SS Scale Research Articles

Prevalence of Fibromyalgia among Patients with Chronic Pain in a Tertiary Pain Management Centre of Bangladesh

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is one of the most common chronic pain disorders deteriorating the quality of life of the patients all over the world. The objective of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of fibromyalgia in chronic pain patients attending in a pain clinic of a university teaching hospital Bangladesh.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 262 consecutive patients visiting the pain clinic of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2019 to June 2019. FM was diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology in 2016. Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, independent t-test was used for comparison, as needed. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The overall prevalence of FM was 12.6%. The prevalence was higher among female (20.5%) compared to male (2.6%) (p < 0.001). The duration and intensity of pain were significantly higher among patients with fibromyalgia (duration 5.9 years vs 5.1 years, p = 0.004; VAS score 6.12 ± 1.09 vs 5.40 ± 0.96, p = 0.002). The WPI and SS scale score difference between patients with or without fibromyalgia was also significant (p < 0.001). The mean (SD) number of tender points was 15.4 (1.4).Conclusion: The prevalence of FM among patients attending pain clinic of BSMMU was high. Besides, pain duration and intensity was also high among these patients which potentially has negative impact on their quality of life.

SIKAP DAN MOTIVASI PETANI DALAM BUDIDAYA TANAMAN SEMANGKA DI LAHAN PASIR PANTAI, KABUPATEN PURWOREJO, JAWA TENGAH

<div>Attitude and motivation are two important components in cultivating watermelon plants in coastal sandy land, Purworejo Regency. There were 2 objectives of this study, namely 1) to determine the attitudes of farmers in the cultivation of watermelons in coastal sandy land, Purworejo Regency and 2) to determine the</div><div>motivation of farmers in watermelon cultivation in coastal sandy land, Purworejo Regency. Respondents involved in this study were 60 farmers in Grabag District,</div><div>Ngombol District, and Purwodadi District. The research was conducted by purposive sampling, which was carried out in accordance with the research objectives. The analysis used was Likert scale and class intervals. They were used to determine the level of attitude and motivation of farmers in watermelon cultivation in coastal sandy land, Purworejo Regency. The Likert scale used was the SS scale (Strongly Agree), S (Agree), R (Doubtful), TS (Disagree), STS (Strongly Disagree) while class intervals were divided into 3 categories, namely high, medium, and low categories. The results of this study were 1) the attitude of farmers in watermelon cultivation in the coastal sandy land of Purworejo Regency, Central Java was medium. This study showed that many farmers had a tendency to utilize coastal sandy land for watermelons cultivation in Purworejo Regency and 2) the motivation of farmers in cultivating watermelons in coastal sandy land in Purworejo Regency, Central Java was medium as well. Therefore, it revealed that many farmers had been motivated to utilize coastal sandy land to cultivate watermelon plants in Purworejo Regency.</div>

Abstract 118: Paramedic-Administered Los Angeles Motor Scale identifies Ischemic Stroke with Large Vessel Occlusion and Intracranial Hemorrhage for Routing to Comprehensive Stroke Centers and Compares Favorably to Other Screening Methods

