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Month: February 2025

Chulalongkorn University opens day care centre for older people

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

Chulalongkorn University has now opened a Center for Health and Well-being Promotion for Older People at the Faculty of Nursing to offer complete support for an aged society. Applying new knowledge from research findings and multidisciplinary collaboration, providing comprehensive care for frail older people, helping them maintain their functional abilities and become more self-care, ultimately improving their quality of life.

Having to go to work every day and leave his 72-year-old mother home alone was a big worry for Mr. Kriangsak Kunwiramkul. “Will my mother have a fall? Will she feel lonely? I wanted her to engage in some outdoor activities and meet other senior citizens,” said the 47-year-old businessman.

He then heard the news that there is now a ‘Center for Health and Well-being Promotion for Older People’ had been established on the 10th floor of the Boromarajonani Srisataporn Building, Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University. Without hesitation, Khun Kriangsak took his mother to apply for the service and went to work with a greater peace of mind. On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings, he would drop his mother off at the center, and in the evening, after work, he would pick her up so they could go home together.

“During the 2 months that my mother came to enjoy the services here, I could detect a clear change in her: she seemed more lively and joyful. Her favorite activities were dancing and singing. They also offer classes that provide knowledge about preventing falls in older people.”

Khun Kritayapat Ananwirakun is another person who brought her 86-year-old mother over to the Chulalongkorn University Center for Health and Well-being Promotion for Older People.

“As her children, we are now relieved to have a center to take care of our mother who is now engaged in many activities, such as exercising and singing. It makes us happy to see her smile and laughter when doing those activities. The center would send pictures to us via the LINE group. Mother has been able to meet old friends from university who she hadn’t seen since graduation, but who met again at the center and joined in doing activities together. This has made her very happy.”

The Center for Health and Well-being Promotion for Older People has succeeded in not only bringing smiles to older people, but also joy to many working-age children. They can rest assured that they can now leave their loved and cared-for older people relatives in the care of professional nurses, students, and occupational therapists who will help make their days happy, instead of spending their time in loneliness at home.

How it all started

Since 2023 Thailand has entered the stage of a complete aging society, with more than 20 percent or 1 in 5 of the total population aged 60 years and over. The number of older people aged 80 years and over is increasing rapidly by an average of 7 percent per year. This rapid increase in the number of older people, along with a smaller family structure and current economic conditions that force working-age people to work outside the home – these factors have made it necessary for the children to find help. Many older people care businesses have therefore emerged in recent years.

However, the current care facilities for older people focus on two groups of people:

The older people who are still strong (active aging) and able to help themselves
The group who are dependent, have little ability to help themselves or are bedridden.
“There is a need for a center that focuses on the frail older people who can take care of themselves but are starting to encounter more health problems and are becoming more homebound. Older people with underlying or chronic diseases must rely on their children and family members to take care of them closely. Those who are home alone while their children go to work are at risk of health problems such as falling, tripping, or depression, which can cause older people who are healthy for their age to become bedridden later on,” said Associate Professor Lt. Col. Dr. Siriphan Satsat, Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University, Director of the Center for Health and Well-being Promotion for Older People (CHWPOP), Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University, regarding the origin and goal of opening the center, which is in line with the policy of the faculty’s management team that emphasizes providing services to support the aging society.

“We want to provide needed care and develop the potential of this group of older persons to return to being a healthy older person. If they are unable to do so, we will help slow down the deterioration of their bodies so that they can take care of themselves for as long as possible and not become dependent and bedridden.”

Business Model for Day Care for Older People

“Currently, daycare services for older people have gained more attention. More and more such service centers have been established by private and government agencies, each offering different service rates and a range of services. The increasing number of day care services may reflect a lack of caregivers’ knowledge and skills in providing proper care for older people,” said Assoc. Prof. Capt. Dr. Siriphan.

