Singap Med J
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Scurvy is an ancient disease. Over the years, with advances in the understanding of the disease, general improvement in health standards and nutrition, scurvy is now rarely encountered. ⋯ With vitamin C replacement, psychiatric medication and cognitive behavioural therapy, there was a dramatic improvement in her condition. This case serves as a reminder to the clinician that, even though rare in today's practice, ascorbic acid deficiency is still encountered, and when recognised, is an easily treatable disease.
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Calcium supplementation and pharmacotherapy are recommended in the preventive management of osteoporosis. Many previous studies report of underdiagnosis and undertreatment of osteoporosis among elderly patients with hip fractures. We undertook this study to determine the dietary calcium levels in our local elderly population who were admitted with hip fractures. ⋯ The dietary calcium intake of our elderly patients with hip fractures is insufficient. They would benefit from dietary education and calcium supplements to prevent deterioration in bone density and subsequent osteoporotic fractures.
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We evaluated the progress in the self-perceived competence of medical students in a range of common clinical, practical and personal skills, in their final six months of training. ⋯ Significant progresses in clinical experience and confidence can be observed in the final stages of medical training. The findings of inadequate improvements in some skills call for dedicated training sessions and strengthening of on-site supervision.
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Review
Application of mental illness stigma theory to Chinese societies: synthesis and new directions.
The rapidly-evolving literature concerning stigma towards psychiatric illnesses among Chinese groups has demonstrated pervasive negative attitudes and discriminatory treatment towards people with mental illness. However, a systematic integration of current stigma theories and empirical findings to examine how stigma processes may occur among Chinese ethnic groups has yet to be undertaken. ⋯ These cultural meanings are reflected in severe and culturally-specific expressions of stigma in Chinese societies. Implications and directions to advance stigma research within Chinese cultural settings are provided.