1.PSMA expression in hepatic colorectal cancer metastasis
Eundong PARK ; Michel KMEID ; Xin WANG ; Haiyan QIU ; Clifton G. FULMER ; Marcello P. TOSCANO ; Nusret Bekir SUBASI ; Maciej GRACZ ; Hwajeong LEE
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2026;60(1):107-123
Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is expressed in the neovasculature of various malignancies, such as colorectal cancer (CRC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, PSMA expression in hepatic CRC metastasis has not been studied in detail. Methods: The PSMA expression in primary CRC and corresponding hepatic metastasis was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in a metastatic CRC cohort (n = 56), which was divided into subgroups according to treatment history and timing of metastasis. Demographic and histological characteristics of primary CRC were collected and their relationships with PSMA expression were examined. Additionally, the PSMA expression in resected HCC (n = 76) was compared with that of hepatic CRC metastasis. Results: In primary CRC, PSMA level showed a positive association with tumor size. Lower PSMA expression in hepatic metastasis was associated with higher primary CRC grade, advanced pTNM stage at the time of CRC resection, presence of tumor deposit, and unresectability of metastatic lesion. PSMA expression in primary CRC correlated with that in hepatic metastasis only in concurrent and untreated metastasis subgroup. PSMA expression in primary CRC and hepatic metastasis, regardless of treatment history and timing of metastasis, was not significantly different from that of HCC. Conclusions: Several adverse pathological features of primary CRC were associated with a lower PSMA expression in hepatic metastasis. PSMA expression in hepatic metastasis correlated with that of primary CRC only in concurrent and untreated subgroup. Primary HCC and hepatic CRC metastasis show comparable levels of PSMA expression.
2.Risk Assessment for Ramadan Fasting in People With Diabetes in Hospital-Based Diabetes Clinics Using the Updated 2026 IDF-DAR Risk Calculator
Raja Nurazni Raja Azwan ; Chin Voon Tong ; Lisa Mohamed Nor ; Marisa Khatijah Borhan ; Syarifah Syahirah Syed Abas ; Poh Shean Wong ; Ying Jie Tan ; Shartiyah Ismail ; Eunice Yi Chwen Lau ; Yueh Chien Kuan ; Noor Hafis Md Tob ; Shu Teng Chai ; Pei Lin Chan ; Xe Hui Lee ; Wei Wei Ng ; Jin Hui Ho ; Miza Hiryanti Zakaria ; Rabeah Md Zuki ; Wan Mohd Hafez Wan Hamzah ; Melissa Vergis ; Choon Peng Sun ; Vanusha Devaraja Pillai ; Chee Koon Low ; Shazatul Reza Mohd Redzuan ; Xin-Yi Ooi ; Siti Sanaa Wan Azman ; Deviga Lachumanan ; Saiful Shahrizal Shudim ; Zanariah Hussein
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):42-43
Introduction:
The 2021 IDF-DAR risk calculator had been previously
evaluated in multiple studies and subsequently widely
accepted and applied in clinical practice as a practical
standardized tool for patient risk stratification. Recently
updated, the 2026 IDF-DAR Risk calculator enables a more individualized, evidence-related evaluation of patientrelated and disease-related risk factors, incorporating
modern diabetes technologies, including continuous
glucose monitoring (CGM), automated insulin delivery
(AID) systems, and advanced insulin formulations to
enhance risk stratification. This tool allows medical
professionals to tailor Ramadan practices based on overall
factors toward promoting safe fasting.
Methodology:
This prospective multicentre observational study recruited
adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes attending public
hospitals nationwide. People with diabetes (PwD) intending
to perform Ramadan fasting were invited to participate
and assessed using the 2026 IDF-DAR Risk Calculator in
the 6-week pre-Ramadan period between 30th January and
19th March 2026.
Results:
A total of 458 PwD were evaluated and stratified into low
(15.7%), moderate (41%), and high risk (43.3%) categories.
Most participants had Type 2 diabetes (83.6%), with 60.3%
having a disease duration exceeding 10 years and 43%
exhibiting poor glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c >9%).
Insulin therapy was used by 76.4% of participants, including
two individuals with Type 1 diabetes using AID systems.
Most participants reported no recent hypoglycemia (76.4%),
81.0% performed glucose monitoring, and 3.3% used CGM.
Severe comorbidities were uncommon, with 1.1% having
unstable macrovascular disease and 4.4% advanced chronic
kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30).
Notably, 72.2% received structured Ramadan education.
Conclusion
Majority of PwD attending tertiary diabetes clinics were
in the moderate- to high-risk category and intended to
fast despite medical advice against fasting in some cases.
Although most participants were on insulin therapy,
hypoglycemia was low in the pre-Ramadan period.
Integration of modern technologies, advanced insulin
therapies, and structured education may support safer
fasting practices.
