1.Identification and Potential Clinical Utility of Common Genetic Variants in Gestational Diabetes among Chinese Pregnant Women
Claudia Ha-ting TAM ; Ying WANG ; Chi Chiu WANG ; Lai Yuk YUEN ; Cadmon King-poo LIM ; Junhong LENG ; Ling WU ; Alex Chi-wai NG ; Yong HOU ; Kit Ying TSOI ; Hui WANG ; Risa OZAKI ; Albert Martin LI ; Qingqing WANG ; Juliana Chung-ngor CHAN ; Yan Chou YE ; Wing Hung TAM ; Xilin YANG ; Ronald Ching-wan MA
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):128-143
Background:
The genetic basis for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy remain unclear. This study aimed to uncover the genetic determinants of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and investigate their applications.
Methods:
We performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for GDM in Chinese women (464 cases and 1,217 controls), followed by de novo replications in an independent Chinese cohort (564 cases and 572 controls) and in silico replication in European (12,332 cases and 131,109 controls) and multi-ethnic populations (5,485 cases and 347,856 controls). A polygenic risk score (PRS) was derived based on the identified variants.
Results:
Using the genome-wide scan and candidate gene approaches, we identified four susceptibility loci for GDM. These included three previously reported loci for GDM and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at MTNR1B (rs7945617, odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.38 to 1.96]), CDKAL1 (rs7754840, OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.58), and INS-IGF2-KCNQ1 (rs2237897, OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.79), as well as a novel genome-wide significant locus near TBR1-SLC4A10 (rs117781972, OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.62; Pmeta=7.6×10-9), which has not been previously reported in GWAS for T2DM or glycaemic traits. Moreover, we found that women with a high PRS (top quintile) had over threefold (95% CI, 2.30 to 4.09; Pmeta=3.1×10-14) and 71% (95% CI, 1.08 to 2.71; P=0.0220) higher risk for GDM and abnormal glucose tolerance post-pregnancy, respectively, compared to other individuals.
Conclusion
Our results indicate that the genetic architecture of glucose metabolism exhibits both similarities and differences between the pregnant and non-pregnant states. Integrating genetic information can facilitate identification of pregnant women at a higher risk of developing GDM or later diabetes.
2.Mechanisms of acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) and its combinational acupoints for stress gastric ulcer based on the correlation between Zang-fu and acupoints.
Mu HE ; Xue Yee LIM ; Jing LI ; Ling LI ; Tong ZHANG
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(1):1-11
Gastric ulcer (GU) is a common digestive system disease. Acupuncture, as one of the external treatments of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has the characteristics of multi-target, multi-pathway and multi-level action in the treatment of GU. The relationship between meridian points and Zang-fu is an important part of the theory of TCM, which is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. There is an external and internal link between acupoints and Zang-fu. The pathological reaction of Zang-fu can manifest as acupoint sensitization, while stimulation of acupoints can play a therapeutic role in the internal Zang-fu. Therefore, the acupoint has the functions of reflecting and treating diseases. This review explores the tender points on the body surface of patients with GU and the rules of acupoint selection. In addition, Zusanli (ST36), as one of the most used acupoints of the stomach meridian, was selected to show the mechanisms behind acupoint stimulation in the treatment of GU in greater detail, specifically in the well-studied model of the stress GU (SGU). Hence, the mechanisms of acupuncture at ST36 and points commonly used in combination with ST36 to treat SGU are discussed further. Treatment effects can be achieved through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, gastric mucosal injury repair, and interaction with the brain-gut axis. In summary, this review provides evidence for a comprehensive understanding of the phenomena and mechanism of acupoint functions for GU. Please cite this article as: He M, Lim XY, Li J, Li L, Zhang T. Mechanisms of acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) and its combinational acupoints for stress gastric ulcer based on the correlation between Zang-fu and acupoints. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(1): 1-11.
Acupuncture Points
;
Humans
;
Stomach Ulcer/therapy*
;
Acupuncture Therapy/methods*
;
Animals
;
Meridians
3.Identification and Potential Clinical Utility of Common Genetic Variants in Gestational Diabetes among Chinese Pregnant Women
Claudia Ha-ting TAM ; Ying WANG ; Chi Chiu WANG ; Lai Yuk YUEN ; Cadmon King-poo LIM ; Junhong LENG ; Ling WU ; Alex Chi-wai NG ; Yong HOU ; Kit Ying TSOI ; Hui WANG ; Risa OZAKI ; Albert Martin LI ; Qingqing WANG ; Juliana Chung-ngor CHAN ; Yan Chou YE ; Wing Hung TAM ; Xilin YANG ; Ronald Ching-wan MA
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):128-143
Background:
The genetic basis for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy remain unclear. This study aimed to uncover the genetic determinants of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and investigate their applications.
