FTIR spectroscopy of three fundamental bands of H2F+.

The ν1, ν2, and ν3 bands of H2F(+) were observed with a Fourier transform absorption spectroscopic technique in the 3 and 7 µm regions. The ion was produced with a hollow cathode discharge in a F2, He, and H2 gas mixture. A simultaneous analysis of FT data combined with laser spectroscopic data was carried out using the Watson's A-reduced Hamiltonian to determine molecular constants in vibrationally excited states. The effect of the vibration-rotation interaction between the ν1 and ν3 states was found to be small compared with the case of H2O. The vibration-rotation transitions of the ν2 band were first identified and analyzed to obtain molecular constants in the ν2 state, and the band origin was determined to be 1370.5236 (7) cm(-1) with one standard deviation in parentheses. Determined molecular constants can be used to derive the re structure of H2F(+) as re(H-F) = 0.9608(6) Å, ∠e(H-F-H) = 112.2(2)° with the error corresponding to the uncertainty of the assumed vibration rotation constant γ2(a) and the range of the values derived from three pairs of rotational constants.

THz rotational spectrum of H2F+.

In view of recent tremendous advance in astronomical observations in the submillimeter to THz region brought by the Herschel space craft, laboratory high-resolution spectroscopic investigations in that frequency region into unstable molecules, in particular, light hydride ions, are urgently needed. As a part of such endeavor, rotational transitions of H(2)F(+) were observed in the THz-region by using a tunable far-infrared spectrometer. These newly detected lines together with the submillimeter-wave lines obtained previously and the combination differences derived from infrared vibration-rotation lines were subject to a least-squares analysis that yielded a set of molecular constants with much better accuracy. The measured and predicted THz transition frequencies should prove to be a useful probe into detection of interstellar H(2)F(+).

Influence of aging and cell senescence on telomerase activity in keratinocytes.

Telomeres, which exist in eukaryotic chromosome ends in specialized G-rich TTAGGG structure, protect the ends from degradation or fusion. On the other hand, telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein complex enzyme that synthesizes TTAGGG repeat sequences at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. Previous studies suggested that telomere length and telomerase activity cooperate in aging and immortalization of cells. Here, we examined telomere length and telomerase activity in keratinocytes from seven human subjects, including a patient with Werner's syndrome. Telomere length in keratinocytes from healthy individuals was shortened with aging. However, telomerase activity from an individual aged 42 years was reduced, compared with that from a 0 year old individual. Passages of keratinocytes reduced telomerase activity significantly in F2 and F3 keratinocytes from 0 and 42 year old individuals. Withdrawal of either EGF or amphiregulin from medium resulted in down-regulation of telomerase activity. These results suggest that telomere length and telomerase activity in primary cultured keratinocytes may be one of the parameters for cell senescence. However, there remain obscure factors such as ultraviolet-B radiation and growth factors.

[Combination effect of granisetron plus corticosteroid for prevention of cisplatin-induced emesis: a cross-over study comparing methylprednisolone and dexamethasone].

Granisetron (G) is an effective antiemetic drug that is used to prevent cisplatin-induced emesis, although it is less effective for delayed emesis. To enhance the antiemetic effects of granisetron, corticosteroid analogues such as methylprednisolone (M) and dexamethasone (D) were employed in a study of patients treated with cisplatin (CDDP). We investigated the clinical response and urinary excretion of 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA), the main metabolite of serotonin, in 31 patients with ovarian cancer or uterine endometrial cancer who received CAP therapy (CDDP 75 mg/m2) in a 3-day cross-over trial comparing G + M and G + D treated patients. Both regimens were and delayed emesis than G + D. We conclude that G + D is a more efficacious combination than G + D in protecting patients from CDDP-induced acute and delayed emesis.

