bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coronary diameter in normal infants, children and patients with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Kurotobi Shunji , Nagai Toshisaburo , Kawakami Nobuhiro , Sano Tetsuya 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: The coronary assessments in Kawasaki disease are mainly based on the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare criteria, which is simply classified according to the patient’s age, over 5 years and less than 4‐years‐old.
Methods
: We obtained normal values of coronary diameters adjusted for the body surface area and for the coronary anatomical site from 71 healthy children using 2‐D echocardiography. We also studied patients with Kawasaki disease at three stages from the onset of illness: (i) 43 patients at admission; (ii) the subsequent 2–3 weeks; and (iii) 62 children followed at a clinic, for a median 2.2 years after the onset. No patients showed any coronary abnormalities by several echographic exams.
Results
: The coronary diameters were strongly
correlated with the body surface area (r = 0.81
in left main, r = 0.89 in proximal
right, r = 0.89 in left anterior
descending artery). The coronary diameters in the patient groups
at admission and at 2–3 weeks later were significantly
larger than those in the normal group (P < 0.01). Although the coronary diameters in the follow‐up group did not show a significant difference compared with those of normal, 19% retained their coronary diameters at greater than two standard deviations above the expected mean in at least one coronary artery.
Conclusions
: The more strictly defined criteria adjusted for body size and for the anatomical site should be used to detect the subtle changes and to prevent the misclassification of the coronary artery abnormalities in KD.
Trend of neonatal group B streptococcal infection during the last 15 years
Authors: Hoshina Kiyoshi , Suzuki Yoko , Nishida Hiroshi , Kaneko Kazuhiko , Matsuda Seiji , Kobayashi Masumi , Kadoi Nobuaki 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: The survey was designed to determine the trend of group B streptococcal (GBS) infection during the last 15 years, as well as update the reality of this disease.
Methods
: Questionnaires were administered every 5 years towards neonatal intensive care unit‐equipped hospitals. The first survey was made from 1983 to 1987, the second one from 1988 to 1992 and the third one from 1993 to 1997. The 15‐year questionnaire survey included a total of 831 patients. The changes in number of patients, the ages at onset, the diagnosis, the serotypes of causative agents, the presence or absence of complicated delivery and the prognosis were analyzed.
Results
: It seems that the increasing trend of the number of patients has stopped in the period from 1993 to 1997 (third survey). The most common causative subtype was type III GBS, regardless of early onset type or late onset type. As to perinatal abnormality, approximately 40% of the early onset cases were free from risk factors. Concerning the prognosis, 22.6% of early onset cases and 38.7% of late onset cases died or had sequelae.
Conclusion
: The number of GBS‐infected cases has stopped increasing, but it is still necessary to carry out screenings of pregnant women for the purpose of decreasing the onset of the disease.
Effects of insulin treatment on diabetes‐induced alterations in endothelin receptors in rat ureter
Authors: Saito Motoaki , Weiss Robert , Latifpour Jamshid 
Published: March 2003

Background: The present investigation was undertaken to examine the effect of insulin treatment on diabetes‐induced alterations in endothelin (ET) receptors in rat ureters. Methods: The biochemical properties of ET receptors were examined in rat ureters from the following groups: 8 weeks diabetic (D8); 8 weeks age‐matched control (C8); 16 weeks diabetic (D16); 16 weeks diabetic‐insulin treated (insulin started 8 weeks after the onset of diabetes) (DI16); and 16 weeks age‐matched control (C16). Diabetes was induced by the i.v. injection of 65 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). Results: The densities of ET receptors (Bmax values), as determined by saturation experiments with [125I]‐ET‐1, in the ureteral plasma membranes of D8, C8, D16, DI16 and C16 were 91.7 ± 10.1, 42.1 ± 7.2, 71.1 ± 2.4, 51.5 ± 6.3 and 45.1 ± 3.3 fmol/mg of protein, respectively. [125I]‐ET‐1 binding to the ET receptors in rat ureteral membrane particulates was inhibited by ET‐1 (non‐selective), ET‐3 (ETB/C selective), BQ 610 (ETA selective) and IRL 1620 (ETB selective) with the following rank order of Ki values: ET‐1 < BQ 610 < ET‐3 < < IRL 1620. The pharmacological profile of the ET receptors was similar in all groups examined and was consistent with the predominance of the ETA receptor subtype in the ureteral membrane particulates. The subtype specificity of ET receptors in the ureteral tissues is confirmed with inhibition data obtained from similar binding studies in cloned human ETA and ETB receptors. Conclusion: The data indicate that diabetes results in an up‐regulation of ET receptors in the rat ureter, which is normalized by insulin treatment.
