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Graft unions of nursery stock of grapevine ( Vitis vinifera L.) collected in Japan yielded non-pathogenic strains of Agrobacterium. On the basis of classic diagnostic tests, a sequence analysis and a previously reported multiplex PCR method, the non-pathogenic strains ARK-1, ARK-2 and ARK-3 were identified as Agrobacterium vitis. Stems of grapevine seedlings were inoculated with both a cell suspension of seven mixed strains of A. vitis (Ti) as a pathogen and one of a new strain or A. vitis strain VAR03-1, one of the biological control agents against crown gall previously reported, as competitors to assay the suppression of tumour formation caused by the pathogen. In a test with a 1:1 cell ratio of pathogen/nonpathogen, strains ARK-1, ARK-2 and ARK-3 reduced the tumour incidence.. In particular, strain ARK-1 was strongest at inhibiting tumour formation in this study. Strain ARK-1 established populations on roots of grapevine tree rootstock and persisted on roots for a year. ARK-1, ARK-2 and ARK-3 did not produce a halo of inhibition against A. vitis (Ti) strain on YMA medium. Moreover, strain ARK-1 did not reduce tumour incidence on the stems of grapevine when ARK-1 was dead or only culture filtrate was used. This result indicates the possibility that these new strains inhibit grapevine crown gall in planta by a different mechanism other than VAR03-1. In particular, one of the new strains, named ARK-1, was most effective in inhibiting tumour formation on grapevine and appears to be a promising new agent to control grapevine crown gall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new decomposition system for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), based on dielectric barrier discharges combined with zeolite honeycomb sheets, has been developed. A discharge element was made of layered flat metal sheets covered with mica sheets separated by 2 mm, in which corrugated (honeycomb-shaped) ceramic sheets embedded with zeolites were inserted. This element was shown to satisfy the requirements of durability and flexibility to meet various sizes. Barrier discharges were investigated using this discharge element over wide ranges of operating conditions, in terms of the power consumption and decompositions of various types of VOCs. By selecting suitable operating scenarios, it was found that decomposition of more than 90% of most VOCs was possible, at reasonable power consumption and without electrode contamination by decomposition products. Finally, areas of competitive applications of the present system versus existing decomposition systems are also dicussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 168(1): 1–10, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20736 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Various invertebrates inhabiting hydrothermal vents possess sulfur-oxidizing bacteria in their tissues; however, the mechanisms by which toxic sulfides are delivered to these endosymbionts remain unknown. Recently, detoxification of sulfides using thiotaurine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, has been suggested. In this study, we propose the involvement of a taurine transporter in sulfide detoxification in the deep-sea mussel Bathymodiolus septemdierum by demonstrating: (i) the abundance of its mRNA in the gill; (ii) its activity under a wide range of salinities; (iii) its low Michaelis constant value in taurine transportation; and (iv) its affinity for thiotaurine and the thiotaurine precursor, hypotaurine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have identified cDNA encoding a new member of the adrenomedullin (AM) family, AM2, for the first time in mammals (mouse, rat and human). The predicted precursor carried mature AM2 in the C-terminus, which had an intramolecular ring formed by an S–S bond and a possibly amidated C-terminus. Phylogenetic analyses clustered AM2 and AM into two distinct but closely related groups. Similarity of exon–intron structure and synteny of neighboring genes showed that mammalian AM2 is an ortholog of pufferfish AM2 and a paralog of mammalian AM. AM2 mRNA was expressed in submaxillary gland, kidney, stomach, ovary, lymphoid tissues and pancreas of mice, but not in adrenal and testis. Intravenous injection of synthetic mature AM2 decreased arterial pressure more potently than AM, and induced antidiuresis and antinatriuresis in mice. These results show that at least two peptides, AM and AM2, comprise an adrenomedullin family in mammals, and that AM2 may play pivotal roles in cardiovascular and body fluid regulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dose‐dense gemcitabine and cisplatin (ddGC) as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).Patients with locally advanced MIBC (cT2aN0M0‐cT4N1M0) who received ddGC between December 2017 and December 2023 were included. Regimens of ddGC with pegfilgrastim were administered every 2 weeks for 4 cycles, followed by radical cystectomy. The pathological complete response (CR) (pT0N0) and objective response (OR) (

