Spanish-language cognitive screening tests: a critical review.

INTRODUCTION: Dementia is a chronic, degenerative disease with a strong impact on families and health systems. The instruments currently in use for measuring cognitive impairment have different psychometric characteristics in terms of application time, cut-off point, reliability, and validity. The objective of this review is to describe the characteristics of the validated, Spanish-language versions of the Mini-Cog, Clock-Drawing Test, and Mini-Mental State Examination scales for cognitive impairment screening. DEVELOPMENT: We performed a three-stage literature search of articles published on Medline since 1953. We selected articles on validated, Spanish-language versions of the scales that included data on reliability, validity, sensitivity, and specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The 3 screening tools assessed in this article provide support for primary care professionals. Timely identification of mild cognitive impairment and dementia is crucial for the prognosis of these patients.

Escalas de tamizaje cognitivo en habla hispana: una revisión crítica / Spanish-language screening scales: A critical review

Introducción: La demencia es una enfermedad crónica degenerativa de alto impacto para las familias y los sistemas de salud. Los instrumentos de medición del deterioro cognitivo que se utilizan actualmente tienen características psicométricas diferentes en cuanto a tiempo de aplicación, punto de corte, confiabilidad y validez. El objetivo de la presente revisión fue describir las características de las escalas Mini Cog, Prueba del reloj y Mini- Mental para tamizaje de deterioro cognitivo validadas al idioma español. Desarrollo: La búsqueda bibliográfica se realizó en 3 etapas mediante la base de datos Medline a partir del año 1953. Se realizó una selección de publicaciones validadas al español que incluyeran la confiabilidad, validez, sensibilidad y especificidad de las escalas. Conclusiones: Las 3 herramientas de tamizaje descritas en este artículo proporcionan un apoyo para el personal de salud. La detección oportuna es crucial para el pronóstico de las personas que viven con deterioro cognitivo leve o demencia. (AU)

Introduction: Dementia is a chronic, degenerative disease with a strong impact on families and health systems. The instruments currently in use for measuring cognitive impairment have different psychometric characteristics in terms of application time, cut-off point, reliability, and validity. The objective of this review is to describe the characteristics of the validated, Spanish-language versions of the Mini-Cog, Clock-Drawing Test, and Mini–Mental State Examination scales for cognitive impairment screening. Development: We performed a three-stage literature search of articles published on Medline since 1953. We selected articles on validated, Spanish-language versions of the scales that included data on reliability, validity, sensitivity, and specificity. Conclusions: The 3 screening tools assessed in this article provide support for primary care professionals. Timely identification of mild cognitive impairment and dementia is crucial for the prognosis of these patients. (AU)

Composite Sulfonated Polyether-Ether Ketone Membranes with SBA-15 for Electrochemical Energy Systems.

The aim of this work is the evaluation of a Sulfonated Poly Ether-Ether Ketone (S-PEEK) polymer modified by the addition of pure Santa Barbara Amorphous-15 (SBA-15, mesoporous silica) and SBA-15 previously impregnated with phosphotungstic acid (PWA) fillers (PWA/SBA-15) in order to prepare composite membranes as an alternative to conventional Nafion® membranes. This component is intended to be used as an electrolyte in electrochemical energy systems such as hydrogen and methanol Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) and Electrochemical Hydrogen Pumping (EHP). The common requirements for all the applications are high proton conductivity, thermomechanical stability, and fuel and oxidant impermeability. The morphology of the composite membranes was investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy- Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis. Water Uptake (Wup), Ion Exchange Capacity (IEC), proton conductivity, methanol permeability and other physicochemical properties were evaluated. In PEMFC tests, the S-PEEK membrane with a 10 wt.% SBA-15 loading showed the highest performance. For EHP, the inclusion of inorganic materials led to a back-diffusion, limiting the compression capacity. Concerning methanol permeability, the lowest methanol crossover corresponded to the composites containing 5 wt.% and 10 wt.% SBA-15.

