Health
INAUGURAL NUHS SCIENTIFIC & INNOVATION SUMMIT CHAMPIONS PREDICTIVE, PRECISE AND PERSONALISED CARE
Innovation Summit
From digital twin technology to leveraging AI in tackling obesity, the NUHS Scientific & Innovation Summit is a congregation of the brightest minds in cutting-edge medicine – with patients’ utmost care at heart
SINGAPORE, Aug. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers, but Mr Ang Chin Chay, 70, was in the dark about his dire condition, until he experienced a bout of fever following a vacation to Vietnam. He quickly sought medical attention for what turned out to be a Hepatitis A infection, transmitted through contaminated food he had consumed overseas.
It was a fortuitous encounter, as routine tests revealed abnormal liver function results. Mr Ang subsequently underwent scans, which uncovered HCC, a largely asymptomatic cancer in its early stages. This was unexpected as Mr Ang was known to have fatty liver, but not cirrhosis, the most advanced form of liver scarring.
“Patients with fatty liver – but without cirrhosis – are not routinely recommended to undergo liver cancer screening,” Dr Huang explained. “But in reality, we have discovered that nearly 40 percent of HCC cases related to fatty liver occur in the absence of cirrhosis.”
Mr Ang’s prognosis would have been poor if his condition had not been detected early, as patients who are diagnosed at a late stage have an overall five-year survival rate of less than 20 percent.
Improving the screening process for patients like Mr Ang through non-invasive tests and advanced imaging is the crux of Dr Huang’s work that he will be presenting at the NUHS Scientific & Innovation Summit, on 3 August 2024.
“We aim to risk stratify people with fatty liver into those who have a high risk of liver cancer and those who do not, and to pre-emptively develop better ways to identify these people early so that they can receive some form of curative treatment,” Dr. Huang explained.
Personalising care with the digital twin
Another project pushing the frontiers of medicine with digital innovations, is the Digital Twin programme led by Dr Gao Yujia, Assistant Group Chief Technology Officer, National University Health System.
The digital twin, which is based on imaging and other data from a patient’s own tests, is a virtual 3D anatomical replica of a patient’s organs, like the liver. The digital twin will allow clinicians to transform what is usually a static scan image (such as an MRI scan), into a dynamic model that precisely recreates the shape and structural behaviour of the organ it replicates, enabling enhanced pre-surgery planning and more accurate intra-operative navigation.
Together with Holomedicine, which is a mixed reality (MR) based technology, this represents a significant leap forward in the surgeons’ ability to predict how organs will behave during a surgery, and predict how internal structures will move and change as the surgery is being performed.
“Holomedicine leverages mixed reality to interact with virtual objects superimposed onto the real world, allowing for unparalleled accuracy in pre-surgical planning,” explained Dr Gao, who will be presenting his work in mixed reality technology at the NUHS Scientific & Innovation Summit.
With this near-pinpoint precision, surgeons can minimise the risk of injuring other structures, thereby reducing potential complications and operating time, ultimately improving the patient’s overall recovery outcomes.
Innovation Summit: Tackling diseases with precision
Dr Anand Jeyasekharan, a senior consultant at the Department of Haematology-Oncology in the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), likens the human body’s reaction to cancer cells, to an intense battle between two warring armies.
It was a battle that became personal in 2023 for Mr Soegianto Nagaria, Dr Jeyasekharan’s patient. He had a large tumour in his liver excised by surgeons in Taiwan. Initially thought to be liver cancer, the reports indicated it to be a Stage 4 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma instead. The situation worsened when the doctors discovered the presence of a second lymphoma in his bone marrow.
Diagnosing and treating two concurrent cancers presented significant challenges, requiring precise and coordinated medical intervention. It was important to know if the two cancers were related, as the treatment would be very different if they were.
Upon recommendations by his cousins, who are doctors, Mr Nagaria decided to continue the rest of his treatment at NCIS, under Dr Jeyasekharan’s care.
