Case 1: A female, aged 81 years, with cardiac stomach cancer. Air retention in the digestive tract aggravated discomfort of the epigastric region, but belching relieved the symptom. As belching insufficiency persisted, the continuous subcutaneous injection of metoclopramide was started. Belching was promoted, and swelling of the upper abdomen was relieved. Case 2: A male aged 57 years. Gastrointestinal obstruction related to pancreatic head cancer was observed. He complained of discomfort of the upper abdomen with abdominal swelling. Belching reduced these symptoms. The continuous subcutaneous injection of metoclopramide facilitated belching, and relieved discomfort of the upper abdomen.Discussion： The results suggest that the continuous administration of metoclopramide is a useful option for belching insufficiency associated with cancer-related gastrointestinal obstruction. In the presence of gastrointestinal obstruction,gas retained in the stomach may be elevated/regurgitated through the peristalsis-promoting actions of metoclopramide,promoting belching.

Objective : To evaluate the effect of heat and steam generating sheets on osteoarthritis of the knee. Methods : Subjects with osteoarthritis of the knee (n=41) were randomized into 2 groups : a heat and steam generating sheet group or a heat generating sheet group. Functional impairment [Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Japan Orthopaedic Association score (JOA score)] in the index knee were measured at baseline and then again after 2 and 4 weeks of wear. Results : At both the 2 and 4 week patient evaluations, the heat and steam generating sheet group showed improved total WOMAC scores. Although the heat generating sheet groups' WOMAC scores were improved after 2 weeks, the difference between the 2 and 4 week evaluations was not statistically significant. As for individual WOMAC scores, patients in the heat and steam generating sheet group especially demonstrated a highly significant decrease in WOMAC stiffness score. In comparison, patients in the heat generating sheet group showed no improvement in WOMAC stiffness score. Gait ability improvement, as measured by JOA score, showed similar results for both groups. Conclusion : This study showed that using heat and steam generating sheets decreased pain and stiffness, and increased gait ability in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop a “Multidisciplinary Collaboration Ability Scale (MCAS)” and examine the reliability and validity for medical professionals engaged in cancer care. Method: The first MCAS draft was created, and the content validity and surface validity of the scale were examined for medical professionals. Next, a cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted on medical professionals engaged in cancer care who worked in medical institutions. Exploratory factor analysis and known-groups technique were carried out, coefficient α calculated, and concurrent validity examined. This study was conducted with the approval of the research ethics review. Result: Exploratory factor analysis resulted in 33 items of 4 factors (ability to promote discussion, foundational relationship building, self-control, and problem-solving activities). The MCAS score was significantly higher for those who had participated in a multidisciplinary workshop and those who had more years of experience. Coefficient α for the entire scale and for each factor was .80 and above. Examination of concurrent validity showed a moderate correlation. Conclusion: The reliability and validity of MCAS in its development stage were generally verified.