Quercetin repressed the stress response factor (sigB) and virulence genes (prfA, actA, inlA, and inlC), lower the adhesion, and biofilm development of L. monocytogenes.

The present study explored the effect of quercetin on the expression of virulence genes actA, inlA, inlC, and their regulatory components, sigB and prfA, in L. monocytogenes. Furthermore, the physicochemical changes on the surface, membrane permeability, and biofilm formation of quercetin-treated bacteria were evaluated. An inhibitory dose-dependent effect of quercetin (0.1-0.8 mM) was observed on the cell attachment on stainless steel at 2 and 6 h at 37 °C. Quercetin at 0.8 mM prevented the biofilm formation on stainless steel surfaces after 6 h of incubation at 37 °C, while the untreated bacteria formed biofilms with a cell density of 5.1 Log CFU/cm2. The microscopic analysis evidenced that quercetin at 0.2 mM decreased the biovolume and covered area of the attached micro-colonies. Also, sigB, prfA, inlA, inlC, and actA genes were downregulated by 7-29 times lower compared to untreated bacteria. In addition, quercetin decreased the superficial cell charge, increased the membrane permeability, and its surface hydrophobicity. These results demonstrated that quercetin prevented biofilm formation, repressed the genes of stress and virulence of L. monocytogenes and also altered the physicochemical cell properties.

Synergistic mode of action of catechin, vanillic and protocatechuic acids to inhibit the adhesion of uropathogenic Escherichia coli on silicone surfaces.

AIMS: To study the individual and combined contribution of catechin, protocatechuic and vanillic acids to inhibit the adhesion of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) on the surface of silicone catheters. METHODS AND RESULTS: The adhesion of UPEC to silicone catheters during the exposure to nonlethal concentrations of phenolic compounds was measured, as well as changes in motility, presence of fimbriae, extra-cellular polymeric substances, surface charge, hydrophobicity and membrane fluidity. The phenolic combination reduced 26-51% of motility, 1 log CFU per cm2 of adhered bacteria and 20-40% the carbohydrate and protein content in the biofilm matrix. Curli fimbriae, surface charge and cell hydrophobicity were affected to a greater extent by the phenolic combination. In the mixture, vanillic acid was the most effective for reducing bacterial adhesion, extra-polymeric substance production, motility, curli fimbriae and biofilm structure. Notwithstanding, protocatechuic acid caused major changes in the bacterial cell surface properties, whereas catechin affected the cell membrane functionality. CONCLUSION: Catechin, protocatechuic and vanillic acids have different bacterial cell targets, explaining the synergistic effect of their combination against uropathogenic E. coli. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: This study shows the contribution of catechin, protocatechuic and vanillic acids in producing a synergistic mixture against the adhesion of uropathogenic E. coli on silicone catheters. The action of catechin, vanillic and protocatechuic acids included specific contributions of each compound against the E. coli membrane's integrity, motility, surface properties and production of extracellular polymeric substances. Therefore, the studied mixture of phenolic compounds could be used as an antibiotic alternative to reduce urinary tract infections associated with silicone catheters.

Arsenic exposure: A public health problem leading to several cancers.

Arsenic, a metalloid and naturally occurring element, is one of the most abundant elements in the earth's crust. Water is contaminated by arsenic through natural sources (underground water, minerals and geothermal processes) and anthropogenic sources such as mining, industrial processes, and the production and use of pesticides. Humans are exposed to arsenic mainly by drinking contaminated water, and secondarily through inhalation and skin contact. Arsenic exposure is associated with the development of vascular disease, including stroke, ischemic heart disease and peripheral vascular disease. Also, arsenic increases the risk of tumors of bladder, lungs, kidneys and liver, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the Food and Drug Administration. Once ingested, an estimated 70-90% of inorganic arsenic is absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and widely distributed through the blood to different organs, primarily to the liver, kidneys, lungs and bladder and secondarily to muscle and nerve tissue. Arsenic accumulates in the organs, especially in the liver. Its excretion mostly takes place through urination. The toxicokinetics of arsenic depends on the duration of exposure, pathway of ingestion, physicochemical characteristics of the compound, and affected biological species. The present review outlines of arsenic toxic effects focusing on different cancer types whit highest prevalence's by exposure to this metalloid and signaling pathways of carcinogenesis.

