Use of cell-based assays in myasthenia gravis and other antibody-mediated diseases.

The increasing demand on diagnostic assays that are sensitive and specific for pathogenic antibodies, and the interest in identifying new antigens, prompted the development of cell-based assays for the detection of autoantibodies in myasthenia gravis and other autoimmune disorders. Cell-based assays were initially used to show that clustering the AChR improved the positivity in myasthenia gravis, and similar assays have now been applied to detection of antibodies to neuromuscular junction candidate proteins such as LRP4 and agrin. In addition cell-based assays have been used in the routine detection of antibodies to proteins expressed on the surface of neurons (NMDAR, LGI1, CASPR2, AMPAR, GABA-A/B, GlyR, and DPPX) and glia (AQP4, MOG). Here, we summarize the findings in myasthenia and discuss the advantages, disadvantages and controversial issues of using cell-based assays in the detection of these antibodies, and their relevance to the testing of preclinical models of disease.

Anatomía de la próstata en ratones motheaten viable (mev) con mutaciones en el gen de la proteína tirosina fosfatasa SHP-1 / Prostate anatomy in motheaten viable (me v) mice with mutations in the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1

Objetivo: Estudiar la anatomía de la próstata y la vesícula seminal en ratones motheaten viable (mev) con mutaciones en el gen PTPN6 que conlleva una severa reducción en la actividad de la proteína tirosina fosfatasa SHP-1. Los ratones mev homocigotos muestran múltiples anomalías que incluyen inmunodeficiencias, aumento en la proliferación de macrófagos, neutrófilos y progenitores de eritrocitos, disminución de la densidad ósea y esterilidad. Material y método: Se analizó la anatomía macro y microscópica de la vesícula seminal y de la próstata, tanto a nivel macro como microscópico, de 5 ratones mev/mev (homocigotos mev) y 8 ratones wt/wt (tipo salvaje) adultos de 7 semanas. Se ha realizado análisis morfométrico computarizado para medir cambios relativos en el volumen epitelial de los diferentes lóbulos prostáticos. Resultados: Todos los ratones estudiados mostraron órganos genitales (pene, testículos, epidídimos, deferentes) y vejiga normales. La vesícula seminal se encontraba ausente en todos los ejemplares mev/mev analizados, siendo normal y muy llamativa en ratones wt/wt. Las diferentes glándulas que componen el complejo prostático (próstata anterior, ventral y dorsolateral) se encontraron atróficas en ratones mev/mev: próstata anterior 0,4 veces, ventral 0,19 veces, dorsal 0,35 veces y lateral 0,28 veces el tamaño de las respectivas regiones en ratones wt/wt. A nivel microscópico los ratones mev/mev mostraron ductos prostáticos mayores y escasos, acinos severamente atróficos con luces vacías y escaso y suelto componente epitelial formando penachos y pliegues, y cambios hiperplásicos en el estroma fibromuscular. Conclusiones: La próstata de ratones mev/mev muestra signos de diferenciación aberrante y el fenotipo resultante puede estar relacionado con la pérdida de función SHP-1. Las anomalías prostáticas en estos ratones influyen, junto con los defectos de la maduración espermática, en su esterilidad. Estos datos sugieren que SHP-1 desempeña un importante papel en la morfogénesis epitelial prostática

