MyMedR

Investigating the Mechanistic and Structural Role of Lipid Hydrolysis in the Stabilization of Ammonia-Preserved Hevea Rubber Latex

Kumarn S, Churinthorn N, Nimpaiboon A, Sriring M, Ho CC, Takahara A, et al.

Langmuir, 2018 10 30;34(43):12730-12738.

PMID: 30335388 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b02321

The stabilization mechanism of natural rubber (NR) latex from Hevea brasiliensis was studied to investigate the components involved in base-catalyzed ester hydrolysis, namely, hydrolyzable lipids, ammonia, and the products responsible for the desired phenomenon observed in ammonia-preserved NR latex. Latex stability is generally thought to come from a rubber particle (RP) dispersion in the serum, which is encouraged by negatively charged species distributed on the RP surface. The mechanical stability time (MST) and zeta potential were measured to monitor field latices preserved in high (FNR-HA) and low ammonia (FNR-LA) contents as well as that with the ester-containing components removed (saponified NR) at different storage times. Amounts of carboxylates of free fatty acids (FFAs), which were released by the transformation and also hypothesized to be responsible for the like-charge repulsion of RPs, were measured as the higher fatty acid (HFA) number and corroborated by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) both qualitatively and quantitatively. The lipids and their FFA products interact differently with Nile red, which is a lipid-selective and polarity-sensitive fluorophore, and consequently re-emit characteristically. The results were confirmed by conventional ester content determination utilizing different solvent extraction systems to reveal that the lipids hydrolyzed to provide negatively charged fatty acid species were mainly the polar lipids (glycolipids and phospholipids) at the RP membrane but not those directly linked to the rubber molecule and, to a certain extent, those suspended in the serum. From new findings disclosed herein together with those already reported, a new model for the Hevea rubber particle in the latex form is proposed.

Fulltext Ketamine-associated ulcerative cystitis: a case report and literature review

Ho CC, Pezhman H, Praveen S, Goh EH, Lee BC, Zulkifli MZ, et al.

Malays J Med Sci, 2010 Apr;17(2):61-5.

PMID: 22135540 MyJurnal

Ketamine can be abused as a recreational drug, and there has been a recent surge in its usage. The effects of ketamine on the urinary system were unknown until the recent publication of a few case reports. Many doctors are still unaware of this new clinical entity, termed ketamine-associated ulcerative cystitis. We report a case that we encountered and discuss the diagnosis and disease management in addition to a review of the literature.

Fulltext Male sexual dysfunction in Asia

Ho CC, Singam P, Hong GE, Zainuddin ZM

Asian J Androl, 2011 Jul;13(4):537-42.

PMID: 21643001 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2010.135

Sex has always been a taboo subject in Asian society. However, over the past few years, awareness in the field of men's sexual health has improved, and interest in sexual health research has recently increased. The epidemiology and prevalence of erectile dysfunction, hypogonadism and premature ejaculation in Asia are similar in the West. However, several issues are specific to Asian males, including culture and beliefs, awareness, compliance and the availability of traditional/complementary medicine. In Asia, sexual medicine is still in its infancy, and a concerted effort from the government, relevant societies, physicians and the media is required to propel sexual medicine to the forefront of health care.

Fulltext Men's Health Index: a pragmatic approach to stratifying and optimizing men's health

Tan HM, Tan WP, Wong JH, Ho CC, Teo CH, Ng CJ

Korean J Urol, 2014 Nov;55(11):710-7.

PMID: 25405012 DOI: 10.4111/kju.2014.55.11.710

PURPOSE: The proposed Men's Health Index (MHI) aims to provide a practical and systematic framework for comprehensively assessing and stratifying older men with the intention of optimising their health and functional status.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was conducted using PubMed from 1980 to 2012. We specifically looked for instruments which: assess men's health, frailty and fitness; predict life expectancy, mortality and morbidities. The instruments were assessed by the researchers who then agreed on the tools to be included in the MHI. When there was disagreements, the researchers discussed and reached a consensus guided by the principle that the MHI could be used in the primary care setting targetting men aged 55-65 years.
RESULTS: The instruments chosen include the Charlson's Combined Comorbidity-Age Index; the International Index of Erectile Function-5; the International Prostate Symptom Score; the Androgen Deficiency in Aging Male; the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe Frailty Instrument; the Sitting-Rising Test; the Senior Fitness Test; the Fitness Assessment Score; and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. A pilot test on eight men was carried out and showed that the men's health index is viable.
CONCLUSIONS: The concept of assessing, stratifying, and optimizing men's health should be incorporated into routine health care, and this can be implemented by using the MHI. This index is particularly useful to primary care physicians who are in a strategic position to engage men at the peri-retirement age in a conversation about their life goals based on their current and predicted health status.
KEYWORDS: Health status indicators; Men; Physical fitness; Retirement

Men's health issues in Asia

Ho CC, Tan HM

Aging Male, 2013 Sep;16(3):81-4.

