Height measurement of solder bumps using two-wavelength parallel four-step phase shifting digital holography

Digital holography (DH) with two wavelengths (TW) that are close to each other was applied to height measurement of solder bumps having spherical specular surfaces with diameters of ∼20µm and heights of ∼20µm. We employed the parallel phase shifting method for instantaneous image capturing, and we improved the spatial resolution of our TW-DH system having two beams with different wavelengths that traveled in opposite directions in the interferometer. It gave 74-times higher repetition and 2.4-times higher spatial resolution than those in our previous DH system based on the Fourier transform method.

Photoluminescence in hexagonal silicon carbide by direct femtosecond laser writing

Direct femtosecond laser writing has been used to produce localized regions of photo-luminescent emission in 4H- and 6H-silicon carbide (SiC). Arrays of active color centers were fabricated by different pulse laser energies in the sites of square grids at various depths (from surface level to 10 μm below surface). We optically characterized the fabricated color centers using confocal imaging with 532 and 780 nm excitation, photo-luminescence spectroscopy, and lifetime decay at room temperature. We show that the technique can produce specifically the silicon vacancy color center emitting in the range 850-950 nm and other emitters in the 700 nm. This method can be adopted to engineer color centers in (SiC) at different depths in the material for single-photon generation, sensing, display fabrication, and light emitting diodes.

Manually operated low-coherence interferometer for optical information hiding

A low-coherence interferometer for optical information hiding that ensures security of an optical image by hiding the image behind a light-scattering medium is demonstrated. The interferometer has a distinctive feature in that modulation of the optical-path difference between the object and reference arms is performed with a manual operation. The main advantage of the operation method is the absence of expensive optomechanical parts in the interferometer.

Effect of ravuconazole, a new triazole antifungal, in a rat intraabdominal abscess model

BACKGROUND

Ravuconazole (BMS-207147) is a long-lasting triazole antifungal agent active against a broad spectrum of fungal pathogens including non-albicans Candida, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus and key dermatophytic fungi.

METHODS

The efficacy of ravuconazole was evaluated using an experimental intraabdominal abscess model in rats caused by Candida albicans (E81022). Two hundred milligrams of cyclophosphamide per kilogram was injected intraperitoneally into 40 rats. Four days (96 h) after the injection of cyclophosphamide, a mixture of C. albicans and autoclaved rat cecal contents [C. albicans 1.7 x 10(8) colony-forming units/rat] was inoculated into the peritoneal cavity. The rats were divided into four groups: ravuconazole treated, fluconazole treated, itraconazole treated and untreated. Each antifungal was given orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg twice a day for 5 days. On the day after the last administration, the rats were dissected and the viable fungi in the abscesses were determined. The number of C. albicans in each abscess was determined by a quantitative culture technique.

RESULTS

Ravuconazole inhibited abscess formation and significantly decreased the viable cell counts in abscesses in comparison with the untreated group. It's efficacy was at least equivalent to fluconazole and itraconazole against this pathogen. The rank order of potency (inhibition) was ravuconazole > itraconazole > fluconazole.

CONCLUSION

Taking into consideration the antifungal spectrum of ravuconazole, which includes non-albicans Candida as well as C. albicans and Aspergillus, it is suggested that ravuconazole would be a good agent for the treatment of fungal peritonitis.

Effects of fluconazole on viable cell count in experimental intraperitoneal Candida abscesses

We investigated the effects of fluconazole in experimental intraperitoneal Candida abscesses in neutropenic mice treated with cyclophosphamide to assess a clinically appropriate method for the application of fluconazole in fungal infections in patients with neutropenia. The efficacy of fluconazole in fungal infection was investigated in treatments started immediately after Candida albicans inoculation and before C. albicans inoculation (preventive use of fluconazole). In this intraabdominal fungal abscess model, it was confirmed that fungi in already formed abscess were not reduced in number by fluconazole, even when those fungi were susceptible to fluconazole. Fluconazole was effective with both administration methods. We conclude from this study that the effect of the preventive use of fluconazole was equivalent to the effect when treatment was started immediately after fungal inoculation.

In vitro and in vivo antibacterial activities of a new injectable carbapenem, S-4661, against gynaecological pathogens

Carbapenems are often used to treat infections in obstetrics and gynaecology because of their activity against anaerobes. S-4661, a new injectable carbapenem antibiotic, has favourable pharmacokinetic properties and is not hydrolysed by dehydropeptidase I. We investigated the in vitro and in vivo antibacterial activities of S-4661 against strains of Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, Peptostreptococcus magnus, Bacteroides fragilis and Prevotella bivia, which are major pathogens in the fields of obstetrics and gynaecology. The MIC(50) and MIC(90) of S-4661 for these strains were 0.25 and 1 mg/L, respectively. The in vivo efficacy of S-4661 was evaluated in a rat model of intrauterine infection, namely pyometra caused by E. coli and B. fragilis. The accumulation of neutrophils in the uterus in the S-4661-treated group was less marked and the number of bacteria significantly lower than those in the untreated group. These results suggest that S-4661 may be useful for treating polymicrobial infections in the fields of obstetrics and gynaecology.

