We are planning a study focused on the gathering of clinical data for the purpose of formalizing diagnostic logic at 6 institutions specialized in Kampo-based medical examinations. However, during the planning stage, it has been recognized that there are a large number of Kampo formulas to be studied, and differences among faculties and individuals exist regarding how to identify each Kampo formula, methods of gathering findings, and the evaluation of efficacy. Here we report the solution proposal reached after building consensus among all participating faculties on these issues. After raising the issues, conferences were held for each of them, until a unanimous consensus was obtained. As a result, the following conclusions were reached. Thirty-three Kampo formulas were selected as targets for the formalization of diagnostic logic. In addition, the range of dosage forms, crude drug ingredients, and permissible dosages for each Kampo formula were determined. Regarding clinical findings for these Kampo medicines, the items to be collected and evaluation criteria were also established. The criteria for evaluating the validity and safety of each Kampo medicine were decided, together with the grading and timing of evaluation. We hope that our solution proposal reached after building consensus becomes the basis for Kampo research in the future.

In Kampo medicine, a tongue examination, whereby the shape and color of the tongue is observed, is thought to reveal the constitution and condition of the patient. In Japan, numerous books on this tongue examination have been published. However, tongue findings are expressed differently in these books, and a standard description for such findings has yet to be established. A standard description would be useful when examining the tongue, and when educating students of Kampo medicine. We therefore compared how tongue colors and shapes were expressed in the Japanese literature on tongue examinations (12 publications).
Using these results, we have arrived at a standardized description for tongue findings in accordance with Kampo specialists of tongue diagnoses at many facilities. In the process, we focused on easily recognizable findings that can be noted with short clinical examination times, and that can also be understood by beginners.

A number of surface modification techniques using immobilization of biofunctional molecules of Titanium (Ti) for dental implants as well as surface properties of Ti and Ti alloys have been developed. The method using passive surface oxide film on titanium takes advantage of the fact that the surface film on Ti consists mainly of amorphous or low-crystalline and non-stoichiometric TiO2. In another method, the reconstruction of passive films, calcium phosphate naturally forms on Ti and its alloys, which is characteristic of Ti. A third method uses the surface active hydroxyl group. The oxide surface immediately reacts with water molecules and hydroxyl groups are formed. The hydroxyl groups dissociate in aqueous solutions and show acidic and basic properties. Several additional methods are also possible, including surface modification techniques, immobilization of poly(ethylene glycol), and immobilization of biomolecules such as bone morphogenetic protein, peptide, collagen, hydrogel, and gelatin.
Alloys ; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins ; Calcium ; Calcium Phosphates ; Collagen ; Dental Implants ; Electroplating ; Gelatin ; Hydrogel ; Imidazoles ; Immobilization ; Nitro Compounds ; Surface Properties ; Titanium