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Research activties Research Clusters - Cancer - Obesity - Aging OTHER On-going Research CANCER Research Cluster OVERVIEW Cancer is the main cause of death in Brunei. This increase in cancer risk is set to continue, as younger generation of Brunei experiencing the most marked rise in number of cancer cases. The increase in levels of lung cancer, prostate cancer, breast and colorectal cancer are striking. THE specific aims of Cancer Research CLUSTER 1. Identification of the genetic makeup of cancer in Brunei Darussalam: This will involve the use of advanced molecular biology techniques to look at gene alteration (mutations) in key tumour genes in Brunei cancer patients. Identification of altered gene expression in cancer patients in Brunei will be of great importance in early diagnosis of cancer and in implementation of novel approaches for cancer treatment (e.g. cancer gene therapy). 2. Understanding the environmental factors that may contribute to cancer development in Brunei Darussalam. 3. Understanding the role played by the immune system in protection from cancer. 4. Evaluate and implementation of new guidelines in patients care and management, including the implementation of Islamic medicine in resolving the psychological problems in cancer patients in Brunei Darussalam. RESEARCH AREAS 1. Reproductive medicine/biology & cancer 2. The role played by altered gene expression in cancer development 3. Antioxidants and human cancer 4. Tumour markers as a tool for early diagnosis of cancer 5. Construction of cancer vaccine using advanced molecular biology approaches 6. Studying of the impact of sound on tumour cells 7. Occupation related cancers in Asia 8. Evaluation of exposure and outcome biomarkers in Brunei senior citizens to develop tailored cancer screening and cancer prevention programs 9. Evaluation of the effectiveness of using religious media to change knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding cancer prevention among students and youths 10. Nurses' experiences in caring for terminal cancer patients RESEARCHER CLUSTER LEADER Professor Mohamed J.E.M.F. Mabruk (Research Cluster Leader, IHS, UBD), mohamed.mabruk@ubd.edu.bn Hjh Jainah binti Haji Musa Hjh Siti Abibah binti Hj Abd Fattah Dr Ambreen Tayyab Dr Tayyab Hasan Dr Sunita Arvind Bamanikar Dr Hemantha Wickramatillake Dr Mas Rina Wati Haji Abdul Hamid OBESITY Research Cluster OVERVIEW The Obesity Research Cluster includes multidisciplinary and multisectoral research projects aiming to improve our understanding of the nature, causes, consequences, prevention, control, and management of obesity in the population of Brunei Darussalam. The findings of the Cluster's research projects are ultimately expected to guide effective and efficient interventions for the prevention, control, and management of obesity. RESEARCH AREAS Government health policy related to obesity prevention and management Epidemiology of obesity and associated conditions Obesity in the context of reproductive medicine/biology Patterns and determinants of postpartum weight retention among women Biochemical markers of predisposition to obesity in laboratory animals Assessment of obesity trends using routinely collected data from community health centers Sympathetic Autonomic Modulation (SAM): An innovative technique to overcome resistance against physical activity and food restriction in obese adults Polymorphisms in leptin gene and obesity status in Brunei Darussalam Anti-obesity activities of extracts derived from the indigenous plants of Brunei Association between gut motility and obesity in animal models Genetic markers of predisposition to obesity Understanding women’s experiences with obesity from the lens of gender, culture, and race: the Brunei context Association between ageing and obesity and their impact on quality of life RESEARCHERS Professor Dr Mohammad Moshaddeque Hossain (Research Cluster Leader) (PAPRSB IHS, UBD) moshaddeque.hossain@ubd.edu.bn AGING Research Cluster OVERVIEW Ageing is a normal biological process and not a diseased condition. However, it is a risk factor for several diseases of both peripheral and central nervous systems. Recent phenomenal advances in technology, medical science, sanitation and nutrition have resulted in considerable prolongation of life: this has altered the age demographics in the developed countries of the world where the percentage of people aged over 65 years has increased significantly. It is indeed becoming a global phenomenon. Consequently, the need for research into ageing has become crucial to enable us to develop interventions that not only increase life expectancy but also foster enhanced function and improved quality of life. Therefore we have decided to use several approaches including a gerontological rodent model, epidemiology, holistic nursing as well as social scientific instruments to investigate the phenomenon of ageing, its antecedents and associated factors in both health and disease. RESEARCH AREAS 1. Ageing and nutrition Neurobiology of ageing 2. Ageing and the female reproductive system 3. Amyloidogenic disorders 4. Epidemiology and statistic of the ageing population and its implications with regards to chronic illnesses, health risks and quality of life 5. Family support in ageing population 6. Health and safety issues among the aged population 7. Health promotion and the ageing population 8. Healthy life style in aged people 9. Neurobiology of ageing 10. Public Health in relation to the quality of life among working Bruneian aged between 20- 60 years RESEARCHERS Dr Oduola Olakunte Abiola (Research Cluster Leader) (IM, UBD) oduola.abiola@ubd.edu.bn Dr Hjh Anita Binurul Zahrina Binti POKLDSS Haji Awang Abdul Aziz Dr Lin Naing @ Mohd Ayub Sadiq Dr John Onu Odihi (Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences) Dr Hjh Hairuni binti Hj Mahamad Ali Maricar (Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences) Mr Gabriel Yong Yit Vui (Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences) Awg. Hj Abd Rahim Bin Hj Damit Dyg Hjh Salmah Binti Mohd Noor Dyg Hjh Asmah Binti Hj Husaini Dyg Armah Binti Tengah Dyg Hjh Abibah Binti Abdul Fattah Dyg Sendi Batu Dyg Norhayani Binti Md Amin Dyg Maridah Binti Mahmud Dk Hjh Mas Joliwane Binti Pg Hj Tejudin OTHER On-going Research 1. The Brunei Healthy Heart Project: Sourcing strategic halal antioxidants (Awarded BND 1.4million, Science & Technology Research Funds; Principal Investigator: Dr Nicola King) 2. Survival Of Cervical Cancer Patients In Brunei Darussalam (Awarded BND 44,150 by Science & Technology Research Funds ; Principal Investigator: Dr Dk Nurolaini Bte Pg Hj Muhd Kifli) 3. Knowledge, Perceptions & Attitudes On Pap Smear Test Amongst Bruneians (Awarded BND 48,000 by Science & Technology Research Funds ; Principal Investigator: Dr Dk Nurolaini Bte Pg Hj Muhd Kifli) 4. A toxicological investigation of 'Obat asam urat flu tulang and cikunguya' (Awarded BND 34,700 by Universiti Brunei Darussalam; Principal Investigator: Dr Oduola Olakunte Abiola) 5. Neuropathological analysis in microbial degradation of TSE (Awarded CA$ 205,000 by Alberta Research Institute; Principal Investigator: Dr Oduola Olakunte Abiola) 6. Developing National Science and Technology Capacity in Heart Diseases in the Country: Brunei Heart Study (Awarded BND 50,000 by Universiti Brunei Darussalam; Principal Investigator: Dr Zaw Win) Further information, please contact to: office.ihs@ubd.edu.bn