Vaginal microflora in healthy women with Gardnerella vaginalis

In order to find the vaginal prevalence of Gardnerella vaginalis in a normal female population, we determined the incidence of G. vaginalis in relation to that of other bacterial genera and species in the vagina. Two-hundred and thirty-nine healthy women were the subjects of this study. Vaginal discharge was collected and bacteriological studies were performed. The mean total aerobe count in the G. vaginalis-positive group was 9.02 log10 colony-forming units (CFU)/g, which was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than that (6.80 log10 CFU/g) in the G. vaginalis-negative group. In contrast, there was no difference in the mean total anaerobe count between the two groups of subjects (8.82 and 8.24 log10 CFU/g, respectively in the case of including Lactobacillus species count). Also, the mean pH level of vaginal secretion in the G. vaginalis-positive group was 4.58, which was significantly higher (P < 0.005) than that (4.10) in the G. vaginalis-negative group. Aerobes were isolated at equal incidence in the two groups. Anaerobes were isolated at a significantly higher rate in the G. vaginalis-positive group (P < 0.005) than in the G. vaginalis-negative group. The mean count of Lactobacillus species was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in the G. vaginalis-negative group than in the positive counterpart (7.02 vs 8.66). Elevation of vaginal pH, an increase in the anaerobe count, and decreases in the Lactobacillus species count could be good predictors of the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in healthy women.

Preventive procedures against GBS infection by means of antibody measurement

OBJECTIVE

Screening group B Streptococcus (GBS) in the vagina of pregnant women and measuring serum level of its type-specific antibody would be useful for cost-benefit of the prevention against GBS infection.

STUDY DESIGN

The subjects included a total of 1,150 pregnant women who consented to the study. Serotypes of GBS detected were classified with antiserum. Serum type-specific antibody titers were measured by a bacterial agglutination method.

RESULTS

Of a total of 1,150 pregnant women, 250 cases (21.7%) had GBS in the vagina. The turn of GBS serotype occurrence was types VI (NT6) (27. 2%), VIII (JM9) (25.2%), III (11.2%), Ia (8.8%), and Ib (8.0%). None or low type-specific antibody titer was 41.0% of Ia, 20.0% of Ib, 22. 0% of II, 15.0% of III, 65.0% of VI, and 69.0% of VIII incarriers. Noneonatal GBS infection occurred under the empirically treatment.

CONCLUSION

The measurement of serum type-specific antibody against GBS would be informative for the cost-benefit treatment of the vaginal GBS in pregnant women.

Procaspase 3/p21 complex formation to resist fas-mediated cell death is initiated as a result of the phosphorylation of p21 by protein kinase A

Caspase 3 is an essential factor for Fas-mediated cell death and exists endogenously in cells where its activation is suppressed by p21 and ILP. Inside the cell, procaspase 3 interacts with p21 on mitochondria. In the present study, we investigated the molecular basis for procaspase 3/p21 complex formation. During Fas-mediated cell death, mitochondria are damaged, accompanied by decreased mitochondrial membrane-potential and decreased intracellular ATP levels. This mitochondrial damage occurs before an estrangement of the procaspase 3/p21 complex, and we demonstrate that intracellular ATP-deprivation also initiates an estrangement of procaspase 3/p21 complex formation and accelerates Fas-mediated cell death. In addition, our current results revealed that the phosphorylated p21 by PKA interacts with procaspase 3. Here, we report that the mitochondrial role, especially for ATP synthesis, and PKA are necessary for the procaspase 3/p21 complex formation to resist Fas-mediated cell death.

Juvenile fulminant adnexal tuberculosis caused by gastrointestinal tuberculosis immediately after ovarian cystectomy

Genital fulminant tuberculosis is rarely a primary site of infection. We report a case of juvenile adnexal tuberculosis possibly related to tuberculosis immediately after cystectomy in the ileocecal region in a virginal girl. A 13-year-old virginal girl visited our clinic because of a huge ovarian tumor, which was resected by cystectomy. On postoperative day 39, fever episodes were noted, and she received antibiotics, which were not effective. An abscess developed in the region of the cecum and the right adnexa. Laparotomy revealed chronic abscess formation, especially in the right adnexa. Resection of the abscess was done. The pathological diagnosis was tuberculosis with caseation, although bacterial culture and molecular biological diagnosis for Mycobacterium tuberculosis were negative in sputum, vaginal discharge, urine, and stool of the patient and her family. She was placed on anti-tuberculosis drugs, including isoniazid, rifampicin, and ethambutol, and this regimen was effective. This patient represents a rare case of fulminant adnexal tuberculosis without pulmonary disease.

