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.

Use of the flavonoid taxifolin for sperm cryopreservation from the threatened Bermeya goat breed.

Taxifolin is a plant flavonoid effective as an antioxidant. This study aimed to assess the effect of adding taxifolin to the semen extender during the cooling period before freezing on the overall post-thawing sperm variables of Bermeya goats. In the first experiment, a dose-response experiment was performed with four experimental groups: Control, 10, 50, and 100 µg/ml of taxifolin using semen from 8 Bermeya males. In the second experiment, semen from 7 Bermeya bucks was collected and extended at 20 °C using a Tris-citric acid-glucose medium supplemented with different concentrations of taxifolin and glutathione (GSH): control, 5 µM taxifolin, 1 mM GSH, and both antioxidants. In both experiments, two straws per buck were thawed in a water bath (37 °C, 30 s), pooled, and incubated at 38 °C. Motility (CASA) was assessed at 0, 2, and 5 h, and sperm physiology was assessed at 0 and 5 h by flow cytometry (viability, intact acrosome membrane, mitochondria membrane potential, capacitation, intracellular reactive oxygen species -ROS-, mitochondrial superoxide, and chromatin status). In experiment 2, an artificial insemination trial (AI) was included with 29 goats for testing the taxifolin 5-µM treatment on fertility. Data were analyzed with the R statistical environment using linear mixed-effects models. In experiment 1 and compared to the control, T10 increased progressive motility (P < 0.001) but taxifolin decreased total and progressive motility at higher concentrations (P < 0.001), both post-thawing and after the incubation. Viability decreased post-thawing in the three concentrations (P < 0.001). Cytoplasmic ROS decreased at 0 and 5 h at T10 (P = 0.049), and all doses decreased mitochondrial superoxide post-thawing (P = 0.024). In experiment 2, 5 µM taxifolin or 1 mM GSH (alone or combined) increased total and progressive motility vs. the control (P < 0.01), and taxifolin increased kinematic parameters such as VCL, ALH, and DNC (P < 0.05). Viability was not affected by taxifolin in this experiment. Both antioxidants did not significantly affect other sperm physiology parameters. The incubation significantly affected all the parameters (P < 0.004), overall decreasing sperm quality. Fertility after artificial insemination with doses supplemented with 5 µM taxifolin was 76.9% (10/13), not significantly different from the control group (69.2%, 9/13). In conclusion, taxifolin showed a lack of toxicity in the low micromolar range and could benefit goat semen cryopreservation.

Community pharmacy is the key to improving vitamin D levels.

Introduction: Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient that participates in the body's fundamental physiological processes. The pharmacist should involve the patient in his medication adherence, leading to a change in the patient's attitude towards his medication and towards his health problem, in order to achieve the pharmacological objective set. Methods: Quasi-experimental multicenter study design with non-probabilistic convenience sampling. A pharmacist-led intervention in health education was carried out, divided in two groups, face-to-face interview and on-line survey, and the results were evaluated 3 months later to observe if there was any change in the patient's health status or in their vitamin D levels. Results: The study was conducted in four pharmacies through face-to-face interviews (n = 49 patients) and online surveys (n = 23). Pharmaceutical intervention improved habits of exercise (0.81 ± 1.44 days/week face-to-face interviews vs -0.09 ± 2.35 days/week online surveys (p = 0.048)). In face-to-face interviews, consumption of vitamin D-rich foods was increased (0.55 unit of tuna/week; p = 0.035 and 0.56 unit of avocado/week; p = 0.001) and was improved correct intake of vitamin D supplements (32.5% baseline to 69.8% at 3 months). The increase in 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (11.5 ng/mL after 3 months (p = 0.021)) was correlated to salmon consumption (0.951; p = 0.013) and the improvement of quality of life was correlated to avocado consumption (1; p < 0.001). Conclusion: There are habits that improve vitamin D production such as increased physical activity, the correct use of vitamin D supplements and the consumption of foods with high vitamin D levels. The role of the pharmacist is crucial, involving the patient in the treatment making aware of the benefits for his/her health status of increasing vitamin D levels.

