It has been made known that there isn't any significant regional difference in the frequencies of cases of viral hepatitis C by subtypes in our country. In the present study we investigated the subtypes in hepatitis C virus carring patients without blood transfusion history in the southern region of Ibaraki Prefecture to clarify the occurrence ratio of each subtype of the virus. The results of interferon therapy were also examined in those patients with chronic hepatitis C. The frequencies of subtypes 2, 3 and 4 were found to be 71%, 16% and 10%, respectively. Although these ratios were the same as the national average, a significantly high frequency (P>0.01) of subtype 3 was observed in the patients from Tsuchiura in the region, suggesting that there may have existed some particular source of infection other than blood transfusion. The effectiveness of interferon therapy was significantly higher (P>0.01) in the patients with subtype 3 (75%) than in those patients with subtypes 2 and 4 (23% and 43%, raspectively), suggesting that interferon is a remedy specific to subtype 3.

The patient, a 71-year-old man, was admitted to our department with fever from unknown causes. Ultrasonic examination of the abdominal regions revealed abnormal multiple low-density echo legions (that could be) associated with splenomegaly. For diagnostic purposes, splenic puncture was performed with the aid of an ultra-sound imaging device. Pale yellow-green pus was obtained from the lesions. Based on this finding, we made a diagnosis on the case as multiple abscess of the splean. The patient underwent intensive chemotherapy. However, he dontinued to have a high fever. On the ninth day from hospitalization, splenectomy was performed. Since then, his fever has subsided. Abscess of the spleen is a rare disease. It is generally classified into two types: one is a multiple type, and the other, a solitary type. Multiple splenic abscess mostly occurs as one of the abnormal conditions during the course of a primary disease, which is often severe. Our case, however, did not exhibit any sign of a primary disease.

Objectives: To investigate the stress-relief and mood-change effects of extractives from the leaves of Abies sachalinensis Methods: The essential oil was steam-distilled from the leaves of Abies sachalinensis (Todomatsu) and it was a generous gift from Japan Aroma Laboratory. Ten healthy university students (male 8, female 2) participated in the present study. After informed consent was obtained, the subject sat on a chair in a climatic chamber in which temperature and relative humidity were kept at 24°C and 50%, respectively. After ten min rest in a room, first salivary collection for cortisol, amylase and questionnaire with mood check list short form 2 (MCL-S.2) were performed. Second measurement was done after 20 min rest without aroma and then further 20 min later with aroma, third measurement was done. None felt discomfort during the experiment. Differences between the three measurements were examined using Friedman test, then if there is any significant differences, Scheffe’ test was performed. Results and Conclusion: Regarding the emotional changes, higher “relaxation” score and lower “anxiety” score were observed in the cases with aroma (third measurement) than those without aroma (second measurement, p<0.05). “Pleasantness” score did not show significant changes. No significant differences between first and second measurements.   Salivary stress parameter such as cortisol decreased significantly in the subjects with aroma (first vs. third, p=0.001). There was also significant difference between second and third measurements (p<0.05). Salivary amylase activity showed lower value with aroma than the resting value (first vs. third, p<0.05).   From these findings, essential oil from the leaves of Abies sachalinensis (Todomatsu) assumed to improve mood status and have a stress-relief activity.

The extent to which students’ experiences are enriched by incorporating anthropology into clinical education in undergraduate medical education has not been adequately examined. The authors have collaborated to integrate anthropological fieldwork with clinical education in a clinical clerkship course. Reflection on the course has highlighted that the principles of anthropological fieldwork have stimulated changes in the roles of both faculty and students, as well as their interpersonal dynamics. These changes have the potential to promote an ‘education emerged from serendipity in the field’ approach, which tends to be undervalued in the current clinical training driven by the prevailing outcome-based medical education paradigm.