PROBABILITY OF SPERM RECOVERY IN NON-OBSTRUCTIVE AZOOSPERMIC PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH TESTES VOLUME LESS THAN 10 ml/FSH LEVEL EXCEEDING 20 mIU/ml

We evaluated the sperm recovery rate in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients presenting with bilateral testicular atrophy characterized by testes volume of less than 10ml and FSH levels exceeding 20 mIU/ml (group NOA-1), and compared the results to those NOA cases displaying unilateral testis volume exceeding 10 ml or FSH levels less than 20 mIU/ml (group NOA-2). Sperm retrieval was conducted in 261 azoospermic patients from April 1995 to December 2002. Forty-six NOA-1 and 37 NOA-2 individuals underwent microdissection TESE or 3-4 standard biopsies. Sperm recovery was achieved in 11 (24%) and 12 (32%) cases in NOA-1 and NOA-2, respectively. All couples received ICSI. Four clinical pregnancies (36.3%) in NOA-1 and two (17%) in NOA-2 resulted. Five subsequent healthy deliveries were obtained. NOA patients presenting with bilateral severe atrophic testes volume and obviously elevated FSH levels exhibited approximately 24% probability of sperm recovery. On the other hand, NOA characterized by testicular atrophy or elevated FSH levels displayed probability of approximately 32%. Differences in sperm recovery were not evident between NOA-1 and NOA-2. No successful pre-operative predictors of sperm recovery were identified.

Testicular sperm extraction and ICSI in patients with post-chemotherapy non-obstructive azoospermia

146 MD-TESE procedures were performed in 74 patients presenting with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Five of the 74 patients displayed a history of chemotherapy. Etiology of chemotherapies included testicular cancer, osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and malignant lymphoma of the stomach. Post-chemotherapy duration was 2.5-18 years. All patients underwent MD-TESE using local anesthesia with spermatic block and sedation. Extracted sperm was cryopreserved for ICSI. Histopathologic examination revealed Sertoli cell-only syndrome in all five patients; however, sperm were retrieved in 3 subjects. Post-chemotherapy MD-TESE and ICSI can be applied successfully in some patients with NOA. However, freezing semen prior to chemotherapy is recommended.

Consideration of physical condition in estimation of blood glucose via data mining

Many diabetics carry a portable-type blood glucose monitor and collect their own blood to examine their blood glucose levels daily (self monitoring of blood glucose, SMBG). The use of a physical condition variable was suggested in order to estimate the blood glucose level for diabetics. Four sets of data, including FBG, food intake, metabolic rate and physical condition, were collected from four Type 1 diabetics over a five-month period. Using these data, an increasing or decreasing tendency for FBG for the next day was estimated using the data mining method. The results revealed that the estimation accuracy was improved when a physical condition variable was used. An average correspondence rate of 81 % was observed, with a maximum of 90 %. These results indicated that the data mining method could be effective in the estimation of blood glucose levels.

The co-existence of an aberrant origin of the right subclavian artery and a coronary myocardial bridge

We encountered the co-existence of an aberrant origin of the right subclavian artery and a myocardial bridge on the left anterior descending coronary artery in the cadaver of an 80-year-old Japanese woman during the course of educational dissection at Nagoya City University Medical School. We document the precise gross anatomical findings with some morphometric measurements. Neither an aberrant origin of the right subclavian artery nor the cardial myocardial bridge is a very rare anomaly, but a case of both anomalies being found in the same body is very rare. We believe this is the first report of the simultaneous occurrence of these two anomalies.

Treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia with tranilast, a mast cell blocker, after long-term administration

The authors retrospectively examined whether long-term administration of tranilast improves semen parameters in severe oligoasthenozoospermia. Fifty-two patients presenting with sperm concentration of less than 10 x 10(6) sperm/mL were enrolled. Subjects were partitioned into 3 groups as follows: patients displaying an atrophic testis with elevated (FSH) (group 1), patients exhibiting normal testicular volume with elevated FSH (group 2), and patients with normal testicular volume and normal FSH levels (group 3). Tranilast (300mg/day) was administered until pregnancy was achieved or for a period of up to 12 months. Sperm concentration was significantly increased at 3 months in 16 subjects (44%) in groups 1 and 3. In group 2, sperm concentration was increased at 12 months (5 of 16 subjects; 31%). Total sperm count was obviously elevated at 3 months in groups 1 and 2, and at 6 months in group 3. Six pregnancies were achieved via natural intercourse. Tranilast, a mast cell blocker, demonstrates a certain clinical benefit in terms of improvement of semen parameters involving severe oligoasthenozoospermia, but it does not appear to afford clinical benefit in long-term administration.

Non-invasive quantitative monitoring of cerebral blood flow in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage with 99mTc-ECD

The purpose of this prospective study was to detect symptomatic cerebral vasospasm in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) by a non-invasive mean cerebral blood flow (mCBF) quantification using 99mTc-ethyl cysteinate dimer. Measurement of mCBF without blood sampling and single photon emission tomography (SPECT) were performed at 1 and 7 days after surgery in 35 consecutive SAH patients, of whom 16 were examined at day 30 as well. A decrease in mCBF of more than 10% on day 7 versus day 1 was considered to indicate vasospasm. On visual interpretation of SPECT, a perfusion decrease which appeared newly on day 7 was considered to indicate vasospasm. In total, nine of 35 patients had cerebral vasospasm confirmed by computed tomography (CT) and/or angiography. The mCBF measurement showed a 77.8% (7/9) sensitivity, a 88.5% (23/26) specificity, a 70.0% (7/10) positive predictive value, and a 92.0% (23/25) negative predictive value. SPECT yielded a 33.3% (3/9) sensitivity, a 73.1% (19/26) specificity, a 30.0% (3/10) positive predictive value, and a 76.0% (19/25) negative predictive value. On SPECT, decreased perfusion was observed in most of the patients at clipping sites, which might represent post-operative transient abnormal perfusion and should not be read as vasospasm. In conclusion, this mCBF measurement is more accurate than visual interpretation of SPECT for detecting vasospasm.

Clinical study of transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate associated with bladder transitional cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate in patients with bladder cancer appears to influence the prognosis and affects the decision about therapeutic modality. Therefore, it is important to characterize transitional cell carcinoma associated with bladder cancer.

METHODS

From April 1980 to December 1998, 81 male patients underwent total cystoprostatectomies for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. The 81 cystoprostatectomy specimens were examined to clarify the characteristics of prostatic involvement by transitional cell carcinoma. The extent, origin, mode of spread and risk factor of prostatic involvement as well as the prognosis were investigated. In 13 of 15 patients with prostatic involvement the prostate was examined by sequential step sections.

RESULTS

Prostatic involvement was observed in 15 of 81 patients (18.5%). Prostatic urethral involvement, invasion to prostatic duct/acinus, prostatic stromal invasion and extraprostatic extension and/or seminal vesicle involvement were recognized in 12 (80%), 14 (93.3%), six (40%), and five (33.3%) of the 15 patients, respectively. Twelve of the 15 patients (80%) with prostatic involvement had papillary or non-papillary tumors (i.e. carcinoma in situ) both in the prostatic urethra and prostatic duct. In 10 of these 12 patients (88.3%), there was contiguity between prostatic urethral and ductal tumors. Seven of the 23 patients (30.4%) with carcinoma in situ of the bladder showed prostatic involvement, which increased to 50% in the presence of carcinoma in situ of the trigone or bladder neck.

CONCLUSIONS

Eighty per cent of the patients with prostatic involvement showed papillary or non-papillary tumors both in the prostatic urethra and prostatic duct. There was a high level of contiguity between both tumors. Patients with carcinoma in situ of the trigone or bladder neck revealed significantly higher incidence of prostatic involvement.

Endoscopic ureteral incision using the holmium:YAG laser

BACKGROUND

We reviewed the results of endoscopic ureteral incision for benign ureteral stricture, ureteropelvic junction obstruction and ureteroenteroanastomotic stricture using the holmium laser.

