CUCMS Re:Search BulletinApril 2017Volume 6

RMU Update: How Malaysia fared in World University Rankings

Hot topic: Therapeutic overclaims of supplements

CUCMS Expert:Prof Dr Rosnah Ismail

Free Copy

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DisclaimerThe views, opinions and commentaries expressed in the Re:Search Bulletin do not necessarily reflect those of the Editorial Board, Centre for Graduate Studies, Research & Commercialisation nor Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences (CUCMS) unless expressly stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of CUCMS. Facts contained herewith are believed to be true as of the date that it is published. All content, materials, and intellectual property rights are owned and provided for by CUCMS and its members. CUCMS makes no guarantees or representations whatsoever regarding the information contained herewith including the truth of content, accuracy, safety, or the absence of infringement of rights of other parties. In no circumstances shall CUCMS be held liable for the contents, materials, advertisement contained in this publication.

Editor’s Titbits The start of 2017 has been colourful. The Ministry of Higher Education has shared with the Research Management Unit the performance of Malaysian Universities in the World ranking and also some key information pertaining to the trends and issues in government grant applications. It is hoped that this information could be used by our researchers to strategize the bidding of grants and avoid the common pitfalls mentioned in the report. More about this is shown in the RMU Update: From the Horse’s Mouth.

Nevertheless, our researchers have been very active and several of our academicians’ work is showcased in Crème de la crème in the form of extended abstracts and also posters. The various faculties of CUCMS have also shared their research updates and it is exciting to see such dedication and that our research is thriving!

The Hot Topic selected for this issue is Therapeutic Over claim. The Editorial Members have come together to get the input from all faculties in order to give a well-rounded discussion of the topic. Any suggestions for a suitable focus for our bulletin are welcome and can be forwarded to the Editorial Members.

CGSRC has started the year with many events and particularly one stood out: the CGSRC Roadshow. One of the main focuses of the event was to brief all CUCMS academicians regarding the Malaysian Research Instrument (MyRA). MyRA is the benchmark used by Malaysian universities in order to evaluate the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in terms of quantity and quality of research as well as quantity and quality of researchers. In order to reach our aim of scoring two stars for this time around, the contribution and commitment of each and every member of CUCMS is essential. More about the roadshow and other events by CGSRC can be read in the CGSRC Highlights section. Last but not least, we have introduced a new section called One Minute Lesson which will highlights one short aspect relevant to research and publication.

New sections included in this issue include Lab Profile which will feature one set of instruments available in our labs that can be used for a particular process. For this time around the PCR workflow is highlighted. Another new section is #Library which will focus on (1) Services offered by Library, focusing on Turnitin for this issue and (2) Know Your Library, focusing on the Thesis Room.

So much is in store for you in this issue, and we wish you Happy Reading!

Dr Wan Rosalina Wan RosliEditor

Editor’s Titbits 2From the horse’s mouth:

How Malaysia fared in World University Rankings 3

Hot Topic: Weight loss herbal supplements: Boon or Bane?

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Hot Topic: Skin whitening products is not so fair and lovely after all

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Hot Topic:Over Claim of Health Supplement Products in Malaysia

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Hot Topic: Evidence-Based Medicine

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1-Minute-Lesson:Journal Citation Ranking and Quartile Scores (Q1-Q4)

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Research Poster 15From Nothing to Something CUCMS Greenhouse 16

CUCMS Expert: Prof Dr Rosnah Ismail 18Research Poster 20

Employee of the Quarter 21CUCMS Annual Dinner 22

Research Poster 24Centre for Languages and General Studies (CLGS)

Update 25

Faculty of Pharmacy (FOP) Update 26Crème de la crème : The Impact of Pharmacist-Initiated

Interventions in Improving Acute Coronary Syndrome Secondary Prevention Pharmacotherapy Prescribing

upon Discharge

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Crème de la crème : Discovery Of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites From The Leaves Of Vitex Pinnata And

Metabolomics Of Its Endophytic Fungus, Nigrospora Sp

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Crème de la crème : Extract of Carica papaya L. leaves: Standardising its use in dengue fever

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Lab Profile: Molecular Research Lab 36Personality focus: Mr Azhar Tajul Noor 38

#Library 39Research Poster 40

Postgraduate Column: International Conference & Exhibition on Holistic Wellness (ICEHW)

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CGSRC Highlights 43Mark Your Calendar 48

Editorial Board 48

ContentTable of

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From the horse’s mouth: RMU UpdateUpdates from Mesyuarat Penyelarasan BPKI JPT Bersama RMC IPT Bil 2/2016 on 7th Disember 2016, held at the Ministry of Higher Education, Putrajaya.

Figure 1 Malaysia’s Research Landscape grows by 594% between 2005 – 2014

QS World & Asia University Ranking

QS World Ranking has seen that nine Malaysian universities have made it to the top 700 with our research universities showing great potential with one new entry from Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) ranking at 601 – 650. As for QS ASIA University Rankings 2016, five of our research universities made it to the top 100 cluster (top 1% Asia). Universiti Malaya & Universiti Putra Malaysia made it into the top 50 cluster.

How Malaysia fared in World University Rankings

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University World University Ranking Asia Ranking

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49

55

63

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Areas of Strength for Malaysia – Top 200 according to QS Subject Ranking Mapping

Areas Subject ≤ 50 Top 51 – 100 Top 101 – 150 Top 151 – 200

Arts & Humanities

Architecture/ Built EnvironmentUM, UKM, USM, UTM

English Language & Literature UM UKM UPM, USM

Linguistics UM UKM, USM UPM

Modern Languages UM

Life Sciences & Medicine

Agriculture & Forestry UPM UMS

Biological Sciences USM

Medicine UM

Pharmacy & Pharmacology USM UM UPM, UKM

Engineering & Technology

Computer Science & Information Systems

UM, USM UPM, UTM

Eng – Chemical USM (46)UM, UKM,

UTMUPM, UTP

Eng – Electrical & Electronic UM (37) UTM, USM UPM, UKM MMU

Eng – Civil & Structural UM, UTM, USM UKM, UPM

Eng – Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing

UM, USMUPM, UTM,

UKMUTP

Natural Sciences

Chemistry UM, USM

Environmental Sciences USM UM UPM, UTM

Geography & Area Studies UM

Materials Science USMUKM, UTM, UPM, UM

Mathematics USM

Social Sciences &

Management

Accounting & Finance UM, UPMUKM, UUM,

UiTM

Business & Management Studies UM, USM UPM, UKM

Communication & Media Studies UM UKM, USM

Development Studies UM (30) USM

Economics & Econometrics UM, USM, UPM

EducationUM, UKM,

USMUPM UTM, UiTM

Law UM

Social Policy & Administration UKM

Statistics & Operational Research UM, USM

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Governmental Grants: Feedback from MOHE

Ministry of Higher Education has concluded the grant cycles for 2016 that included Skim Geran Penyelidikan Jangka Panjang (LRGS), Skim Geran Penyelidikan Fundamental (FRGS), Skim Geran Penyelidikan Transdisiplinari (TRGS) and Skim Geran Penyelidikan Pembangunan Prototaip (PRGS). Analysis of the applications are as follows:

FRGS PRGS TRGS LRGS

Application 4486 301 116 24

Approved 1183 63 19 0

Funds Requested (RM) 650892815 67581816 124891026 210021351

Funds Approved (RM) 95749280 8175430 11624100 0

Issues during application of MOHE grants 2016

◊ University’s own internal review panel need to be more stringent.

