The art of modeling gene regulatory circuits.

The amazing complexity of gene regulatory circuits, and biological systems in general, makes mathematical modeling an essential tool to frame and develop our understanding of their properties. Here, we present some fundamental considerations to develop and analyze a model of a gene regulatory circuit of interest, either representing a natural, synthetic, or theoretical system. A mathematical model allows us to effectively evaluate the logical implications of our hypotheses. Using our models to systematically perform in silico experiments, we can then propose specific follow-up assessments of the biological system as well as to reformulate the original assumptions, enriching both our knowledge and our understanding of the system. We want to invite the community working on different aspects of gene regulatory circuits to explore the power and benefits of mathematical modeling in their system.

Germline-mediated immunoediting sculpts breast cancer subtypes and metastatic proclivity.

Tumors with the same diagnosis can have different molecular profiles and response to treatment. It remains unclear when and why these differences arise. Somatic genomic aberrations occur within the context of a highly variable germline genome. Interrogating 5870 breast cancer lesions, we demonstrated that germline-derived epitopes in recurrently amplified genes influence somatic evolution by mediating immunoediting. Individuals with a high germline-epitope burden in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/ERBB2) are less likely to develop HER2-positive breast cancer compared with other subtypes. The same holds true for recurrent amplicons defining three aggressive estrogen receptor (ER)-positive subgroups. Tumors that overcome such immune-mediated negative selection are more aggressive and demonstrate an "immune cold" phenotype. These data show that the germline genome plays a role in dictating somatic evolution.

Genomically matched therapy in refractory colorectal cancer according to ESMO Scale for Clinical Actionability of Molecular Targets: experience of a comprehensive cancer centre network.

Efficiency of expanded genomic profiling (EGP) programmes in terms of final inclusion of patients in genomically matched therapies is still unknown. Fit patients with advanced and refractory colorectal cancer (CRC) were selected for an EGP programme. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumour samples was performed. The purpose was to describe the prevalence of genomic alterations defined by the ESMO Scale for Clinical Actionability of Molecular Targets (ESCAT), as well as the percentage of patients finally included in genomically guided clinical trials. In total, 187 patients were recruited. Mutational profile was obtained in 177 patients (10 patients were failure due to insufficient tumour sample), copy number alterations in 41 patients and fusions in 31 patients. ESCAT-defined alterations were detected in 28.8% of the intention-to-analyse population. BRAF V600E was clustered in ESCAT I, with a prevalence of 3.7%, KRAS G12C and ERBB2 amplification were clustered in ESCAT II, whose prevalence was 4.2% and 1.6%, respectively. Most alterations were classified in ESCAT III (mutations in ERBB2, PIK3CA or FGFR genes and MET amplification) and IV (mutations in BRAF non-V600E, ERBB3, FBXW7, NOTCH, RNF43), with a single prevalence under 5%, except for PIK3CA mutation (9%). The final rate of inclusion into genomically guided clinical trials was 2.7%, including therapies targeting BRAF V600E or RNF43 mutations in two patients each, and ERBB2 mutation in one patient. In conclusion, EGP programmes in patients with advanced CRC are feasible and identify a subset of patients with potentially druggable genomic alterations. However, further efforts must be made to increase the rate of patients treated with genomically guided therapies.

Linking protein structural and functional change to mutation using amino acid networks.

The function of a protein is strongly dependent on its structure. During evolution, proteins acquire new functions through mutations in the amino-acid sequence. Given the advance in deep mutational scanning, recent findings have found functional change to be position dependent, notwithstanding the chemical properties of mutant and mutated amino acids. This could indicate that structural properties of a given position are potentially responsible for the functional relevance of a mutation. Here, we looked at the relation between structure and function of positions using five proteins with experimental data of functional change available. In order to measure structural change, we modeled mutated proteins via amino-acid networks and quantified the perturbation of each mutation. We found that structural change is position dependent, and strongly related to functional change. Strong changes in protein structure correlate with functional loss, and positions with functional gain due to mutations tend to be structurally robust. Finally, we constructed a computational method to predict functionally sensitive positions to mutations using structural change that performs well on all five proteins with a mean precision of 74.7% and recall of 69.3% of all functional positions.

