lower)used DC more than one quarter of the time.DC was used for 10%or less of endoscopies by 60%(upper)and53%(lower)of respondents.Endoscopists reported lack of training as the leading deterrent to DC use with36%reporting it as their primary deterrent.Eighty-nine percent of endoscopists never received formal training in DC.Lack of time(30%of respondents),lack of evidence(24%)and lack of reimbursement(10%)were additional deterrents.There were no differences in DC use relative to academic vs community practice setting or years out of training.CONCLUSION:DC is used infrequently by most endoscopists,primarily due to a lack of training.Training opportunities should be expanded to meet the interest expressed by the majority of endoscopists.展开更多
Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder impairing patient’s quality of life. Currently, there is no effective treatment for this syndrome. Coltect is a dietary supplement containing curcumin, ...Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder impairing patient’s quality of life. Currently, there is no effective treatment for this syndrome. Coltect is a dietary supplement containing curcumin, green tea and selenomethionine. Aim: To investigate the effects of Coltect on IBS symptoms. Methods: A randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled, double blinded, crossover study. The study population included patients diagnosed with IBS by Rome criteria. Subjects were randomized to receive either Coltect or placebo for 4 weeks, and then received the opposite treatment for 4 weeks following a washout period of 2 weeks. The placebo was a pill, identical in color and size to the Coltect pill, with no active ingredients. Patients completed IBS health-related quality of life, severity score and IBS symptom questionnaires before and after each treatment period. Results: The study included 22 patients, ages 22 – 77 years. Coltect had a positive effect on patients’ satisfaction with their bowel habits (as measured on a scale from 0—Very satisfied to 100—Very unsatisfied). Average score was 70.4 ± 33.1 before and 61.8 ± 29.3 after Coltect treatment (p = 0.037). Other parameters, including abdominal pain, bloating, and effects of IBS on daily activity, symptoms, IBS-related quality of life and general health quality of life were unchanged. Conclusion: Coltect seems to have a positive effect on satisfaction with bowel habits.展开更多
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a serious threat worldwide.Although early screening is suggested to be the most effective method to prevent and control CRC,the current situation of early screening for CRC is still...BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a serious threat worldwide.Although early screening is suggested to be the most effective method to prevent and control CRC,the current situation of early screening for CRC is still not optimistic.In China,the incidence of CRC in the Yangtze River Delta region is increasing dramatically,but few studies have been conducted.Therefore,it is necessary to develop a simple and efficient early screening model for CRC.AIM To develop and validate an early-screening nomogram model to identify individuals at high risk of CRC.METHODS Data of 64448 participants obtained from Ningbo Hospital,China between 2014 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.The cohort comprised 64448 individuals,of which,530 were excluded due to missing or incorrect data.Of 63918,7607(11.9%)individuals were considered to be high risk for CRC,and 56311(88.1%)were not.The participants were randomly allocated to a training set(44743)or validation set(19175).The discriminatory ability,predictive accuracy,and clinical utility of the model were evaluated by constructing and analyzing receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and calibration curves and by decision curve analysis.Finally,the model was validated internally using a bootstrap resampling technique.RESULTS Seven variables,including demographic,lifestyle,and family history information,were examined.Multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that age[odds ratio(OR):1.03,95%confidence interval(CI):1.02-1.03,P<0.001],body mass index(BMI)(OR:1.07,95%CI:1.06-1.08,P<0.001),waist circumference(WC)(OR:1.03,95%CI:1.02-1.03 P<0.001),lifestyle(OR:0.45,95%CI:0.42-0.48,P<0.001),and family history(OR:4.28,95%CI:4.04-4.54,P<0.001)were the most significant predictors of high-risk CRC.Healthy lifestyle was a protective factor,whereas family history was the most significant risk factor.The area under the curve was 0.734(95%CI:0.723-0.745)for the final validation set ROC curve and 0.735(95%CI:0.728-0.742)for the training set ROC curve.The calibration curve demonstrated a high correlation between the CRC high-risk population predicted by the nomogram model and the actual CRC high-risk population.CONCLUSION The early-screening nomogram model for CRC prediction in high-risk populations developed in this study based on age,BMI,WC,lifestyle,and family history exhibited high accuracy.展开更多
文摘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.
文摘The Baumann Skin Typing System diagnoses patients as having one of 16 skin types based on their answers to a validated questionnaire [i] known as the Baumann Skin Type Indicator [ii]. The BSTI questionnaire has been tested over the last decade on over 200,000 people of various ages and ethnicities in different geographic locations around the world. In this study, data were collected from 52,862 patients to compare skin type prevalence between those who presented to doctor’s offices and those who took the quiz without supervision online. The most common skin types varied only slightly between patients that took the quiz online and those that completed the questionnaire in their doctor’s office. This indicates that the prevalence of skin types seen in the doctor’s office is similar to that in the general population and that supervision is not necessary to get an accurate result on the BSTI. [iii] In addition, comparison of data gathered in China, Korea, and the US did not show a significant difference in skin type prevalence between Asian and Caucasian skin types. [iv] This study demonstrates that the English version of the BSTI is valid for English speaking patients online, and in doctors’ offices in the US, China and Korea.