◊ Requirements for application not fulfilled - missing quotations, duration of applicant’s contract, track record of research etc.

◊ Proposals not improved based on feedback from internal panel review.

◊ Presentations that do not follow format by MOHE - researchers were unprepared.

Quality of Proposals

◊ Researcher profiles are not updated (includes list of publication, IP, projects and supervisions).

◊ Attachments could not be opened.◊ Quotations not attached although

already mentioned in the Guidelines

Researcher profile in MyGRANTS

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by Dr Reshma Mohamed Ansari, MBBS and Norfaizatul Shalida Omar, Ph.D

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) defines a dietary supplement as “a product (other than tobacco) that is intended to supplement the diet and that bears or contains one or more of the following dietary ingredients: a vitamin, a mineral, an herb or other botanical, an amino acid, a dietary substance for use by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total daily intake, or a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract or combinations of these ingredients” (Halsted, 2003). In the year 2000, more than half of the US population have been known to consume at least one dietary supplement (Halsted, 2003). Health supplements being “herbal” in nature are categorised as food products wherein pre-marketing approval is not as stringent as allopathic medications (Chen et al., 2010) are widely available in the market and can be purchased without prescription (Stickel, 2007). The majority of the herbal users do not feel it necessary to inform their physicians about the consumption of supplements (Singh & Prakash, 2008) even during pre-operative assessment (Halsted, 2003) and most of the physicians overlook this fact and seldom query the patients (Halsted, 2003).

Figure 1: Types of Complementary and Alternative medicines used by US consumers (Tachjian et al. 2010)

Herbal supplements for weight loss:Herbal body supplements can either be used for body-building or for non-body building purposes. Out of the supplements used for non-building purposes, weight loss stands as the most important reason to consume these supplements (Zheng & Navarro, 2010). The constant rise in obesity rates has triggered the weight loss supplement industry to boom as a billion-dollar industry. End-users of these supplements view them as an alternative method and deem them to be safe (Zheng & Navarro, 2010). In comparison with body-building supplements, consumers of weight loss supplements were almost twice as affected due to drug adverse reactions (Zheng & Navarro, 2010).

Reports of toxicities encountered with these supplements:The U.S Drug induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) has reported a dramatic increase in cases of liver injury in the past 10 years which is attributed to supplement intake (Zheng & Navarro, 2010). Felix Stickel in his editorial reports 2 cases of liver damage post intake of Herbalife supplements (Stickel, 2007). Hydoxycut weight loss products caused death due to cardiac and cerebrovascular accidents in young, otherwise healthy patients. Ephedra a component of this supplement was identified as the culprit (Stickel, 2007). Ephedra has serious circulatory and nervous system adverse effects such as increase in blood pressure, increase in heart rate leading to risk of arrhythmias and potent vasospasm (Halsted, 2003). It is also known to cause nephrolithiasis (kidney stones). The stones were composed of ephedrine, norephedrine, and pseudoephedrine (Gabardi et al., 2007).

Weight loss herbal supplements:HOT TOPICS: THERAPEUTIC OVER CLAIMS

Boon or Bane?

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Green tea (Camellia sinensis) though widely known for its antioxidant properties and weight loss potential (Patel et al., 2013), is also known to be hepatotoxic (Zheng & Navarro, 2010). Green tea extract is rich in polyphenols much greater than black tea which are further composed of catechins and flavanols. Catechins though boast of antioxidant benefits were also found to cause cytotoxicity by damaging the mitochondrial membrane and initiation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. Another interesting point is that the catechins cause more damage while the consumers are fasting rather than in the fed stage. Since people who intend to lose weight also undergo a diet regimen, the adverse effects of catechins might be profound on them (Zheng & Navarro, 2010). Exolise, a weight loss supplement whose prime ingredient was Camellia sinensis was withdrawn from the market in France and Spain due to the varied reports received linking it to liver toxicity (Chen et al., 2010); Patel et al., 2013).

Another ingredient, Garcinia cambogia is known for its ability to prevent the conversion of carbohydrates to fat has been widely linked to oxidative stress, hepatic fibrosis and inflammation (Patel et al., 2013). OEP supplements, contained a compound aegeline with anti-adipogenic features which was known to cause hepatocellular pattern of injury in the consumers (Zheng & Navarro, 2010). Chinese herbal supplements for weight loss contain Aristolochic acid which is notorious for causing urothelial carcinoma, renal intestinal fibrosis and loss of cortical nephrons (Gabardi et al., 2007; Singh & Prakash, 2008). In patients with cardiovascular diseases, garlic, ginger, grapefruit juice and green tea which are used for weight loss are known to have decreased effects of Warfarin, hypotension and liver toxicity respectively (Tachjian et al. 2010). Chromium picolinate (CP) widely used for its lipid lowering and weight loss properties is known to produce acute kidney failure resulting from acute tubular necrosis warranting haemodialysis (Gabardi et al., 2007). Patients with known conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or coronary artery disease might develop renal disease due to these supplements (Singh & Prakash, 2008).

Possible reasons for the toxicities:The frightening aspect of these products is that the constituents are often not characterised, not included in labels and clear beneficial effects and their side effects are not stated. In addition, they are advertised massively to lure the lay consumers who fall prey in spite of the lack of scientific information (Stickel, 2007). The herbal supplements might contain toxic substances which could cause drug interactions (Halsted, 2003). Contamination of herbal products with hepatotoxic Bacillus cereus is also considered as a risk factor to develop liver injury. Moreover additives in the form of preservatives and flavour enhancers might be contaminated to produce serious side effects (Stickel, 2007). The unintentional contamination with pesticides, fertilizers and heavy metals may also cause serious liver toxicity in these consumers (Chen et al., 2010). Variation of constituents from batch to batch will also results in varied reactions among consumers (Singh & Prakash, 2008).

What needs to be done?Most of the cases of supplement-induced toxicities go unnoticed due to laack of enforcement, scientific evidence and knowledge among health care providers and patients (Tachjian et al., 2010). With all the reports of toxicity, the companies that manufacture these supplements refuse to disclose the prime ingredients and detailed composition of their products (Stickel, 2007; Chen et al., 2010). Hence physicians are recommended to come up with a working knowledge of herbal products, their claims of efficacy, life-threatening toxicities and drug interactions to avoid untoward reactions in the patient. This also would enable them to counsel their patients accordingly (Zheng & Navarro, 2010). The government is urged to practise tight regulations against the herbal products to avoid untoward episodes of supplement-induced toxicity (Chen et al., 2010).

References:Chen GC, Ramanathan VS, Law D, Funchain P, Chen GC, French S, Shlopov B, Eysselein V, Chung D, Reicher S and Pham BV. Acute liver injury induced by weight-loss herbal supplements. World Journal of Hepatology. 2010; 2 (11): 410-415.

Gabardi S, Munz K and Ulbricht C. A Review of Dietary Supplement–Induced Renal Dysfunction. Clinical Journal of American Society of Nephrology. 2007; 2: 757–765.

Halsted C. Dietary supplements and functional foods: 2 sides of a coin? American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2003; 77 (suppl):1001S–7S.

