The quality of relationship between a person with dementia and a family caregiver has been identified as one of important factor in informal dementia care. Currently there is no validated questionnaire to measure the dyadic relationship in Malaysia. The aim of present study is to examine the reliability and validity of Quality of the PatientCaregiver Relationship (QCPR) questionnaire in Malay version. A total of 70 patients with mild to moderate dementia and their caregivers were recruited from the psychogeriatric clinic, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre using a cross sectional study. The QCPR questionnaire was translated into Malay following the standard guidelines for crosscultural adaptation of measure. The person with dementia and their caregiver completed the QCPR Malay version separately. Internal consistency and test-retest examined for reliability. Construct validity was tested with principal component factor analysis. The reliability of patient QCPR Malay version was good with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.86 and intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.85. Item 11 was omitted from the caregiver QCPR Malay version due to its poor correlation with the corrected item-total score. The newly formed scale, 13 items caregiver QCPR Malay version, had satisfactory reliability (Cronbach’s alpha 0.89 and intraclass correlation coefficients 0.91). Principal component factor analysis extracted 4 factors for patient version and 3 factors for caregiver version which explained 69.44% (patients’ report) and 61.20% (caregivers’ report) of the total variance of the scale. As a conclusion, both the patient (14 items) and caregiver (13 items) adapted QCPR Malay version is a reliable and valid tool to measure the quality of dyadic relationship between people with mild to moderate dementia and the caregiver.
Informal care ; dementia ; caregiver ; questionnaire ; reliability ; validity

Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) is a simple, valid and reliable questionnaire that can be administered to quantify older adults’ physical activity levels during daily living. However, PASE in Malay language for use among older population is not available. The objective of our current study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Malay translated Physical Activity Scale for Elderly (PASE-M) for the use among older adults. Objective results of physical activity were obtained by wearing continuously an accelerometer for one week among a population of older adults in Malaysia who speak Malay language. Participants completed PASE-M twice, on day-8 (PASE-M1) and day-15 (PASE-M2). Concurrent validity between PASE-M1 and accelerometer results was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Test-retest reliability for one week interval of PASE-M was tested using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Forty-four community-dwelling older adults (12 men and 32 women; mean age ± SD= 66.95 ± 5.34) participated in this study. However, only 33 participants (8 men and 25 women; mean age ± SD= 66.64 ± 5.51) were able to achieve the minimum accelerometer wearing time and filled up the PASE-M questionnaire for two times with one weeks interval. The results showed the PASE-M score was significantly correlated with vector magnitude (VM) counts (r=0.54, p<0.01), time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (r =0.55, p<0.01), energy expenditure (r =0.53, p<0.01) and walking steps (r=0.39, p<0.05). A high reliability (ICC = 0.96) was demonstrated between first and the subsequent administration of PASE-M (p<0.01, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98). The PASE-M is a valid and reliable questionnaire to assess physical activity level for Malaysian community-dwelling older adults.
older adults, physical activity, questionnaire, accelerometer, validity, reliability

Anthropometric study is one of the oldest branches of study in ergonomics where it serves a purpose in study of proportion and size for human body. One of the common methods used in anthropometric measurement is traditional measurement or direct measurement. However, Malaysia is still left behind other countries in development of national anthropometric database. Researchers in Malaysia are still relying on the traditional anthropometric (TA) measurement. There are several important factors that contribute to problems in TA such as accuracy, time, posture, identification of landmarks, instrument positions and orientations, and pressure exerted due to measuring equipment. In view of the fact that the difficulties of obtaining human anthropometry, it becomes necessary to propose a method which has less contact executed to respondent. This study aims to propose a new anthropometric measurement method using motion capture camera (MCC) method, later to develop the database for youth male population. A pilot test was done in order to confirm the measuring procedure as well as the flow of the study. Next, the Minitab statistical software used to check the validity and reliability of data using the tests of a) Accuracy-Pearson/Spearman Correlation b) BiasPaired T-Test c) Test-Retest Reliability-Pearson/Spearman Correlation d) Precision-Mean Absolute Difference and Relative Error Measurement. Results showed that the validity and reliability of this motion camera has successfully obtained and the anthropometric data for youth male respondents has successfully constructed. These findings can be used and expended to the national anthropometric database to be utilised in ergonomics design.
traditional anthropometry ; non-contact anthropometry measurements ; validity and reliability ; ergonomics design

