Screening for prostate cancer in a city in Japan: age-specific prostate-specific antigen cutoff thresholds.

PURPOSE: Older men have higher prostate-specific antigen levels than younger men. However, the current Japanese Urological Association guidelines recommend secondary screening at a cutoff value of 4.0 ng/mL, even in older men. Here, we reexamined the cutoffs for older men using a prostate screening cohort in Japan and first performed an analysis to determine the indication cutoffs for detecting positive biopsies. METHODS: Data from 68,566 prostate cancer screenings in the city in 2018 were combined with cancer registration data. The optimal prostate-specific antigen levels to predict prostate cancer in different age groups were calculated using receiver operating characteristic curves after determining whether a cancer was registered within one year of screening. RESULTS: At the conventional prostate-specific antigen threshold of 4.0 ng/mL, the sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value were 94.9%, 91.7%, and 91.7%, respectively. The optimal prostate-specific antigen cutoff values for patients aged 50-59 years, 60-69 years, 70-79 years, and over 80 years were 3.900 ng/mL, 4.014 ng/mL, 4.080 ng/mL, and 4.780 ng/mL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity and specificity of prostate cancer screening in the city were high, indicating a highly accurate screening. The prostate-specific antigen threshold was 4.78 ng/mL in patients older than 80 years. A higher prostate-specific antigen threshold may be useful in men over 80 years of age to avoid excess biopsy and reduce costs. Our results suggest that the current Japanese method of using PSA 4.0 ng/mL as a cutoff regardless of age may not be preferable for older men.

Association between response to enfortumab vedotin and peripheral neuropathy in urothelial carcinoma patients: a multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Enfortumab vedotin (EV) was approved for patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) who progressed after anticancer therapy on September 2021 in Japan. The association between the occurrence of EV-related side effects and clinical outcome remains to be elucidated. METHODS: We identified 97 mUC patients treated with EV therapy at our five institutions from the date of approval to March 2023. The median follow-up period was 7.0 months. We retrospectively analyzed the efficacy and safety of EV. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 71 years old, 39% had PS of 1 or more, and 56.7% had primary tumor in upper urinary tract. Overall response rate (ORR) to EV therapy, median progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were 43.3%, 7.52 months, and 12.78 months, respectively. Any grade of treatment-related skin disorder, dysgeusia, peripheral neuropathy, gastrointestinal disorder, and hyperglycemia occurred in 61 (62.9%), 36 (37.1%), 34 (35.1%), 29 (29.9%), and 18 (18.6%) patients, respectively. The patients with EV-associated peripheral neuropathy had significantly higher ORR (58.8% vs. 34.9%, P = .032) and longer median PFS (8.05 vs. 6.31 months, P = .017) and OS (not reached vs. 11.57 months, P = .008, respectively) than those without. The occurrence of peripheral neuropathy after EV treatment and the presence of peritoneal dissemination were factors independently associated with PFS (hazard ratio = 0.46, P = .008 and hazard raito = 3.83, P = .004, respectively) and OS (hazard ratio = 0.30, P = .005 and hazard raito = 4.53, P = .002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of EV-related peripheral neuropathy might be associated with the efficacy of EV therapy in mUC patients.

Effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients who undergo radical cystectomy without neoadjuvant chemotherapy: A retrospective cohort study of 115 advanced bladder cancer patients with pathological lymph node classification.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the clinical outcomes of radical cystectomy without cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and identified factors affecting the effectiveness of cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy (AC). METHODS: Between September 2002 and February 2020, 288 bladder cancer patients who did not receive NAC underwent radical cystectomy. We retrospectively analyzed the recurrence rates, primary recurrence sites, recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) of 115 advanced bladder cancer patients (pT3-4 or pN1-3) who were divided into the AC and observation groups. Subgroup analysis was performed, focusing on pathological stage. RESULTS: In total, 51 patients received AC, and 64 patients were observed. The median follow-up duration was 95 months. The recurrence rate was lower in the AC group than in the observation group (35.3% vs. 54.7%, p = 0.041). The rate of recurrences in the lymph node area (dissection site and proximal lymph nodes) was lower in the AC group (9.8% vs. 26.6%; p = 0.031). In the subgroup analysis of patients with pN1, the probability of RFS and OS was higher in the AC group than in the observation group. The hazard ratio for RFS and OS was 0.243 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.077-0.768) and 0.259 (95% CI: 0.082-0.816), respectively. The 5-year RFS and OS were significantly higher in the AC group (80.0% and 79.4%) than in the observation group (35.7% and 42.9%; p < 0.008 and p < 0.012, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: AC improved RFS and OS in patients with pN1 disease who did not receive NAC and should be considered for this population.