Objective Patients and Methods Results Conclusion To report the outcomes of repeat biopsies, metastasis and survival in the Prostate Cancer Research International: Active Surveillance (PRIAS)‐JAPAN study, a prospective observational study for Japanese patients, initiated in 2010.At the beginning, inclusion criteria were initially low‐risk patients, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) density (PSAD) <0.2, and ≤2 positive biopsy cores. As from 2014, GS3+4 has also been allowed for patients aged 70 years and over. Since January 2021, the age limit for Gleason score (GS) 3 + 4 cases was removed, and eligibility criteria were expanded to PSA ≤20 ng/mL, PSAD <0.25 nd/mL/cc, unlimited number of positive GS 3 + 3 cores, and positive results for fewer than half of the total number of cores for GS 3 + 4 cases if magnetic resonance imaging fusion biopsy was performed at study enrolment or subsequent follow‐up. For patients eligible for active surveillance, PSA tests were performed every 3 months, rectal examination every 6 months, and biopsies at 1, 4, 7 and 10 years, followed by every 5 years thereafter. Patients with confirmed pathological reclassification were recommended for secondary treatments.As of February 2024, 1302 patients were enrolled in AS; 1274 (98%) met the eligibility criteria. The median (interquartile range) age, PSA level, PSAD, and number of positive cores were 69 (64–73) years, 5.3 (4.5–6.6) ng/mL, 0.15 (0.12–0.17) ng/mL, and 1 (1–2), respectively. The clinical stage was T1c in 1089 patients (86%) and T2 in 185 (15%). The rates of acceptance by patients for the first, second, third and fourth re‐biopsies were 83%, 64%, 41% and 22%, respectively. The pathological reclassification rates for the first, second, third and fourth re‐biopsies were 29%, 30%, 35% and 25%, respectively. The 1‐, 5‐ and 10‐year persistence rates were 77%, 45% and 23%, respectively. Six patients developed metastasis, and one patient died from prostate cancer.Pathological reclassification was observed in approximately 30% of the patients during biopsy; however, biopsy acceptance rates decreased over time. Although metastasis occurred in six patients, only one death from prostate cancer was recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transurethral procedures such as direct vision internal urethrotomy and urethral dilation have been the traditional treatments for urethral strictures. However, transurethral procedures are associated with high recurrence rates, resulting in many uncured cases and prompting major international urological societies to recommend urethroplasty as the standard treatment owing to its high success rate. In contrast, many Japanese general urologists have little doubts about treating urethral strictures with transurethral treatment. Therefore, urethral stricture treatments in Japan are not in line with those used in other countries. To address this, the Trauma, Emergency Medicine, and Reconstruction Subcommittee of the Japanese Urological Association has developed guidelines to offer standardized treatment protocols for urethral stricture, based on international evidence and tailored to Japan's medical landscape. These guidelines target patients with a clinically suspected urethral stricture and are intended for urologists and general practitioners involved in its diagnosis and treatment. Following the Minds Clinical Practice Guideline Development Manual 2020, the committee identified eight critical clinical issues and formulated eight clinical questions using the “patient, intervention, comparison, and outcome” format. A comprehensive literature search was conducted. For six clinical questions addressed by the existing guidelines or systematic reviews, the level of evidence was determined by qualitative systematic reviews. Quantitative systematic reviews and meta‐analyses were performed for the two unique clinical questions. The recommendation grades were determined using the Delphi method and consensus by the committee. These guidelines will be useful to clinicians in daily practice, especially those involved in the care of urethral strictures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Immune checkpoint inhibitors and enfortumab vedotin have opened new avenues for sequential treatment strategies for locally advanced/metastatic urothelial carcinoma (la/mUC). In the pre‐enfortumab vedotin era, many patients could not receive third‐line treatment owing to rapid disease progression and poor general status. This study aimed to analyze real‐world sequential treatment practices for la/mUC in Japan, with a focus on patients who do not receive third‐line treatment. Methods: We analyzed data for 1023 la/mUC patients diagnosed between January 2020 and December 2021 at 54 institutions from a Japanese nationwide cohort. Results: At the median follow‐up of 28.5 months, the median overall survival from first‐line initiation for 905 patients who received systemic anticancer treatment was 19.1 months. Among them, 81% and 32% received second‐ and third‐line treatment. Notably, 52% had their treatment terminated before the opportunity for third‐line treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that low performance status (≥1), elevated neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (≥3), and low body mass index (<21 kg/m2) at the start of first‐line treatment were independent risk factors for not proceeding to third‐line treatment (p = 0.0024, 0.0069, and 0.0058, respectively). In this cohort, 33% had one of these factors, 36% had two, and 15% had all three. Conclusions: This study highlights the high frequency of factors associated with poor tolerance to anticancer treatment in la/mUC patients. The findings suggest the need to establish optimal sequential treatment strategies, maximizing efficacy within time and tolerance constraints, while concurrently providing strong supportive care, considering immunological and nutritional aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A segment of Mytilus galloprovincialis foot protein 3 (Mgfp-3) cDNA was amplified by means of reverse-transcription (RT)/PCR with degenerate primers. The 5' and 3' regions of the cloned segment were amplified by means of rapid amplification of eDNA ends. The 5'-region clones had almost identical nucleotide sequences, but two sequences were found among 3'-region clones. The Mgfp-3 coding region was amplified between a 5' untranslated sequence and one of two 3' untranslated sequences. Two cDNA clones which encoded variants Mgfp-3A and Mgfp-3B. were isolated. These two clones encoded proteins with 70 and 77 amino acid residues, of which the first 24 residues are predicted to be signal peptides. The existence of additional variants was suggested by the sequences of other clones. Thus, it was suggested that Mgfp-3 genes constitute a gene family. RT/PCR of RNA from developing larvae indicates that Mgfp-3 genes are transcribed after settlement. RT/PCR of RNA from major organs and in situ hybridization of the foot indicate that Mgfp-3 genes are transcribed in a limited part of the foot, i.e., the phenol gland and a distal part of the accessory gland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the synthesis of Al[sub 4]SiC[sub 4] from mixtures of aluminum, silicon and carbon and kaolin, aluminum, and carbon as starting materials. Gibbs energy of formation for the thermodynamic reaction; Conditions necessary for the synthesis.

The Japanese Urological Association's guidelines for the treatment of renal trauma were published in 2016. In conjunction with its revision, herein, we present the new guidelines for overall urotrauma. Its purpose is to provide standard diagnostic and treatment recommendations for urotrauma, including iatrogenic trauma, to preserve organ function and minimize complications and fatality. The guidelines committee comprised urologists with experience in urotrauma care, selected by the Trauma and Emergency Medicine Subcommittee of the Specialty Area Committee of the Japanese Urological Association, and specialists recommended by the Japanese Association for the Surgery of Trauma and the Japanese Society of Interventional Radiology. The guidelines committee established the domains of renal and ureteral, bladder, urethral, and genital trauma, and determined the lead person for each domain. A total of 30 clinical questions (CQs) were established for all domains; 15 for renal and ureteral trauma and five each for the other domains. An extensive literature search was conducted for studies published between January 1, 1983 and July 16, 2020, based on the preset keywords for each CQ. Since only few randomized controlled trials or meta‐analyses were found on urotrauma clinical practice, conducting a systematic review and summarizing the evidence proved challenging; hence, the grade of recommendation was determined according to the 2007 "Minds Handbook for Clinical Practice Guidelines" based on a consensus reached by the guidelines committee. We hope that these guidelines will be useful for clinicians in their daily practice, especially those involved in urotrauma care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: COVID‐19 incidence is high in patients with cancer. The fatality rate was high for the Delta variant, necessitating infection prevention by vaccination. This study evaluated the safety of a SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine in patients with advanced lung cancer receiving anticancer therapy. Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients receiving anticancer drugs for advanced lung cancer and planning SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination. Early side effects within 7 days of vaccination were evaluated using patient‐reported outcome (PRO) surveys. Chi‐square test and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used. Results: Post‐vaccination PROs were collected from 406 patients (252 were males). The mean age was 72 years. Treatment at the time of initial vaccination included chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), a combination of chemotherapy and ICI, targeted therapy including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and others in 115, 93, 45, 147, and six cases, respectively. The