Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “SINGAPORE”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 739 records · Page 41Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Helicobacter pylori infection--current status in Singapore.

Helicobacter pylori infection is a common infection in Singapore affecting about 31% of the population. The seroprevalence of H. pylori infection increases with age from 3% in children below 5 years to 71% in adults above 65 years. Amongst the races, Chinese and Indians had similar rates of seropositivity (34.3% and 33.6%) while in Malays it was significantly lower (13.7%; P < 0.05). H. pylori infection is associated with peptic ulcer disease (both duodenal and gastric ulcer) as well as gastric cancer [adenocarcinoma, early gastric cancer and mucosa-associated lymphoma of T cell type (MALT) lymphoma]. Its role in non-ulcer dyspepsia is controversial. H. pylori was found in 31% of non-ulcer dyspepsia patients in Singapore compared with 28% in normal healthy controls. Gastric emptying test using indigestible solids shows that gastroparesis per se, H. pylori in the presence of gastroparesis (but not H. pylori alone) are related to dyspeptic symptom. H. pylori plays a synergistic role with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in causing bleeding in gastric ulcer but not in duodenal ulcer. Invasive and non-invasive methods are available for diagnosis of H. pylori and should be used to establish the aetiology of gastro-duodenal disease. Currently two groups of therapeutic regimes with eradication rates of 90% are available: bismuth containing regimes and proton-pump inhibitors based regimes. Triple therapy for one week (using three drugs effective against H. pylori) is currently the treatment of choice.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Three new cases of leishmaniasis: implications for the Singapore medical community.

Although visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis are important clinical and public health problems worldwide, these diseases are not endemic in Singapore and the medical profession here has little opportunity to diagnose and manage these conditions. We report our experience with two patients with culture-proven visceral leishmaniasis and one with histologically-proven cutaneous leishmaniasis. The patients with kala-azar were migrant workers from countries in which the disease is endemic. The patient with proven cutaneous leishmaniasis (and another who was diagnosed to have the condition clinically) had entered the jungles of an endemic area. With increasing travel on the part of Singaporeans along less well-trodden paths to exotic destinations as well as the burgeoning traffic of migrant workers from less developed countries, doctors in Singapore will continue to see diseases such as leishmaniasis.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

The Malai Ika Daigaku (Syonan Medical College) in Malacca (1944 to 1945) during the Japanese occupation of Singapore and Malaya.

During the Japanese Occupation of Singapore and Malaya (1941-1945), Singapore was renamed Syonan (or Syonanto) and Malaya was called Malai (or Marai; Marei). On 27 April 2603 (1943) the Japanese Military Administration established. The Marai Ika Daigaku (Syonan Medical College) at the Tan Tock Seng Hospital (Hakuai Byoin), Syonan. The Medical College shifted to the General Hospital, Malacca in February 2604 (1944) where it functioned till the end of the Japanese Occupation in September 2605 (1945).

History, 20th Century↗
PubMed1998

Plasma vitamins A, C and E in the general population of Singapore, 1993 to 1995.

The National University of Singapore Heart Study measured cardiovascular risk factors, including selected plasma vitamins, on a random sample of the general population aged 30 to 69 years. Plasma vitamins A and E were normal and similar by ethnic group. Mean plasma vitamin A levels were: Chinese (males 0.68 and females 0.52 mg/L), Malays (males 0.67 and females 0.54 mg/L), and Indians (males 0.66 and females 0.51 mg/L). Mean plasma vitamin E levels were: Chinese (males 12.6 and females 12.6 mg/L), Malays (males 13.6 and females 13.3 mg/L), and Indians (males 12.9 and females 12.8 mg/L). No person had plasma vitamin A deficiency (< 0.01 mg/L) and only 0.1% had vitamin E deficiency (< 5.0 mg/L). In contrast, plasma vitamin C was on the low side and higher in Chinese than Malays and Indians. Mean plasma vitamin C levels were: Chinese (males 6.3 and females 8.4 mg/L), Malays (males 5.1 and females 6.4 mg/L), and Indians (males 5.7 and females 6.9 mg/L). Likewise, the proportions with plasma vitamin C deficiency (< 2.0 mg/L) were lower in Chinese (males 14.4 and females 0.7%), than Malays (males 19.7 and females 7.2%), and Indians (males 17.8 and females 11.0%). Relatively low levels of plasma vitamin C may contribute to the high rates of coronary heart disease and cancer in Singapore. In particular, lower plasma vitamin C in Malays and Indians than Chinese may contribute to their higher rates of coronary heart disease. However, plasma vitamin C does not seem to be involved in the higher rates of cancer in Chinese than Malays and Indians. The findings suggest a relatively low intake of fresh fruits and a higher intake is recommended. Also, food sources of vitamin C may be destroyed by the high cooking temperatures of local cuisines, especially the Malay and Indian ones.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Anti-diabetic drugs as a cause of hypoglycaemia among acute medical admissions in Hong Kong and Singapore--relationship to the prescribing patterns in diabetic patients.