Risk Assessment
;
Diabetes Mellitus
;
Hospitals
;
Fasting
5.Singapore Myeloma Study Group consensus guidelines for the management of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.
Sanjay DE MEL ; Allison Cy TSO ; Cinnie Y SOEKOJO ; Melissa G OOI ; Chi Ching LIM ; Constance TEO ; Yun Xin CHEN ; Melinda TAN ; Aditi MANJERI ; Zhao Yuan LEE ; Daryl TAN ; Liang King LEE ; Ling CAO ; Yeow Tee GOH ; Chandramouli NAGARAJAN ; Wee Joo CHNG
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2025;54(9):561-584
6.Risk-based screening programmes for cancer diagnosis: A systematic review with narrative synthesis.
Yong Yi TAN ; Sara TASNIM ; Mohammad Fahmy Bin FADZIL ; Xin Rong NG ; Sabrina Kw WONG ; Jo-Anne Elizabeth MANSKI-NANKERVIS ; Joseph Jao-Yiu SUNG ; Joanne NGEOW
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2025;54(10):644-663
INTRODUCTION:
Risk-based screening (RBS) has emerged as a promising alternative to age-based cancer screening. However, evidence regarding real-world implementation outcomes remains fragmented. Thus, a systematic review was conducted to evaluate the implementation metho-dologies and outcomes of RBS programmes across different cancer types.
METHODS:
MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Scopus were systematically searched from their respective dates of inception up to 8 July 2024. Prospective and rando-mised controlled trials (RCTs), which implement the RBS of cancer in an asymptomatic population, or studies retrospectively evaluating the outcomes of the same were included. Geographic distribution, population characteristics, RBS methodology, diagnostic accuracy and clinical outcomes were narratively synthesised.
RESULTS:
Among the 33 included studies (i.e. 21 prospective cohort, 8 RCTs, 3 retrospective and 1 non-RCT), sample sizes ranged from 102 to 1,429,890 participants. Most RBS trials were conducted in China (n=7, 21.2%), followed by the Netherlands (n=4, 12.1%) then the US, Australia and Sweden (n=3, 9.8%). Studies predominantly examined colorectal (27.3%), breast (21.2%) and prostate cancer (18.2%). Three main stratification approaches emerged: algorithmic (48.5%), validated risk models (39.4%) and physician assessment (9.1%). Implementation outcomes showed higher uptake in moderate-risk (75.4%) compared to high-risk (71.3%) and low-risk groups (67.9%). Five studies demonstrated cost-effectiveness with increased quality-adjusted life years, while 12 studies showed superior or non-inferior cancer detection rates compared to traditional screening.
CONCLUSION
The RBS of cancer has the potential to optimise healthcare resource allocation while minimising harm and increasing receptiveness for patients. More work is needed to evaluate long-term outcomes prior to the scaling of RBS programmes.
Humans
;
Early Detection of Cancer/methods*
;
Neoplasms/diagnosis*
;
Risk Assessment
;
Mass Screening/methods*
7.Awareness and attitudes of elderly Southeast Asian adults towards telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.
Ryan Eyn Kidd MAN ; Aricia Xin Yi HO ; Ester Pei Xuan LEE ; Eva Katie Diana FENWICK ; Amudha ARAVINDHAN ; Kam Chun HO ; Gavin Siew Wei TAN ; Daniel Shu Wei TING ; Tien Yin WONG ; Khung Keong YEO ; Su-Yen GOH ; Preeti GUPTA ; Ecosse Luc LAMOUREUX
Singapore medical journal 2025;66(5):256-264
INTRODUCTION:
We aimed to understand the awareness and attitudes of elderly Southeast Asians towards telehealth services during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in this study.
METHODS:
In this qualitative study, 78 individuals from Singapore (51.3% female, mean age 73.0 ± 7.6 years) were interviewed via telephone between 13 May 2020 and 9 June 2020 during Singapore's first COVID-19 'circuit breaker'. Participants were asked to describe their understanding of telehealth, their experience of and willingness to utilise these services, and the barriers and facilitators underlying their decision. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis, guided by the United Theory of Acceptance Use of Technology framework.
RESULTS:
Of the 78 participants, 24 (30.8%) were able to describe the range of telehealth services available and 15 (19.2%) had previously utilised these services. Conversely, 14 (17.9%) participants thought that telehealth comprised solely home medication delivery and 50 (51.3%) participants did not know about telehealth. Despite the advantages offered by telehealth services, participants preferred in-person consultations due to a perceived lack of human interaction and accuracy of diagnoses, poor digital literacy and a lack of access to telehealth-capable devices.
CONCLUSION
Our results showed poor overall awareness of the range of telehealth services available among elderly Asian individuals, with many harbouring erroneous views regarding their use. These data suggest that public health education campaigns are needed to improve awareness of and correct negative perceptions towards telehealth services in elderly Asians.