Current status and fluconazole treatment of pelvic fungal gynecological infections

The incidence of opportunistic fungal infections has recently been increasing in many clinical fields. Fluconazole is commonly used against systemic fungal infections. The present study was undertaken to investigate the current status and the efficacy of fluconazole in pelvic fungal gynecological infections. Thirty-eight patients aged 36-72 years old diagnosed with pelvic peritonitis with positive fungal culture in pelvic ascites were enrolled in this study and given fluconazole treatment. Forty-two pathogens were isolated from the 38 assessable patients. The predominant pathogen was Candida albicans with an incidence of 61.9% (26/42). Others included non-albicans Candida species amounting to 38.1% (16/42): 19.0% (8/42) Candida glabrata, 7.1% (3/42) Candida tropicalis, 7.1% (3/42) Candida parapsilosis and 4.8% (2/42) Candida krusei. The clinical cure rate at the end of fluconazole treatment was assessed as 30/38 (78.9%), and the fungal eradication rate as 26/42 (61.9%). Each rate was 29/38 (76.3%) and 26/42 (61.9%), respectively, at 1 week after the treatment, while the eradication rate of C. albicans and non-albicans species was 20/26 (76.9%) and 6/16 (37.5%), respectively. There was no adverse effect except for slight elevations of GOT, GPT and LDH observed in 1 patient (2.6%), which returned to normal after the treatment. It seems there may be an increasing trend of non-albicans species in pelvic fungal gynecological infection, against which fluconazole appears to be rather effective.

Postpartum microangiopathic hemolytic anemia: cases of successful and dismal outcome assisted with plasma therapy

Microangiopathic thrombosis, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), seem to occur with certain stresses, including pregnancy. This report documents the clinical outcome with or without plasma therapy and dismal outcomes of two cases with postpartum microangiopathic thrombosis. One carried a pregnancy to successful cesarean delivery and suffered from postpartum TTP/HUS followed by plasma therapy-assisted recovery. Another developed postpartum TTP/HUS and was complicated with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Submission to plasma therapy should always be considered in a woman with postpartum microangiopathic thrombosis.

Survivin initiates procaspase 3/p21 complex formation as a result of interaction with Cdk4 to resist Fas-mediated cell death

Caspase 3 is an essential death factor for the Fas-mediated cell death, and its inactivation in cells is initiated by an interaction with p21 on mitochondria or with IAP family member ILP. Survivin is also a member of IAP family and is specifically expressed during embryogenesis and in tumor cells and suppresses cell death signaling. In our current study, we demonstrated that Survivin translocation into the nucleus is dependent on Fas stimulation and cell proliferation. Survivin also interacts with the cell cycle regulator Cdk4, leading to Cdk2/Cyclin E activation and Rb phosphorylation. As a result of Survivin/Cdk4 complex formation, p21 is released from its complex with Cdk4 and interacts with mitochondrial procaspase 3 to suppress Fas-mediated cell death. Here, we propose that Survivin supports procaspase 3/p21 complex formation as a result of interaction with Cdk4 resulting in suppression of cell death signaling.

Adequate levofloxacin treatment schedules for uterine cervicitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis

The in vivo efficacy of levofloxacin (LVFX), one of the most standard new quinolone antimicrobial agents, in the different treatment schedules of Chlamydia trachomatis uterine cervicitis in women was evaluated. Cervical C. trachomatis was detected by polymerase chain reaction. LVFX at a dosage of 300 mg t.i.d. for 5, 7 and 14 days was orally administered to 18, 33 and 35 Japanese patients, respectively. The eradication rate and the recurrence rate in the different treatment schedules of C. trachomatis were evaluated. The eradication rate in 5-, 7- or 14-day cases was 44.4, 87.9 or 88.6%, respectively. The recurrence rate of 5-, 7- or 14-day cases was 50.0, 0 or 0%, respectively. Seven-day treatment with LVFX is adequate for and effective in C. trachomatis uterine cervicitis.

In vitro and in vivo antibacterial activities of biapenem in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology

Biapenem is a new injectable carbapenem antibiotic which has favorable pharmacokinetic properties, and is stable to hydrolysis by dehydropeptidase I. Biapenem inhibited more than 90% of clinical isolates of Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, Peptostreptococcus magnus, Bacteroides fragilis and Prevotella bivia at the concentration of 3.13 mg/l. The MIC(90) of biapenem against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was lower than that of panipenem, equivalent to that of imipenem, and greater than that of meropenem. The in vivo efficacy of biapenem was evaluated using the experimental infection model of uterine endometritis. The accumulation of neutrophils in the uterus in the biapenem- treated group was less marked than in the nontreated group, as well as bacteriological response. These results suggest that the new antimicrobial agent biapenem might be useful for the treatment of polymicrobial infections in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology.

