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Abstract Coronary heart disease (CHD) risk is influenced by socioeconomic status-related parameters, particularly occupation. We investigated occupational gaps in CHD risk and how the introduction of remote work moderated the observed occupational differences in CHD risk during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Japan. Data from a web-based, nationwide cohort study, comprising 17,640 workers (aged 20–65 years) with baseline data from December 2020, were analyzed. Participants were grouped by occupation as upper-level nonmanual workers (managers/professionals) and others (reference group). The primary outcome was CHD (angina pectoris/myocardial infarction) onset retrospectively confirmed at the 1-year follow-up survey. Upper-level nonmanual workers exhibited a higher CHD incidence than others (2.3% vs. 1.7%). This association was pronounced in the younger (20–49 years) population, with a significant CHD risk (adjusted risk ratio = 1.88). Upper-level nonmanual workers exhibited nearly 15% higher remote work prevalence, with a significant remote work-related CHD risk (adjusted risk ratio = 1.92). The mediating effects of remote work explained an overall disparity of 32% among the younger population. Occupational gaps in CHD incidence in Japan differ from those in Western countries, where upper-level nonmanual workers have lower cardiovascular risk. In Japan, remote work can mediate CHD risk in the younger population of upper-level nonmanual workers.

Abstract Background Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) has been in operation in Japan since 2001, allowing patients almost anywhere in the nation to receive on-scene emergency treatment from physicians. However, there is insufficient literature on the characteristics of the patients who use Japanese HEMS. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the overall characteristics of patients receiving HEMS care within a single prefecture in Japan. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data of 5163 patients—in Tochigi Prefecture—who received HEMS care from 2012 to 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the following aspects of care: diagnosis, severity, background characteristics, geographical and environmental variables, immediate pre-hospital intervention, transportation type, and short-term clinical outcomes. Results Among 7370 HEMS requests received during the study period, treatment was provided to 5163 patients (1.8 cases per day; 3489 men [67.6%]). Nearly 55% (n = 2856) of patients were aged above 60 years. Age peaks were observed at 0–9 years and 60–69 years. The median distance from the base hospital to the site was 26.7 km. The age-standardized rate of HEMS treatment was 30.3 patients per 100,000 people. Cases of trauma and cardiovascular diseases were the most common (65.3%). Most individuals aged 0–9 years and 60–69 years had neurological disease (seizures accounted for 80.5% of this group) and cardiovascular disease, respectively. The number of patients was similar across all four seasons. After immediate pre-hospital intervention, 81.6% of patients receiving HEMS care were transferred by the helicopter ambulance (53.4% and 28.2% to the base hospital and to other hospitals, respectively). Overall, 56.6% of patients receiving HEMS care were transferred to the base hospital, and the short-term recovery rate was above 75%. Intravenous drip and oxygen administration were the most common pre-hospital interventions (93.1% and 72.7%, respectively). Conclusions This study is the first to describe the overall characteristics of HEMS patients using comprehensive data of all HEMS patients in one prefecture in Japan. Further research using both local- and national-level data is needed to accelerate the understanding of the benefits of HEMS.

Abstract Electrocautery is a promising treatment option for patients with Hunner type interstitial cystitis (HIC), but frequently requires multiple sessions due to recurrence of the lesions. In the present study, we assessed the relationship between the frequency of electrocautery of Hunner lesions and changes in maximum bladder capacity (MBC) at hydrodistension in a large cohort of 118 HIC patients. Three mixed-effect linear regression analyses were conducted for MBC against (1) the number of sessions; (2) the number of sessions and the time between each session and the first session; and (3) other relevant clinical parameters in addition to the Model (2). The mean number of sessions was 2.8 times. MBC decreased approximately 50 mL for each additional electrocautery session, but this loss was offset by 10 mL for each year the subsequent session was postponed. MBC of

