bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prostate Screening — The Singapore Experience
Authors: Tay Kah Phuan , Chin Chong Min , Lim Peter Huat Chye , Chng Hong Chee 
Published: July 2007

Background: The prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is believed to be highly significant in most communities. In our country, many elderly men are unaware that something can be done for their troublesome urinary symptoms. The main objective of our prostate health screening was to educate our elderly male population that this is an abnormality, for which treatment is readily available. At the same time, we attempted to determine the prevalence of BPH, to detect possible prostate cancer, and to derive normal prostate specific antigen (PSA) and uroflow values for our population.Methods: Over an eight‐day period in April 1994, 799 men above the age of 50 years volunteered to participate in a free prostate screening exercise held at our hospital. The parameters assessed were PSA level, American Urological Association (AUA) symptom score, uroflowmelry, and digital rectal examination (ORE) of the prostate.Results: Elevated PSA levels of more than 4 μg/L were detected in 105 men (13.1%). Of these, 23 men (2.9%) had PSA values above 10 μg/L. Abnormal AUA symptom scores of more than eight (moderate and severe categories) were noted in 540 men (67.6%). Clinically enlarged prostate glands of more than 20 g on DRE were noted in 80 men (10.0%), and abnormal ORE findings were detected in 48 men (6.01%). Impaired maximal uroflow rates of less than 10 mL/s were recorded in 224 mm (30%), while another 167 men (29.1%) had maximal uroflow values in the equivocal zone (between 10 to 1S mL/s). The reference PSA levels at the 8th percentile, 10th percentile, median. mean, 90th percentile and 95th percentile were 0.38, 0.47, 1.05, 1.57, 3.27 and 4.25 μg/L, respectively. The age‐specific PSA values were 3.51, 3.78 and 6.02 μg/L in the 50 to 59. 60 to 69, and 70 to 79 years age groups. respectively, and the reference mean maximal uroflow rates was 14.8 mL/s.Conclusions: Although controversial, our experience with prostate screening was generally positive. As far as our population is concerned, the free prostate screening exercise generated publicity, and succeeded in enhancing public awareness for better prostate health.
A Non‐Randomized Comparative Study of Visual laser Ablation and Transurethral Resection of the Prostate in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Uchida Toyoaki , Egawa Shin , Iwamura Masatsugu , Ohori Makoto , Yokoyama Eiji , Endo Tadao , Koshiba Ken 
Published: July 2007

Background: Transurethral resection of the prustate (TURP) haz been the ‐preferred surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) for the past 50 years. Alternative methods for treating BPH such as visual laser ablation (VLAP) have been established during the past decade. In order to assess the safety and efficacy of VLAP, this alternative method was performed using a Urolase fiber and neodymium: yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet laser and compared to results obtained in patients treated with TURP for BPH Methods: In this non‐randomized comparative study, 100 BPH patients were equally split between treatment with VLAP or TURP, and their cases compared. The efficacy was assessed using an International Prostate Symptom Score, urinary flow rates, post‐void residual urinary volume and an estimated prostate volume.Results: There was a clinically significant improvement in all parameters in both groups. In the VIAP and TGRP groups. 92.0%, and 81.6% 90.2% and 862 and 931% and 100.0% were categorized as effectively‐treated cases at 3, 6 and 12 months post‐operatively, respectively. So severe side effect was seen in VLAP group. The total and post‐operative lengths of hospitalization in the VLAP group were shorter, but the duration of post‐operative bladder irrigation was longer in these patients.Conclusions: Although TURP remains the standard surgical treatment for BPH, VLAP is associated with less morbidity and the clinical outcome is similar compared to patients treated with TURP. VLAP in conjunction with TURP may result in less risk of postoperative urinary retention and vesicle irritability.
bcl‐2 Expression in Prostate Cancer and its Relationship to Cell Cycle and Prognosis
Authors: Matsushima Hisashi , Hosaka Yoshio , Suzuki Makoto , Mizutani Takashi , Ishizuka Hideshi , Kawabe Kazuki 
Published: July 2007

