Singap Med J
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Review
Controversies and discrepancies in the effect of dietary fat and cholesterol on cardiovascular risk.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. The top ten causes of death in Singapore include many cardiovascular-related diseases such as ischaemic heart disease. The increasing prevalence of CVD poses a burden to both the economy and healthcare system of a country. ⋯ Recent research findings have provided novel insights into the relationship between certain dietary fats or cholesterol intake and CVD risks, challenging or reinforcing previous guidelines. These findings may, however, be conflicting, and there are still controversies over the effects of dietary fats and cholesterol as well as their association with cardiovascular risk. This review paper aims to evaluate common controversies, identify gaps in relevant research areas and summarise evidence-based dietary recommendations.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Swing door technique for uncinectomy versus standard technique: a comparative study.
Uncinectomy can be performed using various methods. The aim of the present study was to compare the results and complications of uncinectomy and middle meatus antrostomy using the standard and swing door techniques during functional endoscopic sinus surgery. ⋯ The swing door technique for uncinectomy produces good postoperative results, with fewer complications, as compared to the standard technique.
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Good trunk performance is important for activities such as sitting and standing. In a cohort of patients with stroke, we sought to evaluate changes in trunk performance after stroke, establish factors correlated to trunk performance and assess the impact of trunk performance on discharge ambulatory and functional status. ⋯ Truncal impairment was common and improvements in trunk performance were seen after rehabilitation. Trunk performance was significantly correlated to stroke severity, upper and lower limb motor power, cognition and neglect. As admission trunk performance predicted discharge functional and ambulatory status, it is recommended that trunk performance be evaluated for all patients with stroke.
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Trampolining is a popular activity. However, to our knowledge, no studies on paediatric trampoline-related injuries (TRIs) have been conducted in Asia. We aimed to provide an Asian perspective on paediatric TRIs and evaluate current safety measures. ⋯ The existence of trampoline parks has contributed to a rise in TRIs. We recommend measures such as general education, changes in the setup around the trampoline, increasing the age limit for trampolining, adult supervision and discouraging double bouncing.
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Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is a first-line antimalarial drug with relatively low toxicity. DHA has been speculated to possess a broad-spectrum antitumour effect. However, the potential value of DHA for the treatment of endometrial carcinoma or cervical cancer is unclear. ⋯ Our results suggest a clinical value for DHA in the treatment of endometrial carcinoma and cervical cancer. Our data revealed possible anticancer mechanisms of DHA that involve regulating apoptosis, autophagy pathway and levels of TfR.