Mr Nagaria flew to Singapore in September 2023, and underwent a molecular profiling under an NUHS programme for precision oncology (IMAC – integrated molecular analysis of cancer) to get his tumour sequenced. Following the sequencing, the NCIS team discovered that the two lymphomas were not related and drew up the vital treatment plans, providing life-saving ammunition in the cancer battle.
Mr Nagaria completed multiple rounds of chemotherapy over six months, and is now on close monitoring while in remission.
Besides sequencing, which Mr Nagaria underwent, Dr Jeyasekharan is developing a new tool in his arsenal of weapons against deadly cancers – spatial phenotyping, where advanced imaging equipment is used to analyse cancer with high molecular detail.
Spatial phenotyping represents the next frontier of cancer research, and is especially useful for solid tumours. “We are trying to draw [battle] maps of cancer at a high resolution and in great detail, in order to understand how to fight it,” Dr Jeyasekharan explained. “Spatial phentoyping’s ability to dive deep into molecular detail allows us to be more precise in diagnostics, treatment and care.”
With cancer being a leading cause of death globally, spatial phenotyping can mean a world of difference for patients afflicted with cancer. “We are never happy with just delivering standard treatment, because standard treatment simply isn’t good enough,” Dr Jeyasekharan said. “Some people get cured, some people don’t – we are trying to understand what we can do to improve the chances of curing more people.”
For A/Prof Su Xinyi, who is a senior consultant with the Department of Ophthalmology at NUH, precision medicine may be the key to restoring the vision of patients suffering from currently untreatable and blinding retinal diseases. “Every patient with retinal disease has a unique gene mutation, so the treatment that we provide is tailored specifically to the mutations that they have,” A/Prof Su explained.
Besides gene therapy, A/Prof Su also explores innovations in cell therapy, which are last options for patients with end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – the third leading cause of blindness globally. In AMD, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells in the retina degenerate with age. By growing these cells in a petri dish, and then injecting them into the eye, they can replace lost cells and help patients regain vision.
While this method of treatment is not new, what makes it unique is the source of cells A/Prof Su uses in its development – cells derived from the umbilical cord. By doing so, this greatly reduces the chance of rejection or the need to use immunosuppressants.
Predicting risk factors, a step ahead
Predictive care affords patients and clinicians the precious gift of time, in preventing the onset, or minimising the severity, of diseases. For Dr Jocelyn Chew, who is an assistant professor at the NUS Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine), adopting a predictive approach to tackling a person’s dietary triggers can curb overeating and obesity.
Dr Chew has been working on an app called the Eating Trigger-Response Inhibition Program (eTRIP), which is designed to help patients identify moments where they are prone to overeating. These include emotional eating, or even ingrained habits such as over-ordering during family gatherings.
eTRIP will be used in tandem with Adipoview, an AI-based dashboard that Dr Chew has created with the team from the NUHS Group Chief Technology Office. Adipoview will gather patient data throughout NUHS to generate insights, such as the diagnosis rate of obesity and treatment rate, to proactively predict who may need further support.
At the Innovation Summit
More than 60 clinician-scientists will be presenting their work at the NUHS Scientific & Innovation Summit, which will be graced by guest-of-honour Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, Permanent Secretary for National Research and Development as well as for Public Sector Science and Technology Policy and Plans Office, Prime Minister’s Office.
Themed “Tomorrow’s Health Today – Predictive, Precise and Personalised”, the summit will bring together over 500 international and local healthcare experts, opinion leaders and scientists to shape the future of healthcare.
Over the past decade, the NUHS academic health system has secured more than $1 billion in competitive grants (cumulative from FY2011 to FY2021). These funds have fuelled scientific innovations in predictive, precise and personalised care, ensuring improved health outcomes for patients now and in the future.
About National University Health System
The National University Health System (NUHS) is an integrated Academic Health System and Regional Health System in Singapore that delivers value-driven, innovative, and sustainable healthcare.
As Singapore’s only academic health system, we are uniquely positioned to draw on the academic, research and creative capabilities residing within the National University of Singapore (NUS). This collaboration allows us to develop solutions for existing and emerging health and healthcare needs of the Singapore population.
We also work in close collaboration with community hospitals, general practitioners, family medicine clinics, nursing homes and other community and social partners to provide integrated care to the wider community.
