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 1,531 records · Page 85Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Sweet's syndrome in a skin clinic in Singapore: an epidemiology study.

Thirty-nine patients with Sweet's syndrome seen at the National Skin Centre in Singapore between 1982 and 1994 were reviewed. Diagnosis was based on the presence of acute tender, erythematous plaques and nodules, and histologically on a dense dermal infiltrate composed predominantly of neutrophils. The female to male ratio was 1.6:1. Only 4 patients had an underlying malignancy: 3 had haematologic malignancies and 1 had nasopharyngeal carcinoma, all of which were present before the onset of Sweet's syndrome. The arms and legs were the sites most frequently involved. Other findings were fever, oral ulceration, arthralgia and weight loss. Laboratory examinations were not found to be very helpful. Most of the patients responded to oral prednisolone although relapses were noted in 11 patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Muscular endurance and flexibility components of the Singapore National Physical Fitness Award.

The selection of fitness tests for national fitness test batteries has been a major concern over the last decade in many countries. The present study examined muscular endurance and flexibility components of the Singapore National Physical Fitness Award (NAPFA) Scheme and compared the results with other similar fitness test protocols. A total of 286 subjects (149 males, 137 females) voluntarily participated and were divided into six age and gender groups. Significant correlations and no statistical differences (p < .05) were found between abdominal endurance using different protocols indicating that any of the alternative tests could be substituted for the NAPFA sit up test which has been classified as a contraindicated exercise (MacFarlane, 1993). In upper body muscular endurance tests, secondary age boys and all adults showed a high correlation (p < .01) with alternative test protocols. Replacement of the pull up test with the Vermont modified pull up test was recommended for primary and secondary boys because of the low number and many zero scores from the present NAPFA test. From this study it was concluded that the sit-and-reach test measured using a zero reference point from the floor could replace the present sit-and-reach test because the alternative protocol accounted for arm and leg differences. These findings provide safer and relevant alternative protocols for a national battery of field fitness assessments.

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMed1995

Two cases of lower respiratory tract infection due to Chlamydia pneumonia in Singapore.

Chlamydia pneumoniae, previously known as Chlamydia psittaci strain TWAR, causes both upper and lower respiratory tract infection. We report the first two cases of culture-positive Chlamydia pneumoniae lower respiratory infection in Singapore. Both patients had underlying fibrosing alveolitis and presented with a history of prolonged productive cough and fever. Chlamydia pneumoniae was isolated from the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in the absence of other pathogens. The patients responded clinically to three weeks of oral doxycycline therapy. Infection due to Chlamydia pneumoniae should be considered when a patient with community-acquired pneumonia fails to respond to the usual standard antimicrobial therapy.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1995

Ethical issues in neonatal paediatrics--the Singapore perspective.

In Singapore, formulating ethical guidelines for people who live in a multiracial, multilingual, multicultural and multi-religious community can be difficult. The "individualised prognostic" strategy in the management of critically ill infants has been followed. Our neonatal paediatricians encounter the following ethical problems: extremely premature babies whose viability is doubtful, babies born with severe congenital malformations, babies born with signs of life in legal or therapeutic termination of pregnancy, the asphyxiated babies or babies with severe or extensive brain damage, and babies who are chronically sick and have no chance of recovery or leaving the hospital. Good ethical decisions require medical facts. The infant's diagnosis and prognosis must be accurate. There should also be detailed information that continuation of any form of medical treatment for the infant is futile, will do more harm than good and is inhumane. Ethical decisions should be made in the best interests of the infant. Dating of the infant's gestational age should be accurate and reliable, and there should also be unanimous definitions such as fetal viability, abortions and lethal malformations. Ethical guidelines and the law must also keep pace with changes in medical practice.

Abortion, Legal↗
PubMed1995

Genital ulcer disease in patients attending a public sexually transmitted disease clinic in Singapore: an epidemiologic study.

