A new nomogram of urinary flow rate and volume based on multiple measurements per healthy adult Japanese men using a portable uroflowmeter (P-Flowdiary®).

BACKGROUND: To develop a nomogram of urinary volume and flow based on the data of Japanese men without lower urinary tract symptoms and multiple flows per participant whose characteristics were clear. METHODS: Overall, 101 Japanese male volunteers without lower urinary tract symptoms aged between 20 and 59 years were enrolled. A portable uroflowmeter (P-Flowdiary®) was used to record urinary information (flow rate and volume) for 2 successive days. The model (quadratic, linear, or logarithmic regression) most fit for the relationship between maximum flow rate and voided volume was determined. The maximum flow rate at > 150 mL was compared among the 20-29-, 30-39-, 40-49-, and 50-59-year age groups. Nomograms appropriate for the age groups were created. RESULTS: The mean age, International Prostate Symptom Score, and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score were 38.5 years, 0.42, and 0.24, respectively. The quadratic regression model was the most fit because its mean coefficient determination was 0.93 ± 0.06. The mean maximum flow rate was significantly lower in the 50-59-year age group (21.8 ± 5.05 mL/s, P < 0.01) than in the younger groups (24.14 ± 4.94, 24.05 ± 6.99, and 24.64 ± 5.72 mL/s). The 2 nomograms are Y = 28.99 {1 - exp(- 0.01 × X)} and Y = 25.67 {1 - exp(- 0.01 × X)} for the 20-49- and 50-59-year age groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The nomogram can predict maximum flow rate based on voided volume in Japanese men aged 20-59 years without lower urinary tract symptoms.

Rapid multiplex PCR assay for simultaneous detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis in genitourinary samples: A 30-minute assay.

We developed a rapid multiplex PCR assay available in bedside for the simultaneous detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, which enables diagnosis in less than 30 minutes. In this study, we validated the clinical utility of this assay including its sensitivity and specificity for NG and CT detection.

[A Case of Difficult-to-Diagnose Carcinomatous Meningitis Caused by Prostate Cancer Metastasis].

A 66-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of right leg pain. Computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple osteolytic changes. His serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was increased to 77.83 ng/ml at the time of hospitalization. A prostate biopsy was performed, and histological examination results indicated poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Under the diagnosis of multiple bone metastasis of prostate cancer, androgen deprivation therapy was started. However, 1 month later, the patient was confused and lost appetite. Brain CT image demonstrated brain metastasis, and magnetic resonance image showed hydrocephalus. Although the patient underwent ventricular drainage because of a depressed level of consciousness, he died of primary disease complicated by pneumonia 3 months after the first visit. Perioperative cerebrospinal fluid cytological examination revealed adenocarcinoma cells. Therefore, a diagnosis of carcinomatous meningitis caused by prostate cancer metastasis was made.

Association between pentosidine and arteriosclerosis in patients receiving hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) accumulate in arteriosclerotic lesions, playing and important role in the development and progression of arteriosclerosis. A chemical quantification method using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has been established to determine pentosidine levels in these products. Some studies reported that the abdominal aorta calcification index (ACI), obtained by computed tomography (CT), was useful for noninvasively diagnosing arteriosclerosis and determining its severity. In the present study, we measured the ACI and plasma pentosidine in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis, and investigated the association between arteriosclerosis and pentosidine. METHODS: In 73 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (43 men; 30 women), we determined the ACI, and investigated the association of the ACI with plasma total pentosidine, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, serum creatinine, and parathyroid hormone (PTH), as well as the product of serum calcium and serum phosphorus, duration of dialysis, and age. RESULTS: The ACI did not correlate with total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, serum creatinine, PTH, or the product of serum calcium and serum phosphorus. Age, duration of dialysis, and plasma total pentosidine correlated with the ACI: (y = -33.12 + 0.913x; r = 0.407; P < 0.01), (y = 13.94 + 0.403x; r = 0.488; P < 0.01), and (y = 14.13 + 0.630x; r = 0.365; P < 0.01), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that pentosidine may be associated with arteriosclerotic development in hemodialysis patients. It has been suggested that advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) accumulate in arteriosclerotic lesions, playing an important role in the development and progression of arteriosclerosis. A chemical quantification method using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has been established to determine pentosidine levels in these products. Some studies reported that the abdominal aorta calcification index (ACI), obtained by computed tomography (CT), was useful for noninvasively diagnosing arteriosclerosis and determining its severity. In the present study, we measured the ACI and plasma pentosidine in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis, and investigated the association between arteriosclerosis and pentosidine.

[Genital tuberculosis occurring in the spermatic cord: a case report].

Genital tuberculosis occurring in the spermatic cord is a rare disease. A 70-year-old man presented with a mass on the left side of the scrotum which had been painless and had gradually enlarged over the previous 4 months. Surgical excision was performed. The tumorous mass was located in the spermatic cord but did not connect with the testis or epididymis. The removed specimen was 15 x 20 x 15 mm in size and weighed 6 g. Histopathological diagnosis was tuberculosis. At present, 27 months after surgery, recurrence has not been found.