文摘A concept is introduced in this article which has strong practical impact for computer aided system configuration. System configuration is a cumbersome and fault sensitive task while setting up systems in a broad range of business applications like ERP （enterprise resource planning） and other workflow-systems. Given a generic process or workflow model in YAWL-notation （yet another workflow language） or any other process modeling language like business process model and notation or WFMC （workflow management coalition）, it could be stated that, by using a set of reduction rules as introduced, it is possible to generate a hierarchically structured tree of sub graphs of the workflow graph-representation. According to the notation used, authors call these sub graphs facts. The tree structure of the graph-representation on one hand and the logical relation between the branches and leafs of the tree on the other can be utilized to create a set of constraints and dependencies among the single facts. Some researchers showed that the nested branches can be associated to （predefined） questions with respect to the configuration of a workflow management system, for instance an ERP-application. They presented an algorithm which dynamically sorts the questions and answers in a maximum efficient configuration path, while working through the corresponding questionnaire. By combining the different elements as facts, constraints on questions, and configuration space, it is thus possible to algorithmically generate the efficient structured and interactive questionnaire for the configuration of workflow systems and algorithmically check the consistency （dead lock free, free of synchronization structural conflict） of the underlying workflow model. The concept was tested in the prototype of the interactive questionnaire for configuration of the web-service based ERP-Application Posity.
文摘Vougiouklis ＆ Vougiouklis have proposed the replacement of Likert scales, usually used in questionnaires, with a bar. With this proposal a discrete situation is replaced by a fuzzy one. There are identified certain advantages concerning the use of the bar as compared to that of a scale during both the stages of filling-in as well as processing a questionnaire. The main advantage associated with business research requirements is the fact that it is expected to be much quicker to fill in and much easier to explain to participants. The bar provides the potential for different types of processing Likert scales cannot. Therefore the researchers are allowed to ascertain that the given answers follow not only the already suggested and used Gauss distribution but also a parabola distribution as it will be suggested in present paper, and which is expected to give the researcher the opportunity to ＂correct＂ this tendency. Therefore, a possibility of choosing amongst a number of alternatives is offered, by utilizing fuzzy logic in the same way as it has already been done in industry and combining mathematical models with multivalued operations.
文摘There are several approaches to data collection, such as questionnaires, interviews, observations, focus groups and so on. This essay will look at two specific methods, interviews and questionnaires. It will involve individual strengths and weaknesses at first and then have a brief clarification of'why'and'when'to use. Finally, this essay will list out some problems that researchers might face during the process.
文摘AIM:To use a survey to characterize and identify potential barriers to the use of digital chromoendoscopy(DC)by practicing gastroenterologists.METHODS:An anonymous,internet-based survey was sent to gastroenterologists in Connecticut who were members of one of three national gastrointestinal organizations.The survey collected demographic information,frequency of DC use,types of procedures that the respondent performs,setting of practice(academic vs community),years out of training,amount of training in DC,desire to have DC training and perceived barriers to DC use.Responses were collected anonymously.The primary endpoint was the proportion of endoscopists utilizing DC.Associations between the various data collected were analyzed usingχ2 test.RESULTS:One hundred and twenty-four gastroenterologists(48%)of 261 who received the online survey responded.Seventy-eight percent of surveyed gastroenterologists have used DC during the performance of upper endoscopy and 81%with lower endoscopy.DC was used in more than half of procedures by only 14%of gastroenterologists during upper endoscopy and 12%during lower endoscopy.Twenty-three percent(upper)and 21%(lower)used DC more than one quarter of the time.DC was used for 10%or less of endoscopies by 60%(upper)and53%(lower)of respondents.Endoscopists reported lack of training as the leading deterrent to DC use with36%reporting it as their primary deterrent.Eighty-nine percent of endoscopists never received formal training in DC.Lack of time(30%of respondents),lack of evidence(24%)and lack of reimbursement(10%)were additional deterrents.There were no differences in DC use relative to academic vs community practice setting or years out of training.CONCLUSION:DC is used infrequently by most endoscopists,primarily due to a lack of training.Training opportunities should be expanded to meet the interest expressed by the majority of endoscopists.
