Effects of physical and morphometric factors on nutrient removal properties in agricultural ponds.

Effects of physical and morphometric factors on nutrient removal properties were studied in small agricultural ponds with different depths, volumes, and residence times in western Japan. Average residence time was estimated to be >15 days, and it tended to decrease from summer to winter because of the increase in water withdrawal for agricultural activity. Water temperature was clearly different between the surface and bottom layers; this indicates that thermal stratification occurred in summer. Chlorophyll-a was significantly high (>20 µg/L) in the surface layer (<0.5 m) and influenced by the thermal stratification. Removal ratios of dissolved total nitrogen (DTN) and dissolved total phosphorus in the ponds were estimated to be 53-98% and 39-98% in August and 10-92% and 36-57% in December, respectively. Residence time of the ponds was longer in August than in December, and DTN removal, in particular, was more significant in ponds with longer residence time. Our results suggest residence time is an important factor for nitrogen removal in small agricultural ponds as well as large lakes.

Beneficial effects of leukotriene receptor antagonists in the prevention of cedar pollinosis in a community setting.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, many countries have experienced an increase in the prevalence of allergic rhinitis. No effective approach is currently available to prevent the onset of symptoms in allergic individuals. Pranlukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist with a good safety and efficacy record for the management of allergic inflammation, may be appropriate for early intervention in the management of pollinosis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of pranlukast as an early intervention in the control of cedar pollinosis. METHODS: In a double-blind comparative study, pranlukast (n = 102) or placebo (n = 91) was administered to cedar pollinosis patients immediately before the start of the dispersion season and continued for 4 weeks. Subsequently, pranlukast was administered to all patients for 2 weeks until the end of the cedar pollen dispersion season (mid-March). All patients were carefully monitored for severity of nasal symptoms, symptom scores, medication scores, symptom-medication scores, and quality of life (QOL). RESULTS: Compared with placebo, therapy with pranlukast before and during the dispersion of cedar pollen in these patients significantly improved nasal symptoms (paroxysmal sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion), symptom scores, and symptom-medication scores. The drug also significantly reduced deterioration of QOL, and improved nasal symptoms and QOL throughout the dispersion period. CONCLUSION: Administering pranlukast immediately before the beginning of cedar pollen dispersion is effective in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis throughout the dispersion period.

Association of serum interleukin-33 level and the interleukin-33 genetic variant with Japanese cedar pollinosis.

BACKGROUND: IL-33, an IL-1-like cytokine, is a ligand for IL1RL1, which is an important effector molecule of type 2 T helper responses. Although IL-33/IL1RL1 interaction has been suggested to be important in induction of allergic airway inflammation, serum levels of IL-33 and the genetic influences of the polymorphisms of IL-33 in human allergic diseases are unclear. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine whether the serum IL-33 level and polymorphisms in IL-33 are associated with Japanese cedar (JC) pollinosis, the most common form of allergic rhinitis, and a major public health problem, in Japan. METHODS: We performed linkage disequilibrium (LD) mapping of the gene using the HapMap database, and two selected tag single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped. We conducted an association study of IL-33 (JC pollinosis, n=170; normal controls, n=100) and measured the IL-33 levels in sera of the 270 subjects by ELISA. RESULTS: Serum levels of IL-33 were significantly higher in patients with JC pollinosis (P=0.0018) than in controls. In genetic association analysis, we found a positive association between the polymorphism and JC pollinosis (P=0.048). CONCLUSION: Our results support a role for IL-33 in the pathogenesis of JC pollinosis.