Genetic and Biochemical Characterization of OXA-535, a Distantly Related OXA-48-Like ß-Lactamase.

OXA-535 is a chromosome-encoded carbapenemase of Shewanella bicestrii JAB-1 that shares only 91.3% amino acid sequence identity with OXA-48. Catalytic efficiencies are similar to those of OXA-48 for most ß-lactams, except for ertapenem, where a 2,000-fold-higher efficiency was observed with OXA-535. OXA-535 and OXA-436, a plasmid-encoded variant of OXA-535 differing by three amino acids, form a novel cluster of distantly related OXA-48-like carbapenemases. Comparison of blaOXA-535 and blaOXA-436 genetic environments suggests that an ISCR1 may be responsible for blaOXA-436 gene mobilization from the chromosome of Shewanella spp. to plasmids.

Spanish-language screening scales: A critical review. / Escalas de tamizaje cognitivo en habla hispana: una revisión crítica.

INTRODUCTION: Dementia is a chronic, degenerative disease with a strong impact on families and health systems. The instruments currently in use for measuring cognitive impairment have different psychometric characteristics in terms of application time, cut-off point, reliability, and validity. The objective of this review is to describe the characteristics of the validated, Spanish-language versions of the Mini-Cog, Clock-Drawing Test, and Mini-Mental State Examination scales for cognitive impairment screening. DEVELOPMENT: We performed a three-stage literature search of articles published on Medline since 1953. We selected articles on validated, Spanish-language versions of the scales that included data on reliability, validity, sensitivity, and specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The 3 screening tools assessed in this article provide support for primary care professionals. Timely identification of mild cognitive impairment and dementia is crucial for the prognosis of these patients.

Update on biosimilars in inflammatory bowel disease: Position and recommendations in Mexico. / Actualización sobre los medicamentos biocomparables en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: posición y recomendación en México.

The biotechnology-derived medicines known as biosimilars are defined as non-originator treatments that have demonstrated quality, efficacy, and safety comparable to the reference biologic drug. Clinical trials have shown that the infliximab biosimilar, CT-P13, and the candidates for the adalimumab biosimilars, ABP 501 and ZRC 3197, are not significantly different, with respect to efficacy and safety, from the originator drugs in patients with other autoimmune diseases. However, controversy has arisen over the use of biosimilars in inflammatory bowel disease, due to the incipient evidence not only in patients with no previous biotechnology treatment, but also in patients in remission, that could be switched to a biosimilar for non-medical reasons. The present review is the first critical analysis by different specialists in the area of gastroenterology on the use of biosimilars in inflammatory bowel disease, the evidence on interchangeability, the extrapolation of indications, efficacy, safety, immunogenicity, and the clinical impact of the Mexican health regulations. The aim of our review was to make the positioning and recommendations of these new therapeutic options known, given that they have a potential cost-benefit for both patients and healthcare institutions.

