Abstract Neuregulins (NRGs) are a family of signaling proteins that bind to receptor tyrosine kinases of the ErbB family (ErbB2 to ErbB4), which can homo- or heterodimerize depending on their structural features and cell type. Many studies have proposed that decreased NRG levels are a common characteristic of obesity. In liver and adipose tissue, the increase in NRG expression has protective effects against obesity. However, it is still unknown whether ErbBs expression is altered in this pathology. We hypothesized that high fat diet-induced obesity downregulates ErbB receptors expression in obese mice compared to normal weight mice. Males C57BL/6 mice (n=6-7 for each group) were fed for 12 weeks and divided into: (i) control diet (CD; 10%-kcal fat, 20%-kcal protein, 70%-kcal carbohydrates), and (ii) high fat diet (HFD; 60%-kcal fat, 20%-kcal protein, 20%-kcal carbohydrates). General parameters and ErbBs expression (qPCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blot) were evaluated. We observed a significant increase in final body weight (47%), adipose tissue to body weight ratio (244%) and HOMA-IR (69%), among other parameters, in obese mice. In HFD group significantly decreased ErbB2 (48%) and ErbB3 (66%) mRNA levels in liver (no change in ErbB4), and ErbB2 (43%), ErbB3 (76%) and ErbB4 (35%) in adipose tissue, compared to CD. Furthermore, ErbB2 and ErbB3 protein levels decreased significantly in HFD group compared to the CD in liver. Therefore, our results suggest that HFD-induced obesity significantly decreases ErbBs expression in liver and adipose tissue in this murine model, that may be associated with alterations in the NRG pathway in obese mice.

Resumen Las neuregulinas (NRGs) son una familia de proteínas de señalización que se unen a receptores tirosina quinasas de la familia ErbB (ErbB2 a ErbB4), que pueden homo- o heterodimerizar dependiendo de sus características estructurales y del tipo celular. Estudios han propuesto que la disminución de los niveles de NRG es una característica común de la obesidad. En el hígado y el tejido adiposo (TA), el aumento de la expresión de NRG tiene efectos protectores contra la obesidad. Sin embargo, aún se desconoce si la expresión de ErbBs está alterada en esta patología. Nuestra hipótesis es que la obesidad inducida por una dieta alta en grasas (DAG) disminuye la expresión de los ErbB en ratones obesos. Ratones machos C57BL/6 (n=6-7 para c/grupo) fueron alimentados durante 12 semanas y divididos en: (i) dieta control (DC; 10%-kcal grasa, 20%-kcal proteína, 70%-kcal carbohidratos), y (ii) DAG (60%-kcal grasa, 20%-kcal proteína, 20%-kcal carbohidratos). Se evaluaron los parámetros generales y la expresión de ErbBs (qPCR, inmunohistoquímica y Western blot). Observamos un aumento significativo del peso corporal final (47%), de la relación tejido adiposo/peso corporal (244%) y del HOMA-IR (69%), entre otros parámetros, en ratones obesos. En este grupo disminuyó significativamente los niveles de ARNm de ErbB2 (48%) y ErbB3 (66%) en el hígado (sin cambios en ErbB4), y de ErbB2 (43%), ErbB3 (76%) y ErbB4 (35%) en el TA. Además, los niveles de proteína ErbB2 y ErbB3 disminuyeron significativamente, en comparación con el grupo DC en el hígado. Nuestros resultados sugieren que la obesidad inducida por DAG disminuye significativamente la expresión de ErbBs en el hígado y el TA, que puede estar asociado con alteraciones en la vía NRG en ratones obesos.