Objective: To study prostate and seminal vesicle anatomy in viable motheaten (mev) mice with mutations in the PTPN6 gene leading to a severe reduction in the activity of protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. Homozygous mev mice exhibit multiple anomalies that include immunodeficiencies, increased proliferation of macrophage, neutrophil, and erythrocyte progenitors, decreased bone density and sterility. Materials and methods: We analyzed macro- and microscopic anatomy of the seminal vesicle and prostate macro- and microscopic anatomy of 5 mev/mev and 8 wt/wt adult 7-week-old mice. Computerized morphometric analysis was performed to measure the relative changes appearing in the epithelial volume of the different prostatic lobes. Results: All mice studied revealed normal genital organs (penis, testis, epididymis, vas deferens) and bladder. The seminal vesicle was absent in all mev/mev individuals analyzed, being normal and very noticeable in wt/wt mice. The different glands that compose the prostatic complex (anterior, ventral and dorso-lateral prostate) were atrophied in mev/mev mice: anterior prostate 0.4 times, ventral 0.19 times, dorsal 0.35 times and lateral 0.28 times those of the respective regions in wt/wt mice. Microscopically, mev/mev mice revealed scarce and large prostatic ducts, acini severely atrophic with empty lumen and scarce loose epithelial component forming tufts and infoldings, and hyperplastic changes in fibromuscular stroma. Conclusions: The prostate of mev/mev mice exhibits signs of aberrant differentiation and the resulting phenotype may be related to the loss of function of SHP-1. Prostatic anomalies in these mice affect, together with defects in sperm maturation, their sterility. These data suggest that SHP-1 plays an important role in prostate epithelial morphogenesis

Prostate anatomy in motheaten viable (me(v)) mice with mutations in the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1.

OBJECTIVE: To study prostate and seminal vesicle anatomy in viable motheaten (mev) with mutations in PTPN6 gene leading to a severe reduction in the activity of protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. Homozygous mev mice exhibit multiple anomalies that include immunodeficiencies, increased proliferation of macrophage, neutrophil, and erythrocyte progenitors, decreased bone density and sterility. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We analyzed macro- and microscopic anatomy of the seminal vesicle and prostate macro- and microscopic anatomy of 5 mev/mev and 8 wt/wt adult 7 week old mice. Computerized morphometric analysis was performed to measure the relative changes appearing in the epithelial volume of the different prostatic lobes. RESULTS: All mice studied revealed normal genital organs (penis, testis, epididymis, vas deferens) and bladder. The seminal vesicle was absent in all mev/mev individuals analyzed, being normal and very noticeable in wt/wt mice. The different glands that compose the prostatic complex (anterior, ventral and dorso-lateral prostate) were atrophied in mev/mev mice: anterior prostate 0.4 times, ventral 0.19 times, dorsal 0.35 times and lateral 0.28 times those of the respective regions in wt/wt mice. Microscopically, mev/mev mice revealed scarce and large prostatic ducts, acini severely atrophic with empty lumen and scarce loose epithelial component forming tufts and infoldings, and hyperplastic changes in fibromuscular stroma. CONCLUSIONS: The prostate of mev/mev mice exhibits signs of aberrant differentiation and the resulting phenotype may be related to the loss of function of SHP-1. Prostatic anomalies in these mice affect, together with defects in sperm maduration, for their sterility. These data suggest SHP-1 plays an important role in prostate epithelial morphogenesis.

Conservative approach versus urgent appendectomy in surgical management of acute appendicitis with abscess or phlegmon.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of acute appendicitis with appendiceal abscess or phlegmon remains controversial. We studied the results of initial conservative treatment (antibiotics and percutaneous drainage if necessary, with or without interval appendectomy) compared with immediate surgery. METHODS: We undertook an observational, retrospective cohort study of patients with a clinical and radiological diagnosis of acute appendicitis with an abscess or phlegmon, treated in our hospital between January 1997 and March 2009. Patients younger than 14, with severe sepsis or with diffuse peritonitis were excluded. A study group of 15 patients with acute appendicitis complicated with an abscess or phlegmon underwent conservative treatment. A control group was composed of the other patients, who all underwent urgent appendectomy, matched for age and later randomized 1:1. The infectious risk stratification was established with the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System (NNIS) index. Dependent variables were hospital stay and surgical site infection. Analysis was with SPSS, with p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Interval appendectomy was performed in 7 study group patients. Surgical site infection episodes were more frequent in the control group (6 vs. 0, p < 0.001). A greater percentage of high risk patients (NNIS ≥ 2) was identified in the control group (80 vs. 28.7%, p < 0.03), mostly related with contaminated or dirty procedures in this group (p < 0.001). No significant difference between groups was found in hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Initial conservative treatment should be considered the best therapeutic choice for acute appendicitis with abscess or phlegmon.

Resultados del tratamiento conservador inicial y de la cirugía urgente en la apendicitis aguda evolucionada / No disponible

Introducción: Existe controversia acerca del tratamiento idóneo de la apendicitis aguda evolucionada en forma de absceso o flemón. Realizamos un estudio para la evaluación de resultados del tratamiento conservador inicial (antibiótico y drenaje percutáneo si se precisa, con/sin apendicectomía diferida) y del tratamiento quirúrgico urgente. Método: Estudio observacional analítico de cohortes retrospectivas. Criterios de inclusión: pacientes con diagnóstico clínico y radiológico de apendicitis aguda evolucionada en forma de absceso o flemón, tratados en nuestro hospital entre enero 1997 y marzo 2009, excluyendo pacientes pediátricos, con sepsis grave o peritonitis difusa. En 15 pacientes con apendicitis complicada con absceso o flemón (cohorte de estudio) se indicó tratamiento conservador inicial. El grupo control se obtuvo del resto de pacientes (en todos ellos se indicó apendicectomía urgente) mediante un matching por edad y asignación aleatoria posterior (1:1). La estratificación del riesgo infeccioso se determinó mediante el índice National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System (NNIS). Variables resultado: estancia global e infección de sitio quirúrgico. Se consideraron de relevancia estadística niveles de significación < 0,05. Resultados: En 7 pacientes del grupo de estudio se indicó apendicectomía diferida. La incidencia de episodios de infección de sitio quirúrgico fue significativamente mayor en el grupo control (6 vs. 0, p < 0,001). Un mayor porcentaje de pacientes con NNIS de alto riesgo (>= 2) se objetivó en el grupo control (80% vs. 28,7%, p < 0,03). El item determinante fue el carácter contaminado o sucio de las apendicectomías urgentes (p < 0,001). La estancia global no mostró diferencias significativas entre grupos. Conclusión: El tratamiento conservador inicial constituye la mejor alternativa terapéutica para la apendicitis aguda evolucionada(AU)

Background: Surgical management of acute appendicitis with appendiceal abscess or phlegmon remains controversial. We studied the results of initial conservative treatment (antibiotics and percutaneous drainage if necessary, with or without interval appendectomy) compared with immediate surgery. Methods: We undertook an observational, retrospective cohort study of patients with a clinical and radiological diagnosis of acute appendicitis with an abscess or phlegmon, treated in our hospital between January 1997 and March 2009. Patients younger than 14, with severe sepsis or with diffuse peritonitis were excluded. A study group of 15 patients with acute appendicitis complicated with an abscess or phlegmon underwent conservative treatment. A control group was composed of the other patients, who all underwent urgent appendectomy, matched for age and later randomized 1:1. The infectious risk stratification was established with the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System (NNIS) index. Dependent variables were hospital stay and surgical site infection. Analysis was with SPSS, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Interval appendectomy was performed in 7 study group patients. Surgical site infection episodes were more frequent in the control group (6 vs. 0, p < 0.001). A greater percentage of high risk patients (NNIS >= 2) was identified in the control group (80 vs. 28.7%, p < 0.03), mostly related with contaminated or dirty procedures in this group (p < 0.001). No significant difference between groups was found in hospital stay. Conclusion: Initial conservative treatment should be considered the best therapeutic choice for acute appendicitis with abscess or phlegmon(AU)

Knockdown of protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 inhibits G1/S progression in prostate cancer cells through the regulation of components of the cell-cycle machinery.

SHP-1, a haematopoietic cell-specific tyrosine phosphatase, is also expressed in human prostate. In this study, we report that SHP-1 depletion in PC-3 cells induced by small interfering RNAs causes G1 phase cell-cycle arrest accompanied by changes in some components of the cell-cycle machinery. SHP-1 knockdown increases p27(Kip1) (p27) protein stability, its nuclear localization and p27 gene transcription. These effects could be mediated by PI3K-AKT pathway as SHP-1 interacts with PI3K regulating its activity and p110 catalytic subunit phosphorylation. The increase in p27 protein stability could also because of reduced cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK2) activity. SHP-1 knockdown decreases the CDK6 levels, inducing retinoblastoma protein hypophosphorylation, downregulation of cyclin E and thereby a decrease in the CDK2 activity. However, the codepletion of SHP-1 and p27 does not produce re-entry into the cycle, implying that p27 is not required to maintain cell-cycle arrest induced by SHP-1 depletion. The maintenance of the PC-3 cell anti-proliferative response after p27 loss could be because of mislocalization of CDK2 induced by SHP-1 knockdown. This study shows that SHP-1 depletion promotes cell-cycle arrest by modulating the activity of cell-cycle regulators and suggests that SHP-1 may be required for the proper functioning of events governing cell-cycle progression.

Lipoblastoma intratorácico con afectación costal / Intrathoracic lipoblastoma with costal involvement

Describimos el caso de una niña de 2 años que presenta un lipoblastoma dependiente de pared torácica con extensión intratorácica y con afectación costal. El diagnóstico se confirmó histológicamente tras la intervención quirúrgica. Los hallazgos radiológicos fueron de masa de características extrapleurales sugiriendo la tomografía computarizada (TC) y la resonancia magnética (RM) contenido tumoral adiposo. El diagnóstico diferencial se plantea principalmente con el liposarcoma, extremadamente infrecuente en la infancia

We report the case of a two-year-old girl with a lipoblastoma arising from the chest wall with intrathoracic extension and costal involvement. The diagnosis was confirmed histologically after surgery. Plain-film chest x-rays showed an extrapleural mass; computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested fatty contents. The differential diagnosis is mainly versus liposarcoma, which is extremely rare in children

[Intrathoracic lipoblastoma with costal involvement]. / Lipoblastoma intratorácico con afectación costal.

We report the case of a two-year-old girl with a lipoblastoma arising from the chest wall with intrathoracic extension and costal involvement. The diagnosis was confirmed histologically after surgery. Plain-film chest x-rays showed an extrapleural mass; computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested fatty contents. The differential diagnosis is mainly versus liposarcoma, which is extremely rare in children.

[Phosphotyrosine phosphatase SHP-1, somatostatin and prostate cancer]. / Fosfotirosina fosfatasa SHP-1, somatostatina y cáncer de próstata.

We review the mechanisms involved in prostatic growth based on androgens and product of neuroendocrine secretion, with special reference to the role of somatostatin (SS) in the inhibition of neoplastic growth. Our contributions in the field confirm the antiproliferative effect of SS on the prostate is mediated by phosphotyrosine phosphatase SHP-1, that is present in human prostate. This enzyme plays a role in the control of prostatic cell proliferation and in the progression of prostate cancer. Besides, we consider its presence may determine the therapeutic potential of SS in the control of prostate cancer.

Fosfotirosina fosfatasa SHP-1, somatostatina y cáncer de próstata / Phosphotyrosine phosphatase SPH-1, somastostatin and prostate cancer

Revisamos los mecanismos de control de crecimiento prostático basados en andrógenos y productos de secreción neuroendocrina, prestando especial atención al papel de la somatostina (SS) como inhibidor del crecimiento neoplásico. Las aportaciones de nuestro grupo confirman que este efecto antiproliferativo de la SS sobre la próstata está mediado por la fosfotirosina fosfatasa SHP-1, presente en la próstata humana. Esta enzima juega un papel en el control de la proliferación celular prostática y en la progresión del cáncer de próstata. Además, pensamos que su presencia podría determinar el potencial terapéutico de la SS en el control del cáncer de próstata (AU)

We review the mechanisms involved in prostatic growth based on androgens and product of neuroendocrine secretion, with special reference to the role of somatostatin (SS) in the inhibition of neoplastic growth. Our contributions in the field confirm the antiproliferative effect of SS on the prostate is mediated by phosphotyrosine phosphatase SHP-1, that is present in human prostate. This enzyme plays a role in the control of prostatic cell proliferation and in the progression of prostate cancer. Besides, we consider its presence may determine the therapeutic potential of SS in the control of prostate cancer (AU)

Lipomatosis epidural idiopática infantil / Childhood idiopathic epidural lipomatosis

La lipomatosis epidural es el cúmulo excesivo de grasa no encapsulada en el espacio epidural. Ocurre como parte de una hipercortisolemia tanto endógena como exógena, la mayoría de los casos referidos están en relación con la administración de tratamiento esteroideo crónico, aunque también se ha descrito en pacientes obesos y, ocasionalmente, la etiología es desconocida. El 60% de los casos tiene localización dorsal y el 40% lumbar, aunque la combinación toracolumbar también se observa en casi el 20% de pacientes. La presentación clínica habitual es dolor de espalda y debilidad de miembros, con radiculopatía y disestesias en casi la mitad de los pacientes. La historia natural es hacia la mejoría tras reparación de la entidad basal (mejoría de la enfermedad de base, cese del tratamiento corticoideo), aunque en contados casos hay que recurrir en último lugar a la cirugía descompresiva (AU)

Epidural lipomatosis is an excesive deposition of unencapsulated fat in the epidural space. It occurs as a result of endogenous or exogenous hypercortisolemia. The majority of symptomatic cases are associated with chronic steroid use, although it occasionally occurs in morbidly obese patients and a few cases have no known etiology. Approximately 60% of cases occur in the thoracic spine and 40% in the lumbar spine. Combined thoracolumbar involvement occurs in almost 20% of patients. Limb weakness and back pain are the most frequent presenting complaints, while radicular pain and dysesthesias are seen in 50% of patients. Epidural lipomatosis usually resolves once the underlying disease improves, with cessation of exogenous corticosteroid administration and weight loss, although decompressive laminectomy is sometimes necessary (AU)

[Kearns-Sayre syndrome: pediatric neuroradiologic findings in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging]. / Síndrome de Kearns-Sayre: hallazgos en tomografía computarizada y resonancia magnética del sistema nervioso central.

Clinical presentation of mitochondrial disorders is heterogeneous because the affected organs are those depending on a high rate of aerobic metabolism. They can appear at any age and evolution is progressive. Signs that guide diagnostic suspicion, especially in the pediatric age group, are heterogeneous clinical presentation and multisystem involvement. Within the spectrum of diseases caused by mitochondrial myopathy, there are clearly defined syndromes such as Kearns-Sayre syndrome. Muscle biopsy shows ragged red fibers and approximately 80 % of patients present sporadic deletions in mitochondrial DNA. Imaging studies reveal areas of hypointensity in basal ganglia and midbrain that are not visible after administration of contrast enhancement in computed tomography, and symmetric T2 hyperintensity lesions in these areas in magnetic resonance imaging. We present a patient with Kearns-Sayre syndrome, in whom radiological alterations were helpful in reaching the diagnosis.

Síndrome de Kearns-sayre: hallazgos en tomografía computarizada y resonancia magnética del sistema nervioso central / Kearns-sayre syndrome: pediatric neuroradiologic findings in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

Las enfermedades mitocondriales se caracterizan desde el punto de vista clínico por su variabilidad y heterogeneidad, ya que los síntomas más frecuentes son los dependientes de los numerosos tejidos que requieren una alta demanda energética. Pueden aparecer a cualquier edad y su curso es progresivo. La diversibilidad clínica y la afectación multisistémica son signos orientativos para la sospecha diagnóstica, en particular durante la edad pediátrica. Hay entidades claramente identificadas como el síndrome de Kearns-Sayre. En la biopsia muscular muestra fibras rojas rasgadas y aproximadamente el 80% de los casos presentan deleción del ADN mitocondrial de forma esporádica. En el estudio de imagen se observan áreas de baja densidad en núcleos de la base que no se realzan tras la administración de contraste en tomografía computarizada (TC) y focos simétricos hiperintensos a dichos niveles en resonancia magnética (RM) potenciada en T2. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con síndrome de Kearns-Sayre, en el que las alteraciones radiológicas contribuyeron a establecer el diagnóstico (AU)

Somatostatina y cáncer de próstata / Somatostatin and prostate cancer

Cada vez es más evidente que la estructura y función prostática no dependen solamente de andrógenos. Actualmente, se admite que en los trastornos de la proliferación prostática están también implicadas hormonas peptídicas, factores de crecimiento, bucles reguladores autocrinos/paracrinos e interacciones entre el epitelio y el estroma. En este sentido, las células neuroendocrinas han despertado un enorme interés, debido en parte a la relación existente en el cáncer de próstata entre diferenciación neuroendocrina y progresión del tumor. Entre los factores sintetizados y liberados por las células NE se encuentra la somatostatina. Este neuropéptido y sus análogos presentan actividad antineoplásica en gran variedad de modelos experimentales tanto in vitro como in vivo.El efecto antiproliferativo de la somatostatina puede ser indirecto, dada la capacidad de la SS de inhibir la secreción de hormonas tróficas y factores de crecimiento, o directo a través de los receptores presentes en las propias células normales y tumorales. Los análogos de somatostatina han demostrado su eficacia en tumores prostáticos experimentales inducidos en animales, sin embargo los resultados obtenidos en los ensayos clínicos son contradictorios. Aunque la somatostatina y sus análogos son capaces de inhibir la liberación de la prolactina y de la hormona del crecimiento, estudios in vivo e in vitro sugieren que la somatostatina pueda actuar directamente sobre el crecimiento del tumor. En este sentido, aunque es evidente que la próstata tiene receptores para somatostatina, los resultados obtenidos sobre su distribución, los subtipos expresados y su relación con diferentes situaciones patológicas son contradictorios e insuficientes. Por lo tanto, es de esperar que un mejor conocimiento de los mecanismos celulares implicados en el efecto aritiproliferativo de la somatostatina ayude a diseñar nuevos análogos específicos que permitan realizar nuevos ensayos clínicos y valorar con exactitud la eficacia de la somatostatina en el tratamiento del cáncer de próstata. (AU)

[Continuing education in a primary care team: analysis of the 1996-1998 teaching sessions]. / Formación continuada en un equipo de atención primaria: análisis de las sesiones docentes 1996-1998.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the teaching sessions of a primary care team in the three-year period 1996-1998. To identify the professionals who ran them and study the areas of knowledge tackled. DESIGN: A retrospective, cross-over, descriptive study. SETTING: Teaching health centre belonging to a rural health district. PARTICIPANTS: All the teaching sessions that took place during the three-year period (n = 249). INTERVENTIONS: The following variables were extracted from the monthly register sheet of the ongoing training programme of our management: date of activity, duration, number attending, type of session, teaching professional and contents of activity (classified by pathology according to organs and systems for bibliographic, clinical and expert sessions; portfolio of 1996 Primary Care-INSALUD services for session on programme; computer studies). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Mean sessions per month: 6.9 (SD: 4.8). Mean attendance: 9.3 persons (SD: 3.01). Mean length: 36.5 minutes (SD: 11.0). Type of session: bibliographic 65.2%, on programme 18%, session with expert 7.2%, computer studies 5.6%, clinical 4%. Responsible for teaching: intern 39.4%; family doctor tutor 34.9%; family doctor not a tutor 7.2%; nurse 6.4%; hospital doctor 4%; locum family doctor 3.6%; pharmacist 2.8%; paediatrician 1.2%; physiotherapist 0.4%. Most common contents: non-specific general pathology (16.1%), skin diseases (8.8%), diseases of the endocrine system (7.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Low frequency of clinical sessions. The teachers in charge were mainly family doctor tutors and interns, with the rest of the staff participating little.

Formación continuada en un equipo de atención primaria: análisis de las sesiones docentes 1996-1998 / On-going training in a primary care team: analysis of the 1996-1998 teaching sessions

Objetivo. Describir las sesiones docentes de un equipo de atención primaria en el trienio 1996-1998. Identificar los profesionales que las realizaron, así como estudiar las áreas del conocimiento abordadas. Diseño. Estudio descriptivo transversal, retrospectivo. Emplazamiento. Centro de salud docente perteneciente a una zona de salud rural. Participantes. Total de sesiones docentes realizadas durante el trienio estudiado (n = 249). Intervenciones. De la hoja de registro mensual del programa de formación continuada de nuestra gerencia, se extrajeron las siguientes variables: fecha actividad, duración, número de asistentes, tipo de sesión, profesional docente y contenido de actividad (clasificada por patología según órganos y sistemas para sesión bibliográfica, clínica y con experto; cartera servicios de atención primaria-INSALUD 1996 para sesión sobre programa; informática). Mediciones y resultados principales. Sesiones por mes: media 6,9 (DE, 4,8). Media asistentes: 9,3 (DE, 3,01). Duración media: 36,5 minutos (DE, 11,0). Tipo de sesión: bibliográfica, 65,2 por ciento; sobre programa, 18; sesión con experto, 7,2; informática, 5,6; clínica, 4. Responsables docentes: médico residente, 39,4 por ciento; médico de familia tutor, 34,9; médico de familia no tutor, 7,2; ATS, 6,4; médico hospitalario, 4; médico de familia sustituto, 3,6; farmacéutico, 2,8; pediatra, 1,2; fisioterapeuta, 0,4. Contenido actividades más frecuentes: patología general inespecífica, 16,1 por ciento; enfermedades de la piel, 8,8, y enfermedades del sistema endocrino, 7,6 por ciento. Conclusiones. Baja frecuencia de sesiones clínicas. Los responsables docentes fueron mayoritariamente médicos de familia tutores y médicos residentes, siendo escasa la participación del resto de personal (AU)

Identification of a protein-tyrosine phosphatase (SHP1) different from that associated with acid phosphatase in rat prostate.

Using [32P]poly(Glu,Tyr) as substrate, we have identified, for the first time, in the rat prostatic gland a protein-tyrosine phosphatase activity different from that associated with prostatic acid phosphatase. Concanavalin A-Sepharose 4B was used to separate the two protein-tyrosyl phosphatases activities. The activity retained by the lectin had characteristics of the prostatic acid phosphatase. It was sensitive to inhibition by PNPP and the optimum pH shifted towards physiological values when [32P]poly(Glu,Tyr) was used as substrate. However, the major protein-tyrosine phosphatase activity was not retained by the lectin, and corresponded, at least in part, to SHP1 as probed by the presence of the protein, its mRNA and the loss of PTPase activity after immunodepletion of SHP1. This enzyme is localized within the epithelial cells. Thus, the coexistence of two protein-tyrosine phosphatase activities in rat prostate, one associated with the acid phosphatase and the other related to SHP1, makes it necessary to analyze the importance of both activities in vivo and their possible function regarding prostatic cell growth and its regulation.

Ureteral triplication and duplicated opposite kidney with refluxing ureterocele.

A case is reported of ureteral triplication with ectopia of two of the ureters and contralateral duplication with a ureterocele. This patient is the youngest that we have found reported with this type of anomaly and the only one presenting with abdominal distention and an intact but refluxing ureterocele.