[Clinical efficacy of cefpirome sulfate against Bacteroides species, Prevotella species and Porphyromonas species. Society of Anaerobic Bacterial Infections in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology in Gifu]

The injectable cephalosporin cefpirome (CPR) was launched in Japan in 1993. It has widely been used in the various infectious diseases. We therefore studied the clinical and bacteriological efficacy of CPR against infections caused by Bacteroides species, Prevotella species and Porphyromonas species frequently isolated from the obstetric and gynecologic infections. Thirteen institutions were involved in this study which ran from March 1994 to January 1999. The administration dosage of CPR was 2 to 4 gram per day administered by drip infusion or intravenous infusion. The duration of treatment was from 3 to 15 days. The evaluations were performed before and after the treatment. CPR was administered to 194 patients with obstetric and gynecologic infections, and 146 of 194 cases were acceptable for the evaluation of drug efficacy. Bacteroides species were identified in 102 patients. Clinical efficacy in 146 cases was excellent in 12 patients, good in 110, fair in 9 and poor in 15 patients. The eradication rate for Bacteroides species could be in 37 cases out of 54 evaluable cases; Prevotella species in 38 out of 49; and Porphyromonas species in 5 out of 5. The overall assessment of bacteriological efficacy was "eradicated" in 91 cases out of 133 (68.4%). Adverse reactions including abnormal findings in laboratory tests were seen in 8 patients (4.76%). Based on these results, CPR promises efficacy and safety in the treatment of obstetric and gynecologic infections due to Bacteroides species.

Mechanism of enhanced lipid peroxidation in the liver of Long-Evans cinnamon (LEC) rats

The Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rat is a mutant strain of rats that accumulate copper (Cu) in the liver in much the same way as individuals who suffer from Wilson's disease (WD) and has been suggested as a model for this disease. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) is considered to be involved in the toxic action of Cu in the livers of LEC rats. We investigated the mechanism of LPO in the livers of LEC rats showing apparent signs of hepatitis. Several-fold higher LPO levels were observed in post-mitochondrial supernatant (S-9) fraction of livers from hepatitic LEC rats than in those from Wistar rats. To mimic living cells, we introduced NADPH-generating system (NADPH-gs) into the S-9 incubation system. Thus was ensured a constant supply of NADPH to vital enzymes that may be directly or indirectly involved in the generation and/or elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROSs), such as glutathione reductase (GSSG-R), which require NADPH for their reactions. The levels of LPO in liver S-9 from hepatitic LEC rats were further increased by incubating liver S-9 at 37 degrees C in the presence of NADPH-gs. This increase was inhibited by EDTA, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and catalase (CAT), suggesting that some metal, most likely the accumulated Cu, and ROSs derived from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are involved in the increased levels of LPO in the livers of hepatitic LEC rats. The requirement of NADPH-gs for enhanced LPO in the livers of hepatitic LEC rats indicates the consumption of NADPH during reactions leading to LPO. It is known that H2O2, and consequently hydroxyl radical are generated during Cu-catalyzed glutathione (GSH) oxidation. The cyclic regeneration of GSH from GSSG by NADPH-dependent GSSG-R in the presence of NADPH-gs may cause sustained generation of hydroxyl radical in the presence of excess free Cu. The generation of H2O2 in S-9 fraction of livers from hepatitic LEC rats was observed to be significantly higher than that in S-9 fraction of livers from non-hepatitic LEC rats and Wistar rats. Moreover, in addition to the reported decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, we found that CAT activity was markedly decreased in LEC rats with hepatitis. The increased generation of H2O2 with reduced activities of GPX and CAT may result in cellular accumulation of H2O2 in the liver of hepatitic LEC rats. Taken altogether, it is suggested that the accumulated H2O2 undergoes the Fenton-type reaction with also accumulated free Cu, thus generating hydroxyl radical in the livers of hepatitic LEC rats and increasing LPO levels in these animals.

Adequate macrolide treatment schedules for uterine cervicitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis

To evaluate in vivo efficacy of macrolides; erythromycin (EM) and clarithromycin (CAM), in the different treatment schedules of Chlamydia trachomatis uterine cervicitis im women. Cervical C. trachomatis was detected by the polymerase chain reaction. EM was orally administered to 8, 15 and 18 Japanese patients, at a dosage of 600 mg, t.i.d. for 5, 7 and 14 days, respectively. CAM was orally administered to 10, 26 and 19 Japanese patients at a dosage of 400 mg, b.i.d. for 5, 7 and 14 days, respectively. The eradication rate and the recurrence rate in the different treatment schedules of C. trachomatis were evaluated. The eradication rates after 5, 7 or 14 days of treatment with EM were 1/8, 8/15 or 13/18, respectively. The recurrence rates after 5, 7 or 14 days of treatment with EM were 1/1, 3/8 or 2/13, respectively. On the other hand, the eradication rates after 5, 7 or 14 days of treatment with CAM were 5/10, 26/26 or 19/19, respectively. The recurrence rates after 5, 7 or 14 days of treatment with CAM were 3/5, 0/26 or 0/19, respectively. A 7-day treatment with CAM would be adequate and effective for C. trachomatis uterine cervicitis.