Prospective evaluation of prostate cancer detection by prostate‐specific antigen‐related parameters
Authors: Egawa Shin , Suyama Kazuho , Takashima Rikiya , Mizoguchi Hideyuki , Kuwao Sadahito , Baba Shiroh 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: The diagnostic value of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) for differentiating prostate cancer from benign prostatic conditions is limited by its lack of specificity. Several PSA‐related parameters have been suggested as enhancing the discriminatory power of total PSA values, but their clinical utility should be considered preliminary until established in a prospectively evaluated cohort.
Methods
: In a prospective cohort study, results of ultrasound‐guided biopsy and/or transurethral resection of the prostate gland were assessed in 706 consecutive Japanese men. The clinical usefulness of total PSA, free PSA, percentage of free PSA, PSA density (PSAD), PSA density for transition zone (PSADT) and gland volume for predicting prostate cancer was investigated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis in 16 different patient subgroups.
Results
: Overall, 150 of the 706 patients (21.2%) had prostate carcinoma. The ROC curve analysis showed that PSAD and PSADT were more powerful predictors of prostate cancer than total PSA in most of the 16 patient subgroups tested. The improvement in performance was modest, however. No substantial difference was noted between PSAD and PSADT. Total gland volume did not significantly affect the performance of these parameters. The use of a PSAD threshold value of 0.11–0.15 ng/mL per cm3 (or a PSADT value of 0.23–0.27 ng/mL per cm3) would have avoided 24–48% (or, for PSADT, 34–40%) of unnecessary biopsies at the cost of missing 5–10% of detectable cancers in a patient subgroup with intermediate total PSA levels. The performance of free PSA and percentage of free PSA was worse than that of any other test in this study. This may be due to inappropriate handling of sera prior to measurement.
Conclusions
: The discriminatory potential of total PSA for predicting prostate cancer was modestly improved by the use of PSAD and PSADT. No substantial advantage of PSADT over PSAD could be demonstrated. Stringent and standardized storage conditions should always be maintained when applying free PSA‐related parameters.
A case of perirenal hemangioma mimicking renal cell carcinoma
Authors: OKUNO TETSUO , ANDO MASAO , ARISAWA CHIZURU , OKANO TADAO 
Published: March 2003

Purpose: We present a rare case of perirenal hemangioma that was detected incidentally.Methods/Results: Radiographic examinations revealed a 3.5 cm mass at the left renal hilum adjacent to the left renal parenchyma, which was difficult to differentially diagnose from renal cell carcinoma. Tumor resection was performed successfully.Conclusions: There was no recurrence observed 14 months after surgery.
Postchemotherapy retroperitoneal residual mass in infantile yolk sac tumor
Authors: KUO JUNNE‐YIH , HSIEH YUH‐LIN , CHIN TAIWEI , WEI CHOUFU , CHEN KUANG‐KUO , CHANG LUKE, S 
Published: March 2003

Background: Persistent postchemotherapy retroperitoneal residual mass with normalization of α‐fetoprotein (AFP) in infantile yolk sac tumor is rare.Methods/Results: A 38‐month‐old boy with recurrent yolk sac tumor was treated with cisplatin‐based combination chemotherapy. After chemotherapy, the retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis, 7 x 6 cm in size, decreased to 2 x 2 cm. Serum AFP levels returned to normal. The retroperitoneal residual mass was resected and histologically showed complete necrosis without viable cancer cells.Conclusion: The patient has remained free of disease for 36 months after operation.