文摘Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder impairing patient’s quality of life. Currently, there is no effective treatment for this syndrome. Coltect is a dietary supplement containing curcumin, green tea and selenomethionine. Aim: To investigate the effects of Coltect on IBS symptoms. Methods: A randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled, double blinded, crossover study. The study population included patients diagnosed with IBS by Rome criteria. Subjects were randomized to receive either Coltect or placebo for 4 weeks, and then received the opposite treatment for 4 weeks following a washout period of 2 weeks. The placebo was a pill, identical in color and size to the Coltect pill, with no active ingredients. Patients completed IBS health-related quality of life, severity score and IBS symptom questionnaires before and after each treatment period. Results: The study included 22 patients, ages 22 – 77 years. Coltect had a positive effect on patients’ satisfaction with their bowel habits (as measured on a scale from 0—Very satisfied to 100—Very unsatisfied). Average score was 70.4 ± 33.1 before and 61.8 ± 29.3 after Coltect treatment (p = 0.037). Other parameters, including abdominal pain, bloating, and effects of IBS on daily activity, symptoms, IBS-related quality of life and general health quality of life were unchanged. Conclusion: Coltect seems to have a positive effect on satisfaction with bowel habits.
基金Supported by the Project of NINGBO Leading Medical Health Discipline,No.2022-B11Ningbo Natural Science Foundation,No.202003N4206Public Welfare Foundation of Ningbo,No.2021S108.
文摘BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a serious threat worldwide.Although early screening is suggested to be the most effective method to prevent and control CRC,the current situation of early screening for CRC is still not optimistic.In China,the incidence of CRC in the Yangtze River Delta region is increasing dramatically,but few studies have been conducted.Therefore,it is necessary to develop a simple and efficient early screening model for CRC.AIM To develop and validate an early-screening nomogram model to identify individuals at high risk of CRC.METHODS Data of 64448 participants obtained from Ningbo Hospital,China between 2014 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.The cohort comprised 64448 individuals,of which,530 were excluded due to missing or incorrect data.Of 63918,7607(11.9%)individuals were considered to be high risk for CRC,and 56311(88.1%)were not.The participants were randomly allocated to a training set(44743)or validation set(19175).The discriminatory ability,predictive accuracy,and clinical utility of the model were evaluated by constructing and analyzing receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and calibration curves and by decision curve analysis.Finally,the model was validated internally using a bootstrap resampling technique.RESULTS Seven variables,including demographic,lifestyle,and family history information,were examined.Multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that age[odds ratio(OR):1.03,95%confidence interval(CI):1.02-1.03,P<0.001],body mass index(BMI)(OR:1.07,95%CI:1.06-1.08,P<0.001),waist circumference(WC)(OR:1.03,95%CI:1.02-1.03 P<0.001),lifestyle(OR:0.45,95%CI:0.42-0.48,P<0.001),and family history(OR:4.28,95%CI:4.04-4.54,P<0.001)were the most significant predictors of high-risk CRC.Healthy lifestyle was a protective factor,whereas family history was the most significant risk factor.The area under the curve was 0.734(95%CI:0.723-0.745)for the final validation set ROC curve and 0.735(95%CI:0.728-0.742)for the training set ROC curve.The calibration curve demonstrated a high correlation between the CRC high-risk population predicted by the nomogram model and the actual CRC high-risk population.CONCLUSION The early-screening nomogram model for CRC prediction in high-risk populations developed in this study based on age,BMI,WC,lifestyle,and family history exhibited high accuracy.
文摘目的 观察头穴丛刺长留针法治疗偏头痛的临床疗效。方法 将88例偏头痛患者随机分为观察组(44例,脱落2例)和对照组(44例,脱落3例)。观察组采用常规针刺联合头穴丛刺长留针法治疗,对照组采用常规针刺方法治疗。比较两组临床疗效,观察两组治疗前后的视觉模拟量表(visual analog scale, VAS)评分、偏头痛特异性生活质量问卷(migraine-specific quality of life questionnaire, MSQ)、血清5-羟色胺(5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT)浓度。结果 观察组总有效率为92.9%,高于对照组的78.0%,差异有统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组治疗后VAS评分较治疗前降低(P<0.05),两组随访时VAS评分较治疗前和治疗后降低(P<0.05);观察组治疗后及随访时,VAS评分均低于对照组(P<0.05)。两组治疗后MSQ评分较治疗前升高(P<0.05),两组随访时MSQ评分较治疗前和治疗后升高(P<0.05);观察组治疗后及随访时,MSQ评分均高于对照组(P<0.05)。两组治疗后血清5-HT浓度均升高,且观察组高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 在常规针刺基础上,头穴丛刺长留针法治疗偏头痛临床疗效优于常规针刺方法,且在减轻偏头痛患者疼痛程度,改善其生活质量及提高5-HT浓度方面优于常规针刺方法。
