Third nationwide surveillance of bacterial pathogens in patients with acute uncomplicated cystitis conducted by the Japanese surveillance committee during 2020 and 2021: Antimicrobial susceptibility of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus.

The Japanese surveillance committee conducted a third nationwide surveillance of antimicrobial susceptibility of acute uncomplicated cystitis at 55 facilities throughout Japan between April 2020 and September 2021. In this surveillance, we investigated the susceptibility of Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (S. saprophyticus) for various antimicrobial agents by isolating and culturing bacteria from urine samples. In total, 823 strains were isolated from 848 patients and 569 strains of target bacteria, including E. coli (n = 529, 92.9 %), K. pneumoniae (n = 28, 4.9 %), and S. saprophyticus (n = 12, 2.2 %) were isolated. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of 18 antibacterial agents were determined according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute manual. In premenopausal patients, there were 31 (10.5 %) and 20 (6.8 %) fluoroquinolone (FQ)-resistant E. coli and extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli, respectively. On the other hand, in postmenopausal patients, there were 75 (32.1 %) and 36 (15.4 %) FQ-resistant E. coli and ESBL-producing E. coli, respectively. The rate of FQ-resistant E. coli and ESBL-producing E. coli in post-menopausal women was higher than that for our previous nationwide surveillance (20.7 % and 32.1 %: p = 0.0004, 10.0 % and 15.4 %; p = 0.0259). For pre-menopausal women, there was no significant difference in the rate of FQ-resistant E. coli and ESBL-producing E. coli between this and previous reports, but the frequency of FQ-resistant E. coli and ESBL-producing E. coli exhibited a gradual increase. For appropriate antimicrobial agent selection and usage, it is essential for clinicians to be aware of the high rate of these antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in acute uncomplicated cystitis in Japan.

[HIV-related public stigma and knowledge regarding the campaign slogan "undetectable=untransmittable" among Japanese people].

Objectives　This study targeted adult males and females living in Japan with the following three objectives. The first was to clarify the public stigma toward people living with HIV (PLWH). The second was to clarify changes in public stigma by gathering information about the "undetectable=untransmittable" (U=U) campaign. The third was to clarify the relationship between changes in public stigma and contributing factors, and the experiences of PLWH.Methods　We conducted a cross-sectional online survey in September, 2019 for male and female internet research monitors in their 20s to 60s who were heterosexual, not HIV-positive, and not acquainted with PLWH. In total, the results from 2,268 people were analyzed. Public stigma toward PLWH was measured by a modified vignette for PLWH using a social distance scale for people with mental illness. The social distance scale included "becoming a neighbor," "greeting and talking," "asking them to take care of your children," "becoming friends," "becoming colleagues at work," and "marrying your relatives." We provided information on "U=U" to participants and then evaluated the changes in acceptance of each social distance factor into four categories: "unacceptable," "acceptable ⇒ unacceptable," "unacceptable ⇒ acceptable," and " acceptable."Results　All items in the social distance scale except "greeting and talking" exhibited significantly positive changes (male odds ratio 1.76 to 4.18, female odds ratio 2.25 to 7.00) after providing information. The factor most often deemed "unacceptable" was "marrying your relatives," in 57.5% of men and 58.1% of women; 37.0% of men and 37.3% of women answered "asking them to take care of your children;" and 19.0% of men and 11.1% of women answered "becoming friends." Multinomial logistic regression analysis demonstrated that experience with PLWH in both men and women was associated with "marrying your relatives." The experience of watching television and listening to radio programs, watching movies and plays, and reading books related to PLWH was significantly related to the category of "unacceptable" compared with "acceptable." (Male odds ratio 0.38 to 0.63, female odds ratio 0.50 to 0.56).Conclusion　The acceptance of PLWH was low in personal matters, such as family and child-rearing. The explanation of "U=U" improved acceptance in each social distance factor. Independent experiences, such as viewing, appreciation, and reading about PLWH, improved acceptance.

