MyMedR

Fulltext Physical Activity among Adults Residing in 11 Countries during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown

Ding K, Yang J, Chin MK, Sullivan L, Durstine JL, Violant-Holz V, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Jul 01;18(13).

PMID: 34280992 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18137056

During the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, physical activity (PA) behaviors were altered worldwide due to public health measures such as "lockdown." This study described PA among adults residing in 11 countries during COVID-19 lockdown and examined factors associated with PA engagement. We conducted a cross-sectional anonymous survey among adults (≥18 years old) in 11 countries (Brazil, Bulgaria, China, India, Ireland, Malaysia, North Macedonia, Singapore, Spain, Turkey, United States). Of 11,775 participants, 63.7% were female and 52.8% were 18-34 years old. More than 40% of participants were insufficiently active (43.9%) and reported a decrease in their PA during lockdown (44.8%). Statistically significant differences were observed in (1) proportions of participants being insufficiently active, (2) level of PA, and (3) decrease in PA across the 11 countries. More stringent governmental policy responses were associated with greater likelihood of being insufficiently active during lockdown (adjusted odds ratio = 1.22, 95% confidence interval = 1.03, 1.45). Higher depression or anxiety scores were associated with greater likelihood of decreased level of PA during lockdown.We found substantial reductions in PA levels during COVID-19 lockdown across countries. Country-specific PA promotion interventions are needed during this and similar global emergencies.

Matched MeSH terms: Singapore

Fulltext Proceedings of the 3rd expert consultation and planning meeting on infant and young child nutrition-(part 2)

Amarra, Sofia, Chan, Pauline

Malays J Nutr, 2013;19(1):139-142.

MyJurnal

Introduction: The Infant and Early Childhood Nutrition Task Force, International Life Sciences Institute Southeast Asia (ILSI SEA) Region, organised the 1st and 2nd Expert Consultation and Planning Meeting on Infant and Early Childhood Nutrition in 2009 and 2011, respectively. The goal of the consultations was “to generate and promote relevant science-based information that will help improve nutritional status, growth and development of infants and young children in Southeast Asia.” Methods: An Expert Panel Core Group was created whose role is to provide advice and recommendations through a review of current scientific knowledge regarding issues related to early childhood growth and nutrition. The Panel is composed of experts representing 7 countries (China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam). In July 2012, the Panel convened the 3rd Expert Consultation and Planning Meeting on Infant and Young Child Nutrition in Singapore. This report presents the highlights of the meeting and recommendations made by the Panel on ways to improve infant and young child nutrition in Southeast Asia. Results and Conclusion: The effective use of WHO indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practices, mitigating the effects of maternal employment on breastfeeding, using behaviour change communication, updating the education of health personnel, and improving maternal health were considered important actions to be taken. Since current feeding practices in Southeast Asia fall short of WHO recommendations, studies are needed to develop strategies which take into consideration the diverse cultural settings that characterise the region.

Matched MeSH terms: Singapore

Patients' and Caregivers' Attitudes Toward Deprescribing in Singapore

Kua CH, Reeve E, Tan DSY, Koh T, Soong JL, Sim MJL, et al.

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci, 2021 05 22;76(6):1053-1060.

PMID: 31965159 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glaa018

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of decision-making preference of patients and caregivers is needed to facilitate deprescribing. This study aimed to assess the perspectives of caregivers and older adults towards deprescribing in an Asian population. Secondary objectives were to identify and compare characteristics associated with these attitudes and beliefs.

METHOD: A cross-sectional survey of two groups of participants was conducted using the Revised Patients' Attitudes Towards Deprescribing questionnaire. Descriptive results were reported for participants' characteristics and questionnaire responses from four factors (belief in medication inappropriateness, medication burden, concerns about stopping, and involvement) and two global questions. Correlation between participant characteristics and their responses was analyzed.

