bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of prazosin, terazosin and tamsulosin in the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia: A short‐term open, randomized multicenter study
Authors: Tsujii Toshihiko 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: The objective of this open randomized clinical study was to compare the short‐term efficacy and safety of three alpha‐1 blockers, prazosin, terazosin and tamsulosin, in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Methods
: The study comprised 121 patients with symptomatic BPH who were randomized to receive 0.5 mg of prazosin twice daily, 0.5 mg of terazosin twice daily or 0.1 mg of tamsulosin once daily for the initial 2 weeks. The doses were doubled for the next 2 weeks. The primary variables assessed were a symptom score, changes in maximum and average urinary flow rate (Qmax and Qave), postvoid resisual urine volume and blood pressure.
Results
: The percentage changes in the total symptom score from baseline were 38, 39 and 26% at 4 weeks by prazosin, terazosin and tamsulosin, respectively. Terazosin produced significantly higher improvement in four out of nine individual symptoms than tamsulosin (P < 0.05). A significant increase in Qmax or Qave in uroflowmetry was obtained in the prazosin and tamsulosin groups. Blood pressure remained unchanged in normotensive patients, but significantly decreased in hypertensive patients except for the tamsulosin group. Adverse events were minimal in all treatment groups.
Conclusions
: The efficacy and safety profiles were different among the alpha‐1 blockers at standard doses. Tamsulosin appears to be safer than the others for aged patients or patients with hypertension who have impaired blood pressure regulation, while terazosin is significantly effective in improving symptomatic score when compared with the others examined. It is recommended that the alpha‐1 blocking agent and its optimal dose are selected on the basis of the baseline characteristics of the patients with symptomatic BPH.
Subtypes of bladder mast cells in interstitial cystitis
Authors: Yamada Tetsuo , Murayama Tetsuo , Mita Haruhisa , Akiyama Kazuo 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: Because the types of mast cells present in the bladder of patients with interstitial cystitis (IC) have not been elucidated, we have used immunohistochemical techniques to determine which of the mast cell types is present in biopsy specimens.
Methods
: For all patients diagnosed with IC (n = 10; female) their symptoms satisfied the criteria proposed by the National Institutes of Health criteria of IC and six patients suffering from bladder tumors were selected as control patients. Adjacent sections of paraffin‐embedded tissues that had been fixed in Carnoy's solution were reacted with either antitryptase or antichymase antibodies.
Results
: In detrusor and in mucosa, the number of tryptase‐positive and chymase‐negative mast cells (MCT) was 146 ± 25 and 81 ± 31 cells/mm2, respectively, and the number of tryptase‐positive and chymase‐positive mast cells (MCTC) was 124 ± 50 and 54 ± 20 cells/mm2, respectively. These numbers were significantly greater than those of the control group. A significant negative correlation (P < 0.005; R = 0.943) was observed between the number of MCTC and the bladder capacity. The number of mast cells obtained by toluidine blue staining in detrusor and in mucosa was 95 ± 68 and 71 ± 39 cells/mm2, respectively, suggesting that staining with toluidine blue underestimated the number of mast cells.
Conclusions
: Mast cells were significantly increased in number in both the mucosa and detrusor of bladder specimens from IC patients compared with those from control. The MCTC may be the type of mast cell dominantly present in the bladder of IC patients. The MCTC in detrusor increased with the progression of contracted bladder.
Contractile properties of urethral smooth muscles of young and aged female dogs: Morphological and pharmacological aspects
Authors: Ahmed Helen , Moriyama Nobuo , Fukasawa Ritsu , Nishimatsu Hiroaki , Tanaka Yoshinori , Kitamura Tadaichi , Tatemichi Satoshi , Akiyama Katsuyoshi , Suzuki Yasunori , Aisaka Kazuo 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: α1‐Adrenoceptors are highly concentrated in the urethral smooth muscles and may play an important role in the contraction of this area. However, detailed examinations of age‐related changes of the properties of urethral smooth muscle have rarely been undertaken.
Methods
: The contractile properties of urethras from young non‐parous and old parous female beagles were determined with a urethral function study, macroscopic autoradiography for urethras using [3H]‐labeled tamsulosin and morphometry of the urethral muscles.
