Biomedical subjects

M Murai

Publications and source records attributed to M Murai.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Induction of apoptosis of cytokine-producing bladder cancer cells by adenovirus-mediated IkappaBalpha overexpression.

We investigated whether the cell growth and apoptosis of multiple cytokine-producing bladder cancer cells can be regulated by nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB). The bladder cancer cell line KU-19-19, obtained from a 76-year-old man who demonstrated marked leukocytosis, produces multiple cytokines and demonstrates autocrine growth by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) revealed that NF-kappaB was activated in KU-19-19 but not in other bladder cancer cell lines (KU-1, KU-7, or T-24, respectively). The inhibition of NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity with adenovirus vectors expressing the stable form of the NF-kappaB inhibitor IkappaBalpha (multiplicity of infection [MOI] of 10) inhibited growth and induced apoptosis of KU-19-19, but not KU-1, KU-7, or T-24. The production of several cytokines was suppressed significantly in KU-19-19 by this gene delivery. Although dexamethasone (10 microM) could also suppress cytokine production, it did not induce dramatic cell death in KU-19-19 because it could not inhibit NF-kappaB activation stably and strongly. These results suggest that NF-kappaB activation maintains the cell viability as well as regulates cytokine production in cytokine-producing cancer cells and therefore these in vitro experiments support a rationale for preclinical in vivo studies to demonstrate growth inhibition in established tumors.

Adenoviridae↗

PubMed1999

Management of incidentally discovered adrenal masses.

The incidental discovery of adrenal masses in radiologic imaging studies is becoming increasingly common. Herein we present our experience with 59 cases of incidentally discovered and surgically removed adrenal masses. Of 59 adrenal incidentalomas, 15 cases were hypersecretory tumors, including 11 pheochromocytomas; only 3 were adrenocortical carcinomas. The prevalence of incidentally discovered adrenal masses and their differential diagnosis and management are discussed in a review of the literature.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

PubMed1999

Retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy by a lumbodorsal approach: clinical experience with solo surgery.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy by transperitoneal approaches necessitates the retraction of intraperitoneal organs and, hence, the creation of extra ports for retractors and assistants. The feasibility of retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy by a lumbodorsal approach was assessed in 26 patients with adrenal tumors. In six patients the procedure was carried out as solo surgery using the ABSOP robot camera holder, and the performance was compared with that reported for the most recent series of six cases operated upon with one human assistant. The procedures were successful in 25 patients. One patient had to be converted due to tension pneumothorax caused by diaphragmatic injury. The mean blood loss was 43.5 +/- 67.5 ml, and the procedure time averaged 144 +/- 33 min. We required an average of only 3.1 trocars to accomplish solo surgery in 5 of 6 patients (83%). The number of lens smearings decreased to one-fourth of that observed by a human assistant.

Adrenal Gland Diseases↗

PubMed1999

Overexpression of IL-1ra gene up-regulates interleukin-1beta converting enzyme (ICE) gene expression: possible mechanism underlying IL-1beta-resistance of cancer cells.

We investigated the interaction of endogenous interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-1ra, and interleukin-1beta converting enzyme (ICE) in four human urological cancer cell lines, KU-19-19, KU-1, KU-2 and KU-19-20. Northern blot analysis showed that IL-1beta gene was expressed in all cell lines. On the other hand, in KU-19-19 and KU-19-20, the gene expressions of both IL-1ra and ICE were suppressed. MTT assay revealed that IL-1beta (10 ng ml(-1)) promoted cell growth in KU-19-19 and KU-19-20, while it inhibited in KU-1 and KU-2. An ICE inhibitor, Acetyl-Tyr-Val-Ala-Asp-CHO (YVAD-CHO) blocked IL-1beta-induced growth inhibition in KU-1 and KU-2. Overexpression of the secretory type IL-1ra with adenovirus vector (AxlL-1ra) enhanced ICE gene expression, while exogenous IL-1ra (100 ng ml(-1)) did not enhance it. Furthermore, AxIL-1ra treatment promoted endogenous IL-1beta secretion and induced significant growth inhibition and apoptotic cell death on KU-19-19 and KU-19-20. Treatment with either IL-1ra (100 ng ml(-1)), IL-1beta antibody (100 microg ml(-1)), or YVAD-CHO blocked AxlL-1ra-induced cell death in KU-19-19 and KU-19-20. These results suggest that IL-1beta-sensitivity depends on the level of ICE gene expression, which is regulated by the level of endogenous slL-1ra expression. This is a first report on the intracellular function of slL-1ra and these findings may provide key insights into the mechanism underlying the viability of cancer cells.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed1999