Creation and provision of a question and answer resource for esophageal cancer based on medical professionals' reports of patients' and families' views and preferences.

BACKGROUND: In the rapidly-progressing healthcare environment, it is essential to improve treatment quality through continuous clarification of the needs and concerns of esophageal cancer patients and their families. Effective collaboration between information providers and academic associations could help make such clarified information available. METHODS: We analyzed esophageal cancer patients' views and preferences (PVPs) using data that were previously obtained from medical staff in Japan. Based on these PVPs, we created a question and answer (Q&A) resource through collaboration with the Cancer Information Service in Japan (CISJ) and the Japan Esophageal Society (JES). RESULTS: Regarding esophageal cancer, "diet and eating behavior" was the most frequent PVP mentioned by patients and their families, followed by "treatment-related symptoms and adverse effects" and "daily life, recuperation, and survivorship." These PVPs were noted by a wide variety of medical specialties. By analyzing the PVPs, the CISJ developed 11 proposed questions and sent them to the JES, which then created answers based on evidence and clinical-practice-associated consensus. The resultant Q&A resource was uploaded to the CISJ website with mutual linkage to the JES website. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the usefulness of collecting esophageal-cancer-related PVPs from medical staff and fostering successful collaboration between a cancer-information provider and an academic association. This arrangement may represent a model case for developing a sustainable system that can satisfactorily respond to PVPs regarding other cancers and/or issues.

The impact of change in serum C-reactive protein level on the prediction of effects of molecular targeted therapy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of pretreatment serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level and its change after targeted therapy on the anti-tumour effect of targeted agents in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The serum CRP level in 190 cases of molecular targeted therapy for mRCC was measured before starting the prescription of molecular targeted agents and when computed tomography showed the maximum effect. Patients in which the pretreatment CRP level was ≥0.5 mg/dL were classified into a 'higher-CRP' group and others into a 'lower-CRP' group. The higher-CRP group was further classified into two subgroups, i.e. those whose serum CRP level decreased after molecular targeted therapy ('decreased-CRP' subgroup), and those whose level did not decrease after therapy ('non-decreased-CRP' subgroup). All patients were also classified according to their other clinical details and progression-free survival (PFS) rates of each subgroup were compared. RESULTS: Of the 190 patients, 97 were categorised as lower CRP and 93 as higher CRP, with 50 and 43 patients in the higher-CRP group further categorised as decreased- and non-decreased-CRP subgroups, respectively. For the maximum effects of the targeted therapy, determined based on the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria, in the lower-CRP group, significantly more patients had a complete response (CR) and partial response (PR) (P = 0.002) and significantly fewer had progressive disease (PD) (P < 0.001) vs the higher-CRP group. In the higher-CRP group, significantly fewer patients had PD in the decreased-CRP subgroup (P < 0.001) than those in the non-decreased-CRP subgroup. The 2-year PFS rate for the lower-CRP group (39.1%) was significantly better vs the decreased-CRP subgroup (21.2%; P = 0.013) and significantly better vs the non-decreased CRP subgroup (0%; P < 0.001). Multivariate analyses in the higher-CRP group revealed that decreased CRP was an independent predictive factor for PFS (P = 0.002, hazard ratio 2.454, 95% confidence interval 1.404-4.290). CONCLUSION: A decrease of CRP and pretreatment CRP levels show promise as a novel predictive factor for anti-tumour effects in patients treated with molecular targeted therapy.

Recreational drug use and related social factors among HIV-positive men in Japan.

