Medical care for institutionalised elderly people in Singapore

Abstract: This study examined physical and financial arrangements for medical care of institutionalised elderly people in Singapore. Chief administrators of all long-term care facilities were interviewed on the existing arrangements for medical care of their residents. Results showed that 66 out of a total of 68 (97%) homes arranged medical care for residents. Of those, 29 homes offered on-site medical care with alternative arrangements when the in-house facilities were not operating. While government-owned homes would pay for all medical costs incurred by their residents, over 48% of voluntary homes and 87% of commercial homes required residents to be financially responsible for their care. The availability of financial support given to residents for payment of medical care was found to be associated with the type of sponsorship of the homes. While there was adequate physical access to medical care, the lack of financial support would pose a potential barrier to use of medical care for institutionalised elderly people.     

Thymidine labeling index in breast tumors

The relationship between primary tumor proliferative activity and clinical and pathologic characteristics was analyzed in relation to menopausal status in 32 patients with malignant or benign breast disease. The thymidine labeling index (TLI) showed significantly higher median values in the cancer patients (3.48 per cent) than in the patients with benign diseases (1.02 per cent). TLI was not significantly affected by delayed incubation at room temperature for about 1 hour. In the breast cancer patients, TLI did not significantly correlate to tumor size, the presence of axillary lymph node metastasis or pathologic nuclear grading. The only significant difference was limited to the breast cancer patients without axillary lymph node metastasis in relation to menopausal status; the TLI in the premenopausal patients (5.10 per cent) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that in the postmenopausal patients (2.28 per cent). These data thus suggest that among premenopausal patients without axillary lymph node metastasis, those with a high TLI could be potential candidates for adjuvant chemotherapy.     

Understanding prevention of dental caries and gum disease in the singapore population.

Prevention has been recognized as a cost-effective method for the control of oral diseases. Knowledge of prevention can influence preventive dental behavior. This study surveyed knowledge on the prevention of dental caries and gum disease among a selected group of adults. Respondents were asked to indicate the importance of numerous preventive measures for prevention of both categories of oral diseases. Results showed that while respondents appropriately identified the importance of regular brushing for prevention, the role of flossing is underestimated. Similarly, there was a lack of appreciation for the value of various fluoride treatment modalities in preventing dental caries. A lack of understanding of dental sealants was also evident. It is concluded that public knowledge on prevention of dental caries and gum disease deviates greatly from current scientific information.     

Characterization of htAKR, a novel gene product in the aldo-keto reductase family specifically expressed in human testis

In human testis, expression of a novel member of the aldo-keto reductase family was identified. Based on its testis-specific expression, we termed this protein human testis aldo-keto reductase (htAKR). In addition to four major isoforms, the existence of multiple alternatively spliced products of htAKR was detected using RT-PCR followed by nested PCR. htAKR was a homologue of mouse liver keto-reductase, AKR1E1, with close similarity in their genomic organizations. htAKR4, the longest isoform, was expressed as a non-fused native form. It exhibited a limited activity toward 9,10-phenanthrenequinone, while no activity toward the steroids or prostaglandins was demonstrated. Using the laser capture microdissection technique and RT-PCR, expression of htAKR was detected in testicular germ cells as well as in interstitial cells. The levels of htAKR mRNA in the tissues obtained from seminoma were much lower than those in normal testes. A significant decline in the htAKR expression was observed when NEC8, a cell line originated from a human testicular germ cell tumour, was exposed to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone. These results indicate that the expression of htAKR, down-regulated in the testicular tumour, is possibly controlled by mitogenic and hormonal signals.     

Evaluation of three substitutes for Percoll in sperm isolation by density gradient centrifugation

Silane-coated silica particle solutions (ISolate(TM) and PureSperm)TM)) and iodixanol (OptiPrep(TM)) were compared to polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated silica particles (Percoll(TM)) in their efficacy to recover spermatozoa by gradient centrifugation for use in assisted reproductive procedures. Efficacy was assessed in terms of percentages of sperm recovery, sperm vitality and motility, normal sperm morphology and normal sperm chromatin condensation. No significant difference was found in the recovery of spermatozoa for men with both normal sperm counts and oligozoospermia, between PVP-coated and silane-coated particle solutions. Iodixanol had significantly lower sperm recovery compared to the other products. Sperm vitality, progressive motility, normal morphology and normal chromatin condensation did not differ significantly between any of the sperm isolation products.      

Expression of interleukin-18 by nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells: a factor that possibly initiates the massive leukocyte infiltration

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a single-chain cytokine that is produced by various cells. With interleukin-12 (IL-12), it synergistically stimulates activated T cells and natural killer (NK) cells to produce interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common form of nasal and nasopharyngeal malignancy, and in NPC tumor tissues there is an intense leukocyte infiltration comprising predominantly T cells and macrophages. We previously showed an increased expression of IFN-gamma in the infiltrating T cells. To identify the cells that provide IL-12 and IL-18 for stimulating the expression of IFN-gamma in activated T cells, NPC cell lines CNE-2 and HK-1, as well as biopsies obtained from NPC and control individuals, were examined. CNE-2 and HK-1 cells were found to express messenger RNA encoding IL-18, but not IL-12. Secreted IL-18 was detected in the culture supernatant. Addition of a caspase-1 inhibitor decreased the secretion level, indicating that this IL-18 secretion was caspase-1 dependent. Moreover, the in vitro IL-18 production in NPC cell lines correlated with the NPC tumor cells in situ. NPC tumor cells in the biopsies produced IL-18, as detected by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescent double staining. In contrast, IL-18 expression was not observed in the control biopsies. We suggest that IL-18 secreted by NPC tumor cells plays a role in initiating the leukocyte infiltration process. IL-18 stimulates T cells and NK cells to produce IFN-gamma, which consequently activates macrophages and other immune cells to secrete chemokines to start a leukocyte recruitment cascade.     

Feulgen reaction study of novel threadlike structures (Bonghan ducts) on the surfaces of mammalian organs

Threadlike structures on the surfaces of internal organs, which are thought to be part of the Bonghan duct system, were first reported about 40 years ago, but have been largely ignored since then. Recently, they were rediscovered, and in this study we discuss the Feulgen reaction that specifically stains DNA in order to identify these structures on the surface of rabbit livers as part of the Bonghan system. The distribution, shapes, and sizes of their nuclei are found to be similar to those of intravascular threadlike structures. The endothelial nuclei are rod-shaped, 10-20 mum long, and aligned in a broken-line striped fashion. The threadlike structure consists of a bundle of several subducts, which is a characteristic feature of Bonghan ducts and distinguishes them morphologically from lymphatic vessels. In addition, the Feulgen reaction clearly demonstrates that the subducts pass through a corpuscle, which is usually irregular or oval-shaped and is connected to two or several threadlike structures that form a web on the surfaces of organs. Furthermore, spherical granules of about 1 mum in diameter are detected in the subducts. These granules were well stained by using the Feulgen reaction, which implies that they contain DNA. According to previous reports, a granule is a type of microcell and plays an essential role in the physiology and therapeutic effect of the Bonghan system and acupuncture. This role has yet to be elucidated.