Severe hypoglycaemia due to anti-diabetic drugs is a more important cause of medical admissions in Hong Kong (1.5%) than in Singapore (0.4%-0.8%), although the prevalence and pattern of diabetes mellitus in the two Chinese populations are similar. Review of the available drug utilisation data indicated that glibenclamide and tolbutamide are the most frequently used sulphonylurea in Hong Kong and Singapore, respectively. These drugs also predominate among diabetic patients admitted with hypoglycaemia in the respective population. Since the risk of hypoglycaemia is greater for glibenclamide than other sulphonylureas, the increased incidence of anti-diabetic drug-induced hypoglycaemia in Hong Kong may, at least in part, be related to the frequent use of glibenclamide.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1997

Breastfeeding in Singapore.

This paper traces the trends of breastfeeding in Singapore for the past 40 years, describes the recent breastfeeding education efforts and makes recommendations after drawing inferences from the results of the Breastfeeding Mothers' Support Group's (BMSG) February 1996 survey and other local studies. Although the BMSG and other local studies' sample sizes are small, there are recurring themes in the factors affecting the breastfeeding rates in Singapore. The consistent patterns are that the well-to-do breastfeed more than the poor, the Chinese breastfeed less than the other ethnic groups and the more educated mothers breastfeed more than the less educated ones. Target groups for breastfeeding education are identified--the less the less educated mothers, the Chinese mothers and the working mothers. Hospitals are encouraged to become baby-friendly in their practices. The next step after raising public awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding is to increase the present breastfeeding duration of two months to six months.

Breast Feeding↗
PubMed1998

Urinary total isothiocyanate (ITC) in a population-based sample of middle-aged and older Chinese in Singapore: relationship with dietary total ITC and glutathione S-transferase M1/T1/P1 genotypes.

Isothiocyanates (ITCs), degradation products of glucosinolates (which occur naturally in a variety of cruciferous vegetables), have been shown to exhibit chemopreventive activity. These compounds are metabolized in vivo to form the corresponding dithiocarbamates, which are the major urinary metabolites of ITCs, by a pathway involving the glutathione S-transferase (GST) class of enzymes. Using a newly developed assay that measures total ITC (primarily ITC conjugates) in urine, we examined the relationships between cruciferous vegetable intake (obtained from a food frequency/portion size questionnaire administered in person); dietary total ITC level; GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 genotypes; and levels of total ITC in spot urine samples collected from 246 Singapore Chinese (111 men and 135 women), ages 45-74 years, who are participants of the Singapore Cohort Study on diet and cancer. Consumption level of cruciferous vegetables was high in study subjects (mean consumption = 345 times per year, mean daily intake = 40.6 g), which was >3 times the comparable level of intake in the United States. Mean daily intake of total ITC among study subjects was 9.1 micromol, and there was a 2.5-fold difference between the 25th and 75th percentile values. Seventy-three % of study subjects tested positive for ITC in urine, and there was a 4-fold difference between the 25th and 75th percentile values among the positive subjects. There was a highly significant positive association between dietary intake and urinary excretion levels of total ITC (two-sided P = 0.0003) that was stronger than the association between overall cruciferous vegetable intake and urinary ITC level, which also was statistically significant (P = 0.0004). There was no difference in urinary ITC levels between GSTM1-null and GSTM1-positive study subjects (P = 0.61) or between subjects with differing GSTP1 genotypes (P = 0.77), but urinary excretion of ITC was significantly higher among GSTT1-positive subjects, relative to GSTT1-null subjects (P = 0.006). The strength of the association between GSTT1 genotype and urinary total ITC level was highly dependent on the level of cruciferous vegetable consumption (or dietary ITC level) in study subjects. Among subjects in the lowest tertile of cruciferous vegetable intake, there was little evidence of an association between GSTT1 genotype and urinary total ITC level (P = 0.67). In contrast, there was a strong and statistically significant association between GSTT1 genotype and urinary total ITC among subjects in the highest tertile of cruciferous vegetable intake (P = 0.02), whereas those in the middle tertile of cruciferous vegetable consumption exhibited an association of intermediate strength (P = 0.04). These results suggest the presence of GSTT1 inducers in cruciferous vegetables.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1998

