[Hirotaka Tanabe].

Hirotaka Tanabe was a Japanese neuropsychiatrist engaged in neuropsychological research on cerebrovascular disease and dementia. He contributed widely to the symptomatology of dementia, especially in the field of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). He focused on clarifying the clinical features of a language disturbance, termed Gogi-aphasia by Imura (1943), in 7 patients with anterior temporal circumscribed atrophy. He attributed the nature of Gogi-aphasia to a selective impairment of semantic memory for words and proposed that the pathological process of lobar atrophy with temporal predominance might affect the semantic memory system. In addition, he described in detail the behavioral symptoms of FTD. In his later years, he adovocated a neuropsychological approach to psychiatry.

From alveolar diffuse atrophy to aggressive periodontitis: a brief history.

Technologic advances in mechanics, electronics, physics, chemistry, and computer science have contributed to advances in dental medicine. Periodontology is not only a clinical science but is also directly related to the basic sciences. Research is conducted in laboratories rather than in clinics now. During the last century, aggressive periodontitis has received attention from numerous researchers because of its multifactorial features. This paper explores the long scientific journey of aggressive periodontitis, beginning with its first definition as alveolar diffuse atrophy. Perhaps in the future, "alveolar diffuse atrophy" will be referred to by another name or term. However, this journey will never end.

[On atrophy. A doctoral dissertation by Elias Til-landz in 1670]. / Atrofiasta. Elias Til-landzin alankomaalainen väitöskirja vuodelta 1670.

Elias Til-landz is known as the most industrious professor of medicine at the Academy of Turku (Abo) during the 17th century. This article describes his student years in Uppsala and Leiden, and surveys the contents of his hitherto unanalysed doctoral thesis De Athrophia as evidence of his intellectual connections. Til-landz (originally called Tillander) studied philosophy at the Academy of Turku and medicine in Uppsala. Medicine attracted only a handful of students at Turku, most probably because of the low status of the occupation and the scarce opportunities for career. At the University of Uppsala - the biggest university of 17th-century Sweden - the professors of medicine were prominent men in their field and well versed in the new philosophical currents as well. It was neverless usual for Swedish medical students in the 17th century to complete their studies abroad, especially at the famous University of Leiden. It is probable that Til-landz had written his doctoral thesis himself. He defended it in Leiden on 11th March 1670 under the formal guidance of J.F. Gronovius, who was professor of the Greek language and history. In his thesis Til-landz shows intimate knowledge of the new medical authorities of the age, such as Walter Charleton, Francis Glisson, Santorio Santorio, etc. His approach to physiology follows Franciscus De le Boe Sylvius's iatrochemical theories. In Til-landz's view atrophy can affect either the whole body (general atrophy) or some parts only (special atrophy). It is caused by the lack or poor quality of blood and is mostly cured by diet, emesis or bathing.