Extract preparations of Shosaiko-to and Keishi-ka-shakuyaku-to were simultaneously prescribed to 34 patients with trigeminal neuralgia. The efficacy of these kampo formulas on painful paroxysms was evaluated two weeks after commencement of formula administration.
In 11 out of 19 patients who were also taking carbamazepine (CBZ), dosage reduction or elimination of CBZ administration became possible; from the changes seen in the symptoms, Kampo treatment was thought to be effective in 14 of these cases. Of the 11 cases receiving Kampo alone, reduction in pain or elimination of pain was seen in 8 cases.
Excluding 4 cases where effectiveness could not be evaluated, the overall efficacy rate for Shosaiko-to/Keishi-ka-shakuyaku-to was determined to be 73% (22/30 cases).
Many basic and clinical studies have verified that Shosaiko-to-go-Keishi-ka-shakuyaku-to acts as an anticonvulsant. There are several common pharmacological characteristics between CBZ, the standard treatment for trigeminal neuralgia, and Shosaiko-to-go-Keishi-ka-shakuyaku-to. The formulas Shosaiko-to and Keishi-ka-shakuyaku-to used by themselves or in combination with CBZ were therefore thought to be a safe and effective option for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

Purpose: The learning situation of pharmacy students failing their final exam the previous year (referred to as US) was investigated, and a method of learning support for students with low scholastic abilities was examined.

Method: Questionnaires were completed by students who were unsuccessful in the previous year's final exam a total of three times from April to July 2014, and changes in their academic record were compared with the questionnaire results. Questionnaire contents were: (1)self-learning time, (2)learning support method, (3)weak subject area, (4) progress in the printed material we distributed.

Results: The students with a low academic performance hoped to study by themselves. They felt that physicochemistry and pharmacology were weak subject areas, because high-level understanding was necessary. We realized that the quality of learning was more important than the number of practice problems the students could complete, based on the tests we distributed. In addition, a decline in academic ability was seen in many students at the beginning of the following fiscal year.

Discussion: It is necessary to begin physicochemistry and pharmacology education support when students start their programs for those with a low scholastic ability. Support that incorporates unification-type learning for students unsuccessful in their final exams is also necessary. Furthermore, it is important to design specialized practice problems and individual guidance for students with a low academic performance.

We did a retrospective review of 83 femoropopliteal bypasses with grafting of saphenous vein performed for two groups of limbs: those with arteriosclerosis obliterans (n=71) and thromboangiitis obliterans (n=12) over the past 15 years. The purpose of the study is to assess factors that influence long-term graft patency. We also examined methods used for reoperation. After a mean follow-up of 35 months (ranges, 1-164), the cumulative patency rate was 79% at 5 years and again 79% at 8 years, which was better than the patency of PTFE grafts or other prosthetics reported by other authors. The two groups were compared for the severity of ischemia, condition of the outflow tract, and whether anastomosis was above or below the knee. These factors were different between the two groups, but the difference in patency was statistically not significant. Two reoperations for claudication were needed. One was carried out with use of the bilateral saphenous veins from below the portions used earlier. The other was done for obstruction of a PTFE graft; anastomosis was done at the mid portion with the use of Vitagraft.