New advances in the clinical management of RAS and BRAF mutant colorectal cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION: In colorectal carcinogenesis, genetic alterations in RAS and BRAF oncogenes play an important role for cancer initiation and/or progression and represent a key focus in the search for targeted therapies. Despite many years of research and a great amount of studies, until very recently this pathway was considered extremely hard to downregulate to obtain a significant clinical impact in colorectal cancer patients. But better times are coming with the advent of new promising drugs and combinations strategies. AREAS COVERED: In this review, we go over the biological characteristics of the MAPK pathway in colorectal tumors, while illustrating the clinical correlation of RAS and BRAF mutations, particularly its prognostic and predictive value. We also present newly data about recent improvements in the treatment strategy for patients harboring these types of tumors. EXPERT COMMENTARY: With great advances in the knowledge of molecular basis of RAS and BRAF mutant colorectal cancer in conjunction with biotechnology development and the constant effort for improvement, in the near future many new therapeutic options would be available for the management of this group of patient with dismal prognosis.

Investigating the concordance in molecular subtypes of primary colorectal tumors and their matched synchronous liver metastasis.

To date, no systematic analyses are available assessing concordance of molecular classifications between primary tumors (PT) and matched liver metastases (LM) of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We investigated concordance between PT and LM for four clinically relevant CRC gene signatures. Twenty-seven fresh and 55 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded pairs of PT and synchronous LM of untreated mCRC patients were retrospectively collected and classified according to the MSI-like, BRAF-like, TGFB activated-like and the Consensus Molecular Subtypes (CMS) classification. We investigated classification concordance between PT and LM and association of TGFBa-like and CMS classification with overall survival. Fifty-one successfully profiled matched pairs were used for analyses. PT and matched LM were highly concordant in terms of BRAF-like and MSI-like signatures, (90.2% and 98% concordance, respectively). In contrast, 40% to 70% of PT that were classified as mesenchymal-like, based on the CMS and the TGFBa-like signature, respectively, lost this phenotype in their matched LM (60.8% and 76.5% concordance, respectively). This molecular switch was independent of the microenvironment composition. In addition, the significant change in subtypes was observed also by using methods developed to detect cancer cell-intrinsic subtypes. More importantly, the molecular switch did not influence the survival. PT classified as mesenchymal had worse survival as compared to nonmesenchymal PT (CMS4 vs CMS2, hazard ratio [HR] = 5.2, 95% CI = 1.5-18.5, P = .0048; TGFBa-like vs TGFBi-like, HR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.1-5.6, P = .028). The same was not true for LM. Our study highlights that the origin of the tissue may have major consequences for precision medicine in mCRC.

The McCAVE Trial: Vanucizumab plus mFOLFOX-6 Versus Bevacizumab plus mFOLFOX-6 in Patients with Previously Untreated Metastatic Colorectal Carcinoma (mCRC).