RESULTS: A total of 1,057 (615 older adults; 442 caregivers) participants were recruited from 10 institutions in Singapore. In which 511 (83.0%) older adults and 385 (87.1%) caregivers reported that they would be willing to stop one or more of their medications if their doctor said it was possible, especially among older adults recruited from acute-care hospitals (85.3%) compared with older adults in community pharmacies (73.6%). Individuals who take more than five medications and those with higher education were correlated with greater agreement in inappropriateness and involvement, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should consider discussing deprescribing with older adults and caregivers in their regular clinical practice, especially when polypharmacy is present. Further research is needed into how to engage older adults and caregivers in shared decision making based on their attitudes toward deprescribing.

Matched MeSH terms: Singapore

A comparative study of the aerobic fitness of 421 healthy adult males in Singapore

Ong TC

J Sports Sci, 1993 Feb;11(1):71-6.

PMID: 8450589 DOI: 10.1080/02640419308729966

The maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) of 421 healthy adult males from three ethnic groups (Chinese, Malay and Indian), aged 25-54 years, was assessed from direct analyses of their expired respiratory gases during all-out runs on a treadmill as a measure of aerobic fitness. The subjects were divided into three age groups: group 1, 25-34 years; group 2, 35-44 years; group 3, 45-54 years. Each group was further subdivided into non-exercisers (NE), non-regular exercisers (NRE) and regular exercisers (RE). Consistently within each age group, regular exercisers produced significantly higher VO2 max values compared to non-regular exercisers and non-exercisers. They also met the VO2 max requirements for heavy physical work and compared favourably with the standards of the National Physical Fitness Award of Singapore and Cooper's aerobic fitness classification standards based on North American males. Non-regular exercisers and non-exercisers only met the VO2 max requirements for moderate physical work and compared poorly in both of the aerobic fitness standards.

Matched MeSH terms: Singapore

Distribution of the FcgammaRIIIa 176 F/V polymorphism amongst healthy Chinese, Malays and Asian Indians in Singapore

Chong KT, Ho WF, Koo SH, Thompson P, Lee EJ

Br J Clin Pharmacol, 2007 Mar;63(3):328-32.

PMID: 16981896

To determine and compare the distribution of the FcgammaRIIIa 176 F/V polymorphism across three ethnically distinct populations (Chinese, Asian Indians and Malays) in Singapore.

Matched MeSH terms: Singapore

Fulltext State of rare disease management in Southeast Asia

Shafie AA, Chaiyakunapruk N, Supian A, Lim J, Zafra M, Hassali MA

Orphanet J Rare Dis, 2016 08 02;11(1):107.

PMID: 27484654 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-016-0460-9

BACKGROUND: Rare diseases, also referred to as orphan diseases, are characterised by their low prevalence with majority of them are chronically debilitating and life threatening. Given the low prevalence and the widely dispersed but very small patient base for each disease, there may often be a disproportion in the availability of treatments and resources to manage patients, spur research and train experts. This is especially true in Southeast Asian countries that are currently in the process of implementing or revising their universal health coverage schemes. This paper aims to examine the status of rare disease management in Southeast Asian countries. It will serve as the basis for a more active discussion on how countries in the region can address an under-recognised rare disease burden and enhance national and regional capacities.

METHODS: The study consists of literature reviews and key stakeholders interviews in six focus countries, including the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand and five countries as best practice, comprising of France, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, and South Korea. Rare disease management initiatives across each country were examined based on the World Health Organization's framework for action in strengthening health systems.

RESULTS: The results suggest rare disease management remains challenging across Southeast Asia, as many of the focus countries face fundamental issues from basic healthcare systems to funding. Nonetheless, there are substantial improvement opportunities, including leveraging best practices from around the world and organising a multi-stakeholder and regional approach and strategy.

CONCLUSIONS: Southeast Asian countries have made significant progress in the management of rare disease, but there remain key areas for substantial development opportunities.

Matched MeSH terms: Singapore

Chromosomal evolution in the lizard genus Varanus (reptilia)

King M, King D

Aust. J. Biol. Sci., 1975 Feb;28(1):89-108.