In vitro bactericidal activities of antimicrobial agents and morphologic changes on Prevotella bivia

Prevotella bivia is common in pelvic inflammatory diseases. Parenteral antimicrobial agents have been widely used against those infections. We investigated the bactericidal activities of three cephalosporins, i.e. cefluprenam (CFLP), ceftazidime (CAZ) and cefotaxime (CTX) and of two other antimicrobial agents, i.e. clindamycin (CLDM) and imipenem (IPM) against P. bivia. We also investigated the in vitro morphological changes induced by these agents in P. bivia. Cephalosporins exhibited bactericidal activities against P. bivia and induced time- and concentration-dependent morphological changes in P. bivia (filamentation). CLDM and IPM also had bactericidal activities, but induced different morphologic alterations: formation of spheroblasts and lysis. These results confirm the fact that each antimicrobial agent has characteristic aspects.

In vitro bactericidal activities of a new oral cephalosporin, E1100, and morphologic changes on Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli is one of the most common aerobic bacteria in pelvic inflammatory diseases. Oral cephalosporins have been widely used against those infections. We investigated in vitro morphologic changes induced on E. coli by a new oral cephalosporin, E1100, and its bactericidal activity on this organism. Morphologic changes were observed by electron microscopy. E1100 induced morphologic changes (filamentation) and exerted a bactericidal activity on E. coli. The filamentation induced by E1100 was time and concentration dependent.

[Effects of levofloxacin once-a-day therapy on uterine cervicitis]

An investigation was carried out to determine the therapeutic effect of levofloxacin (LVFX) once-a-day oral therapy at the dose of 200 mg/day for 7 days on uterine cervicitis, in comparison with LVFX twice-a-day oral therapy at the dose of 200 mg/day for 7 days. Of the 102 patients enrolled in the study, 90 were subjected to the analysis. The efficacy rate on uterine cervicitis of the once-a-day therapy and twice-a-day therapy groups according to the evaluation of the Drug Efficacy Evaluation Committee were 72.0% (36/50) and 82.5% (33/40), respectively. The efficacy rate on uterine chlamydial cervicitis of the once-a-day therapy and twice-a-day therapy groups according to the evaluation of the Drug Efficacy Evaluation Committee were 88.0% (22/25) and 85.7% (18/21), respectively. Safety was evaluated as "safe" in 88 of the 90 assessable patients (97.8%). Side effects were seen in two cases, which belong to the once-a-day therapy group; mild candidiasis and mild breast distension sense. As the antimicrobial treatment started, the levels of the inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in the cervical mucus, decreased. It is suggested that IL-6 and IL-8 can be useful indicators of the antimicrobial treatment in the uterine cervicitis. These results suggested that the LVFX once-a-day therapy can be useful on uterine cervicitis.

In vitro activities of pazufloxacin, a novel injectable quinolone, against bacteria causing infections in obstetric and gynecological patients

T-3762 is an injectable new quinolone with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. Pazufloxacin (T-3761) is an active form of T-3762. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of pazufloxacin for 50% of the clinical isolates tested were 3.13 microg/ml for Streptococcus agalactiae, 6.25 microg/ml for Gardnerella vaginalis, 0.025 microg/ml for Escherichia coli, 0.78 microg/ml for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 6.25 microg/ml for Peptostreptococcus magnus, 6.25 microg/ml for Bacteroides fragilis and 12.5 microg/ml for Prevotella bivia. The MICs of T-3762 for 90% of the clinical isolates tested were 3.13 microg/ml for S. agalactiae, 6.25 microg/ml for G. vaginalis, 0.10 microg/ml for E. coli, 12.5 microg/ml for P. aeruginosa, 25 microg/ml for P. magnus, 12.5 microg/ml for B. fragilis and 25 microg/ml for P. bivia. The results of this study suggest that, subject to confirmation by clinical trials, T-3762, in combination with an agent with reliable activity against anaerobic bacteria, is suitable as an empirical therapy of patients with obstetric and gynecological infections.

Analysis of circadian blood pressure rhythm and target-organ damage in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE

We compared diurnal patterns of blood pressure in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP), and analyzed the relationship between the change in diurnal patterns of blood pressure and target-organ damage in SHRSP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood pressure, heart rate and motor activity in the three groups of rats were continuously monitored by radiotelemetry, from 1100 h on the first measuring day to 1300 h on the third measuring day. The left ventricular weight and the ratio of beta-myosin heavy chain to alpha-myosin heavy chain in the cardiac left ventricle, morphological changes in the glomerular basement membrane in the kidney, 24 h urinary protein excretion and brain weights were also measured in 10-, 12- or 17-week-old SHRSP.