BACKGROUND: Bevacizumab, a VEGF-A inhibitor, in combination with chemotherapy, has proven to increase progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival in multiple lines of therapy of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The angiogenic factor angiopoetin-2 (Ang-2) is associated with poor prognosis in many cancers, including mCRC. Preclinical models demonstrate improved activity when inhibiting both VEGF-A and Ang-2, suggesting that the dual VEGF-A and Ang-2 blocker vanucizumab (RO5520985 or RG-7221) may improve clinical outcomes. This phase II trial evaluated the efficacy of vanucizumab plus modified (m)FOLFOX-6 (folinic acid (leucovorin), fluorouracil (5-FU) and oxaliplatin) versus bevacizumab/mFOLFOX-6 for first-line mCRC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients received mFOLFOX-6 and were randomized 1:1 to also receive vanucizumab 2,000 mg or bevacizumab 5 mg/kg every other week. Oxaliplatin was given for eight cycles; other agents were continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity for a maximum of 24 months. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed PFS. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-nine patients were randomized (vanucizumab, n = 94; bevacizumab, n = 95). The number of PFS events was comparable (vanucizumab, n = 39; bevacizumab, n = 43). The hazard ratio was 1.00 (95% confidence interval, 0.64-1.58; p = .98) in a stratified analysis based on number of metastatic sites and region. Objective response rate was 52.1% and 57.9% in the vanucizumab and bevacizumab arm, respectively. Baseline plasma Ang-2 levels were prognostic in both arms but not predictive for treatment effects on PFS of vanucizumab. The incidence of adverse events of grade ≥3 was similar between treatment arms (83.9% vs. 82.1%); gastrointestinal perforations (10.8% vs. 8.4%) exceeded previously reported rates in this setting. Hypertension and peripheral edema were more frequent in the vanucizumab arm. CONCLUSION: Vanucizumab/mFOLFOX-6 did not improve PFS and was associated with increased rates of antiangiogenic toxicity compared with bevacizumab/mFOLFOX-6. Our results suggest that Ang-2 is not a relevant therapeutic target in first-line mCRC. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This randomized phase II study demonstrates that additional angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) inhibition does not result in superior benefit over anti-VEGF-A blockade alone when each added to standard chemotherapy. Moreover, the performed pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis revealed that vanucizumab was bioavailable and affected its intended target, thereby strongly suggesting that Ang-2 is not a relevant therapeutic target in the clinical setting of treatment-naïve metastatic colorectal cancer. As a result, the further clinical development of the dual VEGF-A and Ang-2 inhibitor vanucizumab was discontinued.

Metabolic syndrome and the composition of urinary calculi: is there any relation?

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiologic studies demonstrate that obesity and diabetes increase the prevalence of urinary lithiasis. Most of these studies did not stratify the chemical composition of calculi and the physiological mechanisms responsible for this increased risk are not well understood. This study aims to investigate the relation between the metabolic syndrome and the composition of the urinary calculi. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational and retrospective study of all urinary calculi analysis performed at the Centro Hospitalar do Tâmega e Sousa, Portugal - from January 2009 to September 2015. Calculi were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS: 302 analyses of urinary calculi were identified. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 20.5% of patients. A total of 7 different mineral compounds were identified: 51.6% (N = 156) contained calcium oxalate, 41% (N = 124) calcium phosphate, 37.7% (N = 114) uric acid, 22.1% (N = 67) ammonium urate, 9.6% (N = 29) ammonium magnesium phosphate, 6.3% (N = 19) sodium urate and 1.3% (N = 4) contained cystine. Patients with metabolic syndrome presented a higher proportion of uric acid calculi (66.1% vs. 0%, p <0.001) and ammonium urate calculi (38.7% vs. 17%, p = 0.001). Patients without metabolic syndrome had a higher proportion of calcium oxalate calculi (58.8% vs. 24.2%, p <0.001) and calcium phosphate (46.7% vs. 19.4%, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There is a statistically significant relation between metabolic syndrome and uric acid and ammonium urate calculi. Metabolic syndrome may be considered risk factor for this calculi and the diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome must be considered for urolithiasis prevention. Further studies are needed to better the understanding of physiological mechanisms underlying this relationship to improve our strategy of prevention of urinary lithiasis.

Prostatic nephrogenic adenoma. Case report.

OBJECTIVE: We present a case of prostatic urethra nephrogenic adenoma as an incidental finding following transurethral resection of the prostate. METHOD/RESULT: It is an incidental diagnosis of nephrogenic adenoma of prostatic urethra in a 50-year-old male operated for benign prostatic hyperplasia by means of transurethral resection. CONCLUSIONS: Nephrogenic adenoma is an infrequent and benign lesion of the urinary tract, associated with a previous history of trauma or irritation on the urothelium. Predisposing factors include infections, calculi, surgery, trauma and kidney transplantation.