PMID: 1164258

The karyotypes have been determined of 16 of the 32 species of the genus Varanus, including animals from Africa, Israel, Malaya and Australia. A constant chromosome number of 2n = 40 was observed. The karyotype is divided into eight pairs of large chromosomes and 12 paris of microchromosomes. A series of chromosomal rearrangements have become established in both size groups of the karyotype and are restricted to centromers shifts, probably caused by pericentric inversion. Species could be placed in one of six distinct karyotype groups which are differentiated by these rearrangements and whose grouping does not always correspond with the current taxonomy. An unusual sex chromosome system of the ZZ/ZW type was present in a number of the species examined. The evolutionary significance of these chromosomal rearrangements, their origin and their mode of establishment are discussed and related to the current taxonomic groupings. The most likely phylogenetic model based on chromosome morphology, fossil evidence and the current distribution of the genus Varanus is presented.

Matched MeSH terms: Singapore

Tropical pyomyositis

Owen-Smith MS

Aust N Z J Surg, 1975 Feb;45(1):57-60.

PMID: 1057403

Six cases of tropical pyomyositis occurring in Australian, New Zealand and British soldiers in Malaysia and Singapore are described.

Matched MeSH terms: Singapore

Some psychosocial characteristics of sexual reassignment requestors in Singapore--a report on 23 cases

Long FY, Lee MM

Med J Malaysia, 1974 Jun;28(4):208-12.

PMID: 4278402

Matched MeSH terms: Singapore

The pattern of the pathology of ovarian tumours in pregnancy in the Singapore-Malaysia region

Sinnathuray TA

Med J Malaya, 1971 Sep;26(1):53-5.

PMID: 4258576

Matched MeSH terms: Singapore

Fulltext Severe respiratory sequelae of H1N1: clinical features, management and outcome – a review

Ismail A. Hamid, Marzida Mansor, Siok, Gracie Yan Ong, Kumar, N.M.

International e-Journal of Science, Medicine & Education, 2010;4(2):-.

MyJurnal

Since the outbreak of the novel influenza H1N1 in April 2009 in Mexico, more then half a million cases have been recorded with more then 6000 deaths.In contrast to seasonal flu, this virus appears to have a predilection for the young, obese and pregnant.It’s most important and almost fatal complication is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Intensive care units (ICU) around the world have scrambled to upgrade various treatment modalities including high frequency oscillation ventilation, inotropes, antivirals and antibiotics in an effort to reduce the mortality arising out of this complication. More importantly, this complication appears reversible if adequate and early therapy is instituted. In particular, rescue therapies that allow the lung to rest appear to have brought success in some clinical settings. This article describes the experiences of seven centers that have used various modalities as rescue therapy in patients having Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). The experiences in 13 patients at the University of Michigan, 58 in Mexico, 168 in Canada, 180 patients at Leicester UK, 194 in Australia and New Zealand and case reports from Hong Kong and Singapore are described.

Matched MeSH terms: Singapore

Fulltext Genes and genealogy of the guppy fish, Poecilia reticulata

Khoo, Gideon, Lim, Tit Meng, Phang, Violet Pan Eng

Buletin Persatuan Genetik Malaysia, 2006;12(1):5-7.

MyJurnal

Since the early 1950’s, Singapore is internationally known as the guppy-breeding centre. At least 40 different colour varieties of guppies are cultured in Singapore, with each farm specialising in 10 to 15 varieties. These fancy varieties have been developed by skilful farmers through intensive and continual selective breeding. Genes controlling background body pigmentation such as albino (a), blond (b), gold (g) and blue (r) are autosomally inherited and recessive to their wild-type alleles which produce drab olive-brown background coloration. Colour patterns which are superimposed onto wild-type background coloration are due to genes located on the sex chromosomes. These
sex-linked colour genes are dominant and sex-limited to males as their expression requires male hormones. Y-linked colour pattern genes carried by males are inherited only along the paternal line while X-linked genes are present in both sexes. Among the guppy varieties produced locally, only two Y-linked genes, Ssb and Sst, that control snakeskin tail and body patterns, respectively, have been found in varieties with snakeskin-like reticulations. Single colour genes that are both X- and Y-linked produce red (Rdt), blue (Blt), green (Grt), black (Bt) and variegated (Var) patterns
on the caudal fin. The black caudal-peduncle of the Tuxedo variety is the result of Bcp, a gene that is both X- and Ylinked. Different combinations of colour pattern genes and background pigmentation genes as well as interactions among them give rise to various colour phenotypes. For
instance, the inclusion of Bcp in Snakeskin varieties causes black reticulations on the tail fin to be replaced by large, coarse black spots. Neon coloration is produced by interactions between the Ln (light turquoise) gene with Blt, Rdt and Bcp.