Background: bcl‐2 protein is an oncoprotein encoded by J protooncogene bcl‐2 which is thought to be a key gene for the regulation of cell life and death. bcl‐2 protein has been reported to be expressed in a subset of prostate cancers, and its biological role in this disedse has not yet been elucidated. This present study focused on the cell cycle analysis of bcl‐2 immunoreactivity in prostate tumor samples and correlated findings with the prognosis of the patients.Methods: Archival tissues from 37 prostate cancers were submitted for immunohistochemistry and DNA analysis via flow cytometry. All tissues were obtained before the patients received my treatment. Immunohistochemistry was performed using streptavidin biotin procedures, and DNA flow cytometry was done by J combination of two methods.Results: Fourteen of 37 prostate cmcers (38%) exhibited bcl‐2 immunoreactivity. bcl‐2 positive prostate cancers significantly correlated with DNA aneuploidy and higher proliferation indices, but not with histological differentiation. Clinically, there was a poorer prognosis for patients with bcl‐2 positive prostate cancer.Conclusions: Our data indicates that bcl‐2 protein expression in prostate canctv is associated with cell proliferation and may serve as a predictive factor for the prognosis of prostate cancer.
In Vitro Parathyroid Hormone Release in Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Yano Shoichi , Nomura Yoshio , Mizoguchi Hiroaki , Ogata Jiro 
Published: July 2007

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the precise endocrim. characteristics of parathyroid function in secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT).Methods: We examined the effects of extracellular ionized calcium (Ca2+) varying from 0.5 to 2.0 mM on parathyroid hormone (PTH) release in parathyroid cell suspensions using a mid‐regional PTH assay. Cells were obtained from 26 patients with sHPT who were divided into two groups according to the type of hyperplasia they exhibited, either nodular (n=16) or diffuse [n= 10). For compdrison, we also analyzed data from nine patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT; adenomas).Results: Significant in vitro suppression of PTH release by Ca2+ was observed in the majority of subjects, regardless of the histologic abnormality. The pHPT group exhibited no significant relationship between clinical and in vitro data. In contrast, in the sHPT group (taken as a whole), suppression of PTH release by Ca2+ exhibited a plateau at a total serum calcium concentration of 2.5 mmol/L, and a parathyroid gland weight of 2 g.Conclusions: These findings suggest that there is a curvilinear relationship in sHPT, but not pHPT, between the in vitro calcium sensitivity of parathyroid cells and total serum calcium, as well as gland weight. The in vitro calcium sensitivity in sHPT remains constant when the total serum calcium concentration exceeds 2.5 mmol/L, or when the gland weight exceeds 2 g.
Cumulative Renal Damage in Oogs by Repeated Treatment with Extracorporeal Shock Waves
Authors: Koga Hiroshi , Matsuoka Kei , Noda Shinshi , Yamashita Takuro 
Published: July 2007

Background: Extracorporeal shock wave Iithotripsy (ESWL) has become a routine method for the treatment of renal and ureteral calculi. Occasionally, multisequential ESWL tredtments and high energy shock waves are required to treat large calculi. The purpose of the study was to compare renal histopathologic damage caused by varying the application of shock waves.Methods: Six groups of dogs were defined by the frequency of shocks, application time and numbers of sessions. Bilateral nephrectomies were performed immediately, 3, 7 and 60 days after the application of shock waves. Histopathologic features of the kidneys were assessed by both light and electron microscopy.Results: Irreversible damage was observed in all exposed kidneys. After J single session of low application frequency, damage by shock waves occurred with progressive deterioration of the nephron. At any frequency rate, the damage was caused by tissue hypoxia due to rupturing of the interstitial capillaries. As the application frequency increased, capillary rupture became more severe, and consequently, morphological damage tended to be more intense. Repeated sessions at any application frequency made the damage more intense, suggesting that an accumulation of damage had occurred. Conclusions: Minimal doses of shock waves cause renal damage and repeated ESWL sessions may result in an accumulation of damage. Considering that the damage is dose‐dependent, divided ESWL treatments at a low frequency rate are advisable in a clinical setting.
Pharmacokinetics and Antitumor Effects of an Interleukin‐2 lmmunocomplexing Agent in Murine Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Oya Mototsugu , Marumo Ken , Murai Masaru , Tazaki Hiroshi 
Published: July 2007