Adenoma nefrogénico de localización prostática. Aportación de un caso / Prostatic nephrogenic adenoma. Case report

OBJETIVO: Presentamos el caso de un adenoma nefrogénico de uretra prostática como hallazgo incidental tras una resección trasuretral de próstata.MÉTODO/RESULTADO: Se trata del diagnóstico incidental de adenoma nefrogénico de uretra prostática en varón de 50 años intervenido de hiperplasia benigna prostática mediante resección trasuretral.CONCLUSIONES: El adenoma nefrogénico es una lesión benigna del tracto urinario, infrecuente, asociado con una historia previa de traumatismo o irritación sobre el urotelio. Los factores predisponentes incluyen las infecciones, cálculos, cirugía, traumatismos y el trasplante renal(AU)

OBJECTIVE: We present a case of prostatic urethra nephrogenic adenoma as an incidental finding following transurethral resection of the prostate.METHOD/RESULT: It is an incidental diagnosis of nephrogenic adenoma of prostatic urethra in a 50-year-old male operated for benign prostatic hyperplasia by means of transurethral resection.CONCLUSIONS: Nephrogenic adenoma is an infrequent and benign lesion of the urinary tract, associated with a previous history of trauma or irritation on the urothelium. Predisposing factors include infections, calculi, surgery, trauma and kidney transplantation(AU)

[Hematuria of papillary or medullar origin: a difficult diagnosis entity]. / Hematuria de origen papilar o medular: entidad de difícil diagnóstico.

OBJECTIVES: Renal haemangiomas of renal papillary or medullar origin are a difficult diagnosis entity, being one of the most frequent processes of chronic episodes of hematuria, secondary to benign disease, mainly in young patients. The objective of this paper is to show the difficulty of this diagnosis and the need to suspect it in cases with clinical history similar to the ones described in these cases. METHODS: We report 4 cases of spontaneous hematuria of renal origin, with clinical presentation as renal colic, from the historical case series of the Fundacion Jimenez Díaz-Capio, the last two from the years 2005-6. We present the diagnostic and therapeutic methodology employed, including angio-CT and flexible ureterorenoscopy (URS) as well as various treatment options. RESULTS: Hematuria was identified as "essential" when any relation with tumor or lithiasic pathologies was ruled out, and of renal origin when the source was clearly pointed. We interpreted it was related to angiomas or microangiomas of papillary or medullar origin. In one case, the vascular malformation was interpreted as an arterial venous fistula (AVF) at that level. Hematuria stopped spontaneously in two cases after exploratory URS. The eldest historical case required surgical expiration of the caliceal structures. CONCLUSION: Years ago, following the professional development of Urology as speciality, conventional surgery was carried out in all these cases, of very difficult diagnosis, with a very small number of cases undergoing a conservative approach based on the examination of renal cavities trying to observe and find the bleeding point. Most cases underwent complete or partial nephrectomy. Currently, the possibility of exploration of all renal cavities with the flexible ureterorenoscope enables a better diagnosis of the lesions and a more conservative treatment. The ultimate diagnosis of renal papillary angioma is the pathologic diagnosis, without pathognomonic data in the imaging tests. This pathology is thought of at the end of the diagnostic workup, and when the papillary area is identified as the source of bleeding. The historical case series, with the pathologic findings from nephrectomy specimens, permits us to point out this entity as papillary angioma, in patients with similar clinical presentation.