“We are the only full-service day care for older people operated by the Faculty of Nursing in a university in Thailand. We are well-equipped in terms of knowledge in Gerontological nursing from research studies, a curriculum for teaching nurse in adult and gerontology, and personnel with knowledge, expertise, and skills in caring for older people,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siriphan enumerated the strengths of the Center for Health and Well-being Promotion for Older People, Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University.

“The services at the center encompass physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and environmental health care. We use research-based approaches and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams at Chulalongkorn University to apply research findings to experiments and develop sustainable innovations in senior care. In addition, we aim to create a business model for caring for frail older people in urban areas, with a strong focus on their needs.”

The center provides academic services and conducts research on older people while also organizing various training courses on caring for older people for healthcare personnel and other interested groups in society. Most importantly, the center serves as a model for providing care for older people through a day care facility aimed at enhancing the quality of life of older people and their families.

Since the center opened in January 2024, many agencies from both Thailand and abroad have visited to study and learn from the center.

Caring for Older People: Building Immunity to Vulnerability

Currently, the center provides services for 15 older people per day and provides services 3 days a week, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Older people who are interested in receiving services at the center must first undergo a health assessment.

“We will assess whether an older person is beginning to experience frailty, such as decreased muscle strength, slower walking, unintentional weight loss, feelings of weakness and exhaustion, and an increased likelihood of becoming homebound or bedridden. We will also evaluate their health conditions, including multiple underlying diseases, dementia, depression, fall risk, nutritional status, urinary or fecal incontinence, and their level of care ability,“ explained Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siriphan.

The center will then process the data to propose appropriate care for older people and provide advice, such as improving health behaviors, increasing muscle strength, stimulating the brain, and providing knowledge, consultation, and skill training in caring for older people for caregivers.

A second home for older people, complete with fun activities that promote good health
Asst. Prof. Dr. Siriphan described how, at the Center for Health and Well-being Promotion for Older People, many activities will help develop the skills and capabilities of older people in all aspects, such as providing knowledge for health, introducing new friends, stimulating the brain and memories each day, with music therapy every Wednesday afternoon, cooking activities every Thursday, and Qigong physical and mental training activities on Fridays.

“These activities help improve the quality of life of older people,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siriphan, who also provide examples of health-promoting activities. These include music therapy, which stimulates body movement, brain and sensory function, and enhancing concentration and relaxation. Art therapy and games, such as handicrafts and creative activities, provide enjoyment and relaxation, promote imagination and creativity, improve concentration and hand-eye coordination, strengthen fine motor skills, encourage social interaction, and build self-esteem. For those experiencing memory decline, these activities can help enhance memory, improve cognitive and perceptual efficiency, reinforce a sense of identity, create a meaningful life, reduce depression, and help promote social skills. In addition to offering various activities, the center also designs spaces and creates an internal atmosphere for older people to feel like they are in a “second home.”

The center is equipped with bathrooms, a kitchen, a fitness room designed for older people, and a multi-sensory stimulation room that engages vision, hearing, smell, and touch. This environment promotes relaxation, enhances emotional well-being, and encourages positive behaviors, contributing to more restful sleep. Additionally, there is a “Coffee Room” a welcoming space where older people can converse and reminisce about past experiences, stimulating memories and emotions. Frequent engagement in these activities helps reinforce recollections, improving memory and cognitive function. The center also features a green area where older people can enjoy gardening, promoting physical activity and relaxation.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siriphan explained that all activities and the design of the space in the center are a product of the collaboration of Chulalongkorn University lecturers, experts in various fields at Chulalongkorn University, such as designing for the safety of older people by

Music therapy for older people is provided by the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, while appropriate nutrition and exercise guidance are developed in collaboration with dietitians from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and experts from the Faculty of Sports Science. To facilitate travel for older people, the center will work with transportation companies to ensure convention and safe transportation to and from the center.

