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Straits Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
S'pore researchers to study stem cell transplants in brain for Parkinson's disease in novel trial
Researchers involved in the project include (from left) Professor Lim Kah Leong, President's Chair in Translational Neuroscience at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine; Associate Professor Prakash Kumar, head and senior consultant at the department of neurology at the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI); Professor Louis Tan, NNI's director of research; and Professor Tan Eng King, NNI's deputy chief executive officer for academic affairs. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN S'pore researchers to study stem cell transplants in brain for Parkinson's disease in novel trial SINGAPORE - Researchers from the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) are embarking on a ground-breaking project to transplant stem cells into the brains of those with early Parkinson's disease, in a bid to stop the disease in its tracks. Planning for the first-of-its-kind trial in Singapore is still under way, pending regulatory and ethical approvals. Researchers are hopeful that the phase one trial for the novel approach can begin in late 2026, with five to eight patients who are younger and facing complications with their current treatments. The project is being funded under a $25 million research grant awarded on May 28 to the institute by the National Medical Research Council for five years to study Parkinson's disease. The programme is called Singapore Parkinson's Disease Programme, or Sparkle. An estimated 8,000 people in Singapore live with Parkinson's disease, which happens when dopamine-producing cells in the brain progressively die. As dopamine levels fall, patients present symptoms such as tremors and stiffness, and slowed movement appears. There is no known cure for the neurodegenerative disease, which leads to difficulty with walking, balance, coordination and even speech. The idea of replacing brain cells killed off by Parkinson's with stem cells has been around for about four decades. The hope is that the transplanted cells, which have the ability to evolve into different types of specialised cells, can then start producing dopamine, reversing the condition. But progress was held back by ethical considerations and technical hurdles. Professor Tan Eng King, principal investigator for Sparkle and NNI's deputy chief executive officer for academic affairs, said that in the past, stem cells from embryos and foetuses were used, raising ethical concerns . There were also mixed results, as some transplanted cells did not end up producing dopamine, and led to adverse side effects like involuntary limb movements. With advancements in cell therapies in recent years, scientists are now able to convert a patient's own normal body cells, such as skin or blood cells, into stem cells. Using a patient's own cells is a better approach as it reduces the risk of the body's immune system rejecting the transplanted cells. Prof Tan said NNI has collaborated with Duke-NUS Medical School, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and A*Star to develop a proprietary method of converting a person's normal cells into stem cells. The therapy is currently undergoing final approval by the US Food and Drug Administration before it can be used for the trial. He added that researchers from other countries are also studying similar stem cell approaches for Parkinson's disease. The most successful group will be the one 'that is able to create a stem cell source from using a patient's own cells that contains almost 100 per cent dopamine-producing cells and nothing else', said Prof Tan. 'This is a very challenging endeavour and it is not something that anybody can do. We have developed the expertise, and we think that potentially, we can be one of the pioneers,' he added. After the stem cells are transplanted, patients on the trial will likely be monitored for about two years to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the approach. Other than the stem cell trial, another initiative under Sparkle is an early screening programme in the community to identify those at high risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Prof Tan said he is optimistic that the screening programme can be rolled out by the end of 2025, and reach 10,000 people over the age of 55 in the next three to five years. Currently, in Singapore, there is no screening available to detect those at risk of developing Parkinson's disease. But Prof Tan said that based on previous research done by NNI, those who suffer from a loss of sense of smell, have rapid eye movement sleep disorder (where people act out their dreams) and a particular gene variant have a higher chance of developing the disease. The screening will involve a questionnaire, after which those whose results warrant a closer look will be invited to go for more detailed examinations like brain scans. Those who are identified as having a high risk of developing the disease will be introduced to interventions, including making lifestyle changes in areas such as exercise and diet. Prof Tan pointed out that Singapore has one of the highest life expectancies in the world. 'If you can reduce the risk of developing a neurodegenerative condition, then you can increase the amount of years that you can spend in healthier living,' he said. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