The value of gamma-seminoprotein in combination with prostate specific antigen in detecting prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: The present study was undertaken to investigate the value of gamma-seminoprotein (gamma-Sm) and the gamma-Sm/prostate specific antigen (PSA) ratio in combination with serum PSA in detecting prostate cancer. METHODS: Prostate specific antigen, gamma-Sm and the gamma-Sm/PSA ratio were evaluated in 112 patients with untreated prostate cancer and 90 patients without prostate cancer who had serum PSA and gamma-Sm levels above their respective detection limits. RESULTS: When data for all of the patients were analyzed, serum PSA and gamma-Sm levels were significantly higher and the gamma-Sm/PSA ratio was significantly lower in patients with prostate cancer than patients without prostate cancer. The serum PSA and gamma-Sm levels significantly increased and the gamma-Sm/PSA ratio significantly decreased with advancing clinical stage in patients with prostate cancer. Among the patients with serum PSA levels ranging from 1.8 to 6 ng/mL, the gamma-Sm/PSA ratio was significantly lower (P < 0.05) and gamma-Sm levels were lower (P = 0.054) in the patients with prostate cancer than in those without prostate cancer, but serum PSA levels were not significantly different (P = 0.53). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that the areas under the ROC curves were 0.54 for PSA, 0.65 for gamma-Sm and 0.69 for the gamma-Sm/PSA ratio for prediction of prostate cancer in the PSA range from 1.8 to 6 ng/mL, although the ROC analysis suggested that the gamma-Sm/PSA ratio does not provide significant advantage over PSA in detecting prostate cancer when all of the patients were analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the gamma-Sm/PSA ratio and gamma-Sm may facilitate differentiation between patients with and without prostate cancer who have intermediate PSA levels.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1999

Strip biopsy of superficial bladder tumors using an electrosurgical snare.

BACKGROUND/METHODS: Transurethral strip biopsy of bladder tumors using an electrosurgical snare was tested to determine whether or not this technique provides any advantage to the histologic examination of bladder cancers and to the management of superficial bladder tumors as a routine treatment. RESULTS/DISCUSSION: Our research results confirm that the strip biopsy technique can be applied as an alternative transurethral management procedure for treatment of superficial bladder tumors. Moreover, the results demonstrate that the procedure can also provide significantly greater histologic diagnostic advantages for bladder cancers than are possible through cold cup biopsy or transurethral resection.

Biopsy↗

PubMed1999

Transitional cell carcinoma of ureteral stump after radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma.

A 68-year-old male presented with microscopic hematuria during a routine checkup after undergoing a radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. Retrograde ureterography demonstrated a ureteral stump tumor. The ureteral stump was completely resected with a bladder cuff and histologic diagnosis was grade 2 to 3 transitional cell carcinoma of the ureteral stump. He is doing well and has been tumor-free for 2 years. The ureteral stump must be correctly evaluated using retrograde ureterography in any patient with a prior history of bladder cancer. Even if a patient had no history of ureterial cancer, whenever hematuria is present in the follow-up period after nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma, a retrograde pyelogram should be performed.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Erectile function and nocturnal penile tumescence in patients with prostate cancer undergoing luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist therapy.