Humans
;
COVID-19/epidemiology*
;
Female
;
Telemedicine
;
Aged
;
Male
;
Singapore/epidemiology*
;
Qualitative Research
;
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
;
SARS-CoV-2
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Middle Aged
;
Pandemics
;
Awareness
;
Asian People
;
Southeast Asian People
8.Adverse Events in Total Artificial Heart for End-Stage Heart Failure:Insight From the Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE)
Min Choon TAN ; Yong Hao YEO ; Jia Wei THAM ; Jian Liang TAN ; Hee Kong FONG ; Bryan E-Xin TAN ; Kwan S LEE ; Justin Z LEE
International Journal of Heart Failure 2024;6(2):76-81
Background and Objectives:
Real-world clinical data, outside of clinical trials and expert centers, on adverse events related to the use of SyncCardia total artificial heart (TAH) remain limited. We aim to analyze adverse events related to the use of SynCardia TAH reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s Manufacturers and User Defined Experience (MAUDE) database.
Methods:
We reviewed the FDA’s MAUDE database for any adverse events involving the use of SynCardia TAH from 1/01/2012 to 9/30/2020. All the events were independently reviewed by three physicians.
Results:
A total of 1,512 adverse events were identified in 453 “injury and death” reports in the MAUDE database. The most common adverse events reported were infection (20.2%) and device malfunction (20.1%). These were followed by bleeding events (16.5%), respiratory failure (10.1%), cerebrovascular accident (CVA)/other neurological dysfunction (8.7%), renal dysfunction (7.5%), hepatic dysfunction (2.2%), thromboembolic events (1.8%), pericardial effusion (1.8%), and hemolysis (1%). Death was reported in 49.4% of all the reported cases (n=224/453).The most common cause of death was multiorgan failure (n=73, 32.6%), followed by CVA/other non-specific neurological dysfunction (n=44, 19.7%), sepsis (n=24, 10.7%), withdrawal of support (n=20, 8.9%), device malfunction (n=11, 4.9%), bleeding (n=7, 3.1%), respiratory failure (n=7, 3.1%), gastrointestinal disorder (n=6, 2.7%), and cardiomyopathy (n=3, 1.3%).
Conclusions
Infection was the most common adverse event following the implantation of TAH. Most of the deaths reported were due to multiorgan failure. Early recognition and management of any possible adverse events after the TAH implantation are essential to improve the procedural outcome and patient survival.
9.ONE HEATLH: The need for a robust framework
International e-Journal of Science, Medicine and Education 2024;18(1):2-7
One Health approach emphasises the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health, advocating for a collaborative and multidisciplinary strategy to address global health challenges. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of such an integrated approach has never been clearer. We explore how the One Health framework can enhance our preparedness for future pandemics. In addition to roles of surveillance, early detection, policy development, we highlight the impact of noncommunicable diseases and economy addressing future pandemics. We conclude that integrating advanced technologies, enhancing surveillance systems, and fostering inter-disciplinary collaboration between private and public, national and international, are essential to ensuring resilient, sustainable and equitable health system
10.Multimodal prerehabilitation for elderly patients with sarcopenia in colorectal surgery
Jingting WU ; Hannah CHI ; Shawn KOK ; Jason M.W. CHUA ; Xi-Xiao HUANG ; Shipin ZHANG ; Shimin MAH ; Li-Xin FOO ; Hui-Yee PEH ; Hui-Bing LEE ; Phoebe TAY ; Cherie TONG ; Jasmine LADLAD ; Cheryl H.M. TAN ; Nathanelle KHOO ; Darius AW ; Cheryl X.Z. CHONG ; Leonard M.L. HO ; Sharmini S. SIVARAJAH ; Jialin NG ; Winson J.H. TAN ; Fung-Joon FOO ; Bin-Tean TEH ; Frederick H. KOH
Annals of Coloproctology 2024;40(1):3-12
Sarcopenia, which is characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, has been well described to be associated with numerous poor postoperative outcomes, such as increased perioperative mortality, postoperative sepsis, prolonged length of stay, increased cost of care, decreased functional outcome, and poorer oncological outcomes in cancer surgery. Multimodal prehabilitation, as a concept that involves boosting and optimizing the preoperative condition of a patient prior to the upcoming stressors of a surgical procedure, has the purported benefits of reversing the effects of sarcopenia, shortening hospitalization, improving the rate of return to bowel activity, reducing the costs of hospitalization, and improving quality of life. This review aims to present the current literature surrounding the concept of sarcopenia, its implications pertaining to colorectal cancer and surgery, a summary of studied multimodal prehabilitation interventions, and potential future advances in the management of sarcopenia.


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