The role of academic journals evolves with the times. Academic publishing is diversifying, shifting from traditional paper-based formats to broader dissemination through open access. In response to these developments-and to contribute to ongoing progress in medical education-Medical Education (Japan) has undertaken a comprehensive revision of its submission guidelines. As of January 17, 2025, all submissions, peer reviews, and editorial processes are being conducted in accordance with the updated guidelines.　The Editorial Board convened a round-table discussion to explore recent developments, beginning with the revision of the submission guidelines. This discussion elaborates on the journal's role and its relevance to the academic community, including society members, authors, and readers. It features statements from participating editorial committee members and highlights the key issues discussed, including the criteria each member uses to evaluate manuscripts. The aim is to offer insight into the journal's editorial stance and decision-making process.

Background: Simulation-based education (SBE) is a practical learning strategy in healthcare education. To ensure its quality, clarifying the competencies required of simulation educators is essential. Given the influence of cultural contexts, this study aimed to comprehensively examine the competencies of simulation educators in Japan and other countries.　Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the framework by Arksey and O'Malley. Literature searches were performed in four databases, including PubMed, to identify studies describing competencies for healthcare simulation educators. A total of 24 articles were selected and analyzed.　Results: The analysis identified nine major themes and 58 subthemes related to educator competencies. While literature from Japan and other countries covered the overall framework, variations were found at the subtheme level. Japanese literature lacked detailed descriptions on debriefing, advanced technologies, and research competencies.　Conclusions: While core competencies for simulation educators show similarities across countries, notable regional differences exist. Incorporating global insights while tailoring competencies to Japan's specific educational and cultural context is essential for developing effective educator training programs.

Information pertaining to self-regulated learning strategies for nurses in distance learning is scarce, There is also insufficient information regarding suitable learning support. We conducted a survey, exploring the demographic data and self-regulated learning strategies of 183 nurses who used distance learning; 159 nurses responded. In this study, nurses tended to use “asking peers” as their primary learning support. Additionally, “developing learning plans,” “devising learning methods,” and “reflecting on learning methods” showed a positive correlation. “Developing learning plans,” “devising learning methods,” and “rewarding oneself” also showed a positive correlation. Finally, a positive correlation was found between “asking peers” and “rewarding oneself.” A bulletin board for exchanging opinions among learners and the implementation of a pre-course were suggested as ways to support distance learning for nurses.

We evaluated the effect of gosyajinkigan in 30 cases of anticholinergic agent or α-1 blockers resistant nocturia with a sign of jinkyo which is the hypofunction of the kidney organ unit at Kampo medicine. As to subjective outcomes, storage symptoms and quality of life (QOL) of International Prostate Symptom Score, and sleep and energy items of King's Health Questionnaire and Nocturia QOL Questionnaire were statistically much improved. Concerning objective outcomes, nocturnal frequency of urination, nocturnal polyuria index and hours of undisturbed sleep by means of frequency volume chart, and total body water by body composition analyser were also statistically much improved. This study might demonstrate that normalization of body composition leads to reduce nocturnal urinary volume and improve nocturia.

We evaluated the effect of hachimijiogan in 30 cases of anticholinergic agent and α-blocker resistant LUTS. International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS), QOL scores, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Impact Index (BII) scores and urinary 8-OHdG of the patients were statistically much improved. This study demonstrated improvement in urinary symptoms, urinary QOL and oxidative stress, in LUTS resistant to anticholinergic agents and α-blockers. Further long-term studies will be needed not only in urinary symptoms, but also in effect as an anti-aging medicine.

We evaluated the effects of Hachimijiougan and its additional prescription in 11 cases of anticholinergic agent-resistant overactive bladder. The improvements in IPSS, QOL score, BII score and urinary 8-OHdG for the patients were statistically much improved. This study showed improvements of urinary symptoms and QOL in anticholinergic agent-resistant overactive bladder. Further long-term studies will be needed not only in urinary symptoms but also on effects as an anti-aging medicine.

We report two cases of numbness and pain of neuropathy due to ANCA (antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody)-associated vasculitis successfully treated with Ogikeishigomotsuto. The first case was a 57-year-old female who complained of high fever, painful skin eruptions of the lower limbs, and proteinuria. Although the severe pain was reduced with steroid therapy, neuropathy-related numbness and pain remained widespread in her lower limbs. After we prescribed Ogikeishigomotsuto, most of her pain disappeared while her degree of numbness diminished by almost half in two weeks. In addition, her steroid therapy could be tapered off without adverse effect. The second case was an 82-year-old female with fever and myalgia. Although myalgia of the upper arm disappeared with steroid treatment, walking became difficult due to numbness from the lower legs, to the soles of her feet. With Ogikeishigomotsuto administration, she became better able to walk because her legs had warmed up, and the range of her numbness had decreased. These cases suggest that Ogikeishigomotsuto may be effective against numbness and neuropathic pain due to ANCA-associated vasculitis.
Numbness ; Pain ; Peripheral neuropathy ; Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody measurement ; Vasculitis

We report a case of an obstinate belch successfully treated with goshuyuto. The patient was a 74-year-old female. She had been hospitalized seven times in the past due to the belch, abdominal distention and anorexia, and had been prescribed various Kampo formulas. But her symptoms fluctuated up and down. The obstinate belch essentially disappeared after administering goshuyuto, and her appetite improved. Many of Kampo formulas that treat belchs are related to Shoyobyo (shao yang bing), but we consider that goshuyuto may be effective for a belch, which is yin-related and accompanied with stiffness and rigidity below the heart, and fullness in the chest and hypochondrium.
Medicine, Kampo ; Treated with ; Case Report ; plastic property - rigidity ; symptoms <1>

We report a case of recurring adhesive ileus that was successfully treated with shojokito (decoction) without inserting a nasogastric tube. The patient was a 75-year-old male who had been treated for abdominal symptoms in our department after a laparotomy. He visited our hospital mainly for complaints of abdominal pain and distention, was diagnosed with adhesive ileus because of a niveau image upon abdominal X-ray, and was hospitalized the same day. We diagnosed him as Yang syndrome and excess syndrome because he had thick yellow fur of the tongue, and administered shojokito. He broke wind at 40 minutes after administration of shojokito, and had bowel movement two hours later. Furthermore, he had mass diarrhea after another administration of this formula, and the niveau image disappeared the next day. It is often considered that an ileus develops with Cold, for which daikenchuto is prescribed frequently. However, in some cases cold purgative formulas such as jokito group may be effective, if such cases are Yang syndrome and excess syndrome, and present with yellow fur of the tongue.
Intestinal Obstruction ; Syndrome ; Treated with ; Yellow color ; Yang