NNI, Lien Foundation roll out early palliative care for patients with neurological conditions
Palliative care patient Chia Shyh Shen (bottom) practising on a communication device with Tan Tock Seng Hospital staff on May 29. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG SINGAPORE – The first time Mr Chia Shyh Shen experienced weakness in his right arm, he thought little of it. It was 2021, and the now-71-year-old was trying to change a ceiling light bulb at home. He could not hold his arm raised. At the time , he and his wife, Madam Tam Fee Chin, 70, attributed what they thought was temporary weakness to old age. But soon, M r Chia, who along with his wife was employed at a relative's gold jewellery shop in Johor Bahru, could not even lift a tray at work. Mr Chia was diagnosed in October 2021 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), t he most common type of motor neurone disease, which affects how nerve cells communicate with the muscles . In 2022, the Malaysian couple sought help in Singapore. There is no cure for ALS, which was formerly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. There are around 300 to 400 people living with ALS in Singapore. The condition is more common to individuals older than 50, and afflicts more men than women. Mr Chia is becoming weaker as his motor neurons – the nerve cells sending signals from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, enabling movement – degenerate and die. He now has minimal mobility below the neck. And as his disease progresses, he will lose the ability to speak, eat and , finally, breathe. Mr Chia, however, remains cheerful, and is looking forward to future trips. His doctor at the National Neuroscience Institute@Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where Mr Chia is a patient, is helping to make sure this stays the case for as long as possible. While this may not sound like much , it reflects the transformation of care that is taking place there, particularly after NNI and the Lien Foundation rolled out in April 2024 a $6.8m five-year initiative to provide palliative care from diagnosis onwards. They call it NeuroPal, which stands for Neuropalliative Ecosystem of care. Prior to 2024, patients were referred to palliative care after experiencing advanced symptoms, said Dr Ang Kexin, a senior consultant at NNI, who has undergone training in palliative care. 'They came to me when they were bed bound or could not talk. Now they come earlier and can express their needs,' she said. 'We ask them about their hobbies... We anticipate their needs. We journey with them.' NNI and the Lien Foundation held a press conference on May 29 to announce NeuroPal and its aim of integrating palliative care into standard neurological care. It will go some way to help alleviate the suffering of patients living with ALS , dementia, Parkinson's disease and other complex brain, spine, nerve and muscle conditions. Palliative care patient Chia Shyh Shen (bottom) was diagnosed in October 2021 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the most common type of motor neurone disease, which affects how nerve cells communicate with the muscles. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG NeuroPal has screened nearly 2000 NNI patients with neurological conditions, of which 370 patients are given palliative care. NNI@SGH started the programme at one clinic in 2024. By the time NeuroPal ends in five years' time , it should have supported more than 3,600 NNI patients annually at TTSH and SGH, said NNI and the Lien Foundation. The hope is to expand it to other hospitals, and more community care partners. NNI specialists treat patients at seven hospitals across Singapore. With NeuroPal, patients are routinely screened for psychosocial issues and support can then be tailored for them, based on their distress levels. Associate Professor Adeline Ng, Senior Consultant, Neurology, NNI and NeuroPal co-lead, said they use a self-reported short questionnaire called the Distress Thermometer to understand what matters most to the patients. The initiative pumps funding into training and hiring more palliative care staff, including two psychologists, three medical social workers, four nurses and others. Palliative care patient Chia Shyh Shen (bottom) with Tan Tock Seng hospital staff (from centre-left) National Neuroscience Institute Senior Consultant Dr Ang Kexin, Principal Occupational Therapist Huang Huixin and Senior Speech Therapist Yong Xing Tong at the Centre for Geriatric Medicine, in Tan Tock Seng Hospital, on May 29. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG Lien Foundation's CEO Lee Poh Wah said during the press conference that with the initiative, they want to dismantle the misconception that palliative care is only for the end of life. 