Background: We performed this study to investigate the inequalities in site-specific cancer incidences among workers across different occupations in Korea. Methods: Subjects included members of the national employment insurance. Incident cancers among 8,744,603 workers were followed from 1995 to 2007. Occupational groups were classified according to the Korean Standard Occupational Classification. Age-standardized incidence rate ratios were calculated. Results: We found that men in service/sales and blue-collar occupations had elevated rates of esophageal, liver, laryngeal, and lung cancer. Among women, service/sales workers had elevated incidences of cervical cancer. Male prostate cancer, female breast, corpus uteri, and ovarian cancers, as well as male and female colorectal, kidney, and thyroid cancer showed lower incidences among workers in lower socioeconomic occupations. Conclusions: Substantial differences in cancer incidences were found depending on occupation reflecting socioeconomic position, in the Korean working population. Cancer prevention policy should focus on addressing these socioeconomic inequalities. Keywords: Cancer incidence, Korea, Occupation, Socioeconomic disparity

Abstract Background Little is known about occupational disparities in bladder cancer survival. Methods Using data from a population‐based cancer registry (1970‐2016), we identified 3593 patients with incident bladder cancer diagnosed during 1970‐2011 who completed occupational information. The patients were followed for 5 years (median follow‐up time 5.0 years). Their longest‐held occupations at incident bladder cancer diagnosis were classified according to a national standardized classification. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall death were estimated by Cox proportional hazard model, adjusted for age, sex, and year of diagnosis. Clerical workers served as the reference group. Results Overall prognosis was fair in this population (5‐year overall survival, 61.9%). Compared with patients in clerical jobs, survival was poorer for those in professional and managerial jobs (mortality HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.09‐1.69), sales and service jobs (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01‐1.56), construction jobs (HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.40‐2.38), and manufacturing jobs (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.05‐1.66), as well as those not actively employed (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.02‐1.58). A similar pattern was observed in the subgroup analyses restricted to male patients as well as additional analyses adjusted for potential prognostic variables (eg, stage) with multiple imputation. Conclusion We documented occupational disparities in bladder cancer survival in Japan. However, the pattern of disparity did not favor highest occupational groups.

Objectives Knowledge on the impact of heated tobacco product (HTP) use in pregnant women with associated maternal and neonatal risks for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and low birth weight (LBW) is limited. We aimed to assess the status of HTP use among pregnant women in Japan and explore the association of HTP use with HDP and LBW.Design Cross-sectional study.Setting Data from the Japan ‘COVID-19 and Society’ Internet Survey study, a web-based nationwide survey.Participants We investigated 558 postdelivery and 365 currently pregnant women in October 2020.Primary and secondary outcome measures Information on HDP and LBW was collected from the postdelivery women’s Maternal and Child Health Handbooks (maternal and newborn records). We estimated the age-adjusted ORs and 95% CIs of ever HTP smokers for HDP and LBW and compared them with those of never HTP smokers in a logistic regression analysis.Results The prevalence of ever and current HTP use were 11.7% and 2.7% in postdelivery women and 12.6% and 1.1% in currently pregnant women, respectively. Among currently pregnant women who were former combustible cigarette smokers, 4.4% (4/91) were current HTP smokers. Among postdelivery women, ever HTP smokers had a higher HDP incidence (13.8% vs 6.5%, p=0.03; age-adjusted OR=2.48, 95% CI 1.11 to 5.53) and higher LBW incidence (18.5% vs 8.9%, p=0.02; age-adjusted OR=2.36, 95% CI 1.16 to 4.87).Conclusions In Japan, the incidence of ever HTP use exceeded 10% among pregnant women, and HTP smoking may be associated with maternal and neonatal risks.

Abstract Objectives Little is known about the risk of developing various cancers according to occupation and occupational physical activity. Methods Using nationwide clinical inpatient data (1984‐2017) in Japan, we undertook a multicentered, matched case‐control study with regard to the risk of developing various cancers according to occupation and using patients admitted with fractures as controls. Using standardized national occupation and industrial classifications, we first identified the longest‐held job for each patient. Using sales workers as the reference group, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by conditional logistic regression, adjusted for age, admission period, and the admitting hospital, with smoking, alcohol consumption, and lifestyle diseases as covariates. The risk of high and low occupational physical activity was also estimated. Results Across all occupations, a reduced risk for all common cancers among males was observed among those occupations associated with high physical activities, such as agriculture. People in these occupations tended to show a lower risk for most cancers, including, for example, prostate cancer (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.45‐0.75) and lung cancer (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.51‐0.76). For females, the breast cancer risk was low in women engaged in agriculture (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.45‐0.75) and in those occupations with high levels of occupational physical activity (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.52‐0.66). Conclusions This study revealed differences in cancer risk among diverse occupations in Japan. Specifically, those occupations associated with high levels of physical activity may be associated with a decreased risk of cancer.

