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In histopathologic diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, N/C ratio (nuclear area / cytoplasmic area) is one of useful information. Our final goal is to develop a support system that enables the user to easily estimate the N/C ratio.

In the present study we evaluated the prognostic impact of both DNA cytometry and quantitative histology in patients with malignant melanoma (MM). In contrast to previous investigations on sections, rapid image analysis (IA) of imprint specimens was performed to measure DNA cytometric features; 34 cases of stage I MM with low ( 1.5mm, n = 14) were analyzed.

The aim of the present contribution is to elucidate the anatomical basis of neural mechanisms in avian and mammalian circadian systems. Although biorhythmicity can be considered as a fundamental property of the single cell, this analysis will be focussed on complex structures of the brain, especially the diencephalon. In this connection two diencephalic structures, the suprachiasmatic nucleus and the pineal organ, deserve particular attention. The former is located in the hypothalamic, the latter in the epithalamic region of the diencephalon. Both regions belong to the phylogenetically ancient portion of the brain. The hypothalamus is exceedingly rich in neuroendocrine effectors, which apparently have evolved from primitive pluripotent senso-neuroendocrine cells (cf. Oksche 1978b, 1981). In phylogeny these elements were successively re-arranged to form increasingly complex aggregates encompassing a variety of afferents and interneurons. On the other hand, in the pineal organ photoreceptor cells capable of indoleamine metabolism were transformed into glandular elements that receive different kinds of central nervous inputs, including an input from the lateral eyes (cf. Oksche and Hartwig 1979).

In a study in which several European institutes participated, it was investigated whether cytomorphometry and cytophotometry can be of value for predicting survival in breast cancer, follicle center cell lymphoma, and prostate cancer. The study was especially designed to be presented at the 15th European Congress of Cytology in Baden-Baden, FRG, in 1987.

Grading of tumor malignancy should provide an index for the malignant potential of a tumor, independently of its histogenetic classification.

Experimental endocrinologists criticise the concept of a mosaic-like representation of hypothalamic functions (see Szentagothai et al., 1968). In contrast to a rigid cytoarchitectonic scheme Szentagothai et al. (1968) distinguish between a “hypo-physiotropic, releasing factors system” and a “release regulating system”. Substances responsible for basic gonadotropin release are available in all parts of the hypophysiotropic area including the arcuate nucleus. Under these circumstances the classical cytoarchitectonic divisions of the hypothalamus appear to be only of limited value. However, a more general type of hypothalamic action does not exclude a clear-cut wiring diagram between single anatomical units. According to Cross (1973): “It may be that many hypothalamic interneurons are programmed in highly specific ways ...”. “Each cell may indeed be unique in its connectivities and sensitivities”.

The histological preparation of whole larynges in the form of multiple serial sections is made considerably more difficult by the difference in hardness of the various tissue types in this organ, and in particular by the age-dependent ossification of cartilaginous parts of the skeleton. The detailed knowledge regarding the spread of endolaryngeal tumours that is of invaluable worth for diagnosis and therapy can be most readily gained from whole-organ sections, in which the behaviour of the tumours in relation to the different anatomical structures in the larynx is evident and more exactly discernible.

On this commemorative occasion in which I was given an opportunity to speak ahead of other detailed reports on specific themes in various sections, I would like to discuss my observations of some of the basic historical turning points that men have experienced in history, and the basic nature of major historical turning points in mankind’s history. I would like to analyze further the advanced societies that created and facilitated those turning points and carried the load forward through those periods, and how the shifts of such advanced societies occurred in the history of man. Finally, I would like to discuss the role that Japan should play as a modern advanced society, when civilization is now faced with perhaps another major turning point.

In most western countries approximately one fourth of all deaths are attributable to some form of cancer. It is generally believed that when a developing cancer is detected at a stage at which its extent is still limited there is a good chance that it can be eradicated, allowing the patient to continue to lead a normal life. Cancer of the uterine cervix is one type of cancer with which “early detection” and treatment of cytologically detectable precancerous abnormalities seem to lead to a significant decline in the incidence of and deaths from later stages of cancer.