Hematuria de origen papilar o medular: entidad de díficil diagnóstico / Hematuria of papillary or medullar origin: a difficult diagnosis entity

Objetivo: Los hemangiomas renales de origen papilar o medular renal, es una entidad de difícil diagnóstico, siendo una de las causas más frecuentes de episodios crónicos de hematuria, por patología benigna, fundamentalmente en pacientes jóvenes (1). El objetivo de esta presentación es mostrar la dificultad de este diagnóstico y la necesidad de sospecharlo en cuadros con historia similar a la que expresan estos casos. Métodos: Se presentan 4 casos de hematuria espontánea de origen renal, con expresión clínica de dolor cólico, de la serie histórica del Servicio de Urología de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Capio, los dos últimos del año 2005-6. Se presenta la metodología diagnóstica y terapéutica realizada, incluidos los estudios de angioTAC y la URS (ureterorenoscopia flexible), asi como diversas opciones de tratamiento. Resultado: La hematuria se identificó como “esencial” al descartar la relación responsable con patología tumoral o litiásica, y de origen renal al señalar claramente su origen. Se interpretó relacionada con angiomas o microangiomas de origen papilar o medular. En un caso la malformación vascular fue interpretada como FAV (fístula arteriovenosa) a ese nivel. Tras la URS exploradora, la hematuria cedió espontáneamente en dos casos. El caso histórico más antiguo requirió la exploración quirúrgica de las estructuras calicilares. Conclusión: Hace años y siguiendo el desarrollo profesional de la Especialidad de Urología, todos estos casos, de gran dificultad diagnóstica, eran sometidos a cirugía convencional, en muy pocas ocasiones con actitud conservadora, basada ésta en la exploración de las cavidades renales, intentando observar y encontrar el lugar del sangrado activo. La mayoría de los casos eran sometidos finalmente a Nefrectomía total o parcial. La posibilidad actual, de poder explorar las cavidades renales en su totalidad con el ureterorenoscopio flexible, permite un mejor diagnóstico de las lesiones y un tratamiento más conservador. El diagnóstico último de angioma renal papilar es anatomo-patológico, sin existir datos patogneumónicos de diagnóstico por la imagen Se piensa en esta patología, al final del proceso diagnóstico, y al identificar la zona papilar como origen del sangrado. La serie histórica de casos clinicos, con los hallazgos anatomo-patológicos de las nefrectomías realizadas, permite señalar la entidad, como angioma papilar, en pacientes con clínica similar (AU)

Objectives: Renal haemangiomas of renal papillary or medullar origin are a difficult diagnosis entity, being one of the most frequent processes of chronic episodes of hematuria, secondary to benign disease, mainly in young patients (1). The objective of this paper is to show the difficulty of this diagnosis and the need to suspect it in cases with clinical history similar to the ones described in these cases. Methods: We report 4 cases of spontaneous hematuria of renal origin, with clinical presentation as renal colic, from the historical case series of the Fundacion Jimenez Díaz - Capio, the last two from the years 2005-6. We present the diagnostic and therapeutic methodology employed, including angio-CT and flexible ureterorenoscopy (URS) as well as various treatment options. Results: Hematuria was identified as “essential” when any relation with tumor or lithiasic pathologies was ruled out, and of renal origin when the source was clearly pointed. We interpreted it was related to angiomas or microangiomas of papillary or medullar origin. In one case, the vascular malformation was interpreted as an arterial venous fistula (AVF) at that level. Hematuria stopped spontaneously in two cases after exploratory URS. The eldest historical case required surgical expiration of the caliceal structures. Conclusion: Years ago, following the professional development of Urology as speciality, conventional surgery was carried out in all these cases, of very difficult diagnosis, with a very small number of cases undergoing a conservative approach based on the examination of renal cavities trying to observe and find the bleeding point. Most cases underwent complete or partial nephrectomy. Currently, the possibility of exploration of all renal cavities with the flexible ureterorenoscope enables a better diagnosis of the lesions and a more conservative treatment. The ultimate diagnosis of renal papillary angioma is the pathologic diagnosis, without pathognomonic data in the imaging tests. This pathology is thought of at the end of the diagnostic workup, and when the papillary area is identified as the source of bleeding. The historical case series, with the pathologic findings from nephrectomy specimens, permits us to point out this entity as papillary angioma, in patients with similar clinical presentation (AU)

[Infections of the urinary tract caused by permanent catheterization. Natural history, infective mechanisms and prevention strategies. An overall review based on our clinical experience and research]. / Infecciones del aparato urinario motivadas por la sonda permanente. Historia natural, mecanismos infectivos y estrategias de prevención. Una revisión de conjunto basada en nuestra experiencia clínica e investigaciones.