RESULTS

The SHR circadian blood pressure rhythm exhibited a pattern which peaked during the rats' active (light-off or dark) phase, but the peak time was a little closer to the resting (light-on) phase compared with that for WKY rats. Although the circadian blood pressure rhythm for 10-week-old SHRSP was similar to that observed for SHR, the patterns in 12- and 17-week-old SHRSP were shifted further towards the resting phase. Heart and left ventricular weight increased with the progression of hypertension. The ratio of beta- to alpha-myosin heavy chain in the left ventricle was higher in 12- and 17-week-old SHRSP than in 10-week-old SHRSP. Brain weight was increased significantly in 17-week-old SHRSP compared with 10- and 12-week-old SHRSP. Increased urinary protein excretion and morphological changes in the glomerular basement membrane in the kidney were observed in 12- and 17-week-old SHRSP.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that SHRSP have an abnormal circadian blood pressure rhythm associated with hypertensive target-organ damage. This rat strain may therefore be a useful model in which to investigate the mechanisms responsible for the alteration in the circadian blood pressure rhythm, and to analyze the relationship between the abnormal circadian rhythm and target-organ damage.

The effects of the extension of transit times on qualitative and quantitative bacterial culture after clinical sampling

The effects of the extension of transit times on qualitative and quantitative bacterial culture after clinical sampling were investigated with the clinical samples, using the bacterial flora from the cancer portion inside the uterine cervix in 25 patients with the uterine cervical cancer. In the qualitative bacterial study, the strains of both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria detected were rather preserved for 6 hours after clinical sampling and decreased in a time-dependent manner in the samples of more than 6 hours after clinical sampling. In particular, number of anaerobic bacterial species detected remarkably decreased in the samples of more than 12 hours after clinical sampling. Therefore, prompt bacterial culture after clinical sampling, possibly within 6 hours after clinical sampling, may be crucial in order to detect most probable pathogenic anaerobic bacteria, particularly when anaerobic infection is suspected. In the quantitative bacterial study, the quantity of bacteria detected were rather preserved for 3 hours after clinical sampling and decreased in a time-dependent manner in the samples of more than 3 hours after clinical sampling. Therefore, quantitative bacterial culture should be performed within 3 hours after clinical sampling.

[Study on the therapeutic effect of panipenem/betamipron on perinatal infection in pregnant women]

An investigation was carried out to determine the therapeutic effect of panipenem/betamipron (PAPM/BP), a injectable carbapenem antimicrobial agent, on infections in pregnant women during perinatal period. Of the 41 patients enrolled in the study, 34 were subjected to the analysis, with 1 exemption because of protocol violations (regimen), 3 because of uncertain evidence symptoms of infection, and 3 because of failure to undergo laboratory tests. PAPM/BP was administered by intravenous drip infusion at doses of 0.5 g twice or three times a day daily for periods of 3 to 14 days. The efficacy rate according to the evaluation of the Drug Efficacy Evaluation Committee and the attending physicians was 79.4% (27/34), with 49 of the 61 clinical isolates (80.3%) being eradicated. Safety was evaluated as "safe" in 39 of the 41 assessable patients (94.1%). Mild headache and nausea were experienced by 1 patient (2.4%) as adverse drug reactions, but the symptoms disappeared after the completion of treatment. Slight elevations of GOT, GPT and LDH in laboratory tests were observed in 1 patient (2.4%), but these values returned to normal after the completion of treatment. These results suggested that PAPM/BP may be a useful drug in the treatment of bacterial infections during the perinatal period. To firmly establish its safety, however, further clinical and pharmacokinetic studies are needed in larger populations.

Bacterial isolates from patients with preterm labor with and without preterm rupture of the fetal membranes

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to describe the bacterial flora of women in preterm labor with or without premature rupture of membranes.

METHODS

Retrospective studies of 239 patients with preterm labor were performed.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-three of 239 patients with preterm labor (51.5%) had bacterial vaginosis. Seventy of the 239 patients with preterm labor (29.3%) developed premature rupture of the membranes (preterm PROM). Of the 70 patients with preterm PROM, 51 (72.9%) had bacterial vaginosis. Therefore, 51 of the 123 patients with bacterial vaginosis (41.5%) developed preterm PROM. An increased number of organisms detected from the vaginal discharge in patients with preterm labor was associated with preterm PROM by Cochran-Armitage test. An increased number of organisms detected from the vaginal discharge in patients with preterm labor complicated with bacterial vaginosis was significantly associated with preterm PROM by Cochran-Armitage test.

CONCLUSIONS

In preterm labor, the number of different species detected in the vagina provide sensitive and specific prediction of preterm PROM in patients with preterm labor.

In vitro activities of E1101, a novel oral cephalosporin, against bacteria causing infections in obstetric and gynecological patients

E1101 is a new oral cephalosporin with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. It inhibited more than 90% of clinical isolates of Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli and Peptostreptococcus magnus at the concentration of 3.13 mg/l. E1101 was the most active agent against S. agalactiae and E. coli. Since none of the compounds was sufficiently active against the Bacteroides fragilis and Prevotella bivia isolates, they are not appropriate in the treatment of patients with infections caused by these organisms. The results of this study suggest that, subject to confirmation by clinical trials, E1101, in combination with an agent with reliable activity against anaerobic bacteria, is suitable as empirical therapy of patients with obstetric and gynecological infections.

Comparative study on the effectiveness of antifungal agents in different regimens against vaginal candidiasis

OBJECTIVE

A study was carried out to compare three treatment regimens for vaginal candidiasis.