The personnel providing services at the center include faculty members specializing in gerontological nursing, professional nurses, and master’s degree students specifically trained in this field. Guest speakers are also invited to provide knowledge to older people on various topics, such as dementia prevention, safe use of technology, herbal medicine, and overall health. Each month, health assessments are conducted, and advice is provided to relatives and caregivers to help them care for older people at home.

Chula Day Care addresses the needs of older people and their children

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siriphan, the target group of the Chulalongkorn University Center for Health and Well-being for Older People focuses on retired Chulalongkorn University lecturers and staff, relatives of Chulalongkorn University lecturers and staff, senior citizens living around the university, and senior citizens who are travel to the center by themselves or can be dropped off by relatives, such as Khun Sompong, 82 years old, who travels by public transport. Sometimes, the grandchildren would pick her up and drop her off at the center.

“The time I spent participating in various activities at the center was filled with happiness and warmth. I made friends and had fun, so I never felt lonely. I enjoyed all the activities that were organized and also gained knowledge about exercise and how to take care of my physical and mental health. Commuting was convenient – I traveled by BTS Skytrain, but sometimes my grandchildren would pick me up and drop me off.”

Khun Poonsin, 82, said that her son encouraged her to use the services at the center, and she was impressed by the variety of activities organized for older people. “Coming here, I get to meet friends my age, so I don’t feel lonely. I enjoy all the activities, especially the cooking session every Thursday. I get to cook and taste the food I prepare myself. Experts also come to give lectures and provide valuable health care knowledge. I am truly impressed by the lecturers and staff who take such good care of me.”

Center for Health and Well-being Promotion for Older People, Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University, has received a license to operate a health establishment under the Health Establishment Act B.E. 2559, a business in the category of caring for older people or dependent people from the Ministry of Public Health. The feedback from older people who have used the services has been very good. The evaluation results gave a high score of 4.98 out of 5.

If an older person is starting to feel lonely, doesn’t want to go out, and you want them to stay active, make new friends, and maintain their independence for as long as possible, please visit the Center for Health and Well-being Promotion for Older People at the Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University. It is open three days a week – Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday – from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cost is 500 baht per visit, including lunch and snacks.

Reservations can be made in advance at telephone number 06-1238-2322

For further information, follow us on Facebook at Chulalongkorn University, Center for Health and Well-being Promotion for Older People.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/220239/

Striving for international recognition, UNAIR welcomes UK-based assessment team

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

The Faculty of Science and Technology Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) recently welcomed accreditation assessors from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) as part of an international accreditation site visit for its Chemistry Undergraduate and Master’s programs. The visit, held on Monday, February 10, 2025, marks a crucial step in UNAIR’s efforts to enhance global recognition in the field of chemistry.

The assessment was attended by several key university and faculty leaders, including Vice Rector for Academic, Student Affairs, and Alumni Affairs Prof. Dr. Bambang Sektiari Lukiswanto, DEA, Drh; Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Community Development Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih, MSi; and Vice Rector for Resources Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan, SE, MSi, MFin.

Also in attendance were Prof. Sukardiman, Apt, MS (Director of Academic Affairs UNAIR), Prof. Nurul Barizah, SH, LLM, PhD (Chair of UNAIR’s Quality Assurance Board), and Prof. Miratul Khasanah, MSi (Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology).

Strengthening global academic networks
During the visit, RSC assessor Prof. Zana Binti Abdullah emphasized that the accreditation process aims to connect UNAIR’s chemistry programs with global academic networks.

“As assessors, our goal is to evaluate and strengthen the connectivity of chemistry programs worldwide. The RSC accreditation follows the UK education system, and we hope it will further establish UNAIR’s reputation within the international academic community,” she stated.

She also praised UNAIR’s thorough preparation for the accreditation process, noting that its proactive approach reflects a strong commitment to maintaining educational standards at a global level.

Accreditation visit and expectations
According to Prof. Nurul Barizah, Chair of UNAIR’s Quality Assurance Board, the RSC visit includes several key stages. “Over the next two days, assessors will engage in discussions with university and faculty representatives to verify the alignment between the submitted System Evaluation Report and actual conditions on campus. The visit will also involve inspections of laboratories and supporting facilities, along with discussion sessions with faculty members, students, and support units,” she explained.