Monozygotic adult twins with nonmosaic Klinefelter syndrome with different results of sperm retrieval.

Klinefelter syndrome and monozygotic twins are both rare. The reports of monozygotic twins with Klinefelter syndrome to have undergone fertility treatment are uncommon. This case report describes a case of 30-year-old monozygotic adult twin brothers diagnosed with nonmosaic Klinefelter syndrome following the complaint of infertility. The result of semen analysis showed cryptozoospermia (very low sperm count) and azoospermia (zero sperm count) with physical findings and lifestyles being very similar. They both underwent microtesticular sperm extraction. One had successful sperm retrieval and achieved pregnancy through intracytoplasmic sperm injection, whereas the other did not. Testicular pathological findings showed Sertoli cell-only syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on monozygotic adult twins both of whom underwent microtesticular sperm extraction and resulted in different outcomes.

Effect of keishibukuryogan combined with tocopherol nicotinate on sperm parameters in patients with a varicocele.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of keishibukuryogan, a traditional Kampo formula known to be an anti-Oketsu (impaired microcirculation and non-physiological blood congestion) drug, in combination with an anti-oxidant for the treatment of varicoceles. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 119 patients with palpable and subclinical varicoceles who were treated with 7.5 g/day of keishibukuryogan and 600 mg/day of tocopherol nicotinate. Their motile sperm concentrations at the start of medication and after 3 months were compared. As a subgroup analysis, a comparison test was carried out between patients with a high-grade varicocele and those with a low-grade varicocele. RESULTS: The mean age of the study patients was 35.6 years. Among them, 17, 41, 44 and 17 had subclinical, grade 1, grade 2 and grade 3 varicoceles, respectively. Overall, the differences in motile sperm concentration (millions/mL) before and after treatment were not significant (median 0.58, 95% confidence interval -0.12 to 1.56; P = 0.115). The results of the subgroup analysis showed that the motile sperm concentration in patients with a low-grade varicocele significantly increased (median 1.21, 95% confidence interval 0.45-2.47; P = 0.024); however, no significant improvements were seen in patients with a high-grade varicocele. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study showed that the combination of keishibukuryogan and an anti-oxidant had a limited effect on varicoceles, but they suggest that it is effective for the treatment of low-grade varicoceles.

Oxidative stress and male infertility.

BACKGROUND: Between 30% and 80% of patients with male infertility produce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in their ejaculate even though the cause of male infertility is unexplained in approximately half of cases. The strong connection between oxidative stress (OS) and male infertility has led recent investigators to propose the term "Male Oxidative Stress Infertility (MOSI)" to describe OS-associated male infertility. METHODS: We searched the PubMed database for original and review articles to survey the effects of OS on male infertility, and then verified the effects and treatments. MAIN FINDINGS: Seminal plasma contains many antioxidants that protect sperm from ROS, because low amounts of ROS are required in the physiological fertilization process. The production of excessive ROS causes OS which can lower fertility through lipid peroxidation, sperm DNA damage, and apoptosis. Several assays are available for evaluating OS, including the MiOXSYS® analyzer to measure oxidation-reduction potential. Several measures should be considered for minimizing OS and improving clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: Accurately diagnosing patients with MOSI and identifying highly sensitive biomarkers through proteomics technology is vital for better clinical outcomes.

[A Case of Breast Mucinous Carcinoma with Bladder Metastasis Effectively Treated with Endocrine Therapy and Chemotherapy].

A 57-year-old Japanese woman underwent partial mastectomy of the right breast and sentinel lymph node biopsy in July 2005. The diagnosis was mucinous carcinoma with negative margins and no lymph node metastases(pT1cN0M0, pStage Ⅰ A). Postoperative adjuvant therapy included radiation therapy and oral administration of anastrozole for 5 years. In December 2015, we observed enlargement of left supraclavicular lymph nodes; a needle biopsy revealed lymph node metastases from breast cancer. We administered toremifene and the swelling disappeared. The patient was subsequently referred to the hospital for urinary frequency in November 2016. Imaging demonstrated a bladder tumor. Transurethral biopsy of bladder revealed adenocarcinoma with mucin production consistent with breast primary. After systemic chemotherapy(UFT, eribulin), endocrine therapy(fulvestrant), and molecular targeted therapy(palbociclib), her urologic symptoms were relieved. However, 2 years and 8 months after diagnosis of bladder metastasis, the patient showed disease progression and decided to discontinue all chemotherapy and pursue palliative care. We also present a review and discussion of the relevant literature.