This study aims to determine the relationship between recreational drug use in HIV-positive males in the past year and socio-economic factors and/or social support networks in Japan. A national online survey in a cross-sectional study was conducted by HIV Futures Japan project from July 2013 to February 2014. Of the 1095 HIV-positive individuals who responded, 913 responses were determined to be valid; responses from the 875 males were analysed. A total of 282 participants used addictive drugs (32.2%) in past year. New psychoactive substances were used by 121 participants (13.8%), methamphetamine or amphetamine by 47 (5.4%), air dusters/sprays/gas by 31 (3.5%), 5-methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (5MeO-DIPT) by 16 (1.8%) and cannabis (1.0%) by 9. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed with the use of alkyl nitrites, addictive drugs, air dusters and thinners, which are low illegality, as dependent variables. We found that the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for use among participants with full-time and temp/contracted/part-time employees compared to management/administration professions were 2.59 (0.99-6.77) and 2.61 (0.91-7.51). Also, a correlation was observed between alkyl nitrites and new psychoactive substances and usage rates in people engaged in few HIV-positive networks. It is necessary to develop targeted policies for drug use prevention and user support among HIV-positive men and to support and provide care for drug users who are isolated or have a narrow HIV/AIDS support network.

[A survey comparing the route of HIV transmission reported by patients to their physicians and the self-reported "actual route"].

OBJECTIVES: To clarify the proportion of HIV patients who inform their physicians of the actual route of transmission and the factors related to non-disclosure in order to improve conditions to support open disclosure in healthcare settings. METHODS: We conducted an anonymous self-completed online questionnaire between September and December 2010 of people with HIV. The data from 237 subjects living in Japan were analyzed. To identify factors causing patients to not be truthful to their physicians, odds ratios and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, with "discrepancy between the actual route of HIV transmission and the route reported to the physician' as a dependent variable, and sex, age, residential area, route of transmission, presence or absence of consent to undergo HIV testing, time since being diagnosed as infected with HIV, and favorability of physician responses as independent variables. RESULTS: The proportions of patients who had informed their physicians of actual and false routes of HIV transmission were 75.1% and 17.7%, respectively. Among subjects reporting homosexual contact, 97.5% reported the actual route. On the other hand, among subjects reporting heterosexual contact, only 64.3% reported the actual route while 28.6% actually had homosexual contact. Furthermore, 47.4% of the subjects who reported their routes of HIV transmission as sexual contact, but did not disclose whether the contact had been homosexual or heterosexual, actually had homosexual contact. On comparing subjects who had evaluated responses from their physicians favorably and unfavorably, the proportion of those reporting a false route of transmission was significantly higher in the latter group, with the odds ratio being 2.51 (95% CI: 1.26-5.01). CONCLUSION: AIDS Surveillance Committee reports of HIV and AIDS cases attributed to a homosexual route of infection may be lower than actual numbers. The most common factor related to non-disclosure was the perception of unfavorable responses from physicians; improvements to support open disclosure are thus needed.

Medication Adherence of People Living with HIV in Japan-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Long-term medical care for people living with HIV (PLHIV) is critical for treatment efficacy, and various studies have examined reasons for antiretroviral therapy (ART) non-adherence. In Japan, doctors assume patients maintain high adherence. However, little is known about real-world treatment adherence. We conducted an anonymous self-administered web-based survey asking about adherence for a total of 1030 Japanese PLHIV who were currently on ART. Adherence was determined using the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), for which scoring ranged from 0 to 8 and scores < 6 points were classified as low adherence. Data were analyzed based on patient-related factors; therapy-related factors; condition-related factors, such as a comorbidity with depression (utilizing the Patient Health Questionnaire 9, PHQ-9); and healthcare/system-related factors. Among 821 PLHIV who responded to the survey, 291 responders (35%) were identified as being in the low adherence group. A statistically significant relationship was found between the number of missed anti-HIV drug doses within the previous 2 weeks and long-term adherence, per the MMAS-8 score (p < 0.001). Risk factors for low adherence included age (younger than 21 years, p = 0.001), moderate to severe depression (p = 0.002, using the PHQ-9), and drug dependence (p = 0.043). Adherence was also influenced by a shared decision-making process, including treatment selection, doctor-patient relations, and treatment satisfaction. Adherence was mainly affected by treatment decision factors. Hence, support of care providers should be considered critical for improving adherence.