Prof. Barizah further underscored that international accreditation is a strategic step toward strengthening UNAIR’s global academic standing.

“Our vision is to position UNAIR at the international level. If these two chemistry programs secure RSC accreditation, UNAIR’s education quality will be on par with other internationally accredited institutions, particularly those in the UK,” she added.

To meet accreditation requirements, UNAIR’s Chemistry Department has prepared extensive documentation, including curriculum restructuring based on Outcome-Based Education (OBE), a Self-Assessment Report, course syllabi, lecture modules, and laboratory guidelines.

“We are optimistic that this site visit will yield positive results, and by May, we hope to receive official accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry for both our undergraduate and graduate Chemistry programs,” she concluded.

Like a bee to honey

Posted on by Afifah Darke

“I would never have thought I’d be doing what I’m doing now.”

As the daughter of a university lecturer, Sue Cunningham was no stranger to university campuses. From a young age, she wandered the charming historic buildings and manicured green lawns of institutions like University of California, Berkeley to Queen Mary College in London, while waiting for her father to finish work.

Little did Cunningham know then, her familiarity with these environments would come full circle, but in a way far different from what she might have imagined. With a bachelor’s degree in performing arts, Cunningham spent her early career in the world of theatre and museums. She did work covering fundraising, marketing and administration for galleries and museums, slowly discovering that she “loved all aspects of it”. During the early 90s was when the arts, cultural and education sector was getting more interested in fundraising and alumni relations, she says. “I was just fortunate to be on the crest of a wave. I found myself in wonderful roles in wonderful institutions,” she fondly recalls in an online interview with QS Insights Magazine.

Today, Cunningham leads the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) as President and CEO. CASE, a nonprofit association for educational institutions in over 80 countries, enables its members to achieve their goals. From fostering alumni relations and fundraising to crafting marketing and communications and advocating for public support of education, CASE offers a comprehensive suite of services.

Cunningham began her career in educational advancement in 1998 as director of external relations at St. Andrews University. It was also during this time that CASE was mentioned to her and described as a “great and supportive community” to learn from. “I went there like a bee to honey and just discovered this incredibly supportive learning environment with the global community,” she says with a big smile.

‘My North Star’

With offices in Washington DC, London, Mexico City and Singapore, Cunningham has championed CASE and its members worldwide with her own style of strategic and operational leadership since 2015. “If you want to lead an organisation, it has to be one you care deeply about,” Cunningham tells QS Insights Magazine. When the opportunity came up for her to take up the lead role in CASE, Cunningham says, “I actually can’t think of an organisation I care more deeply about than this organisation that has been my North Star for 18 years”.

And her passion for CASE is obvious through her work in recent years – Cunningham has engaged with thousands of CASE volunteers to produce a framework that helped to refine the organisations’ governance structure; she also championed the recent acquisition of the Voluntary Support of Education Survey, as well as the update of CASE’s management and reporting standards and guidelines.

But leading an organisation with such cause comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to philanthropy. When global disruptions such as the global financial crisis in 2008 and the recent COVID-19 pandemic occurred, it was observed that philanthropic support for US institutions specifically, dipped, says Cunningham. Giving to US higher education institutions was $58 billion in the 2023 academic year, a 5 percent (after inflation) drop from 2022, according to CASE’s latest Voluntary Support of Education Survey. Despite the decline however, this amount is the second highest on record, demonstrating that the level of support is still strong, says CASE.

“Continued engagement is critical for the success of this work,” Cunningham emphasises. Global crises can and do affect philanthropic support, but Cunningham is convinced that the level of philanthropic giving has broadly continued to go up in the last 20 to 40 years. “Philanthropy is about building relationships and about people holding the institutions or organisations or individuals they’re investing in in high esteem.”