Results
: The antagonistic effect (pA2) of prazosin for norepinephrine was 7.76 ± 0.13 in young dogs and 7.62 ± 0.06 in aged dogs. The specific binding of [3H]‐tamsulosin (a relatively selective α1A‐adrenoceptor antagonist) was recognized diffusely in proximal urethras with in vitro autoradiography. The density of binding in smooth muscles was approximately 60 and 40% in circular longitudinal layers, respectively, for both dogs.
Conclusions
: The female canine urethra had α1A‐ and α1L‐adrenoceptors. No age‐related changes were seen in the function of the proximal urethra, distribution of α1‐adrenoceptor binding sites and smooth muscle densities.
Intrarenal varix mimicking a cystic renal tumor
Authors: Egawa Masayuki , Fukushima Masato , Hasegawa Toru , Komatsu Kazuto , Namiki Mikio 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: A case of intrarenal varix in a 60‐year‐old woman is reported.
Methods/Results
: The preoperative diagnosis was cystic tumor in the central part of the left kidney. Retrospectively, gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging demonstrated a layered gadolinium sign, indicating the vascular nature of the mass.
Conclusions
: Our experience shows that urologists should be aware of the possible presence of a renal cystic mass of vascular origin and of the usefulness of gadolinium‐enhanced MR examination for making an identification.
Expression of Apg‐1, a member of the Hsp110 family, in the human testis and sperm
Authors: Nonoguchi Kohsuke , Tokuchi Hiromu , Okuno Hiroshi , Watanabe Hirohiko , Egawa Haruto , Saito Kaoru , Ogawa Osamu , Fujita Jun 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground: Apg‐1 encodes a heat shock protein belonging to the Hsp110 family and is inducible by a 32°C to 39°C heat shock in somatic cells. In mouse testicular germ cells Apg‐1 mRNA is constitutively expressed depending on the developmental stage. As human Apg‐1 has recently been identified, the expression of Apg‐1 in the human testis and sperm was investigated.Methods:Expression and heat‐inducibility of Apg‐1 in the human testicular germ cell tumor cell line, NEC8, was analyzed. Using an antimouse Apg‐1 antibody, expression of Apg‐1 in the human testis and sperm was examined by western blotting after confirmation of the specificity of the antibody. The cells expressing Apg‐1 in the testis were further determined by immunohistochemistry.Results:Slight induction of Apg‐1 mRNA was detected in NEC8 cells after 32°C to 39°C temperature shift. In the human testis, the antibody specifically recognized Apg‐1, which was absent in the testis without germ cells (Sertoli‐cell‐only syndrome) or arrested at spermatogonia. Spermatocytes and spermatids, but not testicular somatic cells, were positively stained with the anti‐Apg‐1 antibody. By western blot analysis, Apg‐1 was detected in the preparation enriched for sperm from normal volunteers and infertile patients, but not from azoospermia patients.Conclusion:Apg‐1 is developmentally expressed in human testicular germ cells and sperm, suggesting its role in spermatogenesis and fertilization. Identification of substrates for Apg‐1 chaperone activity will help elucidate its function.
Re‐evaluation of the latent period of bladder cancer in dyestuff‐plant workers in Japan
Authors: Miyakawa Michiko , Tachibana Masaaki , Miyakawa Ayako , Yoshida Katsumi , Shimada Naoki , Murai Masaru , Kondo Takefumi 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: The carcinogenesis of benzidine (BZ) and beta‐naphthylamine (BNA) for bladder is well known. Although it was thought to be rare to develop occupational bladder cancer more than 20 years after the exposure to these chemicals, there are still new clinical cases even 30 years after exposure. The purpose of this study was to re‐evaluate the latent carcinogenic period of BZ and BNA, in order to set the safety period after exposure for the health surveillance system.Methods: The subjects were 236 dyestuff‐plant workers in Tokyo, who had been exposed to these dyestuffs. The incidence of bladder cancer and its histopathology in this group was surveyed in the period from 1962 to 1996.Results: Nineteen workers (8.1%) were found to have bladder cancers. The exposure period for these 19 patients was 82.0 ± 50.2 months. The mean ± SD latent period from the subjects’ initial and final exposure until tumor development was 29.5 ± 8.2 years and 20.1 ± 10.6 years, respectively. Significantly, a negative correlation (Pearson) was observed between the exposure period and the latent period from the end of exposure to cancer onset (R = –0.544, P < 0.05). All tumors except one were transitional cell carcinoma. Flow cytometric analysis was performed in 11 patients and all of these patients had DNA aneuploidy.Conclusions: The latent periods of bladder cancer caused by BZ and BNA were longer than previously expected. It is necessary to survey the onset of bladder cancer in exposed workers more than 30 years after the initial exposure.
Orthotopic neobladder reconstruction in elderly bladder cancer patients
Authors: Saika Takashi , Suyama Bunzo , Murata Tadashi , Manabe Daisuke , Kurashige Takushi , Nasu Yasutomo , Tsushima Tomoyasu , Kumon Hiromi 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: We compared the clinical results of orthotopic neobladder reconstruction in elderly patients and those in younger patients retrospectively in order to verify whether age is a critical factor in selecting a method of urinary diversion.Methods: Following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer, 12 patients aged 75 or older and 17 patients under 75 who underwent orthotopic neobladder reconstruction between January 1992 and May 1999 were investigated in this study. The authors TS and BS were among the surgeons who performed operations for all cases. Of the 12 elderly patients, orthotopic neobladders were constructed according to Hautmann's method in nine cases, Studer's method in one case and Reddy's method in two cases. Of the 17 younger patients, these methods were employed in 12, one and four cases, respectively. Operative procedure, early and late complications, prognosis, continence and voiding pattern were investigated in these patients.Results: The follow‐up periods for elderly and younger groups ranged from 21.3 to 82.7 months and from 8.8 to 94.2 months, respectively. No difference in operation time, amount of bleeding or postoperative length of hospitalization was observed between elderly and younger patients. The rates of early complications in elderly and younger patients were 41.7% and 35.3%, respectively. Late complication rates were 33.3% and 47.1%, respectively. The difference in these complication rates was not statistically significant. One of the elderly and two of the younger patients had local recurrence and metastasis postoperatively. Those three patients had died of their bladder cancer. No statistically significant difference between groups was recognized in either cause‐specific survival or overall survival, nor was there such a difference in relation to micturition/continence.Conclusion: Based on these results, we believe that because age is not a critical factor in the selection of urinary diversion method, neobladder reconstruction following cystectomy for bladder cancer is indicated in elderly patients. As stoma management is difficult for the patients, we consider orthotopic neobladder reconstruction to be the method of choice if the patients' general physical condition allows.
Surface antigen expression on bladder tumor cells induced by bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG): A role of BCG internalization into tumor cells
Authors: IKEDA NORIKO , TOIDA ICHIRO , IWASAKI AKIO , KAWAI KOJI , AKAZA HIDEYUKI 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: The antitumor mechanisms of bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) against bladder

cancer is still unclear. We previously reported that BCG was internalized by and

survived within murine bladder tumor cells (MBT‐2) for at least 40 days. In the present

study, we investigated the effect of BCG on the surface antigen expression of bladder

tumor cells and the characteristics of these cells as antigen‐presenting cells in

vitro.Methods: Surface antigen (major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class II, CD1, CD80 and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1)) expression on BCG‐treated murine (MBT‐2) and human (T‐24, J82) bladder tumor cells were analyzed using flow cytometry. The production of interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) from murine lymphocytes sensitized with BCG or BCG‐treated tumor cells were also investigated.Results: The expressions of MHC Class II, CD1, CD80 and ICAM‐1 were augmented in all of the bladder tumor cell lines used; however, they were augmented to varying degrees among the cell lines that were treated with live BCG. Heat‐killed BCG had little or no effect. When murine lymph node cells sensitized with BCG or BCG‐treated MBT‐2 cells were cocultured with BCG‐treated MBT‐2 cells, significant amounts of IL‐2 and IFN‐γ were produced in the culture medium.Conclusions: BCG induced the augmented expression of surface antigens, such as MHC Class II, CD1, CD80 and ICAM‐1, of bladder tumor cells. Furthermore, BCG‐treated MBT‐2 cells could stimulate BCG‐sensitized lymphocytes to produce IL‐2 and IFN‐γ. These results strongly suggest that bladder tumor cells gained the characteristics and functions of antigen‐presenting cells (APC).