With member institutions ranging from community hospitals to academic centres, NUHS creates synergies as a fully integrated cluster to provide seamless care, develop solutions for Singapore’s healthcare challenges and nurture the next generation of healthcare professionals.
National University Health System (NUHS)
SOURCE National University Health System (NUHS)
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Health
10 Simple Changes You Can Make Today for Improved Health and Wellness
Improve your health and wellness with these simple changes to your daily routine.
Boost Your Wellbeing with These Easy Tips
Living a healthy lifestyle is important for our physical and mental well-being, but sometimes it can be overwhelming to know where to start. However, there are simple changes that we can make to our daily routines that can have a big impact on our health and wellness. Here are 10 simple changes you can make today to improve your health and wellness.
- Drink more water: Staying hydrated is key for our body’s systems to function properly. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day.
- Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet: Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients and antioxidants that can help protect against diseases. Aim for at least 5 servings a day.
- Move more: Regular exercise is important for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, and improving overall health. Find activities that you enjoy and aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day.
- Get enough sleep: Sleep is essential for our body to heal and regenerate. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
- Reduce stress: Chronic stress can have negative effects on our physical and mental health. Find activities that help you relax and reduce stress, like meditation or yoga.
- Practice good hygiene: Good hygiene practices like washing your hands regularly and showering daily can help prevent the spread of germs and illnesses.
- Limit alcohol intake: Drinking too much alcohol can have negative effects on our liver and overall health. Limit your intake to no more than 1-2 drinks per day.
- Quit smoking: Smoking is a major cause of many diseases and can have negative effects on our health. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health.
- Wear sunscreen: Protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun by wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30, especially when spending time outdoors.
- Connect with others: Social connections are important for our mental health and well-being. Make an effort to spend time with friends and family, or find a community group that interests you.
Making these simple changes to your daily routines can have a big impact on your health and wellness. Remember that small steps can lead to big changes. Start with one or two changes and gradually add more as you feel comfortable. With time, these habits will become a natural part of your daily routine, helping you to live a healthier and happier life.
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(Family Features) While many Americans agree Conventional CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or Hands-Only CPR (HOCPR) significantly improve a person’s chance of survival from cardiac arrest, less than half are confident they can perform either Conventional CPR or HOCPR in an emergency.
Learning CPR
Black or Hispanic adults who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital setting are substantially less likely to receive lifesaving care from a bystander. In spite of these survey results, the American Heart Association is working to change this by empowering members of these communities to learn lifesaving CPR, and a growing segment of respondents are willing to act in an emergency.
The American Heart Association’s 2023 survey also revealed that as a result of the organization’s efforts to change attitudes about performing CPR, which can lead to lifesaving results, more than half of African Americans said they would be willing to perform CPR in an emergency compared to 37% two years ago. Additionally, Hispanic and Latino respondents are more confident in their abilities to perform CPR.
Committed to turning a nation of bystanders into lifesavers, the American Heart Association’s multiyear initiative, Nation of Lifesavers, helps teens and adults learn how to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED); share that knowledge with friends and family; and engage employers, policymakers, philanthropists and others to create support for a nation of lifesavers.
“Each of us has the power in our own hands to respond to a sudden cardiac arrest,” said Anezi Uzendu, M.D., American Heart Association expert volunteer. “We simply need to know what to do and have the confidence to act.”
The long-term goal: to ensure that in the face of a cardiac emergency, anyone, anywhere is prepared and empowered to perform CPR and become a vital link in the chain of survival, aiming to double the survival rate of cardiac arrest victims by 2030. It takes just 90 seconds to learn how to save a life using HOCPR, which can be equally as effective as traditional CPR in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest.
Nationally supported by the Elevance Health Foundation, the American Heart Association’s HOCPR campaign is focused on chest compression-only CPR. If a teen or adult suddenly collapses due to a cardiac event, you can take two steps to save a life: immediately call emergency services and use these tips to begin performing HOCPR.
- Position yourself directly over the victim.
- Put the heel of one hand in the center of the chest and put your other hand on top of the first.
- Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute, which is about the same tempo as the song “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees, and at a depth of approximately 2 inches.
- Continue compressions and use an AED, if available, until emergency help arrives.
To learn more about how you could be the difference between life and death for someone experiencing a cardiac event, visit Heart.org/nation.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
American Heart Association
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
STM Daily News is a multifaceted podcast that explores a wide range of topics, from life and consumer issues to the latest in food and beverage trends. Our discussions dive into the realms of science, covering everything from space and Earth to nature, artificial intelligence, and astronomy. We also celebrate the amateur sports scene, highlighting local athletes and events, including our special segment on senior Pickleball, where we report on the latest happenings in this exciting community. With our diverse content, STM Daily News aims to inform, entertain, and engage listeners, providing a comprehensive look at the issues that matter most in our daily lives. https://stories-this-moment.castos.com/
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How APOL1-mediated kidney disease can impact you, your kidneys and your family
(Family Features) A genetic condition that can cause kidney failure, APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD) represents a group of kidney diseases associated with mutations (changes or variants) in the apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) genes.
Typically, the APOL1 genes – of which every person has two, one from each parent – create proteins that play a role in immunity. However, some people are born with mutations in one or both genes, and having mutations in both can increase the risk of developing kidney disease and even kidney failure.
In honor of National AMKD Awareness Day on April 30, consider this information from the experts at the American Kidney Fund to better understand the disease and become APOL1 aware.
Understanding Risk Factors
Research shows Black people with kidney disease are more likely to develop kidney failure than any other racial or ethnic group. The reasons for these health disparities include social determinants of health, a higher burden of diabetes and high blood pressure in the Black community, barriers to health care access and genetics.
The APOL1 gene mutations evolved over the past 3,000-10,000 years in people who lived in western and central Africa and are associated with increased protection from a parasite carried by the tse tse fly that causes African sleeping sickness. While protecting from one disease, the mutation – if inherited in both APOL1 genes – is more likely to lead to kidney disease in those of certain African descent, including people who identify as Black, African American, Afro-Caribbean or Latina or Latino.
In fact, an estimated 13% of Black Americans have two APOL1 gene mutations, according to the American Kidney Fund. While not everyone who has two APOL1 mutations will get kidney disease, there is a 1 in 5 chance they will go on to develop AMKD.
Identifying Symptoms
If you have kidney damage, symptoms may not occur until your kidneys are close to failing. As kidney damage worsens, one or more of these symptoms may occur:
- Protein in urine
- Swelling in legs or weight gain
- Feeling weak or tired
- High blood pressure
Should these symptoms occur and you have a family history of kidney disease, talk to a doctor about getting tested for kidney disease, as testing is the only way to determine kidney function. AMKD can cause damage to parts of the kidney that filter blood or, in some cases, cause cells in the kidneys to die, which can lead to damage and scarring that may eventually lead to kidney failure.
Getting a Diagnosis
The only way to know if you have APOL1 gene mutations is to do genetic testing via a blood or saliva sample. Genetic testing may be considered if you have kidney disease and don’t know the cause or if you’re considering donating a kidney. Testing may also be considered if a family member is a carrier for the mutation. If you have questions about genetic testing, discuss your options with a doctor or ask for a referral to a genetic counselor.
Taking Steps to Prevent Kidney Disease
There are currently no treatments available for AMKD. However, there are steps you can take to protect your kidneys and promote general health. Work with your doctor to create a plan to prevent or delay the progression of kidney disease, which may include:
- Doctor visits to check how your kidneys are working through urine and blood tests
- Checking for and managing diabetes and high blood pressure
- A healthy eating plan, which may involve limiting things like sodium (salt)
- Taking prescription medications as directed
- Being active at least 30 minutes each day of the week
- Quitting smoking or using tobacco
If you have the APOL1 gene mutations, you may be able to take part in clinical trials. Trials could provide an opportunity for researchers to develop and test safe treatments for AMKD. Also speak with family members about having genetic testing done if you have the mutation as they may also have it.
Learn more and find additional resources at kidneyfund.org/APOL1aware.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
American Kidney Fund
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