Long‐term outcome of endoscopic biopsy and subsequent nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract tumor
Authors: Minowada Shigeru , Homma Yukio , Takeuchi Takumi , Kamijo Toshiyuki , Kitamura Tadaichi 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: Upper urinary tract tumors can be biopsied using a flexible ureterorenoscope. This study examined retrospectively possible adverse effects of this procedure on patient outcome.Methods: The study subjects consisted of 16 consecutive patients with renal pelvic tumor (n = 13) and upper ureteral tumor (n = 3). All subjects underwent endoscopic biopsy of their tumor and subsequent total nephroureterectomy between 1989 and 1995. The follow‐up period ranged from 4.1 to 9.5 (mean 5.2) years.Results: The overall 5‐year survival rate was 87.0%, being 100% in 12 patients with tumors of grade 1 or 2. In contrast, of four patients with grade 3 tumor, three (75%) developed systemic lymphogenous and/or multiple lung metastases within 1 year postoperatively.Conclusions: The excellent patient outcomes deny any adverse effect of endoscopic biopsy on patients with grade 1 or 2 tumor. However, the endoscopic procedure should be performed prudently when a high grade tumor is suspected.
Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic nephrectomy
Authors: Yoshimura Kazuhiro , Yoshioka Toshiaki , Miyake Osamu , Nishimura Kazuo , Miyoshi Susumu , Takahara Shiro , Okuyama Akihiko 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Purpose:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic nephrectomy.
Methods:
From June 1994 to November 1999, 10 patients underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy at Osaka University Medical Hospital and Osaka Rosai Hospital. Laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed either via transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach under general anesthesia. These 10 cases were reviewed in respect of primary disease of the kidney, operative time, complications and postoperative convalescence.
Results:
Of the 10 patients, five were preoperatively diagnosed as having a non‐functioning kidney with hydronephrosis, two patients were diagnosed as having an atrophic kidney, two had renal cell carcinoma and one had renal pelvic tumor. The average operative time was 374 min (range 270–675 min). The mean blood loss was 330 mL (range 60–800 mL). One patient required transfusion due to postoperative oozing. The average hospital stay after operation was 7 days. No major postoperative complications were observed.
Conclusion:
Laparoscopic nephrectomy is an option in surgically managing renal disorders, including malignancies, although it has a longer operative time compared to conventional open surgery.
Age‐related prevalence of erectile dysfunction in Japan: Assessment by the International Index of Erectile Function
Authors: Marumo Ken , Nakashima Jun , Murai Masaru 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background:
The effects of age and concomitant chronic illness on male sexual function were investigated to obtain insight into the prevention of erectile dysfunction (ED).
Methods:
A questionnaire from the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was given to 2311 non‐institutionalized men aged 23–79 years along with a survey of health status. The study sample consisted of 1517 men who provided complete responses to the questionnaire. For statistical analysis, ANOVA was conducted to evaluate the effect of aging on the sexual functions and a logistic regression model was used to identify significant independent risk factors for ED.
Results:
There was a significant correlation between age and the scores for erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire and intercourse satisfaction. The prevalence of moderate and severe cases of ED were 1.8% and 0% for ages 23–29; 2.6% and 0% for ages 30–39; 7.6% and 1.0% for ages 40–49; 14.0% and 6.0% for ages 50–59; 25.9% and 15.9% for ages 60–69; and 27.9% and 36.4% for ages 70–79 years, respectively. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, chronic hepatitis, disc herniation and cerebral infarction under treatment with anticoagulants were significant independent risk factors for ED.
Conclusions:
The results obtained indicated a significant association between aging and chronic diseases and erectile function. Further epidemiologic research and analysis of individual risk factors are required to allow more effective future strategies for the treatment and prevention of ED.