Treatment with sotrovimab for SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cohort of high-risk kidney transplant recipients.

Background: Sotrovimab is a neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) that seems to remain active against recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants. The evidence on its use in kidney transplant (KT) recipients, however, is limited. Methods: We performed a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of 82 KT patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection {coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]} treated with sotrovimab. Results: Median age was 63 years. Diabetes was present in 43.9% of patients, and obesity in 32.9% of patients; 48.8% of patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate under 30 mL/minute/1.73 m2. Additional anti-COVID-19 therapies were administered to 56 patients, especially intravenous steroids (65.9%). Sotrovimab was administered early (<5 days from the onset of the symptoms) in 46 patients (56%). Early-treated patients showed less likely progression to severe COVID-19 than those treated later, represented as a lower need for ventilator support (2.2% vs 36.1%; P < .001) or intensive care admission (2.2% vs 25%; P = .002) and COVID-19-related mortality (2.2% vs 16.7%; P = .020). In the multivariable analysis, controlling for baseline risk factors to severe COVID-19 in KT recipients, early use of sotrovimab remained as a protective factor for a composite outcome, including need for ventilator support, intensive care, and COVID-19-related mortality. No anaphylactic reactions, acute rejection episodes, impaired kidney function events, or non-kidney side effects related to sotrovimab were observed. Conclusions: Sotrovimab had an excellent safety profile, even in high-comorbidity patients and advanced chronic kidney disease stages. Earlier administration could prevent progression to severe disease, while clinical outcomes were poor in patients treated later. Larger controlled studies enrolling KT recipients are warranted to elucidate the true efficacy of monoclonal antibody therapies.

Efficiency of the EmERGE Pathway to provide continuity of care for Spanish people living with medically stable HIV.

OBJECTIVE: Calculate the efficiency of the EmERGE Pathway of Care for medically stable people living with HIV at the Hospital Clínic-IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain. METHODS: 546 study participants were followed between 1st July 2016 and 30th October 2019 across three HIV outpatient clinics, but the virtual clinic was closed during the second year. Unit costs were calculated, linked to mean use outpatient services per patient year, one-year before and after the implementation of EmERGE. Costs were combined with primary and secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Annual costs across HIV-outpatient services increased by 8%: €1073 (95%CI €999-€1157) to €1158 (95%CI €1084-€1238). Annual cost of ARVs was €7,557; total annual costs increased by 1% from €8430 (95%CI €8356-8514) to €8515 (95%CI €8441-8595). Annual cost for 433 participants managed in face-to-face (F2F) clinics decreased by 5% from €958 (95%CI 905-1018) to €904 (95%CI 863-945); participants transferred from virtual to F2F outpatient clinics (V2F) increased their annual cost by a factor of 2.2, from €115 (95%CI 94-139) to €251 (95%CI 219-290). No substantive changes were observed in primary and secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: EmERGE Pathway is an efficient and acceptable intervention. Increases in costs were caused by internal structural changes. The cost reduction observed in F2F clinics were off-set by the transfer of participants from the virtual to the F2F clinics due to the closure of the virtual clinic during the second year of the Study. Greater efficiencies are likely to be achieved by extending the use of the Pathway to other PLHIV.

Diffuse hepatocutaneous hemangiomatosis: an unusual presentation. / Hemangiomatosis hepatocutánea difusa: presentación inusual.

INTRODUCTION: Infantile hemangiomas with multi-organ involvement are rare, and presentation in the form of uncontrollable bleeding is exceptional. CLINICAL CASE: 4-day-old newborn with multiple hepatocutaneous hemangiomas and a purplish vascular lesion in the third finger of the right hand. In the third week of life, the lesion became ulcerated and caused uncontrollable bleeding. Therefore, urgent amputation was required, with a histopathological result of GLUT-1 positive infantile hemangioma, and an architecture compatible with arteriovenous malformation in the deep portion. Imaging tests revealed it was a high-flow lesion. Genetic tests (MAP2KI, RASA 1, EPHB4, GNAQ, and GNA 11) were negative. Patient progression was good, with hepatocutaneous lesions receding and eventually disappearing. DISCUSSION: No explanation has been given yet as to why the same vascular lesion may behave differently in different patients. New mutations may be accountable for this.

