To investigate the nationwide prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection and to characterize HEV genomes among Japanese wild boars (Sus scrofa leucomystax), 578 boars captured in 25 prefectures from 2003 to 2010 were studied. Anti-HEV IgG was detected in 8.1%, and HEV RNA in 3.3% of boars. Among the 19 boar HEV isolates obtained from infected boars, 14 isolates (74%) were classified as genotype 3, 4 isolates (21%) as genotype 4, and the remaining isolate (wbJOY_06) was distantly related to all known HEV isolates of genotypes 1-4, differing by 18.4-25.0% and 18.0-24.3% within the 412-nucleotide sequence of ORF1 and ORF2, respectively. A genotype 4 boar HEV isolate (wbJGF_08-1) obtained herein shared 98.6% identity over the entire genome with a human HEV isolate obtained from a patient who developed acute hepatitis after consuming undercooked wild boar meat, suggesting that wild boars are also reservoirs for genotype 4 HEV in humans.

Aim Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is gaining popularity worldwide. However, it is associated with increased incidence of velamentous umbilical cord insertion (VCI) in the placenta, resulting in adverse perinatal outcomes. This study aimed to identify the risk factors that might affect the incidence of VCI in pregnancies after ART treatment. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the records of 906 singleton pregnancies via ART; all women delivered in our facility. Three ART‐related variables and infant sex were examined: (1) fertilization method (conventional in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection), (2) type of embryo at the time of transfer (fresh or frozen–thawed), (3) developmental stage of embryo at the time of transfer (cleavage stage or blastocyst), and (4) infant sex (male or female). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the impact of these variables on the incidence of VCI. Results Of 906 cases, 55 had VCI (incidence rate, 6.1%). After adjusting for potential confounders, blastocyst stage of development (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 4.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.9–12.7) and female sex (aOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2–3.9) emerged as independent risk factors for the development of VCI. The fertilization method and type of embryo at the time of transfer did not affect the incidence of VCI. Conclusions Blastocyst stage of development and female sex pose a higher risk for developing VCI. Thus, more attention should be paid to pregnancies achieved by blastocyst and with a female fetus to detect VCI proactively and safeguard the health of both mother and fetus/neonate.

Japan was struck by two catastrophic disasters on March 11, 2011 and on April 16, 2016. The former was the Great East Japan Earthquake (M9.0) and the latter was the Kumamoto Earthquake (M7.0). Most inhabitants in the affected areas of both disasters were forced to live in evacuation centers right after the earthquake. Poor oral hygiene, inactivity, malnourishment, appetite loss, eating problems, and swallowing problems due to lack of support for frail, disabled, or elderly evacuees occur during the early phases after a disaster. Disaster-related sequelae, such as pneumonia and disuse syndrome, may also occur as a result of inappropriate nutritional and physical support. Adequate oral intake and physical activity are important to the quality of life for evacuees. We learned lessons from our experiences of evacuee support after the two disasters, focused on feeding support, which consisted of nutritional and physical care. Our experiences revealed that more rapid intervention is necessary, particularly for frail, disabled, or elderly people. In this study, based on our experiences from the two dreadful disasters in Japan, we propose a new concept of medical assistance after a disaster, the Disaster Feeding Support Team (D-FST). The D-FST is composed of multidisciplinary professionals and provides comprehensive nutritional, physical, and health support. The D-FST also performs interventions for swallowing exercises, activity, health condition, and cognition that are related to eating circumstances. We suggest that D-FSTs are organized nationwide and initiate support activities immediately after the onset of a disaster.

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