Socioeconomic Status and the Sense of Coherence among Japanese People Living with HIV.

People living with HIV (PLWH) are forced to live with multiple and severe stressors. Focusing on sense of coherence (SOC), which is a concept of salutogenic and stress coping capacity, is useful in PLWH support. This study aimed to examine the association between SOC and socioeconomic status (SES) for Japanese PLWH. Methods: This study used data from the HIV Futures Japan national survey, which is an online survey with a cross-sectional design. This survey of PLWH in Japan was conducted from July 2013 to February 2014 and December 2016 to July 2017, resulting in 1422 valid responses. The mean age (SD) was 38.6 years (8.3). The 13-item SOC scale score was divided into two groups, based on Japanese standard score in a previous study, and logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: Education levels were indirectly associated with SOC through occupation. Compared to freelance-profession/self-employed, "unemployed job seekers" (OR [95%CI] = 2.16 [1.16, 4.04]) and "homemaker/recuperating/student" (2.09 [1.09, 4.02]) were directly related to poor SOC, regardless of income. Also, there is a clear SOC disparity in income (compared to ">8 million yen/year", "<1 million yen/year" was 2.94 [1.46, 5.92], and "1−2.99 million yen/year" was 2.49 [1.33, 4.68]). Conclusion: It became clear that there is a relationship between SOC and SES. The results of this research provide important evidence for health promotion measures for PLWH.

Impact of COVID-19 on the HIV care continuum in Asia: Insights from people living with HIV, key populations, and HIV healthcare providers.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has threatened continued access to public health services worldwide, including HIV prevention and care. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV service access and delivery in the Asia region. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional, online study, conducted between October-November 2020, assessed the impact of COVID-19 on HIV prevention and care among people living with HIV (PLHIV), key populations (KPs), and healthcare providers (HCPs). The study populations were recruited across ten Asian countries/territories, covering Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. RESULTS: Across the region, 702 PLHIV, 551 KPs, and 145 HCPs were recruited. Both PLHIV and KPs reported decreased or had yet to visit hospitals/clinics (PLHIV: 35.9%; KPs: 57.5%), reduced HIV RNA viral load testing (21.9%; 47.3%), and interruptions in antiretroviral therapy (ART) (22.3%) or decreased/complete stop of HIV prevention medication consumption (40.9%). Travel constraints (40.6%), financial issues (28.9%), and not receiving prescription refills (26.9%) were common reasons for interrupted ART access, whereas reduced engagements in behaviours that could increase the risks of HIV acquisition and transmission (57.7%), travel constraints (41.8%), and less hospital/clinic visits (36.7%) underlie the disruptions in HIV preventive medications. Decreased visits from PLHIV/KPs and rescheduled appointments due to clinic closure were respectively reported by 50.7%-52.1% and 15.6%-17.0% of HCPs; 43.6%-61.9% observed decreased ART/preventive medication refills. Although 85.0% of HCPs adopted telemedicine to deliver HIV care services, 56.4%-64.1% of PLHIV/KPs were not using telehealth services. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic substantially disrupted HIV prevention to care continuum in Asia at the time of the study. The findings highlighted differences in HIV prevention to care continuum via telehealth services utilisation by PLHIV, KPs, and HCPs. Efforts are needed to optimise infrastructure and adapt systems for continued HIV care with minimal disruptions during health emergency crises.

