Biomedical subjects

Ye Tun

Publications and source records attributed to Ye Tun.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

HIV in Singapore--past, present, and future.

The first case of HIV infection in Singapore was reported in 1985. Between 1991 and 1998, the number of reported cases of HIV and AIDS increased rapidly before stabilizing from 1999. The epidemiology of the AIDS epidemic in Singapore is characterized by a predominance of male cases (seven to one) and heterosexual transmission. A multipronged control program comprising public education and education of high-risk groups, legislation, protection of the national blood supply, management of cases, and epidemiological surveillance has been put in place. The promotion of condom use among local sex workers has been fairly successful, with very low rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, freelance and potential indirect sex workers such as masseuses and lounge hostesses are a concern in view of their higher prevalence of HIV and STIs. Another concern is the high proportion of cases who are diagnosed only when they develop AIDS. A better understanding of sexual networks among men who have sex with men will enable more effective intervention programs for this group. Fresh innovative approaches are needed to encourage safe sex practices and early screening.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed2003

Can nasal continuous positive airway pressure decrease clinic blood pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is commonly associated with systemic hypertension and now recognized as an independent risk factor for daytime hypertension. We aimed to study the short- and long-term effect of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in hypertensive and normotensive patients with OSA. Forty-six patients with moderated to severe OSA were treated with nasal CPAP and followed after one year of treatment. Clinic blood pressure, heart rate, and body weight were taken before and followed up for one year after beginning nasal CPAP. In this study 25 patients with OSA were found to have hypertension (54.3%). The hypertensive group showed a significant reduction in clinic blood pressure after nasal CPAP, whereas the normotensive group showed no changes. The subgroup of hypertensive patients with OSA who had no anti-hypertensive medication revealed a decrease in clinic blood pressure comparable to those with anti-hypertensive drugs. The heart rate was not significantly changed in any patients. There was no significant correlation between the decrease in body weight and the reduction in blood pressure. These results suggest that nasal CPAP alone might have a substantial blood pressure lowering effect in hypertensive patients with OSA. This effect could decrease the morbidity and mortality related to cardiovascular complications in patients with OSA.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: recent advances in pathophysiology and management.

In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with a worse prognosis. Recently, information has been increasing concerning the cellular and molecular aspects of the pathophysiology of PH in COPD. The most striking finding is the role of vascular endothelial cells and endogenous mediators released by these cells. Endothelial cell-dependent relaxation is impaired in COPD patients with PH. Moreover, vascular remodelling in these patients is mainly responsible for irreversible PH in advanced COPD. Smoking cessation will slow down the progression of the disease process and may prevent the development of PH in COPD. The timing of initiation of long-term oxygen therapy is important for the effective management of PH in COPD. Research on therapeutic agents for the effective treatment of PH is still needed in the management aspect of patients with COPD. This review focuses on the recent advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of PH in COPD.

Cardiac Catheterization↗