Assessing the impact of perioperative blood transfusions on the survival of adults undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for appendiceal carcinomatosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Perioperative red blood cell transfusions (PBT) may be associated with worse survival. In this study of adults undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC), we investigated whether there was an association between PBT and survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of adults who had undergone CRS-HIPEC for appendiceal carcinomatosis was conducted. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with survival. RESULTS: Of the 270 patients analysed, 170 (63%) received PBT. A PBT was not significantly associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR = 1·03; 95% CI: 0·7-1·51; P = 0·879) or overall survival (OS) (HR = 0·65; 95% CI: 0·38-1·11; P = 0·116). Higher number of PBT units (≥5) was not associated with worse RFS (P = 0·077) or OS (P = 0·079). Independent predictors of poor survival included as follows: estimated blood loss and high tumour grade for RFS (both P < 0·001), and male gender (P = 0·029) and high tumour grade (P < 0·001) for OS. Higher preoperative haemoglobin was independently associated with better RFS (P = 0·011) and OS (P = 0·006). CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective study of adults who had undergone CRS-HIPEC for appendiceal carcinomatosis, PBT was not significantly associated with survival.

Investigating the association between perioperative blood transfusions and outcomes in children undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Studies indicate the perioperative transfusion of red blood cells during oncologic surgery may be associated with worse outcomes. In this study, we evaluated the impact of red blood cell transfusions on the short- and long-term outcomes of children undergoing a major oncologic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records of children ≤18 years of age who had undergone cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy was performed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors influencing survival, complications and length of stay. RESULTS: Seventy-five children were identified, 80% of whom had received a red blood cell transfusion. Children who received a red blood cell transfusion had a significantly longer length of stay (P = 0·0003). However, the association between red blood cell transfusions and recurrence-free survival (HR: 1·307, 95% CI: 0·547-3·124; P = 0·55), overall survival (HR: 1·487, 95% CI: 0·585-3·780; P = 0·40) or the incidence of major complications (27·8 vs. 0% in non-transfused children, P = 0·18) was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study of children undergoing major oncologic surgery did not demonstrate a significant association between red blood cell transfusions and worse outcomes.

Photostimulated luminescence detection and radiation effects on cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) spice.

The increase of disease borne pathogens in foods has promoted the use of new technologies in order to eliminate these pathogen microorganisms and extend the shelf-life of the foodstuffs. In particular, Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) contains an important number of pathogen microorganisms and it is frequently sterilized by gamma radiation. However, it is important to develop the detection methods for irradiated food in order to keep the dose control and also to analyze the radiation effects in their chemical property. This work reports (i) the photostimulated luminescence (PSL) detection of irradiated cinnamon and thermoluminescence (TL) detection of the inorganic polymineral fraction separated from this spice, and (ii) the proximate chemical analysis carried out on fat, protein and dietetic fiber contents. The detection limits using the PSL and TL methods were 500 Gy and 10 Gy, respectively, and the fat content was increased significantly with the gamma dose that could be related to the lipid oxidation in the cinnamon.

Hemiartroplastía de cúpula radial en pacientes con fractura tipo III y IV según Mason Johnston / Hemiarthroplasty of the radial head in patients with Mason Johnston types III and IV fracture

Introducción: La cabeza radial es un estabilizador primario e importante del codo mayormente para la estabilidad en valgo, desplazamiento postero-lateral, axial del radio y carga en varo. Las fracturas de cabeza radial representan de 1.7 al 5% de todas las fracturas en adultos, de 17 al 19% en los traumas de codo y 33% de todas las fracturas del codo, siendo ésta la más común a este nivel. Para una fractura de cabeza radial que no se puede reconstruir, las opciones de tratamiento son excisión de la cabeza radial o hemiartroplastía. Objetivo: Evaluar la funcionalidad de los pacientes con hemiartroplastía de cúpula radial por fracturas tipo III y IV según Mason-Johnston, por medio de las escalas de Índice de Mayo de desempeño del codo (Mayo Elbow Performance Índex (IMDC)) y Quick-Dash (QD). Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio, observacional, transversal y ambiespectivo, en el Servicio de Miembro Torácico del Hospital de Traumatología y Ortopedia "Lomas Verdes", en un período de un año, se incluyeron pacientes de 18 a 60 años de edad, con diagnóstico de fractura de cúpula radial tipo III y IV según Mason-Johnston manejados con hemiartroplastía de cúpula radial. Resultados: Fueron incluidos siete pacientes, de los cuales 3 fueron del sexo femenino (42.9%) y 4 fueron del sexo masculino (57.1%). De la clasificación de funcionalidad IMDC se obtuvieron los siguientes resultados. Excelente, 6 pacientes (85.7%); Bueno, 1 paciente (14.3%). La escala de funcionalidad y sintomatología de QD se obtuvieron seis pacientes con puntuación de 0 a 5 y un paciente con puntuación de más de 10. Conclusiones: El tratamiento quirúrgico consistente en hemiartroplastía de cúpula radial por fracturas tipo III y IV según Mason-Johnston es un buen tratamiento quirúrgico a corto plazo, debido a que nos ofrece una funcionalidad de excelente a buena, estabilidad en valgo y varo del codo, así como sintomatología mínima del codo.