'It's naive to frame neurological diseases as a battle to be fought at all costs... I think we need a more humane and humble approach to healthcare, one that acknowledges the complexities of living with serious illness.' Palliative care aims to help relieve the symptoms and stress of serious illness and support caregivers, and it can help to reduce unnecessary suffering when it is given early in the disease trajectory, he said. Neurological conditions often unfold as a long journey of progressive decline, where a patient suffers emotional distress and is gradually robbed of his or her independence. Among those who receive palliative care, 60 per cent are cancer patients, but cancer only accounts for 26 per cent of all deaths, he said. The hope is to train more healthcare professionals to deliver general palliative care, he added. Associate Professor David Low, Deputy CEO (Clinical), NNI, told the media that people often think of palliative care as something that is given at the terminal stages of life. But for neurological conditions, the care can start early, for instance, when a person is diagnosed with motor neuron disease. ALS patients typically live for around 3 to 5 years, but there are a lot of outliers, and Mr Chia is one of them, said Dr Ang. To help improve his quality of life, the NeuroPal team at NNI@TTSH regularly monitor him and recommend solutions to help him cope with the inevitable changes that the disease brings. They recently let him try out an eye-tracking device called Tobii, which will enable him to communicate with others or pick out videos to watch, and a tilted wheelchair that can support his neck. 'We are future-proofing him. With Tobii, he can learn it faster now because he can still communicate verbally,' Dr Ang said. With that wheelchair, should he opt to buy it, he can travel in greater comfort, she added. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Eid sacrifice comes at hefty price
An official of the Punjab Livestock Department conducts a spray at a cattle market in Raiwind to protect sacrificial animals against diseases. Medical facilities have been arranged in the temporary markets set up for the Eid season. photo: NNI With Eidul Azha drawing near, trading activity in cattle markets across Lahore is gaining momentum. However, soaring prices of sacrificial animals have left many citizens frustrated, while sellers point to rising costs of animal husbandry and transportation as key contributors to the surge. A visit to Shahpur Kanjran — the city's largest cattle market — and several designated sale points revealed a wide variety of livestock on display. However, buyers said prices had jumped by 80 to 90 per cent compared to last year, blaming market manipulation and inadequate regulatory oversight. Kamran Malik, a buyer at one of the markets, said he had planned to purchase a goat but was taken aback by the prices. "Even a small goat now starts at Rs80,000 to Rs90,000, and some are priced well into the hundreds of thousands depending on breed and appearance," he said. "It's becoming unaffordable for the average family." Prices of larger animalssuch as calves, cows, and bullsare even steeper, starting around Rs200,000 and reaching Rs500,000 or more for healthy specimens. Premium animals with distinctive features or exceptional build are being sold for over a million rupees in some markets. Muhammad Buksh, another shopper, criticised what he described as the commercialisation of a sacred tradition. "Eidul Azha teaches sacrifice, but it has turned into a season of profiteering," he said. "Traders cite inflation, fodder, and fuel costs, but in the end, it's the middle class that's burdened," he said. Other citizens echoed the sentiment and called for government intervention. Zia Qureshi, visiting a market in the Ravi area, urged authorities to regulate livestock prices. "If these trends persist, many people won't be able to perform qurbani this year," he said. Livestock traders defended the rising prices, citing increased operational expenses. Muhammad Boota, a farmer from Rahim Yar Khan, said fuel price hikes had doubled transportation costs. "From loading charges to roadside bribes, the journey from our farms to city markets is expensive," he said. "People assume we're overcharging, but we're just trying to recover the costs of raising animals all year." Shahid, another trader, said that despite the evening rush, overall sales remained slow. "Most people are here to survey prices. Nearly half are not committing to purchases yetpossibly waiting for last-minute deals," he added. In light of the growing activity, Lahore Division Commissioner Zaid bin Maqsood visited the Halloki cattle market on Wednesday to assess preparations and ensure compliance with official regulations. The commissioner inspected service camps set up by the livestock department, Lahore Waste Management Company, Rescue 1122, and other agencies. The Wagah assistant commissioner briefed him on the operational setup and preparedness. The commissioner reviewed the availability of essential facilities, including electricity, tents, potable water, sanitation, and medical support. He also interacted with traders to gather first-hand feedback. Special focus was placed on veterinary services. The commissioner examined the stock and expiry dates of medicines and verified staff attendance. He stressed the need for strict enforcement against unauthorised cattle enclosures and directed officials to take immediate action to dismantle illegal setups, maintaining zero tolerance for violations.