Transrectal high-intensity focused ultrasound for treatment of localized prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the long-term outcomes of transrectal high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for patients with localized prostate cancer. METHODS: From May 2003 to present, 137 consecutive patients with T1-2 prostate cancer were treated using the Sonablate 500 and then followed for more than 12 months after their last HIFU treatment. A prostate biopsy was routinely carried out at 6 months and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was measured every 3 months after HIFU. Oncological outcomes as well as treatment-related complications were assessed. Disease-free survival (DFS) was judged using the Phoenix definition (PSA nadir + 2 ng/mL), negative histological findings and no local or distant metastasis. RESULTS: The median follow up after HIFU was 36 months (range 12-84 months). No patients received adjuvant therapy during this period. The PSA nadir occurred at 2 months after HIFU and the median level was 0.07 ng/mL (0.01-2.01 ng/mL). Of the 133 patients who underwent prostate biopsy or transurethral resection of the prostate at 6 months or later after HIFU, six were positive for cancer cells (4.5%). There were no major postoperative complications, but urge incontinence (16 cases) and dysuria (33 cases) occurred after removal of the urethral catheter. The 5-year DFS rate was 78% based on these criteria, and 91%, 81% and 62% in the low-, intermediate- and high-risk group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: HIFU represents an effective, repeatable and minimally invasive treatment. It is particularly effective for low- and intermediate-risk patients, and it should be considered as an option for localized prostate cancer.

New Approach for Collecting Cancer Patients' Views and Preferences Through Medical Staff.

PURPOSE: It is crucial for health professionals to understand patients' and families' views and preferences (PVPs) to enhance their adherence to treatments and subsequent satisfaction. Regularly and consistently collecting comprehensive information on the needs and concerns of patients/families and utilizing the information is vital for improving clinical practice and the healthcare environment. As an initial approach, this study aimed to develop a new system for appropriately collecting PVPs regarding cancer from nationwide medical staff and consider the potential utilization of PVPs in clinical practice. METHODS: Web-based anonymous surveys were conducted with medical staff in nationwide cancer care hospitals in Japan. The surveys queried the questions, values, desires, and experiences expressed by cancer patients or their families on five topics, namely two cancer sites (colorectal and esophageal cancers) and three symptoms and signs (lymphedema, urinary symptoms, and tingling/numbness/pain) within the past year. The PVPs were compared to the five topics and staff medical specialties, and those on tingling/numbness/pain were analyzed qualitatively. RESULTS: Among the 904 medical staff who responded to this survey, the PVPs encountered by the staff differed according to the topic and staff medical specialty. Tingling/numbness/pain was the most frequently encountered symptom, and urinary symptoms were the least encountered. Only half or fewer of the medical staff had information available regarding urinary symptoms and tingling/numbness/pain. Further, qualitative content analysis of the expressed PVPs regarding tingling/numbness/pain raised clinical questions on this topic that led to the construction of a "Questions & Answers" section on a public website in Japan. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that collecting PVPs through nationwide cancer-related medical staff might be an efficient way to understand the specific requirements of patients/families. It would also be possible to document PVP trends according to changes in the environments of patients/families by nationwide, consistent, and continuous PVP collection.

How families in Japan view the disclosure of terminal illness: a study of iatrogenic HIV infection.

Physicians in Japan typically do not disclose diagnoses of terminal illnesses to patients, in deference to the wishes of family members. Nonetheless, some evidence indicates that relatives of patients with iatrogenic HIV infection would prefer patient disclosure. We collected survey data from 314 family members in 225 households of hemophiliac patients who died from illnesses related to iatrogenic HIV infection in order to examine current attitudes toward patient disclosure in Japan. Family members reported that the diagnosis of iatrogenic HIV infection was disclosed to the patient by the primary physician in 32.8% of cases, by the family in 8.3% of cases, and not disclosed in 26.4% of cases. The majority of families indicated that the timing of the physician's disclosure occurred too late. Multivariate analysis indicated that families wished that patients had been informed of the diagnosis, despite the stigma associated with HIV in Japan. Furthermore, many families blamed the physician for the infection and fatality in those cases in which the physician did not convey feelings of regret. These results have important clinical ramifications to the practice of disclosing terminal diagnoses in Japan.