Introduction: The radial head is a primary and important stabilizer of the elbow, mainly for valgus stability, posterolateral and axial displacement of the radius and varus loading. Radial head fractures account for 1.7-5% of all fractures in adults, 17-19% of elbow trauma, and 33% of all elbow fractures. The latter is the most common one at this level. The alternatives for a radial head fracture that cannot be reconstructed include excision of the radial head or hemiarthroplasty. Objective: To assess the function of patients who underwent radial head hemiarthroplasty for Mason-Johnston types III and IV fractures, using the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) and Quick-Dash (QD). Material and methods: A one-year long observational, cross-sectional and ambispective study was conducted at the Thoracic Limb Service, "Lomas Verdes" Orthopedics and Traumatology Hospital. The patients included were ages 18 to 60 years, had a diagnosis of Mason-Johnston types III and IV radial head fractures and were treated with radial head hemiarthroplasty. Results: A total of seven patients were included, 3 females (42.9%) and 4 males (57.1%). The results of elbow function according to the MEPI were as follows: Excellent, 6 patients (85.7%); Good, one patient (14.3%). The results of the QD functionality and symptoms scale were: 6 patients had a score of 0-5, and one patient more than 10. Conclusions: Surgical treatment consisting of radial head hemiarthroplasty for Mason-Johnston types III and IV fractures yields good short-term results, because it provides excellent to good function, valgus and varus elbow stability, and minimum elbow symptoms.

[Hemiarthroplasty of the radial head in patients with Mason Johnston types III and IV fracture]. / Hemiartroplastía de cúpula radial en pacientes con fractura tipo III y IV según Mason Johnston.

INTRODUCTION: The radial head is a primary and important stabilizer of the elbow, mainly for valgus stability, posterolateral and axial displacement of the radius and varus loading. Radial head fractures account for 1.7-5% of all fractures in adults, 17-19% of elbow trauma, and 33% of all elbow fractures. The latter is the most common one at this level. The alternatives for a radial head fracture that cannot be reconstructed include excision of the radial head or hemiarthroplasty. OBJECTIVE: To assess the function of patients who underwent radial head hemiarthroplasty for Mason-Johnston types III and IV fractures, us- ing the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) and Quick-Dash (QD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A one-year long observational, cross-sectional and ambispective study was conducted at the Thoracic Limb Service, "Lomas Verdes" Orthopedics and Traumatology Hospital. The patients included were ages 18 to 60 years, had a diagnosis of Mason-Johnston types III and IV radial head fractures and were treated with radial head hemiarthroplasty. RESULTS: A total of seven patients were included, 3 females (42.9%) and 4 males (57.1%). The results of elbow function according to the MEPI were as follows: Excellent, 6 patients (85.7%); Good, one patient (14.3%). The results of the QD functionality and symptoms scale were: 6 patients had a score of 0-5, and one patient more than 10. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment consisting of radial head hemiarthroplasty for Mason-Johnston types III and IV fractures yields good short-term results, because it provides excellent to good function, valgus and varus elbow stability, and minimum elbow symptoms.