Assessment of renal function with color Doppler ultrasound in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Kondo Akira , Akakura Koichiro , Ito Haruo 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: Measurement of renal blood flow by color Doppler ultrasound is useful for assessment of renal function in a variety of renal disorders. In autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), however, it might be difficult to visualize interlobar arteries because of deformity of renal structure. To evaluate the usefulness of color Doppler in ADPKD, parameters determined by blood flow examination were compared with the results of ordinal renal function tests.Methods: Twenty‐one patients with ADPKD were examined by color Doppler ultrasound measurement. In each patient, 10 interlobar arteries in both kidneys were investigated. Minimum blood flow velocity (Vmin), maximum blood flow velocity (Vmax), mean blood flow velocity (Vmean), acceleration, resistive index and pulsatility index were measured in relation to the results of creatinine clearance, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and 15 and 120 min values of the phenolsulfonphthalein test.Results: In all patients, interlobar arteries were able to be visualized and blood‐flow profile was measured. Although variations of Vmin, Vmax, Vmean and acceleration were relatively large, the resistive index and pulsatility index varied little in each kidney. Mean values of Vmin (P < 0.005), Vmean (P < 0.05), resistive index (P < 0.005) and pulsatility index (P < 0.005) were well correlated to creatinine clearance with statistical significance.Conclusions: In ADPKD, color Doppler ultrasound measurement is a useful method for assessment of renal function and could be used for monitoring the dynamic state of renal blood flow as a non‐invasive technique.
Are tobacco use and urine pH indicated as risk factors for bladder carcinoma?
Authors: Wada Seiji , Yoshimura Rikio , Masuda Chikayoshi , Hase Taro , Ikemoto Shin‐Ichi , Kishimoto Taketoshi , Fukushima Shoji 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: Many case‐control and cohort studies have shown a positive relationship between bladder carcinoma and tobacco use. Recently, urine pH has been reported to influence aromatic amine carcinogenesis, which have been implicated as potent carcinogens in bladder carcinoma patients. Herein the correlation between bladder carcinoma, tobacco use and urine pH is reported.Method: One hundred and forty‐one patients with bladder carcinoma and 128 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia or urolithiasis as controls were selected. All patients were admitted to Osaka City University Hospital for the purpose of surgical treatment. Urine pH was checked by a test tape.Results: Of the patients with bladder carcinoma, 106 were smokers and 35 were non‐smokers. In contrast, the number of smokers in the control group was 76 and that of non‐smokers was 52. The odds ratio in the bladder carcinoma group calculated for the smoker patients was 2.07, showing a significant correlation between bladder carcinoma and tobacco use. Regarding urine pH, acidic urine was found in 126 patients in the bladder carcinoma group and in 116 patients in the control group. The odds ratio in the bladder carcinoma group for acidic urine was 0.87, showing no significant relationship between bladder carcinoma and urine pH.Conclusion: The study found a positive relationship between bladder carcinoma and tobacco use; however, it could not establish a clear relationship between bladder carcinoma and urine pH, even in the smoker group.
Urothelial mucosal concentration of levofloxacin administered before transurethral resection: Is the mucosal concentration predictable?
