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For the purpose of forecasting the prevalence ofJapanese encephalitis in Japan, we tried to find out the correlation of factors between median and mode dates of epidemic time curve of prevalence on one hand, and average atmospheric temperatures of prefectures in June and July (T6,7 in short) (X¹), the time when HI reaction of swine became positive to the degree of 50 per cent (D. pos. swine in short) (X²), the latitude (x³) and longitude (x4) in respective prefectures (in 1965 and 1967). On the other we also estimated the median and mode dates of this epidemic curve of the prevalence in 1968 and 1969, from the regression equation of one variable and multiple regression equation from the above factors using an electronic computer. The usefulness of adding factors concerned with mosquitoes to the above four factors is proven by the accuracy of estimation. And the following results were obtained. 1) Phenomenally speaking, the prevalence of Japanese encephalitis follows the principle of "advancing of prevalence towards the north and east" and essentially speaking, it depends upon high atmospheric temperature and the outbreak of many hazardous mosquitoes by the high atmospheric temperature. 2) To estimate median date (y) and mode rate (z) of the epidemic time curve of the prevalence, we can use the next equations; The regression equations to estimate y and z from T 6,7(X) are as follows. y = - 3. 75X¹ + 144.47 σ = 12.4.·. [1] z = - 3. 80X¹ + 157 .26 σ = 14.9.. · [1]' The regression equation from D. pos. swine (X²) are as follows. y = 0. 68X² + 31. 82 σ = 9.2· .. [2] z=0. 76X² +40. 71 σ= 12.0 .. · [2]' The multiple regression equation from T6 ,7 and D. pos. swme are as follows. y = -1. 07X¹ +0 .62x² +59. 37 σ= 9.7 ... [3] z= -0. 79x¹ +0. 71x² +61.02 σ= 12.0· .. [3]' The multiple regression equations from T 6•7, D. pos. swine, latitude and longitude are as follows Y= -1.01x¹ +0.58x² -0.26x³+0 .37x4 + 18.50 σ= 9.8･･･ [4] z = -0. 32x¹ +0. 52x² +2 .05x³ +0 .54x4 -87. 81 σ= 11.8 [4]' 3) We Obtained the estimated value of median date in 17 prefectures in Kyushu, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kinki and Kanto provinces in 1968 and in 13 prefectures in 1969 from [l] or [2] or [3] or [4] equation. Nine prefectures out of 17 by [l], 12 prefectures by [2], 13 by [3J and [4] in 1968. [4] could be estimated with about 10 days error or less. And in 1969, 9 out of 13 by [3] and 7 out of 13 by [4] could be accurately esti· mated. The estimation by the multiple regression equation using many factors is most useful for the calculation. 4) The time when the number of patients increases at maximum can be pointed out by the lower limit of prediction region obtained from data in each prefecture. And the lower limit was the estimated median value minus about 20 days by [1] and about 16 days by [2] or [3] or [4] under the next condition; α = 0. 1, N= 75. 5) The mode dates in 17 prefectures out of 19 were estimated by [1]', [2]', [3]' and [4]'. 12 prefectures out of 17 by [1]', 7 by [2]', 10 by [3]' and 13 by [4]' could be estimated with about 12 days error or less in 1968 and 9 out of 13 was correctly estimated by [3]' and [4]' in 1969. The estimation by the regression line of one factor was s~mewhat different from each other, but when multiple regression line of four factors was used the estimation became more correct. Judging from these results, it is adequate to use the multiple regression equation of [4] and [4]' when we want to forecast the median date or mode date ofJapanese encephalitis time cure. 6) In the case of adding two factors concerned with mosquitoes to T6,7 (X¹), D. pos. swine (x²), latitude (x³), longitude (x4), multiple regression equations become as follows. y= -1.46x¹+0.14X²+0.068x5+89.03 σ= 6.9.. ·[5] z= -3. 29x¹+0 .13x²-0. 010x5+ 143.63 σ= 18.6··· [5]' y=-4.20x¹+0.35x²+0.29x6 + 53.70 σ= 4.2 .. ·[6] z=-2.56x¹-0.0lx²-0.02x6 +128.96 σ=11.4 [6]' y= 4.76x¹+0.41x²+0.13x5+0.22x6-72.78 σ= 4.5 [7] z = - 2. l0x¹ + 0. 05x²+ 0. 11 x5 - 0. 08x6+ 113.4 σ= 10. 7.. · [7]' where x5 is the time when the number of mosquitoes (C. T. collected by light trap reached the maximum and X6 is the time when hazardous mosq uitoes were dected. In the case of median date, 5 prefectures out of 6 prefectures by [5], 2 out of 6 by [6] and 2 out of 5 by [7], and in the case of mode date, 5 out of 6 by [5]', 4 out of 5 by [6]' and 4 out of 5 by [7]' could be accurately estimated in 1969.