Genetic disorders and male infertility.

BACKGROUND: At present, one out of six couples is infertile, and in 50% of cases, infertility is attributed to male infertility factors. Genetic abnormalities are found in 10%-20% of patients showing severe spermatogenesis disorders, including non-obstructive azoospermia. METHODS: Literatures covering the relationship between male infertility and genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities were studied and summarized. MAIN FINDINGS RESULTS: Genetic disorders, including Klinefelter syndrome, balanced reciprocal translocation, Robertsonian translocation, structural abnormalities in Y chromosome, XX male, azoospermic factor (AZF) deletions, and congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens were summarized and discussed from a practical point of view. Among them, understanding on AZF deletions significantly changed owing to advanced elucidation of their pathogenesis. Due to its technical progress, AZF deletion test can reveal their delicate variations and predict the condition of spermatogenesis. Thirty-nine candidate genes possibly responsible for azoospermia have been identified in the last 10 years owing to the advances in genome sequencing technologies. CONCLUSION: Genetic testing for chromosomes and AZF deletions should be examined in cases of severe oligozoospermia and azoospermia. Genetic counseling should be offered before and after genetic testing.

Outcome of flexible ureteroscopy for renal stone with overnight ureteral catheterization: a propensity score-matching analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of overnight ureteral catheterization and determine if routine long-term post-stenting can be avoided in flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS) procedure for kidney stone. METHODS: Three hundred ninety-three patients who underwent single fURS for kidney stone between January 2013 and June 2016 at a single institute were retrospectively analyzed. The stone-free (SF) and perioperative complication rates in patients with routine long-term post-stenting after fURS (long-term stent group) were compared with those of patients with overnight ureteral catheterization (short-term stent group). Propensity score-matching analysis was used to adjust the difference in baseline preoperative parameters between the two groups. All preoperative parameters were chosen to develop the propensity score, and 74 patients in the short-term stent group were retrospectively matched with the patients in the long-term stent group at a 1:1 ratio. RESULTS: Patient characteristics included age, sex, side of involvement, height, body weight, body mass index, number of stone(s), stone volume, Hounsfield units of stone, preoperative white blood cell count, preoperative C-reactive protein, preoperative creatinine, pretreatment, pre-stenting, stenosis of the ureter, and procedure duration. The SF rates were 91.9 and 93.2% in the short-term and long-term stent groups, respectively. Perioperative complications were 14.9 and 12.2%. No difference was noted between the two groups in terms of SF and perioperative complication rates. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term post-stenting using overnight ureteral catheterization in uncomplicated cases after fURS for kidney stone was as effective as conventional long-term post-stenting in reducing postoperative complications. These preliminary data suggest the possibility that routine long-term post-stenting was unnecessary.

Risk factors of systemic inflammation response syndrome after endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery in the modified Valdivia position.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors of developing systemic inflammation response syndrome after endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery in the modified Valdivia position for renal stone treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 370 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery procedures in the modified Valdivia position to treat renal stones. Antibiotic therapy based on preoperative urine cultures was administered to all patients from induction of anesthesia until at least postoperative day 3. Postoperative systemic inflammation response syndrome was diagnosed if the patient met two or more systemic inflammation response syndrome criteria. A multivariate logistic regression model with backward selection was used to evaluate the relationships between the incidence of systemic inflammation response syndrome after endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery and other clinical factors. RESULTS: Of the 370 patients, 61 patients (16.5%) were diagnosed with systemic inflammation response syndrome after endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery. Significant differences were found between the non-systemic inflammation response syndrome and systemic inflammation response syndrome groups with regard to female sex (29.8% vs 44.3%, P = 0.027), history of febrile urinary tract infection (16.5% vs 32.8%, P = 0.015) and number of involved calyces (2.68 vs 4.1, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis found three independent predictors of postoperative systemic inflammation response syndrome: the number of involved calyces (P = 0.017), stone surface area (P = 0.021) and history of febrile urinary tract infection (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The number of involved calyces larger than four, stone surface area >500 mm(2) and a history of febrile urinary tract infection independently predicted the development of systemic inflammation response syndrome after endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery. This is the first study to identify the independent predictors of systemic inflammation response syndrome after endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery in the modified Valdivia position.