Trends in the pattern of blindness and major ocular diseases in Singapore and Asia.

This article details the changing trends in the major causes of blindness and visual impairment in Singapore over the past four decades. A comprehensive review of existing data from published and unpublished sources on ocular disease studies and surveys in Singapore was conducted. The rates of blindness and visual impairment from cataract, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and refractive errors, as well as other major diseases are described and compared with other Asian countries. Such epidemiological data on the blinding conditions in our population are vital in the understanding of trends in ocular diseases, as well as in prioritizing current health services and preventive programmes.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed1999

Validation of the MOS SF-36 for quality of life assessment of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in Singapore.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reliability and construct validity of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) in a multiracial cohort of Asian patients with lupus in Singapore. METHODS: A cross sectional study was performed on 118 English speaking patients with lupus attending a specialist rheumatology unit between March and August 1996. Patients completed a questionnaire containing the UK standard version of the SF-36 twice within a 14 day period. All patients were assessed for disease activity using the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group score (BILAG), and for disease related damage using the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) damage index (DI). Relationships between SF-36, BILAG, and DI scores were studied using Spearman's rank correlation. Internal consistency of the SF-36 was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, and stability using the repeatability coefficient of Bland and Altman. RESULTS: SF-36 subscales showed high internal consistency, with Cronbach's alpha coefficient ranging from 0.84 to 0.94. Test-retest reliability was acceptable, with Spearman's rank correlation >0.70 for all subscales except role-physical, and mean differences in test scores of <2 points for 5 of 8 subscales. SF-36 subscale scores were weakly correlated with BILAG scores (Spearman's p -0.37 to 0.15) and SLICC/ACR DI scores (Spearman's p -0.25 to 0.23), suggesting divergent construct validity of the SF-36. CONCLUSION: These data suggest the SF-36 is a reliable and valid measure of the quality of life of patients with lupus in Singapore.

Cohort Studies↗
PubMed1988

Recent trends in cancer incidence among Singapore Chinese.

Since the inception of cancer registration in Singapore in 1968, the incidence rates of malignancies have been monitored among the 3 major ethnic groups--Chinese (77% of population), Malays (15%) and Indians (6%). Substantial changes in incidence at various sites were observed in the period 1968-1982, which seem to represent a shift from the pattern of cancer incidence in China towards that prevailing in the West. We now report on the Singapore Chinese experience, in which the following changes were notable: decreases in rates of cancers of the stomach and oesophagus and increases in rates of cancers of the lung, colon, rectum, skin (excluding melanoma), breast and ovary. For several sites, the secular changes differed among age groups; among women under 50 years of age breast cancer increased particularly sharply and lung cancer decreased. Environmental and personal factors, potentially responsible for the change, are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Validity and reliability of the Chinese (Singapore) version of the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39).