Patel SS, Beer S, Kearney DL, Phillips G and Carter BA. Green tea extract: A potential cause of acute liver failure. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2013; 19 (31):5174-5177.

Singh NP and Prakash A. Herbal Drugs and Acute Renal Injury. Medicine update. 2008; 150-155.Stickel F. Slimming at all costs: Herbalife-induced liver injury. Journal of Hepatology. 2007; (47):444–446.

Tachjian A, Maria V and Jahangir A. Use of Herbal Products and Potential Interactions in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases. Journal of American College of Cardiology. 2010; 55(6):515–525.

Zheng EX and Navarro VJ. Liver Injury from Herbal, Dietary, and Weight Loss Supplements: a Review. Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology.2015; 3:93–98.

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By Phang Mun Yee

If you take a stroll along the aisle in any personal care and cosmetic stores, high chance is that you will always stumble upon again and again tonnes of cosmetic care products that are labelled with skin-whitening effects. These products come in many names, such as “fair and lovely”, “skin whiteners”, “Skin lightening”, “fairness cream” etc. These products come with an awfully long and exhaustive list of chemical ingredients on their label, which chemicals are not easily understood as reading a food label.

Unsurprisingly, the market for these skin whitening products is well supported and highly regarded by many women who desire for fair skin, as fair skin is equates to beauty. Swept in the waves of great adoration for white skin, we also see there are booms of certain unscrupulous parties that by sheer gullibility, cash in on this “skin whitening” craze by self-marketing and selling unregistered cosmetic products on electronic and social media, like Instagram, Facebook and social messaging apps.

News of seized goods and premises raided are frequently reported. More recently, appalling news was reported on bogus, unqualified beauty practitioners that operate illegally in their house-turned beauty centre, providing beauty injections which they are not licensed for [1].

All cosmetic care products including the skin lightening products, must undergo product notification by the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau (NPCB), which is tasked to ensure these products are safe prior to marketing.

Most cosmetic products sold online however may easily evade the long arms of the law and may not be registered under the “control of Drugs and Cosmetics regulation”. These products sold unregulated could largely consist of scheduled drugs (drugs that are not allowed to be sold over the counter nor for retail sale due to potential of abuse), or adulterated with prohibited substances such as mercury, hydroquinone, tretinoin and azelaic acid [2, 3], which are prohibited in Malaysia.

Products containing these prohibited substances, are no longer classified as cosmetics, but as pharmaceutical products. Thus, they must be registered with the Drug Control Authority (DCA). Usage of these products containing prohibited substances are only permitted with the condition that it is advised by healthcare professionals [2,3].

What give the skin its colour? How do these skin-whitening products work? In the human skin, cells that responsible for producing the skin pigment, melanin (two types: eumelanin and pheomelanin) are called melanocytes. Residing in the deepest layer of the epidermis (strata basale), melanocytes synthesis melanin from amino acid tyrosine which reaction is catalyse by the enzyme tyrosinase. Melanins are stored inside organelles called melanosomes, which are then transported via their dendrites to the keratinocytes located in the upper epidermal layers close to the skin surface. When the skin is exposed to UV radiation, melanocytes are stimulated to produce more melanin.

Melanins play a crucial role in quenching free radicals and shielding the DNA from the damage caused by UV radiation [4]. Variation of skin colour is determined by the number and size of melanosome, the degree of melanin production and different rate of melanosome degradation. Dark-skinned individuals will have better melanin protection than light-skinned individuals.

Most of the ingredients in the skin whitening products work as skin depigmenting agents, interfering at certain junctions in the melanogenesis pathway. Largely, skin depigmenting agents target the key enzyme tyrosinase, as competitive or non-competitive tyrosinase inhibitor interfere with the conversion of tyrosine to melanin. Compounds that have such mechanism of action are mercury, hydroquinone, arbutin, deoxyarbutin, kojic acid and azelaic acid [4]. The use of mercury, hydroquinone and azelaic acid was deemed unsafe and has been banned in many countries including ours. Mercury is implicated with potential nephrotoxicity, while hydroquinone is reported to be associated to ochronosis and exhibits melanocyte cytotoxicity, which lead to permanent depigmentation [2, 3, 4]. Azelaic acid may cause stinging and skin irritation [3]. Arbutin (compound found in cranberries, blueberries, wheats, pears) and deoxyarbutin (synthetically produced derivative of arbutin) are not toxic to melanocytes as in the case of hydroquinone. Kojic acid, a fungal metabolite derived from microorganism, species Acetobacter, Aspergilus and Penicillium interfere with the active site of the tyrosinase. Kojic acid has its own side effects, can cause contact dermatitis, sensitization and erythema [4].

Skin whitening products are not so fair and lovely after all

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Another mechanism is the inhibition of melanosomal transfer from melanocytes to the epidermal keratinocytes. Niacinamide, an active form of vitamin B3 has been shown to have inhibition melanosome transfer effects and reduction in pigmentation, but no effect on tyrosinase activity.

Chemical compounds with skin lightening effect by skin exfoliation, accelerates the skin peeling (desquamation) and epidermal turnover. Most chemical agents in this group are acids, e.g. α-hydroxyacids, salicylic acid, linoleic acid and retinoic acids. The skin lightening effect is due to rapid shedding of the superficial layers of keratinocytes containing melanin. Tretitoin, is a type of topical application of retinoic acid and unsupervised use can cause skin redness, discomfort, stinging and sunlight sensitive [3].

Some antioxidants, like vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin B are used in skin whitening formulations, the basis behind this is that UV radiation causes free radicals formation which in turn triggers melanogenesis. Antioxidants can reduce the photooxidation effect inflicted by the UV radiation.

Next time if you are looking for skin whitening products, be mindful of the ingredients listed. Reading the laundry list of the ingredients was definitely a put off, but knowing what chemicals you are applying on your face may perhaps be a wise choice after all.

References[1] News Strait Times. 2016. “Nurse busted for selling unregistered products via Instagram” http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/06/151389/nurse-busted-selling-unregistered-products-instagram

[2] Pharmaceutical services division, Ministry of Health. 2013. “Consumers cautioned against using cosmetic product containing scheduled poisons.” http://www.pharmacy.gov.my/v2/en/news/09-jul-2014/consumers-cautioned-against-using-cosmetic-product-containing-scheduled-poison.html

[3] Pharmaceutical services division, Ministry of Health. 2014. ““Consumers cautioned against using cosmetic product containing scheduled poisons.” http://www.pharmacy.gov.my/v2/en/news/18-jul-2013/consumers-cautioned-against-using-cosmetic-product-containing-scheduled-poison.html

[4] Gillbro, J.M. and Olsson, M.J. 2011. Review article: The melanogenesis and mechanisms of skin-lightening agents-existing and new approaches. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 33: 210-221.

Created by Pressfoto - Freepik.com

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By Shaharuddin Abdul Rashid

Health Supplement products are popular among users in Malaysia. Many consumers took these products in addition to their daily diet to enhance and improve the health of their body.

A supplement is a complementary product that contain ingredients that are produced from a variety of sources such as vitamins, minerals, plants and animals. The materials must not be of material listed as controlled drugs as stipulated by the Poisons Act 1952.

A supplement product may contain a single active ingredient such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or a combination of such as multivitamins and formulated in the form of tablets, capsules, powder, and liquid only and not in the form of eye drops and injections.