Gross specimens are valuable sources in morphology education. In this study, we investigated how the fixation of gross specimens may be accelerated. For this purpose, whole organ specimens from freshly killed rabbits: extremities, kidney, heart, liver, stomach and uterus were fixed in a mercaptoethanol-formaldehyde mixture for 3-3.5h under the following conditions: 1, at room temperature; 2, at gradually increasing temperatures up to 45 degrees C; and 3, at a gradually increasing vacuum ranging from 20 kPa to 40 kPa. The results were compared with those of formaldehyde-fixed controls, and the mercaptoethanol-formaldehyde mixture was found to be useful in shortening the fixation time and providing good fixation. Both heat and vacuum enhanced these phenomena.

Simultaneous radiohyperthermotherapy (SRH) is a combined hyperthermia-radiation therapy in which irradiation is given during heating. Mutual interference between the high energy radiotherapy system (Toshiba LMR-15A) and the 13.56 MHz capacitive heating system (Omron HEH-500C) was tested with phantom materials prior to a clinical trial with SRH. The energy and flatness of irradiation were not affected by the heating system within the range of clinical use. The high energy radiotherapy system did not affect the increase or distribution of temperature during simultaneous treatment. The results of this phantom study indicated that these apparatuses would not produce clinically significant mutual interference during SRH. A clinical trial was performed on a 57-year-old woman with postoperative recurrence of rectal cancer. This is the first reported clinical case treated with true SRH in which external irradiation was administered during mid capacitive heating. Twelve SRH treatments were performed on the recurrent lesion at a frequency of twice a week for six weeks using the apparatuses described above. There was a significant reduction in pain after treatment. The tumor marker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level decreased after treatment. On CT images taken after treatment, the tumor site became a low density area which indicated necrosis. There were no side effects. These results suggest that further clinical study of SRH should be performed to clarify its advantages.

In this investigation, the veratrine contraction was studied with special reference to the action of quinine, and from the results obtained, the following summary and conclusion are made1. Various forms of veratrine contraction were found to be different representations of twitch and veratrine components, corresponding to the concentration of the drug, duration of the action of the drug (time factor), intensity and frequency of stimulations and individual sensitivity of muscles. 2. Veratrine-like contractions were evoked by glycerine and formaldehyde. 3. Veratrine contraction was obviated by lowering the temperature and facilitated by raising it. An intimate relations between the effective minimal dosis of veratrine and temperature were noted. 4. Veratrine contraction was depressed or abolished by calcium or potassium chlorides. Relations between threshold concentration of veratrine and calcium or potassium chlorides were determined. 5. Acidity inhibited the occurrence of veratrine contraction, alkalinity facilitated it. 6. Height of contraction of veratrinised muscle was higher than normal muscle, in twitch as welt as in tetanus. Refractory period of veratrine muscle was greatly prolonged and found in the descending phase of veratrine contraction. 7. Quinine obviated veratrine contraction. Veratrine-quinine equilibrium ratio was determined. 8. Atropine inhibited the action of veratrine on muscle. 9. Ergotoxine retarded or depressed the occurrence of veratrine contraction, when applied previously, while if applied afterwards, it exaggerated at first, then alleviated gradually veratrine contraction. 10. Acetylcholine had no effect on veratrine contraction. Eserine, like atropine, inhibited veratrine contraction. 11. Adrenaline caused complete dissociation of twitch and veratrine components. 12. Monoiodoacetic acid had no effect on the occurrence of veratrine contraction. 13. Veratrine had no effect on isolated frog's heart. 14. Veratrine caused increased tonicity and irregular tonic contraction on non-striated muscles (dorsal muscle of leech, intestine and uterus of guinea-pig).