Background: People with Sensory Disabilities (PcDS) face barriers for equal access to health care. Thus, health centers require adjustments to comply with equal access that allows an universal coverage of care. Aim: To characterize the adjustments for the care of PcDS in primary health centers in Concepción, Chile. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study using data obtained through a questionnaire to key informants or via Transparency Law, and direct observation. The variables were subdivided into four categories, namely infrastructure, communication, skills, and environment. Results: The analyzed health centers have a high proportion of general adjustments of their physical settings. However, there is a lack of specific adjustments for deaf and blind people, especially communicational ones. Conclusions: There is a paucity of adjustments for the health care of PcDS in the analyzed health centers. This deficiency underscores the barriers faced by PcDS for receiving care in the Chilean public health system.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Determine and measure the association of social factors and health conditions with worse capacity and performance levels. METHODS Dependent variables consisted of performance and capacity; independent variables comprised age, gender, level of education, personal income, and health conditions. Means (95%CI) of performance and capacity were presented according to the independent variables. Generalized linear models, using a mutual adjustment for all variables considered statistically significant (p < 0.05), measured the associations between each exposure and outcomes. Study population included 12,265 individuals. RESULTS Older women with lower education and income levels and with some health condition showed the worst performance and capacity. CONCLUSION Results showed that the capacity and performance levels of the Chilean population changed according to social demographic characteristics and health conditions.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Determine and measure the association of social factors and health conditions with worse capacity and performance levels. METHODS Dependent variables consisted of performance and capacity; independent variables comprised age, gender, level of education, personal income, and health conditions. Means (95%CI) of performance and capacity were presented according to the independent variables. Generalized linear models, using a mutual adjustment for all variables considered statistically significant (p < 0.05), measured the associations between each exposure and outcomes. Study population included 12,265 individuals. RESULTS Older women with lower education and income levels and with some health condition showed the worst performance and capacity. CONCLUSION Results showed that the capacity and performance levels of the Chilean population changed according to social demographic characteristics and health conditions.

Abstract Objective: To identify the factors associated with Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in preschool children of Concepción, Chile. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of enrolled preschoolers who attend public schools in Concepción, Chile. To measure OHRQoL, the chilean version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) was used; sociodemographic variables of the children and their parents were also recorded, as well as variables regarding the last visit to the dentist. To determine differences in the ECOHIS score for categorical variables, ANOVA and t-test were used, while Pearson's r was used to correlate ECOHIS with quantitative variables (p<0.05). Results: A total of 175 children were surveyed, with a distribution of 89 boys and 86 girls aged 56-to-79 months. The total score of the ECOHIS had a mean of 4.48 ±5.96, with a score between 0-38. Statistically significant associations were with parent's educational attainment (r=−0.159), dmft (r=0.380), OHI-S debris (r=0.174) and reason for the last visit to the dentist, the highest average in the ECOHIS scores was registered in the urgency reason. Conclusion: Oral health status, dental service utilization and educational level are associated with the OHRQoL of preschoolers of Concepción.

Abstract Objective: To assess the attitudes of health professionals towards Deafness and its association with sociodemographic and Deaf contact experience. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Concepcion, Chile. The sample size was estimated in 171 health professionals. The following variables were considered: sociodemographics, Deaf contact experience, and attitudes to deafness scale (ADS scale). To evaluate the association between the variables, t-test and Spearman correlation test were used (p<0.05). Results: People who had taken a LSCh course had significant more positive attitudes towards item 1 “Deaf people should learn to lipread”, with a 2 points difference and in persons who do not know a Deaf person, with 1-point difference. Also, persons who have received some kind of formation in Deafness have a better attitude in item 3 “I would like to have more Deaf friends” with 1-point difference. An inverse correlation was observed within age (rho = -0.237; p=0.0014), years of academic service (rho = -0.323; p<0.0001) or PHC service (rho = -0.1085; p=0,364). Conclusion: The attitude of health professionals towards Deafness was neutral. This attitude is not modulated by sex, type of profession, type of relationship with Deaf people, type of training in hearing disability, Chilean Sign Language Courses or degree of frequency of healthcare delivery to Deaf patients. However, it is modulated by age and years of service.

Abstract Objective: To determine the effect of a proactive telephone-based scheduling strategy to improve dental service utilization rate in primary healthcare. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out based on the dental appointments’ records of a primary healthcare center before-strategy and after-strategy periods. The variables studied for both periods were the number of dental appointments requested, dental appointments undergone, no-shows, and available quotas. Data collection was performed by two researchers between May and June 2018. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the absolute and relative frequencies. Results: A total of 10,193 records of dental appointments were registered within the two periods. After-strategy period, dental appointments undergone increased by 16,7%, no-shows decreased by 3%, and available quotas decreased by 21.3%. Conclusion: A proactive telephone-based scheduling strategy increased the dental service utilization rate in primary healthcare.