vaccines administered were BNT162b2 and mRNA273 in 361 and three cases, respectively and unknown in 42 cases. A total of 16.1% of patients developed fever (38°C) after the second mRNA vaccination (95% confidence interval: 12.6%–20.1%). This rate is comparable to data previously reported in 120 patients and slightly higher than that of healthy participants of the BNT162b2 study. Patients receiving treatment with cytotoxic anticancer agents were more likely to have high fever. Multivariate analysis showed no correlation between fever frequency and patient background. No serious initial adverse events due to vaccination were observed. Conclusions: Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccination is safe; however, post‐vaccination fever is more common in patients undergoing lung cancer treatment than in healthy individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of perioperative continuation of antithrombotic therapy on bleeding and complications in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) and nephroureterectomy (LNU). Methods: This was a retrospective observational study. Patients who underwent LRN and LNU between January 2017 and July 2019 at our institution were recruited. All patients taking antithrombotic agents continued taking them during the perioperative phase (AA group). Surgical outcomes of patients in the AA group were compared with those of patients who were not taking antithrombotic agents (NA group). The primary outcome was the rate of bleeding complications. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative estimated blood loss, transfusion rate, and complications for up to 90 days. Results: A total of 100 patients were included in the analysis, with 36 and 64 patients assigned to the AA and NA groups, respectively. Patients in the AA group were found to have more severe comorbidities than those in the NA group, with a Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥5, totaling 14 (39%) and 12 (19%), respectively (P =.03). According to surgical outcomes, none of the patients in the AA group required secondary procedures for bleeding complications. Moreover, there were no significant differences between the groups in intraoperative blood loss, hemoglobin deficit, rate of perioperative transfusion, readmission rate, or high‐grade complications. Discussion: These results indicate that perioperative use of antithrombotic agents does not increase the risk of bleeding and can be considered safe during LRN and LNU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor about the treatment of plasma cell granuloma of the urinary bladder is presented.

Background: Since 2020, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has become prevalent worldwide. In severe cases, the case fatality rate is high, and vaccine prevention is important. This study evaluated the safety of receiving SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine in patients with advanced lung cancer receiving anticancer therapy. Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients receiving anticancer drugs for advanced lung cancer who planned to receive SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination. Early adverse events within 7 days of vaccine injection were evaluated using patient‐reported surveys. The chi‐square test and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used. Results: Among 120 patients receiving lung cancer treatment, 73 were men; the mean age of the patients was 73.5 years. The treatments received for lung cancer at the time of the first vaccine injection were chemotherapy, ICIs, combined chemotherapy and ICIs, and targeted therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, in 30, 28, 17, and 45 patients, respectively. All patients received SARS‐CoV‐2 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine. After the second mRNA vaccine dose, 15.4% of patients had fever of 38°C (95% confidence interval: 9.34%–23.2%); this rate was slightly higher than that for healthy participants at the time of the BNT162b2 trial. Patients treated with cytotoxic anticancer drugs tended to have high fever. In the multivariate analyses, male sex was associated with higher fever frequencies. However, there were no serious early adverse events due to vaccination. Conclusions: Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccination tends to be safe, but fever following vaccination tends to be more common among patients undergoing lung cancer treatment than among healthy individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Constant evaluation of the outcomes of laparoscopic intracorporeal urinary diversion is not yet established. This study aimed to describe surgical outcomes and learning curve of intracorporeal ileal conduit (ICIC) following laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) at a single institution. Methods: From June 2012 to February 2018, 38 patients with bladder cancer underwent LRC with ileal conduit at our institution. Surgical outcomes were compared between ICIC (n = 30) and extracorporeal ileal conduit (ECIC) (n = 8). The learning curve during