INTRODUCCION: Los hemangiomas infantiles con afectación multivisceral son escasos y su presentación en forma de hemorragia incontrolable es excepcional. CASO CLINICO: Recién nacido de 4 días de vida que presentaba múltiples hemangiomas hepatocutáneos y una lesión vascular púrpura-violácea, que abarcaba el tercer dedo de la mano derecha. En la tercera semana de vida, la lesión presentó ulceración y un sangrado incoercible requiriendo amputación urgente, con un resultado histopatológico de hemangioma infantil GLUT-1 positivo, con arquitectura compatible con malformación arteriovenosa en la parte profunda. Las pruebas de imagen mostraron que se trataba de una lesión de alto flujo. La genética (MAP2KI, RASA 1, EPHB4, GNAQ y GNA 11) fue negativa. La evolución del paciente fue buena, con la involución de las lesiones hepatocutáneas hasta su desaparición. COMENTARIOS: La divergencia en el comportamiento de las mismas lesiones vasculares en diferentes pacientes aún no ha encontrado explicación. Es posible que nuevas mutaciones puedan darnos una respuesta.

Development of Bioactive Glass-Collagen-Hyaluronic Acid-Polycaprolactone Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications.

In this work, bioactive glass (BG) particles synthesized by a sol-gel method, hyaluronic acid (HYA) and collagen (COL) extracted from chicken eggshell membrane (ESM), and as-purchased polycaprolactone (PCL) were used to obtain a novel bioactive scaffold using the gel-pressing technique. Two composite mixtures in weight percent were obtained and identified as SCF-1 and SCF-2, and were characterized by using FTIR, XRD, and SEM techniques. Subsequently, the composite materials applied as coatings were evaluated in simulated body fluid solutions using electrochemical techniques. The results of bioactivity and biodegradability evaluations, carried out by immersing in simulated body fluid and phosphate-buffered saline solution, showed that the SCF-1 sample presented the best biocompatibility. In accordance with the potentiodynamic results, the 316L-SS and the SCF-1-coated SS showed a very similar corrosion potential (E corr ), around -228 mV, and current density (i corr ) values in close proximity, while the SCF-2-coated SS showed more positive E corr around -68 mV and lower i corr value in one order of magnitude. These results agree with those obtained by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, which show a corrosion mechanism governed by activation and finite diffusion through the porous layer. In addition, results were complemented by dynamic compression testing under oscillating forces to identify the developed scaffolds' response under external forces, where the SCF-1 scaffold presented a maximum compression. The degradation resistance, bioactivity, and mechanically obtained measurements provided interesting results for potential further studies in tissue engineering.

[Comparison two blood culture bottles for the recovery of Enterobacteriaceae].

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to compare the suitability of the B BACTEC™ Lytic/10 Anaerobic/F versus B BACTEC™ Plus Aerobic/F vials at the time of both Enterobacteriaceae recovery rate and detection time. METHODS: Prospective observational study from September 2018 to January 2019 in which 150 bacteremia. The samples were incubated in the automated BD BACTEC ™ FX system (Becton Dickison). RESULTS: A total of 180 Enterobacteriaceae were isolated: 93 B BACTEC™ Plus Aerobic/F and 87 from B BACTEC™ Lytic/10 Anaerobic/F belonging to 106 patients The urinary focus was the most frequent origin. The average detection time in both cases was not more than 15 hours. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of both bottles seems to be the best diagnostic strategy, thus reducing the detection time as well as increasing the recovery of Enterobacteriaceae. The combination of both vials could be implemented especially in selected situation of special urgency such as the sepsis code or critical patients.

Executive Processes and Emotional and Behavioural Problems in Youths Under Protective Measures.