BACKGROUND: Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists have been widely used as effective agents in endocrine therapy for prostate cancer. Continuous administration of the drug results in profound suppression of testicular androgen production. However, the side effects on erectile function have not been fully investigated. METHODS: We studied the influences of testosterone suppression on male sexual function and nocturnal penile tumescence in nine sexually active patients with prostate cancer who were treated with an LHRH agonist. RESULTS: Following reduction of serum testosterone concentrations to a castration level by the administration of the LHRH agonist, sexual desire, sexual interest and sexual intercourse were totally annulled, with significant changes in frequency, magnitude, duration and rigidity of nocturnal erections observed in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that the LHRH agonist strongly suppresses erectile function and sexual activity. Taking into account the quality of sexual function for relatively young and sexually active patients and their partners, it is necessary to establish effective modalities that minimize the adverse effects on sexual function for the treatment of patients with prostate cancer.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Prognostic significance of flow cytometric deoxyribonucleic acid analysis for patients with superficial bladder cancers: a long-term follow-up study.

Flow cytometric DNA ploidy analysis for human bladder cancers may provide significant diagnostic and prognostic potential. We have previously reported that combined use of histologic and flow cytometric parameters may offer additional information regarding the clinical outcome for bladder cancer patients. However, the evaluation included both superficial and muscle-invasive tumors. In the present manuscript, we present our study on whether flow cytometric determination yields significant prognosticators beyond the classical histologic evaluation only in the patient with superficial bladder cancer. A total of 217 patients with untreated bladder cancer were evaluated, using fresh bladder tumor specimens. Tumor grading (grade 1, 2, and 3) and stage (pTa + pT1a and pT1b) served as the histologic prognostic parameters. Multiple flow cytometric parameters assessed included DNA index, percentage S-phase cells, percentage G2/M-phase cells, and hypertetraploid cell presence. Multivariate survival analysis was performed using the SAS proportional hazard regression procedure to study statistical individual prognostic values of both the histologic and the flow cytometric parameters. Clinical follow-up of more than 60 months was required, with the mean follow-up being 116.3 +/- 18.6 months. Hypertetraploid cell presence was the single most important prognostic factor (p < 0.01; risk ratio: 14.3), with the second being tumor grade (p < 0.05; risk ratio: 4.6). No other parameters, including tumor stage, the DNA index, and cell phase fractions, contributed to the model. These results indicate that hypertetraploid cell presence found by flow cytometric determination may provide additional information regarding the clinical outcome for superficial bladder cancer patients, and can be used as an indicator for decision making in treatment of superficial bladder cancer patients.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Apoptosis observed in BALB/3T3 cells having ingested Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus was previously shown to be internalized by murine fibroblast. We examined the intracellular events of S. aureus ingested by BALB/3T3 cells. After uptake of strains A191 and A151, isolates from atopic lesion, and a laboratory strain, Cowan I, for 1 hr, BALB/3T3 cells were incubated with 1.25 microg/ml lysostaphin. Laddering of the DNA in multiples of approximately 180 bp occurred within 4 hr following bacterial addition in BALB/3T3 cells infected with A191 and within 18 hr in BALB/3T3 cells infected with A151: histochemical staining by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling method revealed that the rate of the fragmentation of nucleic DNA in Cowan I-infected BALB/3T3 cells at 21 hr following bacterial addition was 0.52 +/- 0.25%, significantly higher than that in the control cells. Transmission electron micrographs of BALB/3T3 cells at 4 hr following A191 addition showed that the apoptotic features, including electron-dense nucleus and plasma membrane blebbing, occurred in some cells in which many staphylococci escaped the endosome and went on to cell division. At the same time, A151 organisms enclosed with endosome membrane were static in the intact BALB/3T3 cells. The significant increase of A191 was confirmed by counting intracellular live bacteria during 2- to 6-hr incubation. These results suggest that internalized S. aureus escapes the endosome, multiplies and induces apoptosis in the fibroblast cell.

3T3 Cells↗

PubMed1999

Prostate-specific membrane antigen-derived primers in a nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for detecting prostatic cancer cells.