PMID: 23822757 DOI: 10.3109/13685538.2013.809414

Men's health has gained prominence over the past few years but it is still not on par with the attention or funding that women and child health is getting. In Asia, this issue is even more conspicuous. With westernization of lifestyle, Asian men's problems emulate their Western counterparts but there are certain issues unique to Asian men due to cultural differences. This review will discuss the health issues affecting Asian men and suggest measures that can be taken to overcome them.

Men's health: sexual dysfunction, physical, and psychological health--is there a link?

Tan HM, Tong SF, Ho CC

J Sex Med, 2012 Mar;9(3):663-71.

PMID: 22188573 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02582.x

INTRODUCTION: Sexual dysfunction in men, such as erectile dysfunction, hypogonadism, and premature ejaculation, generates considerable attention. Its association with physical and psychological health is an issue which should be addressed seriously.
AIM: A review of the literature pertaining to the correlation between sexual dysfunction and physical and psychological health.
METHODS: PubMed search for relevant publications on the association between sexual dysfunction in men and physical and psychological health.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Clinical and epidemiological evidence that demonstrates the association between sexual dysfunction in men and physical and psychological health.
RESULTS: Sexual dysfunction, i.e., erectile dysfunction, hypogonadism, and premature ejaculation, has been shown to be associated with physical and psychological health. There is a strong correlation between sexual dysfunction and cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, quality of life, and depression.
CONCLUSION: The association between men's sexual dysfunction and physical and psychological health is real and proven. Therefore, it should not be taken lightly but instead treated as a life-threatening medical problem.

Fulltext Metastatic penile cancer presenting as hypercalcemia and pathological fracture of the humerus: a rare event

Ho CC, Nazri J, Zulkifli MZ, Sritharan S, Hayati AR

Med J Malaysia, 2006 Oct;61(4):503-5.

PMID: 17243535 MyJurnal

Distant haematogenous metastasis in penile cancer is rare. A patient who had total penectomy and bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy for penile cancer but later presented with hypercalcemia of malignancy and pathological fracture of the humerus is reported.

Microtetraspora malaysiensis sp. nov., isolated from Malaysian primary dipterocarp forest soil

Nakajima Y, Ho CC, Kudo T

J Gen Appl Microbiol, 2003 Jun;49(3):181-9.

PMID: 12949699

The taxonomic position of three actinomycete strains isolated from Malaysian soil was established by using a polyphasic approach. The isolates formed chains composed of four spores on the tip of sporophores branching from the aerial mycelium, and their chemotaxonomic properties were common to those of members of the family Streptosporangiaceae. These phenotypic properties as well as a phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that they should be classified in the genus Microtetraspora. The three isolates showed a unique pattern of cultural, physiological and biochemical properties that distinguished them from previously described species of the genus Microtetraspora. The isolates showed more than 72% DNA relatedness to each other, but only 58% or less relatedness to any previously described species. On the basis of the data presented, a new species of the genus Microtetraspora, Microtetraspora malaysiensis, is proposed. The type strain of the new species is strain H47-7(T) (=JCM 11278(T)=DSM 44579(T)).

Nurses compliance to hand hygiene practice and knowledge at Klang Valley hospital

Ho SE, Ho CC, Hng SH, Liu CY, Jaafar MZ, Lim B

Clin Ter, 2013;164(5):407-11.

PMID: 24217826 DOI: 10.7417/CT.2013.1604

Hand hygiene is the most important measure in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HCAI). Adherence to hand hygiene protocols in hospital by nurses enables in prevention and control the HCAI. The main aim of the present study was to assess nurses' compliance to hand hygiene practice and knowledge in a hospital.

Fulltext Outcomes and Safety of Retrograde Intra-Renal Surgery for Renal Stones Less Than 2 cm in Size

Ho CC, Hee TG, Hong GE, Singam P, Bahadzor B, Md Zainuddin Z

Nephrourol Mon, 2012;4(2):454-7.