[A Case of Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery for Multiple Encrusted Stones on a Forgotten Ureteral Stent Left for 4 Years].

A 43-year-old man underwent extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for a left ureteral stone and implantation of a loop stent for the treatment of stone pain in February 2011. However, he was lost to follow-up before the complete removal of the stones and stent. He presented to our hospital with left back pain in March 2015. An abdominal radiograph and a noncontrast computed tomography showed extensive stone formation throughout the stent. A single cystolithotripsy and a double endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS)were performed. All the stones and the encrusted ureteral stent were successfully removed.

[A Case of Synchronous Malignant Pheochromocytomas in Bilateral Adrenal Glands].

We present a case of synchronous malignant pheochromocytoma in bilateral adrenal glands. A 73- year-old man presented to our hospital with bilateral adrenal masses incidentally found during abdominal ultrasonography examination for an unrelated issue. The patient had a 30-year history of hypertension and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed heterogeneous tumors in bilateral adrenal glands and an enlarged para-aortic lymph node. Hormonal examinations revealed a high value of urinary catecholamines. Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy showed increased uptake in bilateral adrenal glands and the lymph node. Both adrenal tumors and the node were surgically removed. Pathological examination revealed histologically distinct tissue between the two adrenal tumors. The patient received five cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy, consisting of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and dacarbazine. The patient has been in remission for 32 months following surgical treatment.

Epidermoid cyst of the testis: A report of three cases.

Testicular epidermoid cysts have characteristic findings. Testicular tumor markers are negative in patients with epidermoid cysts. Clear margins and sole and small testicular tumors (20 mm or less) suggest the possibility of epidermoid cyst. Testicular-sparing surgery with intraoperative frozen section examination should be performed when suspecting epidermoid cysts. Testicular epidermoid cysts are rare tumors that account for 1% of all testicular tumors and are often clinically misdiagnosed as malignant lesions. We report three cases of epidermoid cysts. The chief manifestations were scrotal induration in two patients and pruritus scrotum in one. The median age of the patients was 23 years (18-30). All tumors were determined to be sole lesions (<20 mm in diameter). Testing for tumor markers in all patients revealed negative results. We could not rule out malignancy; hence, we performed high inguinal orchiectomy in all cases. Histologically, the inner walls of the cysts were lined with stratified squamous epithelium; their contents were keratinized. All patients were diagnosed with epidermoid cysts.

C-reactive Protein Is a Prognostic Factor for Survival in Metastatic Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Patients Receiving Pembrolizumab.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The number of available treatment options for urothelial carcinoma has increased recently. Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is relatively rare compared with bladder cancer. There are few reports on the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for metastatic UTUC, and ICIs may occasionally show less efficacy and cause severe side effects. Therefore, it is important to predict the treatment response and change the treatment strategy as appropriate. We investigated the prognostic factors for treatment response in patients with metastatic UTUC treated with pembrolizumab at our hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who received pembrolizumab for UTUC between January 2018 and June 2023 were analyzed. Patients who presented with bladder cancer complications at initial diagnosis were excluded. The primary endpoints assessed were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Statistical analyses were conducted using laboratory values obtained before and after pembrolizumab administration. The relationship between cancer and inflammation is important. Therefore, we analyzed this relationship using prognostic factors for urothelial carcinoma as previously reported. Specifically, pretreatment C-reactive protein (CRP) level, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and NLR/albumin values were examined. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were analyzed. The median PFS was 66 days (24-107 days), and the median OS was 164 days (13-314 days). A CRP level <1 before the first cycle was a useful factor in the multivariate analysis for both OS and PFS [OS: p=0.004, hazard ratio (HR)=3.244, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.464-7.104; PFS: p=0.003, HR=2.998, 95%CI=1.444-6.225]. CONCLUSION: CRP level is a prognostic factor for pembrolizumab treatment response in patients with UTUC.