Methods:
We performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for GDM in Chinese women (464 cases and 1,217 controls), followed by de novo replications in an independent Chinese cohort (564 cases and 572 controls) and in silico replication in European (12,332 cases and 131,109 controls) and multi-ethnic populations (5,485 cases and 347,856 controls). A polygenic risk score (PRS) was derived based on the identified variants.
Results:
Using the genome-wide scan and candidate gene approaches, we identified four susceptibility loci for GDM. These included three previously reported loci for GDM and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at MTNR1B (rs7945617, odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.38 to 1.96]), CDKAL1 (rs7754840, OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.58), and INS-IGF2-KCNQ1 (rs2237897, OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.79), as well as a novel genome-wide significant locus near TBR1-SLC4A10 (rs117781972, OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.62; Pmeta=7.6×10-9), which has not been previously reported in GWAS for T2DM or glycaemic traits. Moreover, we found that women with a high PRS (top quintile) had over threefold (95% CI, 2.30 to 4.09; Pmeta=3.1×10-14) and 71% (95% CI, 1.08 to 2.71; P=0.0220) higher risk for GDM and abnormal glucose tolerance post-pregnancy, respectively, compared to other individuals.
Conclusion
Our results indicate that the genetic architecture of glucose metabolism exhibits both similarities and differences between the pregnant and non-pregnant states. Integrating genetic information can facilitate identification of pregnant women at a higher risk of developing GDM or later diabetes.
4.Identification and Potential Clinical Utility of Common Genetic Variants in Gestational Diabetes among Chinese Pregnant Women
Claudia Ha-ting TAM ; Ying WANG ; Chi Chiu WANG ; Lai Yuk YUEN ; Cadmon King-poo LIM ; Junhong LENG ; Ling WU ; Alex Chi-wai NG ; Yong HOU ; Kit Ying TSOI ; Hui WANG ; Risa OZAKI ; Albert Martin LI ; Qingqing WANG ; Juliana Chung-ngor CHAN ; Yan Chou YE ; Wing Hung TAM ; Xilin YANG ; Ronald Ching-wan MA
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):128-143
Background:
The genetic basis for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy remain unclear. This study aimed to uncover the genetic determinants of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and investigate their applications.
Methods:
We performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for GDM in Chinese women (464 cases and 1,217 controls), followed by de novo replications in an independent Chinese cohort (564 cases and 572 controls) and in silico replication in European (12,332 cases and 131,109 controls) and multi-ethnic populations (5,485 cases and 347,856 controls). A polygenic risk score (PRS) was derived based on the identified variants.
Results:
Using the genome-wide scan and candidate gene approaches, we identified four susceptibility loci for GDM. These included three previously reported loci for GDM and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at MTNR1B (rs7945617, odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.38 to 1.96]), CDKAL1 (rs7754840, OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.58), and INS-IGF2-KCNQ1 (rs2237897, OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.79), as well as a novel genome-wide significant locus near TBR1-SLC4A10 (rs117781972, OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.62; Pmeta=7.6×10-9), which has not been previously reported in GWAS for T2DM or glycaemic traits. Moreover, we found that women with a high PRS (top quintile) had over threefold (95% CI, 2.30 to 4.09; Pmeta=3.1×10-14) and 71% (95% CI, 1.08 to 2.71; P=0.0220) higher risk for GDM and abnormal glucose tolerance post-pregnancy, respectively, compared to other individuals.
Conclusion
Our results indicate that the genetic architecture of glucose metabolism exhibits both similarities and differences between the pregnant and non-pregnant states. Integrating genetic information can facilitate identification of pregnant women at a higher risk of developing GDM or later diabetes.
5.Identification and Potential Clinical Utility of Common Genetic Variants in Gestational Diabetes among Chinese Pregnant Women
Claudia Ha-ting TAM ; Ying WANG ; Chi Chiu WANG ; Lai Yuk YUEN ; Cadmon King-poo LIM ; Junhong LENG ; Ling WU ; Alex Chi-wai NG ; Yong HOU ; Kit Ying TSOI ; Hui WANG ; Risa OZAKI ; Albert Martin LI ; Qingqing WANG ; Juliana Chung-ngor CHAN ; Yan Chou YE ; Wing Hung TAM ; Xilin YANG ; Ronald Ching-wan MA
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):128-143
Background:
The genetic basis for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy remain unclear. This study aimed to uncover the genetic determinants of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and investigate their applications.
Methods:
We performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for GDM in Chinese women (464 cases and 1,217 controls), followed by de novo replications in an independent Chinese cohort (564 cases and 572 controls) and in silico replication in European (12,332 cases and 131,109 controls) and multi-ethnic populations (5,485 cases and 347,856 controls). A polygenic risk score (PRS) was derived based on the identified variants.