Tumor‐associated tissue eosinophilia of penile cancer
Authors: Ono Yoshihiro , Ozawa Masashi , Tamura Yoshimi , Suzuki Takanori , Suzuki Kazuhiro , Kurokawa Kohei , Fukabori Yoshitatsu , Yamanaka Hidetoshi 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background: Tumor‐associated tissue eosinophilia (TATE) occurs in many kinds of cancer. This study analyzed whether TATE improves the survival of penile cancer patients.
Methods
: In 17 patients with penile cancer, survival was compared between the TATE‐positive group and the TATE‐negative group. Tissue eosinophils were observed by transmission electron microscopy.
Results
: In all cases, 5‐year survival was 72.9% in the TATE‐positive group (n = 8) and 38.9% in the TATE‐negative group (n = 9; P = 0.131). In stage III and IV, it was 60% in the TATE‐positive group (n = 5) and 0% in the TATE‐negative group (n = 5; P = 0.058). Transmission electron microscopy images revealed the vigorous infiltration of tissue eosinophils.
Conclusions: It is suggested that TATE improves the survival of patients with advanced penile cancer. However, a greater number of subjects is needed to prove statistical significance.
Clinical study of varicocele: Statistical analysis and the results of long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Onozawa Mizuki , Endo Fumiyasu , Suetomi Takahiro , Takeshima Hitoshi , Akaza Hideyuki 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground: The results of clinical examinations of varicocele and the clinical outcome of varicocelectomy conducted at Tsukuba University Hospital, Tsukuba City, Japan were analyzed.Methods: The subjects of the present study were sixty‐four infertile male patients with varicocele who visited our hospital from 1991to 1999. A physical examination, semen analysis and hormonal evaluation were performed for each patient. Patients selected their preferred type of treatment (varicocelectomy or conservative treatment) after providing their informed consent.Results: The age of the patients was 34.1 ± 5.1(mean ± standard deviation [s.d.]) years, and the infertile duration was 4.2 ± 3.0 (mean ± s.d.) years. Fifty‐one cases were left‐sided; 13 were bilateral. Mean sperm density (¥ 106/mL) was 37.2 for Grade I, 21.3 for Grade II and 9.4 for Grade III. Sperm density was significantly lower in the higher‐graded patients (P = 0.008). Varicocelectomy was performed in 31 cases; the postoperative/preoperative ratio of sperm density was significantly higher in the higher‐graded varicocele (P = 0.04), and the peak/base ratio of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) after luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LH‐RH) stimulation was significantly decreased after varicocelectomy (P = 0.007). The pregnancy rate in the partners of the varicocelectomized group (60%) was significantly higher than in the conservatively treated group (28%) P = 0.04; the mean follow‐up duration was 76.2 months.Conclusion: These results show that varicocele should influence spermatogenesis, therefore altered spermatogenesis could be effectively treated by varicocelectomy, and varicocelectomy should induce a higher probability of pregnancy.
Symptom‐specific quality of life in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: YOSHIMURA KOJI , ARAI YOICHI , ICHIOKA KENTARO , TERADA NAOKI , MATSUTA YOSUKE , OKUBO KAZUTOSHI 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: We investigated which factors are most bothersome to preoperative patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Methods: A total of 423 newly diagnosed patients and 388 preoperative patients with symptomatic BPH were evaluated. International prostate symptom score (IPSS) and IPSS quality‐of‐life (QOL) assessment score were used for assessment of symptoms and symptom‐specific QOL of the patients with BPH. Uroflow variables were measured in all patients. Other objective variables such as prostate volume, transition zone volume, Schaefer's obstruction grade, and detrusor pressure at maximal urinary flow were evaluated in 209 preoperative patients. We analyzed the relationships between symptom‐specific QOL and other variables. Statistical analyses were performed using Spearman's correlation coefficient and a stepwise linear regression model.Results: Symptom‐specific QOL scores had moderate to good correlation with IPSS (P < 0.0001; r = 0.525–0.560). Filling symptom subscore had a slightly greater impact on symptom‐specific QOL than voiding subscore in both groups of patients. Weak stream, feeling of incomplete emptying, and nocturia significantly decreased symptom‐specific QOL in both groups of patients. While newly diagnosed patients suffered from frequency as well, urgency had the strongest impact on symptom‐specific QOL of preoperative patients. Objectively measurable variables had no association with symptom‐specific QOL.Conclusion: Japanese patients with BPH generally suffer from weak stream, feeling of incomplete emptying, and nocturia in all disease phases. Frequency is problematic for newly diagnosed patients and urgency is problematic for preoperative patients as well. Symptom‐specific QOL of BPH patients cannot be estimated by physically measurable variables.