Omalizumab is more effective than suplatast tosilate in the treatment of Japanese cedar pollen-induced seasonal allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) induced by Japanese cedar pollens is a major problem in Japan. Omalizumab, a humanized monoclonal anti-IgE antibody, improves symptoms associated with SAR, but a comparative study with an anti-allergy drug has not yet been conducted. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of omalizumab with suplatast tosilate, a selective T-helper type 2 (Th2) cytokine inhibitor, in patients with Japanese cedar pollen-induced SAR. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, double-dummy study was conducted in 308 Japanese patients with a history of moderate-to-severe SAR who showed a CAP-RAST value (> or =2+) specifically to Japanese cedar pollens. Patients were treated for 12 weeks with omalizumab plus placebo of suplatast tosilate or suplatast tosilate plus placebo of omalizumab. RESULTS: The mean daily nasal symptom medication scores (sum of the daily nasal symptom severity score and daily nasal rescue medication score) were significantly lower in the omalizumab group than in the suplatast tosilate group during three evaluation periods (P<0.001). The omalizumab group also had significantly lower mean daily nasal severity scores, each of the mean daily nasal and ocular symptom severity scores (sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy nose, itchy eyes, watery eyes, and red eyes). Omalizumab reduced rescue medication requirements, and the proportion of days with any rescue medication use in the omalizumab group was significantly lower. Serum-free IgE levels markedly decreased in the omalizumab group and it was associated with clinical efficacy. The adverse reaction profiles were similar between the two groups. The overall incidence of injection site reactions was higher in the omalizumab group than in the suplatast tosilate group, but all these events were of mild degree. No anti-omalizumab antibodies were detected. CONCLUSION: Omalizumab showed significantly greater improvements than suplatast tosilate in the treatment of SAR induced by Japanese cedar pollens.

Imaging of hydroperoxide and hydrogen peroxide-scavenging substances by photon emission.

An imaging system for the hydroperoxide and hydrogen donor was developed by photon emission from the reactive oxygen species-hydrogen donor-KHCO(3)-MeCHO system. Photon intensity (luminance, cd/m(2)) showed a linear correlation with the concentration of some hydroperoxides [hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), tert-butyl hydroperoxide and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide] and that of hydrogen donors (catechins and anthocyanins). The linear relationship between photon intensity and concentration was observed in polyphenol-rich samples, such as teas, berries and currants. Photon intensity from the H(2)O(2)/polyphenol-rich sample-KHCO(3)-MeCHO system corresponded with H(2)O(2)-scavenging activity, rather than with polyphenol contents. It is possible to classify hydrogen donor species according to absorption features using spectral analysis (gallic acid, E(max) 645 nm, catechins, E(max) 610 nm; anthocyanins, E(max) 690-700 nm). This method is a simple and sensitive detection system for hydroperoxide- and H(2)O(2)-scavenging substances.

Identification and characterization of two distinct GnRH receptor subtypes in a teleost, the medaka Oryzias latipes.

We report the identification and characterization of two distinct GnRH receptor (GnRH-R) subtypes, designated GnRH-R1 and GnRH-R2, in a model teleost, the medaka Oryzias latipes. These seven-transmembrane receptors of the medaka contain a cytoplasmic C-terminal tail, which has been found in all other nonmammalian GnRH-Rs cloned to date. The GnRH-R1 gene is composed of three exons separated by two introns, whereas the GnRH-R2 gene has an additional intron and therefore consists of four exons and three introns. The GnRH-R1 and GnRH-R2 genes, both of which exist as single-copy genes in the medaka genome, were mapped to linkage groups 3 and 16, respectively. Inositol phosphate assays using COS-7 cells transfected with GnRH-R1 and GnRH-R2 demonstrated that they had remarkably different ligand sensitivities, although both receptors showed highest preference for chicken-II-type GnRH. Phylogenetic analysis showed the presence of three paralogous lineages for vertebrate GnRH-Rs and indicated that neither GnRH-R1 nor GnRH-R2 is the medaka ortholog to mammalian GnRH-Rs that lack a cytoplasmic tail. This, together with an observation that medaka-type GnRH had low affinity for GnRH-R1 and GnRH-R2, suggests that a third GnRH-R may exist in the medaka.

Microwave thermotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia with the Dornier Urowave: response durability and variables potentially predicting response.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and durability of transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The clinical variables useful in predicting outcome were identified. METHODS: From October 1996 to March 2000, 58 patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia were treated with TUMT using the Urowave device. Treatment outcome was evaluated by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality-of-life assessment score, and urodynamic investigation. The patients were divided into those having a good and poor response on the basis of the degree of IPSS decrease at 3 months. RESULTS: The mean IPSS significantly decreased from 19.2 at baseline to 13.3 at 3 months (P <0.0001). The mean quality-of-life score changed from 4.6 at baseline to 2.9 at 3 months (P <0.0001). No statistically significant differences in peak flow rate, postvoid residual volume, Schäfer's obstruction scale, or detrusor pressure at peak flow were noted before or after TUMT. The pretreatment IPSS of the good response group was significantly higher than that of the poor response group (P=0.017). A more significant difference was obtained for the obstructive score (P = 0.002), and no difference was observed in the irritative score (P = 0.631). The Schäfer grading scale score of the good response group was significantly smaller than that of the poor response group (P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: TUMT with the Urowave was effective in eliminating symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, but did not markedly improve the objective voiding parameters. Patients with urodynamically less obstructive symptoms but subjectively more obstructive symptoms are therefore probably good candidates for TUMT.

