Japanese Society of Nephrology

JSN News 2006

● Obituary
(Updated Dec 25, 2006)

  We lost five honorable members this year.
Dr. K Iidaka who was a professor emeritus of the Dokkyo University School of Medicine died on March 30. He served as a president of the 18th annual eastern JSN regional meeting.
Dr E Kato who was a professor emeritus of the Keio University School of Medicine died on May 29. He served as a president of the 11th annual eastern JSN regional meeting.
Dr H Ito who was a director of the National Pediatric Hospital died on June 21. He served as a president of the president of the Japanese Society of Pediatric Nephrology.
Dr T Miyahara who was a professor emeritus of the Jikei University School of Medicine died on July 19. He served as a president of the 12th annual eastern JSN regional meeting and 30th general scientific JSN meeting.
Dr O Kobayashi who was a professor emeritus of the Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, School of Medicine died on Dec 5.
All of them were active as researcher and educator, and raised many fellows in this field of medicine. JSN express sincere thanks to them. And acknowledge their contribution to the society.

● World Congress of Nephrology 2007
(Updated Dec 18, 2006)

  JSN received an official letter dated on Nov 22 from International Society of Nephrology on the World Congress of Nephrology 2007. World Congress of Nephrology (WCN) will be held April 21 to 25, 2007 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Following is the excerpt from the letter to Prof Gejyo from Amanda Wren (Marketing & PR Manager).
" On behalf of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN), I contact you in the hope that you will be kind enough to support our forthcoming World Congress of Nephrology (WCN) - April 21-25, 2007: http://www.wcn2007.org. Incorporating a wide range of pre-meeting sessions, invited contributions, free communications, plenary and state-of-the-art special lectures, post-congress satellite symposia, CME's, poster sessions, and much more, WCN 2007 has something for everyone. Consequently we would like to ensure that as many of our colleagues and peers receive all the relevant updates and information surrounding this unique congress."
Early registration and abstract submission was December 15, 2006. To visit Brazil, we better obtain visa.

● Women in JSN (JSWN)
(Updated Dec 11, 2006)

  Number of women nephrologists is increasing and they are playing a significant role for the JSN activities. It is also true the prevalence of women is increasing among medical students and post-graduate trainees. JSN has established a subcommittee for the joint collaboration of men and women, lead by Dr E Muso. It was approved at the executive board meeting which was held on Dec. 4, 2006.
They are planning to have a special session to celebrate the committee at the JSN 50th anniversary meeting 2007. They will discuss how to pursue professional academic careers, how to raise babies and children, how to participate in the JSN activities, and other related problems among women and gender barriers in our society. JSDT is also acting to start similar action (Dr S Hara).

● Online submission for Clinical Experimental Nephrology
(Updated Dec 4, 2006)

  Online submission was started in Clinical Experimental Nephrology (CEN), official journal of the Japanese Society of Nephrology (JSN) effective on July 2006. Manuscripts should be submitted through the following address; http://cen.edmgr.com/. Through this new system, JSN is expecting the speed-up of the review process and hopefully the increase in papers submitted from foreign countries. JSN members are encouraged to send interesting papers both basic and clinical nephrology.
For JSN members, previous articles in CEN should be downloaded through the homepage: http://www.springerlink.com/.

● Fourth Nephrology Seminar for clinical trainees
(Updated Nov 27, 2006)

  It was held on November 11 to 12 at Miyako Hotel, Naha, Okinawa. JSN subcommittee led by Dr H Imai organized this seminar with co-sponsored Chugai Pharmaceutical Company. There were two special lectures such as "Update of erythropoietin therapy" by Dr. T Akizawa and "CKD Mineral bone disorder" by Dr. M Fukagawa. Min-lectures and case discussions were prepared by the task force such as Drs. S Uchida, T Hamano, H Imai, H Sudoh, K Iseki, S Toma, R Katafuchi, and K Uchida. T Monkawa, K Kohagura, T Miyara, and S Maeshiro chaired the session. Dr K Yamagata and Dr T Watanabe chaired the group discussion concerning "Screening for CKD" and "Shortening of kidney transplantation".
Total attendees were 78, 21 from outside Okinawa and 19 supporters from Okinawa interested in the seminar and volunteered to support the session. This seminar is really the opportunity for both the staffs and the attendees as they learn "the joy of Nephrology from senior doctors and veterans".
The 5th Nephrology Seminar for clinical trainees will be held in Tokyo by Dr T Watanabe.
For further information, visit JSN homepage, www.jsn.or.jp.

● Guideline for the diagnosis of hematuria
(Updated Nov 20, 2006)

  As a part of the JSN activities, the guideline subcommittee for the diagnosis of hematuria published the guideline for the diagnosis of hematuria in the JSN official journal, JSN 48: Suppl: S1-S34, 2006. The purpose of this guideline was to guide how to deal with subjects who often found in a setting of general screening. It is not rare to see microhematuria among elderly women. Currently, clinical significance along with the economic burdens of such microhematuria is at stake.
Other important concern was related to the reliability of dipstick test for microhematuria. In Japan, the sensitivity of the dipstick test for microhematuria was standardized on December 2005.
This guideline was developed with intimate collaboration with JSN, other related scientific societies, and MHLW research group (Chief; Prof E Higashihara).
Information on this guideline should be obtained at JSN; www.jsn.or.jp.