METHODS

We carried out endoscopic ureteral incision using the holmium laser through an 8-Fr semirigid or 6.9-Fr flexible ureteroscope on 17 ureters in 15 patients. Balloon dilatation was not necessary before insertion of the ureteroscope. The stricture was incised with the holmium laser using a 200-365 microm fiber through the working channel of the ureteroscope. After completion of the incision, a 12-Fr double-J catheter was left for 6 weeks. Thereafter patients were followed by renal scan and/or ultrasound and excretory urography at 3-6 month intervals.

RESULTS

The mean operative time was 65 min (18-135 min). The stricture resolved completely in 86.7% of cases at an average follow up of 20.5 months (11-32 months).

CONCLUSIONS

The holmium laser endoscopic ureteral incision was associated with a good outcome in our series. We recommend this procedure to be employed initially because it is less invasive and has a favorable outcome.

Identification and adipocyte differentiation-dependent expression of the unique disialic acid residue in an adipose tissue-specific glycoprotein, adipo Q

Recently, we have shown that alpha 2,8-linked disialic acid (diSia) residue occurs in glycoproteins more frequently than ever recognized (Sato, C., Fukuoka, H., Ohta, K., Matsuda, T., Koshino, R., Kobayashi K., Troy, F. A., II, and Kitajima, K. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 15422--15431). In the course of identification of the diSia-containing glycoproteins in mammals, the 30-kDa glycoprotein was found in bovine serum. The 30-kDa glycoprotein was shown to be the bovine adipo Q, an adipocyte-specific protein, based on the partial amino acid sequences and the immuno-cross-reactivity with the recombinant mouse adipo Q. The bovine adipo Q was shown to have no N-linked but O-linked glycan(s) containing the diSia epitope, Neu5Ac alpha 2-->8Neu5Ac alpha 2-->3Gal. Furthermore, the diSia epitope was also found in the mouse adipo Q in serum as well as in the 3T3-L1 cells that are fully differentiated into adipocytes. Notably, among the known alpha 2,8-sialyltransferases, only the alpha 2,8-sialyltransferase III mRNA was detected in the 3T3-L1 cells at any stages of differentiation, and the recombinant alpha 2,8-sialyltransferase III could sialylate the purified bovine adipo Q. Thus, this study clearly provides the new findings that adipo Q is the diSia-containing glycoprotein and a physiological substrate of alpha 2,8-sialyltransferase III, whose substrates have not been identified so far.

Herpes simplex virus in the vestibular ganglion and the geniculate ganglion-role of loose myelin

This study presents the first direct evidence for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection in the neurons of the vestibular ganglion. Although many investigators have reported electron microscopic evidence of HSV-1 infection in sensory ganglia, HSV-1 infection in the vestibular ganglion has not been described. Vestibular ganglion neurons have a unique structure, with a loose myelin sheath instead of the satellite cell sheath that is seen in other ganglia. This loose myelin is slightly different from compact myelin which is known as too tight for HSV-1 to penetrate. The role of loose myelin in terms of HSV-1 infection is completely unknown. Therefore, in an attempt to evaluate the role of loose myelin in HSV-1 infection, we looked for HSV-1 particles, or any effects mediated by HSV-1, in the vestibular ganglion as compared with the geniculate ganglion. At the light microscopic level, some neurons with vacuolar changes were observed, mainly in the distal portion of the vestibular ganglion where the communicating branch from the geniculate ganglion enters. At the electron microscopic level, vacuoles, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi vesicles occupied by virus were observed in both ganglia neurons. In contrast, viral infections in Schwann and satellite cells were observed only in the geniculate ganglion, but not in the vestibular ganglion. These results suggest that loose myelin is an important barrier to HSV-1 infection, and it must play an important role in the prevention of viral spread from infected neurons to other cells.

