Background/Aims: Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common gut-brain interaction disorder, deteriorate patients’ quality of life and increase medical needs; therefore, IBS represents a significant global burden. The estimated global prevalence is approximately 10%; however, accumulated evidence shows international heterogeneity. In this study, we have described and compared the prevalence of IBS in 3 East Asian countries: Japan (Tokyo and Fukuoka), China (Beijing), and South Korea (Seoul). Methods: We conducted an internet-based cross-sectional survey of the urban population aged > 20 years in the abovementioned countries. We recruited equal numbers of age- (20s-60s) and sex-matched participants (3910 residents). IBS was diagnosed according to the Rome III criteria, and the subtypes were analyzed. Results: The overall prevalence of IBS with 95% CI was 12.6% (11.6-13.7); the prevalence was significantly different across Japan, China, and South Korea (14.9% [13.4-16.5], 5.5% [4.3-7.1], and 15.6% [13.3-18.3], respectively) (P < 0.001). Furthermore, 54.9% of patients were male. IBS-mixed was the most prevalent subtype; the prevalence of other subtypes varied. Conclusions The overall prevalence of IBS in the 3 countries was slightly higher than the global prevalence, and it was significantly lower in China than in Japan and South Korea. IBS prevalence was the highest and lowest among individuals in their 40s and 60s, respectively. Male individuals had a higher prevalence of IBS with diarrhea. Further studies are needed to elucidate the factors associated with this regional heterogeneity.

Purpose：The Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure (SHAP) is a test of upper extremity function composed of 12 movement tasks and 14 activities of daily living tasks, and is used as an assessment battery for upper extremity prostheses. The purpose of this study is to examine its validity in clinical practice.Methods：The study included 143 patients with hemiparesis. The validity of SHAP and an existing assessment battery were compared in this study. Factors influencing the validity of differences between dominant and non-dominant hands were examined.Results：Concomitant validity was shown between the SHAP Japanese version and an existing upper extremity function evaluation method. A strong correlation with the subjective evaluation scale was obtained in cases of dominant hand paralysis.Discussion：These results suggested that SHAP is able to accurately evaluate upper extremity hemiparesis, because the difficulty level in evaluation of upper extremity function is higher than that of the Action Research Arm Test, and a ceiling effect is unlikely. Therefore, SHAP is useful in clinical practice not only for assessment of an artificial hand but also for hemiparesis with stroke. Further study to clarify the characteristics of SHAP as well as verification of reliability and standard values is warranted.

Purpose：The Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure (SHAP) is a test of upper extremity function composed of 12 movement tasks and 14 activities of daily living tasks, and is used as an assessment battery for upper extremity prostheses. The purpose of this study is to examine its validity in clinical practice.Methods：The study included 143 patients with hemiparesis. The validity of SHAP and an existing assessment battery were compared in this study. Factors influencing the validity of differences between dominant and non-dominant hands were examined.Results：Concomitant validity was shown between the SHAP Japanese version and an existing upper extremity function evaluation method. A strong correlation with the subjective evaluation scale was obtained in cases of dominant hand paralysis.Discussion：These results suggested that SHAP is able to accurately evaluate upper extremity hemiparesis, because the difficulty level in evaluation of upper extremity function is higher than that of the Action Research Arm Test, and a ceiling effect is unlikely. Therefore, SHAP is useful in clinical practice not only for assessment of an artificial hand but also for hemiparesis with stroke. Further study to clarify the characteristics of SHAP as well as verification of reliability and standard values is warranted.