METHODS

A total of 150 women with clinical and mycological evidence of vaginal candidiasis were randomized to receive daily a 200-mg dose of oral itraconazole for 3 days (50 women), a single oral 150 mg dose of fluconazole (50 women), or daily 100 mg dose of intravaginal clotrimazole for 6 days (50 women). They were assessed at 5-15 days (short-term assessment) and again at 30-60 days (long-term assessment) after discontinuation of the treatment.

RESULTS

At the short-term or long-term assessment, Candida species were completely eradicated from the vagina in 80 or 74% in the 3-day oral itraconazole group, 76 or 70% in the single oral fluconazole group, and 72 or 60% in the intravaginal clotrimazole group, respectively. The rates of clinical effectiveness were 92 or 88% in the 3-day oral itraconazole group, 80 or 76% in the single oral fluconazole group, and 72 or 58% in the intravaginal clotrimazole group, respectively. Treatment-related side effects were not found in any group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that the treatment of vaginal candidiasis with oral itraconazole or oral fluconazole would be effective and that an oral itraconazole or fluconazole therapy might be one choice in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis.

In vitro and in vivo antibacterial activities of AM-1155 in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology

AM-1155 is a new 8-methoxyquinolonecarboxylic acid with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. It inhibited more than 90% of clinical isolates of Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, Peptostreptococcus magnus, Bacteroides fragilis and Prevotella bivia at the concentration of 3.13 mg/l. The antibacterial activity of AM-1155 was almost equal to that of sparfloxacin. The in vivo efficacy of AM-1155 was evaluated using a polymicrobial pyometra (E. coli and B. fragilis) model of rats. The accumulation of neutrophils to the uterus in the AM-1155-treated group was less marked than that of the nontreated group, as well as the bacteriological response. These results suggest that the new antimicrobial agent AM-1155 might be useful for the treatment of polymicrobial infections in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology.

Optical image transformations for fully parallel optical analog-to-digital conversion

An optical method for a fully parallel analog-to-digital conversion is proposed. The proposed method is carried out by means of intensity transformations of an analog input image and the thresholding for the transformed images and is suitable for two-dimensional implementation based on spatial light modulators. The intensity transformations are implemented by a liquid-crystal spatial light modulator, and thresholding is simulated by computer in consideration of the optical realization.

In vitro bactericidal activities and morphologic changes in Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis by cephalosporins

Polymicrobial infections with aerobes and anaerobes are common in pelvic inflammatory diseases. New parenteral cephalosporins have been widely used against those infections. We investigated in vitro morphologic changes and bactericidal activities on Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis by cephalosporins; cefluprenam (CFLP), ceftazidime (CAZ) or cefotaxime (CTX). CFLP induced morphologic changes (filamentation) and bactericidal activities on E. coli and B. fragilis. Morphologic changes were observed by electron microscope. The filamentation induced by CFLP was time and concentration dependent. The bactericidal activity of CFLP against E. coli was almost equal to those of CAZ and CTX. The bactericidal activity of CTX against B. fragilis was superior to those of CFLP and CAZ. These results suggest that there are characteristic aspects in each cephalosporin.

Mechanism for mouse strain differences in the protective effect of Sudan III against the in vivo genotoxicity of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene

The effect of Sudan III-pretreatment on the in vivo genotoxicity of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) was investigated using C57BL/6 (B6) and DBA/2 (D2) mice. A significant increase in the frequency of micronucleated reticulocytes was observed in both strains of mice treated with DMBA. The increase was significantly reduced in B6 but not D2 mice by Sudan III-pretreatment. However, enhancement of metabolic activation was found in the Ames assay in the hepatic post-mitochondrial supernatant fraction (S9) from Sudan III-treated animals. It was greater with S9 from B6 than S9 from the D2 group. When the assay was performed in the presence of glutathione, this enhancement was significantly reduced. Sudan III induced some drug metabolizing enzymes, mainly CYP1A and glutathione S-transferase was also induced. The induction of CYP1A was more effective in B6 than D2 mice. These results support our hypothesis that the simultaneous induction of Phase I and II drug metabolizing enzymes is the mechanism for the chemoprevention by Sudan III and suggest that strong induction of CYP1A might be essential for a protective effect.

ICAM-1 expression on cardiac myocytes and aortic endothelial cells via their specific endothelin receptor subtype

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and Endothelin-3 (ET-3) increased the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on rat neonatal cultured cardiac myocytes and rat aortic endothelial cells. ET-1-induced ICAM-1 expression on cardiac myocytes was inhibited by a selective ETA receptor antagonist, S-0139, but not by a selective ETB receptor antagonist, BQ788. ET-3-induced ICAM-1 expression on endothelial cells was inhibited by BQ788 but not by S-0139. Protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor staurosporine inhibited ETs-induced ICAM-1 expression on both cell types. Treatment of the cells with ETs increased neutrophil adhesion, which was inhibited by S-0139 and staurosporine on cardiac myocytes and by BQ788 and staurosporine on endothelial cells. These results suggest that ETs induce neutrophil adhesion to cardiac myocytes and aortic endothelial cells by increasing ICAM-1 expression, which mediate via ETA receptor on cardiac myocytes and via ETB receptor on aortic endothelial cells. ICAM-1 expression induced by activation of ETA and ETB receptors appears to be mediated through the PKC pathway.