Express Tribune
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Diplomacy in overdrive as region teeters on brink of war
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaks with Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir during a meeting in Islamabad. Photo: NNI The flare-up in South Asia, triggered by India's reckless missile and drone strikes against Pakistan since May 7, has sent a wave of grave concern and anxiety across world capitals, as global leaders rush to contact Pakistani leadership to help defuse the heightened tensions. Friday saw hectic diplomatic activity, with Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir arriving in Pakistan for talks on the escalating situation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Dar also spoke by telephone with his counterparts – David Lammy of Britain, Iwaya Takeshi of Japan, Espen Barth Eide of Norway and Jeyhun Bayramov of Azerbaijan – and briefed them on the regional situation in the wake of India's illegal and unprovoked attacks on multiple Pakistani cities. Al-Jubeir arrived in Pakistan on a daylong visit. According to an official handout, the Saudi minister of state called on Prime Minister Shehbaz. The meeting was also attended by Army Chief General Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and others. During the meeting, the prime minister conveyed his best wishes to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He appreciated the diplomatic efforts of the Saudi government to reduce tensions in the region and establish peace in South Asia. The prime minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of the long-standing relations between the two brotherly countries and thanked Saudi Arabia for its unwavering support to Pakistan in all difficult times. Discussing the current situation in South Asia, the prime minister strongly condemned India's missile and drone attacks against Pakistan, which resulted in the martyrdom of several innocent civilians, including women and children and property damage. "The prime minister stressed that India's unprovoked and unjustified aggression was a clear violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity and posed a serious threat to regional peace and stability," the statement said. "The prime minister paid rich tribute to the brave forces of Pakistan, who displayed exemplary courage and bravery in defending the homeland and thwarted the nefarious designs of the enemy," it added. "He said Pakistan is fully committed to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity." The prime minister, according to the handout, said that Pakistan had the full right to take measures in self-defence in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter. Al-Jubeir expressed heartfelt condolences over the loss of the precious lives of Pakistani citizens. He said that Saudi Arabia was deeply concerned about the current situation in South Asia. He reiterated Saudi Arabia's call for a reduction in tensions and resolution of all outstanding disputes between Pakistan and India in accordance with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Earlier, according to a Foreign Office statement, Dar held talks with Al-Jubeir at the Foreign Ministry, which covered the "full spectrum" of bilateral relations. They also exchanged perspectives on the evolving regional situation, it added. Dar praised Saudi Arabia's constructive diplomatic efforts in promoting peace and stability in the region. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the time-tested and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the Foreign Office stated. Meanwhile, talking to his various counterparts, Dar apprised them of the deteriorating regional situation due to India's illegal and unprovoked attacks on several Pakistani cities. He emphasised that Pakistan had shown restraint in the face of these violations of international law and the UN Charter. According to the Foreign Office, the deputy prime minister told the world leaders that regional peace and security were at risk because of India and stressed that the government of Pakistan was determined to defend the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The British, Japanese, Norwegian and Azeri foreign ministers expressed deep concern over the ongoing tensions and stressed the need for both sides to exercise restraint. They expressed their condolences over the deaths of civilians in Pakistan.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nelnet: Q1 Earnings Snapshot
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nelnet Inc. (NNI) on Thursday reported earnings of $82.6 million in its first quarter. On a per-share basis, the Lincoln, Nebraska-based company said it had profit of $2.26. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, were $2.39 per share. The education services company posted revenue of $523.6 million in the period. Its adjusted revenue was $398.5 million. _____ This story was generated by Automated Insights ( using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on NNI at Sign in to access your portfolio