Authors: Hattori Tomotaka , Kimura Go , Kondo Yukihiro , Horiuchi Kazutaka , Tsuboi Narumi , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Akimoto Masao 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground: Although it is an established surgical technique, transurethral resection (TUR) is associated with a certain incidence of postoperative bacteriuria. Assessment was made whether the urothelial mucosal concentration of an antibiotic administered before TUR was high enough to decrease the incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI). Also investigated were factors predicting the organ concentration.Methods: Forty‐nine patients (45 men and four women aged 51–79 years with a median age of 70 years) who underwent TUR between August 1996 and September 1997 were enrolled in the study. Each patient received 200 mg of levofloxacin (LVFX) about two hours before surgery. Blood and bladder urine were collected and urothelial mucosa was harvested at the time of TUR. Then the LVFX concentration in these samples was measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography. The association between drug levels, or the ratio to the serum concentration, and factors likely to affect the vascular system that delivers the drug (age, bodyweight, blood pressure, pulse rate, total cholesterol and diabetes mellitus) were investigated.Results: The mean serum drug level was 2.4 μg/mL, and it was 206.4 μg/mL in the urine and 5.7 μg/mL in the urothelial mucosa. The mean ratio of the mucosal to serum concentrations was 2.6. The urinary drug concentration showed no association with any of the factors assessed, while the serum concentration decreased with increasing bodyweight (P = 0.03). As the diastolic blood pressure increased, both the mucosal drug concentration and the mucosa/serum ratio decreased (P < 0.01). When the relationship between the serum and mucosal concentrations was investigated, no correlation was found. However, the mucosa/serum ratio (indicating the transfer of LVFX from the blood) was positively correlated with the mucosal concentration.Conclusion: Preoperative administration of LVFX was demonstrated to have potential value for the prophylaxis of UTI after TUR. Both the mucosal concentration and the mucosa/serum ratio were correlated with the diastolic blood pressure. As the diastolic blood pressure seems to be an indicator of the tissue concentration of LVFX, it may be possible to set the optimum dose based on the diastolic pressure.
A clinical study of urine basic fetoprotein and urine polyamine as tumor markers in epithelial cancer of the urinary tract
Authors: Sato Daisuke , Kase Takahisa , Tajima Masaharu , Sawamura Yoshikatsu , Matsushima Masahiro 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: The reliability of a new screening test for epithelial cancer of the urinary tract was evaluated and the results were compared with those obtained employing urinary cytology in routine use.Methods: The subjects consisted of 187 cases selected randomly from among the patients who attended Toho University Ohashi Hospital during a period of 1 year from January 1998. The values for urine basic fetoprotein (BFP) and polyamine and urinary cytology were examined.Results: Urine BFP is considered useful for screening and monitoring urinary tract epithelial cancer as is urinary cytology. Urine BFP showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) for G1 compared with urinary cytology and a significantly high level compared with urinary cytology as to the positive rate in the low stage group (P < 0.05). The positive rate of urine BFP was high in patients with urinary tract infection.Conclusion: Determining urine BFP, when combined with urinary cytology, is considered very useful for diagnosing patients with urinary tract epithelial cancer. This study suggests the possibility of urine BFP being superior to urinary cytology for screening early cancer and also as an indicator for observations on the clinical course.
Differences in cell kinetic changes among renal cancer cell lines treated with interferon‐α
Authors: Kasuya Yutaka , Hosaka Yoshio , Matsushima Hisashi , Goto Toshitaka , Kitamura Tadaichi 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: Interferon (IFN)‐α shows certain clinical effects on the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. The purpose of the present study was to investigate its direct effects and to compare the responses among different human renal cancer cell lines.Methods: Three cell lines, ACHN, RCC10RGB and OS‐RC‐2, were incubated with IFN‐α and evaluated using MTT assay for cell proliferation and two‐color flow cytometry for cell‐cycle‐specific cyclin expressions coupled with DNA ploidy analysis.Results: Interferon‐α inhibited cell proliferation and caused cell accumulation at S and G2/M phases. However, IFN‐α induced no significant change in cyclins D1, E, A or B1 expression. Interestingly, cell kinetic changes caused by IFN‐α were different among cell lines. Cell proliferation was suppressed most in ACHN, then RCC10RGB and least in OS‐RC‐2. Comparing DNA histograms, ACHN showed distinct increase of G2/M cells associated with elevation of late S cells. RCC10RGB showed a predominant increase of whole S cells accompanied with a slight increase of G2/M. OS‐RC‐2 showed a modest increase of S cells with a little change of G2/M cells. Chronological observation revealed that S‐phase increase and proliferative inhibition appeared on day 1 and day 3, respectively, in ACHN and RCC10RGB, and on day 5 in OS‐RC‐2.Conclusions: Interferon‐α induced substantial cell kinetic interference directly in the tested human renal carcinoma cell lines. The degree of change was different according to the nature of the cell line. It may partly indicate the variety of the efficacy of IFN‐α treatment against renal cancers.