It has been documented that the serum complement activities measured by hemolytic assay (CH50) are decreased after storage of sera at a low temperature in some patients with chronic hepatitis C. However, the mechanism of this phenomenon has not been identified yet. Here, we tried to elucidate factors involved in the cold activation of complement (CAC). To clarify what pathway is activated in CAC, we measured complement cleavage products after cold storage of sera. C4d increased significantly after 12 h-storage at cold temperatures in 5 CAC (+) sera compared with 5 CAC (-) (P < 0.01) and 3 control sera (P < 0.05), while Bb did not increase in any of the groups. In order to determine whether IgG or IgG complex is necessary for CAC, 8 CAC (+) sera were incubated with Protein G Sepharose gel beads, and all of them retained hemolytic activities to some extent after cold storage. Column chromatography through Superose 6HR of CAC-positive serum identified the fractions containing molecules that induced CAC in normal serum, which were depleted by treatment with protein G Sepharose. In conclusion, CAC in hepatitis C seems to occur via a classical or lectin pathway, and the IgG complex produced in hepatitis C virus infection may be an important factor in inducing CAC, a common extrahepatic manifestation of hepatitis C.

Theophylline-associated convulsions have been observed most frequently in children with fever, but the mechanism is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the basic mechanism of aminophylline [theophylline-2-ethylenediamine]-induced convulsions and the effects of Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia in mice. Diazepam (5-10mg/kg, i.p.), a benzodiazepine receptor agonist, significantly prolonged the onset and significantly decreased the incidence of convulsions induced by aminophylline (350mg/kg, i.p.). However, the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor agonist muscimol (1-4mg/kg, i.p.), the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen (2-4mg/kg, i.p.) and the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor antagonist dizocilpine (0.1-0.3mg/kg, i.p.) failed to protect against the convulsions. 20% Brewer's yeast (0.02ml/g, s.c.) increased body temperature by 1.03, and also significantly shortened the onset and significantly increased the incidence of convulsions induced by aminophylline. The anticonvulsant action of diazepam (2.5-10mg/kg, i.p.) on the convulsions induced by aminophylline was reduced by Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia. The proconvulsant actions of the GABAA receptor antagonists picrotoxin (3-4mg/kg, i.p.) and pentylenetetrazol (40-60mg/kg, i.p.) were enhanced by Brewer's yeast. These results suggest that the anticonvulsant action of diazepam against aminophylline is reduced by Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia, and that GABAA receptors are involved in the aggravation of the convulsions by Brewer's yeast in mice.

We performed a long-term follow-up of 4 patients with penile cancer who underwent hyperthermotherapy from August 1985 until August 1992. Hyperthermia was applied using a frequency of 350 MHz with a waveguide applicator twice a week for 60 min each for an average of 9.5 times (varying from 6 to 13 times). The total heating time that the temperature of urethra could be kept above 42 degrees C, was 166 min on the average (ranging from 0 to 463 min). Two patients classified as stage I according to the Jackson classification and 1 patient classified as stage IV underwent combined radiotherapy and received an average radiation dose of 53 Gy (range, 40-70 Gy). Among these patients 2 underwent combined chemotherapy with bleomycin or peplomycin. Malignant cells disappeared posttherapeutically and in August 1992, after an average of 5 years and 9 months (varying from 4 years 6 months to 6 years 10 months), the patients were free of recurrences. The one patient on stage IV had extensive invasion of the abdominal wall, but still recovered completely. One patient on stage III underwent combined chemotherapy and hyperthermotherapy, but heating had obviously been insufficient. There was a residue of malignant cells after the treatment and we performed a penectomy. Regarding functional preservation of the penis a multidisciplinary therapy incorporating hyperthermotherapy can be expected to increase the curativity. This indicates that it could induce in an advanced case, where an operation would be difficult, complete remission.