The detection of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSM) mRNA in the peripheral blood of prostate cancer patients by a nested reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay is a useful and sensitive method for the identification of small foci of metastatic lesions. In this study, a nested RT-PCR assay was performed using the two different PSM-derived oligonucleotide primer sets reported by Israeli et al. and Loric et al. (termed PSM primers-1 and primers-2, respectively, in this report), and the differences in the specificity and sensitivity of these primer sets for detecting prostate cancer cells in the blood are discussed. The PCR assay using PSM primers-1 showed DNA bands for 4 of 7 cases of metastatic prostate cancer and amplified the untreated genomic DNA, while that using PSM primers-2 showed 6 bands without the amplification of the genomic DNA. In conclusion, PSM primers-2 is superior to PSM primers-1 for the detection of PSM mRNA in the peripheral blood of prostate cancer patients.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

N-acetylcysteine modifies cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum-induced effects in bladder cancer cells.

We previously demonstrated a role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cytotoxicity induced by cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum (CDDP) in combination with glutathione (GSH) depletors in bladder cancer cells. However, the relationship between CDDP and ROS is still unclear, although many mechanisms of drug resistance have been well characterized. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a GSH precursor, on the CDDP-induced effects in bladder cancer cells (KU1). The cytotoxic effects of CDDP were significantly blunted by NAC (1 mM) in KU1 cells. The IC50 of CDDP only (10.2+/-1.2 microM) is significantly lower than that of CDDP with NAC (IC50: 20.3+/-1.6 microM) in KU1 cells. NAC also significantly increased the intracellular concentration of GSH in KU1 cells (37.2+/-1.6 nmol/10(6) cells), compared to controls (15.9+/-7.6 nmol/10(6) cells). While CDDP produced a significant increase in ROS as measured in terms of dichlorofluorescein (DCF) production in KU1 cells in a time-dependent manner, pretreatment with NAC significantly reduced CDDP-induced intracellular DCF in KU1 cells. Moreover, TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay showed that CDDP-induced apoptosis (31.1+/-3.8%) was significantly inhibited by pretreatment with NAC in KU1 cells (11.2+/-2.6%). These results demonstrated that NAC scavenges CDDP-induced ROS and inhibits CDDP-induced cytotoxicity, suggesting that ROS mediate the CDDP-induced cytotoxicity in bladder cancer cells.

Acetylcysteine↗

PubMed1999

Active participation of CCR5(+)CD8(+) T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of liver injury in graft-versus-host disease.

We examined the molecular pathogenesis of graft-versus-host disease-associated (GVHD-associated) liver injury in mice, focusing on the role of chemokines. At the second week after cell transfer in the parent-into-F1 model of GVHD, CD8(+) T cells -- especially donor-derived CD8(+) T cells -- infiltrated the liver, causing both portal hepatitis and nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis (NSDC). These migrating cells expressed CCR5. Moreover, macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha), one of the ligands for CCR5, was selectively expressed on intralobular bile duct epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and infiltrating macrophages and lymphocytes. Administration of anti-CCR5 antibody dramatically reduced the infiltration of CCR5(+)CD8(+) T lymphocytes into the liver, and consequently protected against liver damage in GVHD. The levels of Fas ligand (FasL) mRNA expression in the liver were also decreased by anti-CCR5 antibody treatment. Anti-MIP-1alpha antibody treatment also reduced liver injury. These results suggest that MIP-1alpha-induced migration of CCR5-expressing CD8(+) T cells into the portal areas of the liver plays a significant role in causing liver injury in GVHD; thus, CCR5 and its ligand may be the novel target molecules of therapeutic intervention of hepatic GVHD.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1999

Overproduction of Th2-specific chemokines in NC/Nga mice exhibiting atopic dermatitis-like lesions.