Background: Conventional therapy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) using systemic administration of interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) has shown limited anti‐tumor action. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti‐tumor effects of a newly developed immune complex of IL‐2 (IC) against RCC.Methods: IC was prepared by mixing IL‐2 and an anti‐IL‐2 monoclonal antibody at a molar ratio of 2:l. The pharmacokinetics and anti‐tumor effects of IC were then studied in a murine KCC line, Renca. Results: Serum IL‐2 levels were sustained longer in mice given IC than in mice given IL‐2 alone after either subcutaneous or intratumoral injections. After an intratumoral injection of IC, the IL‐2 concentration in the tumor nodules remained higher compared with mice given IL‐2 alone. The anti‐tumor effect was most pronounced in mice treated with intratumoral injections of 1C.Conclusions: Results obtained here indicate that an immune complex of IL‐2 provides d useful tool for the treatment of RCC by altering the pharmacokinetics of IL‐2 in vivo.
Effect of Cyclosporin A on Isolated Rabbit Bladder and Urethral Smooth Muscle
Authors: Kilani Kohsuke , Machida Jiroh , Wada Yoshihiro , Yoshida Masaki , Ueda Shoichi 
Published: July 2007

Background: The effects of Cyclosporin A (CsA) on vascular smooth muscle inducing hypertension have been established. However, there is no information available concerning the effects of CsA on urinary smooth muscle. Therefore, the effects of CsA were investigated on the bladder and urethral smooth muscle in rabbits.Methods: CsA (10 mg/kg/day. intravtmouslyl was given to rsbbits for 14 days. Rabbit bladder and urethral smooth muscles were then isolated and evaluatd using a muscle bath technique.Results: 10 111‐‐ 5 × 10 M CsA done had no direct effect on bladder or urethral smooth muscles. The Emax. (maximum contractile response) and ED values for acetylcholine‐induced contraclions and the Emax (maximum relaxation response) for isoproterenol‐induced relaxation in bladder smooth muscles were not significantly different between CsA‐treated and control grouos. The ED for isoproterenol‐induccd relaxation was significantly lower in the CsA group (P< 0.05). The Emax for phenylephrine‐ and clonidinci‐induced contractions in urethral smooth muscle was significantly higher in the CsA‐treated group (P< 0.05). The ratio of the maximum response of the urethral smooth muscle to phepylephrine. and clonidine in Ca free solution to the normal solution in the CsA group (1 3.42% and 4.40%, respectively was signiticantly higher than the maximal response ratios in the control group th.34%, and 3.00%, respectively; P<0.05.Conclusions: CsA treatmemt augments the relaxation response of the bladder to isoprolerenol and the contractile response of the urethra to phenylephrine and clonidine. In addition, CsA increases the iilling of intracellular stores of releasable Ca++, and also increases the permeability of Ca++ in rabbit urethral smooth muscle. Thus, it is suggested that CsA may cause a urinary disturbance in patients treated with CsA via increased urethral resistance.
Three‐Times‐Daily Monotherapy with Tacrolimus (FK 506) in Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Ichikawa Yasuji , Hanafusa Touru , Kyo Masahiro , Fukunishi Takanobu , Nagano Shunsuke 
Published: July 2007

Background: Tacrolimus (FK 506) was introduced into organ transplantation as a powerful immunosuppressive but with several adverse effects. In fact, an appropriate protocol for using this agent has not yet been established. On the basis of pharmacokinetic studies and the reports of its administration as a continuous intravenous infusion, we designed the regimen of every eight hours in order to reduce the daily dosage.Methods: Tacrolimus was given to nine patients in the Japanese FK506 study. Although it was discontinued in two patients within two months because of adverse effects and acute rejection, seven other patients tolerated the agent for a long period and received the drug three times a day. Concomitant prednisolone was gradually tapered and finally withdrawn in these patients.Results: The smaller dosage of tacrolimus led to a higher trough concentration of 14.1 ± 1.6ng/mL in the three‐times‐a‐day regimen compared with 12.7 ± 1.9ng/ml in twice‐a‐day therapy (P <0.01). The daily dosage of tacrolimus proved to be reducible even further. Our target trough concentration was decreased finally to < 5ng/mL. Concomitant prednisolone was withdrawn in all of the seven patients. The course of these patients has been uneventful for a year after withdrawal of prednisolone. Conclusion: Our regimen of three‐times‐a‐day oral administration of tacrolimus is a likely protocol for reduction of its daily dosage, which lowers its adverse effects while maintaining its immunosuppressive action at a lower trough concentration without concomitant prednisolone.
Inhibitory Effects of Interleukin‐4 on Human Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells In Vitro: In Combination with Interferon‐α, Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α or Interleukin‐2
Authors: Cheon Jun , Chung Dong Joon , Kim Je Jong , Koh Sung Kun , Sohn Jeongwon 
Published: July 2007