Through the use of an automatic photo tube dew-point hygrometer, the author succeeded in measuring dew point of gas flows continuously in anesthetic circuits. Simultaneous thermometries were done on the nasal or oral mucosa, on the respiratory gas flows in the anesthetic mask or the endotracheal tube, and on the gas in the inhaling conduit. Experiments were performed on ten adults patients undergoing various types of surgery under general inhalation anesthesia. Anesthetic technics were varied intentionally during the measurements. Thus, both absolute and relative humidities of exhaled and inhaled gases, and respiratory water and heat losses were calculated under various anesthetic conditions, and physiological and clinical considerations were discussed. The conclusions obtained from this research are as follows: (1) When a non-rebreathing system is applied, moisture content of exhaled gas is minimal, and respiratory losses of both water and heat are maximum. With a semi-closed circle method, according to decreasing fresh gas flows, the humidity of the inspiratory and expiratory gases becomes higher, and both heat and water losses through respiration are lessened. When a closed circle method, with carbon dioxide absorption, is employed, temperature and humidity of gas in the inhaling conduit are highest, and the expired gas offers the maximum temperature and moisture contenL Both water and heat losses from anesthesia become minimal when administered in a closed system. (2) While the water and heat that a patient loses through respiration increase with increasing breathing capacity, they are still small parts of the total water and heat losses of the patient. Water and heat losses via anesthesia systems are not so predominant in maintaining water balance and heat regulation of patients during anesthesia and surgery.

We investigated the degree of local heat and swelling of the thigh muscles produced by exercise. Eleven university athletes aged from 19 to 23 years old performed isokinetic exercise of the right knee on a Cybex II. Then serial determination of thigh circumference and thigh temperature (up to 120 min after exercise) as well as serial magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (up to 60 min after exercise) was performed on both thighs. The circumference of the right thigh peaked at 5.6 +/- 2.1 min after exercise and returned to normal at 38.6 +/- 9.2 min. The temperature of the right thigh peaked at 14.2 +/- 5.7 min after exercise and was not normalized after 120 min except in two subjects. T2-weighted MR images showed a marked increase in the signal intensity of the right knee flexor and extensor muscles. The signal intensity peaked immediately after exercise and subsequently decreased gradually but did not return to normal after 60 min in some muscles. Changes in the thigh circumference were closely correlated with changes in the MR findings. The changes in the thigh muscles after knee exercise could be demonstrated using MR imaging, thigh circumference, and thigh temperature data. These parameters may provide indicators for managing muscle fatigue and recovery.

Insulin and human erythrocyte cell membrane interactions were studied with respect to binding and dissociation. The per cent of specific binding of 125I-labeled insulin to erythrocytes was directly proportional to the cell concentration. The optimum pH for binding was 8.1. The initial binding rate was directly proportional to, and the steady state insulin binding was reversely proportional to, the incubation temperature. The per cent of specific binding of 125I-labeled insulin was 12.10 +/- 1.13 per cent (mean +/- SD)/4 X 10(9) cells (n = 10) at 0.8 ng/ml insulin. Native insulin competed with 125I-labeled insulin for binding and showed almost complete inhibition at 10(4) ng/ml. The Scatchard plots were upward concave. Maximum binding capacity was 230 binding sites per cell. The average affinity constant decreased as the per cent of fractional occupancy increased. Affinity constants for the empty and filled sites were 1.49 and 0.16 X 10(8) M-1 respectively. Bound insulin was displaced by native insulin. The dissociation rate by "dilution + native insulin" was higher than that by "dilution only". The dissociation rate was accelerated even by the physiological concentration of insulin and maximum at 100 ng/ml. It is concluded that human erythrocytes have insulin binding sites which are indistinguishable from insulin receptors on the target tissues for insulin.

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal temperature of graft preservation after ex vivo gene transfer to rat lung isografts. Left lungs were harvested and infused with cationic lipid/LacZ-DNA complex via the pulmonary artery, and the grafts were stored for 4h. The grafts (n＝7) were allocated into groups IﾝIV according to the storage temperature:4℃, 10℃, 16℃, and 23℃, respectively. Forty-eight h after orthotopic transplantation, the arterial blood gas was analyzed and the peak airway pressure (PAP) and the level of LacZ protein production in the grafts were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. After reperfusion, the grafts were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The grafts in groups III and IV showed more deterioration as evidenced by decreased arterial oxygen tension, increased PAP, and predominant infiltration of inflammatory cells compared with groups I and II. The level of LacZ production was significantly lower in group I than in groups IIﾝIV. The optimal temperature of lung graft preservation after ex vivo gene transfer was determined to be 10℃, balancing considerations of lung injury and efficiency of transgene expression.