Effectiveness of a surveillance program of upper endoscopy for upper gastrointestinal cancers in Lynch syndrome patients.

Background And Aims: Lynch syndrome (LS) is the most common cause of hereditary colorectal cancer and is associated with an increased lifetime risk of gastric and duodenal cancers of 8-16% and 7%, respectively; therefore, we aim to describe an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) surveillance program for upper gastrointestinal (GI) precursor lesions and cancer in LS patients.

Methods: Patients who either had positive genetic testing or met clinical criteria for LS who had a surveillance EGD at our institution from 1996 to 2017 were identified. Patients were included if they had at least two EGDs or an upper GI cancer detected on the first surveillance EGD.

Cost Effectiveness of Routine Duodenal Biopsy Analysis for Celiac Disease During Endoscopy for Gastroesophageal Reflux.

Background & Aims: Some patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) actually have undiagnosed celiac disease. These patients often undergo an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to determine the etiology and severity of GERD. Performing routine duodenal biopsy analysis during an EGD could identify patients with celiac disease.

Increased efficacy of breast cancer chemotherapy in thrombocytopenic mice.

Platelets contribute to homeostasis of the tumor vasculature by helping prevent hemorrhage. Thus, we hypothesized that inducing thrombocytopenia would increase tumor vascular leakiness and facilitate the effective delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to tumors. In a mammary carcinoma murine model, platelet depletion induced bleeding specifically at the tumor site, favoring the accumulation of fluorescently labeled microspheres only in the tumor.

von Willebrand factor-mediated platelet adhesion is critical for deep vein thrombosis in mouse models.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and its complication, pulmonary embolism, are frequent causes of disability and mortality. Although blood flow disturbance is considered an important triggering factor, the mechanism of DVT initiation remains elusive. Here we show that 48-hour flow restriction in the inferior vena cava (IVC) results in the development of thrombi structurally similar to human deep vein thrombi.

von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease ADAMTS13 reduces ischemic brain injury in experimental stroke.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability. The only therapy available is recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, but side effects limit its use. Platelets play a crucial role during stroke, and the inflammatory reaction promotes neurodegeneration.