ICIC with regard to the operative time and complication rate was compared. Results: No significant differences in patient characteristics between the ICIC and ECIC groups were found. Comparison of outcomes between the ICIC and ECIC groups were as follows: median total operative time, 688 vs 713 minutes; urinary diversion time, 213 vs 192 minutes; and estimated blood loss, 450 vs 420 mL, respectively. The median time to walking and oral intake were similar in both groups. Rates of high‐grade complications associated with urinary diversion (Clavien‐Dindo grade ≥ III) were 3% in ICIC and 25% in ECIC. Although 25% of ECIC patients developed wound dehiscence (Clavien‐Dindo grade IIIb), no patient in the ICIC group had postoperative wound infection. For the learning curve of ICIC (n = 30), urinary diversion time decreased significantly (27 minutes decrease per 10 cases, P =.02). Clavien‐Dindo grade ≥ II complication did not occur after 20 cases. Conclusions: LRC with ICIC could be performed safely with low incidence of severe wound infection compared with ECIC. The incidence and severity of complications also decreased with time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of liquid biopsy for prediction of the efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment and for assessment of the changes in genetic alterations during such treatment.Methods: Plasma samples were prospectively collected from non-small cell lung cancer patients with EGFR-activating mutations during EGFR-TKI treatment until disease progression and were analyzed for such mutations with droplet digital polymerase chain reaction and for other somatic alterations with next-generation sequencing.Results: One hundred patients, including 87 who were EGFR-TKI naïve, were enrolled. Median progression-free survival was significantly shorter for EGFR-TKI-naïve patients with EGFR-activating mutations detected in plasma at baseline than for those without them (7.9 vs 19.0 months; P < .001), with the values being significantly longer for initially positive patients who became negative for these mutations at 12 or 24 weeks than for those who remained positive. An increase in the number of alleles positive for EGFR-activating mutations in plasma during treatment was associated with disease progression, with a hazard ratio of 4.72 (95% CI, 2.07-10.79; P < .001) for EGFR-TKI-naïve patients showing an increase within 36 weeks. For 55 patients with available samples, the total number of somatic alterations (other than activating mutations or T790M of EGFR) in plasma was higher at disease progression than at baseline (33 vs 19; P = 0.04).Conclusion: Liquid biopsy shows potential for prediction of EGFR-TKI efficacy and elucidation of clonal tumor evolution during targeted therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the perioperative outcomes of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy without renorrhaphy for cT1b renal tumors compared with cT1a. Methods: From February 2015 to May 2018, 100 robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy patients who underwent robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy without renorrhaphy for renal tumors were included. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records, and compared the perioperative outcomes of 66 and 34 patients for cT1a and cT1b tumors, respectively. Inner suture was carried out in the opened collecting system or renal sinus, whereas parenchymal renorrhaphy was not. For hemostasis, the soft‐coagulation system was used, and absorbable hemostats were placed on the resection bed. Results: The median tumor size and RENAL nephrometry score were significantly different between the two groups (cT1a vs cT1b: 23.5 vs 45 mm, P < 0.001, 6 vs 8, P < 0.001). The median operating time and warm ischemic time were significantly longer in the cT1b group than in the cT1a group (154 vs 184 min, P < 0.001; 14 vs 21 min, P < 0.001). The median blood loss was not significantly different (2.5 vs 50 mL, P = 0.109). The positive surgical margin rate was 4.5% versus 11.7% (P = 0.22). Postoperative complications classified as Clavien–Dindo grade III or higher were port‐site herniation (one patient), acute cholecystitis (one patient) and pseudoaneurysm (one patient) in the cT1b group. Urinary leakage was not observed in the two groups. Conclusions: Robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy without renorrhaphy using the soft‐coagulation system and absorbable hemostats appears to be feasible for renal or cT1b tumors. However, longer warm ischemic time and a high rate of complications can be expected compared with cT1a tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report the outcomes of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava thrombectomy for right renal cell carcinoma at Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan. Method: A retrospective review of the clinical records of five patients who underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava thrombectomy for right renal cell carcinoma between 2013 and 2017 was carried out. The surgical procedure