We have examined the expression of chemokines and their receptors in the atopic dermatitis-like (AD-like) lesions of NC/Nga mice. Such lesions develop when the mice are kept in conventional conditions, but not when they are kept isolated from specific pathogens. The thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine TARC is unexpectedly highly expressed in the basal epidermis of 14-week-old mice with lesions, whereas it is not expressed in the skin without lesions. Production of TARC by keratinocytes was confirmed by culturing murine keratinocytic cell line cells (PAM212) with TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, or IL-1beta. Expression of another Th2 chemokine, macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC), was observed in the skin from mice kept in both conventional and pathogen-free conditions, but expression of MDC was increased severalfold in the skin with lesions. The cellular origin of MDC was identified to be dermal dendritic cells. Infiltration of the skin by IL-4-producing T cells and mast cells, and the increase of CCR4 mRNA in the skin, coincided with the development of AD lesions. These observations indicate that TARC and MDC actively participate in the pathogenesis of AD-like lesions in NC/Nga mice and that these Th2 chemokines could be novel targets for intervention therapy of AD in humans.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

PubMed1999

Antitumor effects of an interferon-loaded silicone formulation in human renal cell carcinoma in nude mice.

Conventional therapy for renal cell carcinoma using interferon (IFN) has shown limited antitumor action. The IFN-loaded silicone formulation (IFN-SF) is a sustained-release formulation of human lymphoblastoid IFN, with a medical grade silicone elastomer used as the carrier material. We evaluated the antitumor effect of IFN-SF on human renal cell carcinoma cell line (KU-2) transplanted to nude mice. The treatment was started when the tumor nodules had grown 6 to 8 mm in diameter. IFN-SF, on an aqueous solution of IFN, was given by subcutaneous or peritumoral injection. Antitumor effects were evaluated according to tumor weights calculated as (long diameter) x (short diameter)2/2 in 7 groups consisting of 6 mice each. Serum IFN levels remained detectable up to 30 days after subcutaneous injection of IFN-SF. IFN-SF administered by the subcutaneous and peritumor route significantly inhibited growth of the tumor when compared with tumor growth in the untreated mice and mice treated with aqueous IFN solution. IFN-SF had equivalent inhibitory effects on tumor growth by peritumor and subcutaneous injection. Results indicated that the use of IFN-SF could reduce the frequency of injections and provide better treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma because of its long-acting effect when it is used systemically.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

[Effect of aging and diseases on male sexual function assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function].

PURPOSE: Many epidemiological factors contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED). The objective of the present research was to investigate the risk factors of ED and the influence of aging on male sexual function, to obtain some insight into prevention of ED. METHODS: The study sample consisted of employees, aged from 22 to 59 years old of ten companies in Japan, who responded to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire and a survey of health status and related variables. The IIEF sexual activity questionnaire includes 15 items related to male sexual activity organized into five domains (that is erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, overall satisfaction) to which 967 of the 1,020 subjects (94.8%) provided complete responses. These 967 men constitute the present study sample. For statistical analysis, ANOVA with Scheffe's (post hoc) test was conducted, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Presence of hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and hyperlipidemia was associated with a significantly decreased score for erectile function in subjects in their fifties (p < 0.05), however, it was not significant in the other age groups. In subjects, who were free from risk factors for sexual function, there was significant correlation between age and the scores for erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire and intercourse satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Aging and chronic disorders that have been considered to be putative risk factors for ED, therefore affect male sexual function in the elderly. The IIEF was suggested to be suited for use in studies assessing epidemiology of ED.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[Effective treatment of AFP-producing lung cancer with UFT].

The main form of chemotherapy for non small cell lung cancer is a multiple combination therapy centered on cisplatin (CDDP). We herein report a case in which a favorable course was obtained for a patient with extremely rare AFP-producing lung cancer by single oral administrations of UFT, following extirpation of brain metastasis. The patient was an 80-year-old male whose main complaints were headache and aphasia. Following close examination, a diagnosis was made of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma with the primary lesion in S6 of the right lung. A metastatic lesion was found in the left occipital lobe. Blood AFP was an abnormally high 17,000 ng/ml. No tumorous lesions were found in the liver. The brain metastasis were extirpated to alleviate cranial nerve symptoms, and the tissue was found to be the same as that of the primary lesion. AFP staining of the tumor tissue revealed positive cells. Because there was proliferation in the primary tumor following surgery, administration of UFT (300 mg/day Tegafur) was begun. Four weeks later the tumor had begun to shrink, and at 15 weeks was judged to be a partial response. A reduction in AFP was also seen. The patient showed absolutely no side effects from UFT, thus enabling outpatient treatment. Good results were obtained both in reducing the tumor and in maintaining the patient's quality of life.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1999

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (1997). I. Susceptibility distribution].

