[An evaluation of the current status and the reported problems of the cancer support group "Hidamari" in our hospital-results of a questionnaire survey completed by group participants].

PURPOSE: Peer support is a very important support intervention for cancer patients and their families. Our hospital has offered cancer support in the form of a support group "Hidamari" to cancer patients and their families since February 2012. This study analyzed and examined the current group status and the results of a questionnaire survey completed by group participants in order, to evaluate the functioning of the group and identify problems. METHODS: The current group status was determined as per the records of practice. A questionnaire survey that consisted of both multiple choice and open-ended questions was administered to the participants after the sessions. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: The subjects were informed about the study purpose and confidentiality provisions in both oral and written forms, and return of the anonymous survey was considered to be consent. RESULTS: A group session was performed every 2 months(to date, a total of 4 sessions), and a total of 48 patients(68%)and 23 family members(32%)participated in the sessions. Each session included 9-25 subjects(mean: 17. 7 subjects/session). The response rate of the survey was 95. 8%. Responses to the question, "Are you satisfied with the sessions ?" were very satisfied, satisfied, dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied in 63%, 37%, 0%, and 0% of the participants, respectively. Responses to the question, "Do you wish to participate in further sessions ?" were yes, no, undecided, or gave no response in 94%, 0%, 2%, and 4% of the subjects, respectively. Reasons for satisfaction with the sessions were "It gives me courage and strength," "Useful information can be obtained," and "Good advice from nurses." DISCUSSION: All participants were satisfied with the sessions and most of the participants wished to participate in future sessions, indicating that the sessions had some positive effects. In future, we must consider initiatives covering the whole region, such as the implementation of a workshop that meets the needs of the participants and increases the number of participants with wider variety of cancer.

Epstein-Barr virus-positive Hodgkin lymphoma-like earlobe lymphoid infiltrate: case report.

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a malignancy of the lymph system usually occurring on the lymph nodes. A 57-year-old Japanese woman presented with the chief complaint of an enlarging tumor of the left ear. An excisional biopsy was taken, and histological examination showed a mixed infiltration of cells, including Reed-Sternberg cells and their mononuclear forms against a background of small lymphocytes. Reed-Sternberg cells were CD15, CD20, CD30, Ki-67, MUM-1, CD45, EMA, and Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA was detected by in situ hybridization. We diagnosed this tumor as a skin infiltration with a lymphocyte-rich classical HL pattern. Skin involvement of HL is most often a secondary phenomenon representing a rare late manifestation of disease dissemination; however, we could not detect any evidence of systemic lesion for 6 months after the initial presentation. A case of HL only involving the skin was reported by several past reports, which termed it primary cutaneous HL. But, it is still controversial whether HL initially occurs on the skin because a diagnostic gray zone exists between HL, some non-HL entities, and nonneoplastic lymphoid infiltrates. Clinical and histological features of this case suggest that the skin will become a primary site of HL.

Involvement of membrane potential in alkaline band formation by internodal cells of Chara corallina.

Internodal cells of Chara corallina form alkaline bands on their surface upon illumination via photosynthesis. In the present study, the effect of KCl on alkaline band formation was analyzed. When the extracellular KCl concentration was increased, alkaline band formation was extensively inhibited. Electrophysiological analysis unequivocally showed the need for inner negative membrane potential for alkaline band formation.