Acute normovolemic hemodilution for radical prostatectomy: can it replace preoperative autologous blood transfusion?

BACKGROUND: Although preoperative autologous blood donation (PAD) is accepted as a standard of care for radical prostatectomy, it is costly, time-consuming and has risks associated with blood storage. Acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) is reported to be less expensive and to preserve blood components more effectively than PAD. In the present study, the efficacy and safety of these two autologous blood-collection techniques were compared. METHODS: The study included 16 consecutive patients scheduled for radical prostatectomy. The first eight patients underwent conventional preoperative autologous blood donation of 400 mL 1 week before the operation (PAD group) and the second eight patients underwent acute normovolemic hemodilution followed by immediate operation (ANH group). All blood collected was transfused in the perioperative period. Preoperative and postoperative hematocrit levels in these two groups were compared. RESULTS: There were no differences in preoperative hematocrit, time of operation or operative blood loss between the two groups. In the ANH group, 1080 +/- 160 mL of blood were collected. The postoperative hematocrit level did not differ significantly between the groups. No patient in either group received allogeneic blood transfusion or experienced an adverse event directly related to blood transfusion. CONCLUSION: The two blood-conservation strategies resulted in similar postoperative hematologic outcomes. Given its advantages, which include lower cost, lower risk and higher convenience, ANH is one of the procedures that may replace conventional PAD for use in radical prostatectomy.

Impact of interventional therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia on quality of life and sexual function: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: Treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), including minimally invasive therapy, can impair the quality of life. We prospectively determined the impact of 4 different interventional therapies on quality of life and sexual function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 173 patients were prospectively evaluated between February 1995 and August 1997. Treatment modalities consisted of standard transurethral resection of the prostate in 55 cases, transurethral microwave thermotherapy in 34, interstitial laser coagulation of the prostate in 42 and transurethral needle ablation in 42. Disease specific quality of life was assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score quality of life assessment index and BPH impact index. In addition, a self-reporting questionnaire was completed before and 3 months after treatment to determine the impact on sexual function. RESULTS: All 4 treatment groups showed significant improvement in the symptom score, International Prostate Symptom Score quality of life assessment score and BPH impact index score. Satisfaction with treatment was highest in patients treated with transurethral resection or laser coagulation. A mild to moderate decrease in erectile function was noted in 26.5%, 18.2%, 18.4% and 20.0% of the transurethral resection, microwave thermotherapy, laser coagulation and needle ablation groups, respectively, but there was no significant difference of mean pretreatment and posttreatment erectile function or libido scores in any group. Ejaculation loss or severe decrease in ejaculate volume was reported by 48.6%, 28.1%, 21.6% and 24.3% of the patients, respectively. Interestingly, 20 of the 44 patients (45. 5%) with loss of ejaculation or severe decrease in ejaculate reported deterioration of the sex life, while only 2 (3.6%) of the 56 without any change in ejaculate volume reported such deterioration. The association of ejaculatory dysfunction with an adverse impact on sexual activity was highly significant (p <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Significant improvement in quality of life could be achieved with the present assessed interventional therapies. There was no significant change in sexual desire or erectile function with these therapies. Posttreatment sexual dysfunction appears to be mainly related to impaired ejaculatory function. Urologists should provide proper counseling regarding the possibility of this complication even in patients receiving minimally invasive treatment.

Chemiluminescence of adzuki bean and soybean seedlings.