Studies on the cytogenetic and endocrinologic background of spontaneous abortion.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether chronic menstrual irregularity with elevated LH levels has a role in spontaneous abortion. DESIGN: In 41 consecutively examined women with spontaneous abortions occurring within 11 complete gestational weeks, fetal chromosomal analyses were performed. The differences of endocrinologic background in relation to the result of fetal chromosomal analyses were investigated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Endocrinologic profiles, including menstrual history, basal hormone levels (LH, FSH, and PRL), ovarian morphology on ultrasound, and fetal chromosomal karyotypes. RESULTS: The women with normal fetal karyotypes compared with those with abnormal fetal karyotypes showed higher frequency of menstrual irregularity (47.1% versus 8.3%), elevated basal LH levels (7.42 +/- 5.12 versus 4.41 +/- 1.39 mIU/mL; conversion factor to SI unit, 1.00), and higher frequency of polycystic ovary (41.2% versus 8.3%). CONCLUSION: Elevated LH-polycystic ovary may be involved in the genesis of spontaneous abortions that are not explainable by fetal chromosomal abnormality.

[Significance of the glucose concentration in amniotic fluid for the prediction of chorioamnionitis in preterm labor].

For the rapid and accurate prediction of the presence of chorioamnionitis (CAM) in preterm labor, amniotic fluid analyses were performed in 46 women with preterm labor between 24 to 34 weeks' pregnancy. Ultrasound-guided transabdominal amniocentesis was performed on admission and the amniotic fluid was subjected to the measurement of cell count, glucose, protein and chlorine concentration according to cerebrospinal fluid and neutrophil esterase analysis. The data demonstrated that the amniotic fluid glucose concentration was significantly lower in women with preterm birth/CAM(+) than that with preterm birth/CAM(-) and term birth (19.0 +/- 9.1, 28.0 +/- 7.6, 51.6 +/- 14.5 mg/dl, respectively). All of the women with a glucose concentration of 20mg/dl or less showed signs of CAM. By setting up a cut off value of 25mg/dl, both high sensitivity (81.8%) and specificity (91.4%) for the prediction of CAM were obtained. Positive predictive values for CAM of a glucose concentration of 20mg/dl or less and 25mg/dl or less were 100% and 75% respectively. It was concluded that amniotic fluid glucose concentration measurement is useful for the prediction of CAM. The presence of CAM should be considered when the amniotic fluid glucose concentration is 25mg/dl or less.

Effects of danazol at the immunologic level in patients with adenomyosis, with special reference to autoantibodies: a multi-center cooperative study.

OBJECTIVE: We attempted to evaluate the effects of danazol on autoantibodies, in particular, to phospholipids, and on the immune system in patients with adenomyosis. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-two patients with adenomyosis who had high titers of autoantibodies were randomly chosen, and they received 400 mg/day of danazol for 4 months (n = 22) or underwent hysterectomy (n = 20). RESULTS: Among the six autoantibodies we investigated, the incidence of antiphosphatidylinositol immunoglobulin G was the highest (42.9%), followed by antiphosphatidylglycerol immunoglobulin G (38.1%). The autoantibody titers decreased with time and were comparable to the control values 16 weeks after treatment in both groups. Total serum levels of immunoglobulin G and M were high before treatment, but immunoglobulin M levels decreased significantly in week 8 during treatment with danazol, whereas C4 levels increased and C3 levels decreased with danazol. CONCLUSION: Danazol has an inhibitory effect on the autoimmunologic response associated with adenomyosis.

Comparison between sevoflurane and halothane for paediatric ambulatory anaesthesia.

We have compared the rapidity and quality of recovery after sevoflurane anaesthesia with those after halothane anaesthesia. Thirty unpremedicated paediatric outpatients undergoing pulsed-dye laser therapy for port-wine stains were allocated randomly to receive either halothane or sevoflurane anaesthesia. Each group received 60% nitrous oxide and 1.0-1.5 MAC of volatile agent in oxygen for approximately 40 min. Patients receiving sevoflurane exhibited more rapid emergence and a significantly shorter postoperative recovery time compared with those receiving halothane. No major adverse effects were encountered in each group. These results suggest that sevoflurane anaesthesia is preferable to halothane anaesthesia for paediatric ambulatory patients.