Background: Considering the recent advances in endovascular thrombectomy and advances in neurocritical care of patients with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), there is an urgent need to develop tools for paramedics to identify patients likely to benefit from direct routing to comprehensive stroke centers (CSC). We report prospective validation of the Los Angeles Motor Scale (LAMS) performed by paramedics in the field, and compare its performance with other proposed prehospital LVO-identification scales. Methods: We analyzed all subjects enrolled in the NIH Field Administration of Stroke Therapy -Magnesium (FAST-MAG) trial transported directly to an academic center with a policy of performing immediate CTA or MRA imaging for all likely strokes. Prehospital LAMS was performed by paramedics prior to field enrollment. Hospital arrival (HA) LAMS and NIHSS were performed by trained study nurses after ED arrival. RACE, PASS, and 3i SS scales were calculated from NIHSS items. LVO in a proximal cerebral artery (ICA, MCA M1 & M2, Vertebral, Basilar and PCA P1 & 2) was determined by 3 vascular neurologists with expertise in neuroimaging. An LVO or ICH were considered as CSC appropriate patients. Results: Among 94 patients, age was 68 (±13) and 49% were female. Final diagnoses were acute cerebral ischemia in 71 (76%), intracranial hemorrhage in 18 (19%), mimic in 5 (5%). Overall, 48 patients (68%) had LVO, including MCA (30), ICA (14), basilar (1), vertebral (1) and PCA (2), and 66 (70%) were CSC-appropriate (LVO or ICH). In prediction of LVO, prehospital LAMS had the highest sensitivity (71%) and moderate specificity (54%). 3i-SS had the highest specificity (83%) but lowest sensitivity (40%). In prediction of CSC-appropriate patients, prehospital LAMS had the highest sensitivity (69%) and 3i-SS had the highest specificity (93%) but lowest sensitivity (37%). When comparing receiver operating curves, PM LAMS had AUC of 0.761, HA RACE 0.752, HA 3i SS 0.732, and HA PASS 0.712. Conclusions: Prehospital LAMS score of 4 or higher identified CSC-appropriate patients with good sensitivity and moderate specificity, and performed similar to or better than other proposed scales. LAMS is easy to administer and reproducible, and widely used currently by paramedics nationwide.

The Japanese version of the overall assessment of the speaker’s experience of stuttering for adults (OASES-A-J): Translation and psychometric evaluation

PurposeThis study evaluates the psychometric performance of the Japanese version of the Overall Assessment of the Speaker’s Experience of Stuttering for Adults (OASES-A), a comprehensive assessment tool of individuals who stutter. MethodsThe OASES-A-J was administered to 200 adults who stutter in Japan. All respondents also evaluated their own speech (SA scale), satisfaction of their own speech (SS scale) and the Japanese translation version of the Modified Erickson Communication Attitude scale (S-24). The test-retest reliability and internal consistency of the OASES-A-J were assessed. To examine the concurrent validity of the questionnaire, Pearson correlation was conducted between the OASES-A-J Impact score and the S-24 scale, SA scale and SS scale. In addition, Pearson correlation among the impact scores of each section and total were calculated to examine the construct validity. ResultsThe OASES-A-J showed a good test-retest reliability (r=0.81–0.95) and high internal consistency (α>0.80). Concurrent validity was moderate to high (0.55–0.75). Construct validity was confirmed by the relation between internal consistency in each section and correlation among sections’ impact scores. Japanese adults showed higher negative impact for ‘General Information’, ‘Reactions to Stuttering’ and ‘Quality of Life’ sections. ConclusionThese results suggest that the OASES-A-J is a reliable and valid instrument to measure the impact of stuttering on Japanese adults who stutter. The OASES-A-J could be used as a clinical tool in Japanese stuttering field.

Bone mass and bone turnover in premenopausal women with fibromyalgia syndrome

In this study, we aimed to compare osteoporosis (OP)-related bone mineral density, and bone turnover (markers of formation, and resorption) between patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) and degenerative disc disease, and to determine the relationship of these parameters with clinical, functional and emotional evaluation outcomes in FMS. Fifty premenopausal women with FMS and 50 premenopausal female control patients with degenerative disc disease were enrolled. The patient and physician’s global assessment of disease were assessed on a visual analog scale (VAS). Disease severity was determined with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). For the evaluation of fatigue The Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were used. The quality of life of all patients was evaluated using Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and QUALEFFO-41. The emotional state of all patients with chronic pain was evaluated with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Bone turnover markers [serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (bALP) and serum osteocalcin as markers of bone formation, serum â-isomerized Carboxy-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (â-CTX) and urine hydroxyproline (OH-Pro) as markers of bone resorption], serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, lumbar spine and left proximal femur bone mineral density (BMD) and T scores were measured in both groups. The FIQ, MFIS, FSS, NHP, ODI, QUALEFFO-41, HADS-A and HADS-D scores were statistically significantly higher in the FMS group relative to the patient control group. A significant difference between FMS and patient control group as for bone formation (bALP and osteocalcin) and resorption (â-CTX ve OH-Pro) markers was not detected. In the FMS group lumbar spine and left proximal femur BMD and T score values were significantly lower when compared with the patient control group. In the FMS group significant correlations were found between serum 25(OH)D and â-CTX values and VAS scores evaluated by the patient and physician, SS scale, FIQ, MFIS, ODI, QUALEFFO-41 and NHP scores. In conclusion many factors including depression and anxiety attacks, the presence of widespread pain and a decline in physical activity level and quality of life in FMS patients make them more prone to osteoporosis. In patients with FMS, osteoporosis is a major cause of morbidity and should not be neglected.