Read the full article on QS Insights Magazine

Corneas from deceased Kazakh donor transplanted to two patients

Posted on by Asfendiyarov National Medical University

On January 22, 2025, doctors at the University Clinic of the Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University (KazNMU) successfully performed a remarkable corneal transplant surgery, giving two patients a new chance at better vision. The donor corneas were harvested from a deceased 55-year-old man, whose family made the generous decision to donate his organs and save multiple lives.

The surgeries were conducted as part of a masterclass for local ophthalmologists and medical residents, offering them an opportunity to learn advanced surgical techniques in corneal transplantation. Marat Suleimenov, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at KazNMU, explained the significance of this case, highlighting the rarity of local donors. “Unfortunately, since 2015, we have had limited access to donor materials due to a lack of public awareness and the reluctance to give consent for organ donation,” Suleimenov said. He emphasized that this successful procedure was a result of the family’s willingness to donate not only the corneas but also the heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs. These additional organ transplants were carried out in collaboration with the Kazakh Research Institute of Cardiology and Internal Diseases and the A.N. Syzganov National Scientific Center of Surgery. Through their decision, the donor’s family contributed to saving several lives.

Currently, Kazakhstan faces a significant shortage of donor materials, forcing local clinics to rely on imported corneas from the United States. This situation has made it difficult to meet the growing demand for transplants. As Suleimenov pointed out, nearly 1,000 patients in Kazakhstan are currently in need of corneal transplants, 25% of whom are children. The surgeries performed with local donor organs highlighted the importance of raising awareness about organ donation within the country.

The masterclass provided during the surgeries not only helped the patients but also played a key role in training local medical professionals. By observing the procedures firsthand, ophthalmologists and residents gained valuable experience that will allow them to apply these techniques independently in the future. This training is seen as a crucial step in improving the overall level of ophthalmic care and reducing reliance on foreign expertise.

The successful transplants would not have been possible without the ongoing support of the Qazaqstan Khalqyna Foundation, which has played a vital role in funding similar procedures. To date, the foundation has helped facilitate 243 corneal transplants, providing many patients with the gift of restored vision. However, much work remains, as the current demand far exceeds the number of available donor organs.

Organ donation in Kazakhstan is still a sensitive issue, with many families hesitant to give consent due to a lack of awareness or cultural beliefs. Medical professionals and public health advocates are calling for comprehensive public awareness campaigns to address these issues and encourage more families to consider donation. By educating the population on the life-saving potential of organ transplants, they hope to create a culture of acceptance and cooperation.

This recent case also demonstrated the efficiency of Kazakhstan’s medical system in coordinating organ transplants across multiple institutions. The seamless collaboration between different hospitals ensured that the donated organs were quickly allocated to patients in critical need, maximizing their impact. It also showcased the country’s potential to expand its organ transplant program through increased public participation.

KazNMU Rector Marat Shoranov emphasized the importance of such partnerships and innovative practices for the future of Kazakhstan’s healthcare system. He noted that collaboration with international organizations and local initiatives would help improve both the quality and accessibility of medical services. Shoranov expressed hope that the success of this case would inspire more families to give consent for organ donation and help close the gap between the number of patients in need and the availability of donor organs.

The recent corneal transplant surgeries serve as a powerful example of how organ donation can save lives and improve the quality of life for many individuals. The two patients who received new corneas now have the chance to restore their vision and lead more fulfilling lives. At the same time, the other recipients of the donor’s heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs have received life-saving transplants, highlighting the profound impact of one family’s decision.

As Kazakhstan continues to develop its organ transplant capabilities, medical professionals remain optimistic that increased public awareness, ongoing support from organizations like the Qazaqstan Khalqyna Foundation, and improved training for local doctors will lead to a more sustainable and effective transplant system. The hope is that, in the future, cases like this will become more common, ensuring that those in need of transplants can receive timely and life-changing medical interventions. The success of this operation is a step toward that vision, demonstrating the power of organ donation to create new beginnings.