● The 50th JSN General Scientific Meeting
(Updated Nov 13, 2006)

  The 50th JSN General Scientific Meeting will be held on May 25 (Friday) to 27 (Sunday), 2007 in Hamamatsu. The convention venue is the Actcity Hamamatsu. Professor A. Hishida, president of the meeting, put the slogan of the meeting: Learning from the History and Future Perspectives. There are five special lectures on this slogan by Drs. K Kurokawa, F Shimizu, S Sasaki, I Ichikawa, and A Hishida. Professor A Hishida will give a presidential lecture titled "History and perspectives of acute renal failure". Special invited lecture will be given by Dr Star RA, NIDDK, USA on "Acute renal failure and sepsis".
As a part of the JSN-CKD activities, there will Asian CKDI on May 27 (Sunday) and 28 (Monday). JSN will invite more than 30 physicians representing from Asian countries, ISN, KDIGO, and WHO and they will discuss issues on CKD prevention strategies specific to Asian countries.
The deadline for online registration for abstracts is December 13, 2006, visit jsn50@convention.co.jp. For more information: www.jsn.or.jp or www2.convention.co.jp/jsn50.

● The 36th JSN Western Regional Meeting
(Updated Nov 6, 2006)

  JSN Western Regional Meeting was held on September 30 (Friday) to October 1 (Saturday) in Kumamoto. The convention venue was the Kumamoto Prefecture Theater. Professor K. Tomita, president of the meeting, put the slogan of the meeting: Renal Disease as A Part of the Systemic Disease. Dr. Knepper MA, NIH, gave a lecture on "Proteomics and the kidney" as an invited guest speaker. Professor K. Tomita gave a presidential lecture titled "Sodium and hypertension". The main symposium was titled "Systemic disease and renal damage; Up to date", coordinated by Prof. H Makino and S. Okuda. There were 785 participants and 261 papers.
Professor Tomita and his colleagues published a book titled "Case-Oriented Study of Nephrology" for commemorating this meeting. This book summarized their original 44 cases and explained the important key-issues for learning clinical nephrology. It is available from Tokyo-Igakusha (ISBN4-88563-166-1).

● The 3rd Japan-China Kidney Conference
(Updated Oct 30, 2006)

  The 3rd Japan-China Kidney Conference was held with a great success on Sept 23 (Sat.), 2006 in Tokyo. The venue was Tokyo Garden Hotel. The executive committee of the Japan-China Kidney Conference of JSN and Asian Integrated Nephrology Forum (AINF), led by Prof. Y Tomino organized this conference. There were about 50 nephrologists and the discussion topic was related to basic and clinical aspects of IgA nephropathy.
  Invited speakers were Drs. Zhang H, Yu X, Chen N, Yang HC, and Cai G from China, and Drs. Endoh M, Joh K, Hiki Y, Hotta O, and Uchida K from Japan. Several basic researches are actively conducting in China. The proceeding of this conference will be published in Nephrology Frontier.  
  Next conference will be held somewhere in China.

● Fourth Nephrology Seminar for clinical trainees
(Updated Oct 23, 2006)

● Dipstick proteinuria for general screening
(Updated Oct 16, 2006)

● KDIGO - Controversies Conference
(Updated Oct 2, 2006)

● JSN Formula of GFR Estimate for the Japanese
(Updated Sept 25, 2006)

● Third Nephrology Seminar for clinical trainees
(Updated Sept 11, 2006)

● ISH symposium for Metabolic Syndrome, Adipocytokines and Hypertension
(Updated Sept 4, 2006)

● ISH symposium for Aldosterone and Hypertension
(Updated Aug 28, 2006)

● Guideline for Hematuria Diagnosis
(Updated Aug 21, 2006)

● The 3rd Japan-China Kidney Conference
(Updated Aug 15, 2006)

● Continuous Medical Education (CME) 2006
(Updated Aug 7, 2006)

　CME-2006 was held in great success during the 49th general JSN meeting in Tokyo (President, Prof E. Higashihara). .
This session was planned and organized with the subcommittee for pre and post education in the JSN committee (led by Prof H Imai). Demands for the proper handling and accurate evaluation are increasing, in particular renal biopsy. Using Biopty-gun, it is easier to perform renal biopsy, however there are many institutions or hospital who lack of renal pathologists. It is also true that nephrologists are not confident to evaluate the renal pathology. JSN admit that the training for clinical pathology is lacking in most of institutions, therefore, JSN is to take initiative to change such situation.
Topic of the CME-2006 was hematology and renal disorders. Three case presentation by Drs. Soma (Iwate), Suzuki (Yamagata), and Imai (Nagoya). Drs. Imai (Nagoya) and Joh (Chiba) had coordinated the session. PDF files containing pathology slides are available through JSN homepage (JSN member only).
CME-2007 will follow next year at the 50th annual meeting of JSN

● What is New in Publication Committee?
(Updated July 31, 2006)

The Publication Committee, led by Prof. G Kimura, has started with new team and continues to publish scientific activities of JSN. Two journals such as Japanese Journal of Nephrology (JJN) and Clinical Experimental Nephrology (CEN) have been published under the control of this committee. Unfortunately, CEN is not yet get the Impact Factor (IF). They need plenty of quality papers to be cited in other journals. For this purpose, CEN has started online submission to facilitate communication. To improve the content and quality, CEN is also inviting foreign reviewers. One of the goals of ISN is to play a leading role in developing countries in Asia. They are expecting more excellent papers submitted from foreigners, in particular from Asian countries.
The term "ethnonephrology" would become a principle for CEN to publish scientific Japanese papers which often rejected from foreign journals such as JASN, NDT, and KI. It is increasingly recognized that "normal" range of GFR is quite different in Asians compared to Caucasians. Incidence and prevalence of ESRD and disease progression are also different. Regional and ethnic differences are the subjects to be explored more. CEN would be a suitable journal for these research activities.
Ethnonephrology: Kidney Int (published online 14 June 2006 by Hoy WE)

● Japan Association of CKD Initiatives (JCKDI)
(Updated July 24, 2006)

JSN has been working for the prevention of CKD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). With the cooperation of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy, Japan Pediatric Nephrology, and Japan Kidney Foundation, JSN organized the Japan Association of CKD Initiatives (JCKDI). It was established on June 26, 2006. JCKDI will take initiatives to campaign the importance of early detection and treatment of CKD to prevent ESRD and cardiovascular diseases. ISN president, Professor Hishida will chair the association. JCKDI are planning several official events for not only doctors but also general people. Please visit the JSN home page for detail: www.jsn.or.jp, or read the CKD news from JCKDI.
The house staffs are located at the Japan Kidney Foundation.

● Third Nephrology Seminar
(Updated July 10, 2006)

Third nephrology Seminar for clinical trainees will be held on August 19 (Saturday) to 20 (Sunday) in Tokyo. This seminar is organized by JSN and co-sponsored by Banyu pharmaceutical company. The venue is Tokai University Koyu-Kaikan, Kasumigaseki Bldg 33F. The purpose of this seminar is to introduce the joy of learning nephrology for young physicians. The program will start on 15:00 Saturday and end 15:45 Sunday. There are several mini-lectures and group discussions. On Saturday evening, Prof. S Itoh, Toholu University, will talk on "Kidney and Hypertension". After the lecture, there will be a get-together party. This party will be a good chance to know each other and attendees and JSN staff. On Sunday, morning lecture will start on 8:00 by Prof. G Kimura, Nagoya City University. The tile is "Remission clinic to eradicate chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease". At least 16 JSN members will give mini-lectures and co-ordinate the discussion. This seminar is one of the activities of the JSN pre and post education subcommittee.
The registration fee is 3,000 yen. Seats are limited, and first come first served.
For more information and registration,
visit www.jsn.or.jp or jinzou@mtz.co.jp

● Greeting from the New JSN President
(Updated July 3, 2006)

Prof. Akira Hishida has appointed as a new JSN president at the ad hoc executive board meeting on June 14. He is a professor of 1st department of internal medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, and will be a president of the 50th general JSN meeting in Hamamatsu on 2007.
Following is a message to the JSN members; "I am honored to serve as a president of the JSN, which is a leading scientific society in the field of nephrology since 1959 in Japan. JSN has been supported wide range of activities including basic and clinical research, publication on pathophysiology and treatment of renal diseases, and prevention of renal diseases. Recently, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is recognized as a new risk factor not only end-stage renal disease (ESRD) but also cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, CKD is important both for preventing ESRD and CVD. Acute renal failure is another entity, which the mortality rate remained high.
JSN should continue to challenge above mentioned clinical conditions with 8000 members. I sincerely hope to share the efforts and promote JSN activities with you."

● WCN 2007 First Announcement
(Updated June 26, 2006)

2007 World Congress of Nephrology (WCN 2007)
April 21-25, 2007 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Cited from A letter from the WCN 2007 Congress Organizing Committee:
"Preparations are well underway for the next World Congress of Nephrology (WCN) in 2007 in Rio de Janeiro, and expectations are naturally high. Looking back, the success of the WCN 2003 held in Berlin, which attracted a record breaking 9,300 nephrologists from every corner of the globe, has been heralded as "a meeting of 'mosts'", and will always present a tough challenge to match. The WCN 2005 in Singapore which also drew an international crowd of the highest caliber convening over 4,500 participants - significantly set the pace and the standard for future WCNs by so perfectly balancing the "bench to bedside" aspects of its program interest and scope as well as responding to the International Society of Nephrology (ISN)'s dedication to addressing and ultimately controlling the progression of kidney disease worldwide. We are now committed to positioning the ISN World Congress of Nephrology, April 21-25, 2007 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as the most outstanding of all WCNs to date. In partnership with the Sociedade Brasilleira de Nefrologia (SBN) and the Sociedad Latinoamericana de Nephrologia e Hipertension (SLANH), the stage is set for success.
Important Dates to Bookmark
July 4, 2006: Abstract submission and online registration open
December 15, 2006: Abstract submission and early registration deadline
For more information: www.wcn2007.org

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● ISN Nexus symposiumISN Nexus Symposium
(Updated June 19, 2006)

The Bone and the Kidney, October 12-15, 2006. Copenhagen, Denmark.
According to the ISN News, No. 18, May 2006; ISN's inaugural Nexus symposium provides a fresh look at a critical relationship. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often suffer from the devastating effects caused by imbalances in the regulation of key mineral exchanges between the bone and the kidneys. A kidney damaged by CKD is unable to maintain the regulation of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate metabolism that is necessary for normal bodily stasis. The progressive loss of renal function can lead to a substantial weakening of bone. This in turn can be linked to terminal cardiovascular complications (the main cause of mortality among patients with CKD). Set to convene nephrologists, endocrinologists, cardiologists, and bone specialists, this timely Nexus symposium will illuminates the interaction between bone and the kidney. "Launching ISN' Nexus series　with The Bone and the Kidney makes sense on several levels: this topic is broad enough to attract researchers, clinicians, and physicians, while offering a fresh focus on a critical relationship" commented Nexus co-chair Heini Murer (University of Zurich, Switzerland).
Japanese speakers are Dr. Yamashita T (Takasaki) for basic science session and Dr. Fukagawa M (Kobe) for clinical sessions.
Abstract submission deadline: June 16, 2006
For further information, please visit; www.isn-online.org/nexus/bonekidney

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●The 49th Annual Meeting Japanese Society of Nephrology (JSN)
June 14-16, 2006 (Tokyo)
(Updated June 12, 2006)

The 49th JSN annual meeting will be held this week from Wednesday to Friday at Keio-Plaza Hotel, Tokyo. All abstract are available in the Jpn J Nephrol vol. 48, No. 3 (75-344).
Oshima Awards go to Dr. M Tanemoto (Tohoku University) and Dr. N Tomita (Kawasaki Medical School). Special lectures are 1) Topics on the history of Japanese nephrology by T Nagasawa, 2) Prevention and treatment of chronic kidney disease - Strategies in the world and in Japan by H Makino & S Matsuo, and 3) Forefronts of ADPKD; Targeted therapy comes of age by S Horie. Invited lectures are 1) Stem cells in the adult kidney by Qais Al-Awqati & J Oliver, 2) New development of Klotho protein by M Kuroo, 3) Dietary acid, Pyk2, Nocturnin, and circadian rhythm: Role in renal homeostasis and disease by PA Preisig & RJ Alpern, and 4) The influence of DOPPS on health policy and clinical management of end-stage renal disease by S Ramirez. There will be 3 educational lectures, 7 symposiums, 4 workshops, 18 educational lectures, debate program, public symposium, renal biopsy consultation, and renal pathology CMD. A get together party will be held on Wednesday evening and 4 evening seminars on Thursday. Total number of free communication including English session and poster is 341 and 434.
Secretary of meeting: jsn49@convention.co.jp

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● ISN forthcoming events
(Updated June 5, 2006)

JSN received a letter from Cecilia Waldvogel, Marketing & PR Assistant, ISN Global Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium.
"Principal mission of International Society of Nephrology (ISN) is to promote the global advancement of nephrology. In its continuous effort to support and educate the global nephrology community, the ISN organizes a series of symposia and congresses, reaching out to medical specialists and healthcare professionals worldwide.
ISN's forthcoming events are:

1) ISN Nexus Symposium - The Bone and the Kidney, October 12-15, 2006. Copenhagen, Denmark. For further information, please visit; www.isn-online.org/nexus/bonekidney

2) World Congress of Nephrology 2007 - April 21-25, 2007. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. For further information, please visit: www.wcn2007.or
As an ISN's affiliate, JSN is as equally committed to the advancement of nephrology, that ISN's forthcoming events will be of interest for its members.

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● Second Summer School for Renal Pathology
(Updated May 29, 2006)

Second Summer School for Renal Pathology will be held on September 2 (Saturday) and 3 (Sunday) at Sapporo. This summer school is a part of JSN activities for continuing education for renal pathology. The main purpose is to standardize the histological diagnosis of renal biopsy specimen. Therefore, young physicians and those who would like to learn more about renal pathology are the expected audiences. There will be lectures, small group discussions, and sessions to meet the experts. It would be a great opportunities to strengthen the specialties. The venue is Hokkaido University and the expected number of attendees will be 80. Fee is 20,000 yen for handouts including CD-ROM, lunch and others. The first one was held in Shinshu last year and was a great success.
The number of applicant is already full by May 15.
For more information: fukasawa@kohnan.gr.jp

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● The JSN Spring Executive Board Meeting 2006
(Updated May 22, 2006)

The JSN Spring Executive Board Meeting, chaired by Prof F Gejyo, was held on May l, 2006, in Tokyo.

Eighteen board members attended and discussed every aspect of JSN activities. Before this meeting, seven chairmen of the JSN committees JSN (publication, finance, promotion of the JSN, clinical nephrology board examination, planning and administration, public relations, and ethics) have presented their activities, concerns, and future plans. The committee secretaries (chief secretary; Prof T Watanabe, and 11 other members of the secretary) have prepared the Agenda for the Executive Board Meeting.

The main topics were 1) restructuring the JSN scientific meeting, 2) the 50th anniversary of JSN in 2007, and 3) task force for decreasing CKD and ESRD. The special committee in the JSN should organize the general meeting with the president-elect at each meeting. JSN might share the scientific meeting with JSDT (so called Japan Kidney Week) as has been accomplished on 1999 and 2005. JSN is planning special programs for the coming 50th anniversary of JSN general scientific meeting in 2007. JSN is taking initiatives to harmonize the key players such as the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy, Japanese Pediatric Nephrology, and Japan Kidney Foundation (Japanese Association of CKD Initiative, J-CKDI). Fighting against CKD and ESRD: purpose of the Task Force would be perfect for such action. To facilitate communication within JSN members, public relations committee appointed 98 key-men in each prefecture and district.
During the 49th annual meeting in June 2006, there will be an ad hoc meeting to establish new members and committees

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● Salt, Other Minerals and Hypertension, 2006, Nagoya
(Updated May 15, 2006)

Following invitation letter has arrived from Prof. G Kimura:

Dear colleagues:

It is our great pleasure to invite you to International Symposium #Salt. Other Minerals and Hypertension" which will be held in Nagoya, October 19-20, immediately after JSH 2006. This symposium focuses the roles of sodium, potassium and other minerals in both primary prevention and treatment of hypertension. Organ damage related to salt overload and its suppression by potassium through variety of mechanisms including oxidative stress and tissue rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system would be also hot topics for discussion.

Nagoya is located in the center of Japan, being famous as a city of TOYOTA motor company. In 2005, the world exposition (EXPO 2005) was successfully held in Nagoya under the main theme of nature's wisdom, and the new international airport called "Centrair" opened. I addition, we have chosen Tokugawa-en garden as the venue of our symposium. Tokugawa-en is a very beautiful garden together with Tokugawa Art Museum. Tokugawa shogun, originated from Nagoya area, had built the capital of Japan in Tokyo for approximately 300 years since 1603. Thus, in the typical Japanese atmospheres, you will enjoy the meeting and banquet. We hope everybody who is interested in the field outlined above will join this International Symposium to exchange our ideas for further progresses of high blood pressure research and management. More and detailed information can be found at the home page (URL: http://www.congre.co.jp/postISHnagoya), through which abstract submission and registration are available. We look forward to meeting all of you in Nagoya.

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●The Kidney and Hypertension, 2006 Sendai
(Updated May 1&8, 2006)

Following invitation letter has arrived from Prof. S Ito:

Dear colleagues:

It is our great pleasure to introduce you the International Symposium "The Kidney and Hypertension", which will be held in Sendai, October 20-21, 2006, following the 21^st Scientific Meeting of the International Society of Hypertension in Fukuoka, Japan, October 15-19, 2006. The scope of this symposium is on the renal aspects in the pathogenesis, pathophysiology and treatment of hypertension. The topics include intrinsic and neurohormonal mechanisms involved in the regulations of renal function, renal injuries and their relevance in the treatment of hypertension.

Sendai is located in the northern part of Japan, and the central city in the Tohoku District. Sendai city is called "the city of forest" and is beautiful in autumn with colored leaves. The city is close to Matsushima, one of the three most beautiful sceneries of Japan, where you can enjoy numerous islands with pine trees. It is also close to mountains where you can enjoy hot spring while viewing forest with colored leaves. I am certain that you will have a good time during your stay in Sendai. We hope everybody who is interested in the field will join us in the symposium to exchange knowledge and ideas for further progression of the research on hypertension.

We look forward to seeing all of you in Sendai. The homepage address; http://www.knt.co.jp/ec/2006/kid-hy/ or through the main congress homepage: //www.conger.co.jp/ish2006. If you have any question, please contact us: ishisho@mail.tains.tohoku.ac.jp

Sincerely,

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● JSN Committee Secretary Report
(Updated April 24, 2006)

JSN Committee Secretary meeting was held on January 20 and April 16, 2006, under the secretary-in-chief Dr. T. Watanabe. During the past 6 months, there was a big change in the world nephrology community.

CKD prevention became a world trend and indeed, JSN is facing the situation for playing a role of expertise in the world nephrology community. There will be a lot of areas and international meetings to show the flag of JSN. JSN has been taking an initiative for the prevention and treatment of CKD in Japan, but will also cooperate with Asian countries. Accordingly, JSN has to change the structures of several subcommittees and invites new members to strengthen the JSN activities.

JSN opened the mail-address for all the members to collect creative suggestions and opinions from the members (jsn-kaiin@umin.ac.jp). JSN also invited about 100 key-persons from each prefecture and district to vitalize the local nephrology services and recruit young doctors to Nephrology and JSN. One of the ideas is to give credit for local research meetings and publicize them to other areas. There are many such meetings in each prefecture or regional unit. Final approval for this project will be obtained at the Executive Board Committee on May 1. The latest number of JSN members is 8030, which is increased by 125 from the last year. However, there are several districts, which still suffer from scarcity of specialist in nephrology.

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● European Uremic Toxin (EUTox) Work Group
(Updated April 17, 2006)

JSN received a letter from Dr Drueke T concerning on the EUTox activity.

The European Society of Artificial Organs (ESAO) installed Work Group in several areas of progresses in the field of Artificial Organs, such as Artificial Liver, Heart Support, Apheresis and Adsorption, Tissue Engineering, Education and Uremic Toxins.

Starting in Oct. 1999, the European Uremic Toxins (EUTox) Work Group was launched by three of the members (R. Vanholder, B.G. Stegmayr, and U. Baurmeister). In September 2000, at occasion of the 27^th ESAO meeting in Lausanne, the Work Group convened for its first meeting.

For further information: www.EUTox.info

Purpose: They cited the following words from Goethe,

           Knowing is not enough, we must apply

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● The 36^th JSN Eastern Regional Meeting
(Updated April 10, 2006)

JSN Eastern Regional Meeting will be held on November 3 (Friday) to 4 (Saturday) in Yokohama. The convention venue is the Pacifico Yokohama. Professor Y. Koitabashi, president of the meeting, put the slogan of the meeting: 1) From Pediatrics to Adults – carry over, 2) Systemic diseases or extra-renal diseases and kidney damage – 'cross over".

Professor Y. Koitabashi, Professor of Pediatrics at St. Marianna medical school, will give a presidential lecture titled: "cross over" of the pediatric renal damage associated with systemic and extra-renal diseases. There will be 50 educational lectures.

More information about this meeting is available at: tobu@marianna.ac.jp

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● The 36^th JSN Western Regional Meeting
(Updated April 3, 2006)

JSN Western Regional Meeting will be held on September 30 (Friday) to October 1 (Saturday) in Kumamoto. The convention venue is the Kumamoto Prefecture Theater. Professor K. Tomita, president of the meeting, put the slogan of the meeting: Renal Disease as A Part of the Systemic Disease. Dr. Knepper MA, NIH, will speak on "Proteomics and the kidney" as an invited lecture. Professor K. Tomita will give a presidential lecture titled "Sodium and hypertension".

The main symposium is titled "Systemic disease and renal damage; Up to date", coordinated by Prof. H Makino and S. Okuda. There are three workshops and six educational seminars.

More information about this meeting is available at: seibujin36@convention.co.jp

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● The 49^th Annual General Scientific Meeting of JSN
(Updated March 27, 2006)

The 49^th Annual Meeting of the JSN will be in Tokyo (Keio Plaza Hotel), on June 14 (Thur) to 16 (Fri), 2006. The president of the meeting is Prof. E Higashihara, Kyorin University. The main theme is "Challenging to overcome renal failure". The topics of the programs are following:

1)     Round Table Discussion titled "The Mission of Young Nephrologists" by Drs. Seldin DW, Alpern RJ, and Kurokawa K.

2)     The Special Lecture titled "History of Nephrology in Japan" by Dr. T Nagasawa,

3)     Special Symposiums are 1) Japanese mission for CKD prevention and treatment by Prof H Makino and S Matsuo, 2) Forefronts of ADPKD: Targeted Therapy Comes of Age by Prof J Horie,

4)     Invited Lectures will be addressed by Drs. Kuroo M, Al-Awqati Q, Ramirez S, and Preisig P,

In addition to the above programs,there will be regular symposium (7), educational lectures (21), and workshops (4), and oral and poster presentations as usual.

More information about this meeting is available at: http://www2.convention.co.jp/jsn49

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● The 4^th Korea-Japan Nephrology Forum
(Updated March 20, 2006)

The 4^th Korea-Japan Nephrology Forum was held at Tokyo Garden Palace in Tokyo, on March 11, 2006. This Forum is organized under the auspices of Japanese Society of Nephrology and Korean Society of Nephrology. The Asian Integrated Nephrology Forum (AINF), a subcommittee in the JSN, which was chaired by Professor Y. Tomino, has been participating for the managing this Forum. The main theme was Chronic Renal Failure: from bench to bedside. The invited speakers were: Drs. S Matsuo (Nagoya), T Kawamura (Tokyo), T Sanaka (Tokyo), K Iseki (Okinawa), and M Miyazaki (Nagasaki) from Japan, and Dr Ho Jung Kim (Seoul), Seoung Woo Lee (Inchon), Jun Young Do (Daegu), and Ho Yung Lee (Seoul) from Korea.

The 5^th Korea-Japan Nephrology Forum will be held in Korea in March 17, 2007. This Forum is planned to finish by six times. However, there are increasing demands for the mutual exchange not only between Japan and Korea but also for other Asian countries. The first session presented by Prof. Matsuo "Current status of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Japan" was inspired Korean Nephrology leaders such as Ho Yung Lee and Dae Suk Han. They might take CKD initiatives in Korea. They share the similar concerns about the definition of the diagnosis of CKD and MDRD formula.

More information about this Forum will be available at: tsuge@med.juntendo.ac.jp

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● ISN President-Elect Professor E Ritz
(Updated March 13, 2006)

According to the ISN news No. 17, February 2006, ISN elected Eberhard Ritz to be the next president from 2007 to 2009. "Professor Ritz is a distinguished nephrologist of truly international statue. He is fluent in German, English, French, Italian, and mastering Spanish, Polish, and Russian. WCN will return to Europe in 2009. Exact dates and the location of the meeting will be announced later in 2006."

Currently, ISN is intensifying the relationships with its partner organizations, affiliated societies, around the world. As such, ISN & IFKF (International Federation of Kidney Foundations) inaugurate the World Kidney Day. It will be commemorated every second Thursday in March.

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● The 11^th International Symposium on IgA Nephropathy<
(Updated March 6, 2006)

The 11^th International Symposium on IgA Nephropathy will take place in Tokyo, Japan Oct 5^th (Thu) to 7^th (Sat), 2006. It will present the latest aspects of IgA Nephropathy from the basic research to its clinical medicine by the most prominent scientists in the field. President of the symposium is Professor Y Tomino, Juntendo University. Following to the evening seminar on Oct 5^th (Asian Nephrology Forum), there will be oral and poster presentations concerning clinical research on Oct 6^th (Friday) and with basic research on Oct 7^th (Saturday). The poster presentations will cover widely the ongoing research activities; there will be ample time during the meeting and sponsored evening seminars to personally meet the scientists, discuss timely topics and plan future collaborations. Following prominent speakers will be invited; Feehally J, Coppo R, Emancipator SN, Mestecky J, Julian BA, Monteiro RC, Glassock RJ, Paolo SF, and Weening JJ.

IgA Nephropathy is common in Asian countries, therefore many researchers and clinicians are welcome to attend and learn more about the disease. It is obvious that in addition to the basic research discoveries, the symposium has great promise for future pharmacological treatment, with the final goal to combat the ever increase end-stage renal disease.

For more information (official home page): www.mtz.co.jp/iga/

Official e-mail address; iga@mtz.co.jp

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● The 6^th International Podocyte Congress in Helsinki
(Updated February 27, 2006)

JSN received an invitation letter from the Organizing Committee of the 6^th International Podocyte Congress (Dr. Harry Holthofer).

The 6^th International Podocyte Congress will take place in Helsinki, Finland June 8-11^th, 2006. It will present the latest translational research of podocytes from the basic research (genetics, molecular and cell biology, biochemistry) to its latest applied and clinical implications by the most prominent scientists in the field. In addition to plenary lectures it will have symposia reflecting latest advances in various active research fields of Podocytes biology. The poster presentations will cover widely the ongoing research activities; there will be ample time during the meeting and social programme to personally meet the scientists, discuss timely topics and plan future collaborations.

The biology of Podocytes as the final seal maintaining the functional filtration barrier is rapidly emerging. With the new molecular findings it has become one of the crucial target cells in diseases including hypertension, diabetes and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. It is obvious that in addition to the basic research discoveries, the podocytes has great promise for future targeted diagnosis and for pharmacological treatment, with the final goal to combat the rapid increase of end-stage renal disease.

For more information: www.technomedical.fi

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● World Kidney Day: An Idea Whose Time Has Come
(Updated February 20, 2006)

JSN received a message from the International Federation of Kidney Foundation (IFKF) and the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) concerning the World Kidney Day. It inaugurates second Thursday on March this year; March 9 in 2005 (March 8 in 2006). IFKF and ISN developed a committee for World Kidney Day. Members of the committee are Collins AJ, Couser WG, Dirks JH, Kopple JD, Reiser T, Riella MC, Robinson S, Shah SV and Wilson A. Details of the World Kidney Day are written in the first issue of 2006 on both Jap J Nephrol and Clin Exp Nephrol. Broadcasting the message about kidney disease to government health officials, general physicians, allied health professionals, individuals, and families are important. Final goal of the Kidney Day is to achieve a major reduction in the global burden of kidney and cardiovascular disease. JSN (JCKDI) shares the similar goal and will act accordingly.

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● The 49th Annual Meeting Japanese Society of Nephrology
(Updated February 13, 2006)

The 49h Annual Meeting Japanese Society of Nephrology was held in Yokohama from June 14 (Wednesday) to 16 (Friday). President of the JSN annual meeting, Prof. E Higashihara sent the message for the members; titled "The main theme of this meeting is to challenge to eradicate renal failure". The topics of the meeting are "Round Table Discussion" by Prof. Seldin DW, Prof. Alpern RJ, and Prof. K Kurokawa. They will discuss "The Mission of Young Nephrologists". Prof. T. Nagasawa will address "The History of Japanese Nephrology". There are three special symposiums; 1) Japan Chronic Kidney Disease Initiatives (chaired by Prof. H Makino, Prof. S. Matsuo), 2) Forefronts of ADPKD; Targeted Therapy Comes of Age! (Chaired by Prof. J Horie).

The main invited speakers were Dr. M Kuroo, Dr. Qais Al-Awqati, Ramirez S, and Preisig P. The titles of the speech were "What's new in anti-ageing hormone Kloth" (Dr. Kuroo), "Stem cells in the adult kidney and their possible role in nephron repair" (Dr. Al-Awqati), "The influence of DOPPS on health policy and clinical management of end-stage renal disease" (Dr. Ramirez), and "Dietary acid, Pyk2, nocturnal and circadian rhythm: Role in renal homeostasis and disease" (Dr. Preisig).

For more information; visit www.jsn.or.jp

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● The 4^th Korea-Japan Nephrology Forum
(Updated February 6, 2006)

The 4^th Korea-Japan Nephrology Forum will be held at Tokyo Garden Palace in Tokyo, on March 11, 2006. This Forum is organized under the auspices of Japanese Society of Nephrology and Korean Society of Nephrology. The Asian Integrated Nephrology Forum (AINF), a subcommittee in the JSN, which is chaired by Professor Y. Tomino, has participated for the planning of this Forum. The main theme is Chronic Renal Failure: from bench to bedside.

The invited speakers are: Drs. S Matsuo (Nagoya), T Kawamura (Tokyo), T Sanaka (Tokyo), K Iseki (Okinawa), M Miyazaki (Nagasaki) from Japan, and Dr Ho Jung Kim (Seoul), Seoung Woo Lee (Inchon), Jun Young Do (Daegu), and Ho Yung Lee (Seoul).

The 5^th Korea-Japan Nephrology Forum will be held in Korea in 2007. Details will be announced soon.

More information will be available at: tsuge@med.juntendo.ac.jp

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● Thalidomide: News for Nephrologist
(Updated January 30, 2006)

Since 1962, Thalidomide is banned in Japan because of famous fetus toxicity. However, thalidomide has been used again in foreign countries and recognized the favorable effect for patients with leprosy and multiple myeloma. Several countries including US, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, and Turley have approved the drug officially. In Japan, doctors imported the drug by their own responsibility since 2000. Recently, it has been known that thalidomide has a suppressive action of cancer growth and inflammation. It may be effective to improve heart function in patients with congestive heart failure (Circulation 2005; 112: 3408-3414).

Therefore, we may encounter patients with multiple myeloma or congestive heart failure on thalidomide treatment. In Europe, thalidomide is also tried to dialysis patients with chronic inflammation. Currently, doctors who prescribe thalidomide are asked to file the case: Safety Management system for Unapproved Drugs (SMUD). JSN received a letter from the government office. JSN members should be aware of this drug.

More information about SMUD should be available at kubotape-tky@umin.ac.jp

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● Launching A New Mailing List for All JSN Members
(Updated January 23, 2006)
　

Public relations (PR) committee, chaired by Prof. I Ishikawa, has decided to launch the mailing list to publicize the JSN activities. With the increasing demands for information and needs to communicate each other, PR committee afraid that some JSN members might be suffering from the scarcity of contact directly from the JSN. Followings are the main purposes for this list.

1) Delivering JSN information such as JSN meetings on research and other related activities

2) Renewal notice of membership

3) Proposals and suggestions to JSN

4) JSN general scientific meeting

PR committee decided to prepare the mailing list for all the voluntary members of JSN to strengthen the relationship between JSN members and JSN office. This list may facilitate the communication directly with the JSN office. Also, we believe such communication will improve the JSN activities and further increase the number of papers from the JSN members for the official JSN journals such as Jpn J Nephrology and CEN.

  Those who would like to have these services, please contact with JSN, www.jsn.or.jp, or mail to ISN office

Tel:     03-5842-4131

Fax:    03-5802-5570

E-mail: office@jsn.or.jp

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● Greeting from the JSN president Prof. F Gejyo
(Updated January 16, 2006)
　

　Happy New Year, 2006!

　As a president of the JSN, I wish you have a pleasant holiday season and are ready to start again. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the members of JSN, house-staff, and those who have interested and supported our activities. JSN has been faced for the rapid changes in environment surrounding the scientific association. This year, I would like to put a slogan "Nephrology based on Humanity" for JSN. As a professional society, we should focus our efforts on the ever-increasing number of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Our sub-committee, Japan chronic kidney disease initiatives (JCKDI), is working hard to publicize this hot issue of kidney disease. This year, JSN is preparing a comprehensive strategy with other societies and government. It is our goal to prevail the knowledge how to detect early and start treatment for those who might develop to end-stage renal disease.

  I would like to share the effort with you devote my time for the promotion of the JSN activities.

Sincerely yours,

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