Use of the SS Scale, FIQR, and FIQ VASs for assessment of symptom severity in Egyptian fibromyalgia patients

BackgroundFibromyalgia (FM) is a complex syndrome associated with significant impairment in the quality of life and function. The ability to evaluate and measure the severity of FM is likely to provide several benefits.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess symptom severity in Egyptian FM patients using the Symptom Severity Scale (SS Scale), Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire Visual Analog Scales (FIQ VASs).Patients and methodsTwenty-four female patients who fulfilled the ACR-2010 criteria of FM were included in the present study. The SS Scale, FIQR, and FIQ VASs were used to assess symptom severity of FM.ResultsThe respective mean of the SS Scale, FIQR, and FIQ VASs were 7.3 ± 2.4,52.9 ± 22.1, and 39.3 ± 14.2, and they were positively correlated with measure of pain distribution [widespread pain index (WPI)] in our patients. The SS Scale, WPI, FIQR, and FIQ VASs scores were positively correlated with many regional pain distribution sites (upper arm pain and jaw pain at most) and somatic pain symptoms (central nervous system symptoms, musculoskeletal symptoms. otological and hypersensitivity symptoms). The high scores of the SS Scale, FIQR, and FIQ VASs and their positive correlations with most of the regional pain sites and distribution and somatic symptoms indicate the severity of symptoms in the studied population. The FIQ VAS was the only significant independent determinant of FM severity (P < 0.001) in backward/ stepwise multiple linear regression models.ConclusionThe SS Scale of the ACR-2010 criteria, FIQR, and FIQ VASs were excellent methods for assessment of symptom severity in our Egyptian FM patients.

Frequency and characterization of gastro–entero–pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor patients with high-grade of uptake at somatostatin receptor scintigraphy

Recent studies suggest that the somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) grade of uptake is a predictor of response to peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). To identify and characterize patients with well-differentiated (WD) neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) displaying a high-grade uptake at SRS. Patients with WD-NEN, whose SRS films were available for review, were retrospectively included. SRS was reviewed by three independent readers and classified into four subgroups based on a modified Krenning's scale (mKS): no uptake (group-0), homogeneous grade 1-2 uptake (group-1), homogeneous grade 3-4 (group-2), and heterogeneous grade 1-4 (group-3). A simplified scale (sS) of SRS was also used to look for characteristics of patients with high-grade uptake. One hundred and six WD-NEN patients were enrolled. Group-0, group-1, group-2, and group-3 were found in 17, 8, 33, and 42% of cases respectively. High-grade uptake at sS (75% of cases) was correlated with older age, functioning NEN, high chromogranin-A level, and grade 1 (G1) NEN based on mitotic count. Based on the mKS or sS scales, no difference on survival was found. Thirty-three to seventy-five percent of metastatic NEN patients can be considered candidates for PRRT based on homogeneous or heterogeneous high-grade uptake. Functioning G1 NEN patients could be the best candidates for PRRT. Randomized trials are expected to confirm this result.

Applying the ACR Preliminary Diagnostic Criteria in the Diagnosis and Assessment of Fibromyalgia.

BackgroundFibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic widespread pain with a low pain threshold. The aim of this study was to compare two criteria for the diagnosis and assessment of FM and to analyze the correlation and agreement between the 1990 and 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) preliminary diagnostic criteria for FM.MethodsWe studied 98 patients who had already been diagnosed as having FM using the 1990 criteria or 2010 preliminary criteria. Tender point examination, FM impact questionnaire (FIQ) and pain visual analog scale (VAS) were obtained. According to the preliminary criteria, FM was quantified as WPI (widespread pain index) and the SS scale (symptom severity) and the two criteria were compared.ResultsAmong 98 patients, 78.6% of the patients were diagnosed with the 1990 ACR criteria and 93.9% of the patients were diagnosed with the ACR preliminary diagnostic criteria, and there was also significant agreement between the two criteria (P < 0.01). There was a correlation with the WPI and the tender point, with the SS and the FIQ, and with the sum of the WPI and SS and the FIQ.ConclusionsThe ACR preliminary diagnostic criteria for FM were in agreement with the 1990 ACR criteria during the disease course. The preliminary criteria were the more sensitive method than the 1990 criteria. In addition, the 2010 criteria might have advantages since it is easy to assess the physical and psychological symptoms and can be quantified. Therefore, the ACR preliminary diagnostic criteria for FM could be used more conveniently for clinical diagnosis and follow up evaluation after starting management of FM.

The Patient Health Questionnaire 12 Somatic Symptom scale as a predictor of symptom severity and consulting behaviour in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and symptomatic diverticular disease

Anxiety, depression and nongastrointestinal symptoms are often prominent in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but their relative value in patient management has not been quantitatively assessed. We modified the Patient Health Questionnaire 15 (PHQ-15) by excluding three gastrointestinal items to create the PHQ-12 Somatic Symptom (PHQ-12 SS) scale. To compare the value of the PHQ-12 SS scale with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale in predicting symptoms and patient behaviour in IBS and diverticular disease. We compared 151 healthy volunteers (HV), 319 IBS patients and 296 patients with diverticular disease (DD), 113 asymptomatic [ASYMPDD] and 173 symptomatic DD (SYMPDD). Patient Health Questionnaire 12 SS scores for IBS and SYMPDD were significantly higher than HV. Receiver-operator curves showed a PHQ-12 SS >6, gave a sensitivity for IBS of 66.4% with a specificity of 94.7% and a positive likelihood ratio (PLR) = 13.2, significantly better than that associated with an HAD anxiety score >7, PLR = 3.0 and depression score >7 PLR = 6.5. PHQ-12 SS correlated strongly with IBS severity scale and GP visits in both IBS and DD. The PHQ-12 SS scale is a useful clinical tool which correlates with patient behaviour in both IBS and symptomatic DD.

The Relationship Between Pathological Gambling and Sensation Seeking: The Role of Subscale Scores

Research investigating the relationship between gambling and sensation seeking has yet to establish conclusively whether pathological gamblers (PGs) are more or less sensation seeking than nonpathological gamblers (NPGs). Sensation seeking is usually measured with the Zuckerman et al. (J Consult Clin Psychol 46:139-149, 1978) SS Scale form V (SSS-V). Whereas previous studies relied on the SSS-V total score, the current study uses two samples to demonstrate the importance of the SSS-V subscales, which include Thrill and Adventure Seeking (TA), Experience Seeking (ES), Disinhibition (DS), and Boredom Susceptibility (BS). In two samples, strong intrascale correlations between DS and BS, and between TA and ES, suggest that certain subscales reflect similar underlying characteristics. In both samples PGs displayed higher scores than NPGs on the DS and BS subscales, with mean differences in Sample 2 reaching significant levels for both DS and BS. Results support the notion that the SSS-V can be divided into concepts reflecting actual behavior, based on the DS and BS subscales, and hypothetical behavior, based on the TA and ES subscales. Furthermore, PGs appear to have a preference for the more behavioral subscales while NPGs show a preference for the more hypothetical subscales. Reasons for the subscale divisions and preferences are discussed.

