Localized COSY recorded significant changes in women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations when compared with control subjects. If these changes are ultimately proven to be a premalignant stage, this method may prove useful in screening.

The ascorbyl radical concentration has been observed, by means of electron spin resonance spectroscopy, in the blood and spleen of female Wistar rats carrying a Yoshida tumour. The ascorbyl radical concentration of the tumour tissue itself was studied as the tumour was developing, and as it was regressing after treatment with methylene dimethane sulphonate. Changes in the concentration of this radical may be related to host tumour reactions.

BackgroundFor patients undergoing breast cancer surgery, the pre- and post-operative periods can be characterised by feelings of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. Telehealth offers an opportunity to provide perioperative support to surgical patients and overcome some of the barriers to accessing care.AimsIn order to inform the development of a telehealth support model for women undergoing breast cancer surgery, this feasibility study explored: (a) access and preferences for telehealth; and (b) the proportion of participants who reported problems with unmet information and preparation needs related to surgery, post-operative pain, anxiety, and quality of life.MethodsWomen aged 18–85 years attending for a follow-up appointment within 2 months of undergoing surgery for breast cancer were asked to complete a baseline (T1) and 1-month follow-up (T2) survey. Surveys assessed telehealth access and preferences, preparatory information receipt and preparedness for surgery, and anxiety, pain, and quality of life.ResultsFifty-three T1 (45% consent rate) and 50 T2 surveys were returned. One fifth of the sample (20%) travelled 50 km or more to access surgery. Most participants had access to a device suitable for telehealth (75%); however, only 15% indicated that they would have accepted a teleconsultation with their surgeon post-operatively if this had been offered. The most frequently reported unmet preparatory information needs were information about: how long it would take to recover from the surgery; how other patients had experienced similar surgery; and practical needs such as parking or transport. Approximately one third of the sample reported potentially clinically significant symptoms of anxiety, and less than one in ten women reported moderate levels of pain.ConclusionsWhile the majority of women had access to a suitable device and internet connection for telehealth, less than one fifth would have accepted a home-based video-link teleconsultation with their surgeon post-operatively. A small proportion of the sample would have liked more information about aspects of surgery including about managing side effects and anxiety. The key findings in terms of teleconsultation preferences and information and preparation needs from this study will be incorporated into the telehealth support model being developed.

No abstract

The blood, spleen and liver of RFM/Un mice were examined by means of electron spin resonance (ESR) throughout the course of myeloid leukaemia induced by i.v. injection of leukaemic spleen cells. Marked changes in the concentration of iron transferrin and caeruloplasmin were observed in the blood 1 day after injection. As the disease progressed, changes occurred in the concentrations of the ascorbyl radical and of paramagnetic metal complexes in both spleen and liver. These changes are compared with those induced in RF/J mice injected with normal and leukaemic spleen cells from RFM/Un mice.