Liver cancer development driven by the AP-1/c-Jun~Fra-2 dimer through c-Myc.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death. HCC incidence is on the rise, while treatment options remain limited. Thus, a better understanding of the molecular pathways involved in HCC development has become a priority to guide future therapies. While previous studies implicated the Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) (Fos/Jun) transcription factor family members c-Fos and c-Jun in HCC formation, the contribution of Fos-related antigens (Fra-) 1 and 2 is unknown. Here, we show that hepatocyte-restricted expression of a single chain c-Jun~Fra-2 protein, which functionally mimics the c-Jun/Fra-2 AP-1 dimer, results in spontaneous HCC formation in c-Jun~Fra-2hep mice. Several hallmarks of human HCC, such as cell cycle dysregulation and the expression of HCC markers are observed in liver tumors arising in c-Jun~Fra-2hep mice. Tumorigenesis occurs in the context of mild inflammation, low-grade fibrosis, and Pparγ-driven dyslipidemia. Subsequent analyses revealed increased expression of c-Myc, evidently under direct regulation by AP-1 through a conserved distal 3' enhancer. Importantly, c-Jun~Fra-2-induced tumors revert upon switching off transgene expression, suggesting oncogene addiction to the c-Jun~Fra-2 transgene. Tumors escaping reversion maintained c-Myc and c-Myc target gene expression, likely due to increased c-Fos. Interfering with c-Myc in established tumors using the Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal motif inhibitor JQ-1 diminished liver tumor growth in c-Jun~Fra-2 mutant mice. Thus, our data establish c-Jun~Fra-2hep mice as a model to study liver tumorigenesis and identify the c-Jun/Fra-2-Myc interaction as a potential target to improve HCC patient stratification and/or therapy.

Hernia inguinal inusual en paciente de edad media: cuando el ovario y la trompa atraviesan el canal inguinal: a propósito de un caso / Unusual inguinal hernia in a middle-aged patient: when the ovary and fallopian tubepass through the inguinal canal: acase report / Hérnia inguinal incomum em paciente de meia-idade: quando o ovário e a trompauterina passam pelo canal inguinal: um relato de caso

La hernia inguinal supone la patología de pared abdominal más frecuente hoy en día. En el saco herniario podemos encontrar diferentes estructuras, como grasa preperitoneal, intestino delgado, colon o incluso la vejiga, resultando inusual la presencia de la trompa de Falopio y el ovario. El contenido tubo-ovárico supone un hallazgo frecuente en población pediátrica, mientras que resulta un hecho extremadamente raro en mujeres en edad reproductiva o menopáusica, siendo imprescindible su tratamiento con el fin de evitar complicaciones relacionadas con la fertilidad y la viabilidad de los anejos. Con el objetivo de revisar la bibliografía descrita al respecto dado la infrecuencia que supone este hallazgo en mujeres adultas, se presenta el siguiente caso clínico de forma resumida, con la consiguiente revisión de la literatura disponible. Se trata de una paciente mujer de 50 años, con antecedentes de mioma uterino, intervenida de forma programada de hernioplastia inguinal derecha, observando contenido tubo-ovárico en el saco herniario, en la cual se realiza hernioplastia inguinal según la técnica de Lichtenstein con preservación de anejos sin complicaciones postoperatorias. Como conclusiones finales, consideramos que los hallazgos intraoperatorios de contenido tubo-ovárico en la cirugía de hernia inguinal en mujeres adultas supone un hecho infrecuente, cuyo conocimiento y manejo resulta necesario para el cirujano general, precisando de un índice de alta sospecha con el fin de evitar complicaciones y otorgar el tratamiento quirúrgico más óptimo para el bienestar de los pacientes.