Permanent drainage of the urinary tract by catheters or tubes causes bacteriuria. The potential harmful effects of the indwelling catheter's bacteriuria are related to: time since the insertion of the catheter; location of the catheter (urethra, bladder, kidney); catheter composition (latex, silicone, etc.); type of ineffective bacteria and specific pathogenic mechanisms; health status of the urinary tract being drained (prior radiation therapy, tumors, etc.); patient's health status (diabetes, immunodeficiency) and mobility; incidents and manipulations of the catheter, such as obstruction, irrigation, or retrieval. The evaluation of all mentioned factors enables strategies for prevention of septic episodes in relation with indwelling catheters, strategies that can be individualized for greater efficiency. Despite these preventive measures, infections secondary to the indwelling catheter may cause extremely severe septic episodes. Today, the indwelling catheter bacteriuria constitutes the greater source of nosocomial infection and its prevention and treatment a health care action of the highest importance. The study of mechanisms implied in the formation of biofilms, their pathogenic potential and preventive measures have been an attractive field of clinical and experimental research over the last years. The objective of this review is to make a synthesis of the works performed by our group.

Infecciones del aparato urinario motivadas por la sonda permanente. Historia Natural, mecanismos infectivos y estrategias de prevención. Una revisión de conjunto basada en nuestra experiencia clínica e investigaciones / No disponible

El drenaje permanente, externo, del aparato urinario, mediante sondas y tubos, causa bacteriuria. Los potenciales efectos nocivos de la bacteriuria de la sonda permanente están relacionados con; tiempo de permanencia de la sonda; localización del catéter o sonda (uretra, vejiga, riñón); material que compone el catéter (látex, silicona, etc.); tipo de bacteria infectante y sus mecanismos patogénicos específicos; estado de salud del aparato urinario drenado (radiaciones previas, tumores, etc.); estado de salud del paciente portador de la sonda (diabetes, inmunodeficiencia) y motilidad del mismo; incidentes y manipulaciones de la sonda, tales como, obstrucciones, lavados o retirada de la misma. La valoración de todos los factores enumerados permite estrategias de prevención de los episodios sépticos relacionados con la sonda permanente, estrategias que pueden ser individualizadas para una mayor eficiencia. A pesar de estas medidas preventivas la infección motivada por la sonda permanente puede ocasionar episodios sépticos de extremada gravedad. La bacteriuria de la sonda permanente constituye hoy en día la mayor fuente de infección nosocomial y su prevención y tratamiento, una acción sanitaria de máxima importancia. El estudio de los mecanismos implicados en la formación de biofilms, su potencial patogénico y las estrategias preventivas han supuesto un atractivo campo de investigación clínica y experimental en los últimos años. Una síntesis de los trabajos realizados por nuestro grupo es el motivo de está revisión

Permanent drainage of the urinary tract by catheters or tubes causes bacteriuria. The potential harmful effects of the indwelling catheter`s bacteriuria are related to: time since the insertion of the catheter; location of the catheter (urethra, bladder, kidney); catheter composition (latex, silicone, etc.); type of ineffective bacteria and specific pathogenic mechanisms; health status of the urinary tract being drained (prior radiation therapy, tumors, etc.); patient`s health status (diabetes, immunodeficiency) and mobility; incidents and manipulations of the catheter, such as obstruction, irrigation, or retrieval. The evaluation of all mentioned factors enables strategies for prevention of septic episodes in relation with indwelling catheters, strategies that can be individualized for greater efficiency. Despite these preventive measures, infections secondary to the indwelling catheter may cause extremely severe septic episodes. Today, the indwelling catheter bacteriuria constitutes the greater source of nosocomial infection and its prevention and treatment a health care action of the highest importance. The study of mechanisms implied in the formation of biofilms, their pathogenic potential and preventive measures have been an attractive field of clinical and experimental research over the last years. The objective of this review is to make a synthesis of the works performed by our group

