The effect of tissue culture on suture holding strength and degradation in canine tendon.

The purpose of this study was to assess tendon metabolism and suture pull-out strength after simple tendon suture in a tissue culture model. One hundred and twelve flexor digitorum profundus tendons from 28 dogs were cultured for 7, 14, or 21 days with or without a static tensile load. In both groups increased levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) mRNA was noted. Suture pull-out strength did not decrease during tissue culture. While the presence of a static load had no effect on the pull-out strength, it did affect MMP mRNA expression. This tissue culture model could be useful in studying the effect of factors on the tendon-suture interface.

[A double blind controlled study on S6472 capsules and granules in complicated urinary tract infection].

The efficacy, safety and usefulness of S6472 capsules (cefaclor, long-acting preparation) were investigated in non-catheterized patients with complicated cystitis using the double blind method with S6472 granules as a control. Each of the patients was orally administrated with 375 mg of the drug twice a day for 7 days, and clinical effectiveness was evaluated according to the Criteria of Drug Efficacy of UTI (the Third Edition). The following results were obtained. 1. There was no significant bias between the capsule-administrated group (A) and the granule-administrated group (B) in background factors. 2. The overall clinical efficacy rates were 78.7% in Group A and 80.5% in Group B, which showed no significant difference. No significant difference was observed also between groups IV and VI in the efficacy for any of the UTI groups. 3. Eradication rates in bacteriological response were 85.9% and 86.0% in Group A and B, respectively. 4. Clinical efficacy rates evaluated according to doctors in charge of patients were 78.7% and 74.7% in Group A and B, respectively, showing no significant difference between the two groups. 5. The incidences of adverse reactions were 3.0% in Group A (3 out of 101 cases) and 7.1% in Group B (7 out of 98), thus no significant difference was found between the two groups. Abnormal test values in laboratory examinations included 5 cases (in 4 among 75 patients) in Group A, but were not detected in any of the 76 patients in Group B. No statistically significant difference were observed between the two groups, however. 6. No significant difference between the two groups was observed in the usefulness evaluation including efficacy and safety profiles on an analog scale by the doctors in charge of patients. These results indicate that S6472 capsules have the same efficacy, safety and usefulness as S6472 granules, suggesting that both drugs are equally excellent for non-catheterized patients with complicated cystitis.

[Statistics on operations at Hara Genitourinary Hospital (1971-1991)].

The statistical analysis of the inpatients and operations in our department from April, 1971 to March, 1991 revealed a total of 9,170 operations. One of the biggest changes in treatment is a marked increase in closed surgery. This includes endourological surgeries; transurethral resections of prostate and bladder tumor (TUR-P, TUR-Bt), percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PNL), transurethral uretero-lithotripsy (TUL) and extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL). From 1976 to 1980 there were 721 open surgical procedures (71.0% of cases) and 295 closed procedures (21.0% of cases). This ratio has now been reversed completely. From 1986-1991, there were 342 open procedures (8.2% of cases) and 3808 closed procedures (91.8% of cases). The main reason for this change was the introduction of the new techniques PNL, TUL and ESWL. Other important observations include: The incidence of emergency operations was higher in this private institution than that seen in non-private hospitals. From 1986, there was an increase in the use of PNL and TUL for the management of urinary calculi, and from 1988, ESWL has overtaken PNL and TUL in the treatment of this condition. Recently the limitations of ESWL have been appreciated and the value of a combined approach to therapy, for selected cases, is being recognized. A total of 238 ileal or ileocecal conduits were created with good results. A low complication rate has been observed with preservation of renal function.

[Statistics on operations at the Hara Genitourinary Hospital (1971-1986)].

Statistical analysis of the inpatients and operations in our department from April, 1971 to December, 1986 revealed a total of 4,984 operations. Operations on the prostate were the most frequent (1,088 cases), followed by operations on the bladder (991 cases), on the ureter (816 cases), and kidney (719 cases). Among the operations, the percentage of endourological surgery and that of open surgery was 20.5% and 79.5% during the three years from 1975 to 1977, but in the recent three years from 1984 to 1986, these percentages were 62.6% and 37.4%, respectively, the rates being completely inverted. This shows that new endourological surgery, such as PNL, TUL, is progressing rapidly these years.

[A case of leiomyoma of the urinary bladder].

A case report of a benign leiomyoma of the urinary bladder in a 34-year-old female is presented with a review of the literature. Diagnosis and treatment are discussed, stressing the importance of preoperative diagnosis by cystoscopic examination.