Global University Systems releases sustainability report

Posted on by Global University Systems

Global University Systems (GUS) released its 2024 Sustainability Report, detailing substantial progress in sustainability initiatives across its network of 30 institutions worldwide, including its work to provide free access to education to women in Afghanistan, which was recognised with the Gold Award for Best ESG Campaign or Case Study to Reduce Inequality at the 2024 ESG & Sustainability Awards.

The comprehensive report outlines achievements across four key pillars: Education, Equality, Environment, and Ethics. GUS has strengthened its environmental commitment through new strategic partnerships with Planet Mark for carbon neutrality initiatives and SustainIQ for sustainability monitoring and reporting.

A significant milestone includes GUS becoming a signatory to the CANIE Accord, pledging to achieve carbon neutrality and climate literacy across its international education sector by 2030. The organisation’s commitment to sustainability was further emphasised through its participation in the World Economic Forum at Davos 2024.

“The 2024 report reflects a pivotal year in our sustainability journey. This year, we’ve made significant strides in embedding sustainability across our network of 30 institutions. Our initiatives have delivered measurable impact across environmental stewardship, social equality, and educational access. These efforts reflect our commitment to transforming lives through education while ensuring we create positive impact across our global network,” says Yuliya Etingen, Chief Impact Officer at Global University Systems.

Individual institutions within the GUS Group have achieved notable success in various sustainability initiatives. University Canada West produced an award-winning documentary series on Indigenous history, while the University of Europe for Applied Sciences’ Pink Bear Project provided €250,000 in scholarships to enhance educational access and diversity.

Social impact remains a key focus, exemplified by Pearl Academy’s Tihar Jail programme, which provides skills training to women inmates, and The University of Law’s collaboration with the Clooney Foundation for Justice, offering postgraduate opportunities in human rights advocacy.

The report details 20 sustainability goals managed by a dedicated taskforce, aligning with GUS’s core values of being Dynamic, Expert, Pioneering, Impactful, and Transformative. These initiatives demonstrate the organisation’s commitment to developing future leaders while promoting global sustainability through education.

For more information or to access the full report, visit here.  

Tokyo’s Waseda University releases English podcast episode on gender diversity

Posted on by Waseda University

Waseda University released the seventh episode, “Ensuring Gender Diversity in Executive Management Positions”, of its English language podcast series “Rigorous Research, Real Impact” on February 4, 2025. All podcast episodes are available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

In episode 7, Professor Toru Yoshikawa (Faculty of Social Sciences) speaks with MC Assistant Professor Yun Jung Yang (Waseda Institute for Advanced Study) about his recent research exploring gender diversity in top management teams, particularly women in the role of the Chief Human Relations Officer (CHRO). Professor Yoshikawa worked with a team of researchers that investigated why women are increasingly appointed to the CHRO position in the US but less so to other executive roles. Additionally, he uses his expertise to reflect on gender diversity, ESG (environmental/social/governance), and DEI (diversity/equity/inclusion) initiatives at companies in Japan, as well.

About the Series:

Waseda University’s first ever English-language academic podcast titled “Waseda University Podcasts: Rigorous Research, Real Impact” is an 8-episode series broadly showcasing the diverse work of our renowned social sciences and humanities researchers. In each of the short 15-30 minute episodes we welcome a knowledgeable researcher to casually converse with an MC about their recent, rigorously conducted research, the positive impact it has on society, and their thoughts on working in Japan at Waseda. It’s a perfect choice for listeners with a strong desire to learn, including current university students considering graduate school, researchers looking for their next collaborative project, or even those considering working for a university that stresses the importance of interdisciplinary approaches.

Episode Release Schedule
*Please note the schedule is subject to change.

