The Tokai Journal of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, also referred to as Tokai Journal, is an official quarterly publication of the Tokai Medical Association. Tokai Journal publishes original articles that deal with issues of clinical, experimental, socioeconomic, cultural and/or historical importance to medical science and related fields. Manuscripts may be submitted as full-length Original Articles or Brief Communications. Tokai Journal also publishes reviews and symposium proceedings. Articles accepted for publication in Tokai Journal cannot be reproduced elsewhere without written permission from the Tokai Medical Association. In addition, Tokai Journal will not be held responsible for the opinions of the authors expressed in the published articles.