Gamma‐knife radiosurgery for brain metastasis of renal cell carcinoma: Results in 42 patients
Authors: Hoshi Senji , Jokura Hidefumi , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Shintaku Ichiro , Ohyama Chikara , Satoh Makoto , Saito Seichi , Fukuzaki Atsushi , Orikasa Seiichi , Yoshimoto Takashi 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background: The present study provides data from clinical experience with gamma‐knife radiosurgery (GK) in patients with brain metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and shows the value of this less invasive treatment modality.
Methods: Forty‐two patients received GK. Twenty of the 42 cases had multiple brain metastases. Extracranial metastases were observed in the lung (38 cases), bone (12 cases), liver (9 cases), lymph node (5 cases) and skin (6 cases).
Results: Neurological symptoms seen in 40 patients were rapidly improved after GK in 32 patients (80%). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation after GK in 32 patients showed the disappearance of brain tumor in 9 patients (28%). Complete response was obtained by GK in tumors up to 30 mm in diameter. Repeated GK for newly developed lesions was conducted in 11 patients. Extracranial tumor resection was conducted in 7 cases (lung: 3, skin: 2, liver: 1, adrenal: 1). Chemo‐radiotherapy or immunotherapy was effective in 8 cases (lung: 5, liver: 2, bone: 1). The actual one‐, two‐ and three‐year survival rates were 44.9%, 16.8%, and 11.2%, respectively. The median survival time was 12.5 months. In univariate analysis, the patients with successfully treated extracranial metastases had significantly better prognosis. In multivariate analysis, the patients with Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) ≥ 80%, who were treated by GK more than once and obtained complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) by GK, had significantly better prognosis.
Conclusion: Gamma‐knife radiosurgery for RCC is an effective non‐invasive modality of treatment. It offers a high local control rate and an improved quality of life and survival rate.
Clinical outcome of bacillus Calmette‐Guérin perfusion therapy for carcinoma in situ of the upper urinary tract
Authors: MIYAKE HIDEAKI , ETO HIROSHI , HARA SHOJI , OKADA HIROSHI , KAMIDONO SADAO , HARA ISAO 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intrarenal bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) instillation for the treatment of carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the upper urinary tract.Methods: Sixteen patients who were diagnosed as having CIS of the upper urinary tract were treated with intrarenal BCG instillation. BCG (80 mg) in normal saline was administered once weekly, 6 times in total as one course through a percutaneous nephrostomy tube in 5 patients, and a retrograde ureteric catheterization using a Single‐J or Double‐J stent in 2 and 9 patients, respectively.Results: During the median follow‐up period of 30 months (range: 9–90 months), no patients died, and 13 patients remained cytologically negative in urine collected from the upper urinary tract after BCG treatment was completed. However, one of these 13 patients had CIS in the bladder and prostatic urethra 34 months after the BCG therapy and had to undergo radical cystectomy. The remaining 3 patients experienced recurrence in the upper urinary tract 4, 8, and 11 months after treatment, despite a favorable response to the initial BCG instillation. Of these 3 patients, one patient received an additional course of BCG therapy, while the remaining 2 underwent nephroureterectomy. Bladder irritability or a fever higher than 38°C was observed in 12 or 9 patients, respectively; however, such side‐effects were not clinically significant, and no patient received antitubercular treatment.Conclusion: Intrarenal instillation of BCG appears to be effective and safe for treatment of CIS of the upper urinary tract; however, further experience and longer follow‐up studies of this treatment are required.