Abstract Background Little is known about occupational class differences in pancreatic cancer survival. Methods Using a population‐based cancer registry in Japan, 3 578 patients with incident pancreatic cancer (1970‐2011) were followed up for 5 years (median follow‐up time 0.42 years). We classified patients into four occupational classes based on their longest‐held jobs: white‐collar (professional and managers), service, blue‐collar, and those not actively employed. Using white‐collar class as the reference group, hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall death were estimated by Cox proportional hazard model. Covariates included age, sex, and year of diagnosis. Prognostic variables (pathology, stage, and treatment) and smoking behaviors were additionally adjusted as possible mediating factors. Results Overall survival was poor in this population (median, 0.50 and 0.33 years in white‐collar and service classes, respectively). Compared with white‐collar patients, survival was significantly poorer across all occupational classes, most pronounced in the service worker group: mortality HRs ranged from 1.11 (95% CI 1.00‐1.24) in blue‐collar workers to 1.24 (95% CI 1.12‐1.37) in service workers. Even after controlling for potential mediating factors, service workers showed worse survival. Conclusion We documented occupational class disparities in pancreatic cancer survival in Japan. Even in the setting of lethal prognostic cancer with universal health coverage, high‐occupational class groups may enjoy a health advantage.

The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of gene polymorphisms, in combination with habitual caffeine consumption, to the effect of caffeine intake on hemodynamic and psychoactive parameters. A double-blind, prospective study was conducted with 201 healthy volunteers randomly allocated 2:1 to the caffeinated group (150 mL decaffeinated coffee with additional 200 mg caffeine) or decaffeinated group (150 mL decaffeinated coffee). We measured the changes in blood pressure (BP) and calculation speed upon coffee intake, stratifying with gene polymorphisms, e.g., those in adenosine A2A receptor (ADORA2A) and cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, and daily caffeine consumption (≤90 mg/day and >90 mg/day). Overall, caffeine intake independently increased BP and calculation speed (p-values

Abstract Little is known about socioeconomic inequalities in male cancer incidence in nonwestern settings. Using the nationwide clinical and occupational inpatient data (1984‐2016) in Japan, we performed a multicentered, matched case–control study with 214 123 male cancer cases and 1 026 247 inpatient controls. Based on the standardized national classifications, we grouped patients’ longest‐held occupational class (blue‐collar, service, professional, manager), cross‐classified by industrial cluster (blue‐collar, service, white‐collar). Using blue‐collar workers in blue‐collar industries as the referent group, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by conditional logistic regression with multiple imputation, matched for age, admission date, and admitting hospital. Smoking and alcohol consumption were additionally adjusted. Across all industries, a reduced risk with higher occupational class (professionals and managers) was observed for stomach and lung cancer. Even after controlling for smoking and alcohol consumption, the reduced odds persisted: OR of managers in white‐collar industries was 0.80 (95% CI 0.72‐0.90) for stomach cancer, and OR of managers in white‐collar industries was 0.66 (95% CI 0.55‐0.79) for lung cancer. In white‐collar industries, higher occupational class men tended to have lower a reduced risk for most common types of cancer, with the exception of professionals who showed an excess risk for prostate cancer. We documented socioeconomic inequalities in male cancer incidence in Japan, which could not be explained by smoking and alcohol consumption.