Episode 8（Release date: 2025/2/18：Assistant Professor Robert Fahey, MC PhD Candidate Romeo Marcantuoni— “Unlocking the Rise of Conspiracy Movements in Japan”

Targeting NAD⁺ Metabolism: TMU, University of Chicago researchers unveil novel therapeutic strategy for Uterine Leiomyomas

Posted on by Taipei Medical University

Professor Shih-Min Hsia‘s research team from Taipei Medical University has collaborated with leading uterine leiomyoma experts, Professors Ayman Al-Hendy and Mohamed Ali from the University of Chicago, to investigate the key mechanisms driving uterine leiomyoma formation and propose innovative therapeutic strategies.

The findings, published in the high-impact journal Redox Biology (impact factor 10.7), highlight the importance and academic value of this research.

Uterine leiomyomas, common benign tumors in women of reproductive age, exhibit a high prevalence and significantly affect women’s health and quality of life. These tumors are characterized by excessive cell proliferation, extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, and stem cell-like properties.

The research team identified that Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD⁺) metabolism and its key enzyme, Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT), are pivotal in the progression of uterine leiomyomas.

Analysis of uterine leiomyoma tissues revealed that elevated NAMPT expression is positively correlated with increased ECM accumulation and enhanced stem cell-like characteristics. Subsequent experiments using the NAMPT inhibitor FK866 and the vitamin B3 derivative nicotinamide (NAM) demonstrated that these agents significantly reduced uterine leiomyoma cell viability, attenuated stem cell-like properties, and effectively decreased ECM accumulation, highlighting their potential as therapeutic options. Furthermore, the team successfully obtained a patent in Taiwan for the use of nicotinamide as a treatment for uterine leiomyomas, solidifying the translational and clinical impact of their findings.

This study underscores the critical role of NAMPT and NAD⁺ metabolism in uterine leiomyoma development and emphasizes the promise of precision medicine interventions targeting NAMPT as a novel treatment strategy.

This international collaboration with the University of Chicago exemplifies the power of cross-border partnerships in elucidating complex disease mechanisms and developing innovative therapies, paving the way for new advancements in uterine leiomyoma research and treatment.

Thammasat University, University of Bristol explore collaboration

Posted on by Thammasat University

Executives from the University of Bristol, UK, visited the Office of International Affairs (OIA) at Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan campus. The delegation met with the OIA Director and the OIA Coordinator for Europe, where they were warmly introduced to Thammasat University’s academic and international engagement framework.

The visit aimed to explore potential collaborative opportunities between Thammasat and the University of Bristol across three primary areas. These include:

1. Educational Partnerships: Discussions centered around establishing structured academic programs such as the 3+1, 2+1, 1+1, 2+2, and 3+1+1 models, which allow students to split their studies between the two institutions for enhanced global exposure.

2. Student Mobility Programs: Both universities explored avenues for student exchanges within several prominent faculties at Thammasat, namely the Faculty of Law, Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat Business School, and the College of Innovation. These programs would offer students enriched cross-cultural experiences and opportunities to study in diverse academic environments.

3. Academic Engagement: Potential collaboration was discussed around joint workshops, guest lectures, faculty exchanges, and co-research initiatives, aimed at fostering shared knowledge and innovation between the institutions.During the meeting, the University of Bristol expressed particular interest in Thammasat’s Summer Program. In response, the OIA shared insights into the program’s recent successes and its partnerships with universities in Japan and Australia. This visit represents a promising step toward deeper collaboration between Thammasat University and the University of Bristol.

Beyond the Gut: A new frontier in IBS treatment by targeting the brain

Posted on by Tokyo University of Science

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder with unclear causes, affecting about 10% of the global population. Researchers from Japan have now discovered that opioid delta-receptor agonists may alleviate IBS symptoms by acting directly on the central nervous system. Using a novel stress-induced mouse model, they found these drugs reduce abdominal pain and regulate bowel movements. This research suggests a promising approach to treating IBS by targeting stress as a contributing factor.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that affects the intestine, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation, or both. Although this condition affects about a tenth of the global population, the underlying causes and mechanisms of IBS remain unclear. Consequently, treatments for IBS primarily focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing the root cause of the disorder.