Paradoxical effect of Sudan III on the in vivo and in vitro genotoxicity elicited by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene

Effect of the induction of drug metabolizing enzymes by Sudan III on the in vivo and in vitro genotoxicity elicited by 7,12-dimethyl-benz(a)anthracene (DMBA) was investigated. A significant suppression of DMBA-induced micronucleated reticulocytes was observed in C57BL/6 mice treated with Sudan III intraperitoneally for 3 or 5 days before injection of the DMBA. However, the preincubation of DMBA with hepatic microsomes from Sudan III-treated rats caused a marked increase in the in vitro mutagenicity in the Ames assay, paradoxically. Sudan III was found to induce CYP 1A1, 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase activity as well as both UDP-glucuronyl transferase and glutathione S-transferase activities. The increase of mutagenicity of DMBA observed in the Ames assay using hepatic microsomes from Sudan III-treated rats was inhibited by the addition of uridine 5'-diphosphoglucuronic acid or reduced glutathione with cytosol. Mutagenic metabolites of DMBA formed by CYP1A1 appeared to be effectively detoxified by these phase II enzymes. The results of this study suggest that Sudan III-induced prevention of in vivo mutagenesis is due to the induction of both CYP 1A1 and detoxifying phase II enzymes. The induced CYP1A1 may accelerate formation of active metabolic intermediates, but phase II enzymes are also induced and detoxify these intermediates to inactive metabolites. This would reduce residence time of the carcinogen in the body and the time of exposure to active metabolites for target organs.

Reversal-input superposing technique for all-optical neural networks

The proposed technique for optical neural networks can perform all the neural operations in a positive range. Bipolar weights of the neurons are represented by unipolar weights with a positive constant. By superposing the reversal inputs to the weighted sums, we can perform subtraction in a neuron by the nonlinear output function with a negative offset constant. This means that the number of processing elements needed in the proposed system is the same as that of neurons in the original neural network model. An experimental neural system is demonstrated for verification of this technique. The Hopfield model is adapted as an example of the neural networks implemented in the experimental neural system.

[Effect of (+)-S-145 calcium salt dihydrate, an orally active antagonist of the thromboxane A2/prostaglandin endoperoxide receptor, on platelet aggregation]

The effect of (+)-S-145, (1R, 2S, 3S, 4S)-(5Z)-7-(3-phenylsulfonylaminobicyclo [2.2.1] hept-2-yl) heptenoic acid on human and guinea pig platelet aggregation was examined. (+)-S-145 sodium salt inhibited human platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid (AA), 9,11-methanoepoxy-PGH2 (U 46619), collagen, ADP or epinephrine with the IC50 being 0.047-0.146 microM in an in vitro system. When (+)-S-145 calcium salt dihydrate was administered orally to guinea pigs, it inhibited AA-, U-46619- or collagen-induced platelet aggregation dose-dependently with the minimum effective dose being 0.03 mg/kg, and the effective duration being maximally 3 hr. The inhibiting potency and effective duration of (+)-S-145 calcium salt dihydrate after multiple administrations, once a day (0.5 mg/kg) for 7 days, were almost the same as those after a single administration. Although (+)-S-145 sodium salt showed a partial agonist effect (shape change) on platelets in vitro, the effect diminished after pretreatment of the platelets with a lower dose of this compound. These data suggest that (+)-S-145 calcium salt dihydrate is an orally effective potent platelet aggregation inhibitor.

[Effect of cefaclor on guinea pig platelet aggregation in vitro]

Effects of cefaclor (3-chloro-7-D-(2-phenyl-glycinamido)-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid) on PAF, ADP, collagen, endotoxin, and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation were examined in vitro with the use of guinea pig platelet-rich plasma and washed platelets. PAF, even at concentrations lower than its minimum effective concentration, enhanced ADP- or endotoxin-induced platelet aggregation and prolonged the time to attain the maximum aggregation. PAF also enhanced collagen-induced platelet aggregation and shortened the lag time. Cefaclor (CCL) inhibited the PAF, ADP or thrombin induced platelet aggregation and shortened their maximum aggregation times at higher concentrations such as 300 micrograms/ml or more. CCL also inhibited the collagen-induced platelet aggregation and prolonged the lag time, but showed no effect on endotoxin-induced platelet aggregation. The effect of CCL was almost the same as that of latamoxef (LMOX). CCL and LMOX, however, showed no effect on cellular Ca2+ increase produced by PAF, ADP, or thrombin, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of CCL and LMOX on platelet aggregation is caused by the inhibition of fibrinogen binding to the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex.