Abstract Current diets contain an increasing amount of salt and high fructose corn syrup, but it remains unclear as to how dietary salt and fructose affect organ function at the molecular level. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that consumption of high salt and fructose diets would increase tissue-specific expression of two critical osmotically-regulated genes, nuclear factor of activated T-cells 5 (NFAT5) and aldose reductase (AR). Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were placed on a control, 4% NaCl, 8% NaCl, or 64% fructose diet for eight weeks. Fourteen different tissue samples were harvested and snap-frozen, followed by RNA purification, cDNA synthesis, and NFAT5 and AR gene expression quantification by real-time PCR.Our findings demonstrate that NFAT5 and AR expression are up-regulated in the kidney medulla, liver, brain, and adipose tissue following consumption of a high salt diet. NFAT5 expression is also up-regulated in the kidney cortex following consumption of a 64% fructose diet. These findings highlight the kidney medulla, liver, brain, and adipose tissue as being “salt-responsive” tissues and reveal that a high fructose diet can lead to enhanced NFAT5 expression in the kidney cortex. Further characterization of signaling mechanisms involved could help elucidate how these diets affect organ function long term.

Abstract: This paper presents the results of isotopic analysis of prehistoric diet in the Arica region. Using δ13C and δ15N values obtained from human collagen we evaluate changes in dietary patterns from the early agricultural period (Formative 3500-1500 BP) through to Inka occupation (Late period 550-400 BP). In particular, we examine the impact of maize consumption in the area during periods of major social interaction with the political centres of the Andean highlands. Our results show the continuation of broadspectrum and marine resource use, rather than a shift to maize-reliance during prehistory. In addition, we compare and contrast our data with previously published work from other Andean regions. We demonstrate biogeographical variation in resource use, probably influenced by the political centres of Wari, Tiwanaku and later the Inka Empire. Contrastingly, results from incremental isotopic analysis of dentine collagen from the Arica infant populations indicate that maize was an important resource for infantweaning, and comprises a more obvious portion of childhood diet than that of adults.

Resumen: Este trabajo explora desde una perspectiva diacrónica la dieta de las poblaciones prehispánicas de la región de Arica mediante análisis isotópicos de δ13C y δ15N, con el propósito de evaluar si hubo cambios en los patrones dietarios desde los primeros agricultores (periodo Formativo, 3500-1500 AP) hasta la ocupación Inka (periodo Tardío, 550-400 AP). En particular, examina el impacto del consumo del maíz en esta área, durante los periodos de mayor interacción social con los centros políticos del altiplano. Nuestros resultados muestran una continuidad en el tiempo del consumo de recursos marinos de amplio espectro, más que un giro hacia la dependencia del consumo del maíz. Además, se comparan y contrastan nuestros resultados con otros previamente publicados para otras regiones andinas, demostrando variaciones biogeográficas en el uso de los recursos, probablemente influenciados por los centros políticos Wari, Tiwanaku y luego el imperio Inka. Finalmente, el análisis isotópico incremental del colágeno de la dentina en las muestras de infantes de las poblaciones de la región de Arica, indican que el maíz fue un recurso alimenticio durante la fase del destete, demostrando así un consumo más marcado durante la infancia que en la adultez.

Abstract: Children and adolescents with rheumatologic diseases require specialized and comprehensive care, but pediatric rheumatologists and immunologists are concentrated in hospitals with specific, high-cost and modern technology. Considering that some patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) live in rural, remote and limited accessibility areas, the use of Telemedicine (TM) can optimize diag nosis, follow-up and prognosis. Objective: Reporting 10 years of experience of a mixed care model: face-to-face and distance, using basic TM; the institutional impact, advantages, disadvantages and acceptance informed by parents and patients. Patients and Method: Exploratory, descriptive, and re trospective study with qualitative component. After the authorization of a scientific-ethics committee of the Reloncaví Health Service and the application of informed consent, a review of medical records was carried out and a qualitative survey was applied to parents and children over 14 years of age with JIA, seen between 2005-2015 in the pediatric ambulatory rheumatology polyclinic of Puerto Montt Hospital. Results: The were 27/35 participating patients with JIA attended by a trained pediatrician and assisted by distance (1,000 km) by an immunologist. The 8/35 patients did not answer by choice or change of address. The 70% of parents and patients accepted the model of care and 4% would pre fer sporadic care only by specialists for diagnosis and follow-up. The number of patients transferred annually decreased from 10 to 1. The advantages of the care model outweighed the disadvantages perceived by parents and JIA patients. Conclusion: The use of TM tools in JIA decreased transfers, improved follow-up and were considered advantageous by patients and their parents.

