[Epidemic of echo 11 virus infection in Gifu Prefecture in 1993].

An epidemic of Echo 11 virus infection occurred in Gifu Prefecture in children. Epidemiological and virological investigations were performed. The results are as follows: 1) Echo 11 viruses were isolated from patients from January to September. Most viruses were isolated in July. 2) Echo 11 viruses were isolated from all areas in Gifu Prefecture, especially from Seino and Hida areas. 3) Cases isolated Echovirus 11 ranged from 0 to 10 years of age, and 83.7% of them were in the 0 to 6 year of age group. 4) Five types of viruses were isolated from 51 of 86 cases (59.3%), and the Echovirus 11 was recovered from 43 cases (84.3%). 5) Echo 11 viruses were isolated from patients of various clinical conditions, but most patients in which isolated Echo 11 virus was isolated had aseptic meningitis, 17 cases (39.5%). Aseptic meningitis occurred in a higher frequency in those above 3 years of age. 6) By the cross neutralizing test between the prototype, isolated strain in 1982 and isolated strains in 1993 of Echovirus 11, a remarkable antigenic variation was not found in isolates in 1982 and 1993.

[Epidemic of aseptic meningitis with echovirus type 6 in Gifu Prefecture in 1992].

From January to December in 1992, an epidemic of aseptic meningitis occurred in Gifu Prefecture in children. Epidemiological, virological and serological investigations were performed. The results are as follows: 1) Cases involved ranged from 0 to 15 years of age, and 75.9% of them were in the 3 to 7 year of age group. 2) Six types of viruses were isolated from 73 of 108 cases (67.6%), and the Echovirus 6 was recovered from 68 cases (93.2%). 3) In 1992 by the cross neutralizing test between the prototype and isolated strains of Echovirus 6, a remarkable antigenic variation was not found. 4) In serological studies, the positive rates of neutralizing antibodies to Echovirus 6 in infant sera aged 0-9 years in 1992-1993, was 41.1%. The highest positive rates of antibodies was in the 5 year age group.

[Epidemic of aseptic meningitis with echovirus type 30 in Gifu Prefecture].

During July to December in 1991, an epidemic of aseptic meningitis occurred in Gifu Prefecture in children. Epidemiological, virological and serological investigations were performed. The results are as follows: 1) Cases involved ranged from 0 to 13 years of age, and 75.9% of them were in the 3 to 7 year of age group. 2) Three types of enteroviruses were isolated from 83 of 133 cases (62.4%), and the echovirus type 30 was recovered from 71 cases (85.5%). 3) In 1991 with the cross neutralizing test between the prototype and isolated strains of echovirus type 30, a remarkable antigenic variation could not be found. 4) In serological studies, the positive rates of neutralizing antibodies to echovirus type 30 in infant sera aged 0-9 years in 1992-1993, was 51.9% with the prototype strain, but 34.0% with an isolated strain in 1991.

Small, round-structured viruses (SRSVs) associated with acute gastroenteritis outbreaks in Gifu, Japan.

Two outbreaks of non-bacterial gastroenteritis occurred in Gifu prefecture in January 1989 and in January 1991. Both outbreaks were closely related to the consumption of raw oysters, and showed similar clinical features. Small, round-structured virus particles were found in patient stools in both outbreaks by electron microscopy. The role of these particles as the causative agents of the outbreaks were strongly suggested by immune electron microscopy and/or western-blotting immunoassay. When compared with SRSV-9 (Tokyo/SRSV/86-510) reported previously (Hayashi et al, J. Clin. Microbiol., 27: 1728-1733, 1989), it was found that these viral particles were antigenically similar to SRSV-9, and had a major structural protein of 63 kilodaltons (kDa). Further, the prevalence of this agent in Gifu area was examined by western blot antibody assay using 67 serum samples collected from the inhabitants in 1991. The results indicated the circulation of the same or antigenically similar agent in this area.

[A case of verrucous carcinoma showing a good partial response by C.P.E. (CDDP, PEP, etoposide) chemotherapy].

A 60-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with a complaint of rough feeling on the oral mucosa and diagnosed as verrucous carcinoma with histopathological examination. She was treated with CPE chemotherapy, and showed a good response and improvement of clinical symptoms. Toxicities were leukopenia, alopecia and anorexia. However, these were slight side effects. The patient is currently healthy with no recurrence after two years and 3 months. CPE chemotherapy is considered to be effective for a patient with verrucous carcinoma.

[A trial of mini-splint therapy for internal derangement of TMJ--application for cases without reduction by manipulation technique].

The mini-splint was applied to 21 patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) who had failed in treatment by the manipulation technique. This appliance was constructed of two splints, which were built on the bilateral upper first bicuspids (teeth number 14 & 24, FDI) by methyl-meta-acrylate. As a result, the mean of the maximum interincisal distance was improved from 25.0 mm before to 41.0 mm after splint therapy. Among 21 patients, 18 patients were improved in interincisal opening, 12 patients were free from TMJ pain, and 3 patients were relieved from joint noise. Our studies indicate that this technique is useful as one of the treatment methods of TMJ internal derangement.