Abstract Background and aims In Western countries, sex differences in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) histology and survival have been previously described: compared with men, clear cell subtype is more common but overall prognosis is better among women. The goal of the present study was to examine sex differences in RCC histology and survival in Japan, using a large‐scale population‐based data set. Methods With the use of a population‐based cancer registry in Japan (2004‐2016), patients with primary RCC were followed for 5 years (median follow‐up time 2.1 years). We distinguished histological subtypes of clear cell, papillary, and chromophobe from “others” subtype. Sex‐specific prevalence ratio (PR) for each histological subtype was estimated by Poisson regression with robust variance, adjusted for age and year of diagnosis. Sex‐specific survival rates were estimated by Cox proportional hazard regression, adjusted for age, year of diagnosis, histological subtypes, and other prognostic variables, with multiple imputation. Results The prevalence of clear cell and “others” subtypes was similar between men and women among all the 5265 study subjects during the 12 years of study (clear cell, male 88.6% vs female 87.1%; “others“, male 5.3% vs female 5.3%). However, papillary subtype was less common among women than men (male 4.6% vs female 2.8%; PR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.45‐0.88), while chromophobe subtype was more common among women (male 1.6% vs female 4.8%; PR = 3.18; 95% CI, 2.26‐4.47). Although “others” subtype (but not papillary/chromophobe subtypes) independently predicted prognosis (HR = 1.74; 95% CI, 1.32‐2.30), no sex differences were observed in RCC survival. Conclusion We did not observe a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of clear cell subtype between men and women in Japan, which differs from the pattern previously described in Western countries. Sex differences in RCC histology may not affect RCC survival in this population.

Background: Participation in community activities (eg, sports and hobby groups or volunteer organizations) is believed to be associated with better health status in the older population. We sought to (1) determine whether a greater diversity of group membership is associated with better self-rated health and (2) identify the key dimension of the membership diversity (eg, gender, residential area, or age). Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of 129,740 participants aged 65 years and older who were enrolled in the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study in 2013. We assessed the diversity of group membership using (1) a continuous variable (range 0–4) accounting for the total degree of each diversity dimension or (2) dummy variables for each dimension. We estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for better self-rated health according to the diversity of group membership, using Poisson regression and robust variance with multiple imputation, adjusted for other covariates. Results: The participants involved in social groups with greater diversity had better self-rated health: the PR per one point unit increase in diversity was 1.03 (95% CI, 1.02–1.04). Participation in gender-diverse groups was associated with the best profile of health (PR 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04–1.09). Conclusions: Among the older population in Japan, higher group diversity is associated with better self-rated health. Gender is the key dimension of diversity that is associated with better self-rated health.

Abstract Introduction To examine whether sex and polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B6 and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A9 affect the difference between predicted and measured plasma propofol concentration during continuous infusion by target-controlled infusion. Results Blood samples of 69 patients (48 men and 21 women) were obtained at 4 h after initial propofol infusion. Percentage performance error (PE) was calculated to assess the difference between measured and predicted propofol concentration. Regression coefficients (β) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of sex and the polymorphisms of CYP2B6 and UGT1A9 for PE were, separately and mutually, estimated with linear regression. Covariates included age and body mass index in the minimal adjusted model, and additionally included clinical factors (mean blood pressure, heart rate, volume of intravenous fluid, surgical site, surgical position, and pneumoperitoneum) in the full adjusted model. PE was higher in men than in women (28.7% versus 10.5%, p = 0.015). Female sex was inversely associated with PE: the minimal adjusted β = − 8.84 (95% CI, − 16.26 to − 1.43); however, the fully adjusted β with clinical factors became not significant. The average of PE did not differ between polymorphisms of CYP2B6 and UGT1A9, and β of CYP2B6 516G>T polymorphisms mutually adjusted with female sex was not significant. Mean blood pressure, heart rate, and volume of intravenous fluid were independently associated with PE in the full adjusted model. Conclusions Under 4 h anesthesia with propofol target-controlled infusion in our population, sex differences appeared to exist in the propofol concentration, which might be largely mediated by clinical factors, such as hemodynamic status. Trial registration UMIN-CTR UMIN000009015, Registered 1 October 2012

