Genetic characterization of domestic pigs in the core zone of swine production of Argentina.

Argentina is a small player in the global pork market, contributing only 0.7% of the total production. With increasing global demand for meat, there is an opportunity for countries with an agricultural profile to grow their pork production. However, there is a need to understand the current state of the pork production sector in all aspects to inform decision-making. The aim of this study was to genetically characterize pig herds from different production strata in the primary region for pork production in the country. For this purpose, phylogenetic and genetic variability analyses were performed using the mitochondrial control region marker (n=95 pig samples). Moreover, genotyping of ryr1 and PRKAG3 genes (n=108 pig samples) were performed to evaluate the frequency of deleterious alleles for meat quality traits in the region. The results showed high levels of genetic variability in the pig herds (Hd= 0.840 ± 0.031 and π= 0.010 ± 0.001), with a creole sow and Iberian lineage standing out in the phylogeny. The genotyping of the ryr1 marker revealed the presence of the deleterious t allele in all analyzed strata. However, the RN-allele of the PRKAG3 gene was detected only in the two lower strata. This study represents the first analysis of the phylogenetic relationships among domestic pigs from Argentina and provides an initial assessment of genetic variability in the region. Additionally, the results present, for the first time, the frequency of deleterious alleles for pig production in the productive core area, demonstrating their prevalence.

Ancestry analysis of locally adapted Crespa goats from southernmost Brazil.

Crespa goats are phenotypically similar to the Angora breed, and are traditionally reared in small, low-tech farms in southernmost Brazil. Whether they represent degenerated remnants of pure Angora goats or result from foreign breeds introduced during colonial times and recently mixed with commercial breeds is unknown. Since the degree of relatedness of Crespa in relation to other goats is completely unknown, we performed a comparative assessment of the genetic similarity between Crespa and foreign commercial breeds reared in the region (Angora, Alpine, Anglo-Nubian, Boer, and Saanen), particularly the Angora. We used 11 microsatellites to score alleles in 148 individuals and performed a Bayesian assignment test, which revealed six clusters (K = 6; Ln likelihood = -5047.6). In addition, a segment of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region was sequenced to investigate the relatedness of Crespa goats to Portuguese autochthonous breeds (Algarvia, Bravia, Charnequeira, Serpentina, and Serrana). The origin of the Crespa breed could not be ascertained from the mtDNA, but it does not only descend from the Angora. It is probably related to other introduced and autochthonous Portuguese breeds, in particular the Algarvia. Therefore, our results indicate that this distinctive source of genetic diversity is partly a remnant of animals that were introduced during the colonial period. By recognizing it as genetically distinct, we provide further support for the protection of this particular gene pool.

Preclinical assessment of the neutralizing capacity of antivenoms produced in six Latin American countries against medically-relevant Bothrops snake venoms.

Species of the genus Bothrops induce the vast majority of snakebite envenomings in Latin America. A preclinical study was performed in the context of a regional network of public laboratories involved in the production, quality control and development of antivenoms in Latin America. The ability of seven polyspecific antivenoms, produced in Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia and Costa Rica, to neutralize lethal, hemorrhagic, coagulant, defibrinogenating and myotoxic activities of the venoms of Bothrops neuwiedi (diporus) (Argentina), Bothrops jararaca (Brazil), B. neuwiedi (mattogrossensis) (Bolivia), Bothrops atrox (Peru and Colombia) and Bothrops asper (Costa Rica) was assessed using standard laboratory tests. Despite differences in the venom mixtures used in the immunization of animals for the production of these antivenoms, a pattern of extensive cross-neutralization was observed between these antivenoms and all the venoms tested, with quantitative differences in the values of effective doses. This study reveals the capacity of these antivenoms to neutralize, in preclinical tests, homologous and heterologous Bothrops venoms in Central and South America, and also highlight quantitative differences in the values of Median Effective Doses (ED50s) between the various antivenoms.

[Producing intravenous medications in a pharmacy]. / Elaboración en farmacia de los medicamentos intravenosos. Repercusiones en el personal de enfermería del hospital.

The authors explain the different intravenous mixtures and the types of preloaded syringes elaborated in a centralized unit, analysing their profitability and evaluating their repercussion on the daily work nurses have to perform. This study was carried out in the Hospital de Poniente in Almeria, a county hospital which has 165 beds. The hospital authorities defined those medications which were chosen to be prepared in a centralized unit in the Pharmacy Service of the hospital and they drew up a list/guide of their corresponding conservation conditions. The authorities determined the time which nursing personnel in the various hospital units would employ in the elaboration of these medications and compared that with the time employed in the Pharmacy Service.