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Since no definitive standard exists for setting the expiration date of edible raw sea urchins, it is up to the importer or domestic processing manufacturer to assign an expiration date. In the present study, we performed a microbiological examination of 126 raw sea urchin samples collected from distributors at Tsukiji Market (Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market) and evaluated their expiration dates. The expiration dates were set at 5 to 8 days after processing in approximately 80% of the products; however, microbiological examination of the samples indicated that the dates were not sufficiently accurate. Of the products, 27% did not meet the microbiological standards for freshness established by the Tokyo metropolitan government during the period preceding their expiration dates. Our results suggest that the expiration date of edible fresh raw sea urchins should be based on a microbiological examination.

Since early morning hypertension is closely related to cardiovascular risks,the regular measurement of blood pressure is very important.In the present study,we performed a questionnaire survey of 443 patients taking depressors regarding possession of a home sphygmomanometer,explanation received when it was purchased,status of its use,and awareness of hypertension.The survey was performed at the time medicines were administered by pharmacists in the outpatient department.Of the patients surveyed,330 had a home sphygmomanometer,but only about 33% of them used it on a daily basis.Evaluation by the F test suggested that the patients who used a home sphygmomanometer daily were well informed about hypertension,while those who rarely used it knew less about hypertension.This suggests that the frequency of blood pressure measurement using a home sphygmomanometer varies with the amount of knowledge of the disease,and that it is important make patients receiving depressors more aware of the disease they have.

In order to measure recoil proton polarization for the reaction γ+p→π°+p in a wide energy range, a polarimeter system has been constructed using carbon plate and liquid hydrogen as the scatterer. It consists of multi-wire proportional chambers, wire spark chambers, scintillation counter hodoscopes, and scatterers. Carbon plates for lower energy protons and liquid hydrogen for higher-energy protons were used as scatterers. The liquid-hydrogen polarimeter has worked reliably in continuous operation for a long time. The performance of the system in the experiment is described.