The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) is the only regulatory body in Malaysia which was established in 1978 to control the registration, licensing, monitoring the quality control and good manufacturing practice of all supplement manufacturers and importers in Malaysia.

NPRA also indirectly serves as a secretariat to the drug control authority (DCA) and the ‘ World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Regulatory Control of Pharmaceuticals ‘. The failure of any company or the manufacturer to comply with the prescribed regulatory requirements may cause the application to renew the certificate of registration or product registration status of the product to be cancelled or withdrawn.

In accordance with the objectives of Quality, i.e. NPRA safety and effectiveness (Quality, Safety and Efficacy), monitoring on health products are given careful attention. Currently, not all countries carry out monitoring on health supplements because it is regarded as an extra diet and not used for treatment.

Since 1988, the product supplement needs to be registered and have obtained approval from the Ministry of Health (MOH) before being allowed into the Malaysian market. During the years 2011 to 2013, NPRA has received a total of 527 registration applications for health supplement products and a total of 414 applications have been approved by the DCA. The product registration status must be renewed every five years.

In accordance with the control of drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984 and ‘ Drug Registration Guidance Document ‘ (DRGD) NPRA; products of health supplements are taken at random from the market through surveillance over the period of the registration. These products are then analysed in the laboratory quality control Centre (PKK), NPRA.

Testing in terms of quality and safety is important to ensure that these products meet all the specifications set by the DCA as when the product were send for registration. All quality tests such as content, hardness and dissolution should be carried out on the product. While safety tests such as microbial and heavy metals testing, will normally be carried out on products that contain ingredients from plants and animals. Heavy metal tests are the tests undertaken to monitor the content of heavy metals in any supplement products so as not to exceed the safety limit allowed.

Heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, lead and arsenic are dangerous chemicals that can cause damage to vital organs such as the kidneys, liver and nervous system. Heavy metal contamination usually happened naturally on the water resources and land and thus can cause pollution to animals and plants.

Therefore, to achieve the objectives of the MOH to ensure that health products in Malaysia are safe and of good quality, cooperation from users is also important. Users need to be wise in choosing and buying products – health products that are registered.

Health Supplement products registered with the MOH have the product registration number that starts with the letters MAL, followed by some numbers and concluded with certain letters by category of products. In addition, there is a security feature that allows users to distinguish between products registered and the products that are not registered, namely, labels holograms.

The importer or manufacturer must promote their product after being registered. The advertisement of health supplements is controlled under the Medicines (Advertisement & Sale) Act 1956 and its Regulations. Medicine Advertisement Board Regulations1976 conferred the establishment of Medicine Advertisement Board, the board

of Health Supplement Products in MalaysiaOver Claim

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that received, evaluated and approved all medicines, supplements and products advertisement.

The objectives of Medicine (Advertisement & Sale) Act are:

1. to regulate the content of advertising- ensuring that advertising is truthful and does not undermine or contravene social norms.

2. to protect public health by promoting the safe use of medicines.3. ensuring that they are honestly promote as to their benefits, uses and effects, in compliance with current legislation.

This act is used to protect the public from:

1. Unlawful ads• without KKLIU• false KKLIU• edited approval format

2. Irresponsible ads• unregistered products• false indication• induce unnecessary use• over claimed – SEMUA BOLEH!!!• mislead or deceive the consumer

In a Guideline on Advertising of Medicines and Medicinal Products to the General Public, a guideline produced by the Medicine Advertisement Board from their Advertisement Board Meeting 3/2015, listed words of superlatives that were not allowed to be used in an advertisement to avoid misleading claims or over claiming the benefits of supplement products. The list is as follows:

Superlatives descriptors, words or phrases NOT ALLOWED in advertisements:

1. Anti-aging 2. Anti-stress 3. Any percentage (unless

substantiated) 4. Aphrodisiac 5. Arousal 6. Complete cure 7. Effective (for traditional and

supplements) 8. Enhancement of sexual

organs 9. Excellent 10. Fabulous, Fantastic 11. Guaranteed 12. Hormone releaser13. Ideal 14. Instant cure 15. Libido 16. Longevity17. Miraculously, miracle,

magic, magical

18. Mythical 19. No. 1 (unless substantiated) 20. No side effect21. Perpetual youth 22. Potent 23. Powerful 24. Saintly, heavenly 25. Sensational relief 26. Sexual powers 27. Superior 28. The ‘best’, ‘only’, ‘most29. Unique 30. Wonders 31. World’s best32. Any other superlatives,

words or phrases which are synonymous to the above.

Therefore, the public can know if an advertisement of a supplement product is not approved or the advertiser is over claiming their products if the advertisement contains any superlative words listed above or did not contain a KKLIU approval number like an example below. An approved advertisement for medicinal products should have KKLIU (Kementerian Kesihatan Lembaga Iklan Ubat) followed by an approval number and the year of approval given. In this example, the product was given approval number KKLIU 0784/2015. If still confused or have any further questions relating to drugs, the public can contact the national Pharmacy call center service (National Pharmacy Call Centre – NPCC) at 1800 88 6722.

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By Dr. (H) Dikshit K. Jodhavat

Evidence-based medicine has been defined by David Sackett, as the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients, to aid the delivery of optimum clinical care to patients. Evidence-based medicine can be practiced by the integration of an individual’s clinical expertise with the best available clinical evidence from systematic research and patient’s values and circumstances. In a simple way EBM means applying the best information to manage patient’s problems, diagnosis, prognosis, harm, patient safety etc.

It is based on the assumption that: 1. Medical literature, and thus useful information about patient care, is growing at an alarming rate; and2. in order to provide best care for patients, doctors must be able to continuously upgrade their knowledge, i.e. by

accessing, appraising, interpreting and using medical literature.

PRACTICE OF EVIDENCE BASED MEDICINE

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is a relatively new approach to the teaching and practice of medicine. Previously the physicians’ clinical decision-making was based on the knowledge received during their medical training and experiences gained through individual patient encounters i.e. opinion-based.

The practice of EBM means integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research. EBM respects clinical skills but emphasizes the need to develop new skills in information management. The premise of EBM is a simple one, that excellence in patient care correlates with the use of the best currently available evidence, and that physicians require a unique set of skills which are not part of traditional medical education, in order to access and utilize this information.

In EBM, Systematic Reviews are considered the best source of evidence. A systematic review is a critical assessment and evaluation of research (not simply a summary) that attempts to address a focused clinical question using methods designed to reduce the likelihood of bias. When it includes a quantitative strategy for combining the results of included studies into a single pooled or summary estimate, it is called a Meta-Analysis. It is a process of merging data of similar smaller studies to obtain the power of a larger study which can assist in drawing firmer conclusions. This indeed, is the simplified rationale for evidence-based medicine.

Evidence-Based Medicine

1-Minute-LessonJournal Citation Ranking and Quartile Scores (Q1-Q4)CUCMS has recently introduced the Publication Incentive Scheme (PIS) to award authors from our university who have published in peer reviewed scientific journals. Many of us have heard about Impact Factor (IF) of journals, but may only have some vague ideas what Quartile Scores means. Based on IF data, the Journal Citation Reports published by Thomson Reuters provides yearly rankings of science and social science journals, in the subject categories relevant for the journal (in fact, there may be more than one).