PURPOSE: This study was performed to investigate the intra- and inter-observer variability in linear measurements with axial images obtained by PreXion (PreXion Inc., San Mateo, USA) and i-CAT (Imaging Sciences International, Xoran Technologies Inc., Hatfield, USA) CBCT scanners, with different voxel sizes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cylindrical object made from nylon with radiopaque markers (phantom) was scanned by i-CAT and PreXion 3D devices. For each axial image, measurements were taken twice in the horizontal (distance A-B) and vertical (distance C-D) directions, randomly, with a one-week interval between measurements, by four oral radiologists with five years or more experience in the use of these measuring tools. RESULTS: All of the obtained linear measurements had lower values than those of the phantom. The statistical analysis showed high intra- and inter-observer reliability (p=0.297). Compared to the real measurements, the measurements obtained using the i-CAT device and PreXion tomography, on average, revealed absolute errors ranging from 0.22 to 0.59 mm and from 0.23 to 0.63 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that both scanners are accurate, although the linear measurements are underestimations, with no significant differences between the evaluators.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography* ; Dimensional Measurement Accuracy ; Nylons ; Observer Variation ; Reproducibility of Results

BACKGROUND: In daily clinical practice, it is essential to properly evaluate the postoperative sliding distance of various femoral head fixation devices (HFD) for trochanteric fractures. Although it is necessary to develop an accurate and reproducible method that is unaffected by inconsistent postoperative limb position on radiography, few studies have examined which method is optimal. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to prospectively compare the accuracy and reproducibility of our four original methods in the measurement of sliding distance of the HFD. METHODS: Radiographs of plastic simulated bone implanted with Japanese proximal femoral nail antirotation were taken in five limb postures: neutral, flexion, minute internal rotation, greater external rotation, and flexion with external rotation. Orthopedic surgeons performed five measurements of the sliding distance of the HFD in each of the flowing four methods: nail axis reference (NAR), modified NAR, inner edge reference, and nail tip reference. We also assessed two clinical cases by using these methods and evaluated the intraclass correlation coefficients. RESULTS: The measured values were consistent in the NAR method regardless of limb posture, with an even smaller error when using the modified NAR method. The standard deviation (SD) was high in the nail tip reference method and extremely low in the modified NAR method. In the two clinical cases, the SD was the lowest in the modified NAR method, similar to the results using plastic simulated bone. The intraclass correlation coefficients showed the highest value in the modified NAR method. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the modified NAR method should be the most recommended based on its accuracy, reproducibility, and usefulness.
*Bone Nails ; *Dimensional Measurement Accuracy ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary/instrumentation/*methods ; Hip Fractures/*surgery ; Prospective Studies ; Reproducibility of Results

INTRODUCTIONElectrocardiographic (ECG) criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), such as the Cornell and Sokolow-Lyon voltage criteria were derived from Western populations. However, their utility and accuracy for diagnosing echocardiographic LVH in Asian populations is unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of ECG criteria for LVH in Asians and to determine if alternative gender-specific ECG cut-offs may improve its diagnostic accuracy.

MATERIALS AND METHODSECG and echocardiographic assessments were performed on 668 community-dwelling Asian adults (50.9% women; 57 ± 10 years) in Singapore. The accuracy of ECG voltage criteria was compared to echocardiographic LVH criteria based on the American Society of Echocardiography guidelines, and Asian ethnicity and gender-specific partition values.

RESULTSEchocardiographic LVH was present in 93 (13.6%) adults. Cornell criteria had low sensitivity (5.5%) and high specificity (98.9%) for diagnosing LVH. Modified gender specific cut-offs (18 mm in women, 22 mm in men) improved sensitivity (8.8% to 17.5%, 0% to 14.7%, respectively) whilst preserving specificity (98.2% to 94.2%, 100% to 95.8%). Similarly, Sokolow-Lyon criteria had poor sensitivity (7.7%) and high specificity (96.1%) for diagnosing LVH. Lowering the cut-off value from 35 mm to 31 mm improved the sensitivity in women from 3.5% to 14% while preserving specificity at 94.2%. A cut-off of 36 mm was optimal in men (sensitivity of 14.7%, specificity of 95.5%).

CONCLUSIONCurrent ECG criteria for LVH derived in Western cohorts have limited sensitivity in Asian populations. Our data suggests that ethnicity- and gender-specific ECG criteria may be needed.

Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; statistics & numerical data ; Dimensional Measurement Accuracy ; Echocardiography ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular ; diagnosis ; ethnology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Sex Factors ; Singapore ; epidemiology

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reliability and validity of hand-held dynamometer (HHD) depending on its fixation in measuring isometric knee extensor strength by comparing the results with an isokinetic dynamometer. METHODS: Twenty-seven healthy female volunteers participated in this study. The subjects were tested in seated and supine position using three measurement methods: isometric knee extension by isokinetic dynamometer, non-fixed HHD, and fixed HHD. During the measurement, the knee joints of subjects were fixed at a 35degrees angle from the extended position. The fixed HHD measurement was conducted with the HHD fixed to distal tibia with a Velcro strap; non-fixed HHD was performed with a hand-held method without Velcro fixation. All the measurements were repeated three times and among them, the maximum values of peak torque were used for the analysis. RESULTS: The data from the fixed HHD method showed higher validity than the non-fixed method compared with the results of the isokinetic dynamometer. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) between fixed HHD and isokinetic dynamometer method were statistically significant (supine-right: r=0.806, p<0.05; seating-right: r=0.473, p<0.05; supine-left: r=0.524, p<0.05), whereas Pearson correlation coefficients between non-fixed dynamometer and isokinetic dynamometer methods were not statistically significant, except for the result of the supine position of the left leg (r=0.384, p<0.05). Both fixed and non-fixed HHD methods showed excellent inter-rater reliability. However, the fixed HHD method showed a higher reliability than the non-fixed HHD method by considering the intraclass correlation coefficient (fixed HHD, 0.952-0.984; non-fixed HHD, 0.940-0.963). CONCLUSION: Fixation of HHD during measurement in the supine position increases the reliability and validity in measuring the quadriceps strength.
Dimensional Measurement Accuracy ; Female ; Humans ; Isometric Contraction ; Knee Joint ; Knee* ; Leg ; Methods ; Muscle Strength Dynamometer ; Pilot Projects* ; Reproducibility of Results* ; Restraint, Physical ; Supine Position ; Tibia ; Torque ; Volunteers

Background: The use of 3D printing in medical education, prosthetics, and preoperative planning requires dimensional accuracy of the models compared to the replicated tissues or organs. Objective. To determine the dimensional accuracy of 3D-printed models replicated from metacarpal bones from cadavers. Methods: Fifty-two models were 3D-printed using fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), and binder jetting method from 13 right first metacarpal bones of cadavers from the College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila. Six dimensional parameters of the 3D-printed models and their control bones were measured using 0.01 mm calipers — length, midshaft diameter, base width, base height, head width, and head height. Mean measurements were compared using non-inferiority testing and multidimensional scaling. Results: Mean measurements of the 3D-printed models were slightly larger than their control bones (standard deviation range: 1.219-4.264; standard error range, 0.338-1.183). All models were found to be at least 90% accurate and statistically non-inferior compared to control bones. DLP-printed models were the most accurate (base width, 99.62 %) and most similar to their control bone (–0.05, 90% CI –0.34, 0.24). Through multidimensional scaling, DLP-printed models (coordinate = 0.437) were the most similar to the control bone (coordinate = 0.899). Conclusion The 3D-printed models are dimensionally accurate when compared to bones.
Stereolithography ; Dimensional Measurement Accuracy ; Printing, Three-Dimensional

Blind review is one of the most important milestones in clinical trials, which connects data management process to statistical analysis. During blind review, data quality should be reviewed and assessed on both data management and statistical aspects. The primary work of data managers in blind review is to ensure the accuracy of data before it is handed over to biostatistics group. Database auditing, listing data reviewing and reconciliation should become a good clinical data management practice. Statisticians, on the other hand, will focus on quality findings related to protocol deviations or protocol violations. To investigate the protocol deviations and/or violations and relevant impacts on data outcomes, it is important to provide the essential basis of data quality through the blind review, and to assess the reliability of study outcomes.
Biostatistics ; Clinical Trials as Topic ; Data Accuracy ; Databases, Factual ; Reproducibility of Results

The quality and integrity of clinical trials and associated data are not only derived from accuracy of trial data analyses, but also closely embodied to the authenticity and integrity of those data and data documents as well as the compliant procedures obtaining those data and relevant files in the life cycle of clinical trials. The compliances of good clinical practices and standards suggest the reliability, complete and accuracy of data and data documents, which is constructing the convincible foundation of drug efficacy and safety validated via clinical trials. Therefore, the monitoring and auditing on clinical trials and associated data quality keep eyes on not only verifications of reliability and correctness on the data analytic outcomes, but also validation of science and compliance of the trial management procedure and documentations in the process of data collections.
Clinical Trials as Topic ; standards ; Data Accuracy ; Reproducibility of Results