included ligation and cutting of the right renal artery, followed by kidney mobilization. The left renal vein, and the caudal and cephalad sides of the inferior vena cava thrombus were clamped using laparoscopic vascular clamps, and the inferior vena cava was incised. The free kidney and tumor thrombus were placed en bloc in a retrieval bag. Subsequently, the inferior vena cava was laparoscopically closed using a continuous suture. Results: The median operative time, pneumoperitoneum time, blood loss and postoperative hospital stay were 316 min, 266 min, 400 mL and 7 days, respectively. The median clamp time was 28 min (range 13–105 min). One patient (20%) required a perioperative blood transfusion. The surgical margin was negative in all patients. Only one patient experienced a major complication (Clavien–Dindo grade ≥3), namely a postoperative hemorrhage requiring transarterial embolism. Conclusion: En bloc laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava thrombectomy is a challenging yet feasible procedure for experienced surgeons in carefully selected patients. Further studies of this surgical procedure are required for standardization and safe application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dacomitinib, a second‐generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is a standard therapeutic option for patients with EGFR‐mutant non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its efficacy in patients with central nervous system lesions is unclear. Here, we describe a case of EGFR‐mutant NSCLC whose neurological symptoms were due to leptomeningeal carcinomatosis that was successfully treated with dacomitinib. After initiation of dacomitinib, the neurological symptoms of the patient were remarkably improved and leptomeningeal dissemination and brain metastases were shown to have regressed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing the efficacy of dacomitinib in a patient with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis due to EGFR‐mutant NSCLC. The current case suggests that dacomitinib is a novel treatment option for patients with EGFR‐mutant NSCLC accompanied by central nervous system lesions, even those with symptomatic leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. Key points: Significant findings of the study: This is the first report showing the efficacy of dacomitinib in a patient with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis due to EGFR‐mutant NSCLC. What this study adds: The current case suggests that dacomitinib is a novel treatment option for patients with EGFR‐mutant NSCLC accompanied by CNS lesions, even in those with symptomatic leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: However, the common strategy for eliminating premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) is to explore the exit site and ablate, which may be difficult in some cases. The origin and the preferential pathway, an insulated pathway connected to the exit, may also become targets for eliminating PVCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the kidney entrapment technique using a zipped plastic bag during retroperitoneoscopic radical nephrectomy. Methods involved in performing the technique; Efficacy of the kidney entrapment technique in comparison with other method; Advantages and disadvantages involved in the performance of the treatment technique.

Abstract: CXCL12 is a chemokine essential for the organ-specific spread of a variety of cancers including small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Here, we examined the anti-metastatic efficacy of TF14016, a small peptidic inhibitor of CXCL12 receptor CXCR4, in SCLC. Treatment of mice with TF14016 significantly suppressed pulmonary metastases of CXCR4-expressing SCLC in size and number. Furthermore, histological examination revealed that the expression of vascular endothelial cell growth factor and the density of CD31-positive microvessels in metastatic foci were both significantly reduced in TF14016-treated mice. Collectively, CXCR4 could be an attractive target for anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic therapy in SCLC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The structural disorder and twin microtexture of (Ba0.24Ca0.76)2SiO4 crystal were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction, precession method, and optical microscopy. The crystal at 298 K was orthorhombic (space group Pnma, Z=4) with a=0.70490(5) nm, b=0.55399(4) nm, c=0.95532(7) nm, and V=0.37306(4) nm3. The crystal structure was satisfactorily described by a split-atom model, involving the positional disorder of Ba/Ca and O atoms across the (010) mirror plane. The crystal was found to be isostructural with α′H-Ca2SiO4, thus regarded as the stabilized α′H phase. The crystal grain was composed of orthorhombic domains in three different orientations. The unit cells within each domain were related to one another by the threefold pseudo-symmetry axis lost during the α-to-α′H transition. Each domain was most probably made up of sub-domains of the two mirror-related structural configurations