Quartile rankings are therefore derived for each journal in each of its subject categories according to which quartile of the IF distribution the journal occupies for that subject category. Q1 denotes the top 25% of the IF distribution, Q2 for middle-high position (between top 50% and top 25%), Q3 middle-low position (top 75% to top 50%), and Q4 the lowest position (bottom 25% of the IF distribution).

In other universities, their equivalent of PIS awards authors handsomely if they managed to publish in Q1 and Q2 journals. We hope we will reach there soon (note to self ).

-najib-

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RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION DESIGN © 2015

www.PosterPresentations.com

Psychological distress following traumatic events such as motor vehicle accidents are common. These psychological distress may develop into post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Motor vehicle accidents occur daily in Malaysia, and Malays, being the dominant race in the country are frequently involved. However, among the Malays who are mainly Muslims, mental illness is highly stigmatised and symptoms may not be recognised as such. This may deter presentation to mental health services leading to the condition being under diagnosed and undertreated.

INTRODUCTION

METHODS

In terms of factors deterring presentation to mental health services, some relate to the meaning they attach to their symptoms. However, some are completely different. Stigma towards mental illness is still rife among the Malay Muslims and is the major cause for them not presenting to mental health services.

REFERENCES

Dr Rafidah Bahari, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences, No 3410 Jalan Teknokrat 3, Cyber 4, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia. E-mail: rafidahbahari@cybermed.edu.my

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

A phenomenological study was conducted from May to September 2015 among Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) victims presenting to University KebangsaanMalaysia Medical Centre Emergency Department. Only Malay Muslim subjects involved in an accident 1 year prior to the study are recruited. Purposive sampling was done to ensure a wide exploration. Individual in-depth interviews guided by semi structured questionnaires were conducted. To optimize wide exploration, purposive sampling was used. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic approach.

Rafidah Bahari1, Muhammad Najib Mohamad Alwi1, Nasrin Jahan1, Muhammad Radhi Ahmad1 and Ismail Mohd Saiboon2.1 Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences 2Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Meaning of post traumatic stress symptoms among Malay Muslims and factors deterring presentation to mental

health services.

RESULTS

OBJECTIVE

Table 1: Factors deterring presentation to mental health services mentioned by subjects and validated by key informants.

Whether they realize it or not, Malays who had been involved in motor vehicle accidents do experience post traumatic stress symptoms. Some know enough to attribute these symptoms to psychological trauma, but others either dismiss the symptoms completely or prefer to explain them through cultural or spiritual and religious context. Along with stigma, lack of knowledge and inaccessibility, they form factors deterring presentation to mental health services.

Hence, mental health services have to do more to destigmatize mental illness and make it more accessible. This may include providing information, assessment and treatment in the community, emergency and general practice settings as well as educating traditional healers to recognize and refer the condition to mental health services.

Some participants recognised the symptoms as trauma, but most had otherexplanations for the symptoms. Some completely discarded them while othersattach religious or spiritual justifications and a few had cultural explanations forthe symptoms.

.

This study aims to discover the meaning post traumatic stress symptoms to the Malays and the factors deterring presentation to mental health services.

At saturation point, 8 participants and 4 key informants were involved. Allparticipants admitted having post traumatic stress symptoms and the mostcommon symptom is intrusive memory.

Persistent avoidance Alteration inarousal/activity

Negativemood/cognition

Intrusion symptoms

Figure 1: Frequency of post traumatic stress symptoms reported.

Figure 2: Meaning of post traumatic symptoms or illness encountered

CONTACT

Code Quote from participants Quote from expertsStigma against mental illness

“I think the hospital people should explain to us in detail what those symptoms mean. In our society, if someone present with ‘psychiatric’ symptoms they are labelled ‘crazy’. That is the difficulty with our society.”

“If they go and see psychiatrists, people will think they are crazy. They will feel ashamed, their parents will also feel ashamed. For the Malays, mental illness is the worse condition you could get!”

Lack of information or knowledge

“To me trauma means fear. I don’t know! I think it may mean different things to different people.”

“In psychological trauma, the Malays believe that it is because the loss of ‘semangat’…‘Semangat’ is our ‘spirit’, one that makes us confident (not fearful) and motivated.’

Not familiar with mental health services or not accessible

“Yes, it is very difficult to see a counsellor. And we don’t know any. I don’t want to just see any counsellor because they may make things worse.”

“Especially in remote areas, hospitals are just too far and they may not be able to afford the journey. So they go and see traditional healers. They live locally and are very sought after.”

Presenting to psychiatry means lack of faith in God

“As a Muslim, we have to accept whatever happens. I we go and see psychiatrists for our problems, it means we are arrogant and don’t accept God’s fate. That is contrary to our faith!”

“Among of the general principle of treatment in Islam is that the Muslim must have their faith in ‘qada’ and ‘qadr’ (fate) in Islam. This will help the Muslims to face (any kind of) problems, disease or anything in their life. This is very important as mentioned by the ‘ulama’ (scholars) that we should have faith in the decree of Allah…I think it helps them cope with their treatment better.”

Symptoms are due to black magic.

“Someone I know had to go and see a psychiatrist. But she wasn’t crazy! She’s okay now. She wasn’t ‘traumatized’, it was black magic.”

“Generally people will go and see their when they are sick. But, if it involves anything unexplainable (non-organic), then they would go and see traditional Malay healers.”

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 5th ed (DSM 5). American Journal of Psychiatry (Fifth Edit). American Psychiatric Association.Association, A. P. (2013). Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders. In Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) (Fifth Edit, pp. 265–290). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.Bonab, B. G., Miner, M., & Proctor, M.-T. (2013). Attachment to God in Islamic spirituality. Journal of Muslim Mental …, 7(2), 77–104. Retrieved from http://quod.lib.umich.edu/j/jmmh/10381607.0007.205/--attachment-to-god-in-islamic-spirituality?rgn=main;view=fulltextChiu, L. (2005). Spirituality and Treatment Choices by South and East Asian Women with Serious Mental Illness. Transcultural Psychiatry, 42(4), 630–656. doi:10.1177/1363461505058920Farooqi, Y. (2006). Understanding Islamic perspective of mental health and psychotherapy. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 16(1), 101–111. Retrieved from http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14330237.2006.10820109Margoob, M. A., & Ahmad, S. A. (2006). COMMUNITY PREVALENCE OF ADULT POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER IN SOUTH ASIA : EXPERIENCE FROM KASHMIR. JK-Practitioner, 13(Suppl1), S18–S25.

Research Poster

16

The dream to make CUCMS a “walk-in educational forest”, where plants coexist harmoniously with humans, gave birth to CUCMS Greenhouse in 2014. The greenhouse occupies an area of 300 square meters and is located near to the campus entrance gate, next to the CUCMS bus parking area. Over the years since its establishment, the greenhouse has transformed from an abandoned landscape to an educational conservatory with an estimated living collection of 100 species of wild and cultivated plants.

The core collection in the greenhouse include herbaceous plants, shrubs and orchids that are all with great traditional and modern medicinal values. Plants such as Hempedu bumi (Andrographis paniculata), misai kucing (Orthosiphon stamineus), mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia) and lemba (Curculigo latifolia) can be easily found in the CUCMS greenhouse. These plants are with significant values either in pharmaceutical or traditional medicine’s research and development. Almost 60% of the plants found in the CUCMS Greenhouse were donated by CUCMS foundation students from Batch 9 (2014/2015) till Batch 11 (2016/2017).