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to validate the Chinese (Singapore) version of the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39CSV) and its briefer version (PDQ-8CSV). METHODS: A convenience sample of Chinese-speaking Singaporeans with Parkinson's disease (PD) (n = 63) completed a questionnaire containing the PDQ-39CSV and the Chinese (Singapore) EQ-5D. A subgroup also participated in a retest and/or a focus group discussion. A priori hypotheses were tested by examining correlations between PDQ-39CSV, PDQ-8CSV and EQ-5D scores and using principal component factor analysis. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). RESULTS: Thirty-two PDQ-39CSV items correlated satisfactorily with their hypothesized dimensions (Spearman's p > or = 0.4). Factor analysis yielded a component on which all 8 PDQ-39CSV dimensions were substantially loaded (loading range: 0.53-0.89). As hypothesized, the PDQ-39CSV and PDQ-8CSV summary indices were highly correlated (Pearson's r:0.95, ICC:0.94); correlations between related PDQ and EQ-5D scores were generally strong (Spearman's p: 0.38-0.76, p < 0.001 for all). Cronbach's alpha values ranged from 0.64 to 0.90 and ICC values from 0.66 to 0.86. CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary evidence supporting validity and reliability of both the PDQ-39CSV and its briefer version.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Non-specific aorto-arteritis in Singapore with special reference to hypertension.

Aorto-arteritis has recently emerged as a distinct disease entity with involvement of aorta and its major branches by a non-specific inflammation of unknown etiology. Though the distribution of this disease is worldwide, it is more prevalent in Japan, India, and South-east Asia. This paper describes a series of 48 cases seen in Singapore and emphasizes the protean nature of this disease. Though modes of clinical presentation were many, hypertension appeared to be the commonest as it occurred in 33 patients, giving an incidence of 69 per cent. This incidence was much higher than the 48 per cent reported among Europeans and 42 per cent reported among South Africans. It would therefore appear that hypertension was a far more common manifestation of aorto-arteritis among Asians. The commonest cause of hypertension in aorto-arteritis in this series was renovascular, with renal artery stenosis or occlusion occurring in 27 cases (85 per cent). The frequency of involvement of the renal artery is much greater than the 34 per cent reported by the Japanese. Therefore renovascular hypertension should be regarded as a predominant feature of aorto-arteritis in Singapore.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Adult dengue deaths in Singapore.

BACKGROUND: Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a leading cause of hospitalization of children in Southeast Asia and regarded mainly as a problem of childhood. In Singapore, however, both dengue fever (DF) and DHF now occur most frequently in those aged 16-25 years and case fatality rates are higher among adults than children. OBJECTIVE: To describe adults who died from DHF in Singapore. STUDY DESIGN: The clinical, laboratory and, where performed, autopsy records of adults reported to the Ministry of the Environment to have died from DHF were reviewed. RESULTS: Four of 10 adults had clinical, serological and/or virological evidence of acute dengue virus infection. All 4 patients, who were between 27 and 58 years old, had dengue IgM antibodies. Two of them had elevated dengue IgG antibodies consistent with a recent infection. Dengue type 2 virus was isolated from one of these two patients who had bled into the lungs, skin, pericardial and pleural surfaces and succumbed to shock. The other patient had no evidence of overt bleeding. A third patient, who suffered massive intractable retroperitoneal haemorrhage and shock, seroconverted in the haemagglutination inhibition test for dengue antibodies. The fourth patient had bleeding into her skin, urinary and gastrointestinal tracts, acute pulmonary oedema, ascites and hypotension. Her stillborn baby also had ascites. CONCLUSION: Deaths from DHF are not mainly a childhood occurrence. Adults do die from severe DHF, whether the infection be primary or secondary.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

GG genotype of cyclin D1 G870A polymorphism is associated with increased risk and advanced colorectal cancer in patients in Singapore.

Recent studies have implicated cyclin D1 G870A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in susceptibility to and early onset of colorectal cancers (CRC). We investigated the role of cyclin D1 G870A SNP in Singapore CRC patients without dominant family history by genotyping 254 patients and 101 controls. The risk of cancer for AA individuals was less than half that of GG individuals (odds ratio (OR) 0.41; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18-0.96). Furthermore, AA and AG patients whose tumours were Dukes C and D (OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.17-0.83), poorly differentiated (OR 0.28; 95% CI 0.09-0.84) and left-sided (OR 0.45; 95% CI 0.21-0.98) were associated with significantly lower risk than GG patients. Young (aged 50 years or less) GG patients had a 5-year lower mean age at onset than AA/AG patients (P=0.02). Young male GG patients had worse disease-specific survival than AA/AG patients (P=0.002). Thus, contrary to Caucasians, the GG (rather than AA) genotype is associated with increased susceptibility and advanced CRC in Singapore patients, suggesting a more complex relationship between the SNP and CRC risk, possibly modulated by population differences.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

In vitro evaluation of cefepime and other broad-spectrum beta-lactams for isolates in Malaysia and Singapore medical centers. The Malaysia/Singapore Antimicrobial Resistance Study Group.