The chemiluminescence of extracts from leguminous seedlings (adzuki bean and soybean) was investigated. In an H(2)O(2)/gallic acid/water extract system, the photon intensities of adzuki bean seedlings were increased after germination and in the hypocotyls it reached a maximum level during the first 4 days of germination. On day 4 after germination, chemiluminescence in the primary leaf part exhibited the strongest intensity. Emission spectra showed a main peak at 510 nm, with shoulders at 660 nm. Mechanical injuries to the stems and cotyledons resulted in about a 1.5- and 6.8-fold increase of chemiluminescence, respectively. In an H(2)O(2)/70% EtOH extract/HRP system, photon intensities increased after germination and reached a maximum level during the first 2 days of germination. On day 4 after germination, chemiluminescence in the root and leaf area was stronger than in any other area. Emission spectra showed a main peak at around 570 nm, with shoulders at around 660 nm. The photon intensities of stems and cotyledons after mechanical injuries resulted in about an 0.72-fold decrease and an 8.8-fold increase in the presence of H(2)O(2) and acetaldehyde (MeCHO), respectively.

Cloning and characterization of a novel human gene encoding a zinc finger protein with 25 fingers.

This study reports cloning and characterization of a human cDNA encoding a novel human zinc finger protein, ZFD25. ZFD25 cDNA is 6118 bp long and has an open reading frame of 2352 bp that encodes a 783 amino acid protein with 25 C2H2-type zinc fingers. The ZFD25 cDNA also contains a region with high sequence similarity to the Krüppel-associated box A and B domain in the 5'-untranslated region, suggesting that ZFD25 belongs to the Krüppel-associated box zinc finger protein family. The ZFD25 gene was localized to chromosome 7q11.2. Northern blot analysis showed that ZFD25 was expressed in a wide range of human organs. In cultured endothelial cells, the mRNA level was decreased upon serum starvation.

A novel SCG10-related gene uniquely expressed in the nervous system.

We have isolated a novel cDNA (HiAT3: hippocampus abundant transcript 3) in the course of screening for genes that are preferentially expressed in neonatal mouse hippocampus using random 3'-directed cDNA sequencing approach. It encodes a 180-aa protein that has high similarity to SCG10, a neuron-specific negative regulator of microtubule dynamics during neurite outgrowth. The expression of HiAT3 is limited to neurons and peaks about 1 week after birth. The identification of HiAT3 suggests that there may be an elaborate destabilizing regulation for microtubule dynamics in neurons in addition to the stabilizing effect of multiple microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs).

Interstitial laser coagulation for management of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a Japanese experience.

PURPOSE: The principle of interstitial laser coagulation is to shrink the prostate by generating intraprostatic necrosis without damaging the urethra or causing tissue sloughing. The clinical efficacy and durability of interstitial laser coagulation in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 1993 to June 1996, 76 patients with symptomatic BPH were treated with interstitial laser coagulation. A neodymium:YAG laser was used in combination with a specially designed interstitial thermotherapy light guide. The tip of the light guide was inserted into each lobe of the prostate transurethrally under direct vision. All evaluations were made at baseline and then 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after therapy. Treatment outcome was evaluated by International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS), flow rate and post-void residual urine volume. Disease specific quality of life was assessed via a quality of life assessment score and a BPH impact index. Independent of symptom assessment, a self-reporting questionnaire was prepared at 3 months postoperatively regarding satisfaction with treatment and sexual function. RESULTS: Among 44 patients followed to 12 months the mean I-PSS significantly decreased from 20.4 at baseline to 7.4, representing 64% improvement (p <0.001). Peak flow rate increased by 50% from a preoperative average of 7.4 to 11.1 ml. per second at 12 months in 42 patients (p <0.001). The post-void residual volume decreased by 57% from 102 to 44 ml. at 12 months in 40 cases (p <0.001). Steady and progressive improvement was observed on quality of life assessment and BPH impact index scores at 3, 6 and 12 months. No patients reported new onset of erectile dysfunction. No serious side effects were observed, except for loss of ejaculation in 3 cases and seminal vesicle abscess in 1. Only 6 patients (8%) required re-treatment for persisting obstructive symptoms during 12 months of followup. A recent change in methods towards more aggressive treatment plausibly influenced the outcomes to require less repeat treatment. CONCLUSIONS: After the interstitial laser coagulation procedure satisfactory results were obtained and improvement lasted through 12 months. Although the optimal number of fiber placements for each prostate is not known, more aggressive treatment appears to provide better outcomes.

HPLC profile analysis of oleanene-glucuronides in several edible beans.