At Tokyo University of Science (TUS), Japan, Professor Akiyoshi Saitoh and his research group have spent the past decade exploring this topic. This study published online in the British Journal of Pharmacology on December 25, 2024, discovered that a class of drugs called opioid delta-receptor (DOP) agonists may help alleviate IBS symptoms by targeting the central nervous system rather than acting directly on the intestine. This study was co-authored by Toshinori Yoshioka, a third-year PhD student at TUS.

One of the main motivations for this study was the growing evidence linking IBS closely to psychological stress. Saitoh’s group aimed to address this potential root cause by focusing on finding a novel animal model for this condition. In a study published in 2022, they developed a mice model repeatedly exposed to psychological stress—using a method called chronic vicarious social defeat stress (cVSDS)—which developed symptoms similar to a type of IBS called IBS-D. These symptoms included overly active intestines and heightened sensitivity to abdominal pain, even though their organs showed no physical damage. The cVSDS animal model involved having the subject mouse repeatedly witness a territorial, aggressive mouse defeating a cage mate, inducing indirect chronic stress.

Using the cVSDS model, the researchers sought to determine whether DOP in the brain, which is closely linked to pain and mood regulation, could serve as promising drug targets for treating stress-induced IBS. To achieve this, they performed a series of detailed experiments to observe the effects of DOP agonists on IBS symptoms and chemical signaling in the brain. Some experiments involved measuring the speed of a charcoal meal through the intestine to assess gastrointestinal motility and evaluate the impact of stress or treatments on bowel movement speed, along with directly measuring neurotransmitter concentrations using in vivo brain microdialysis. This revealed that re-exposure to VSDS increased glutamate levels in the insular cortex, but these elevated levels were normalized with DOP agonists.

According to the results, the administration of DOP agonists helped relieve abdominal pain and regulated bowel movements in cVSDS mice. Interestingly, applying the DOP agonists directly to a specific brain region called the insular cortex had similar effects on IBS symptoms as systemic treatment. “Our findings demonstrated that DOP agonists acted directly on the central nervous system to improve diarrhea-predominant IBS symptoms in mice, and suggest that the mechanism of action involves the regulation of glutamate neurotransmission in the insular cortex,” highlights Saitoh.

Taken together, the continued research by Saitoh’s group on this topic could pave the way for effective treatments for IBS. “DOP agonists could represent a groundbreaking new IBS treatment that not only improves IBS-like symptoms but also provides anti-stress and emotional regulation effects. In the future, we would like to conduct clinical developments with the goal of expanding the indication of DOP agonists for IBS, in addition to depression,” remarks Saitoh.

Compared to currently available IBS treatments, such as laxatives, antidiarrheals, analgesics, and antispasmodics, targeting the underlying stress with DOP agonists may offer a more definitive solution with minimal adverse effects. Further clarification of the roles of stress and brain chemistry in the development of IBS will be essential in achieving this much-needed medical breakthrough. With promising prospects, future studies will translate Saitoh’s group’s findings to humans, bringing great relief to those affected by IBS.

Professor from Chulalongkorn University performs “Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra” in Moscow

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

Professor Narongrit Dhamabutra, a National Artist in the field of Performing Arts (Western Music – Classical Composition) and faculty member of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Chulalongkorn University, recently performed the Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra at the Moscow International House of Music on January 23, 2025. The performance was presented with Theodore Kerkezos as the soloist on saxophone, accompanied by the Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Jeremy Walker. Approximately 1,700 people attended the concert.

On this occasion, Mr. Sasiwat Wongsinsawat, the Ambassador of Thailand to Moscow, along with the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the Russian Federation and senior representatives from the Moscow government, delivered opening remarks. This piece has already been performed in several cities, including Bangkok and Athens.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/216210/