Cumulative incidence and risk factors for recurrence of upper tract urothelial carcinoma in patients undergoing radical cystectomy.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the cumulative incidence of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) recurrence and identify its risk factors in patients who underwent radical cystectomy (RC). Patients and methods: We performed RC on 385 patients between September 2002 and February 2020. After excluding 20 patients-13 with simultaneous nephroureterectomy, 6 with distal ureteral stump positivity and 1 with urachal cancer-365 patients were included in the analysis. To predict UTUC recurrence, we examined the cancer extension pattern in cystectomy specimens and categorized them into three types: cancer located only in the bladder (bladder-only type), cancer extending to the urethra or distal ureter (one-extension type) and cancer extending to both the urethra and distal ureter (both-extension type). We determined hazard ratios for UTUC recurrence for each covariate, including this cancer extension pattern. Results: Of the 365 patients, 60% had the bladder-only type, 30% had the one-extension type and 10% had the both-extension type. During a median follow-up period of 72 months for survivors, UTUC recurred in 25 of the 365 patients, with cumulative incidences of 3.7% at 5 years and 8.3% at 10 years. The median interval from cystectomy to recurrence was 65 months (interquartile range: 36-92 months). In the multivariate analysis, the extension pattern was a significant predictor of UTUC recurrence. The hazard ratios for UTUC recurrence were 3.12 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.15-8.43, p = 0.025) for the one-extension type and 5.96 (95% CI = 1.98-17.91, p = 0.001) for the both-extension type compared with the bladder-only type. Conclusions: The cancer extension pattern in cystectomy specimens is predictive of UTUC recurrence. A more extensive cancer extension in cystectomy specimens elevates the risk of subsequent UTUC recurrence. Intensive long-term monitoring is essential, particularly for patients with the both-extension type.

Pre- and post-chemotherapy spermatogenesis in male patients with malignant bone and soft tissue tumors.

Introduction: Malignant bone and soft tissue tumors, commonly called sarcomas, predominantly originate in bone and soft tissues and typically affect individuals at a younger age. Following the resection of the primary tumor, treatment often necessitates radiation therapy and gonadotoxic chemotherapy, the specifics of which depend on the disease's stage Conversely, there is a notable concern regarding the potential loss of fertility due to these treatments. Consequently, it is recommended that men consider sperm cryopreservation before initiating treatment. This study aims to assess spermatogenesis in male patients diagnosed with malignant bone and soft tissue tumors before and after chemotherapy. Methods: This study involved 34 male patients diagnosed with malignant bone and soft tissue tumors and subsequently underwent sperm cryopreservation before initiating treatment. Medical records included details about the primary disease, age, marital status at presentation, semen analysis results, treatment regimen and number of courses, post-treatment semen analysis, renewal status and outcomes. Results: The mean age at the time of sperm cryopreservation was 22.8 years. The median semen volume was 2.5 mL, sperm concentration was 32.6 million/ml, and sperm motility was 38.5%. Following chemotherapy, semen analysis was conducted on 12 patients, with ifosfamide being the predominant drug used in all cases. Among these 12 patients, eight retained viable spermatozoa, and two successfully achieved spontaneous pregnancies resulting in live births. In one of the remaining four cases where no sperm were detected in ejaculate, a live birth was achieved through intracytoplasmic sperm injection using cryopreserved sperm. Discussion: While ifosfamide, the primary chemotherapy drug for patients with malignant bone and soft tissue tumors, was associated with severe impairments in spermatogenesis, recovery of spermatogenesis was observed in many cases. However, there were instances of prolonged azoospermia. Even in such cases, assisted reproduction using cryopreserved sperm remained viable for achieving parenthood. In light of these findings, offering patients the opportunity for fertility preservation is advisable.

Microsurgical varicocelectomy for intratesticular varicocele with a history of orchiopexy for undescended testis.

Introduction: We report a case series of six patients with a chief complaint of infertility who underwent microsurgical varicocelectomy for intratesticular varicocele (ITV) after undergoing orchiopexy for undescended testis in their childhood. Case presentation: The patients' median age was 34 years. The median age at which orchiopexy was performed was 4.5 years. All the cases of ITV were accompanied by extratesticular varicocele (ETV). All the patients underwent a microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy. At 3 months after operation, the ITV and ETV had disappeared in all the cases. Sperm density and motility increased in five and four patients, respectively. Conclusion: ITV occurs at a relatively high frequency after orchiopexy for undescended testis. Disorder of the valvular function of the testicular vein in peeling the testicular vessels was thought to be a primary cause and is often found on the left side. Doppler ultrasonography of the testis is considered important for diagnosis.