HPLC analysis and yield of oleanene-glucuronide (OG) was done on some commercially available edible beans: seeds of Glycine max, Glycine max cv. Kuromame, Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Torosuku, Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Toramame, Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Taishokintoki, Phaseolus coccineus cv. Ooshirobana, Phaseolus coccineus cv. Murasakihanamame, Vigna unguiculata cv. Chuguro, Vigna angularis cv. Dainagon, Arachis hypogaea, Pisum sativum, and Vicia faba. All the beans listed above have OG, though in varying the amounts. Furthermore the HPLC profiles of beans belonging to the same genus were very similar except for that of the Vigna genus. There was no great difference of the HPLC profiles with respect to the cultivated varieties. The structures of the major OGs in each type of beans were identified as soyasaponins I (1) and V (2), and phaseoside I (3) (Phaseolus vulgaris and P. coccineus); 1 and soyasaponin II (4) (Glycine max); 1 and 2 (Vigna unguiculata); 1 (Pisum sativum, Arachis hypogaea and Vicia faba). In contrast, those in Dainagon (Vigna angularis cv. Dainagon) were identified as azukisaponins II (5) and VI (6).

Functional quantitative analysis of the genome in cultured human mesangial cells. Technical note.

For normal physiological function, each cell tightly regulates gene expression in a specific fashion so that critical proteins are synthesized in a well-coordinated manner. Therefore, it is very important to uncover which genes are expressed in specific cells. Recent technological advances combined with rapid large-scale DNA sequencing and computerized data processing have allowed us to investigate the expression levels of a variety of transcripts in the mesangial cells, a target of injury in many forms of glomerulonephritis. Utilizing a large scale sequencing of a 3'-directed cDNA library, which allows us to avoid variable cloning efficiencies reflecting the size of cDNA, we investigated expression profiles of various molecules in cultured human mesangial cells. Among the 1,193 sequenced clones, 688 (57.7%) appeared more than once (redundant sequence group), representing 203 different species. Thirty-nine of these appeared more than three times. The most abundant mRNA was that of fibronectin, which consisted of 3.9% of the total mRNA population. Except for mitochondrial or ribosomal genes, calcyclin came next (2.5%), followed by two cytoskeletal genes, gamma-actin gene and calpactin 1 light chain gene, in addition to an amyloid precursor protein homolog (0.7%). In conclusion, we performed a molecular biological quantification of transcripts in mesangial cells. Fibronectin was the most abundantly expressed, followed by calcyclin, gamma-actin, calpactin 1 light chain, and an amyloid precursor protein homolog. We also discovered some candidate genes specific for human mesangial cells. The expression profile of the transcripts serves as an important tool in understanding the biological properties of mesangial cells.

Isolation of a cDNA encoding a widely expressed novel zinc finger protein with the LeR and KRAB-A domains.

We have isolated a human cDNA clone representing a novel human gene. The predicted 683-amino-acid protein, designated FPM315, contains nine C2H2-type zinc finger motifs and two regions homologous to the LeR domain, a finger-associated structural domain, and the A element of the Kruppel-associated box (KRAB) domain involved in transcriptional repression. The FPM315 mRNAs were expressed in all human tissues so far examined. A cross-species genomic hybridization indicates that the FPM315 gene is highly conserved among eukaryotes. These data suggest that FPM315 might play an important role in basic cellular processes.

Pros-Eight transurethral radiofrequency thermotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia: preliminary clinical results.

BACKGROUND: We have developed a new transurethral thermotherapy device using 8MHz radiofrequency (RF) for the treatment of patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We report the safety and effectiveness of the initial clinical experience with this device. METHODS: Sixty patients with symptomatic BPH were subjected to a single 1-hour treatment under local anesthesia. The treatment device uses extracorporeal RF capacitive heating in combination with radiative heating and conductive cooling of the urethra. RESULTS: In the 49 patients evaluable at 3 months, the mean International Prostate Symptom Score decreased from 17.8 to 13.1 (P < 0.0001) and the Quality of Life score decreased from 4.4 to 3.4 (P < 0.0005). Maximum flow rate increased from 8.1 to 9.7 mL/s (P < 0.05) at 3 months. Overall effectiveness by Homma's response criteria was as follows; excellent 4.1%, good 10.2%, fair 38.8% and poor 46.9%. Side effects were minimal. Gross hematuria was seen in 3 patients and erosion of the external urethral meatus was seen in 2 patients, but none had urinary retention. CONCLUSIONS: In this initial clinical trial, transurethral RF thermotherapy was safe and resulted in modest symptomatic improvement. Further investigations for optimizing the treatment protocol seem warranted.