Genital ulcer disease forms about 10% of all sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Singapore. In this retrospective study of 531 cases of genital ulcer disease presenting at the Department of STD Control, 91.6% were due to venereal causes and 8.4% were due to non-venereal causes. The venereal causes of genital ulcers were found to be genital herpes (71.5%), chancroid (15.8%), primary syphilis (3.4%) and lymphogranuloma venereum (1%). The non-venereal causes were mainly trauma, drug eruptions or were non-specific in nature. The peak incidence in both sexes occurred in the 20-39 year age group. Males outnumbered females by a ratio of 5.8:1. The ethnic distribution showed an under-representation of Malays relative to the racial makeup of the general population, reflecting perhaps a protective effect conferred by circumcision from genital ulcer diseases or a lower health-risk sexual behaviour in this ethnic group. The accuracy of initial clinical diagnosis was low indicating the need for laboratory investigations to establish accurate aetiologic diagnosis. Commercial sex workers were the main source of infection in males, highlighting the continued need to educate, screen and effectively treat this high risk group.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

A comparative study of the Abbott and Murex enzyme immunoassay, and cell culture in the detection of cervical chlamydial infection in female sex workers in Singapore.

Endocervical smears from 200 female sex workers were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis infection using the Abbott and Murex enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kits and the standard cell culture technique to compare the performance of these tests. The Abbott test had a sensitivity, specificity, predictive value of a positive result (PVP) and predictive value of a negative result (PVN) of 83.3%, 97.8%, 78.9% and 98.3% respectively. The corresponding figures for the Murex system were 77.8%, 98.4%, 82.4% and 97.8%; and of the standard culture test were 55.6%, 100% and 95.8%. EIA tests were more sensitive but slightly less specific than cell culture in the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis cervical infection in female sex workers in Singapore.

Bacteriological Techniques↗
PubMed1995

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigen testing to detect HIV infection in female sex workers in Singapore.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is characterised by seroconversion after a ¿window¿ period of 2 to 3 months. After this period antibodies are usually detectable by screening tests (enzyme immunoassay or particle agglutination) confirmed by Western blot analysis. We studied 1000 newly enrolled female sex workers who had not been previously tested for HIV to assess the usefulness of HIV antigen testing to improve the efficacy of HIV infection detection. Blood was taken at enrollment for HIV antigen and HIV antibody testing. The Abbott HIVAG-1 test was used to detect antigen; antibody detection was by the Abbott recombinant HIV-1/HIV-2 3rd generation enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test, the Fujirebio Serodia-HIV particle agglutination (PA) test for screening, and the Diagnostic Biotechnology HIV Blot 2.2 Western blot (WB) test for antibody confirmation. Of the 1000 samples, 26 were positive for HIV antibody testing (26/26 for EIA, 25/25 for PA, 26/26 for WB), giving a prevalence rate of 2.6%, Of these 26 seropositive samples 1 was positive on HIV antigen testing. There were no samples which were antigen-positive and antibody-negative. HIV antigen testing does not add to increased efficacy of HIV detection among female sex workers in Singapore.

Blotting, Western↗
PubMed1996

Perception and use of insect repellent among soldiers in the Singapore Armed Forces.

The Singapore Armed Forces currently uses the 75% DEET formulation insect repellent. To study the perception, use, and acceptability of this insect repellent, a survey was carried out on servicemen who had participated in field exercises. Although over 80% of the servicemen knew the proper use of the insect repellent and brought along the army-issued repellent in the field, less than half used this repellent frequently while on exercise. Eighty-three percent felt that the army repellent was only effective sometimes and that it lasted for 4 hours or less. Skin irritation was a common side effect when using the repellent. About 70.4% had used commercial insect repellents and perceived them to be more long lasting and with fewer side effects. The results from our study indicate that the army-issued insect repellent currently used is not totally acceptable to our servicemen. Thus, there is a pressing need to develop or acquire a better insect repellent that is more or just as effective, has fewer side effects in terms of smell and skin irritation, and with an improved mode of delivery, such as aerosol or pump spray.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Testicular seminoma--the results of treatment by radiotherapy in Singapore.