The CUCMS greenhouse is a conservatory designated to conserve and protect the endangered or vulnerable species of flora from extinction. Besides that, the greenhouse also serves as a centre for teaching and learning purposes. At the moment, the Biology Unit of the Center for Foundation (CFS) is actively using the greenhouse as a teaching resource. CUCMS Bioday, evidenced-based research on medicinal plants, ecological studies and greenhouse project are among the common projects being organised using resources from the greenhouse.

The greenhouse also served as a platform for CUCMS’s researchers and final year students to obtain (based on availability of the plant) or temporarily deposit their live plant samples that are required for their research. Particularly, the CUCMS greenhouse welcomed the research usage in the field of pharmacology, medicinal plants research (in extracting plant’s DNA and their medicinal properties) and Homeopathy research. Indeed, CUCMS greenhouse is a resource centre for the CUCMS community.

In 2015, a benchmarking visit to CUCMS greenhouse was initiated by the staff from the section “Hutan and Ladang” of the Faculty of Forestry, University Putra Malaysia (UPM). The visit also involved a sharing session on greenhouse management techniques and skills for herbaceous plants and orchids by the curator of CUCMS greenhouse.

Currently, the curator of the CUCMS greenhouse is Mr (Eric) Tang Cher Hing, who is also the Biology unit coordinator, Center for Foundation Studies (CFS). Being a botanist and taxonomist, he provides a plant authentication and plant identification service for final year project of students in CUCMS. Being the research assistant in UPM Herbarium for 6 years, he also provides training on preparing the herbarium samples and managing a greenhouse.

It is the mission and vision of the curator for CUCMS greenhouse to develop the conservatory in order to be benchmarked with the well-established conservatory parks and greenhouses in Malaysia’s universities. Such parks and greenhouses are Rimba Ilmu (University Malaya), Taman Konservatori Institut Biosains (University Putra Malaysia) and Fernarium (University Kebangsaan Malaysia) which are mainly being used as educational and research purposes.

From Nothing to Something

CUCMS GreenhouseBy Eric Tang Cher Hing

Beginning of the chapter for CUCMS green house

17

Misai kucing (Orthosiphon stamineus) or known as cat whiskers plant growing in CUCMS greenhouse

Tree planting activities for the Biology course

by Foundation students at CUCMS greenhouse

Tree Planting ceremony at CUCMS greenhouse by CUCMS’s President,

Professor Dato’ Dr. Mohamad Abdul Razak,

2014

Tabebuia pentaphylla – cherry blossom flower at CUCMS greenhouse

CUCMS greenhouse in the morning

Vanda Douglas growing in the CUCMS greenhouse

18

expertCUCMSProf Dr Rosnah Ismail receives her earliest high level education in Diploma of Agriculture at College of Agriculture Malaya back in 1974. She then pursues her bachelor study in Food and Nutrition at Louisiana State University. Her second Baccaleurate Degree was from San Jose State University, California in Health Science (with Distinction). Her passion in exploring knowledge has led her to further her master at University of Durham, United Kingdom to study on Guidance and Counselling. She has been awarded PhD in Psychology from University Malaysia Sabah. Her area of expertise is in Family & Child Psychology, Cross-Cultural & Indigenous Psychology and Quality of Life & Happiness.

Her involvement in research has begun since 2008. She embarks countless of consultant projects among are in “Strategies and Programmes to Eradicate Poverty and Improve Employment and Equity Restructuring in Sabah and Sarawak” and “Studies on Women’s Welfare in Sabah”. Among her other projects is “Bullies among School Students in Kota Kinabalu Area” which has been funded by Government of Sabah through Sabah Women’s Affairs Department (JHEWS) (Education sector).

Her concern on women’s welfare and development has been presented in many conferences and journal publications. She won various awards and among her highest achievements was gold medal award for the research entitled “The Relationship Between Economic Hardship and Maternal Stress on Child Cognitive Development in Sabah” at Pameran dan Pertandingan Rekacipta dan Penyelidikan (PEREKA) (2008) and in another research entitled “Intelligent Affective State Assessement Tool for Post Stroke Patient in Malaysia Using Wireless EEG Signals” at Ekspo Rekacipta dan Pameran Penyelidikan UNIMAP (2015).

Prof Dr Rosnah was once appointed as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). Her contributions to scientific exploration continues to blossom. She recently working on a project to develop an e-Instrument for the Psychology Welfare of Disabilities-Learners.

“Success isn’t about the amount of money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives”

– Michelle Obama.

19

INVESTIGATION OF BRAIN FUNCTIONAL CONNECTIVITY PATTERNS BASED EMOTIONAL IMPAIRMENT ANALYSIS IN PARKINSON’S DISEASE PATIENTS USING EEG SIGNALS

PROFESSOR DR. SUSUMU YAMAGUCHI

JAPAN

PROFESSOR DR. ROSNAH ISMAIL

MALAYSIA

The project is a cross-cultural study funded by the University of Tokyo Grant and Sciencefund, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Malaysia (MOSTI) for 2 years beginning January, 2015 until February, 2017. The project is joint collaboration between University of Tokyo/Nara University, Japan and Universiti Malaysia Sabah/CUCMS.

The subject of this study is Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients. PD is caused due to the degradation of dopamine chemicals in the Bessel ganglia region in brain. The loss of dopamine severely affects the brain motor functions such as human postures, emotion and cognitive processing. Researchers have been working on identifying the emotional impairments in PD through different modalities (international standard questionnaires, verbal, lexical and facial expressions methods). However, these methods are highly subjective and fail to track the inherent emotions. Therefore, this project aims to assess the emotional impairment of PD through brain functional connectivity patterns of Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. Brain functional connectivity patterns (BFCP) was used to analyze how different regions of brains get connected while the subjects are experiencing emotions. The study recruited 50 PD patients from Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu and Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; and 50 PD patients from the University of Tokyo Hospital and Nara Medical University, Japan. EEG data were collected under different emotional stimulus (happiness, sadness, anger, fear, disgust and surprise). Audio-visual stimuli were used for eliciting emotions on PD patients. BFCP for different emotional states of PD were devised using Higher Order Spectral information (coherence, correlation and phase synchronization index). These features were used to investigate the information flow between different brain regions during emotion elicitation in PD. This project output was assessed by analyzing the emotion classification rate and brain region connections during emotions using BFCP in PD. Preliminary findings revealed predominantly Left side-affected (LPD) PD patients for both subjects in Malaysia and Japan were more impaired in emotion processing compared to RPD, as showed by a poorer classification performance. These results are anticipated to be highly useful for clinical psychologist as an alternative tool to understand the emotional behavior of PD and the brain region activation through BFCP. It also provides a path for the researchers to develop real-time emotional impairment detection system for PD.

20

Poster Templates photog@imvs.sa.gov.au

Nurdiana Jamil, Pan Xue Hua, Rosnani HashimFaculty of Pharmacy, Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences, Malaysia.

Objectives

Methods

Results

.

.