Coping with pain: The impact of SARS visitation restrictions on patients' perception of nursing support

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) had a great impact on the medical community. The effect on medical staff has been reported widely. The impact on patient care, however, has yet to be systematically examined. The goal of this study is to examine any effect that SARS visitation restrictions had on mood, pain ratings, pain catastrophizing, perceived social support from nurses, and satisfaction with care from nurses during acute postoperative hospitalization following total knee replacement surgery for knee joint osteoarthritis. 15 consecutive patients who underwent surgery when SARS visitation restrictions were imposed and 14 consecutive patients who underwent surgery following the lifting of SARS visitation restrictions were assessed on the first three says after surgery. Participants completed the Shortened Version of Profile of Mood States (SPOMS; Shacham, 1983), the Modified Short Version – McGill Pain Questionnaire (MSF-MPQ, Melzack, 1987), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS; Sullivan, Bishop, & Pivik, 1995), the Medical Outcomes Study SS Scale (MOS SSS; Sherbourne & Stewart, 1991), and the Nursing Satisfaction Questionnaire. Results: Patients reported perceiving more social support from nurses after the SARS visitation restrictions were lifted (t(80) = -3.352, p < .001). No significant differences were found on mood, pain ratings, pain catastrophizing, and satisfaction with care from nurses. It is clear that SARS visitation restrictions had a significant impact on the degree of support that patients perceived to be available from nursing staff.

Sensation seeking, drug use and reported paranormal beliefs and experiences

Subjects ( N = 574) filled out Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale and a questionnaire measuring beliefs and experiences in paranormal phonomena that included a question on drug use. Results (α = 0.01) from multi- and univariate analyses of variance showed that high, relative to low, sensation seekers (General SS Scale, Thrill and Adventure Seeking, and Experience Seeking), reported stronger paranormal beliefs and more frequent paranormal experiences; high sensation seekers also scored higher on the Introspection subscale. Results were similar when drug users were compared to nonusers. Drug use and gender did not moderate the relationship between sensation seeking and paranormal beliefs and experiences as the two- and three-way interactions were not significant in any of the analyses.

Sensation seeking and Eysenck's personality dimensions in an offender sample

In numerous studies criminality and psychopathy have been interlinked with Psychoticism (P), Extraversion (E), Neuroticism (N) and sensation seeking. Links between sensation seeking and P, E or N have also been of interest. To clarify these relationships, Eysenck's 101-item personality questionnaire (EPQ) and Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS, Form V) were presented to a sample of 343 males, aged 21–53 yr, and to 86 prison inmates of the same age. Offenders scored higher on the P, N and Lie scales and lower on E than the men in the larger sample. Scores on the SSS were also higher for offenders, apart from the Thrill and Adventure Seeking scale. No significant correlations between the EPQ and SS scales came through in the offender sample. The MMPI Psychopathy and Hypomania and CPI Socialization scales showed interesting correlations with both the EPQ and SS scales. All in all, the results were in line with the previous findings. The percentage of inmates belonging to the high and low PEN groups differed, however, from the results obtained previously.

Experience and desire: A new format for Sensation Seeking Scales

A new form (VI) of the Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS) was developed which separates reports of past experiences from desired or intended future experiences on both Disinhibition (Dis) and Thrill and Adventure Seeking (TAS) factors. Factor analyses were used to select items for the scales. High internal reliabilities were found for the Experience-Dis, Intention-TAS, and Intention-Dis scales, but only moderate reliability was found for the Experience-TAS scale. Retest reliabilities were high for all scales. The Experience-TAS and -Dis scales were highly correlated for males but not for females. The Experience- and Intention-TAS scales were moderately correlated, and the Experience- and Intention-Dis scales were highly correlated for both sexes. Both the TAS and the Dis scales on form V were highly correlated with the corresponding Intention scales on form VI. Uses for the new SS scales in individual assessment are suggested.

Compatibility study of solid ceramic breeder materials

A high temperature (873 K) test of the compatibility of ceramic solid breeders (Li 2O, γ-LiA10 2 and Li 2SiO 3) with candidate structural materials (Type 316 stainless steel, HT-9, Inconel-625, and Ti-6242) was done for 1900 h. Scale formation was greatest for the Li 2O/alloy couples; Li 5FeO 4 was observed in the Li 2O/HT-9 and Li 2O/316 SS scales; and LiCrO 2 was observed in most scales.