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The Japanese Surveillance Committee conducted a second nationwide surveillance of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of uropathogens responsible for acute uncomplicated cystitis (AUC) in premenopausal patients aged 16–40 years old at 31 hospitals throughout Japan from March 2015 to February 2016. In this study, the susceptibility of causative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus saprophyticus) for various antimicrobial agents was investigated by isolation and culturing of organisms obtained from urine samples. In total, 324 strains were isolated from 361 patients, including E. coli (n = 220, 67.9%), S. saprophyticus (n = 36, 11.1%), and K. pneumoniae (n = 7, 2.2%). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 20 antibacterial agents for these strains were determined according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) manual. At least 93% of the E. coli isolates showed susceptibility to fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins, whereas 100% of the S. saprophyticus isolates showed susceptibility to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. The proportions of fluoroquinolone-resistant and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli strains were 6.4% (13/220) and 4.1% (9/220), respectively. The antimicrobial susceptibility of K. pneumoniae was retained during the surveillance period, while no multidrug-resistant strains were identified. In summary, antimicrobial susceptibility results of our second nationwide surveillance did not differ significantly from those of the first surveillance. Especially the numbers of fluoroquinolone-resistant and ESBL-producing E. coli strains were not increased in premenopausal patients with AUC in Japan.

Gonococcal infections are difficult to treat because of their multidrug antimicrobial resistance. The outbreak of antimicrobial-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae has begun in Asia and particularly in Japan. Therefore, it is very important that we understand the trend of antimicrobial resistance of N. gonorrhoeae in Asia including Japan. Our surveillance of the antimicrobial susceptibility of N. gonorrhoeae began in 2000 under the guidance of the Department of Urology, Gifu University. We report our surveillance data from 2000 to 2015.We collected N. gonorrhoeae strains isolated from patients with gonococcal infections who visited our cooperating medical institutions in Japan from 2000 to 2015. MICs of penicillin G, cefixime, ceftriaxone, tetracycline, spectinomycin, azithromycin, and levofloxacin were determined by the agar dilution method approved by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.From 2000 to 2015, 2471 isolates of N. gonorrhoeae were collected in Japan. High rates of nonsusceptibility to penicillin, tetracycline, levofloxacin, cefixime, and azithromycin were shown. Around 5% to 10% of the strains isolated had a 0.25-mg/L MIC of ceftriaxone in each year, and 6 strains (0.24%) with a 0.5-mg/L MIC of ceftriaxone were isolated throughout the study period. Approximately 5% to 10% of the strains were resistant to each of ceftriaxone, azithromycin, and levofloxacin according to European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing breakpoints, and the rate has not increased significantly.From this study and previous pharmacodynamic analyses, a single 1-g dose of ceftriaxone is recommended to treat gonorrhea. As strains with high-level ceftriaxone resistance continue to spread, higher doses of ceftriaxone in monotherapy or multiple doses of ceftriaxone should be considered.

We investigated the efficacy of 2 α1-blockers with different affinities for the α1-adrenoceptor subtypes silodosin and naftopidil in the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement complicated by overactive bladder.This was a prospective, open label, randomized, multicenter study of 350 outpatients with untreated benign prostatic enlargement associated with urinary urgency at least once per week and an OABSS (Overactive Bladder Symptom Score) of 3 or greater. Patients were randomly assigned to receive silodosin 8 mg per day or naftopidil 75 mg per day. Changes in parameters from baseline to 4 and 12 weeks were assessed based on I-PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score), I-PSS quality of life, OABSS and voiding functions measured by uroflowmetry.On efficacy analysis a total of 314 patients were included in the 2 groups. No significant difference in adverse effects was observed between the groups. Mean I-PSS and I-PSS quality of life scores, and OABSS significantly improved in both groups. Statistically significantly greater improvement in the silodosin group than in the naftopidil group was observed in total OABSS (p = 0.03), I-PSS quality of life score (p = 0.005) and OABSS urgency score (p0.001) at 12 weeks. In regard to voiding function the maximum urinary flow rate showed significant improvements in both groups but the change in the maximum flow rate in the silodosin group at 12 weeks was significantly greater than in the naftopidil group (3.6 vs 2.1 ml per second).Silodosin, a pure α1A-adrenoceptor blocker, showed greater improvement in overactive bladder symptoms along with the urinary flow rate in patients with benign prostatic enlargement complicated by overactive bladder compared to naftopidil, an α1DA-adrenoceptor blocker.

