Four new polymorphic forms of suplatast tosilate.

We found four new polymorphic forms (γ-, ε-, ζ-, and η-forms) of suplatast tosilate (ST) by recrystallization and seeding with ST-analogous compounds; three polymorphic forms (α-, β-, and δ-forms) of ST have been previously reported. The physicochemical properties of these new forms were investigated using infrared (IR) spectroscopy, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and powder X-ray diffractometry. The presence of hydrogen bonds in the new forms was assessed from the IR and solid-state NMR spectra.

Cross-sectional study on relationship between constipation and medication in consideration of sleep disorder.

Constipation can be caused by adverse drug reactions as a result of many drugs and might be induced by sleep disorders; however, the relative risk of its occurrence with individual drugs and the influence of sleep conditions have not been clarified. To clarify the relationship between constipation and various drugs in consideration of sleep disorders, we investigated the self-reported bowel habits, use of laxatives, and the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS, a self-administered psychometric instrument to measure insomnia) in 344 inpatients on admission. They were divided into a constipation group (self-reported bowel habits of "Constipation" or "Occasional constipation" and/or use of laxatives, n=161) and a non-constipation group (both "Normal" and the non-use of laxatives, n=183).

Case-controlled study on risk factors for the development of constipation in hospitalized patients.

Constipation is a common problem in hospitalized patients; however, the relative risks of its development with various factors have not been clarified. To clarify the risk factors associated with constipation, we performed a case-controlled study of 165 hospitalized patients who were not laxative users on admission. They were divided into case (n=35) and control (n=130) groups according to laxative administration during hospitalization.

[Penicillium marneffei isolated from a Thai AIDS patient with fungemia].

Penicillium marneffei was isolated from three blood cultures of a Thai woman with AIDS and then identified as such. The patient, 41 a year-old female from northeast Thailand came to Japan 10 years ago and married a Japanese man. She was reportedly the third patient infected with this fungal species in Japan, and considered to be the first case from whom the causative fungus was successfully cultured, which led to the diagnosis of penicilliosis marneffei.

[Antimicrobial susceptibility and beta-lactamase productivity of recent clinical isolates during the period between December 1999 and February 2000].

Antimicrobial susceptibility testings of 24 antimicrobial agents against 605 clinical strains belonging to 10 species were carried out according to the micro-broth dilution method of NCCLS M7-A4. The productivity of beta-lactamase was also determined against them isolated at 8 medical facilities in Nagano prefecture, Japan during the period between December 1999 and February 2000. When applied the nitrocefin method, beta-lactamase productivity was demonstrated to be positive for 89.