Ureteral fibroepithelial polyp associated with urolithiasis induced by steroid therapy in a child: a case report

A 14-year-old boy complained of left flank pain. He had been given high-dose corticosteroid therapy for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Retrograde pyelography revealed irregular defects at the left ureteropelvic junction (UPJ), and ureteroscopy demonstrated ureteral polyp. The polyp was removed and histologically diagnosed as fibroepithelial polyp. Hypercalciuria due to the corticosteroids and bedridden was assumed to have been a causative factor in the stone formation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a ureteral fibroepithelial polyp in children associated with urolithiasis, and associated with CIDP.

[A case of hypothyroidism induced by interferon therapy for renal cell carcinoma]

A 54-year-old man, who had undergone left radical nephrectomy due to a renal cell carcinoma 2 years previously, had received adjuvant interferon (IFN) therapy for 2 years. One month has passed after IFN therapy, when he started to complain of muscle pain. The serum FT3 and FT4 levels were lower than normal range. We diagnosed for hypothyroidism induced by IFN therapy, and he was treated with thyroxine. His serum FT3 and FT4 levels were increased after the initiation of the thyroxine therapy. Many reports of hypothyroidism induced by IFN therapy have been found during the treatment for chronic hepatitis. The hypothyroidism induced after IFN therapy of renal cell carcinoma is very rare. It should be brought to attention that IFN therapy induces hypothyroidism not only during treatment period, but also after the treatment. Careful examination after the therapy is mandatory.

Oligodendroglioma with cystic component in infant

In this report, we examine the case of a 6-year-old girl with a mixed oligodendroglioma demonstrating uncommon neuroradiological images. CT and MR showed an intratemporal mass with multilocular cystic formation and intratumoral massive calcification, suggestive either of astrocytoma, dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor, or ganglioglioma as a presumptive differential diagnosis. The tumor was almost completely removed. Post-operative histological examination revealed a mixed oligodendroglioma with a small component of astrocytoma. The combination of radiotherapy and chemical treatment was supplemented.

Mouse model of Bell's palsy induced by reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1

In order to investigate the mechanism of Bell's palsy, we developed an animal model of facial nerve paralysis induced by the reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Eight weeks after recovery from facial nerve paralysis caused by inoculation with HSV-1, the mice were treated with auricular skin scratch at the site of the previous inoculation, or with intraperitoneal injection of anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb), or combination of both procedures. No mice developed facial nerve paralysis when they were treated with either auricular scratch or mAb injection alone. In contrast, 20% of mice developed facial nerve paralysis with the combined treatment. With one exception, no mouse treated with either auricular scratch or mAb injection showed HSV-I DNA in their facial nerve tissue, whereas 4 out of 6 mice receiving both treatments showed HSV-1 DNA on day 10 after treatment. Histopathological findings showed neuronal degeneration in the geniculate ganglion and demyelination of the facial motor nerve in paralyzed mice. These findings suggest that a combination of stimuli, local skin irritation, and general immunosuppression is essential for successfully inducing facial nerve paralysis in mice with latent HSV-1 infection.

[Value of nuclear medicine in pulmonary hypertension]

Clinical applications of nuclear medicine in pulmonary hypertension (PH) include: 1) Differentiation of primary from chronic thromboembolic form of PH by mismatched ventilation/perfusion defects, 2) Quantification of right ventricular ejection fraction to estimate cardiac functional derangement, 3) Estimation of right ventricular hypertrophy or pressure overload by increased accumulation of radioactive myocardial perfusion agents, and 4) Estimation of myocardial sympathetic nervous function or fatty acid metabolism. Gravity dependent shift of pulmonary perfusion detected by perfusion scintigraphy has also been utilized for estimating severity of PH. Positron emission tomography (PET) has visualized distribution of pulmonary adrenergic receptors and angiotensin converting enzyme. PET, in addition to F-18 FDG lung tumor PET, should be watched for because it may visualize and quantify other bioactive substances and receptors in the lung.