Visual or hearing disabilities account for 20% of people reporting some sort of disability. We performed a literature review about the interaction that people with visual or hearing disabilities have with the health care system. We found that these people report a lower quality of life and have a higher frequency of physical and psychological ailments. They also have difficulties to obtain an adequate health care and report a paucity of trained professionals to take care of them.

Dominant woody vegetation in arid ecosystems supports different species of plants and animals largely dependent on the existence of these habitats for their survival. The chica (Ramorinoa girolae) is a woody leguminous tree endemic to central-western Argentina and categorized as vulnerable. We evaluated 1) richness of plants, birds and mammals associated with the habitat under its canopy, 2) whether richness is related to the morphological attributes and to the features of the habitat under its canopy, and 3) behavior displayed by birds and mammals. We recorded presence/absence of plants under the canopy of 19 trees in Ischigualasto Provincial Park. Moreover, we recorded abundance of birds and mammals and signs of mammal activity using camera traps. Our camera traps captured more than 80, 90 and 50 % of plants, birds and mammals, respectively. The coverage estimate was 83 % for birds and 89 % for mammals. Bird species richness decreased by -43 %, for every unit increase in number of stems; although richness of plants and mammals was not explained by any variable considered. Birds and mammal species invested more time in foraging than they did in moving or resting under canopies. The abundance of South American gray fox (Lycalopex griseus) increased 9 % with abundance of birds, though not with abundance of mammals. This is the first study to assess the role of R. girolae in the provision of biodiversity-related ecosystem services; a relevant aspect because their conservation can enhance biodiversity in arid ecosystems.

Los bosques de ecosistemas áridos mantienen plantas y animales que dependen de la existencia de estos hábitats para su supervivencia. La chica (Ramorinoa girolae) es una leguminosa leñosa endémica del centro-oeste de Argentina y categorizada como vulnerable. Se evaluó 1) riqueza de plantas, aves y mamíferos asociados al hábitat bajo su dosel, 2) si la riqueza está relacionada con atributos morfológicos y con características del hábitat bajo su dosel, y 3) el comportamiento desplegado por aves y mamíferos. Se registró la presencia/ausencia de especies vegetales bajo el dosel de 19 árboles en el Parque Provincial Ischigualasto. Se observó la abundancia de aves y mamíferos usando trampas cámara, y signos de actividad de mamíferos. Se capturó más del 80, 90 y 50 % de las especies de plantas, aves y mamíferos, respectivamente. La cobertura estimada fue 83 % para aves y 89 % para mamíferos. La riqueza de aves disminuyó en -43 % por cada incremento en el número de ramas, pero la riqueza de plantas y mamíferos no fue explicada por ninguna variable. Tanto aves como mamíferos invirtieron más tiempo en forrajear que en desplazarse o descansar bajo el dosel. La abundancia del zorro gris sudamericano (Lycalopex griseus) aumentó 9 % cuando aumentó la abundancia de aves pero no la de mamíferos. Este es el primer estudio que evalúa el rol de R. girolae en la prestación de servicios relacionados con la biodiversidad; un aspecto relevante ya que su conservación puede mejorar la biodiversidad en los ecosistemas áridos.

Rocky habitats have a particular microclimate and a highly complex structure, providing sites that mammals can use as dens or as nesting sites to raise their young. The complex topography of these habitats also favors water retention, thereby promoting growth of plants. The viscacha rat (Octomys mimax; Rodentia, Octodontidae) is a rock-dwelling hystricognath rodent that lives in rocky crevices with high vegetation cover. We hypothesized that viscacha rat selects crevices with high availability of plants included in the diet. To test this, we analyzed the diet of the viscacha rat and compared the availability of consumed plant species between used and available crevices. The diet of this species is composed mainly of leaves of shrubs and trees, includes cacti throughout the year and seeds and fruits, principally Prosopis spp., in the wet season. The food items present in caches confirmed the results obtained from microhistological analysis, with the addition of Ramorinoa girolae and Halophytum ameghinoi. This rodent takes advantage of consuming and storing available items, behaving as an opportunistic species. Selected plant species were similar in abundance in used and available crevices; consequently, crevices are likely selected for other characteristics such as thermal benefits, an important constraint in desert environments.

