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Since the Meiji Restoration, modern Japanese medicine has developed a system that associates disease names with Western medicine. However, integrating Kampo medicine within this framework has proven challenging. Nonetheless, Kampo medicine has demonstrated success in treating diseases that are resistant to Western or modern medical approaches. This paper focuses on real clinical cases of stomatitis and explores the fundamentals of clinical condition analysis using Kampo medicine in dental clinics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton indotineae has been recorded in Japan since 2020, and there is concern that it may spread further in the country. This paper explains the isolation, identification, and drug resistance mechanisms of the fungus, as well as the status of isolation in Japan and overseas, to serve as reference in dermatological practice. Skin debris, crusts of the affected area, or other samples are inoculated onto dermatophyte isolation media such as a Mycocel agar in accordance with standard isolation methods. Colonies on Mycocel agar and Sabouraud's dextrose agar are white to pale yellowish brown, flat. with shortvillous or powdery surface, and closely resemble those of Trichophyton interdigitctie. Therefore, its identification is based on clinical findings (extensive tinea corporis), urease testing (negative reaction), and sequencing of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the isolate. ITS region homology can be determined by performing a Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) search at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) site. Its identity can be confirmed if the result is a 100% match with the registered T. indotineae sequences. T. indotineae has been isolated in several locations in Tohoku, Kanto, and Kyushu. Although most of the patients are foreign nationals, the fungus has now been isolated also from Japanese who have no history of overseas travel. Public health guidance must be issued, especially because of the possibility of infection from common items and facilities that may also be used by travelers from overseas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current treatments for urinary stones include Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL), Transurethral Lithotripsy (TUL), Percutaneous Nephrolithotripsy (PNL), and Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery (ECIRS). This paper provides an overview of urinary stone treatment, "Stone Mountain", highlighting the importance of addressing underlying causes. In surgical treatment, it is vital to remember that urinary stones are a benign condition prone to recurrence, prioritizing minimally invasive approaches is key. 1. Emerging Active Treatment Approaches 1) Devices for More Effective and Minimally Invasive Current Treatments ・Thulium YAG (Tm : YAG) and Thulium Fiber Lasers (TFL) Next-generation lithotripsy devices, Thulium YAG lasers and Thulium Fiber Lasers, are introduced, offering benefits and quieter operation. ・Devices for Controlling Renal Pelvic Pressure Devices like single-use flexible ureteroscopes with renal pelvic pressure measurement and access sheaths with suction function are promising in reducing complications ・Robotic-assisted ureteroscopy This development mitigates surgeon fatigue, radiation exposure risks, and improves maneuverability. ・AI-enhanced ESWL Artificial intelligence enhances the effectiveness and safety of ESWL. 2) Potential Novel Treatments for Current Algorithms ・Ultrasonic propulsion, Burst Wave Lithotripsy (BWL) Focused ultrasound waves for non-invasive stone movement or fragmentation show promise in reducing residual stones. ・Laparoscopic and Robotic-assisted Stone Surgery Robotic-assisted surgery offers improved dexterity and visualization, potentially achieving outcomes comparable to open surgery. 2. Future Developments Needed in Urinary Stone Treatment Despite established measures, urinary stone incidence rates have increased, necessitating further advancements. Research focuses on : 1) Creation of Calcium Stone Dissolution Therapy We are developing a method to enhance calcium oxalate crystal phagocytosis by human iPS cell-derived anti-inflammatory macrophages. 2) Development of Less Invasive Lithotripsy Devices Collaboration with experts from diverse fields led to introducing a femtosecond laser-based lithotripsy method. Conclusion Addressing underlying causes is the future of urinary stone treatment. The "hill" in Figure 1 represents the current ascent, whereas the mountaintop signifies the "cloud" of future treatment. Readers are encouraged to consider questions like "How can we avoid invasive surgical treatment ?" and "What are the underlying causes ?" to fully harness their capabilities as urologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past few years, the number of renal transplants in Japan has finally exceeded 2,000 per year. Among Japanese transplant centers, only a few high-volume centers perform more than 50 renal transplants per year. This paper introduces Osaka University's current efforts to become a high-volume center in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]