Holmium:YAG laser endoureterotomy in the treatment of ureteroenteric stricture following Indiana urinary diversion

A 57-year-old man who had received radical urethrocystectomy and Indiana urinary diversion 6 months earlier was treated for ureteroenteric anastomosis stricture (left side) using a Holmium:YAG laser via antegrade approach. The availability of small (6.9 Fr) flexible ureteroscope, as well as the use of the Holmium:YAG laser has facilitated the ability to precisely incise the stricture under direct endoscopic visualization. The technique is described for laser endoureterotomy in a patient with ureteroenteric stricture following Indiana urinary diversion.

Synthesis and anti-influenza virus activity of tricyclic compounds with a unique amine moiety

Several novel tricyclic compounds with a unique amine moiety (1, 2a--i) were designed and prepared based on the structure of triperiden for the development of anti-influenza virus agents. An in vitro antiviral assay showed that 1-(1-azabicyclo[3.3.0]octan-5-yl)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(2-tricyclo[3.3.1.1(3.7)]decyl)methan-1-ol hydrochloride (2f) has a potent anti-influenza A virus activity. Furthermore, since 2f was well tolerated in mice, 2f is promising as a novel anti-influenza virus agent for humans.

The treatment with tranilast, a mast cell blocker, for idiopathic oligozoospermia

Although many drug treatments have been reported to theoretically improve semen parameters in male infertility, a standard method has not been established. The authors examined whether tranilast, a mast cell blocker, improves fertility and/or semen parameters in severe oligozoospermia. Seventeen patients with a sperm density of less than 10 x 10(6) sperm/mL and their fertile partners were enrolled in this study. Patients were prescribed tranilast 300 mg/day for at least 12 weeks. Semen and blood samples were collected before and after the prescription of tranilast for 12 weeks. Semen parameters, serum gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, serum testosterone, and testicular size were evaluated. One patient complained of mild drowsiness during treatment. The sperm count was significantly increased after administration of tranilast in 7 patients (41.1%), although sperm motility was not altered. Semen volume and normal morphology were also unaltered. Three pregnancies were achieved. Endocrine profile and testicular size were unchanged. Tranilast, a mast cell blocker, is clinically useful for the treatment of severe idiopathic oligozoospermic men.

Transmastoid decompression as a treatment of Bell palsy

OBJECTIVE

We sought to assess the efficacy of transmastoid decompression after steroid treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

One hundred one adults with Bell palsy having denervation exceeding 95% after steroid treatment were divided into 2 groups. In 58 patients decompression from the labyrinthine segment to the stylomastoid foramen was performed, and the remaining 43 patients were only followed up. Using the Yanagihara score and House Brackmann grading system, the recovery from the palsy was assessed.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference in the final facial score of the 2 groups. Within 60 days after the onset, the chance of better recovery from the palsy was higher in the patients with decompression.

CONCLUSION

In the era of steroid treatment, we cannot discard the transmastoid decompression of the facial nerve in the treatment of severe Bell palsy with profound denervation, although further effort is needed to obtain definitive evidence to show the benefit of the operation.

CA19-9-producing transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis: a case report

We report a case of CA19-9-producing transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis. A 59-year-old male patient with left hydronephrosis was referred to us from a local physician. Retrograde pyelogram revealed irregular filling defects involving calices, pelvis and proximal ureter. The serum CA19-9 level was elevated. Under the diagnosis of renal pelvic tumor, we performed radical left nephroureterectomy. The tumor was histologically diagnosed as transitional cell carcinoma. The tumor cells showed positive immunostaining for CA19-9. The serum CA19-9 level was normalized after the operation. To our knowledge, this is the 28th case of a CA19-9-producing tumor in the Japanese literature.

[A case of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder in a juvenile patient]

A 15-year-old male was referred to our hospital with the chief complaint of gross hematuria. Cystoscopic examination revealed a papillary tumor on the posterior wall. Transurethral resection of the bladder tumor was performed. Histological examination of the excised tumor showed transitional cell carcinoma, grade 1, pTa. Recurrence has not been observed for about 2 years after the operation. We investigated 54 previously reported Japanese cases of bladder cancer before age twenty including the present case.