with P21/ n symmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The standard protocol of antibiotic prophylaxis in radical prostatectomy remains to be established. We retrospectively compared the occurrence of perioperative infections following radical prostatectomy between two different protocols of antibiotic prophylaxis. Methods: This study included 106 cases of radical retropubic prostatectomy managed on the clinical pathways. Two different protocols of antibiotic prophylaxis were used in otherwise identical pathways. Between January and December 2004, 50 patients received a second generation cephem, cefotiam, for 4 days, beginning 30 min before surgery (4-day group), whilst between December 2004 and July 2005, only two doses of cefotiam were given on the day of operation in 56 patients (1-day group). The incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) and remote infection (RI) was retrospectively investigated. Results: Superficial incisional SSI occurred in one (1.8%) patient in the 1-day group, whereas no patient in the 4-day group developed SSI. No RI was observed in either the 1-day or 4-day group. Intravenous antibiotics were administered besides the pathway in a patient in the 1-day group because unexplained fever more than 38°C continued postoperative day (POD) 2 through POD 4 without signs of SSI or RI. Excluding this case, postoperative more than 38°C was rare and transient after POD 2. Conclusion: The incidence of SSI and RI was low and not significantly different between the 1-day and 4-day groups. Therefore, the 1-day protocol of prophylactic antibiotic treatment seems adequate for preventing perioperative infections in radical prostatectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, many cardiologists have recognized the existence of a rapidly reversible form of heart failure of unknown origin characterized by a takotsubo-shaped, dyskinetic left ventricle on left ventriculography.Aim: To determine the detailed clinical features of takotsubo cardiomyopathy.Methods: Thirteen elderly patients (11 women and 2 men with a mean age of 75.3 years) who had normal coronary arteries and takotsubo-like left ventricular dysfunction were prospectively enrolled in this study.Results: Cardiac enzymes did not increase significantly, but the mean plasma norepinephrine level was very high on admission (0.98 microg/l). Coronary angiography revealed normal coronary arteries in all patients, but left ventriculography showed apical akinesis combined with basal hyperkinesis, i.e., a takotsubo (Japanese octopus fishing pot)-shaped ventricle. Left ventricular wall motion normalized within a mean of 16.9 hospital days in 12 patients, but 1 patient died of acute renal failure on hospital day 7. Cardiac events did not recur during a follow-up period of 0.5 to 5 years.Conclusion: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy seems to be a new type of acute heart failure, which generally has a good prognosis and does not recur. Myocardial damage by catecholamine overload, adrenoceptor hypersensitivity, and changes of catecholamine dynamics due to stress may cause this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enable male patients to undergo uroflowmetry in a private condition without medical supervision, we devised an automatic switching and patient guidance system for the spinning disk uroflowmeter Urodyn 1000, using two commercial electronic devices (an infrared motion sensor tap and a memorizable vacuum fluorescent display). Instead of running the uroflowmeter continuously, which shortens the life of the spinning disk due to mechanical wear, an infrared motion sensor turns on the devices each time a patient enters the room. The patient urinates according to the timely instructions on the visible display and voided urine directly flows into a urinal. The devices are automatically turned off 5 min after the patient leaves the room. With the use of our system, men already acquainted with uroflowmetry could perform self-administered uroflowmetry any time in private. The system was considered useful for improving the quality of patient service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transurethral resection is usually performed using an all-in-one drape with a fluid collection pouch, drainage port and hose. Gravity drainage of irrigation fluid through the hose is often hampered, resulting in fluid retention in the pouch. We applied a siphon principle to facilitate fluid drainage by making a U-shaped bend near the distal end of the hose, using an adhesive tape, and hooking the distal end of inverted U shape on the edge of bucket placed on the floor. When the hose is filled with irrigation fluid up to the crest of the siphon, fluid flow driven by atmospheric pressure continues until the pouch is evacuated. Repriming and restarting occur automatically throughout the operation. This simple device has virtually eliminated fluid retention in the pouch and proved to be especially useful in transurethral prostatectomy, which requires a large amount of irrigation fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]