The overall prevalence rate of stressful life events was significantly (P < 0.00001) higher among cases than controls. The data support the hypothesis that there is an association between stressful life event(s) and symptomatic kidney stones.

The present study examined the relationship between the functional status of Sertoli cells and the maintenance and restoration of spermatogenesis in immature hypophysectomized (HPX) rats given various doses of exogenous testosterone with or without daily injections of FSH for 90 days. Subcutaneous implantation of a 2- to 10-cm testosterone capsule (TC) increased serum testosterone levels of HPX rats 2-10 times above the normal control levels, but did not significantly increase the testicular testosterone level. Daily injections of FSH significantly increased the accumulation of testosterone in testes of TC-implanted HPX rats. Maintenance of early spermiogenesis was observed in all TC-implanted animals. Although elongated spermatids were present, step 18-19 spermatids at the luminal edge of stages VII-VIII epithelium were only observed in rats bearing 10-cm TC implants. Daily injection of FSH resulted in the completion of spermiogenesis in all TC-implanted animals, and the number of step 18-19 spermatids was dependent on the length of TC implants used. These results demonstrate the importance of the synergism of FSH and testosterone in the final steps of spermiogenesis. The androgen-binding protein (ABP) content per testis of the HPX rats was stimulated by TC implants. However, a significant increase in epididymal ABP was only noted in rats bearing 10-cm TC implants. Injection of FSH resulted in a significant increase in the testicular ABP content in rats bearing 2- or 5-cm TC, but not in those with 10-cm TC implants. In addition, the epididymal ABP content was significantly stimulated by FSH in all TC-implanted animals. The ABP status in the testis and its transport toward the epididymis are closely related to the extent of maintenance of spermiogenesis. It is speculated that the production of ABP by Sertoli cells and the biochemical properties of ABP molecules may have some role in the control of the final steps of spermiogenesis.

A case-control study of bladder cancer in two northern counties of New Jersey was conducted to investigate a tumour that has been considered to be strongly associated with industrial and environmental exposures. The study population included 75 bladder cancer cases and 142 controls. Cases and controls were matched for race, sex, age, place of birth and place of residence. Statistically significant associations with bladder cancer and risk ratios of greater than 2.0 were found for cigarette smoking and for working in dye, petroleum (fuel) or plastics industries. No statistically significant association was found for: cigar and pipe smoking; caffeine, saccharine and alcohol consumption; and life time occupational history of working in other than dye, petroleum and plastics industries. No statistically significant differences between cases and controls were found in family history of cancer. Risk ratios of at least 2.5 (but without statistical significance possibly because of sample size) were found for workers in rodenticide and printing industries, for cable workers and for cancer in the spouses of bladder cancer cases. Simultaneous multiple primary cancer sites were found in 9.3% of the bladder cancer patients; this is higher than the 0.2-8% reported in the medical literature. The life time occupational history of the bladder cancer cases points to industrial determinants: some are known (petroleum and dye industries) but the association with the plastics industry is new. If our findings are confirmed, investigations will be needed to determine whether any specific chemical or combination of chemicals used in the plastics industry is responsible for bladder cancer induction.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of lead on Sertoli cell function. Androgen binding protein and inhibin in testicular fluids and classical parameters of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis were measured in adult male rats. For 10 wk, the rats were given water that contained 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1% lead acetate. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone levels in all animals that ingested lead were normal at the middle and end of the experiment, as was the pituitary content of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Histologic examination revealed no disruption of spermatogenesis. Distribution of androgen binding protein in serum, seminiferous tubular fluid, and interstitial fluid was normal, as was the concentration of inhibin in interstitial fluid and seminiferous tubular fluid. However, a significant increase in epididymal androgen binding protein level and a decrease in seminal vesicle weight were observed in rats that ingested water containing 1% lead acetate. These results suggest that the effect of lead on spermatogenesis is not marked in adult Sprague Dawley rats, nor does Sertoli cell function appear to be affected adversely. Lead has been reported to alter in vitro metabolic function of Sertoli cells obtained from 16- to 21-d-old Sprague Dawley rats, and the Sertoli cells of juvenile animals may be more susceptible to lead than those of adult animals. The significant decrease in seminal vesicle weight and the abnormal epididymal androgen binding protein content indicate that lead could affect the male reproductive function in Sprague Dawley rats via its action on male accessory organs.

The new Iglesias resectoscope that allows simultaneous suction, continuous irrigation and low intravesical pressure is described. Advantages of this instrument include no interruption, better endoscopic vision by a continuous clear inflow of more than 600 ml. per minute, a low intravesical pressure less than 10 mm. Hg during the transurethral resection, shorter operating time, less bleeding, easier teaching and no more wet floor and wet surgeon. Since the entire amount of irrigating fluid is collected blood loss can be calculated and the amount of absorption can be determined.