Resumen: Niños y adolescentes con enfermedades reumatológicas, requieren atención especializada e integral, sin embargo, reumatólogos e inmunólogos pediátricos se concentran en hospitales con tecnología específica, costosa y moderna. Como algunos pacientes con Artritis idiopática juvenil (AIJ) vive en áreas rurales, lejanas y de accesibilidad limitada, el uso de Telemedicina (TM) puede optimizar el diagnóstico, seguimiento y pronóstico. Objetivo: Mostrar 10 años de experiencia de un modelo de atención mixta: presencial y a distancia, usando TM básica; el impacto institucional, ventajas, des ventajas y aceptación reportados por padres y pacientes. Pacientes y Método: Estudio exploratorio, descriptivo, retrospectivo con componente cualitativo. Previa autorización de comité ético-científico del Servicio de salud del Reloncaví y la aplicación de consentimiento/asentimiento informado, se efectuó revisión de historias clínicas y se aplicó encuesta cualitativa a padres y niños mayores de 14 años con AIJ, atendidos entre 2005-2015 en el policlínico de reumatología infantil Hospital Puerto Montt. Resultados: Participaron 27/35 pacientes con AIJ atendidos por pediatra capacitado, aseso rado a distancia (1.000 km) por inmunólogo. 8/35 pacientes no contestaron por opción o cambio de domicilio. 70 % de padres y pacientes aceptaron el modelo de atención y 4% preferirían atención esporádica solo por especialista para diagnóstico y seguimiento. El número de pacientes trasladados anualmente disminuyó de 10 a 1. Las ventajas del modelo de atención superaron las desventajas per cibidas por padres y pacientes con AIJ. Conclusión: El uso de herramientas de TM en AIJ disminuyó los traslados, mejoró el seguimiento y fue considerado ventajoso por los padres y pacientes.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection in South Africa is estimated to be between 5% and 23%; however, only limited evidence is available. Co-infection increases the risk of chronification of HBV, liver cirrhosis and death. OBJECTIVE: To assess the HBV and/or HIV co-infection rate amongst the adult antiretroviral treatment cohort at the TC Newman ART Clinic in Paarl, Western Cape. METHODS: In a retrospective, cross-sectional study, the routine hepatitis B surface antigen screening results for all adult HIV patients who were started on antiretroviral treatment over a period of 19 months were collected and analysed for gender, CD4 count and age. RESULTS: Amongst the 498 participants (60% female participants), the Hepatitis B surface Antigen positivity rate was 7.6%. Male gender, age between 50 and 59 years and a low CD4 count were correlated with higher rates. CONCLUSION: Useful insight could be obtained by analysing routine data. The prevalence of almost 8% confirms the need for testing of HIV-positive patients for hepatitis B.

Objective: The purpose was to assess factors potentially affecting care pharmacists provide to HIV/AIDS patients including comfort level, confidence, education, experience, professional competence, continuity of care and patient-provider relationship between pharmacists and HIV-infected patients. Methods: A 24-item questionnaire assessed the constructs of this study. Surveys were distributed from October 2009 to April 2010 to pharmacists in Alabama with varying levels of experience treating HIV-infected patients. Chi-square tests determined whether relationships existed between responses, consisting of how often respondents reported treating HIV-infected patients, amount of HIV education respondents had, participants' confidence with HIV/AIDS knowledge and comfort level counseling HIV-infected patients about their medications. Results: Thirty-three percent of the pharmacists cared for HIV-infected patients on a monthly basis, yet 86% do not feel very confident with their HIV/AIDS knowledge. Forty-four percent were not comfortable counseling patients on antiretroviral medications, and 77% would feel more comfortable with more education. Significant, positive relationships were revealed concerning how often respondents treat HIV-infected patients and their comfort level counseling them (r=0.208, p<0.05). Similar relationships pertaining to the amount of education respondents had regarding HIV, how confident they are in their HIV/AIDS knowledge (r=0.205, p< 0.05), and their comfort level counseling HIV-infected patients on their medications (r=0.312, p<0.01) were found. The time spent treating HIV-infected patients and the education respondents had pertaining to HIV/AIDS related to increased comfort levels concerning counseling patients on their medications. Conclusion: This research uncovered areas where pharmacists can improve care and treatment for HIV-infected patients. Increasing education on HIV/AIDS and treatment options may lead to increased comfort and confidence in therapeutic management. Through changes in pharmacists' perspectives and abilities to care for their patients, the patient-provider relationship could strengthen, potentially leading to improved medication compliance, enhanced overall health, and a better quality of life for HIV-infected patients.