A cDNA cloning of human AEBP1 from primary cultured osteoblasts and its expression in a differentiating osteoblastic cell line.

By comparing lists of 3'-directed partial cDNA sequences (gene signatures) randomly collected from various tissues, genes uniquely expressed in individual tissue can be identified. A full length cDNA clone, corresponding to one such gene signature, unique to human osteoblast and adipose tissue, was isolated. This cDNA clone encodes a 845-amino acid protein that is almost identical to the mouse adipocyte transcription factor AEBP1 except that it has additional 105 amino acids in the N terminus. A northern hybridization showed that in the differentiating murine osteoblastic cell line, AEBP1 is also expressed but that it is shut off in the final calcification phase, suggesting a transcriptional repressive effect on genes for bone formation.

Identification and cloning of neuroblastoma-specific and nerve tissue-specific genes through compiled expression profiles.

An expression profile of active genes in a human neuroblastoma cell line CHP134 was obtained by collecting 1222 partial sequences from a 3'-directed cDNA library representing a non-biased mRNA population. By comparing this expression profile with the compiled profiles of multiple tissues, several novel gene transcripts that appeared only in the profile of the neuroblastoma cell line were identified. Further analyses by Northern blotting revealed two specific cDNA clones that are expressed in most of the human neuroblastomas examined, and three that are in some of the human neuroblastoma cell lines as well as in the adult human brain. Full-size cDNAs were cloned using these five partial cDNA sequences as probes and sequenced. A database search revealed that they are all novel and unique sequences: one sharing some amino acid sequence similarities with a cytoskeletal protein, two clones likely to be transcriptional factors, a clone that has characteristic potassium channel properties, and a clone that is non-homologous to any one of the known proteins. Thus, we argue that the collection of 3'-directed cDNA sequences in combination with the compiled expression profiles of active genes in multiple tissues is a powerful tool for discovering novel genes that are specifically expressed in a given cell or tissue, in this case neuroblastomas and/or nerve tissue.

Transurethral interstitial laser coagulation for benign prostatic hyperplasia: treatment outcome and quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of transurethral interstitial laser coagulation (ILC) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From December 1993 to March 1995, 61 patients (mean age 69.7 years, range 55-89) with symptomatic BPH were treated with ILC. A neodymium: YAG laser was used in combination with specially designed interstitial thermotherapy light-guides. The tip of the light guide was inserted repeatedly into each lobe of the prostate transurethrally, under direct vision. The number of fibre placements depended on the size and configuration of the gland. The prostatic urethra was preserved during the procedure. Treatment outcome was evaluated using the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS), measurement of urinary flow rate and post-void residual urine volume (PVR). The disease-specific quality of life (QOL) was assessed using a QOL assessment score and a BPH impact index. Independently of the symptom assessment, a self-reporting questionnaire was completed 3 months after treatment to determine the patients' satisfaction with the treatment and their sexual function. RESULTS: Among the 31 patients followed for 6 months, the mean IPSS decreased significantly, from 18.9 at baseline to 7.7 (59% improvement; P < 0.001), the mean peak flow rate increased from 6.7 mL/s to 10.0 mL/s (49% improvement; n = 29; P < 0.001), the mean PVR decreased from 119 mL to 29 mL (76% improvement; n = 28, P < 0.001) and the mean prostate volume decreased significantly, from 37.1 mL to 31.6 mL (15% reduction at 3 months; n = 52, P < 0.001). There was a steady and progressive improvement in both the QOL assessment and the BPH impact index scores at 3 and 6 months. More than 90% of the patients reported satisfaction with the treatment and none reported the new onset of erectile dysfunction. There were no serious side-effects, except for two cases of loss of ejaculation. CONCLUSIONS: The early clinical results suggest that the ILC procedure is a safe and effective less-invasive treatment for BPH that appears to have favourable effects on the patients' quality of life.