Inguinal hernia represents the most common pathology of the abdominal wall currently. In the hernia sac, various structures can be found, such as preperitonealphat, smallbowel, colon, oreventhe bladder, but the presence of the fall opiantube and ovaryisun common. Tubo-ovarian content is a frequent finding in pediatric population, while infection is extremely rare in women of reproductive or menopausal age, requiring essential treatment to prevent complications related to fertility and adnexal viability. In order to review the literature described in this regard, given the infrequency of this finding in adult women, we present the following clinical case, along with a review of the available literature. The patient is a 50-year-old woman with a history of uterine fibroids, who underwent surgery of a right inguinal hernioplasty, revealing tube-ovarian content in the hernia sac. Inguinal hernioplasty was performed using the Lichtenstein technique with preservation of adnexa, and there were no postoperative complications. In final conclusions, we consider that intraoperative finding of tube-ovarian content in inguinal hernia surgery in adult women are uncommon, and knowledge and management of this condition are necessary for the general surgeon. A high index of suspicion is required to avoid complications and provide the most optimal surgical treatment for the well-being of patients.

A hérnia inguinal representa uma patologia comum da parede abdominal nos dias seguintes. No saco herniário, podem ser encontradas diferentes estruturas, como gordura pré-peritoneal, intestino delgado, cólon propriamente dito com a bexiga, sendoincomum com presença da trompa de Falópio e do ovário. O conteúdo trompa-ovariano é muito comum em populações pediátricas, mas é extremamente raro em mulheres em saúde reprodutiva ou na menopausa, sendo essencial ou seutratamento para evitar complicações relacionadas à fertilidade e à viabilidade dos dois anexos. Com o objetivo de revisar a bibliografia descrita a esse respeito, dado pouco discutido em mulheres adultas, o seguinte caso clínico é apresentado de forma resumida, juntamente com uma revisão da literatura disponível. Trata-se de paciente do sexo feminino, 50 anos, com história de mioma uterino, submetida a hernioplastia inguinal direta programada, observando-se conteúdo da tuba ovariana e saco herniário. A hernioplastia inguinal foi realizada segundo a técnica de Lichtenstein, comprimindo dois anexos e sem complicações operatórias. Como conclusões finais, consideramos que a redução intraoperatória do conteúdo tubo-ovariano na cirurgia de hérnia inguinal em mulheres adultas é incomum, e o conhecimento e o manejo dos procedimentos necessários à cirurgia geral requerem um alto índice de suspeita para evitar complicações e proporcionar tratamento cirúrgico . maisadequado para ou bem-est dois pacientes.

Preclinical discovery and initial clinical data of WVT078, a BCMA × CD3 bispecific antibody.

B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is an ideal target in multiple myeloma (MM) due to highly specific expression in malignant plasma cells. BCMA-directed therapies including antibody drug conjugates, chimeric antigen receptor-T cells and bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) have shown high response rates in MM. WVT078 is an anti-BCMA× anti-CD3 BsAb that binds to BCMA with subnanomolar-affinity. It was selected based on potent T cell activation and anti-MM activity in preclinical models with favorable tolerability in cynomolgus monkey. In the ongoing first-in-human phase I dose-escalation study (NCT04123418), 33 patients received intravenous WVT078 once weekly at escalated dosing. At the active doses of 48-250 µg/kg tested to date (n = 26), the overall response rate (ORR) was 38.5% (90% CI: 22.6-56.4%) and the complete response rate (CRR, stringent complete response + complete response) was 11.5%, (90% CI: 3.2-27.2%). At the highest dose level tested, the ORR was 75% (3 of 4 patients). 26 (78.8%) patients reported at least one Grade ≥3 AE and 16 of these AEs were suspected to be drug related. 20 patients (60.6%) experienced cytokine release syndrome. WVT078 has an acceptable safety profile and shows preliminary evidence of clinical activity at doses tested to date.

Utilidad de la neuromonitorización vagal continua en cirugía tiroidea: experiencia y resultados en un hospital de tercer nivel / The role of continuous vagal intraoperative nerve monitoring in thyroid surgery: experience and results in a third-level hospital

Resumen Objetivo: La lesión del nervio laríngeo recurrente es una grave complicación en cirugía tiroidea. El propósito del presente estudio es analizar la utilidad de la neuromonitorización vagal continua intraoperatoria en un hospital terciario. Materiales y Método: Estudio observacional, analítico y retrospectivo que recoge pacientes intervenidos de cirugía tiroidea con neuromonitorización en un período de 14 meses. La pérdida de señal se define como amplitud final nerviosa < 100 ^V, realizándose laringoscopia postquirúrgica ante la sospecha de lesión nerviosa. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el programa SPSS® V25,0, con p < 0,05. Resultados: Se incluyeron 120 pacientes intervenidos, registrándose en el 24,2% pérdida de señal. Factores de riesgo para lesión fueron bocio intratorácico (OR 5,31; IC 95% 1,56-17,99; p = 0,007), cirugía cervical previa (OR 5,76; IC 95% 0,64-51,97; p = 0,119) y patología maligna (OR 1,44; IC 95% 0,16-12,79; p = 0,743). Fue posible el cambio de estrategia quirúrgica en 7 casos. En el seguimiento posterior se cuantificó parálisis recurrencial transitoria en 27 pacientes y permanente en 4. Discusión: La neuromonitorización parece reducir la incidencia de parálisis laríngea porque aumenta la seguridad en la identificación del nervio recurrente y reduce su manipulación durante la cirugía. Conclusiones: La neuromonitorización intraoperatoria es útil para identificar el nervio laríngeo recurrente y advierte del riesgo potencial de lesión, permitiendo cambiar la estrategia quirúrgica para evitar la parálisis bilateral de cuerdas vocales.

Aim: Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury is a serious complication in thyroid surgery. The purpose of the present study is to analyze the use of intraoperative continuous vagal neuromonitoring in a tertiary hospital. Materials and Method: Observational, analytical and retrospective study that includes patients who underwent thyroid surgery with neuromonitoring in a period of 14 months. Loss of signal is defined as final nerve amplitude < 100 ^V, and postsurgical laryngoscopy is performed due to suspicion of nerve injury. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS® V25.0 program, with p < 0.05. Results: 120 operated patients were included, registering loss of signal in 24.2%. Risk factors for injury were intrathoracic goiter (OR 5.31; 95% CI 1.56-17.99; p = 0.007), previous cervical surgery (OR 5.76; 95% CI 0.64-51.97; p = 0.119) and malignant pathology (OR 1.44; 95% CI 0.16-12.79; p = 0.743). A change in surgical strategy was possible in 7 cases. In the subsequent follow-up, transient recurrent paralysis was quantified in 27 patients and permanent in 4. Discussion: Neuromonitoring seems to reduce the incidence of laryngeal paralysis because it increases the security in the identification of the recurrent nerve and reduces its manipulation during surgery. Conclusions: Intraoperative neuromonitoring is useful to identify the recurrent laryngeal nerve and warns of the potential risk of injury, allowing to change the surgical strategy to avoid bilateral vocal cord paralysis.

Isquemia aguda del canal anal / Acute Ischemia of the Anal Canal

Introducción: La isquemia anal aguda con gangrena es una entidad infrecuente, con escasa literatura publicada al respecto, cuyas cifras de mortalidad descritas se sitúan en un 20 por ciento - 40 por ciento de los casos. Debe considerarse en ancianos con enfermedad aterosclerótica que presenten síntomas gastrointestinales inferiores y shock hipotensivo. Puede ser causada por oclusión vascular aguda, enfermedad vascular grave o un estado de bajo flujo, aunque en algunos casos se presenta sin enfermedad vascular preexistente. Objetivo: Presentar la literatura existente acerca del manejo diagnóstico y terapéutico de la isquemia de canal anal en base a un caso clínico diagnosticado y tratado de urgencia en el hospital "Marina Baixa". Caso clínico: Se presenta un caso de isquemia espontánea de canal anal en paciente de 76 años de edad con morbilidad cardiovascular asociada. Debuta como cuadro séptico sin evidencia de causa desencadenante. Conclusiones: Las pruebas endoscópicas y radiológicas deben realizarse con urgencia y la valoración quirúrgica está siempre justificada en estos pacientes debido a la alta tasa de mortalidad descrita en el manejo conservador del cuadro. En casos graves, la reanimación preoperatoria y cirugía urgente para resecar el segmento gangrenoso es necesaria. Sin embargo, el tratamiento de la proctitis isquémica aguda es controvertido y depende, en parte, del estado basal del paciente y los hallazgos clínicos, siendo importante examinar otras posibles etiologías de proctitis isquémica y así determinar qué pacientes necesitan intervención quirúrgica temprana en comparación con una actitud más conservadora(AU)

Introduction: Acute ischemic gangrene of the anus is an infrequent entity, with little published literature, whose reported mortality figures are 20-40 percent of cases. It should be considered in elderlies with atherosclerotic disease who present lower gastrointestinal symptoms and hypotensive shock. It can be caused by acute vascular occlusion, severe vascular disease, or a low-flow state, although in some cases it presents without pre-existing vascular disease. Objective: To present the existing literature on diagnostic and therapeutic management of ischemia of the anal canal upon the base of a clinical case diagnosed and treated as an urgency at Marina Baixa hospital. Clinical case: The case is presented of a 76-year-old patient with spontaneous ischemia of the anal canal and associated cardiovascular morbidity. It debuts as a septic condition without evidence of a triggering cause. Conclusions: Endoscopic and radiological tests should be performed urgently. Surgical assessment is always justified in these patients, due to the high mortality rate described in the conservative management of the condition. In severe cases, preoperative resuscitation and urgent surgery to resect the gangrenous segment is necessary. However, managment of acute ischemic proctitis is controversial and depends, in part, on the patient's baseline status and clinical findings, while it is important to examine other possible etiologies of ischemic proctitis and thus determine which patients need early surgical intervention compared to a more conservative attitude(AU)

PAX8 lineage-driven T cell engaging antibody for the treatment of high-grade serous ovarian cancer.

High-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOC) represent the most common subtype of ovarian malignancies. Due to the frequency of late-stage diagnosis and high rates of recurrence following standard of care treatments, novel therapies are needed to promote durable responses. We investigated the anti-tumor activity of CD3 T cell engaging bispecific antibodies (TCBs) directed against the PAX8 lineage-driven HGSOC tumor antigen LYPD1 and demonstrated that anti-LYPD1 TCBs induce T cell activation and promote in vivo tumor growth inhibition in LYPD1-expressing HGSOC. To selectively target LYPD1-expressing tumor cells with high expression while sparing cells with low expression, we coupled bivalent low-affinity anti-LYPD1 antigen-binding fragments (Fabs) with the anti-CD3 scFv. In contrast to the monovalent anti-LYPD1 high-affinity TCB (VHP354), the bivalent low-affinity anti-LYPD1 TCB (QZC131) demonstrated antigen density-dependent selectivity and showed tolerability in cynomolgus monkeys at the maximum dose tested of 3 mg/kg. Collectively, these data demonstrate that bivalent TCBs directed against LYPD1 have compelling efficacy and safety profiles to support its use as a treatment for high-grade serous ovarian cancers.

Management of symptomatic uterine fibroids after ulipristal acetate suspension and identification of high risk patients for surgery at 6-months of follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The use of ulipristal acetate (UPA) was indicated for the treatment of uterine fibroids. Following UPA suspension in March 2020, some patients presented worsening and required surgery. We aimed to identify patients at high-risk for undergoing surgery after UPA suspension. METHODS: We evaluated 85 women receiving intermittent UPA treatment until March 2020. Following UPA suspension, patients received other medical treatments or surgery. The clinico-pathological features were recoded and a quality of life health survey was completed by patients at the time of UPA suspension and at 6-months thereafter. RESULTS: After the suspension of UPA, 17 of the 85 patients receiving intermittent UPA (20%) required surgery, and 68 (80%) required other medical treatments. Patients who underwent surgery were younger and had greater fibroid volume. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, 20% of clinically stable patients receiving intermittent UPA required surgery following UPA suspension. These women should be considered for future medical strategies.

Oxidative Stress and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Rare Respiratory Diseases.

Several studies have shown that some rare respiratory diseases, such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), cystic fibrosis (CF), and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) present oxidative stress (OS) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Their involvement in these pathologies and the use of antioxidants as therapeutic agents to minimize the effects of OS are discussed in this review.

Liver carcinogenesis by FOS-dependent inflammation and cholesterol dysregulation.

Human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), which arise on a background of chronic liver damage and inflammation, express c-Fos, a component of the AP-1 transcription factor. Using mouse models, we show that hepatocyte-specific deletion of c-Fos protects against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCCs, whereas liver-specific c-Fos expression leads to reversible premalignant hepatocyte transformation and enhanced DEN-carcinogenesis. c-Fos-expressing livers display necrotic foci, immune cell infiltration, and altered hepatocyte morphology. Furthermore, increased proliferation, dedifferentiation, activation of the DNA damage response, and gene signatures of aggressive HCCs are observed. Mechanistically, c-Fos decreases expression and activity of the nuclear receptor LXRα, leading to increased hepatic cholesterol and accumulation of toxic oxysterols and bile acids. The phenotypic consequences of c-Fos expression are partially ameliorated by the anti-inflammatory drug sulindac and largely prevented by statin treatment. An inverse correlation between c-FOS and the LXRα pathway was also observed in human HCC cell lines and datasets. These findings provide a novel link between chronic inflammation and metabolic pathways important in liver cancer.

Long-acting protein drugs for the treatment of ocular diseases.

Protein drugs that neutralize vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), such as aflibercept or ranibizumab, rescue vision in patients with retinal vascular diseases. Nonetheless, optimal visual outcomes require intraocular injections as frequently as every month. Here we report a method to extend the intravitreal half-life of protein drugs as an alternative to either encapsulation or chemical modifications with polymers. We combine a 97-amino-acid peptide of human origin that binds hyaluronan, a major macromolecular component of the eye's vitreous, with therapeutic antibodies and proteins. When administered to rabbit and monkey eyes, the half-life of the modified proteins is increased ∼3-4-fold relative to unmodified proteins. We further show that prototype long-acting anti-VEGF drugs (LAVAs) that include this peptide attenuate VEGF-induced retinal changes in animal models of neovascular retinal disease ∼3-4-fold longer than unmodified drugs. This approach has the potential to reduce the dosing frequency associated with retinal disease treatments.

Percepción de los graduados de la carrera de medicina de la Universidad de Cuenca 2003-2012, sobre la formación en la relación y comunicación médico-paciente / Perception of the medical career graduates of the University of Cuenca 2003 - 2012, on training in the relationship medical communication ­ patient

Objetivo: Identificar la percepción de los médicos graduados en la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, respecto a su formación en el tema de Relación y Comunicación Médico Paciente.Diseño: es un estudio descriptivo transversal. Metodología: A través de encuesta a los médicos graduados en la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad de Cuenca.Se utilizó una base de datos del programa de Monitoreo de los graduados de la carrera de Medicina de la Universidad de Cuenca, 2003- 2012. Azuay. Resultados: Se realizaron 208 encuestas, 116 varones (56%) y 92 mujeres (44%), cuyas edades oscilan entre los 23 y 42 años, todos graduados de la Escuela de Medicina de la Universidad de Cuenca entre los años 2003 a 2012. El 98% de ellos residentes en el Ecuador. Respecto a la percepción sobre su formación en relación médico paciente y comunicación: para comunicación escrita, comunicación oral, entrega de noticias negativas, relación afectiva con los pacientes y participación comunitaria: la percepción es que su formación fue adecuada, en tanto aprecian como poco adecuado en manejo de situaciones de conflicto, al igual que en la aplicación del consentimiento informado

Objective. To identify the perception of the graduated doctors from Medical Faculty, regarding to their formation in the Relationship and Communication with patients.Design: It is a cross-sectional study.Methodology: A survey to graduated doctors from Medical Faculty in the University of Cuenca was conducted.A database of the monitoring program for graduated people from Medicine School in the University of Cuenca, Azuay 2003-2012 was used. Results: A total of 208 surveys, 116 males with a 56% and 92 women with a 44%, aged between 23 and 42, all graduated people from Medicine School in the University of Cuenca from 2003 to 2013. The 98% are living in Ecuador.Regarding the perception of training in communication and doctor-patient relationship: to written communication, oral communication, delivering bad news, emotional relationship with patients and community participation: the perception is that their training was adequate, while it is appreciated as little suitable for handling conflict situations, as well as in the application of the informed consent.

Sarcocystosis in Cervus elaphus: Comparison of diagnostic methods.

Red deer (Cervus elaphus) from a National Wildlife Reserve near Toledo in central Spain were surveyed for Sarcocystis infection. A total of 61 deer were examined. Tissue compression and histology were used to examine samples from diaphragm and heart from each animal included in the study, and results from the two techniques and the two tissues were compared to determine the tissue and technique that provide the most accurate measure of prevalence and intensity. Prevalence and intensity were then compared between calves, yearlings and adults. Sarcocystis was detected in 59 (97%) of the 61 deer. Comparison between tissues showed that (a) prevalence based on histology was similar for heart and diaphragm, (b) prevalence based on compression was significantly higher for heart than for diaphragm and (c) intensity was significantly higher for heart than for diaphragm, regardless of the technique used. Comparison between techniques showed that (a) both techniques rendered similar prevalences and intensities of Sarcocystis infection with heart samples and (b) both techniques were not comparable with diaphragm samples (compression rendered lower prevalence but higher intensity than histology). Together these data suggest that heart is the preferable tissue for estimating prevalence and intensity, regardless of the technique used. A preliminary species identification of isolated cysts from three animals showed two morph types, corresponding to Sarcocystis cervicanis (syn. S. cf. grueneri; S. wapiti) in the heart and diaphragm of three animals and S. hjorti, only in the diaphragm of two animals. Given the different location of those morph types, both heart and diaphragm should be sampled and preferably assessed using histology to most reliably detect infection. Based on histology of heart, prevalence and intensity of Sarcocystis were significantly lower in calves than in yearlings or adults.

Percepción sobre el perfil profesional de la carrera de medicina de la facultad de ciencias médicas de la universidad de cuenca. 2013 / Perception about the professional profile of the medical career of the faculty of medical sciences of the university of cuenca. 2013

Objetivo: Determinar el criterio de los graduados de la carrera y de los líderes de las instituciones de salud, sobre el perfil profesional y las competencias del médico graduado en la Universidad de Cuenca.Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo con una muestra de 310 médicos de máximo 10 años de egreso y con los jefes de servicios de salud, a quienes se les aplicó una encuesta para conocer sus criterios sobre el desempeño laboral de los profesionales médicos frente al perfil que oferta la carrera de Medicina de la Universidad de Cuenca.Resultados: 310 encuestas realizadas aplicadas a titulados de la carrera de medicina y a jefes de servicios de salud, representando el 77,5% y 22,5% de los entrevistados, respectivamente. La edad promedio de los egresados fue de 29 años y la de los jefes de servicio de 44 años. Los años de graduación transcurridos hasta el momento de la encuesta fue de 4 años promedio para los egresados y de 16,5 para los je-fes departamentales. En la percepción de ambos grupos sobre el nivel de formación universitaria, existieron mínimas diferencias, con un balance positivo sobre el criterio en el desarrollo de competencias ubicando en las categorías de "Bien" y "Muy bien" al momento de calificar los diferentes aspectos de las competencias que declara el perfil de egreso.Conclusiones: Existe un criterio favorable sobre la percepción en la formación universitaria tanto desde el punto de vista de los graduados como de los jefes de servicios de salud, no obstante un tercio de los titulados no se encuentra conforme con su formación. Las debilidades se registran en los aspectos de referencia, contra referencia, rehabilitación e investigación. Las apreciaciones recogidas deben ser di-fundidas y analizadas con los docentes y estudiantes para interiorizar la necesidad de optimizar la formación de los médicos.

Objective: To determine the criterion of graduate students of the School of Medici-ne and leaders of health institutions about the professional profile and competencies of graduate physician at the University of CuencaMethods: A descriptive study was conduc-ted with a sample of 310 physicians with no more than 10 years following gradua-tion from the career and with the heads of health services regardless of their gradua-ting year, who were given a survey to as-certain their views on the work performan-ce against medical professionals profile offered by the Medicine School of the Uni-versity of Cuenca. Results: From 310 surveys, 240 were applied to graduates of the Medical School and 70 were applied to the heads of health servi-ces, accounting for 77.5% and 22.5% of res-pondents, respectively. The average age of graduates was 29 years and the avera-ge age of the heads of health services was 44 years. As the years have passed from graduation until the survey was 4 years on average for graduates and 16.5 for depart-mental heads. In the perception of both groups on the level of university education are minor differences, with a positive ba-lance on the criteria in the development of competencies placing in the categories of "Very Good" and "Good" when rating the various aspects of skills declaring graduate profile. Conclusions: There is a favorable judgment on the perception about the education in the Medicine School, not only from the point of view of graduates but also accor-ding to the heads of health services; howe-ver, one third of graduates consider there is not accordance with their training. The weaknesses are recorded on aspects of reference against reference, rehabilitation and research. The assessments should be disseminated and analyzed with teachers and students to internalize the need to op-timize the formation of physicians.

S100A8-S100A9 protein complex mediates psoriasis by regulating the expression of complement factor C3.

Psoriasis is a common heterogeneous inflammatory skin disease with a complex pathophysiology and limited treatment options. Here we performed proteomic analyses of human psoriatic epidermis and found S100A8-S100A9, also called calprotectin, as the most upregulated proteins, followed by the complement component C3. Both S100A8-S100A9 and C3 are specifically expressed in lesional psoriatic skin. S100A9 is shown here to function as a chromatin component modulating C3 expression in mouse and human cells by binding to a region upstream of the C3 start site. When S100A9 was genetically deleted in mouse models of skin inflammation, the psoriasis-like skin disease and inflammation were strongly attenuated, with a mild immune infiltrate and decreased amounts of C3. In addition, inhibition of C3 in the mouse model strongly reduced the inflammatory skin disease. Thus, S100A8-S100A9 can regulate C3 at the nuclear level and present potential new therapeutic targets for psoriasis.

Results of adrenal surgery. Data of a Spanish National Survey.

PURPOSE: Given the availability of laparoscopy and the rising detection of incidentalomas, indications for adrenalectomy may be changing. The Endocrine Surgery Section of the Spanish Association of Surgeons designed a survey to assess its indications, techniques, and results in Spanish Surgical Departments. METHODS: Collected data included hospital and department type, yearly hospital volume of procedures; location studies and preoperative preparation performed, indications, surgical approach and instruments used, and results in terms of morbidity and overall hospital stay. The analysis included a comparison between results of high- or low-volume centers and surgeons, using the Student's t test for quantitative and chi-square test for qualitative variables. Level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Nineteen centers returned the questionnaire, including 155 adrenalectomies performed in 2008. Most frequent indications were pheochromocytoma (23.2%), aldosteronoma (16.7%), incidentaloma (12.2%), metastasis (10.3%), Cushing adenoma (9.6%), and carcinoma (3.8%). Laparoscopy was performed in 83.9% of cases (9.4% required conversion to laparotomy). Four patients required urgent reoperation. Average hospital stay: 4.6 days (3.3 days after laparoscopy, 7 days after laparotomy). High-volume centers had a greater proportion of laparoscopically treated cases (p = 0.008), more malignant lesions treated (p = 0.03), a shorter overall stay (p < 0.0001), and a shorter stay after laparotomic adrenalectomy (p = 0.01). High-volume surgeons had similar results, and less in-hospital morbidity (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In Spain, adrenalectomy is performed in hospitals of varying complexity. Laparoscopic approach is the rule, with good results in terms of morbidity and stay. High-volume centers and surgeons had best results in terms of use of minimally invasive surgery and hospital stay.

Alcaloides isoquinolínicos de la corteza y flores de Erythrina fusca Loureiro / Isoquinolinic alcaloids from the bark and flowers of the Erythrina fusca Loureiro

De la corteza y flores de Erythrina fusca Loureiro se aislaron los alcaloides isoquinolínicos (+) -epieritratidina y 8-(+)-oxoerisodina, los cuales fueron identificados con base en sus constantes espectroscópicas. Se determinó la actividad antimicrobiana de extractos crudos y fracciones frente a bacterias y hongos. Se evaluó la actividad farmacólogica de extractos crudos y fracciones frente a ratas tipo WISTAR