The objective of this study was to comparethe differences of CG and MDRD equationsin estimating kidney function in relation todifferent SCr and serum albumin levels inchronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

Differences Of Performance Of Cockcroft-Gault And Modification Of Diet in Renal Disease Equations in Estimating Kidney

Function in Relation to Serum Creatinine and Albumin Levels

Conclusions

This was a single-centered, retrospectivestudy whereby all records of convenientlysampled patients fulfilling the inclusioncriteria were retrieved within the periods fromJanuary 2012 to August 2015. Inclusioncriteria include those aged 18 years old andabove and diagnosed with CKD. Exclusioncriteria comprised of pregnant woman, patientwith incomplete data, patient diagnosed withacute kidney injury (AKI), patientsundergoing dialysis, patients with renal failuredue to secondary causes, cancer patients andliver failure patients.

A data collection form was used to recorddemographic and laboratory details frompatient’s medical records. The form wasdesigned based on literature review, apharmacotherapy review form and thelaboratory reference range from the study site.

Renal function has to be measured accurately asit will be used in the diagnosis and treatment ofkidney disease, drug dosing and decision-making on initiating renal replacement therapy.In view of the results, healthcare providersshould be aware of the existing differencesbetween these two prediction equations andfactors affecting the performances of theseequations in order to determine the suitability ofeach equations in various clinical situations.

Table 1: Population Demographics

Table 2: Differences between CG and MDRD in GFR estimation (ml/min)

Characteristics N = 117Gender Male

Female74 (63.2%)43 (36.8%)

Age (years; mean ± SD)(years) 18-39

40-59≥ 60

57.15 ± 13.718 (6.8%)55 (47 %)54 (46.2%)

Weight (kg; median IQR)(kg) ≤ 59

60-7980-99≥ 100

65 (13.4)34 (29.1%)64 (54.7%)14 (12%)5 (4.3%)

Serum creatinine (µmol/L; median IQR)

≤ 300300-700≥ 700

369 (421.5)45 (38.9%)46 (39.3%)26 (22.2%)

Serum albumin (g/L; mean ± SD)

NormoalbuminemiaHypoalbuminemiaSevere hypoalbuminemia

≥ 3530 - < 35< 30

33.88 ± 6.9157 (48.7%)24 (20.5%)36 (30.8%)

Figure 1: Classification of CKD stages using CG and MDRD equations

Median (IQR) z scorea p-valuea

CG MDRDeGFR

(ml/min)61.74 (17.4)

45.7 (16.63)

-6.902 < 0.001*a = Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test (2-tailed)* = p < 0.05 for level of significance

Table 3: Difference of CG and MDRD in different serum creatinine levels

Severity of renal impairment

(SCr, µmol/L)

GFR (ml/min)Median (IQR)

z scorea p-valuea

CG MDRDMild (≤ 300)(n = 45)

27.85 (15.97)

26.11 (10.27)

-3.426 < 0.001*

Moderate (300 < x ≤ 700)(n = 46)

12.97 (7.97)

10.35 (4.71)

-4.671 < 0.001*

Severe(> 700)(n = 26)

7.25 (2.98)

4.50 (1.95)

-4.432 < 0.001*

a = Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test (2-tailed)* = p < 0.05 for level of significance

Table 4: Difference of CG and MDRD in different serum albumin levels

Serum albumin (g/L)

GFR (ml/min)Median (IQR)

z scorea p-valuea

CG MDRDNormoalbuminemia(≥ 35)(n = 57)

14.58 (18.27)

12.50 (12.91)

-4.064 < 0.001*

Mild to moderate hypoalbuminemia (30 ≤ x < 35)(n = 24)

14.47 (7.29)

11.97 (14.42)

-3.086 0.002*

Severe hypoalbuminemia (< 30)(n = 36)

21.17 (18.97)

14.88 (8.97)

-4.839 < 0.001*

Background

The Cockcroft-Gault (CG) and theModification of Diet in Renal Disease(MDRD) equations are commonly usedprediction equations in kidney functionestimation. Accurate estimation of function isneeded for timely diagnosis and optimalmanagement of kidney disease. However, theCG and MDRD equations have been found tobe performing differently in differentsubgroups of population in which serumcreatinine (SCr) and serum albumin; commonparameters used in the monitoring of chronickidney disease patients; may affect theperformances of both equations.

a = Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test (2-tailed)* = p < 0.05 for level of significance

Research Poster

21

Congratulationsto the Winner for

By Phang Mun Yee

In the recent CUCMS quarterly town hall gathering held on 5th January, Citra ilmu awards (formerly known as the CUCMS quality award) for the category “Employee of the Quarter” were rewarded to staff as part of the move to recognise CUCMS employees for their track record of outstanding services and accomplishments. It is one of several university initiatives in creating a culture where the highest quality standard and quality management is always upheld.

For every quarter of the year, two recipients, one nominated from the academicians and the other from the administrative staff will receive a certificate and RM500 cash award.

Winners of CUCMS Employee of the Quarter (July – Sept 2016)

Mdm. Norhayati Ijom (Faculty of Allied Health Sciences)

for Academic staff

Mdm. Ummu Shakina Bt Mohd Bahrin(Laboratory Department)

for Administrative staff

Winners of CUCMS Employee of the fourth quarter (Oct – Dec 2016)

Mr. Eric Tang (Centre for Foundation Studies)

for Academic staff

Ms. Suziyati Binti Ahmad(Admission & Records Department)

for Administrative staff

Employee OF THE Quarter* * * *

22

Award Categories Winners Prizes Remarks

President’s Award Faculty of Medicine (FOM) RM 5000.00 Special Award

Best Performing Faculty / Centre

Faculty of Pharmacy (FOP) RM 5000.00 1st Prize

Best Performing Faculty/ Centre

Centre for Foundation Studies RM 2000.00 2nd Prize

Best Performing Administrative Department

Laboratory RM 3000.00 1st Prize

Best Performing Administrative Department

Library & Knowledge Management Centre

RM 1000.00 2nd Prize

CUCMS Teaching Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Mohamad Saidy (CLGS) RM 5000.00Education or

Conference grant

CUCMS Teaching Excellence Award

Mr. Tan Cher Hing (CFS) RM 5000.00Education or

Conference grant

CUCMS Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Shamima Abdul Rahman (FOP)

RM 5000.00Education or

Conference grant

CUCMS Research Excellence Award

Dr. Rafidah Bahari (FOM) RM 5000.00Education or

Conference grant

CUCMS Annual Grand Dinner which took place at the Everly Hotel, Putrajaya on 20th January 2017 was a spectacular event that should be looked forward to every year. Apart from

scrumptious food, great performances and fun galore; the function gathers and presented special awards to those who have contributed massive efforts in making CUCMS a top-tier university. Citra Ilmu Awards 2016 (formerly known as CUCMS Quality Awards) was the main highlight of the night.

The award nominees were critically selected based on high quality academic performances displayed throughout the years. Furthermore, another important criterion is the excellent delivery of routines whilst fulfilling the job scopes.

Our loud applause and congratulations to all receivers. We look forward to see other departments enlisted in next year awards. May this recognition instil the motivation to all departments to continue improving and amplifying outstanding exertions. Together we build a top-notch educational institution.

23

Congratulationsto the winners

24

Malaysia has launched the world's first Halal pharmaceuticalstandards known as MS 2424:2012 with the growing demandfor halal medications. This is in line with the second NationalMedicine Policy (DUNAS) 2012. However, the biggestchallenge faced by pharmaceutical companies to comply to thestandard is determining the ingredients origin and halal status.