Objective To investigate the etiology of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms during secondary treatment following initial unsuccessful therapy with α 1 -blockers in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/OAB patients. Methods BPH/OAB patients were selected if urinary urgency did not improve with initial α 1 -blocker therapy and if dose escalation was required as secondary treatment for a period of 8 weeks. The overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and uroflowmetry were evaluated. On the basis of the OABSS at the end of secondary therapy, we divided patients into two groups: patients in whom OAB symptoms improved ("resolved OAB group") and patients in whom OAB symptoms persisted ("persistent OAB group"). Differences in subjective symptoms and objective parameters between the groups were analyzed. Results OAB symptoms improved in 33 of 79 patients (42%) after secondary treatment. The changes in the total OABSS and International Prostate Symptom Score from the beginning of the secondary treatment were −2.15 and −3.97, respectively, in the resolved OAB group, indicating a significant decrease in the OABSS compared to that in the persistent OAB group (−0.91 and −1.11, respectively). The change in average flow rate ( Q ave ; +1.34) from the beginning of secondary treatment in the resolved OAB group was significantly greater than the change in the persistent OAB group (+0.58). Improvements in urgency and Q ave were significantly correlated ( r = −0.264, P = .031). Conclusion Improvement in urinary stream contributed to the resolution of OAB symptoms in BPH/OAB patients. In the management of OAB symptoms in BPH/OAB patients, examination and therapy for both urinary stream and OAB symptoms could be substantially important.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is one of the most important pathogens causing sexually transmitted infection, and strains that are resistant to several antimicrobials are increasing. To investigate the trends of antimicrobial susceptibility among N. gonorrhoeae strains isolated from male patients with urethritis, a Japanese surveillance committee conducted the first nationwide surveillance. The urethral discharge was collected from male patients with urethritis at 51 medical facilities from April 2009 to October 2010. Of the 156 specimens, 83 N. gonorrhoeae strains were tested for susceptibility to 18 antimicrobial agents. The prevalence of β-lactamase-producing strains and chromosomally mediated resistant strains were 7.2 % and 16.5 %, respectively. None of the strains was resistant to ceftriaxone, but the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ceftriaxone for 7 strains (8.4 %) was 0.125 μg/ml. One strain was resistant to cefixime (MIC 0.5 μg/ml). The MICs of fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and tosufloxacin, showed a bimodal distribution. The MIC of sitafloxacin was lower than those of the three fluoroquinolones listed here, and it was found that the antimicrobial activity of sitafloxacin was stronger than that of the fluoroquinolones. The MIC of azithromycin in 2 strains was 2 μg/ml, but no high-level resistance to macrolides was detected.

Genital chlamydial infection is a principal sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Chlamydia trachomatis can cause male urethritis, acute epididymitis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease as sexually transmitted infections. Fortunately, homotypic resistant C. trachomatis strains have not been isolated to date; however, several studies have reported the isolation of heterotypic resistant strains from patients. In this surveillance study, clinical urethral discharge specimens were collected from patients with urethritis in 51 hospitals and clinics in 2009 and 38 in 2012. Based on serial cultures, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) could be determined for 19 isolates in 2009 and 39 in 2012. In 2009 and 2012, the MICs (MIC90) of ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, tosufloxacin, sitafloxacin, doxycycline, minocycline, erythromycin, clarithromycin, and azithromycin were 2 μg/ml and 1 μg/ml, 0.5 μg/ml and 0.5 μg/ml, 0.125 μg/ml and 0.125 μg/ml, 0.063 μg/ml and 0.063 μg/ml, 0.125 μg/ml and 0.125 μg/ml, 0.125 μg/ml and 0.125 μg/ml, 0.016 μg/ml and 0.016 μg/ml, and 0.063 μg/ml and 0.063 μg/ml, respectively. In summary, this surveillance project did not identify any resistant strain against fluoroquinolone, tetracycline, or macrolide agents in Japan.

Objectives: To estimate correlations among lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), bother, and quality of life (QOL) and assess fluctuations in these parameters after α1-blocker administration in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: Untreated BPH patients with international prostate symptom scores (IPSS) ≥ 8 and IPSS-QOL scores ≥ 2 were administered tamsulosin at 0.2 mg/day for 4 weeks in a prospective multicenter study. We subsequently estimated the IPSS, bother score for each IPSS item, BPH impact index (BII), and IPSS-QOL score before and 4 weeks after tamsulosin administration. We also analyzed the LUTS that might strongly influence QOL by using a path analysis model. Results: Analyzable data were obtained from 198 of the 257 patients enrolled. The IPSS were highest for LUTS such as slow stream, followed by increased daytime frequency and nocturia. The bother score was highest for slow stream, followed by nocturia. We observed dissociations between IPSS and bother scores for both urgency and nocturia. After tamsulosin administration, total and individual IPSS, total and individual bother scores, total and individual BII scores, and IPSS-QOL score demonstrated significant improvements. Path analysis showed that physical discomfort and bothersomeness were BII items that strongly influenced QOL. Furthermore, feeling of incomplete emptying, urgency, and slow stream were LUTS that strongly influenced QOL. Conclusion: Tamsulosin administration improved patient QOL by possible mechanisms via improvement in subjective symptoms and bother. The LUTS that strongly influenced QOL comprised feeling of incomplete emptying, urgency, and slow stream.