Results:
Using the genome-wide scan and candidate gene approaches, we identified four susceptibility loci for GDM. These included three previously reported loci for GDM and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at MTNR1B (rs7945617, odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.38 to 1.96]), CDKAL1 (rs7754840, OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.58), and INS-IGF2-KCNQ1 (rs2237897, OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.79), as well as a novel genome-wide significant locus near TBR1-SLC4A10 (rs117781972, OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.62; Pmeta=7.6×10-9), which has not been previously reported in GWAS for T2DM or glycaemic traits. Moreover, we found that women with a high PRS (top quintile) had over threefold (95% CI, 2.30 to 4.09; Pmeta=3.1×10-14) and 71% (95% CI, 1.08 to 2.71; P=0.0220) higher risk for GDM and abnormal glucose tolerance post-pregnancy, respectively, compared to other individuals.
Conclusion
Our results indicate that the genetic architecture of glucose metabolism exhibits both similarities and differences between the pregnant and non-pregnant states. Integrating genetic information can facilitate identification of pregnant women at a higher risk of developing GDM or later diabetes.
6.The Singapore Green Plan 2030: occupational health hazards in the Singapore green economy.
Wei Xiang LIM ; Mei Ling Licia TAN ; Tzu Li Sylvia TEO ; Wee Hoe GAN ; Shiu Hong Joshua WONG
Singapore medical journal 2025;66(4):181-189
The Singapore Green Plan 2030 was released by the Singapore government to set targets for sustainability by 2030. The adoption of novel technologies, processes and substances creates new jobs, and such developments bring about new challenges and risks for both employers and workers. Beyond emerging hazards, traditional hazards still remain, but they may take on new forms through new work processes. This review aims to provide an overview of the potential occupational health issues we may encounter or anticipate in these key sectors: solar energy, waste management and recycling, green buildings, electric vehicles and battery recycling, and sustainable fuels. While existing Occupational Safety and Health regulations in Singapore serve as a foundation, there may be gaps in addressing the specific hazards and risks associated with green jobs. In this review, we propose and outline possible approaches to the protection of worker safety and health.
Singapore
;
Humans
;
Occupational Health
;
Recycling
;
Waste Management
;
Solar Energy
;
Occupational Exposure
7.Construct Validity and Reliability of the Malay Version of Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (RSES) among youth in Southern Malaysia: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Jia Hui Lim ; oon Ling Cheong Cheong ; Hui li Lim ; Yong Kang Cheah ; Pei Pei Heng ; Shao Hui Chong ; Wei Wen Goh ; Kuang Hock Lim
International Journal of Public Health Research 2025;15(2):2303-2308
Construct Validity and Reliability of the Malay Version of Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (RSES) among youth in Southern Malaysia: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis
IntroductionThe Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) is widely used to measure self-esteem among adults and youth. This study aims to determine the construct validity and reliability of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale Malay version (RSES-M) among Malaysian youth using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA).MethodologyWe administered the Malay-language RSES to 378 Form Four students in the Kota Tinggi District, selected through multistage sampling. The construct validity of RSES-M was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), while internal consistency was measured using Cronbach alpha. AMOS version 26 and SPSS version 20 were used for statistical analysis. We compared three measurement models of the RSES-M for the best relative fit: one uni-dimensional model and two different two-domain models (with different items assigned to each domain for each model).ResultsThe findings indicate that the best model for the RSES-M was a two-domain model, with domain one representing positive self-esteem and domain two representing negative self-esteem. The item “I wish I could respect myself more” demonstrated a strong fit within the CFA model when included under the positive domain of self-esteem (Model 3) compared to negative domain ((Model 2) (Chi-Square/degree of freedom (df) = 3.341, goodness of fit (GFI) = 0.967, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.905, Incremental Fit Index (IFI) = 0.906, and the Root Mean Squared Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.079 and substantial reliability (Cronbach's alpha for domain one = 0.765, and domain two = 0.648). This finding diverges from the original RSES developed by Morris Rosenberg in 1965, which conceptualised the RSES as a unidimensional construct, and other studies that categorised the item "I wish I could respect myself more" under the negative self-esteem domain.
8.Abnormal p53 expression is associated with poor outcomes in grade I or II, stage I, endometrioid carcinoma:a retrospective single-institute study
Yu-Wei CHANG ; Hsiao-Li KUO ; Tzu-Chien CHEN ; Jessica CHEN ; Ling LIM ; Kung-Liahng WANG ; Jen-Ruei CHEN
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2024;35(6):e78-
Objective:
The Cancer Genome Atlas study revealed an association between copy-number high (p53 abnormal) genetic mutation and poor prognosis in endometrial cancer in 2013.This retrospective study investigated outcomes in patients with abnormal p53 expression and stage I, low-grade endometrial endometrioid carcinoma (EEC).