PMID: 23573465 DOI: 10.5812/numonthly.2211

Retrograde intra-renal surgery (RIRS) has been used to remove stones of less than 2 cm in the kidney. However, its role is not well defined.

Perception of quality of life amongst end stage renal failure patients undergoing haemodialysis

Ho SE, Ho CC, Norshazwani N, Teoh KH, Ismail MS, Jaafar MZ, et al.

Clin Ter, 2013;164(6):499-505.

PMID: 24424213 DOI: 10.7417/CT.2013.1627

AIMS: The objective of the study was to examine the quality of life amongst the end stage renal disease (ESRD) haemodialysis patients in Malaysia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted on 72 ESRD patients at a Dialysis Centre in Malaysia. The modified KDQOL-SF™ subscales, kidney disease-targeted scale and 36 item health survey scale questionnaires were used.

RESULTS: The overall health rating was 66.73 ± 11.670 indicating good quality of life. There was no significant difference between quality of life for the different domains according to gender (p >0.05). However, there were significant differences between quality of life in the domain of burden of kidney disease. Physical functioning deteriorated significantly with age (p=0.012) while social functioning was lowest in the 50-65 years age group (p=0.037). Those who had no morbidities had significantly better scores on the effects of kidney (p=0.036), burden of kidney disease (p=0.011) and physical functioning (p=0.025).

CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing haemodialysis have been found to have good quality of life despite having ESRD. It is therefore of paramount importance to constantly monitor the standard of care for these patients to enable them to live their life to the fullest.

Polylactic-co-glycolic acid mesh coated with fibrin or collagen and biological adhesive substance as a prefabricated, degradable, biocompatible, and functional scaffold for regeneration of the urinary bladder wall

Salem SA, Hwei NM, Bin Saim A, Ho CC, Sagap I, Singh R, et al.

J Biomed Mater Res A, 2013 Aug;101(8):2237-47.

PMID: 23349110 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.34518

The chief obstacle for reconstructing the bladder is the absence of a biomaterial, either permanent or biodegradable, that will function as a suitable scaffold for the natural process of regeneration. In this study, polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) plus collagen or fibrin was evaluated for its suitability as a scaffold for urinary bladder construct. Human adipose-derived stem cells (HADSCs) were cultured, followed by incubation in smooth muscle cells differentiation media. Differentiated HADSCs were then seeded onto PLGA mesh supported with collagen or fibrin. Evaluation of cell-seeded PLGA composite immersed in culture medium was performed under a light and scanning microscope. To determine if the composite is compatible with the urodynamic properties of urinary bladder, porosity and leaking test was performed. The PLGA samples were subjected to tensile testing was pulled until PLGA fibers break. The results showed that the PLGA composite is biocompatible to differentiated HADSCs. PLGA-collagen mesh appeared to be optimal as a cell carrier while the three-layered PLGA-fibrin composite is better in relation to its leaking/ porosity property. A biomechanical test was also performed for three-layered PLGA with biological adhesive and three-layered PLGA alone. The tensile stress at failure was 30.82 ± 3.80 (MPa) and 34.36 ± 2.57 (MPa), respectively. Maximum tensile strain at failure was 19.42 ± 2.24 (mm) and 23.06 ± 2.47 (mm), respectively. Young's modulus was 0.035 ± 0.0083 and 0.043 ± 0.012, respectively. The maximum load at break was 58.55 ± 7.90 (N) and 65.29 ± 4.89 (N), respectively. In conclusion, PLGA-Fibrin fulfils the criteria as a scaffold for urinary bladder reconstruction.

Primary chemotherapy in management of tumors of undescended testis: Where it stands?

Ho CC

Urol Ann, 2013 Jul;5(3):182-3.

PMID: 24049382

Production of clavulanic acid and cephamycin C by Streptomyces clavuligerus in palm-oil medium

Lee PC, Ho CC

World J Microbiol Biotechnol, 1996 Jan;12(1):73-5.

PMID: 24415093 DOI: 10.1007/BF00327805

Palm and palm-kernel oils and their olein and stearin fractions were suitable as the main carbon sources for growth and production of clavulanic acid by Streptomyces clavuligerus. However, oleic and lauric acids were not utilized for growth. A spontaneous mutant, which was selected for higher cephamycin C production, also produced more clavulanic acid with these oils in the medium.

Fulltext Proptosis: a rare presentation of metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Ho CC, Krishna KK, Praveen S, Goh EH, Lee BC, Zulkifli MZ

Med J Malaysia, 2010 Sep;65(3):229-30.