This research studies the executive processes of youths under protective measures between 13 and 18years of age, as well as the emotional problems they have and the presence of behavioural problems, such as difficulties to control and direct attention, to control one's own behaviour and inhibit inadequate or ineffective responses (hyperactivity-impulsiveness) and problems related to emotional regulation. In addition, we study the presence of significant differences according to the sex of the youths. We also analyse to what extent the difficulties in the executive processes are related to and can predict the emotional and behavioural problems. The instruments used were Stroop's Colour and Word Test (Stroop), the Paths Test (TESen), and the System of Evaluation for Children and Adolescents (SENA). The results indicated that the youths had difficulties in such executive processes as execution, speed, and accuracy in carrying out tasks. Furthermore, they had emotion problems, amongst which the symptoms of anxiety are worthy of note; whilst attention deficit, hyperactivity-impulsiveness, and problems related to emotional regulation could also be observed. The data indicated greater difficulties in the executive processes for males than for females. There was a greater emotional symptomatology in the females, whilst there were greater deficits in attention and hyperactivity/impulsiveness in the males. Similarly, the deficits in the executive processes were related to and predicted emotional and behavioural problems. This research suggests the design of a structured programme focused on systematic training in real, daily situations, recommending the use of restorative techniques to work on the affected cognitive skills and techniques aimed at improving the youths' emotion regulation.

Granulomas in Dermatopathology: Principal Diagnoses - Part 1. / Granulomas en dermatopatología: principales entidades. Parte I.

This series of 2 articles on dermatopathologic diagnoses reviews conditions in which granulomas form. Part 1 clarifies concepts, discusses the presentation of different types of granulomas and giant cells, and considers a large variety of noninfectious diseases. Some granulomatous diseases have a metabolic origin, as in necrobiosis lipoidica. Others, such as granulomatous mycosis fungoides, are related to lymphomas. Still others, such as rosacea, are so common that dermatologists see them nearly daily in clinical practice.

Granulomas in Dermatopathology: Principal Diagnoses - Part 2. / Granulomas en dermatopatología: principales entidades. Parte II.

Part 2 of this series on granulomatous diseases focuses on skin biopsy findings. Whereas the first part treated noninfectious conditions (metabolic disorders and tumors, among other conditions), this part mainly deals with various types of infectious disease along with other conditions seen fairly often by clinical dermatologists.

Efficiency of the EmERGE Pathway to provide continuity of care for Spanish people living with medically stable HIV.

OBJECTIVE: Calculate the efficiency of the EmERGE Pathway of Care for medically stable people living with HIV at the Hospital Clínic-IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain. METHODS: 546 study participants were followed between 1st July 2016 and 30th October 2019 across three HIV outpatient clinics, but the virtual clinic was closed during the second year. Unit costs were calculated, linked to mean use outpatient services per patient year, one-year before and after the implementation of EmERGE. Costs were combined with primary and secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Annual costs across HIV-outpatient services increased by 8%: €1073 (95%CI €999-€1157) to €1158 (95%CI €1084-€1238). Annual cost of ARVs was €7,557; total annual costs increased by 1% from €8430 (95%CI €8356-8514) to €8515 (95%CI €8441-8595). Annual cost for 433 participants managed in face-to-face (F2F) clinics decreased by 5% from €958 (95%CI 905-1018) to €904 (95%CI 863-945); participants transferred from virtual to F2F outpatient clinics (V2F) increased their annual cost by a factor of 2.2, from €115 (95%CI 94-139) to €251 (95%CI 219-290). No substantive changes were observed in primary and secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: EmERGE Pathway is an efficient and acceptable intervention. Increases in costs were caused by internal structural changes. The cost reduction observed in F2F clinics were off-set by the transfer of participants from the virtual to the F2F clinics due to the closure of the virtual clinic during the second year of the Study. Greater efficiencies are likely to be achieved by extending the use of the Pathway to other PLHIV.

What makes one feel eustress or distress in quarantine? An analysis from conservation of resources (COR) theory.