Background: Immune cytokines have been shown to play important roles in regulating the growth of neoplastic cells, as well as the function of immune cells. The present study assessed the effects of interleukin (IL)‐4 alone, and in combination with recombinant interferon (IFN)‐α2b, or with IL‐2, or with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α on the in vitro proliferation of human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell‐lines.Methods: Growth‐inhibitory effects of IL‐4 alone, and in combination with other cytokines, on three human RCC cell‐lines, Caki‐1, CURC‐II, and A‐498, were measured by the [3H]thymidine incorporation assay.Results: IL‐4 inhibited proliferation of all three human RCC cell‐lines (P< 0.001). The maximum growth inhibition of RCC cell‐lines by IL‐4 alone was observed at the concentration of 1 to 3 ng/mL, depending on the cell‐line. Antihuman IL‐4 antisera was able to reverse the growth‐inhibitory effects of IL‐4 on Caki‐1 in a dose‐dependent manner, proving that the growth inhibition was mediated by IL‐4 itself. When other cytokines were added in combination with IL‐4, only IFN‐α2b resulted in significant additional growth inhibition (P < 0.005). However, when the proliferation was compared to that of RCC cells that were not treated with any cytokine, all combinations produced marked growth inhibition. Conclusion: Our data suggest that IL‐4 alone, or in combination with IFN‐α2b, can be used to develop new strategies for treatment of human RCC.
Detection of Proteus mirabilis Urease Gene in Urinary Calculi by Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Takeuchi Hideo , Yamamoto Shingo , Terai Akito , Kurazono Hisao , Takeda Yoshifumi , Okada Yusaku , Yoshida Osamu 
Published: July 2007

Background: Urea‐splitting microorganisms cannot always be detected by stone or urine culture in patients with infection stones. Detection of genetic elements within the calculi by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may be a useful alternative. In this study, we assessed the usefulness of the PCR method in detecting the urease gene specific to Proteus mirabilis in urinary calculi.Methods: Thirty‐eight metabolic stones (calcium oxalate and/or calcium phosphate, uric acid, or cystine) and 49 struvite stones were examined. The PCR was applied with DNA extracted by boiling pulverized stone pieces.Results: Of the 87 stones, PCR demonstrated the presence of the P. mirabilis urease elements ureC1 and ureC2 in 1 7, all of which were struvite. Stone culture and urine culture had been performed in 22 and 46 struvite stone cases, respectively, and the PCR was positive in all of the 10 culture‐positive calculi and also in two calculi from which P. mirabilis was not isolated.Conclusion: PCR was reliable and convenient for detecting P. mirabilis in desiccated struvite calculi. Study to detect other species such as Ureaplasma or Corynebacterium would be useful in elucidating the role of bacterial infection in the formation of these stones.
Alteration of Intercellular Communication in a Human Urothelial Carcinoma Cell‐Line by Tumor‐Promoting Agents
Authors: Morimoto Shinji 
Published: July 2007

Background: Most of the findings that support a good association between inhibition of intercellular communication and tumor promotion have been demonstrated by studies of animal cells, while it has been accepted that most tumor‐promoting agents are specific to species and organs. Therefore, the influence of tumor‐promoting agents on intercellular communication was investigated using a human urothelial cell‐line.Methods: The effects of six tumor‐promoting agents, including dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), saccharin, cyclamic acid, phenobarbital, and DL‐tryptophan, on intercellular communication in a human urothelial cell‐line (JTC‐30) were investigated by using a dye‐transfer assay after 48‐and 96‐hour exposure to each agent. Cytotoxicity was determined using the colony‐forming method after 48‐hour and 7‐day exposure to each agent.Results: DDT, BHA, saccharin, and cyclamic acid inhibited intercellular communication after either 48‐or 96‐hour exposure at concentrations that were nontoxic to the cells after 7‐day exposure. Phenobarbital and DL‐tryptophan inhibited intercellular communication only at toxic concentrations. Conclusions: Since the former four agents are known to be direct tumor promoters, and the metabolites of the later two agents have been regarded as tumor promoters, the results suggest that current methodology using the JTC‐30 cell‐line may be applicable to the screening to detect direct tumor promoters of human urothelium.
Estimate Criteria for Diagnosis and Severity in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Hornma Yukio , Kawabe Kazuki , Tsukamoto Taiji , Yarnaguchi Osamu , Okada Kiyoki , Aso Yoshio , Watanabe Hiroki , Okajima Eigoro , Kumazawa Joichi , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Ohashi Yasuo 
Published: July 2007

