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Biomedical subjects

R Chan

Publications and source records attributed to R Chan.

169 records · Page 10Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Validation of an echocardiographic assessment of cardiac function following moderate size myocardial infarction in the rat.

1. The present study determined whether two dimensional guided M-mode echocardiography could assess left ventricular (LV) geometry and function following a moderate size myocardial infarction in the rat. 2. Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by left coronary artery ligation and rats were studied 4 weeks later. Infarct rats showed increased LV internal diastolic diameter (7.33 +/- 0.8 vs 5.91 +/- 0.6 mm; P < 0.001), LV systolic diameter (3.73 +/- 1.2 vs 1.87 +/- 0.6 mm; P < 0.001) and thickening of the noninfarcted posterior wall compared with sham operated rats (1.81 +/- 0.2 vs 1.47 +/- 0.3; P < 0.001; n = 10/group; mean +/- s.d.). Systolic function was impaired in infarct rats who showed reduced fractional shortening (50 +/- 12 vs 68 +/- 9%; P < 0.001) and fractional area change (41 +/- 14 vs 78 +/- 5%; P < 0.001). Infarct size measured echocardiographically was comparable to that measured by quantitative histological examination (29 +/- 10 vs 28 +/- 5%; NS). 3. The present study indicates that postinfarction remodelling leading to LV cavity dilation, hypertrophy of surviving myocardium and impaired systolic function is apparent 4 weeks following moderate size MI in the rat. 4. Transthoracic echocardiography is a noninvasive technique that may be used to assess serially the efficacy of therapeutic interventions designed to prevent remodelling in moderate size MI in the rat.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Factors associated with sexually transmitted diseases among prostitutes in Singapore.

From June to December 1990, 806 prostitutes registered with the STD programme in Singapore for regular screening for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) were investigated for factors associated with STD incidence in the preceding year. The majority were foreigners (92.7% Malaysians and 3.1% Thais). Anal sex (0.4%) and intravenous drug use (0.9%) were rare. The overall STD incidence rate was 47.7 per 100. None was human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive. The crude and age-adjusted risk of STD was found to increase significantly with client load. An inverse relationship between condom use and STD risk was also observed. Mean condom use among clients was reported as 56.1% for spontaneous use and estimated as 75.4% following negotiation for condom use by prostitutes. Although the prostitutes negotiated for condom use with majority of the clients (85.5%) who did not use condoms spontaneously, they were successful with only about half of them (54.4%). Health education should be targeted at clients on the protective effects of condom use and at the prostitutes on skills in negotiating condom use.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Probable human infection with a newly described virus in the family Paramyxoviridae. The NSW Expert Group.

After an apparently new virus in the family Paramyxoviridae was isolated from pigs in August 1997, an investigation was carried out to assess its risk for humans. More than 250 persons with potential exposure to infected pigs were tested serologically. Two piggery workers with intense occupational exposure had high convalescent-phase antibody titers to this new virus. In early June 1997, both workers had an influenzalike illness with rash; serologic testing showed no alternative cause. Strong evidence indicates that the two men became ill from this new virus, but the mode of transmission from pigs to humans remains unknown.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Adhesive capsulitis of the ankle.

Adhesive capsulitis is a rheumatologic complication that may be encountered in the ankle joint in posttraumatic situations. The condition presents with chronic ankle pain, stiffness, and swelling. The diagnosis can be confirmed arthrographically. A report is made of a severe case that was successfully treated with arthroscopic surgery. The shortcomings of the existing literature are discussed. The authors suggest that, where applicable, arthroscopy should be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Poor utilisation and limited impact of formularies on quality of prescribing by hospital doctors.

We determined the utilisation and perceived value of formularies amongst 104 Non Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs). Only 58% routinely carry a formulary, largely the British, National Formulary (BNF) which is considered by 93% to be the best. The overall quality of prescribing in surgical wards was poorer compared to medical wards. However, after distribution of "free BNF's" significant improvements (p < 0.05) occurred, but only in surgical wards and only in aspects of prescribing specifically highlighted (generic prescribing and limiting the duration of intravenous medications). These improvements lasted four weeks before returning to previous levels. Our results suggest that despite recognising their value a significant proportion of Irish hospital doctors do not routinely carry a formulary. The beneficial effects of distributing free formularies was shortlived.

Chi-Square Distribution↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Low rate of generic prescribing in the Republic of Ireland compared to England and Northern Ireland: prescribers' concerns.

We compared the level of generic prescribing in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and England and surveyed the views of Irish College of General Practitioners members. In 1993, generic drugs (pure generics and branded generics together) comprised 17.4% of total dispensing in the General Medical Services Scheme, significantly less than Northern Ireland or England where pure generics alone comprised 25% and 38% respectively of total dispensing in the National Health Services. General practitioners accurately self-estimated their level of generic prescribing but are concerned about the reliability/quality of generic products on the market, possible legal liabilities associated with their use and the fact that pharmacists may legally dispense more expensive proprietary preparations in the case of private prescriptions written generically. Prescribers need reassurance regarding legal and quality assurance aspects of generic prescribing if the level of generic drug use is to increase.

Drug Prescriptions↗