The frequencies of isolation and susceptibilities to antimicrobial agents were investigated on 560 bacterial strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in 9 hospitals during the period of June 1997 to May 1998. Of the above bacterial isolates, Gram-positive bacteria accounted for 29.3% and a majority of them were Enterococcus faecalis. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 70.7% and most of them were Escherichia coli. Susceptibilities of several isolated bacteria to antimicrobial agents were as followed; 1. Enterococcus faecalis Ampicillin (ABPC) showed the highest activity against E. faecalis isolated from patients with UTIs. Its MIC90 was 1 microgram/ml. Imipenem (IPM) and vancomycin (VCM) were also active with the MIC90s of 2 micrograms/ml. The others had low activities with the MIC90s of 16 micrograms/ml or above. 2. Staphylococcus aureus including MRSA VCM and arbekacin (ABK) showed the highest activities against both S. aureus and MRSA isolated from patients with UTIs. The MIC90s of them were 1 microgram/ml. The others except minocycline (MINO) had low activities with the MIC90s of 32 micrograms/ml or above. More than a half of S. aureus strains (including MRSA) showed high susceptibilities to gentamicin (GM) and MINO, the MIC50s of 0.25 microgram/ml or 0.5 microgram/ml. 3. Enterobacter cloacae IPM showed the highest activity against E. cloacae. The MICs for all strains were equal to or lower than 1 microgram/ml. The MIC90s of ciprofloxacin (CPFX) and tosufloxacin (TFLX) were 1 microgram/ml, the MIC90s of amikacin (AMK) and ofloxacin (OFLX) were 4 micrograms/ml, the MIC90 of GM was 16 micrograms/ml. Among E. cloacae strains, those with low susceptibilities to quinolones have decreased in 1997, compared with those in 1996. But the other drugs were not so active in 1997 as 1996. 4. Escherichia coli All drugs except penicillins were active against E. coli with the MIC90s of 8 micrograms/ml or below. Particularly, flomoxef (FMOX), cefmenoxime (CMX), cefpirome (CPR), cefozopran (CZOP), IPM, CPFX and TFLX showed the highest activities against E. coli with the MIC90s of 0.125 microgram/ml or below. 5. Klebsiella pneumoniae K. pneumoniae was susceptible to almost all the drugs except penicillins. Carumonam (CRMN) had the strongest activity with the MICs for all strains equal to or lower than 0.125 microgram/ml. FMOX, CPR, CZOP, CPFX and TFLX were also active with the MIC90s of 0.125 microgram/ml or below. The MIC90s of quinolones had changed into a better state in 1997, compared with those in 1996. 6. Proteus mirabilis Almost all the drugs except ABPC and MINO showed high activities against P. mirabilis. CMX, ceftazidime (CAZ), latamoxef (LMOX), CPR, cefixime (CFIX), cefpodoxime (CPDX) and CRMN showed the highest activities against P. mirabilis. The MICs of them for all strains were equal to or lower than 0.125 microgram/ml. CPFX and TFLX were also active with the MIC90s of 0.125 microgram/ml or below. 7. Pseudomonas aeruginosa The MIC90 of GM was 8 micrograms/ml, the MIC90s of AMK, IPM and meropenem (MEPM) were 16 micrograms/ml. The others were not so active against P. aeruginosa with the MIC90s of 32 micrograms/ml or above. The MIC90s of quinolones had changed into a lower state in 1997, compared with those in 1996. 8. Serratia marcescens IPM showed the highest activity against S. marcescens. Its MIC90 was 2 micrograms/ml. GM was also active with the MIC90 of 4 micrograms/ml. The MIC90s of the others were 16 micrograms/ml or above. The MIC50s of CRMN was 0.125 microgram/ml or below, the MIC50s of CPR and CZOP were 0.25 microgram/ml.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