A retrospective analysis was done of 49 patients treated for testicular seminoma over a 15-year period between January 1980 and April 1995 at the Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Singapore General Hospital. Their mean age was 39 years and their median period of follow-up was 67 months. Using the Royal Marsden Staging classification, 35 (71.4%) were stage I, 10 (20.4%) were stage II, I (2%) was stage III, and 3 (6.1%) were stage IV. Five (10.2%) arose in undescended testes. Thirty-six patients were treated with inguinal orchidectomy and postoperative radiotherapy to the para-aortic and ipsilateral iliac nodes. Eight had para-aortic and bilateral iliac irradiation, and 2 had ipsilateral pelvic, para-aortic, mediastinal and supraclavicular lymph node irradiation. Six of the patients had, in addition, irradiation of the inguinal-scrotal area. Nine received both chemotherapy as well as radiotherapy. The median dose of radiation given was 30.67 Gy and where a boost was required, the median total tumour dose was 35.75 Gy. The actuarial relapse-free survival at 10 years was 88.9% and the actuarial overall survival at 10 years was also 88.9%. Long-term treatment toxicities were uncommon.

Actuarial Analysis↗
PubMed1995

The presymptomatic molecular diagnosis of familial adenomatous polyposis in Singapore.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant disorder which predisposes to the development of colorectal cancer. The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, mutation of which is responsible for FAP, has been localised to chromosome 5q21. Linkage studies using DNA markers have proven useful for presymptomatic diagnosis of at-risk individuals. We have examined 8 FAP families from the Singapore Polyposis Registry by using 4 linked and 2 intragenic DNA markers. Presymptomatic diagnosis could be made in 84% (37 of 44) of at-risk individuals. Among these presymptomatically diagnosed cases, positive prediction was made in 32% (12 of 37) whereas negative prediction was possible in 68% (25 of 37). As the accuracy of genetic diagnosis is high and the test reliable in most cases, the major impact of these tests will be the reduction of unnecessary anxiety and a significant reduction in the frequency of screening for at-risk individuals who are not carrying the affected gene.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗
PubMed1996

Lyme disease is not prevalent in patients presenting with annular erythema in Singapore.

The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of Lyme disease as a cause of annular erythematous eruptions in patients attending the National Skin Centre. Serum samples of 72 patients presenting with annular erythema were tested for syphilis, and antibodies against Berrelia burgdorferi by haemagglutination, indirect immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent tests. All the serum tested were negative for syphilis serology and antibody against B. burgdorferi. It would appear that the Lyme disease is not a cause of annular erythema in Singapore.

Borrelia burgdorferi Group↗
PubMed1996

Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore.

Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed. Silicosis was the most common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s. About 78% of the cases were from granite quarries. With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries, there has been a decline in cases. From 1990 to 1993, occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition. The most common causative agent was isocyanates accounting for about 34% of cases. Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases, about 70%-80% were from the one and only asbestos cement factory. With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use of asbestos, cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term. However, malignant mesothelioma cases may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to asbestos. It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with respiratory symptoms or disease.

Data Collection↗
PubMed1996

Allergen skin test and total IgE in adults with rhinitis in Singapore.

The aim of this study was to determine the allergen skin test positivity and total serum IgE of adult patients in Singapore with clinical features suggestive of allergic rhinitis. The study was carried out prospectively from January to August 1990. All patients had one or more of three symptoms (1) rhinorrhoea or nasal congestion, (2) itching nose or throat and (3) sneezing, as well as pale edematous nasal mucosa. Twenty inhalant allergens (Greers Laboratory, USA) were used for skin prick test (SPT). Serum total IgE was measured using 3M FAST test. Eighty-five consecutive patients, 54 males and 31 females, were studied. Their mean age (SD) was 26.8 (6.1) years. More than half (55.3%) had severe symptoms affecting work. Twenty percent did not have any positive skin reaction compared with 44.9% of age-matched healthy controls; 62.4% had 2 or more positive reactions compared to only 37.2% of controls. These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.002). The two most commonly, positive allergens were Dermatophagoides farinae (76.5%) and house dust (61.2%). No significant difference was found in the skin test positivity between males and females. Forty-three patients also had serum total IgE measurement and their geometric mean IgE was 240 IU/I which was significantly higher than the geometric mean IgE of healthy controls (88 IU/I, P = 0.0005).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Contributions of various major causes of death to life expectancy in Singapore, 1980-1990.