Prevalence of painful bladder syndrome (PBS) symptoms in adult women in the general population in Japan.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to clarify the prevalence of painful bladder syndrome (PBS) symptoms in adult women in the general population in Japan. METHODS: Web-based survey through an internet-based market research company that enrolled 561,631 men and women in Japan was conducted from January 9 to January 11, 2007. After the women allocated to four age groups; 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s or older, a total of 80,367 women, comprising an almost equal number from each age group, were then randomly invited to participate. The O'Leary and Sant symptom index was used as the questionnaire. The following classification was defined on the basis of the total points score: 0 to 3 points for negligible PBS symptoms, 4 to 6 points for mild symptoms, 7 to 11 points for moderate symptoms, and 12 to 20 points for severe symptoms. A category of possible cases of PBS was defined as severe PBS symptoms including nocturia (twice or more) and pain (2 points or more). RESULTS: A total of 32,074 women ranging in age from 20 to 88 years participated. 76.6% of respondents had negligible PBS symptoms, 17.3% had mild symptoms, 5.6% had moderate symptoms, and 0.5% had severe symptoms, respectively. The incidence rate of women with possible cases of PBS was 0.265% (85/32,074). CONCLUSIONS: Comparison with previous reports revealed no difference in the prevalence of PBS symptom in adult women in the general population between Japan and Western countries.

Should we tell the truth? Why families in Japan chose to tell their loved ones they were victims of iatrogenic HIV infection.

Japanese families traditionally avoid disclosing diagnoses of terminal illnesses to patients, seeking to protect the patient from emotional pain and shock. Using awareness theory, in this study we aimed to investigate the attitudes toward disclosure among bereaved families of Japanese hemophiliacs with iatrogenic HIV/AIDS. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 34 bereaved family members. Qualitative content analysis centered around three main issues: (a) family attitudes toward physician nondisclosure of HIV diagnosis; (b) family attitudes regarding the consequences of nondisclosure; and (c) family attitudes regarding the impact of nondisclosure on patient-family relationships. Our findings suggest that families favored disclosure because they felt that knowledge of the iatrogenic HIV infection would benefit the patient.

Lack of information underlies women's perceptions of erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs in Japan.

INTRODUCTION: Some Japanese women are known to have negative attitudes toward erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs, but the environment underlying these perceptions is unclear. AIM: To reveal the underlying environment that shapes women's perceptions of ED drugs in Japan. METHODS: A web-based questionnaire was conducted through an Internet-based market research company. A total of 2,593 women in five age groups (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s or older) were randomly invited to participate in this study, with an almost equal number in each age group. The questionnaire contained 30 items related to individual background and sexual information, concerns about the image of ED drugs, ED drug-related perceptions, and attitude toward sexual information media. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The women's attitude and the independent predictors that affect their partner's use of ED drugs were clarified. RESULTS: Answers were obtained from 1,077 women, of whom 35.4% (n=381) had a negative image of ED drugs. Although 69.5% (n=749) agreed that a sexual relationship with a male partner was important, only 26.7% (n=288) agreed that this remained important if ED drugs were used. However, 56.7% (n=611) and 57.7% (n=621) of respondents, respectively, answered that they would allow their partner's use of ED drugs if they imagined that they understood the safety and effectiveness of ED drugs and that their quality of life was improved by their partner's use of the drugs. Lack of information about ED drugs was a significant predictor for acceptance of a partner's use of ED drugs among women with a negative image of ED drugs, since they were more likely to accept the use of these drugs if they were convinced about their safety and effectiveness or positive effect on quality of life. CONCLUSION: Lack of information about ED drugs may influence the perception of women in Japan regarding these drugs.