Minimally invasive versus standard endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery for renal stones: a retrospective pilot study analysis.

PURPOSE: The effect of combining miniaturization with endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) is unclear. Thus, we compared the treatment outcomes between minimally invasive ECIRS (mini-ECIRS) using 16.5 Fr percutaneous access sheath and standard ECIRS using 24 Fr access sheath for renal stones MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients who underwent single session mini or standard-ECIRS in the modified Valdivia position for renal stones between April 2009 and May 2016. To adjust for patient characteristics, 77 pairs were matched using preoperative parameters including age, sex, history of febrile urinary tract infection (UTI), stone surface area, number of involved calyces, and staghorn calculi. RESULTS: The stone free rate (SFR) was similar between mini and standard ECIRS according to non-contrast computed tomography (61.1% vs. 52.0%, p = 0.388). The rate of perioperative complications exceeding grade 2 based on the Clavien-Dindo classification was similar in both groups (19.5% vs. 26.0%, p = 0.442). Severe complications exceeding grade 3 were also similar in both groups (2.6% vs. 3.9%, p > 0.99). Two cases of septic shock were noted in each group. Although there was no difference regarding bleeding-related complications (2.6% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.442), pseudoaneurysm or blood transfusion was not observed in the mini-ECIRS group. Pain visual analog scale values in the perioperative period were lower in the mini-ECIRS group (1.34 ± 1.08 vs. 1.69 ± 1.23, p = 0.062). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that, compared to standard ECIRS, mini-ECIRS maintained SFR without increasing perioperative complications, tended to reduce postoperative pain and had a potential to reduce bleeding-related complications. This report suggests the advantages of ECIRS miniaturization for renal stones.

Early and late paternal effects of reactive oxygen species in semen on embryo development after intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Although reactive oxygen species in semen are associated with unfavorable results with respect to assisted reproductive technology, their effects based on the detailed stages of embryo development are unclear. We investigated the relationship between reactive oxygen species in semen and the oocyte fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and blastulation rate of intracytoplasmic sperm injections. This retrospective study enrolled 77 couples who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection and analyzed 887 eggs from 141 cycles of intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The reactive oxygen species level in semen was compared between the fertilized and nonfertilized groups, between the good-cleavage-embryo and non-developed-embryo groups, and between the good-quality-blastocyst and poor-quality-blastocyst groups. The cut-off level of reactive oxygen species was calculated to predict good-cleavage-embryo and good-quality-blastocyst development. The fertilization rate was 65.4%, and the mean reactive oxygen species levels were not significantly different between the fertilized and nonfertilized groups. The reactive oxygen species level was significantly higher in the non-developed-embryo group than in the good-cleavage-embryo group (P = 0.0026) and was significantly lower in the good-quality-blastocyst group than in the poor-quality-embryo group (P = 0.015). Cleavage embryos and blastocysts were divided into high- and low-reactive-oxygen-species groups using a cut-off value of 6601 and 4926 relative light units, as calculated from the receiver operating characteristic curve. The rates of good-cleavage embryos and good-quality blastocysts were lower in the high-reactive-oxygen-species group than in the low-reactive-oxygen-species group, which were both statistically significant. To conclude, reactive oxygen species in semen is considered to have an adverse effect on both the early and late stages of embryo development in intracytoplasmic sperm injection.Abbreviations: GnRH, gonadotropin-releasing hormone; ICSI, intracytoplasmic sperm injection; IVF, in vitro fertilization; LPO, lipid peroxidation; NADPH, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate; RLU, relative light units; ROC, receiver operating characteristic; ROS, reactive oxygen species.

An infertile patient with Y chromosome b1/b3 deletion presenting with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens with normal spermatogenesis.

We report the case of a 46-year-old Chinese male patient who visited our clinic complaining of infertility. Semen analysis revealed azoospermia, and azoospermia factor c region partial deletion (b1/b3) was detected using Y chromosome microdeletion analysis. Testicular sperm extraction was performed after genetic counseling. The bilateral ductus deferens and a portion of the epididymis were absent, whereas the remaining epididymis was expanded. Motile intratesticular spermatozoa were successfully extracted from the seminiferous tubule. On histopathology, nearly complete spermatogenesis was confirmed in almost every seminiferous tubule. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of b1/b3 deletion with a congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens and almost normal spermatogenesis.