The development and maintenance of the zones of the adrenal cortex and their steroidal output are extremely important in the control of gluconeogenesis, the stress response, and blood volume. Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is expressed in the adrenal cortex and signals to capsular cells, which can respond by migrating into the cortex and converting into a steroidogenic phenotype. Delta-like homologue 1 (Dlk1), a member of the Notch/Delta/Serrate family of epidermal growth factor-like repeat-containing proteins, has a well-established role in inhibiting adipocyte differentiation. We demonstrate that Shh and Dlk1 are coexpressed in the outer undifferentiated zone of the male rat adrenal and that Dlk1 signals to the adrenal capsule, activating glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 transcription in a β1 integrin- and Erk1/2-dependent fashion. Moreover, Shh and Dlk1 expression inversely correlates with the size of the zona glomerulosa in rats after manipulation of the renin-angiotensin system, suggesting a role in the homeostatic maintenance of the gland.

Objective: To assess the value of non-contrast MRI features for characterisation of uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) and differentiation from atypical benign leiomyomas Methods: This study included 57 atypical leiomyomas and 16 LMS which were referred preoperatively for management review to the specialist gynae-oncology multidisciplinary team meeting. Non-contrast MRIs were retrospectively reviewed by five independent readers (three senior, two junior) and a five-level Likert score (1-low/5-high) was assigned to each mass for likelihood of LMS. Evaluation of qualitative and quantitative MRI features was done using uni- and multi variable regression analysis. Inter reader reliability for the assessment of MRI features was calculated by using Cohen’s κ values. Results: In the univariate analysis, interruption of the endometrial interface and irregular tumour shape had the highest Odds ratios (OR) (64.00, p < 0.001 and 12.00, p = 0.002, respectively) for prediction of LMS. Likert score of the mass was significant in prediction (OR, 3.14; p < 0.001) with excellent reliability between readers (ICC 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76–0.92). The post-menopausal status, interruption of endometrial interface and thickened endometrial stripe were the most predictive independent variables in multivariable estimation of the risk of leiomyosarcoma with an accuracy of 0.88 (95%CI, 0.78–0.94). Conclusion: At any level of expertise as a radiologist reader, the loss of the normal endometrial stripe (either thickened or not seen) in a post-menopausal patient with a myometrial mass was highly likely to be LMS. Advances in knowledge: This study demonstrates the potential utility of non-contrast MRI features in characterisation of LMS over atypical leiomyomas and therefore influence on optimal management of these cases.

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ObjectivesStatins are a well-known primary and secondary prevention drug for cardiovascular disease and NICE guidelines have been issued to identify key indicators for their use. An audit looking into statin prescribing for medical inpatients was carried out in two geographically distinct London hospitals.DesignA prospective inpatient audit of medical prescription charts was performed. Blood results were reviewed for the inpatients during their admission to identify any contraindications for statin usage (rhabdomyolysis). The medical notes were also reviewed for patient refusal of statin therapy.SettingThe study was carried out at two distinct hospitals in London. Whipps Cross University Hospital (WCUH) and Chelsea & Westminster Hospital (CWH) are located in East London and West London, respectively. Acute medical, surgical, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatric and palliative wards were excluded.ParticipantsA total of 309 inpatient medical notes and prescription chart data were collected from WCUH (n = 211) and CWH (n = 98).Main outcome measuresHigh percentage of hospitalized patients are not prescribed statins despite clear clinical indications for their use. Regardless of geographical and socioeconomic factors between hospitals, statin prescribing remains suboptimal.ResultsThe patient demographics in both hospitals were very similar; the mean age at WCUH was 78 ± 15 1SD while at CWH the mean age was 74 ± 15 1SD. The results showed that approximately one-third of patients (30% at WCUH and 33% at CWH) had at least one indication for statin therapy according to NICE guidelines and yet they were not prescribed a statin. Ten percent of patients at WCUH and 13% of patients at CWH had ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and yet were not prescribed statins.ConclusionStatin prescription is often overlooked in secondary care with patients being discharged without the appropriate assessment (NICE guidelines), which subsequently means repeat prescriptions are not provided by the GP. This study is the first to show that this problem is not due to resources or geography, but is inherent within the NHS system. Consequently, a revised prescription chart checking system has been suggested for pharmacists and junior doctors.