Los ambientes rocosos se caracterizan por un microclima particular y una compleja estructura que es usada por los mamíferos como sitios de anidación o como guaridas para sus crías. La topografía de estos hábitats favorece la retención de agua, promoviendo así el crecimiento de las plantas. La rata vizcacha (Octomys mimax; Rodentia, Octodontidae) es un roedor histricognato rupícola que vive en grietas rocosas con alta cobertura vegetal. Nosotros planteamos la hipótesis de que la rata vizcacha selecciona grietas con abundante disponibilidad de las plantas que consume. Para ello, analizamos la dieta de la rata vizcacha y comparamos la disponibilidad de las especies de plantas que consume este roedor, entre grietas usadas y disponibles. Nuestros resultados mostraron que la dieta está compuesta principalmente por hojas de arbustos y árboles, incluyendo cactus a lo largo del año y semillas y frutos, principalmente Prosopis spp., en la temporada de lluvias. Las especies registradas en los cúmulos de las grietas confirmaron los resultados obtenidos a partir del análisis microhistológico y agregan a Ramorinoa girolae y Halopthytum ameghinoi. Este roedor consume y almacena ítems disponibles, por lo que se comporta como una especie oportunista. La abundancia de las especies seleccionadas por la rata vizcacha fue similar en las grietas usadas y disponibles; probablemente la selección de las grietas responda a otros factores como el beneficio térmico, una limitación importante en el desierto.

The viscacha rat (Octomys mimax; Rodentia, Octodontidae) belongs to a monotypic genus endemic to western Argentina and inhabits lowland deserts with abundant rocks and ravines. Our objectives were 1) to determine the attributes of crevices (depth, height, width, entrance orientation, and rock color) that influence selection by the viscacha rat; 2) to compare the range and variance of temperature inside and outside crevices, at the soil surface, at the rock surface and in the air; and 3) to evaluate if there is a thermal gradient inside crevices, comparing range and variance of temperature at the soil surface at different depths (0, 30 and 50 cm). The viscacha rat did not use microhabitats in proportion to availability; the species selected deep and narrow crevices with restricted access that might be used as refuge from predation and extreme climate conditions. The temperature at the soil surface and at the rock surface inside crevices was more stable (smaller ranges and variances) than the corresponding external temperatures in summer and winter. The range and variance of temperature in the air were different only in summer. Moreover, in summer the range and variance at the soil surface inside crevices were more stable with increasing depth. In winter, only temperature range showed a gradient. The insulating effect of rocks might benefit the viscacha rat by providing a thermally stable environment, especially in summer. The present study provides quantitative evidence about the thermal behavior of rock crevices, which contributes with the traditional hypothesis proposed to explain the benefits of living in rock crevices.

La rata vizcacha (Octomys mimax) pertenece a un género monotípico endémico del oeste de Argentina; habita en zonas desérticas con abundantes rocas y barrancos. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron: 1) determinar los atributos de las grietas (profundidad, altura, ancho, orientación de la entrada y color de la roca) que influyen en la selección de grietas por parte de la rata vizcacha; 2) comparar el rango y la varianza de temperatura adentro y afuera de las grietas, en la superficie del suelo, en la superficie de la roca y en el aire y 3) evaluar si existe un gradiente térmico adentro de las grietas, comparando para ello el rango y varianza de temperatura en la superficie del suelo a diferentes profundidades (0, 30 y 50 cm). La rata vizcacha no usó los microhábitats en proporción a su disponibilidad; esta especie seleccionó grietas profundas y estrechas con accesos restringidos que pueden ser consideradas como refugio tanto del clima extremo como de los depredadores. Las temperaturas en la superficie del suelo y de la roca dentro de las grietas fueron más estables (menores rangos y varianzas) en comparación con las correspondientes temperaturas externas, tanto en verano como en invierno. El rango y la varianza de temperatura en el aire fueron diferentes sólo en el verano. Además, en verano, el rango y la varianza de temperatura en la superficie del suelo resultaron ser más estables a mayores profundidades dentro de las grietas. En invierno solo el rango de temperatura mostró un gradiente. El efecto aislante de las rocas beneficiaría a la rata vizcacha, ya que le provee un ambiente térmicamente estable, especialmente durante el verano. El presente estudio proporciona evidencia cuantitativa sobre el comportamiento térmico de las grietas, que contribuye con la hipótesis tradicional propuesta para explicar los beneficios de vivir en grietas.