Objetivo: El propósito fue evaluar los factores que potencialmente afectan la atención proporcionada por farmacéuticos a pacientes VIH/SIDA incluyendo niveles de comodidad, educación, competencia, continuidad de cuidados, y relación paciente-profesional entre los farmacéuticos y los pacientes infectados con VIH. Métodos: Un cuestionario de 24 ítems evaluó los constructos de este estudio. Entre octubre 2009 y abril 2010 se distribuyeron las encuestas a farmacéuticos de Alabama con varios niveles de experiencia en el tratamiento de pacientes infectados de VIH. Pruebas chi-cuadrado determinaron si existía asociación entre las respuestas y lo a menudo que los respondedores trataban pacientes infectados con VIH, la educación que tenían, la confianza con sus conocimientos sobre VIH/SIDA y el nivel de comodidad aconsejando a los pacientes infectados con VIH sobre sus medicamentos. Resultados: El 33% de los farmacéuticos atendía pacientes infectados por VIH mensualmente, aunque el 86% no se sentía muy cómodo con sus conocimientos sobre VIH/SIDA. El 44% no estaba cómodo aconsejando a los pacientes sobre medicamentos antirretrovirales y el 77% se sentiría más cómodo con más educación. Se encontró una relación positiva entre la frecuencia con la que los respondentes trataban pacientes con VIH y su nivel de comodidad (r= 0.208, p<0.05). Aparecieron relaciones semejantes entre la cantidad de educación que tenían los respondentes sobre VIH, lo confiados que estaban en sus conocimientos sobre VIH/SIDA (r= 0.205, p< 0.05), y su nivel de comodidad cuando aconsejan pacientes con VIH sobre su medicación (r= 0.312, p< 0.01). El tiempo dedicado a tratar pacientes con VIH y la educación que los respondentes tenían sobre VIH/SIDA se relacionaba con mayores niveles de comodidad al aconsejar a los pacientes sobre sus medicaciones. Conclusión: Esta investigación desveló las áreas donde los farmacéuticos pueden mejorar la atención y el tratamiento de pacientes infctados con VIH. Aumentar la educación sobre VIH/SIDA y sus opciones de tratamiento puede llevar a un aumento de comodidad y confianza en la gestión de la terapéutica. Mediante cambios en las perspectivas y capacidades de cuidar pacientes de los farmacéuticos puede reforzarse la relación paciente-profesional, llevando potencialmente a un mejor cumplimento terapéutico, aumentando la salud en general y mejorando la calidad de vida de los pacientes con VIH.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fruit quality of seven genotypes native tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum var. cerasiforme): JCPRV-05, JCPVR-09, JCPRV-10, JCPRV-43, JCPRV-70, JCPRV-71, and JCPRV-76 were grown in hydroponics without recirculation and under greenhouse. A commercial cherry tomato hybrid was used as a control (H-790). Firmness, days at 7% of weight loss (DWL)), pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, lycopene, β-carotene and ascorbic acid content were evaluated. There were significant differences in all variables, except pH, which ranged from 4.1 to 4.4. In firmness, H-790 exceeded by 19.5% to the native genotype which showed the highest penetration resistance (JCPRV-05). In DWL, H-790 exceeded by 20.6% to JCPRV-10 which presented the greatest period of native genotypes. In total soluble solids, JCPRV-05 exceeded by 10% to H-790. In acidity, JCPRV-43 exceeded by 23% to H-790. In regard to the lycopene content, JCPRV-09 was 6.1% higher than H-790. In β-carotene content, JCPRV-76 exceeded by 4.0% to H-790; JCPRV-76 exceeded by 35.4% to H-790 in ascorbic acid content. Except for firmness, pH and DPP fruit, most native evaluated genotypes exceeded to commercial hybrid (H-790) for all parameters. It was considered that these materials could be used as a source of germplasm in breeding programs of tomato in order to increase the internal quality of fruits of this specie.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la calidad en frutos de siete genotipos nativos de jitomate (Lycopersicon esculentum var. cerasiforme): JCPRV-05, JCPVR-09, JCPRV-10, JCPRV-43, JCPRV-70, JCPRV-71, y JCPRV-76, cultivados en hidroponía sin recirculación y bajo invernadero. Como testigo se usó un híbrido comercial de jitomate tipo "cherry" (H-790). Se evaluó firmeza, días para alcanzar 7% de pérdida de peso (DPP), pH, sólidos solubles totales, acidez titulable, contenido de licopeno, de β-caroteno y de ácido ascórbico. Se encontraron diferencias (P≤0.05) en todas las variables, excepto en pH, el cual varió de 4.1 a 4.4. En firmeza, H-790 superó 19.5% al genotipo nativo que presentó mayor resistencia (JCPRV-05). En DPP, H-790 superó en 20.6% a JCPRV-10 que presentó el mayor lapso de los genotipos nativos. En sólidos solubles totales, JCPRV-05 superó a H-790 en 10%. En acidez titulable, JCPRV-43 superó 23% a H-790. Respecto al contenido de licopeno, JCPRV-09 fue superior 6.1% a H-790. En contenido de β-caroteno, JCPRV-76 superó 4.0% a H-790, y en contenido de ácido ascórbico, JCPRV-76 superó 35.4% a H-790. Con excepción de firmeza, DPP y pH de frutos, la mayoría de los genotipos nativos evaluados superaron al híbrido comercial (H-790) en todos los parámetros. Se consideró que estos materiales podrían ser usados como fuente de germoplasma en programas de mejoramiento genético del jitomate para incrementar la calidad interna de los frutos de esta especie.