OBJECTIVE: Health quarantines produce serious deterioration in psychological health, which becomes more affected the longer the quarantine lasts. According to the Conservation of Resources theory from Hobfoll (1989, American Psychologist, 44, 513), those people who have a good supply of resources will be able to cope better with the adversities and will show less distress. The objective of this research is to identify what are the resources that, in a situation of confinement under the threat of COVID-19, predict eustress or well-being, and the loss or lack of which resources predict distress or discomfort. DESIGN AND METHOD: A total of 839 people complete an online questionnaire during the first week of COVID-19 confinement in Spain. The sample is weighted to obtain a distribution that is similar to the Spanish population. Using multiple linear regression analysis, factors are identified that are associated with eustress and distress based on the Conservation of Resources theory. RESULTS: A model is identified that explains 55% of the variance of eustress consisting mostly of personal resources, with vitality as the recourse having the most weight. The factors that explain distress (18.9% of the variance) are those related to work (employment situation, work satisfaction, and time devoted to work) and conditions in the home (space). CONCLUSIONS: The models that predict eustress and distress are completely different. Based on these results, a series of recommendations are proposed aimed at increasing eustress and reducing distress in a situation of confinement. Additionally, proposals are offered for future research.

Clinical and Histopathologic Characteristics of the Main Causes of Vascular Occusion - Part II: Coagulation Disorders, Emboli, and Other. / Dermatopatología de la oclusión intraluminal vascular: parteII (coagulopatías, émbolos y miscelánea).

Vascular occlusion has multiple, diverse clinical manifestations, some of which can have grave consequences for patients. It also has a wide variety of causes, including thrombi, which we recently addressed in partI of this review. In this second part, we look at additional causes of vascular occlusion.

Clinical and Histopathologic Characteristics of the Main Causes of Vascular Occlusion - Part I: Thrombi. / Dermatopatología de la oclusión intraluminal vascular: parte I (trombos).

Vascular occlusion has multiple, diverse clinical manifestations, some of which can have grave consequences for patients. The causes of vascular occlusion are also highly variable, ranging from thrombi triggered by the uncontrolled activation of coagulation mechanisms, on the one hand, to endothelial dysfunction or occlusion by material extrinsic to the coagulation system on the other. In a 2-part review, we look at the main causes of vascular occlusion and the key clinical and histopathologic findings. In this first part, we focus on vascular occlusion involving thrombi.

Is It Possible to Find Something Positive in Being Confined Due to COVID-19? Implications for Well-Being.

In relation to COVID-19, little research has focused on the study of variables that affect well-being during this pandemic. The purpose of this research is twofold: (1) to find out if people experiencing a quarantine are able to appreciate any positive aspects of it, and to analyze how these responses are categorized and (2) to check if there are differences in levels of well-being according to these categories. There were 243 representative participants of the Spanish population according to sex, age, and educational level. The methodology was mixed, qualitative for the first objective and quantitative for the second. The first used the Thematic Network, while the second used logistic regression. From the qualitative analysis, three major categories were extracted: intrinsic orientation, extrinsic orientation, and empty orientation. The quantitative results showed a clear advantage in well-being for the intrinsically oriented group. The group of intrinsic orientation presented a better coping ability while the group of extrinsic orientation was as little adaptive as the group of empty orientation. Recommendations are extracted from the results.

Is Love Triarchic or Monarchical-Hierarchical? A Proposal of a General Factor of Love and a Scale to Measure it.

One of the most widely used measures for evaluating love is the Triangular Love Scale (TLS) by Sternberg (1986) based on his Triarchic theory according to which, love is comprised of three reasonably independent components (intimacy, passion and commitment). However, different investigations contradict this idea. The purpose of the present investigation is to verify whether the structure of love is triarchic, with three independent factors, or monarchical-hierarchical, with a first level where the three components of love would be located, and a second higher level where they would be grouped together in a general factor of love. In order to do this, in addition to the use of the TLS scale, another equivalent called Quality Partner Relationship Scale (QPRS) was developed to test the stability of the results found, and to propose a measure of love based on the Sternberg components, but simpler and without problems of overlap between items. To test this question, we used a sample of 610 people matched by sex, age and social class, all of whom were partnered at the time of the evaluation. Confirmatory Factor Analyses were used to test the research objective, something that had not been done so far, and it was found that the structure that best fitted the data was monarchical-hierarchical in the case of the TLS as well as in the one of the QPRS. We can then state that love is structured around a general factor in which the three components are grouped: Intimacy, passion and commitment.