Abstract Background Direct-to-consumer information (DTCI) campaign is a new medium to inform and empower patients in their decision-making without directly promoting specific drugs. However, little is known about the impact of DTCI campaigns, expanding rapidly in developed countries, on changes in prescription patterns. We sought to determine whether a DTCI campaign on overactive bladder increases the prescription rate for overactive bladder treatment drugs. Methods We performed a 3-year retrospective cohort study of 1332 participants who were diagnosed overactive bladder but not prescribed treatment drugs prior to the examined DTCI campaign (exposure), using the health insurance claims dataset of the Japan Medical Data Center (November 19, 2010 to November 18, 2013). The DTCI campaign for overactive bladder included television, Internet, and print advertising (November 19, 2011 to December 22, 2011). We divided the study period into Pre-Campaign Year (2010–2011), Year 1 (2011–2012), and Year 2 (2012–2013). Each year began on November 19 and included Period 1 (weeks 1–5) through Period 10 (weeks 46–50). The main outcome was first-time prescription of the treatment drug for each patient, measured by 5-week periods. Using Period 10 in the Pre-Campaign Year as the referent period, we applied the Cox proportional hazard model for each period. Additionally, we performed the interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) for the first-time prescription rate per 5-week period. Results Following the DTCI campaign, patients were about seven times more likely to receive a first prescription of a treatment drug during Period 4 in Year 1 (hazard ratio 7.09; 95% CI, 2.11–23.8; p-value

Background In contemporary Western settings, higher occupational class is associated with lower risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence, including coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. However, in non‐Western settings (including Japan), the occupational class gradient for cardiovascular disease risk has not been characterized. Methods and Results Using a nationwide, multicenter hospital inpatient data set (1984–2016) in Japan, we conducted a matched hospital case‐control study with ≈1.1 million study subjects. Based on a standard national classification, we coded patients according to their longest‐held occupational class (blue‐collar, service, professional, manager) within each industrial sector (blue‐collar, service, white‐collar). Using blue‐collar workers in blue‐collar industries as the referent group, odds ratios and 95% CIs were estimated by conditional logistic regression with multiple imputation, matched for sex, age, admission date, and admitting hospital. Smoking and drinking were additionally controlled. Higher occupational class (professionals and managers) was associated with excess risk for CHD. Even after controlling for smoking and drinking, the excess odds across all industries remained significantly associated with CHD, being most pronounced among managers employed in service industries (odds ratio, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.08–1.31). On the other hand, the excess CHD risk in higher occupational class was offset by their lower risk for stroke (eg, odds ratio for professionals in blue‐collar industries, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.70–0.85). Conclusions The occupational “gradient” in cardiovascular disease (with lower risk observed in higher status occupations) may not be a universal phenomenon. In contemporary Japanese society, managers and professionals may experience higher risk for CHD.

Little is known about the growth patterns of low birth weight neonates (

Purpose: High mobility group box (HMGB) proteins are nuclear nonhistone chromosomalproteins that bend DNA, bind preferentially to distorted DNA structures, and promote the assemblyof site-specific DNA binding proteins. Recent reports indicate that HMGB1 functionsas a proinflammatory cytokine. Here, we studied expressions of HMGB1 and HMGB2 in humanrenal cancer.Material and Methods: Immunohistological expressions of HMGB1 and HMGB2 were assessedin 39 surgically resected human renal cancer specimens.Results: HMGB1 was expressed in the nucleus in 37 out of 39 (94.9%) renal clear cell cancers,while its expression in the cytosol was noted in 19 cases (48.7%). Cytosolic HMGB1 isexpressed more frequently in cancers beyond the pT1b classification than in those at the pT1aclassification. Higher tumor grades (≥ G2) were also significantly linked with the cytosolicexpression of HMGB1. HMGB2 was expressed in the nucleus in 35 of 39 (89.7%) renal clearcell cancers, while its expression in the cytosol was observed in only 7 case (17.9%). Linkagebetween cytosolic expression of HMGB2 and T classifications was weakly observed, while thatbetween nuclear expression and T classifications was not.Conclusion: HMGB1 expressed in the cytoplasm may be an effective marker indicating higherT classifications and tumor grades.