The fate of Prosopis flexuosa seeds dispersed by cattle is dependant on the spatial pattern of dung deposition and foraging movements. We hypothesised that cattle-use site classes explain the response variables related to seed input and fate of seeds, seedlings and saplings (small plants more than one year old). We defined sites with heavy cattle traffic ("trails" and "periphery of trails"), sites used for resting and foraging ("under Prosopis"), and sites where isolated individuals only walk ("under shrubs" and "bare soil"). Considering the established cattle-use site classes, our specific goals were to quantify and compare: (1) seeds transported in cattle dung; (2) seedlings 10 months after dung deposition; (3) established saplings; and (4) germinated and remaining seeds, and seedling survival in dung immediately after dung deposition. In a grazed field at Ñacuñán (Mendoza, Argentina) we worked in four similar areas, each consisting of 25-ha plots 2 km apart. Space use by cattle caused differential seed input: "under Prosopis" and in the "periphery of trails" animals deposited the largest amounts of dung and seeds. Ten months after dung deposition, the highest number of seedlings occurred on "trails", "under Prosopis" and in the "periphery of trails". In the long term, the highest number of established saplings occurred only in the "periphery of trails". The number of seeds germinated immediately after fruit production and dung deposition was very low. Survival of seedlings sprouting from dung-germinated seeds did not exceed one week. On "trails" and in the "periphery of trails" the persistence of seeds in dung was low because of dung disintegration by the action of cattle trampling. The seeds that did not remain in dung were probably the source of seeds that will germinate in the next wet season (i.e. 10 months after dung deposition). With different effects depending on cattle site activity and on the stage of the P. flexuosa plant (seed, seedling, or sapling), defecation and trampling appear to be important processes in the seed dispersal cycle. In this sense, cattle could benefit the establishment of P. flexuosa.

El destino de las semillas de Prosopis flexuosa dispersadas por ganado depende de los patrones de deposición de excrementos y movimientos de forrajeo. Nuestra hipótesis es que las variables respuesta relacionadas con el aporte y el destino de semillas, plántulas y renovales son explicadas por diferencias entre los sitios de actividad del ganado. Definimos sitios con alto tránsito de animales ("senderos" y "periferia de senderos"), sitios utilizados para descanso y alimentación ("bajo Prosopis") y sitios de paso para animales aislados ("bajo arbustos" y "suelo descubierto"). Considerando los sitios de actividad establecidos, nuestros objetivos fueron cuantificar y comparar: (1) semillas transportadas en los excrementos, (2) plántulas 10 meses después de la deposición, (3) renovales establecidos, (4) semillas germinadas en los excrementos, supervivencia de plántulas y semillas que permanecieron en los excrementos. El trabajo se realizó en un campo ganadero de Ñacuñán (Mendoza, Argentina), dentro de cuatro áreas donde se establecieron parcelas de 25 ha. En los sitios se encontró un aporte diferencial de semillas: en sitios de descanso y alimentación ("bajo Prosopis") y de tránsito intenso ("periferia") los animales depositaron las mayores cantidades de semillas. Diez meses después, las semillas germinaron con las primeras lluvias; el mayor número de plántulas se registró en sitios de tránsito intenso ("senderos" y "periferia") y de descanso y alimentación ("bajo Prosopis"). A largo plazo, en la "periferia" se establece la mayor cantidad de renovales. Inmediatamente después de la deposición, germinó un número muy bajo de semillas y las plántulas no sobrevivieron más de una semana. En los sitios más transitados por el ganado, los excrementos se desintegraron por pisoteo y la persistencia de las semillas en los excrementos fue baja o nula. Probablemente, las semillas que retornaron al suelo luego de la desintegración de los excrementos son las que germinaron 10 meses después. Con diferentes efectos, dependiendo del sitio de actividad del ganado y el estado de vida de la planta (semilla, plántula, renoval), la defecación y el pisoteo parecen ser procesos importantes en el ciclo de dispersión. En este sentido, el ganado podría beneficiar el establecimiento de P. flexuosa.