Although existing literature increasingly suggests a positive influence of pet ownership on human physical activity levels, results from many European, American, and Japanese studies have been inconsistent. How pet ownership impacts mental health and atopy is likewise controversial and whether distinct demographic subgroups experience differential effects is unclear. This cross-sectional study surveyed participants (n = 823) via a self-administered online questionnaire. Comparisons of outcomes between pet owners and non-pet owners with subgroup analyses were performed within a propensity score-matched subset (n = 566) of respondents. There were no differences in physical activity levels or mental health scores between pet owners and non-pet owners. In subgroup analyses, compared to non-pet owners, main pet caregivers reported 14.1 (95% CI 2.79–25.3) and 19.0 (95% CI 4.70–33.3) more minutes per week of moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity respectively and higher SF-36 emotional well-being (β = 2.7, 95% CI 0.100–5.32) and energy scores (β = 3.8, 95% CI 0.410–7.27). Age was a significant effect modifier of the association between pet ownership and emotional well-being, energy and social functioning scores, with greater scores above the ages of 39, 35 and 39 years old respectively (interaction p = 0.043, 0.044, 0.042). Finally, pet acquisition was associated with worsening of allergic rhinitis, while pet ownership cessation was associated with improvement of allergic rhinitis and eczema symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first study addressing the public health impact of pet ownership in Southeast Asia and its findings add contextual nuance to suggest potential benefits derived from pet ownership.

Background: Preparation of del-Nido cardioplegia and its delivery technique can cause significant hemodilution. The resultant effects from hemodilution are largely proportionate to the use of a dual circuit. We opted for a custom-disposable single cardioplegia circuit instead of a dual circuit. Methods: We describe an alternative technique of del-Nido cardioplegia delivery and initial clinical experience with it at National University Hospital, Singapore. This is a retrospective analysis of data from January 2017 to April 2019, comprising of 177 patients of heart surgery and reflecting a single center database survey under the National Health Care Group. Results: Of the 177 patients who underwent surgery with del-Nido cardioplegia, 76 (42.9%) were valve-only procedures and 5 (2.8%) were coronary artery bypass graft–only procedures. Ultrafiltration was utilized in 132 (62.6%) patients, whereas filtrate volume was 2200 [150-9500] mL. The alternative technique of del-Nido cardioplegia delivery adopted by National University Hospital advocates for a single pump, single circuit system. The retrospective institutional data highlighted safe delivery of del-Nido cardioplegia using this technique in a range of procedures. Conclusion: Besides the safe delivery of del-Nido cardioplegia, the National University Hospital Technique reduces hemodilution and provides other technical benefits including a steeper temperature gradient, modification of circuit configuration to deliver another cardioplegia while on bypass, as well as re-configuration of clamps to spike the base solution.

Introduction: Obesity is a major risk factor in the development of endometrial cancer (EC) in young patients of reproductive age. Fertility sparing treatment is a viable option for a select group of patients with early EC, and involves systemic and intra-uterine hormonal therapy. Weight loss has been associated with improved outcomes in this group. Bariatric surgery (BS) has been shown to be the most efficient and durable method of weight loss in obese patients. However, there is a paucity of data studying the benefit of BS as part of fertility sparing treatment. Methods: We present a retrospective case series of five patients who are undergoing fertility sparing treatment for early EC, who also underwent BS for treatment of obesity and related comorbidities. We aim to show early regression of EC for all the patients and also report on the other health benefits of BS. Results: All five patients in the series achieved regression of EC within six months of undergoing BS. They also achieved significant weight loss consistent with previous studies, and three patients who had comorbidities related to obesity had remission of these conditions. One of the patients with EC regression also managed to conceive with IVF. Conclusion: Patients on fertility sparing treatment for early EC who underwent BS was associated with early regression within 6 months, significant weight loss and resolution of comorbidities. BS could be a promising component of fertility sparing treatment. Long term, prospective studies are required to confirm the benefits reported in this case series.