To investigate the cause of the adult-onset primary noncommunicating hydrocele testis, protein expressions of water channel aquaporins (AQPs) 1 and 3 in the tunica vaginalis were assessed. Frozen tunica vaginalis specimens from patients with adult-onset primary hydrocele testis and control male nonhydrocele patients were subjected to Western blot analysis for the detection of AQP1 and AQP3 proteins. Paraffin-embedded sections of tunica vaginalis specimens were histochemically stained with anti-AQP1 and anti-AQP3 antibodies as well as an anti-podoplanin antibody to stain lymphatic endothelia. Hydrocele fluid was subjected to biochemical analysis. AQP1 protein expression in the tunica vaginalis was significantly higher in patients with adult-onset hydrocele testis than in the controls. The AQP3 protein was not detected in the tunica vaginalis. Histochemically, AQP1 expression in the tunica vaginalis was localized in vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells. The densities of AQP1-expressing capillaries and lymphatic vessels were similar between the tunica vaginalis of the controls and those of hydrocele patients. Sodium levels were higher in the hydrocele fluid than in the serum. In conclusion, overexpression of the AQP1 protein in individual capillary endothelial cells of the tunica vaginalis may contribute to the development of adult-onset primary noncommunicating hydrocele testis as another aquaporin-related disease.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a chronic syndrome defined by symptoms of urinary urgency with no underlying medical causes. First-line treatment of OAB comprises fluid intake advice and bladder training, supplemented by anticholinergic drugs if necessary. Owing to the chronic nature of OAB, the ideal anticholinergic treatment should have good long-term efficacy and tolerability. There are many anticholinergics available, although some of these are not specific for the bladder and can cause adverse effects such as dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision or cognitive impairment. Imidafenacin (a newer anticholinergic which has been marketed in Japan since 2007) was developed to improve the tolerability of anticholinergic therapy. This article summarizes the pharmacological properties, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy and tolerability of imidafenacin in the treatment of OAB. Data from key clinical studies of imidafenacin show that it has a fast onset of action and is effective for the treatment of OAB. It selectively binds to muscarinic receptors in the bladder and is associated with a good safety profile compared with other anticholinergics. The clinical efficacy, superior tolerability and adjustable dosing of imidafenacin make it a good anticholinergic for the treatment of OAB.

Background. Most patients with metastatic prostate cancer are endocrinologically treated with LHRH agonist, but finally castration-refractory and hormone-refractory cancers occur. Serum testosterone levels get low to “the castration level” by LHRH agonists but may not get low enough against castration-refractory prostate cancer. Methods. As case series, twelve patients suffering from hormone-refractory prostate cancer continuously on LHRH agonist underwent surgical castration. Additionally, one hundred and thirty-nine prostate cancer patients on LHRH agonist or surgical castration were tested for serum total testosterone levels. Results. Surgical castration caused decrease in serum PSA in one out of 12 hormone-refractory prostate cancer patients with PSA reduction rate 74%. Serum total testosterone levels were below the sensitivity threshold (0.05 ng/mL) in 40 of 89 (44.9%) medically castrated patients and 33 of 50 (66.0%) surgically castrated patients (P=.20). Conclusion. Even hormone-refractory prostate cancer patients are candidates for surgical castration because of endocrinological, oncological, and economical reasons.

Transurethral resection of the prostate is the gold standard of surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Nevertheless, open subcapsular prostatectomy is still performed for large BPH. While enucleation of prostatic adenoma is being performed, unneglectable bleeding can occur and surgeons need to rush to remove adenomas, often using fingers and in a blinded fashion. The blood supply to the prostatic capsule and adenoma can be reduced to a marked extent in subcapsular prostatectomy if the bilateral internal iliac arteries are transiently occluded. Thus, a bloodless operative field is reasonably acquired during enucleation of adenoma, which would, otherwise, be a cause for concern to surgeons due to bleeding. It is not always applicable, but it could be an option if the estimated volume of BPH is more than 100 mL. In two cases, bilateral internal iliac arteries were occluded with Bulldog clamps, and then adenomas of 159 and 97 g were enucleated.