Carotid atherosclerosis is not associated with lower bone mineral density and vertebral fractures in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND: Low bone mineral density (BMD) and vertebral fractures (VF) have been associated with atherosclerosis in the general population. We sought to investigate the relationship between BMD and VF and carotid atherosclerosis in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: We studied 122 women with SLE. All patients had BMD, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque assessment by ultrasound. RESULTS: Mean age at study entry was 44 years and mean disease duration was 11 years. Carotid plaque was found in 13 (11%) patients (9 postmenopausal and 4 premenopausal). Patients in the highest IMT quartile were more likely to be older (p = 0.001), have a higher body mass index (p = 0.008), and exhibit dyslipidemia at study entry (p = 0.041), compared with the lower three quartiles. BMD at the lumbar spine was lower in patients in the highest IMT quartile compared with the lower quartiles in the multivariate logistic analysis, however, there was no association between lumbar or total hip BMD and IMT (p = 0.91 and p = 0.6, respectively). IMT measurements did not differ according to the presence or absence of VF (0.08 ± 0.12 vs. 0.06 ± 0.03 mm, p = 0.11). A trend towards higher incidence of VF was found in patients with carotid plaque compared with those without (33% vs. 21%; p = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with SLE, the presence of carotid atherosclerosis is not associated with low BMD or VF.

Resultados funcionales de fracturas Neer III-IV tratadas mediante hemiartroplastía / Functional results for Neer III-IV fractures treated with hemiarthroplasty

Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados funcionales de pacientes con fracturas Neer III-IV tratados mediante hemiartroplastía. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, ambiespectivo, transversal. Período Enero a Diciembre 2011; se realizó revisión de expediente, evaluación funcional mediante escala de Constant y cuestionario DASH. Se analizó la información en programa SPSS, análisis estadístico basado en estadística descriptiva y de frecuencias. Resultados: Se evaluaron 16 pacientes, edad promedio de 60.9 años (p = 0.004); sexo femenino 56.3% (p = 0.001). Mecanismo de lesión fue de baja energía en 93.8%. De acuerdo con la escala de Constant de un total de 100 puntos, nuestra población obtuvo 40.75 (± 14.42) puntos, las mayores prevalencias fueron: dolor medio en 8 (50%), trabajo pleno rendimiento 7 (43.75%); amplitud de movimiento indoloro hasta apófisis xifoides (37.5%). Rangos de movilidad abducción de 30-60º 10 (62.5% p = 0.004), flexión de 30-60º 6 (37.5%), rotación externa 14 (87.5%) con mano detrás de la cabeza, rotación interna hasta región lumbosacra 7 (43.75% p = 0.005). Potencia hasta 3 kilogramos 5 (31.3% p = 0.005). Se observó en 13 (81.3%) malos resultados. Respecto al cuestionario DASH en discapacidad/síntomas 12 (75%), actividades especiales 7 (43.75%) resultados buenos; módulo de trabajo 8 (50%) resultados medios. Con satisfacción del episodio quirúrgico del 87.5%. Conclusiones: En la presente muestra de pacientes, la funcionalidad del hombro operado se consideró como mala de acuerdo con la escala de Constant; buena en cuanto a síntomas y actividades especiales y media en el módulo de trabajo respecto al cuestionario DASH.

Objective: To assess the functional results of patients who sustained Neer III-IV shoulder fractures treated with hemiarthroplasty. Material and methods: Descriptive, ambispective, cross-sectional study. From January to December 2011 patient records were reviewed, a functional assessment was performed using the Constant scale, and the DASH questionnaire was applied. Data was analyzed with the SPSS software, descriptive statistics and frequency analysis. Results: Sixteen patients were evaluated, mean age was 60.9 years (p = 0.004); females represented 56.3% (p = 0.001). The mechanism of injury was low energy trauma in 93.8%. According to the Constant scale, whose maximum score is 100, the score of our population was 40.75 (± 14.42). The highest prevalence rates corresponded to: middle pain, 8 (50%); work with full performance, 7 (43.75%); painful range of motion up to the xyphoid process (37.5%). Ranges of motion were as follows: abduction 30-60º 10 (62.5% p = 0.004), flexion 30-60º 6 (37.5%), external rotation, 14 (87.5%) with the hand behind the head, internal rotation up to the lumbosacral region, 7 (43.75% p = 0.005). Power of up to 3 kilograms, 5 (31.3% p = 0.005). Poor results were seen in 13 (81.3%) patients. The DASH questionnaire results were: disability/symptoms, 12 (75%) and special activities, 7 (43.75%) good results; in the work module, 8 (50%) fair results. Satisfaction with the surgical procedure, 87.5 percent. Conclusions: In this patient sample the function of the operated shoulder was considered as poor according to the Constant scale; it was good considering the symptoms and special activities, and fair for the work module, according to the DASH questionnaire.

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor gene variants and susceptibility of arsenic-related skin lesions.

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) is an important pollutant associated with various chronic-degenerative diseases. The cytoprotective protein nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF2) has been proposed as an important responsive mechanism against iAs exposure. The aim of this study was to determine whether the risk of skin lesions in people exposed to iAs-contaminated water could be modified by the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the NRF2 coding gene. We studied 117 individuals with long-term iAs exposure and 120 nonexposed individuals. Total As was determined in water, meanwhile iAs and its metabolites were measured in urine. The iAs-induced skin lesion status was evaluated by expert dermatologists. We sequenced the promoter region of NRF2 in a sample of 120 healthy donors. We found four polymorphisms previously reported and one novel polymorphism in the 5' regulatory region of the NRF2. In this study, we did not find allelic and genotype association of NRF2 polymorphisms with iAs-related skin lesion. However, the analysis of haplotypes composed by -653GA, and -617CA NRF2 single nucleotide polymorphisms showed a significant association with protection against skin lesions in the low-As exposure group. This is the first report studying the association between NRF2 polymorphisms and susceptibility of As-related skin lesions. Increasing the sample size will allow us to confirm this data.

[Functional results for Neer III-IV fractures treated with hemiarthroplasty]. / Resultados funcionales de fracturas Neer III-IV tratadas mediante hemiartroplastía.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the functional results of patients who sustained Neer III-IV shoulder fractures treated with hemiarthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive, ambispective, cross-sectional study. From January to December 2011 patient records were reviewed, a functional assessment was performed using the Constant scale, and the DASH questionnaire was applied. Data was analyzed with the SPSS software, descriptive statistics and frequency analysis. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were evaluated, mean age was 60.9 years (p = 0.004); females represented 56.3% (p = 0.001). The mechanism of injury was low energy trauma in 93.8%. According to the Constant scale, whose maximum score is 100, the score of our population was 40.75 (+/- 14.42). The highest prevalence rates corresponded to: middle pain, 8 (50%); work with full performance, 7 (43.75%); painful range of motion up to the xyphoid process (37.5%). Ranges of motion were as follows: abduction 30-60 degrees 10 (62.5% p = 0.004), flexion 30-60 degrees 6 (37.5%), external rotation, 14 (87.5%) with the hand behind the head, internal rotation up to the lumbosacral region, 7 (43.75% p = 0.005). Power of up to 3 kilograms, 5 (31.3% p = 0.005). Poor results were seen in 13 (81.3%) patients. The DASH questionnaire results were: disability/symptoms, 12 (75%) and special activities, 7 (43.75%) good results; in the work module, 8 (50%) fair results. Satisfaction with the surgical procedure, 87.5 percent. CONCLUSIONS: In this patient sample the function of the operated shoulder was considered as poor according to the Constant scale; it was good considering the symptoms and special activities, and fair for the work module, according to the DASH questionnaire.