Background: Standard severity criteria for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are needed to facilitate clinical and epidemiologic investigations in the common terminology.Patients and Methods: A total of 692 BPH patients from 8 institutions were judged by specialized physicians for their overall disease severity and severity in 4 domains: symptom, function, anatomy, and quality of life (QOL). The items measuring severity in these 4 domains were the International Prostate Symptom Score (I‐PSS) questionnaire, uroflowmetry, transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), and questionnaires on bother and I‐PSS QOL index, respectively. By Spearman's rank correlation and multiple regression analysis using physicians' judgement as the criterion variable (gold standard) the items and their cut‐off levels were selected so that high predictivity, practicality and clinical significance were maintained, while the number of items in use was minimized.Results: The item(s) and their ranges of values for each severity grade were summarized as follows; the evaluation domain (the selected item(s): range of mild, moderate, severe): symptom (I‐PSS: 0–7,8–19, 20–35), function (maximum flow rate and residual urine volume: ≥ 1 5 mL/s and < 50 mL, ≥ 5 mL/s and < 1 00 mL, < 5 mL/s or ≥ 100 mL), anatomy (prostate volume on TRUS: < 20 mL, < 50 mL, ≥ 50 mL), QOL (QOL index: 0 and 1, 2 to 4, 5 and 6). The overall severity was efficiently predicted when defined according to the combinations of severity grades of the 4 domains. These criteria predicted physicians' judgement with accuracy of about 80% for overall severity and severity of individual domains.Conclusion: The proposed criteria are valid, practical, and would be useful for the common scale of the BPH severity in clinical and epidemiologic studies.
Estimate Criteria for Efficacy of Treatment in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Homma Yukio , Kawabe Kazuki , Tsukamoto Taiji , Yamaguchi Osamu , Okada Kiyoki , Aso Yoshio , Watanabe Hiroki , Okajima Eigoro , Kumazawa Joichi , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Ohashi Yasuo 
Published: July 2007

Background: Various treatment modalities for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have emerged and are now in use or await evaluation of clinical usefulness. It is difficult, however, to compare their efficacies on a single scale, because standardized criteria for therapeutic efficacy of BPH treatments have not been established.Patients and Methods: A total of 692 BPH patients from 8 institutions in Japan received various treatments, and were judged by specialized physicians for overall efficacy, and for efficacy in 4 domains: symptom, function, anatomy, and quality of life (QOL). Efficacy of treatment was graded as excellent, good, fair or poor, and assessed using items based on conventional clinical measurements. These items included 1) the difference (post‐pretreatment value), 2) relative ratio (post/pre) and, 3) the individual values of pre or posttreatment measurements. The cut off levels for each grade were heuristically selected by Spearman's rank correlation and multiple regression analysis so that the results accurately predicted physicians' judgement, while the feasibility was maintained.Results: The results for each efficacy grade (range of excellent, range of good, range of, fair, range of poor) were summarized as follows:Symptom: (post/pre treatment ratio of I‐PSS) ≤ 0.25, ≤ 0.5, ≤ 0.75, > 0.75.Function: (post‐pre of Qmax) ≥ 10 mL/s, ≥ 5 mL/s, ≥ 0.25 mL/s, < 0.25 mL/s.Anatomy: (post/pre ratio of prostate volume) ≤ 0.5, ≤ 0.75, ≤ 0.9, > 0.9.QOL: (pre‐post of QOL index) ≥ 4, 3, 2 and 1, ≤ 0.The overall efficacy grade was defined as the median of efficacy grades of 3 domains: symptom, function and QOL. The agreement rates between the criteria and physicians' judgement on the dichotomous efficacy (either excellent plus good, or fair plus poor) were approximately 80% in individual domains and overall estimate, and consistent among various treatments.Conclusion: The proposed criteria are fairly accurate, simple, and practical, and thus may be useful as a standard method for assessing the clinical efficacy of BPH treatments.