Figure 1: Definition of Halal PharmaceuticalHalal pharmaceuticals are products that contain ingredientspermitted under the Shariah law and fulfill the followingconditions:

INSIGHTS INTO THE HALAL STATUS OF RESPIRATORY, IMMUNOLOGICAL PRODUCTS AND VACCINES IN MALAYSIA

A.R. Suraiya1*, M. I. S N Amirah1 , W.R. W Rosalina1, M. T. A Rashidi1, A. Mohamed1, B. Amrahi2, B. A Halim3, A. M Adlan4, S. Syazfeeza4 and I. Zhari5

1Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industry, Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences, Malaysia; 2Dept of Pharmacy, University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia; 3Pharmacy Branch, Health Services Division, Malaysian Armed Forces , Ministry of Defence, Malaysia; 4Dept of Pharmacy, Tuanku Mizan Armed Forces Hospital, Malaysia; 5 School Of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical

Chemistry, University of Science Malaysia.

BackgroundGeneral

To determine the halal status of respiratory, immunologicalproducts and vaccines by analyzing the origin of theiractive pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and excipients.

Specific

To identify the sources of ingredients used in theformulation of the respiratory, immunologicalproducts and vaccines.

To determine the halal status of both activeingredients and excipients contained in the dosageform of respiratory, immunological products andvaccines

To identify the most common ingredients which arecategorized as haram and mushbooh.

TOTAL NUMBER OF PRODUCTS INVESTIGATED

Figure 3 : Breakdown of the number of products investigated inthe study.

HALAL STATUS OF RESPIRATORY PRODUCTS

Figure 4 : Percentage of halal status of respiratory medications.

IMMUNOLOGICAL PRODUCT & VACCINES

Figure 5 Percentage Of Halal Status Of ImmunologicalProducts And Vaccines.

Aim

Conclusion

Methods

Results

This is a descriptive exploratory study formed a part of a seriesof evaluation on medicines in Formularies from two Malaysiangovernment hospital divided by different pharmacologicalcategories.

Figure 2: Research Study Flow Chart

Table 1: Halal Status Classification

Table 2 : Determination of End Products Status

1. Azmi, S. & Hadeer Akram, A.R. (2013). Exploring the halal status of cardiovascular, endocrine and respiratory group of medications.

2. Grabenstein J.D. (2013). What the world’s religions teach, applied to vaccines and immune globulins. Vaccine 31: 2011-2023.

3. Ibn. Khatir. (2009). http://www.tafsir.com/ (Accessed on October 2014).

4. Halal Pharmaceuticals: General Guidelines. (MS2424:2012)

5. Muhammad Mustaqim M.Z., Abd Hamid A.M. and Arif Fahmi M.Y. (2013). The use of forbidden materials in medicinal products: An Islamic perspective. Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research 13 (Approaches of Halal and Thoyyib for Society, Wellness and Health): 05-10.

6. Noorizan A.A., Hani M., Yahaya H., Hanis Hanum Z., Mohd ShahezwanA.W., Mohd Sallehhudin A.A., Noorfatimah Y. & Hadeer Akram A.R. (2014). Assessment of the halal status of respiratory pharmaceutical products in a hospital. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences 121: 158-165.

7. Norazlina, A.A., Irini, I. & Nurazlina A.R. (2014). The need for legal intervention within the halal pharmaceutical industry. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences 121: 124-132.

8. Williams L. & Wilkins. (2005). Remington The Science and Practice of Pharmacy. 21st ed. Philadephia.

9. www.e-fatwa.gov.my/kategori-perubatan/ (Accessed on October 2014).

This study showed that:

1. Most API and excipients under respiratory products are halal.2. Majority of medicines in these products categories became

mushbooh mainly due to the presence of certain excipients which may be replaced with halal alternatives.

3. Immunological products & vaccines have more masboohstatus.

4. Lactose, magnesium stearate, ethanol, citirc acids polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, glycine and amino acids are the most common masbooh ingredients

5. This insight should encourage pharmaceutical manufacturers to go for halal certification to meet increasing demand for halal medications for the benefit of mankind.

Ingredient

Process

Product

1. Do not contain any parts orproducts of animals that arenon-halal or not slaughteredaccording to Shariah

2. Do not contain najs according toShariah

3. Do not contain any human partsor its derivatives that are notpermitted by Shariah

4. Safe for human use; non-poisonous, non-intoxicating ornon-hazardous to healthaccording to prescribed dosage

5. Not prepared, processed ormanufactured using equipmentcontaminated with najsaccording to Shariah law.

Classification of the sources based on MS2424 Standard Guidelines

Standard references as second method

Data collection from product leaflets/ boxes/manufacturers

API Excipients

Manufacturer replies as first method

Assessments of Halal status of product

Determine the source of ingredients

Halal Status of Finished ProductAPI Excipient Finished Product

Halal Halal HalalHalal Mushbooh MushboohHalal Haram HaramHalal Unknown UnknownHaram Haram HaramHaram Mushbooh HaramMushbooh Mushbooh Mushbooh Research Funded by CUCMS Research Grant Scheme (CRGS)

Study Limitations

• Low response rate from pharmaceutical manufacturers within the study period.

• Lack of information about the products content.

• The halal status determined mainly on the API and excipients origin only and do not cover the process and equipment used in manufacturing of the products as these information are unavailable.

References

Manufacturer Product Evaluation of halal status

1 Actavis Sdn. Bhd. Chlormine Syrup MushboohHalal

2 Averroes Pharmaceuticals Sdn. Bhd.

Promethazine HCl-FreseniusAminophylline IV-Fresenius

Halal

Halal

3 Delfi Sdn. Bhd. Prosphan Cough Syrup Halal4 Hovid Bhd. Horamine Syrup Halal5 Idaman Pharma Sdn. Bhd. Malayan Pit Viper

AntiveninCobra Antivenin

Halal

Halal6 Malaysian Pharmaceuticals

Industries Sdn. Bhd.Urtirizine Halal

7 Noripharma Sdn. Bhd. Zertin TabletRhinitin Tablet

HalalHalal

8 Orient Europharma Sdn. Bhd.

Foster Halal

9 Upha Pharmaceutical (CCM) Sdn.Bhd.

Carin TabletBeatafed TabletOral Aid Lotion

HalalHalalHalal

10 Xepa-Soul Pattinson Sdn. Bhd.

TussidexBena Expectorant

HalalHalal

11 Y.S.P. Industries Sdn. Bhd. Bucanil Syrup Halal

Assessment TotalHalal Mushbooh Haram

APIs 0 (0%) 42 (100.0%) 0 (0%) 42 (100%)

Excipients 30 (57.7%) 21 (40.4%) 1 (1.9%) 52 (100%)

Table 5: Halal Products Listing Based from manufacturer’s feedback.

Table 4: Assessment Of Halal Status Of APIs And Excipients In Immunological Products And Vaccines

Halal Status Assessment Total

Halal Mushbooh Haram

APIs 39 (79.6%) 10 (20.4%) 0 (0%) 49 (100%)

Excipients 103 (83.1%) 21 (16.9%) 0 (0%) 124 (100%)

Table 3: Assessment of halal status of APIs and excipients in respiratory products.

N = 123 products

Research Poster