Preventive effect of traditional herbal medicine, shosaiko-to, on danazol-induced hepatic damage.

The incidence of the hepatic damage during treatment with danazol (D), indicated by increased serum GOT, GPT and LDH levels, has been shown to be high especially in Japan. Thus, the preventive effect of the traditional herbal medicine, shosaiko-to (SS) was investigated in the administration of D and SS for 16 weeks (D + SS group, N = 9) and the pre-administration of SS for about 4 weeks followed by D and SS for 16 weeks (SS----D + SS group, N = 15). The incidence of serum GOT, GPT and LDH levels of more than normal range during the administration of danazol in the D + SS group was similar to that in the previous study of the administration of D alone. But it was significantly lower in the SS----D + SS group than the D + SS group. The mean levels of serum GOT and GPT were much lower in the SS----D + SS group than the D + SS group throughout the administration of danazol and the difference was significant at 8, 10 and 12 weeks in serum GOT levels and at 4 weeks in serum GPT levels. These results indicate that the pre-administration of SS has great efficacy in the prevention of danazol-induced hepatic damage.

V-W plasty.

A new technique is presented that combines the use of two juxtaposed Y-V plasties which, when advanced, create a W-shaped sutured wound used to correct bridle-burn scar deformities. Since a considerable amount of the scar can be removed and there are two Y-V advancements, the cosmetic results are better than those obtained with traditional or modified Z-plasty when contracted scars are wide, severe, and unsuitable for Y-V advancement.

Elongation of the nostril and columella using an island flap.

Secondary repair of the cleft lip nose often involves elongating the aperture of the nostril and elongating the columella. A technique is described in which this result can be achieved using an island flap to supplement a septal cartilage strut and local adjustment of the tissues.

Absorption, excretion and tissue distribution of silver sulphadiazine.

It was clarified that the absorption of silver sulphadiazine cream, a widely-used topical agent against Pseudomonas infection after burns, through both superficial and deep dermal burn surfaces as well as the normal skin, was negligible, but that its absorption increased when the blister was removed. After absorption, the silver sulphadiazine was dissociated into two portions. The sulphadiazine portion was excreted into the urine quickly and the silver portion, on the contrary, remained at a certain level in the body for a long time. Our results given some suggestions about the indications for silver sulphadiazine cream. The cream seems to be inadequate for treating second-degree burns but may be useful for the treatment of third- or fourth-degree burns.

[Variation of growth hormone and prolactin levels in umbilical vein (author's transl)].

Umbilical venous blood, obtained immediately after the delivery of 71 non-complicated pregnants between 38 and 42 weeks of gestation, was investigated for the variation in growth hormone and prolactin levels in the serum. Growth hormone and prolactin levels remained almost constant during the observed period of the gestation. Further, it was shown that while growth hormone levels did not significantly vary through the 24-hour period, prolactin levels significantly did. In prolactin levels, the maximum value at 2 approximately 4AM was significantly about 2 times higher than the minimum value at 6 approximately 8 and 8 approximately 10AM. The levels did not vary through 2 approximately 4 and 10 approximately 12 PM period. These suggest that circadian periodicity exists in the fetal prolactin secretion, but not in the growth hormone, and in addition, the periodicity is not affected by labor and delivery.

Early scar plasticity as a cause of scar contracture.

Little is known about the cause of scar contracture. The contractile capability of myofibroblasts in the early scar provides a partial explanation; however, clinical and experimental findings indicate that the early scar possesses plasticity, and that its size and shape can be altered by mechanical forces. Even if a scar possesses no contractile capability itself, scar contracture may develop if: (1) the affected joint (skin) is kept in flexion (relaxation); (2) the scar is over a contracted wound; or (3) compression is applied to the early scar. Many instances of scar contracture may therefore be attributable not to active motility but to the passive response of scar tissue to mechanical forces.