La importancia de una buena traducción / Process of cross-cultural adaptation of the Spanish version of the Reynolds W. empathy survey

Adaptación transcultural de la escala de empatía de Reynolds W. con el método de traducción-retrotraducción complementado con metodología cualitativa (análisis cualitativo fenomenológico). La escala original fue traducida al castellano de forma independiente por dos personas bilingües de origen español con experiencia en literatura científica del ámbito sanitario. A continuación se realizó la retrotraducción al inglés por dos Diplomados en Enfermería bilingües de origen español trabajando en Londres una de ellos. Se realizó una encuesta piloto a 49 enfermeras con dos preguntas abiertas para valorar la comprensión y equivalencia del lenguaje utilizado en los ítems y la guía de usuario. Resultados: Después de generada la primera versión en castellano de la escala realizamos un encuentro con el autor evaluando los ítems de las dos retrotraducciones al inglés con modificaciones en los ítems 3, 6, 7 y 9. En el análisis cualitativo los encuestados consideraron que los ejemplos presentados en la guía de usuario les habían facilitado la comprensión de los ítems y que el lenguaje utilizado lo consideraban como propio (AU)

[Process of cross-cultural adaptation of the Spanish version of the Reynolds W. empathy survey]. / La importancia de una buena traducción. Adaptación al Español de la encuesta de empatía de Reynolds W.

OBJECTIVE: Cross-cultural adaptation of the empathy scale by Reynolds W. METHODOLOGY: the method used was that of "translation and translation back" complemented by qualitative methodology (phenomenological qualitative analysis). Two independent bilingual translators of Spanish origin, who had experience in scientific literature about the sanitary field, translated the original scale into Spanish. Next, two Qualified Registered Nurses, who are also Spanish, bilingual, and one of them is living in London at present, translated it into English. A pilot poll was carried out with 49 nurses. It had two open questions so that we could assess the understanding and equivalence of the language used in the items and in the users' guide. RESULTS: After having elaborated the first Spanish version of the scale, we had a meeting with the author in order to check the items of the two translations into English and we modified items 3, 6, 7 and 9. In the qualitative analysis, the interviewees considered that the examples given in the users' guide had made easier the understanding of the items and the language used was appropriate. CONCLUSION: We have obtained the first Spanish adapted version of the Reynolds W. empathy scale. It will need a subsequent evaluation of its validity and reliability

[Integrating the nursing role in our daily practice]. / Integrar el rol de enfermería en nuestra práctica diaria.

This articles concerns a study which combines quantitative and qualitative methods. Based on a nursing team method, a process to unify knowledge with nursing terms was initiated. A transversal study identifying the care needs of patients checked into the hospital from January 2000 to May 2000 diagnosed with pancreatitis has been carried out. Using M. Gordon's functional patterns, an evaluation of nurses has taken place. It is necessary to use a nurse's attention process having a scientific focus directed at solving problems which offers a conceptual frame for nurses' organization, planning and follow through.

Integrar el Rol de Enfermería en nuestra práctica diaria / To integrate the Role of Nurses in our daily practice

Se trata de un estudio que combina métodos cuantitativos y cualitativos. Desde el método el equipo de enfermería inicia un proceso de unificación de conocimientos y lenguaje enfermero. Se ha realizado un estudio transversal identificando necesidades de cuidados a los pacientes ingresados desde el 01-2000 al 05-2000 con diagnóstico de pancreatitis. Se ha realizado una valoración enfermera por patrones funcionales de M. Gordon. Es necesario utilizar un proceso de atención enfermero con enfoque científico dirigido a la solución de problemas que ofrezca un marco conceptual para la organización, planificación y actuación de enfermería. (AU)