Ultrasound for the Objective Measurement of Breast Lymphedema.

Objectives: Breast lymphedema has supplanted upper extremity lymphedema as a common and debilitating sequela of breast cancer treatment, but has no objective measurement. We assessed the utility of ultrasound-measured difference in dermal thickness between affected and unaffected breasts as a measure of breast lymphedema. We associated this measure with patient characteristics, treatment parameters, and patient-reported impact on quality of life.

Gradual adoption of needle biopsy for breast lesions in a rural state.

Background: Minimally invasive breast biopsy (MIBB) is the standard of care for the diagnosis of breast cancer, with consensus guidelines suggesting MIBB goals of 90% of total biopsies. In a previous study of patients in the rural state of Vermont, USA (population size of 640,000), rural breast cancer patients had open biopsies 42% of the time compared to 29% of urban breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to assess overall population-based biopsy trends in Vermont.

Prokinetic actions of luminally acting 5-HT receptor agonists.

Background: 5-HT receptor (5-HT R) agonists exert prokinetic actions in the GI tract, but non-selective actions and potential for stimulation of non-target 5-HT Rs have limited their use. Since 5-HT Rs are expressed in the colonic epithelium and their stimulation accelerates colonic propulsion in vitro, we tested whether luminally acting 5-HT R agonists promote intestinal motility.

Methods: Non-absorbed 5-HT R agonists, based on prucalopride and naronapride, were assessed for potency at the 5-HT R in vitro, and for tissue and serum distribution in vivo in mice.