A probe test device has been developed to assess CMM touch trigger probe errors. A precise single axis translational table triggers the probe through the use of gauge blocks fixed to the table carriage. The position of the carriage is monitored by a laser interferometer. The gauge block surface is brought into contact with the probe ball tip until the probe is triggered at which point the coordinate position is displayed by the laser. The probe is rotated 360° using the motorized probe head in 7.5° intervals and the coordinate of each position is computed. Repeatability errors (i.e. the ability of the probe to trigger at the same point each time with a 95% confidence level) and pre-travel variation (i.e. the distance traveled by a probe between the actual touching of a surface and the trigger event) are then calculated. This paper reports the measurement strategy and the design of the prototype rig. Results are also provided to demonstrate the test apparatus performance.

Os experimentos de intercruzamento de cepas constituem um valioso meio de mapear genes que afetam caracteres quantitativos complexos. Nós estudamos a variabilidade genética do intercruzamento das cepas procriadas por endogamia de camundongos Large (LG/J) e Small (SM/J), como um guia para estudos de mapeamento gênico. Dez machos SM/J foram cruzados com 10 fêmeas LG/J, após o que os animais foram acasalados aleatoriamente para produzir as gerações intercruzadas F1, F2 e F3. Os 1632 animais da geração F3 das 200 famílias de irmãos completos foram usados para calcular a herdabilidade e as correlações genéticas dos caracteres medidos. Um subgrupo de famílias foi submetido a adoção cruzada após o nascimento, para permitir a avaliação da importância dos efeitos maternos pós-natais. Foram coletados dados semanais de peso corporal da 1ª à 10ª semanas, assim como dados de necropsia do peso corporal, peso de órgãos, peso do coxim gorduroso reprodutor e comprimento de cauda nas gerações intercruzadas. Não houve heterose para pesos específicos para idade ou caracteres de necropsia, exceto pelo fato de que o peso da 1ª semana foi o maior na geração F2, indicando heterose dos efeitos maternos nas mães da geração F1. Encontramos herdabilidade moderada/alta para a maioria dos pesos específicos para a idade e dos caracteres de necropsia. Os efeitos maternos foram significantes para os pesos específicos para a idade da 1ª à 4ª semana, mas desapareceram completamente para o peso de 10 semanas. Os efeitos maternos para os caracteres de necropsia foram pequenos e não estatisticamente significantes. Os pesos específicos para a idade mostraram um padrão de correlação típico, com declínio da correlação à medida que a diferença em idades aumentava. Entre os caracteres de necropsia, os pesos corporal e do coxim gorduroso reprodutor mostraram alta correlação genética. A maioria das outras correlações genéticas foram pequenas ou moderadas. O intercruzamento entre cepas procriadas por endogamia de camundongos SM/J e LG/J constituem fonte valiosa para o mapeamento de loci de caracteres quantitativos para o tamanho corporal e sua composição e morfologia.

Strain intercross experiments provide a powerful means for mapping genes affecting complex quantitative traits. We report on the genetic variability of the intercross of the Large (LG/J) and Small (SM/J) inbred mouse strains as a guide to gene mapping studies. Ten SM/J males were crossed to 10 LG/J females, after which animals were randomly mated to produce F1, F2, and F3 intercross generations. The 1632 F3 animals from 200 full-sib families were used to estimate heritabilities and genetic correlations of the traits measured. A subset of families was cross-fostered at birth to allow measurement of the importance of post-natal maternal effects. Data was collected on weekly body weight from one to 10 weeks and on organ weights, body weight, reproductive fat pad weight, and tail length at necropsy in the intercross generations. There was no heterosis for age-specific weights or necropsy traits, except that one-week weight was the highest in the F2 generation, indicating heterosis for maternal effect in the F1 mothers. We found moderate to high heritability for most age-specific weights and necropsy traits. Maternal effects were significant for age-specific weights from one to four weeks but disappeared completely at ten-week weight. Maternal effects for necropsy traits were low and not statistically significant. Age-specific weights showed a typical correlation pattern, with correlation declining as the difference in ages increased. Among necropsy traits, reproductive fat pad and body weights were very highly genetically correlated. Most other genetic correlations were low to moderate. The intercross between SM/J and LG/J inbred mouse strains provides a valuable resource for mapping quantitative trait loci for body size, composition, and morphology