Worldwide, the most important concern in the treatment of sexually transmitted infections is the increase in antimicrobial resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains including resistance to cephalosporins, penicillins, fluoroquinolones or macrolides. To investigate the trends of antimicrobial susceptibility among N. gonorrhoeae strains isolated from male patients with urethritis, a Japanese surveillance committee conducted the second nationwide surveillance study. Urethral discharge was collected from male patients with urethritis at 26 medical facilities from March 2012 to January 2013. Of the 151 specimens, 103 N. gonorrhoeae strains were tested for susceptibility to 20 antimicrobial agents. None of the strains was resistant to ceftriaxone, but the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 90% of ceftriaxone increased to 0.125 μg/ml, and 11 (10.7%) strains were considered less susceptible with an MIC of 0.125 μg/ml. There were 11 strains resistant to cefixime, and the MICs of these strains were 0.5 μg/ml. The distributions of the MICs of fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and tosufloxacin, were bimodal. Sitafloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, showed strong activity against all strains, including strains resistant to other three fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and tosufloxacin. The azithromycin MICs in 2 strains were 1 μg/ml.

Summary— The bladder response to prostaglandin (PG test) was investigated in chronic neurogenic bladders by isometric cystometry and compared with the results obtained from normal subjects. The urinary bladder was filled with 100 ml of saline and 100 μg of prostaglandin 995 were injected intravenously. The changes in bladder and intra-abdominal pressures were observed for up to 20 min. A rise in detrusor pressure of more than 20 cm of water was judged a positive response. Out of 21 neurogenic bladders 12 had a positive response. The result of the PG test demonstrated a good correlation with the supersensitivity test to bethanechol chloride which was performed on these patients on a different day. All of the normal subjects had negative responses. It was concluded that the chronically denervated bladder is supersensitive to prostaglandin 995.

The experiments reported here demonstrate for the first time that the isolated human seminiferous tubule is capable of undergoing contraction after exposure to noradrenaline and acetylcholine. Isoproterenol produces a relaxation of the seminiferous tubule. It is indicated that there are the adrenergic alpha and beta receptors and muscarinic receptors in the myoid cells of human seminiferous tubules.

The Japanese surveillance committee conducted the first nationwide surveillance of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of uropathogens responsible for female acute uncomplicated cystitis at 43 hospitals throughout Japan from April 2009 to November 2010. In this study, the causative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus) and their susceptibility to various antimicrobial agents were investigated by isolation and culturing of bacteria from urine samples. In total, 387 strains were isolated from 461 patients, including E. coli (n = 301, 77.8 %), S. saprophyticus (n = 20, 5.2 %), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 13, 3.4 %), and Enterococcus faecalis (n = 11, 2.8 %). S. saprophyticus was significantly more common in premenopausal women (P = 0.00095). The minimum inhibitory concentrations of 19 antibacterial agents used for these strains were determined according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute manual. At least 87 % of E. coli isolates showed susceptibility to fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins, and 100 % of S. saprophyticus isolates showed susceptibility to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. The proportions of fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli strains and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli strains were 13.3 % and 4.7 %, respectively. It is important to confirm the susceptibility of causative bacteria for optimal antimicrobial therapy, and empiric antimicrobial agents should be selected by considering patient characteristics and other factors. However, the number of isolates of fluoroquinolone-resistant or ESBL-producing strains in gram-negative bacilli may be increasing in patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in Japan. Therefore, these data present important information for the proper treatment of UTIs and will serve as a useful reference for future surveillance studies.

Summary— An estimation of the weight of the benign prostatic adenoma by quantitative analysis of the urethral pressure profile has been correlated with the surgically removed specimen in 23 patients. It has been found that the length of the continence zone can be used as an index of prostatic weight. After operation the length of the continence zone fell into the normal range of the age matched controls.

We report a case of renal hypertension 6 months after a panhysterectomy for cervical cancer. Clinical investigation revealed that recurrent cancer obstructed the left ureter, resulting in the formation of a gigantic perirenal pseudocyst and, subsequently, hypertension. Constriction of the renal parenchyma was responsible for the overactivity of the renin-angiotensin system (the Page phenomenon). Ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage relieved the symptomatology completely.