This paper considers the contributions by age of the various major groups of deaths to the increase in life expectancy at birth between 1980 and 1990 for both sexes in Singapore. Sixteen cause groups were used in the study. The data were analysed using LIFETIME, a personal computer package with a wide variety of methods for mortality investigations. Respiratory diseases made the largest contribution to the increase in life expectancy for both sexes. In contrast, ischaemic heart disease made a negative contribution of 1% in the gain in female life expectancy but contributed 12% improvement for males. Life tables for Singaporean males and females in the year 2000 were projected by extrapolating the mortality trends observed in earlier periods. The calculations show that the life expectancy at birth in the year 2000 to be 74.72 years for males and 79.48 years for females.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

The spectrum of beta-thalassemia mutations in Malays in Singapore and Kelantan.

The spectrum of beta-thalassemia mutations in Malays in Singapore and Kelantan (Northeast Malaysia) was studied. Allele specific priming was used to determine the mutations in beta-carriers at -28, Codon 17, IVSI #1, IVSI #5, Codon 41-42 and IVSII #654 along the beta-globin gene. The most common structural hemoglobin variant in Southeast Asia, Hb E, was detected by DNA amplification with restriction enzyme (Mnl1) analysis. Direct genomic sequencing was carried out to detect the beta-mutations uncharacterized by allele-specific priming. The most prevalent beta-mutations in Singaporean Malays were IVSI #5 (45.83%) followed by Hb E (20.83%), codon 15 (12.5%) and IVSI #1 and IVSII #654 at 4.17% each. In contrast, the distribution of the beta-mutations in Kelantan Malays differed, with Hb E as the most common mutation (39.29%) followed by IVSI #5 (17.86%), codon 41-42 (14.29%), codon 19 (10.71%) and codon 17 (3.57%). The beta-mutations in Kelantan Malays follow closely the distribution of beta-mutations in Thais and Malays of Southern Thailand and Malays of West Malaysia. The AAC-->AGC base substitution in codon 19 has been detected only in these populations. The spectrum of beta-mutations in the Singaporean Malays is more similar to those reported in Indonesia with the beta-mutation at codon 15 (TGG-->TAG) present in both populations. The characterization of beta-mutations in Singaporean and Kelantan Malays will facilitate the establishment of effective prenatal diagnosis programs for beta-thalassemia major in this ethnic group.

Alleles↗
PubMed1996

Trabeculectomy--success rates in a Singapore hospital.

Previously published papers on the success of trabeculectomy as a treatment for glaucoma show success rates between 67% and 84%. The success rate of trabeculectomy in Afro-Carribean patients was observed to be lower than in Caucasian patients. It has been commonly believed that the success rate of trabeculectomy in Oriental/Asian eyes would lie somewhere between these. We reviewed the records of 51 consecutive trabeculectomies performed in the National University Hospital, Singapore and found that our success rate was lower-43.1% overall and 48.7% for primary glaucomas.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Fire walking in Singapore: a profile of the burn patient.

Fire walking is a religious ritual practised mainly by Indians, but also by some Chinese, living in Singapore. Seventeen new cases of burns sustained after a fire walking ceremony are reported. All the patients were males. One patient was Catholic, the others being Hindus. All the patients were Indians. The mean age of the patients was 25.47 years (range 19-56 years). All the patients had burns on the feet only. Of the 17 patients, 15 had burns on the non-weight-bearing area of the foot, one had burns on the weight-bearing area of the foot and one had burns on both the weight-bearing and the non-weight-bearing areas of the foot. The mean percentage of total body surface area affected was 0.81% (range 0.25-1.25%). The burn injuries were either erythema or partial thickness burns. The mean duration of disability was 21.4 days (range 14-35 days). Of those burnt, three were novices, six had walked twice and the remaining eight had walked three to 16 times. The profile of a fire walker is generally a young Indian with partial thickness injuries on one or both feet involving the non-weight-bearing area.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Rubella seroprevalence in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the changing need of the SAF rubella immunisation programme.

A seroepidemiological study on the prevalence of rubella antibodies in a cohort of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) recruits was conducted in 1994, twelve years after rubella immunisation was routinely given to primary 6 school boys in 1982. The results showed a high level of immunity (97.1% seropositive) in the study cohort. The implication of this finding is that it may no longer be necessary to routinely immunise recruits on entry into the SAF against rubella; the latter can be limited to those with no evidence of prior rubella immunisation.

Adult↗