The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and Japanese anti-tobacco measures

Japanese anti-tobacco measures are reviewed and checked the relationship between the FCTC and its changes. Japan is making efforts to follow the FCTC, but it is insufficient and present anti-tobacco measures seem to have only a little impact on decreasing smoking rates. More effective measures should be developed for reducing smoking rates and for making smoke-free society

A Clinical Study of Photodynamic Therapy for Superficial Esophageal Carcinoma by YAG-OPO Laser

A cooperative clinical study of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for superficial esophageal carcinoma was conducted at 6 medical institution. PHE (2mg/kg) with high tumor affinity was used as the oncotropic compound. The light source was a pulse wave YAG-OPO laser with high penetration into the tissue. Irradiation was performed at an energy density of 60–180 J/cm2 48–72 h after PHE administration. Eight lesions in 6 patients were treated. All were type 0-II superficial carcinomas. The depth of invasion was EP–MM for 6 lesions and SM for 2 lesions. A complete response (CR) was achieved in all patients after one session of PDT. Five adverse events, including anemia and fever, were reported by 4 patients, but all were WHO grade 2 or lower and transient. PDT using PHE and YAG-OPO laser was therefore considered effective as a curative therapy for superficial esophageal carcinoma

Cooperative Clinical Trial of Photodynamic Therapy for Early Gastric Cancer With Photofrin Injection® and YAG-OPO Laser

Background and Objective: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) treats malignant tumors using photosensitizers and light. We employed a new pulse laser as the excitation light source for PDT, i.e. an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) system pumped by a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, because it provides extremely high peak power

Legionella pneumophila in Rainwater on Roads

During rain, transient puddles form on roads, and this water is splashed into the air by moving vehicles. To determine whether this water contains Legionella pneumophila, we collected samples from roads. We found that L. pneumophila are abundant in these puddles, especially during warm weather

Appendiceal Abscesses Reduced in Size by Drainage of Pus from the Appendiceal Orifice during Colonoscopy: A Report of Three Cases

Interval appendectomy (IA) for appendiceal abscesses is useful for avoiding extended surgery and preventing postoperative complications. However, IA has problems in that it takes time before an abscess is reduced in size in some cases and in that elective surgery may result in a delay in treatment in patients with a malignant tumor of the appendix. In order to rule out malignancy, we performed colonoscopy on three patients with an appendiceal abscess that did not decrease in size 5 or more days after IA. After malignancy had been ruled out by examination of the area of the appendiceal orifice, the appendiceal orifice was compressed with a colonoscope, and a catheter was inserted through the orifice. Then, drainage of pus was observed from the appendiceal orifice into the cecal lumen. Computed tomography performed 3 days after colonoscopy revealed a marked reduction in abscess size in all patients. No endoscopy-related complication was noted. Colonoscopy in patients with an appendiceal abscess may not only differentiate malignant tumors, but also accelerate reduction in abscess size

What is necessary to fight against tobacco vaporizers in Japan?

Introduction In Japan, recently not only smoking rates but also the consumptions of cigarettes are decreasing. Raising problem about tobacco is increasing users of tobacco vaporizers. To clarify points of problems, present situation of tobacco vaporizers was investigated. Subjects and Methods Data of tobacco vaporizers are collected from internet, newspapers and so forth. Results Tobacco vaporizers are a kind of e-cigarettes. Three vaporizers are available in Japan. They are IQOS, ploom TECh and glo. Most popular vaporizer is IQOS in Japan. One of the reasons that cigarette smokers change to IQOS is that it is allowed to use in some non-smoking places and restaurants. And it is advertised that negative health effect for the circumstance is smaller than that of cigarette smoking. As there are small evidences about negative health effects, regulations are depend on the local governments. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has not yet presented any policy for the vaporizers because of almost no evidence for their negative health effects. Discussion IQOS began to be sold since 2016 all over Japan. 80 % of its users all over the world is Japanese. The number of its user are rapidly increasing in Japan. Some of the users believe that using vaporizers is not smoking. But the vapor of it contains tars and other harmful materials like cigarettes. To diffuse facts of the vaporizers is necessary and regulations should be made by the precautional principles. Conclusion To disseminate the knowledge about the vaporizers is necessary in Japan

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