Methods:
We enrolled women with stage I, grade 1 or 2 EEC who received comprehensive staging and adjuvant therapy between January 2019 and December 2022 at MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. Pathologists interpreted immunohistochemistry stains of cancerous tissues to detect p53 mutation. We compared recurrence, survival, progressionfree survival, and overall survival between p53 abnormal and p53 normal groups.
Results:
Of the 115 patients included, 26 had pathologically confirmed abnormal p53 expression. Of these 26 patients, five (19.2%) experienced recurrence, and two died due to disease progression. By contrast, no patients in the normal p53 group experienced disease recurrence or died due to disease progression. Significant intergroup differences were discovered in recurrent disease status (19.4% vs. 0%, p<0.001), mortality (7.7% vs.0%, p<0.001), and progression-free survival (p<0.001). The overall survival (p=0.055) also showed powerful worse trend.
Conclusion
For patients with stage I, low-grade EEC, abnormal p53 expression may be used as an indicator of poor prognosis. Therefore, we suggest considering aggressive adjuvant therapies for these patients.
9.Abnormal p53 expression is associated with poor outcomes in grade I or II, stage I, endometrioid carcinoma:a retrospective single-institute study
Yu-Wei CHANG ; Hsiao-Li KUO ; Tzu-Chien CHEN ; Jessica CHEN ; Ling LIM ; Kung-Liahng WANG ; Jen-Ruei CHEN
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2024;35(6):e78-
Objective:
The Cancer Genome Atlas study revealed an association between copy-number high (p53 abnormal) genetic mutation and poor prognosis in endometrial cancer in 2013.This retrospective study investigated outcomes in patients with abnormal p53 expression and stage I, low-grade endometrial endometrioid carcinoma (EEC).
Methods:
We enrolled women with stage I, grade 1 or 2 EEC who received comprehensive staging and adjuvant therapy between January 2019 and December 2022 at MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. Pathologists interpreted immunohistochemistry stains of cancerous tissues to detect p53 mutation. We compared recurrence, survival, progressionfree survival, and overall survival between p53 abnormal and p53 normal groups.
Results:
Of the 115 patients included, 26 had pathologically confirmed abnormal p53 expression. Of these 26 patients, five (19.2%) experienced recurrence, and two died due to disease progression. By contrast, no patients in the normal p53 group experienced disease recurrence or died due to disease progression. Significant intergroup differences were discovered in recurrent disease status (19.4% vs. 0%, p<0.001), mortality (7.7% vs.0%, p<0.001), and progression-free survival (p<0.001). The overall survival (p=0.055) also showed powerful worse trend.
Conclusion
For patients with stage I, low-grade EEC, abnormal p53 expression may be used as an indicator of poor prognosis. Therefore, we suggest considering aggressive adjuvant therapies for these patients.
10.Abnormal p53 expression is associated with poor outcomes in grade I or II, stage I, endometrioid carcinoma:a retrospective single-institute study
Yu-Wei CHANG ; Hsiao-Li KUO ; Tzu-Chien CHEN ; Jessica CHEN ; Ling LIM ; Kung-Liahng WANG ; Jen-Ruei CHEN
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2024;35(6):e78-
Objective:
The Cancer Genome Atlas study revealed an association between copy-number high (p53 abnormal) genetic mutation and poor prognosis in endometrial cancer in 2013.This retrospective study investigated outcomes in patients with abnormal p53 expression and stage I, low-grade endometrial endometrioid carcinoma (EEC).
Methods:
We enrolled women with stage I, grade 1 or 2 EEC who received comprehensive staging and adjuvant therapy between January 2019 and December 2022 at MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. Pathologists interpreted immunohistochemistry stains of cancerous tissues to detect p53 mutation. We compared recurrence, survival, progressionfree survival, and overall survival between p53 abnormal and p53 normal groups.
Results:
Of the 115 patients included, 26 had pathologically confirmed abnormal p53 expression. Of these 26 patients, five (19.2%) experienced recurrence, and two died due to disease progression. By contrast, no patients in the normal p53 group experienced disease recurrence or died due to disease progression. Significant intergroup differences were discovered in recurrent disease status (19.4% vs. 0%, p<0.001), mortality (7.7% vs.0%, p<0.001), and progression-free survival (p<0.001). The overall survival (p=0.055) also showed powerful worse trend.
Conclusion
For patients with stage I, low-grade EEC, abnormal p53 expression may be used as an indicator of poor prognosis. Therefore, we suggest considering aggressive adjuvant therapies for these patients.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail