Future care for long-term cancer survivors: towards a new model.

PURPOSE: The increase in the prevalence "long-term cancer survivor" (LCS) patients is expected to increase the cost of LCS care. The aim of this study was to obtain information that would allow to optimise the current model of health management in Spain to adapt it to one of efficient LCS patient care. METHODS: This qualitative study was carried out using Delphi methodology. An advisory committee defined the criteria for participation, select the panel of experts, prepare the questionnaire, interpret the results and draft the final report. RESULTS: 232 people took part in the study (48 oncologists). Absolute consensus was reached in three of the proposed sections: oncological epidemiology, training of health professionals and ICT functions. CONCLUSION: The role of primary care in the clinical management of LCS patients needs to be upgraded, coordination with the oncologist and hospital care is essential. The funding model needs to be adapted to determine the funding conditions for new drugs and technologies.

Valor del protocolo abreviado de resonancia magnética mamaria en el cribado de pacientes de alto riesgo / Value of an abbreviated protocol of breast magnetic resonance imaging for screening high-risk patients

OBJETIVO: Valorar la utilidad de los protocolos abreviados de resonancia magnética (RM) mamaria en el cribado de cáncer de mama en pacientes de alto riesgo, en comparación con el protocolo completo, y determinar la precisión diagnóstica en la caracterización de las lesiones mamarias de ambos protocolos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se revisaron retrospectivamente 157 estudios de RM mamaria de 82 pacientes de alto riesgo realizadas en nuestro centro, desde enero de 2011 hasta enero de 2017. Se analizaron parámetros clínicos, radiológicos y anatomopatológicos. Se realizó la lectura de los diferentes protocolos: MIP, abreviado y completo por un radiólogo experto. Posteriormente se hizo un análisis estadístico. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron un total de 12 lesiones clasificadas en categoría BI-RADS 4 y 5 que fueron biopsiadas, de las cuales 11 resultaron ser malignas (91,67%) y 1 benigna (8,33%). Las lesiones malignas fueron: 4 carcinomas ductales in situ (33,33%) y 7 carcinomas ductales infiltrantes (58,33%). Todas las lesiones fueron detectadas con los tres protocolos y no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre sus respectivas áreas bajo la curva (p = 0,0650). CONCLUSIONES: En nuestro estudio no existen diferencias significativas entre los distintos protocolos (MIP, abreviado y completo). El protocolo abreviado se perfila como una herramienta prometedora en el cribado de cáncer de mama en pacientes de alto riesgo

OBJECTIVE: Value the utility of breast MRI abbreviated protocols for the screening of breast cancer in high-risk patients compared to the full protocol. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 157 breast MRI of 82 high-risk patients practiced in our hospital between January 2011 and January 2017. Clinical, radiological and anatomopathological parameters were analyzed. Reading of the different protocols (MIP, abbreviated and full) was made by an expert radiologist. Subsequent statistical analysis was done. RESULTS: A total amount of 12 findings classified as BI-RADS 4 and 5 were identified and performed a biopsy, resulting 11 of them to be malignant (91.67%) and 1 benign (8.33%). The malignant wounds included 4 intraductal carcinoma (33.33%) and 7 infiltrating ductal carcinoma (58.33%). All injuries were detected with the three protocols and no significant differences were found between their respective area under the ROC curve (p = 0.0650). CONCLUSIONS: In our study there are no significant differences between the different protocols (MIP, abbreviated and full), which places the abbreviated protocol as a promising tool for breast cancer screening in high-risk patients

Value of an abbreviated protocol of breast magnetic resonance imaging for screening high-risk patients. / Valor del protocolo abreviado de resonancia magnética mamaria en el cribado de pacientes de alto riesgo.

OBJECTIVE: Value the utility of breast MRI abbreviated protocols for the screening of breast cancer in high-risk patients compared to the full protocol. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 157 breast MRI of 82 high-risk patients practiced in our hospital between January 2011 and January 2017. Clinical, radiological and anatomopathological parameters were analyzed. Reading of the different protocols (MIP, abbreviated and full) was made by an expert radiologist. Subsequent statistical analysis was done. RESULTS: A total amount of 12 findings classified as BI-RADS 4 and 5 were identified and performed a biopsy, resulting 11 of them to be malignant (91.67%) and 1 benign (8.33%). The malignant wounds included 4 intraductal carcinoma (33.33%) and 7 infiltrating ductal carcinoma (58.33%). All injuries were detected with the three protocols and no significant differences were found between their respective area under the ROC curve (p=0.0650). CONCLUSIONS: In our study there are no significant differences between the different protocols (MIP, abbreviated and full), which places the abbreviated protocol as a promising tool for breast cancer screening in high-risk patients.

The Effect of Axial Spondyloarthritis on Mental Health: Results from the Atlas.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of mental disorders in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and to examine the factors associated with this. METHODS: In 2016, a sample of 680 patients with axSpA were interviewed as part of the development process for the Atlas of Axial Spondyloarthritis in Spain. The risk of mental disorders in these patients was assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire scale. Additionally, the variables associated with the risk of mental disorders were investigated, including sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, relationship, patient association membership, job status, and educational level), disease status (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, spinal stiffness, and functional limitation), and previous diagnosis of mental disorders (depression and anxiety). Bivariate correlation analyses were performed, followed by multiple hierarchical and stepwise regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 45.6% patients were at risk of mental disorders. All variables except educational level and thoracic stiffness significantly correlated with risk of mental disorders. Nevertheless, disease activity, functional limitation, and age showed the highest coefficient (r = 0.543, p ≤ 0.001; r = 0.378, p ≤ 0.001; r = -0.174, p ≤ 0.001, respectively). In the stepwise regression analysis, 4 variables (disease activity, functional limitation, patient association membership, and cervical stiffness) explained the majority of the variance for the risk of mental disorders. Disease activity displayed the highest explanatory degree (R2 = 0.875, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients with axSpA, the prevalence of risk of mental disorders is high. Combined with a certain sociodemographic profile, high disease activity is a good indicator of the risk for mental disorders.

Función y respaldo a la asociación de pacientes con psoriasis en España según sus miembros: estudio descriptivo transversal / The Spanish psoriasis patients’ association according to its members: cross-sectional descriptive study of members’ opinions of the association’s functions

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las asociaciones de pacientes son un elemento más del sistema sanitario, sin embargo en España se desconoce la funcionalidad y el respaldo que tienen según sus propios asociados. OBJETIVO: Estudiar la funcionalidad de la principal asociación española de pacientes y familiares afectados por la psoriasis según sus propios socios. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio mediante un cuestionario autoadministrado a una muestra de socios y/o simpatizantes (población total = 26.349 personas). Se estudió la credibilidad, confianza y satisfacción y se comparó con otros agentes sanitarios. El cuestionario de funcionalidad se analizó con un modelo de Rasch, y se examinó si había diferencias entre grupos de participantes con la prueba de ANOVA. RESULTADOS: Participaron 746 socios y/o simpatizantes (tasa de respuesta 2,83%). La credibilidad de la asociación se situó tras la de los especialistas que tratan la psoriasis. El respaldo medio a la función de la asociación fue notable (7,53 en una escala de 0 a 10). Según los socios las funciones mejor puntuadas se relacionaban con acciones colectivas para sensibilizar a la sociedad sobre el problema de la psoriasis, en cambio, tuvieron una menor valoración las acciones relacionadas con los servicios de atención personalizada. Solo hubo diferencias significativas (p < 0,05) en el respaldo a la asociación en función del nivel académico de los participantes. CONCLUSIONES: Las asociaciones son unas instituciones que contribuyen a la difusión de información de la enfermedad, que cuidan y representan a los pacientes. Los profesionales de salud e instituciones deberían tenerlas en cuenta para afrontar la psoriasis y diseñar políticas de salud efectivas

INTRODUCTION: Patient associations form part of health care systems, but little is known about how their members' view the functionality of these associations and whether they endorse their goals and activities. OBJECTIVE: To study how the members of the leading Spanish association of patients with psoriasis and their relatives view the group's functioning. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Survey study using a self-administered questionnaire answered by members of the association (total membership, 26 349 persons). The credibility of the association and respondents' confidence in and satisfaction with it were studied and compared with their attitudes toward other agents in the health care system. A Rasch model was used to analyze respondents' ranking of functions. Analysis of variance was used to study between-group differences. RESULTS: A total of 746 members participated (response rate 2.83%). The association's credibility was rated in second place, after that of specialists who treat psoriasis. Support for the association functions was good (7.53 on a scale of 0 to 10). The function the members rated highest was the raising of societal awareness of psoriasis and its problems. Rated lowest were functions related to personal services for members. Educational level was the only participant factor associated with significant differences in evaluations (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The psoriasis association contributes by disseminating information about the disease and patient care, and it serves to represent patients. Health professionals and institutions should take the association into account in their efforts to deal with the disease and in designing effective policies

Valoración de los factores pronósticos radiopatológicos del cáncer de mama triple negativo y análisis del carcinoma in situ como factor pronóstico / Imaging and histologic prognostic factors in triple-negative breast cancer and carcinoma in situ as a prognostic factor

Objetivos. Analizar qué factores valorados en resonancia magnética (RM) y anatomopatológicos de los tumores triple negativo (TN) se relacionan con la recidiva tumoral y con una menor supervivencia libre de enfermedad. Valorar la supervivencia y las recidivas en función de la presencia de componente in situ (CIS). Material y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de las RM realizadas desde 2007 a 2014, con inclusión de 122 mujeres con cáncer de mama TN y RM de estadificación. En RM se valoraron las características morfológicas (tamaño, márgenes, morfología y señal interna en secuencia T2) y dinámicas (perfusión y difusión). Se estudiaron también los factores anatomopatológicos (Ki67, p53, CK5/6, grado nuclear y Scarff-Bloom) y se analizó la presencia de CIS y el grado tumoral (alto o no alto grado). Se compararon las distintas variables con la presencia de recidiva y se realizó estudio de supervivencia. Resultados. El realce no nodular presentó mayor porcentaje en el grupo de recidivas, y la diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa (p=0,038) y se relacionó con una menor supervivencia libre de enfermedad (p=0,023). La restricción a la difusión (p=0,079) y el ki67 (p=0,052) no asociaron un peor pronóstico. Se detectó CIS en el 44% de los TN, con mayor proporción en el grupo de recidiva, sin relación con una menor supervivencia (p = 0,185). Conclusión. El realce no nodular demostró ser un factor de peor pronóstico. La restricción a la difusión, el ki67 y la presencia de CIS no se asociaron a una menor supervivencia libre de enfermedad (AU)

Objectives. To analyze what factors in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological study of triple-negative breast cancers are related to tumor recurrence and to shorter disease-free survival. To analyze survival and recurrence in function of the presence of an in situ component. Material and methods. This was a retrospective study of MRI staging examinations in 122 women with triple-negative breast cancer done from 2007 through 2014. In the MRI, we evaluated morphological variables (size, margins, morphology, internal signal in T2-weighted sequences) and dynamic variables (perfusion and diffusion). In the histological study, we evaluated Ki67, p53, CK5/6, nuclear grade, and Scarff-Bloom grade, as well as the presence of an in situ component and tumor grade (high grade or not high grade). We compared the variables between patients with tumor recurrence and those without, and we conducted a survival analysis. Results. Non-nodular enhancement was more common in patients with tumor recurrence (p=0.038) and was associated with shorter disease-free survival (p=0.023). Neither diffusion restriction (p=0.079) nor ki67 (p=0.052) was associated with a worse prognosis. An in situ component was detected in 44% of triple-negative tumors, and a greater proportion of patients in the group with tumor recurrence had an in situ component; however, the presence of an in situ component was not associated with shorter survival (p = 0.185). Conclusion. Non-nodular enhancement was associated with a worse prognosis. Diffusion restriction, ki67, and the presence of an in situ component were not associated with shorter disease-free survival (AU)

The Spanish Psoriasis Patients' Association According to Its Members: Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study of Members' Opinions of the Association's Functions. / Función y respaldo a la asociación de pacientes con psoriasis en España según sus miembros: estudio descriptivo transversal.

INTRODUCTION: Patient associations form part of health care systems, but little is known about how their members' view the functionality of these associations and whether they endorse their goals and activities. OBJECTIVE: To study how the members of the leading Spanish association of patients with psoriasis and their relatives view the group's functioning. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Survey study using a self-administered questionnaire answered by members of the association (total membership, 26 349 persons). The credibility of the association and respondents' confidence in and satisfaction with it were studied and compared with their attitudes toward other agents in the health care system. A Rasch model was used to analyze respondents' ranking of functions. Analysis of variance was used to study between-group differences. RESULTS: A total of 746 members participated (response rate 2.83%). The association's credibility was rated in second place, after that of specialists who treat psoriasis. Support for the association functions was good (7.53 on a scale of 0 to 10). The function the members rated highest was the raising of societal awareness of psoriasis and its problems. Rated lowest were functions related to personal services for members. Educational level was the only participant factor associated with significant differences in evaluations (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The psoriasis association contributes by disseminating information about the disease and patient care, and it serves to represent patients. Health professionals and institutions should take the association into account in their efforts to deal with the disease and in designing effective policies.

Imaging and histologic prognostic factors in triple-negative breast cancer and carcinoma in situ as a prognostic factor. / Valoración de los factores pronósticos radiopatológicos del cáncer de mama triple negativo y análisis del carcinoma in situ como factor pronóstico.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze what factors in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological study of triple-negative breast cancers are related to tumor recurrence and to shorter disease-free survival. To analyze survival and recurrence in function of the presence of an in situ component. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of MRI staging examinations in 122 women with triple-negative breast cancer done from 2007 through 2014. In the MRI, we evaluated morphological variables (size, margins, morphology, internal signal in T2-weighted sequences) and dynamic variables (perfusion and diffusion). In the histological study, we evaluated Ki67, p53, CK5/6, nuclear grade, and Scarff-Bloom grade, as well as the presence of an in situ component and tumor grade (high grade or not high grade). We compared the variables between patients with tumor recurrence and those without, and we conducted a survival analysis. RESULTS: Non-nodular enhancement was more common in patients with tumor recurrence (p=0.038) and was associated with shorter disease-free survival (p=0.023). Neither diffusion restriction (p=0.079) nor ki67 (p=0.052) was associated with a worse prognosis. An in situ component was detected in 44% of triple-negative tumors, and a greater proportion of patients in the group with tumor recurrence had an in situ component; however, the presence of an in situ component was not associated with shorter survival (p = 0.185). CONCLUSION: Non-nodular enhancement was associated with a worse prognosis. Diffusion restriction, ki67, and the presence of an in situ component were not associated with shorter disease-free survival.

Resonancia magnética en el cáncer de mama tratado con neoadyuvancia: correlación radiopatológica de la respuesta y supervivencia libre de enfermedad en función del subtipo molecular / Magnetic resonance imaging in breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Radiologic-pathologic correlation of the response and disease-free survival depending on molecular subtype

Objetivos. Valorar la respuesta radiológica, patológica y su correlación en los subtipos moleculares del cáncer de mama y analizar su implicación en la supervivencia libre de enfermedad. Material y métodos. Se incluyeron 205 pacientes con cáncer de mama tratadas con quimioterapia neoadyuvante. Se valoró la respuesta radiológica con RM pre y posquimioterapia. La respuesta patológica se clasificó según la escala de Miller y Payne. Se valoró la respuesta radiológica y patológica en cada subtipo (HER2+, TN, luminal A, luminal B HER2- y luminal B HER2+), la correlación radiopatológica y la supervivencia libre de enfermedad mediante las pruebas χ2, t de Student, ANOVA y Tau-b de Kendall. Resultados. Los subtipos HER2+ (62,1%) y TN (45,2%) mostraron mayor tasa de respuesta radiológica completa. La respuesta patológica fue del 65,5% en el HER2+, 38,1% en el TN, 2,6% en los luminales A, 8,2% en los luminales B HER2- y 31% en los luminales B HER2+. El índice de correlación radiopatológico fue significativo en todos los subtipos, mayor en los TN y HER2 (coeficientes Tau-b 0,805 y 0,717 respectivamente). La supervivencia libre de enfermedad fue mayor para HER2+ (91,9 ± 3,3 meses) y menor en el TN (69,5 ± 6,3 meses), con diferencias significativas entre los casos de mala y buena respuesta radiológica (p = 0,040). La supervivencia fue superior en los casos de buena respuesta radiológica a excepción del subtipo luminal A. Conclusión. La RM puede ser una herramienta que aporta información de la evolución del CM tratado con neoadyuvancia, variable según el subtipo inmunohistoquímico (AU)

Objectives. To evaluate the radiologic and pathologic responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and their correlation in the molecular subtypes of breast cancer and to analyze their impact in disease-free survival. Material and methods. We included 205 patients with breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We evaluated the radiologic response by comparing MRI images acquired before and after chemotherapy. The pathologic response was classified on the Miller and Payne scale. For each subtype (HER2+, TN, luminal A, luminal B HER2-, and luminal B HER2+), we used the χ2 test, Student's t-test, ANOVA, and Kendall's Tau-b to evaluate the radiologic response and the pathologic response, the radiologic-pathologic correlation, and the disease-free survival. Results. The subtypes HER2+ (62.1%) and TN (45.2%) had higher rates of complete radiologic response. The pathologic response was 65.5% in the HER2+ subtype, 38.1% in the TN subtype, 2.6% in the luminal A subtype, 8.2% in the luminal B HER2- subtype, and 31% in the luminal B HER2+ subtype. The rate of radiologic-pathologic correlation was significant in all subtypes, higher in TN and HER2 (Tau-b coefficients 0.805 and 0.717, respectively). Disease-free survival was higher in HER2+ (91.9 ± 3.3 months) and lower in TN (69.5 ± 6.3 months), with significant differences between the cases with poor and good radiologic responses (P=.040). Survival was greater in cases with good radiologic response, except in cases with luminal A subtype. Conclusion. MRI can be a useful tool that provides information about the evolution of breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which varies with the immunohistochemical subtype (AU)

Magnetic resonance imaging in breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy: radiologic-pathologic correlation of the response and disease-free survival depending on molecular subtype.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the radiologic and pathologic responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and their correlation in the molecular subtypes of breast cancer and to analyze their impact in disease-free survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 205 patients with breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We evaluated the radiologic response by comparing MRI images acquired before and after chemotherapy. The pathologic response was classified on the Miller and Payne scale. For each subtype (HER2+, TN, luminal A, luminal B HER2-, and luminal B HER2+), we used the χ(2) test, Student's t-test, ANOVA, and Kendall's Tau-b to evaluate the radiologic response and the pathologic response, the radiologic-pathologic correlation, and the disease-free survival. RESULTS: The subtypes HER2+ (62.1%) and TN (45.2%) had higher rates of complete radiologic response. The pathologic response was 65.5% in the HER2+ subtype, 38.1% in the TN subtype, 2.6% in the luminal A subtype, 8.2% in the luminal B HER2- subtype, and 31% in the luminal B HER2+ subtype. The rate of radiologic-pathologic correlation was significant in all subtypes, higher in TN and HER2 (Tau-b coefficients 0.805 and 0.717, respectively). Disease-free survival was higher in HER2+ (91.9±3.3 months) and lower in TN (69.5±6.3 months), with significant differences between the cases with poor and good radiologic responses (P=.040). Survival was greater in cases with good radiologic response, except in cases with luminal A subtype. CONCLUSION: MRI can be a useful tool that provides information about the evolution of breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which varies with the immunohistochemical subtype.

Hallazgos radiológicos del tumor de células granulares de la mama: un caso clínico y revisión bibliográfica / No disponible

El tumor de células granulares puede originarse en cualquier parte del cuerpo, siendo más frecuente en cabeza y cuello y excepcional su localización en mama (5-8% de todos los casos de tumores de células granulares). Inicialmente se consideró como un mioblastoma, pero posteriormente se demostró su origen schawanniano. Son tumores generalmente benignos, que pueden simular clínica y radiológicamente un carcinoma de mama. Se presenta el caso de una paciente con un tumor de células granulares localizado en el cuadrante superointerno de mama izquierda, que mostraba signos clínicos, mamográficos y ecográficos sospechosos de malignidad, y se realiza una breve revisión de la bibliografía (AU)

Granular cell tumours arise throughout the body, while these lesions are more frequent in the head and neck area, and exceptionally in the breast (5-8% of all the cases of granular cell tumours). Initially, it was considered as a myoblastoma, but subsequently it was shown as a Schwann cell origin. They are benign tumours that mimic clinically and radiologically a breast carcinoma. We report a case of granular cell tumours located in the upper inner quadrant of the left breast that presented clinical, mammografic and sonographic features suspicious of malignancy, and a brief review of the literature (AU)

Cigarette smoke concentrate increases 8-epi-PGF2alpha and TGFbeta1 secretion in rat mesangial cells.

Epidemiological studies have shown that cigarette smoke, an oxidant agent, is a risk factor for the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN), in which pathogenesis transforming growth factor beta(1) (TGFbeta(1)) plays a key role. In our experimental model we exposed mesangial cell cultures to cigarette smoke concentrate (CSC) to study the effect of smoking on the pathogenesis of DN. Thus, we analyzed the effect of CSC on TGFbeta(1) and lipid peroxidation (8-epi-PGF(2alpha)) in rat mesangial cells. Furthermore, since the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway appears to be a key factor for the enhanced production of TGFbeta(1), we also analyzed the effect of the selective PKCbeta inhibitor LY379196 on TGFbeta(1) response to CSC. CSC induced an increase of both TGFbeta(1) and 8-epi-PGF(2) compared to basal conditions (5 mM glucose). The CSC-induced increase in TGFbeta(1) secretion was significantly suppressed by LY379196. These data suggest that smoking could increase TGFbeta(1) production, probably due to oxidative stress and PKCbeta activation. This finding supports the concept that smoking is a risk factor for DN development.

Association of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) y895 with Grb-2 mediates the insulin signaling involved in IRS-1-deficient brown adipocyte mitogenesis.

We have recently generated immortalized fetal brown adipocyte cell lines from insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) knockout mice and demonstrated an impairment in insulin-induced lipid synthesis as compared to wild-type cell lines. In this study, we investigated the consequences of IRS-1 deficiency on mitogenesis in response to insulin. The lack of IRS-1 resulted in the inability of insulin-stimulated IRS-1-deficient brown adipocytes to increase DNA synthesis and enter into S/G2/M phases of the cell cycle. These cells showed a severe impairment in activating mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK1/2) and p42-p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) upon insulin stimulation. IRS-1-deficient cells also lacked tyrosine phosphorylation of SHC and showed no SHC-Grb-2 association in response to insulin. The mitogenic response to insulin could be partially restored by enhancing IRS-2 tyrosine phosphorylation and its association with Grb-2 by inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity through a feedback mechanism. Reconstitution of IRS-1-deficient brown adipocytes with wild-type IRS-1 restored insulin-induced IRS-1 and SHC tyrosine phosphorylation and IRS-1-Grb-2, IRS-1-SHC, and SHC-Grb-2 associations, leading to the activation of MAPK and enhancement of DNA synthesis. Reconstitution of IRS-1-deficient brown adipocytes with the IRS-1 mutant Tyr895Phe, which lacks IRS-1-Grb-2 binding, restored SHC-IRS-1 association and SHC-Grb-2 association. However, the lack of IRS-1-Grb-2 association impaired MAPK activation and DNA synthesis in insulin-stimulated mutant cells. These data provide strong evidence for an essential role of IRS-1 and its direct association with Grb-2 in the insulin signaling pathway leading to MAPK activation and mitogenesis in brown adipocytes.

Okadaic acid inhibits insulin-induced glucose transport in fetal brown adipocytes in an Akt-independent and protein kinase C zeta-dependent manner.

In the present study we have investigated the effect of increased serine/threonine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrates-1 and -2 (IRS-1 and IRS-2) by okadaic acid pretreatment on brown adipocyte insulin signalling leading to glucose transport, an important metabolic effect of insulin in brown adipose tissue. Okadaic acid pretreatment before insulin stimulation decreased IRS-1 and IRS-2 tyrosine phosphorylation in parallel to a decrease in their sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis mobility. IRS-1/IRS-2-associated p85alpha and phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase enzymatic activity were partly reduced in brown adipocytes pretreated with okadaic acid upon stimulation with insulin. Furthermore, insulin-induced glucose uptake was totally abolished by the inhibitor in parallel with a total inhibition of insulin-induced protein kinase C (PKC) zeta activity. However, activation of Akt/PKB or p70 S6 kinase (p70(s6k)) by insulin remained unaltered. Our results suggest that downstream of PI 3-kinase, insulin signalling diverges into at least two independent pathways through Akt/PKB and PKC zeta, the PKC zeta pathway contributing to glucose transport induced by insulin in fetal brown adipocytes.

Constitutive and regulated secretion of epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta1 in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line in 11-day cultures.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor type beta1 (TGF-beta1) exert opposite effects in most cells. A potential regulation between the two factors has been studied at a transcriptional level, but never at a protein level. MDA-MB-231 is a breast carcinoma cell line which possesses large quantities of membrane receptors and expresses high activities for both factors. In this study, conditioned mediums (CM) of 11-day cultures of these cells were collected to measure EGF and TGF-beta1 by immunochemical assays. Four types of cultures were tested: (1) controls; (2) after treatment with 17-beta-estradiol; (3) treated with EGF; and (4) treated with TGF-beta1. These cells secreted constitutively quantifiable concentrations of both factors to the CM. EGF treatment inhibited TGF-beta1 levels in CM throughout the study period (P = 0.002), while EGF levels diminished after TGF-beta1 treatment (P = 0.05). This finding suggests a dual regulation between EGF and TGF-beta1, at a protein level, in this cell line.

[Why is it preferable to use air in the radiological reduction of intestinal intussusception?]. / Por qué es preferible usar aire en la reducción radiológica de la invaginación intestinal?

OBJECTIVE: We present our experience describing the radiological findings in the treatment of intestinal intussusception. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of the clinical and ultrasound findings and their treatment in 131 intussusceptions diagnosed in 126 patients was performed. RESULTS: In 102 cases, the pneumatic intussusception reduction under radiological control was possible. Twenty-nine patients underwent surgery and amongst these the pathological changes in the intestinal wall indicated resection in 9. CONCLUSIONS: The pneumatic intussusception reduction under fluoroscopic monitoring is now more accepted than hydrostatic reduction with barium. With the proper equipment and experienced staff, this is the most promising method in the management of intestinal intussusception during infancy.

Secretion and dual regulation between epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta1 in MDA-MB-231 cell line in 42-hour-long cultures.

MDA-MB-231 is a breast cancer cell line which possesses large quantities of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors and specific high-affinity transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) receptors. We have established that these cells secrete constitutively measurable levels of EGF and TGF-beta1 in conditioned medium. The constitutive secretion of EGF decreased over time in culture (42 h), while the constitutive secretion of TGF-beta1 remained constant. TGF-beta1 secretion in EGF-treated cells was lower than in controls (P < 0.0001), but EGF concentrations were not modified after TGF-beta1 supplement. We postulate that in MDA-MB-231 cell line there is a dual regulation between both growth factors.

[HIV infection in the alternative centers for voluntary detection of anti-HIV antibodies in Cataluna, Spain (1995-1996). VIHDEVO collaborative group]. / Infección por el VIH en los centros alternativos para la detección voluntaria de los anticuerpos anti-VIH en Cataluña (1995-1996). colaborador VIHDEVO.

OBJECTIVE: The knowledge of HIV serostatus may help the treatment and follow up of those infected people, and change the risky behaviours in those not infected. Epidemiological information from people tested can better address the activities of control and prevention of HIV infection. DESIGN: Collection of demographic and epidemiological information. PARTICIPANTS: People voluntary tested in four alternative test settings in Catalonia. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 1,733 petitions of voluntary testing, 63 (3.7%) were HIV positive. Overall prevalence in men were two fold than in women (4.6% vs 2.3%). In both years of study, the mean age for women HIV positive were higher than the mean age for women with aids. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirm the age and sex pattern found for the HIV infection in other sentinel populations in Catalonia. Some measures should be taken in order to increase the accessibility of young women to the test.

Growth of MDA-MB-231 cell line: different effects of TGF-beta(1), EGF and estradiol depending on the length of exposure.

The human cell line MDA-MB-231 is a prototype for the study of hormone-independent breast cancer. Modification of cell growth behaviour has been observed after treating these cells with growth factors. EGF is a typical stimulatory growth factor for many cell types, whereas transforming growth factor beta(1)(TGF-beta(1)) acts with inhibitory character. Here we observed cell growth inhibition after EGF as well as after TGF-beta(1)treatments. Nevertheless, in the 42-h experiments, EGF-treated cultures grew before (18 hours) respect to the TGF-beta(1)and E(2)-treated cultures (24 h), and in the 11-day experiments, EGF-treated cultures started growing (7 days) after TGF-beta(1)-treated cultures (5 days). Estradiol inhibited the proliferation of these cells only after several days of treatment.

Electrocardiogram trace paradoxically filtered by activation of an electrosurgical unit.

Interference in the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal in an operating room environment is common. Interference from a variety of sources, including electrosurgical units and blood warmers, have been reported. We report the occurrence of an ECG signal that was cleared of interference whenever the electrosurgical unit (ESU) was activated.