Women's perception of male erectile dysfunction drugs in the general population.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate trends in women's perception of male erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs in the general population. METHODS: We designed an online questionnaire survey and randomly invited an initial total of 2370 women to respond to it from a database population that included 450,000 men and women recruited through an Internet-based market research company. The 17 items of the questionnaire comprised 9 items related to socio-cultural background and 8 items related to the perception of ED drugs, ED itself, and sexual relations. RESULTS: A total of 1262 women (53.2% of those initially invited), ranging in age from 20 to 77 years, participated. Among the participants, 83.3% were aware of the existence of ED drugs, but only 12.0% showed some interest in them, 46.4% and 43.2% of the participants claimed to have an unfavorable image of ED drugs, and of men using ED drugs, respectively. Among the participants, 45.2% stated that if their partners suffered from ED at present or in the future, they would not desire their partners to use ED drugs, and 25.5% stated that they would not accept it. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that higher age had a negative impact on knowledge, interest and image of ED drugs, the image of men using ED drugs, and the importance of sexual relations. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal that a high proportion of women have a negative perception of ED drugs and associated issues in Japan.

Body mass index as a classifier to predict biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy in patients with lower prostate-specific antigen levels.

Prostate cancer, one of the most common malignant tumors among men, is closely associated with obesity and, thus far, several studies have suggested the association between obesity and aggressive pathological characteristics in the United States. However, the effect of obesity on prostate cancer mortality is controversial, and it remains unclear whether obesity contributes to the aggressiveness of prostate cancer in Asian patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and the clinicopathological characteristics of prostate cancer in 2,003 Japanese patients who underwent radical prostatectomy. There was a significant association between higher BMI and higher Gleason score (GS). The multivariate analysis also revealed that BMI was an independent indicator for GS ≥8 at surgery. Moreover, among patients with lower prostate-specific antigen levels, biochemical recurrence-free survival was significantly worse in those with higher BMI. These results suggest that BMI may be a classifier for predicting adverse pathological findings and biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy in Japanese patients.

Psychosocial problems of bereaved families of HIV-infected hemophiliacs in Japan.

This study sought to investigate the psychosocial difficulties faced by bereaved families of HIV-infected hemophiliacs in Japan, with the goal of clarifying appropriate ways to offer them support. Interviews were conducted with 46 family members from 36 families, and a written survey was mailed to 392 families. Valid responses from 225 families (307 family members) were analyzed (response rate 57.4%). We found that even at a mean 7-9 years after their family member's death, the bereaved continued to express deep feelings of sorrow and grief, and further, expressed strong feelings of resentment, anger, guilt and regret, anxiety over discrimination, and loneliness. Notably, 95% of the mothers endorsed feeling "sorry for giving birth to a hemophiliac child". Additionally, even after their family member's death, approximately 70% of the respondents continued to restrict their daily activities due to stigmatization or anxiety over discrimination. Finally, 59% of the respondents were found to have posttraumatic stress disorder-like symptoms according to the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, and 46% were found, according to General Health Questionnaire-12 (a measure of mental disorder) criteria, to suffer mental health problems. These results indicate that bereaved families of HIV-infected hemophiliacs in Japan have special characteristics and psychosocial needs, and still suffer significant psychosocial difficulties years after the bereavement.

The intent and practice of condom use among HIV-positive men who have sex with men in Japan.

To evaluate the intent and practice of condom use among Japanese HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM), a survey using anonymous questionnaires was carried out and 117 respondents were investigated. For anal sex and oral sex, respectively, 58.1% and 15.2% intended to use condoms and 47.2% and 12.4% used condoms all of the time. The intent of condom use decisively affected the practice of condom use and was closely related to the perceived risk level of HIV/sexually transmitted (STI) transmission. In anal sex, willingness to protect sexual partners from HIV infection was strongly related not only to the intent but also to the practice. Enhancement of willingness to protect oneself from STI was suggested to enhance willingness to protect his/her sexual partners from HIV infection with secondary enhancement of the intent or the practice of condom use. Specific support of MSM with HIV for improving the intent and practice of condom use is urgently needed.