Matched MeSH terms: Singapore

Controlled clinical trial of "Atromid" (androsterone with ethyl-p-chlorophenoxy-isobutyrate) and "Persantin" (dipyridamole) in cases of myocardial infarction

Teik KO, Poh FW, Fun CS, Mong BC

Med J Malaya, 1966 Mar;20(3):186-204.

PMID: 4223070

Matched MeSH terms: Singapore

Survey of sickness in Singapore with notes on births, deaths, handicapped persons, puberty, menopause, immunisation, incidence of cough and adoption

LLOYD DAVIES TA, MILLS R

Med J Malaya, 1961 Mar;15:117-56.

PMID: 14466048

Matched MeSH terms: Singapore

Observations on the dental condition of Europeans and Asiatics in Singapore following the Japanese Occupation

CAMERON G

Br Dent J, 1946 Jul;81:16.

PMID: 20991033

Matched MeSH terms: Singapore

Immunogenetic aspects of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. V. Confirmation of a Chinese-related HLA profile (A2, Singapore 2) associated with an increased risk in Chinese for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Simons MJ, Wee GB, Singh D, Dharmalingham S, Yong NK, Chau JC, et al.

Natl Cancer Inst Monogr, 1977 Dec;47:147-51.

PMID: 613233

Histocompatibility locus A typing of 43 Malaysian Chinese and 51 Hong Kong Chinese patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) confirmed the association between the occurrence of A2-Sin 2 and the increased risk for NPC that was previously demonstrated in Singapore Chinese. The results support the previous interpretation that the histocompatibility locus A genotype of importance in NPC predisposition is the A2-Sin 2 haplotype. The histocompatibility locus A-linked, genetically determined NPC risk is common to Asian Chinese from at least three geographic locations.

Matched MeSH terms: Singapore

Histocompatibility leukocyte antigen patterns and nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Simons MJ, Day NE

Natl Cancer Inst Monogr, 1977 Dec;47:143-6.

PMID: 613232

Incidence patterns indicated the prominent role of genetic factors in this type of cancer. A histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA) profile of A2 and B-locus antigen, Singapore 2 (Sin 2), was identified. An association between these genes and increased risk for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), was confirmed. The risk was restricted to the "co-occurrence" of A2, B-Sin 2, suggesting that the genotype predisposing to the development of NPC was the A, B-Sin 2 haplotype. Similar associations were found to exist in Malaysian and Hong Kong Chinese so the A2, B-Sin 2 phenotype is a feature common to Asian Chinese in at least three locations. Preliminary HLA studies of medium NPC incidence in Tunisians and Malays indicated that patients with NPC of both ethnic types have altered HLA antigen profiles. If the findings of a locus-B antigen deficit in Tunisians and the role of A9 with B-locus antigens in Malays can be confirmed and clarified, the histocompatibility genetic hypothesis of NPC predisposition would be substantially strengthened.

Matched MeSH terms: Singapore

Hypnosis in general medical practice in Singapore

MUN CT

Am J Clin Hypn, 1964 Apr;6:340-4.

PMID: 14136309

Matched MeSH terms: Singapore

Haemolytic jaundice in a drugsensitive patient in Singapore

VELLA F, Phoon WO

Med J Malaya, 1959 Jun;13:309-12.

PMID: 13841617

Matched MeSH terms: Singapore

Renal excretion of water and salt by healthy people in Singapore