The degree of activity of several beta-lactam antimicrobial agents was assessed in Malaysia (four medical centers) and Singapore (two medical centers) tested against 570 clinical isolates. The organisms were tested locally by the Etest (AB BIODISK, Solna, Sweden) method, validated by concurrent use of quality assurance strains (94.1% accurate performance overall). Ten groups of bacteria were tested against cefepime, cefpirome, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, piperacillin/tazobactam, oxacillin, and imipenem. Among the tested Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp., the occurrence of extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing phenotypes was 5.6-7.0% and 36.7-38.0%, respectively. These strains remained most susceptible (97.5-100.0%) to cefepime and imipenem. Ceftazidime-resistant Enterobacter spp. (21.4% resistant), Citrobacter spp. (15.0%), indole-positive Proteus spp. (6.0%), and Serratia spp. (9.7%) were not resistant to cefepime, and only one strain was resistant to imipenem. Imipenem was generally most potent against non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli such as Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All tested beta-lactams were active against the oxacillin-susceptible staphylococci, except ceftazidime (MIC90, 12 micrograms/mL; 63.2-84.8% susceptibility rates). Overall spectrums of activity (rank by % resistance) favored imipenem (3.5%) > cefepime (7.7%) > cefpirome (8.9%) > piperacillin/tazobactam (13.2%) > ceftriaxone (14.7%) > ceftazidime (16.9%). No significant differences in resistance patterns were noted between monitored nations, and these results indicate emerging, elevated rates of resistance versus the studied broad-spectrum beta-lactams in Malaysia and Singapore. Results provide benchmark data for future studies using quantitative methods to determine antimicrobial resistance in these geographic areas.

Acinetobacter↗
PubMed1996

The Singapore naltrexone community-based project for heroin addicts compared with drugfree community-based program: the first cohort.

The cornerstone of heroin rehabilitation in Singapore from 1991 to 1993 was the Three Phase Program (3PP). This was a multimodal approach embracing job placement, individual and family counselling, home placement and restriction of movement by electronic monitoring. Opioid addicts in Singapore are detained by executive order. Inmates volunteer to be on the community program. The completion rate (i.e. the number of inmates presumptively drug-free after 1 year) was 24%. In August 1993, naltrexone, an opiate antagonist without euphorigenic properties was added to the 3PP creating the Naltrexone Pilot Project (NPP). Sufficient similarity existed between the 3PP and NPP for some comparison between the two. The missing link was the chemical blockade offered by naltrexone to provide a deconditioning experience for the decay of learned responses to heroin. The subject can confidently be exposed to drug cues without fear of relapse. Subjects on naltrexone for the first year had a completion rate of 76.3%. In the second year without naltrexone, electronic tagging and counselling, 32.2% were still drug-free. The subject type who was successful was married, older and better educated with late onset in heroin abuse.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Income protection and the elderly: an examination of social security policy in Singapore.

This article examines the impact of the aging population on social security policy in Singapore. The adequacies of public policy responses, specifically the Public Assistance Program and the Central Provident Fund (CPF), are explored. The Singapore government's strategy of minimal approach to social security is challenged. Poverty among the elderly is on the rise. Members from the working poor, a group that disproportionately consists of women and Malays, have inadequate retirement income protection and are most likely to slip into poverty as they age.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1999

Intergenerational influence in Singapore and Taiwan: the role of the elderly in family decisions.

This research examines intergenerational decision-making in Singapore and Taiwan. The focus is on elderly individuals and the extent to which they report being involved in influencing important family matters. The data used in the analysis were collected in focus group interviews and household-level surveys of the elderly (defined as ages 60 and over) in Singapore and Taiwan. Both survey samples were national probability samples. Everything else being equal, the extent to which seniors are consulted in family decisions declines with age and failing health in both countries. Whether they live in rural or urban places within Taiwan is also significant, and depending upon the context, socioeconomic variables such as home-ownership, employment status, and education further help predict to what degree the elderly are consulted in family decisions.

Journal Article↗