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are associated with proliferative lesions in a variety of human epithelial types. A 38-year-old female presented with a diagnosis of urethral condyloma acuminatum. She underwent transurethral resection of the urethral condyloma. At that time, multiple (five) bladder tumors were simultaneously found and also removed by transurethral resection. Four of the bladder tumors were diagnosed as squamous papilloma, and the other was urothelial inverted papilloma. Postoperative course was uneventful. Genomic DNA was extracted from 10 μm thick sections of each bladder tumor as well as urethral condyloma. Then, 16 types of HPV DNA sequences were assessed with the PapiPlex method using genomic DNA samples extracted from each bladder tumor as well as urethral condyloma. HPV-11 was detected in DNA extracted from the urethral condyloma, while no HPV DNA sequences were positive in any of the genomic DNA samples extracted from the bladder tumors.

Objectives. Overactive bladder (OAB) is a chronic disease, but comparative trials of anticholinergics, which are commonly used for treatment of OAB, have generally been performed for up to 12 weeks only. There is no comparative study of a long-term intervention. Methods. We conducted a 52-week prospective randomized comparative study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of two anticholinergics. Results. Forty-one Japanese patients with untreated OAB were randomly assigned to imidafenacin and solifenacin groups. There was no difference in OABSS and KHQ scores between the two groups, but the severity and incidence of adverse events caused by the anticholinergics showed increased differences between the groups with time. The severity of dry mouth and the incidence of constipation were significantly lower in the imidafenacin group (𝑃=0.0092 and 𝑃=0.0013, resp.). Conclusions. This study is the first long-term trial to show differences in the properties of anticholinergics that were not detected in short-term studies. Since OAB is a chronic disease, we conclude that imidafenacin is preferable to solifenacin from a perspective of safety.

Carcinosarcoma is a rare biphasic neoplasia containing both malignant mesenchymal and epithelial elements. Bladder carcinosarcoma commonly presented as high-grade, advanced stage, and aggressive behavior with a poor prognosis. An 83-year-old male presented with painless gross hematuria to our hospital. Cystoscopy revealed massive nonpapillary bladder tumor on the right wall. The 91 g tumor could be completely removed with transurethral resection. Histology of the tumor was diagnosed as carcinosarcoma with no submucosal invasion composed of biphasic malignant epithelial and mesenchymal cells. Epithelial malignancy was urothelial cancer and mesenchymal one was chondrosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma. The specimens taken at the second-look TUR-Bt revealed that carcinoma in situ (urothelial cancer) but not sarcoma existed at the mucosa surrounding the previous tumor site. 80 mg of BCG instillation intravesically every week for six weeks was successfully administered to the patient. There is no tumor recurrence for 6 months after treatments.

Hemorrhagic cystitis is a disorder which causes bleeding from diffusely inflammatory bladder mucosa. Here we present a case of severe hemorrhagic cystitis caused by melphalan. A 70-year-old man with multiple myeloma was presented with suddenly commenced massive gross hematuria. During an attempt of transurethral coagulation of bladder mucosa, bladder perforation into peritoneal cavity was suspected, then open laparotomy was indicated. We isolated bilateral internal iliac arteries and ligated them in order to control continued bleeding. After that, bladder bleeding was suddenly diminished. Ligation of internal iliac arteries may be a choice in controlling massive bleeding from bladder with severe hemorrhagic cystitis when laparotomy was inevitable.

Hydrocele stones are freely mobile calcified bodies lying between the tunica vaginalis layers, and they are relatively rare. We present here another case of hydrocele stone incidentally discovered when castration was being undergone for the endocrine treatment of prostate cancer. A 71-year-old man was diagnosed as stage D2 prostate cancer with his prostate-specific antigen 387 ng/ml. A white smooth stone of 11 mm in diameter was incidentally found moving freely in the right hydrocele space during castration. The hydrocele stone was of yellow hard center with white materials around it. Crystallographical analysis of the hydrocele stone by a infrared spectrophotometer showed that the center was composed of 64% calcium carbonate and 36% calcium phosphate, while the outer portion was protein. Our case is the fourth where crystallographical analysis was reported for hydrocele stones.