PMID: 21939176

We present a case of a middle-aged man who was incidentally found to have right renal solid mass while investigating for his left eye proptosis. Computerised tomography (CT) scan confirmed the diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma and the tumour was successfully excised via open surgery. The histopathology examination revealed the 10x7x8 cm mass to be a clear cell type renal cell carcinoma. The rare presentation of this metastatic renal cell carcinoma, its diagnosis and management will be discussed.

Fulltext Pseudomyxoma peritonei--a case report

Ho CC

Med J Malaysia, 1980 Jun;34(4):375-8.

PMID: 7219267

A case of pseudomyxoma peritonei is reported. Pathogenesis, clinical features and modes of treatment are discussed. This patient appears to have responded to laparotomy, paracentesis and instillation of cyclophosphamide intraperitoneally.

Re: Giorgio Gandaglia, Alberto Briganti, Graham Jackson, et Al. A systematic review of the association between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Eur urol 2014;65:968-78

Ho CC, Ho SE, Das S

Eur Urol, 2014 Nov;66(5):e87.

PMID: 24951360 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2014.06.003

Fulltext Retrograde intrarenal surgery for renal stones smaller than 2 cm

Ho CC, Hafidzul J, Praveen S, Goh EH, Bong JJ, Lee BC, et al.

Singapore Med J, 2010 Jun;51(6):512-5.

PMID: 20658113

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is accepted as the gold standard treatment for renal stones that are smaller than 2 cm. Recently, retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) has been introduced as another form of treatment. We report our experience in dealing with renal stones smaller than 2 cm using RIRS as the primary treatment and following failed ESWL.

Retrospective study of predictors of bone metastasis in prostate cancer cases

Ho CC, Seong PK, Zainuddin ZM, Abdul Manaf MR, Parameswaran M, Razack AH

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2013;14(5):3289-92.

PMID: 23803117

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to identify clinical profiles of patients with low risk of having bone metastases, for which bone scanning could be safely eliminated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cross sectional study looked at prostate cancer patients seen in the Urology Departments in 2 tertiary centres over the 11 year period starting from January 2000 to May 2011. Patient demographic data, levels of PSA at diagnosis, Gleason score for the biopsy core, T-staging as well as the lymph node status were recorded and analysed.

RESULTS: 258 men were included. The mean age of those 90 men (34.9%) with bone metastasis was 69.2 ± 7.3 years. Logistic regression found that PSA level (P=0.000) at diagnosis and patient's nodal-stage (P=0.02) were the only two independent variables able to predict the probability of bone metastasis among the newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients. Among those with a low PSA level less than 20 ng/ml, and less than 10 ng/ml, bone metastasis were detected in 10.3% (12 out of 117) and 9.7% (7 out of 72), respectively. However, by combining PSA level of 10 ng/ml or lower, and nodal negative as the two criteria to predict negative bone scan, a relatively high negative predictive value of 93.8% was obtained. The probability of bone metastasis in prostate cancer can be calculated with this formula: -1.069+0.007(PSA value, ng/ml) +1.021(Nodal status, 0 or 1)=x Probability of bone metastasis=2.718 x/1+2.718 x.

CONCLUSION: Newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients with a PSA level of 10 ng/ml or lower and negative nodes have a very low risk of bone metastasis (negative predictive value 93.8%) and therefore bone scans may not be necessary.

Rise of herbal and traditional medicine in erectile dysfunction management

Ho CC, Tan HM

Curr Urol Rep, 2011 Dec;12(6):470-8.

PMID: 21948222 DOI: 10.1007/s11934-011-0217-x

Herbal medicine long has been used in the management of sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction. Many patients have attested to the efficacy of this treatment. However, is it evidence-based medicine? Studies have been done on animal models, mainly in the laboratory. However, randomized controlled trials on humans are scarce. The only herbal medications that have been studied for erectile dysfunction are Panax ginseng, Butea superba, Epimedium herbs (icariin), Tribulus terrestris, Securidaca longipedunculata, Piper guineense, and yohimbine. Of these, only Panax ginseng, B. superb, and yohimbine have published studies done on humans. Unfortunately, these published trials on humans were not robust. Many herbal therapies appear to have potential benefits, and similarly, the health risks of various phytotherapeutic compounds need to be elucidated. Properly designed human trials should be worked out and encouraged to determine the efficacy and safety of potential phytotherapies.

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