Effect of sire type and a by-product based diet on performance and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs.

For many years, pig production has focused on maximizing performance by selecting for maximal muscle growth and feeding diets that allow the animals to express their genetic potential. However, it is unclear whether this selection for muscle deposition has affected the capacity of pigs to cope with by-product-based diets, which rely on fat as the primary energy source instead of starches and sugars. Therefore, an experiment was set up to investigate if different types of boars affect how their progeny cope with alternative ingredients in the diet, with a possible need for adapted breeding schemes. Two types of boars within the Piétrain sire line were used based on either a high or low estimated breeding value for daily feed intake (HFI: high feed intake, low feed intake). When their progeny reached 14 weeks of age, two dietary strategies were compared: a control (CON) vs a by-product-based diet high in fat and fiber (HFF). The CON diet was mainly based on cereals (corn, wheat, barley) and soybean meal. The HFF diet was formulated to contain the same net energy, CP and digestible amino acid levels without any cereals or soybean meal. In total 192 animals were included in the experiment (48 animals/type of boar/diet) and performance, digestibility, carcass and meat quality were compared. None of the parameters showed a significant interaction (P < 0.05) between the type of boar and diet, suggesting that shifting to diets that are less prone to feed-food competition is equally feasible in different types of pigs. Type of boar did affect performance, carcass quality and intramuscular fat content. HFI pigs showed higher daily feed intake (DFI) and daily gain (P < 0.001), with no significant difference in feed conversion ratio (P = 0.205), lower carcass quality (P < 0.001) and higher intramuscular fat content (P = 0.030). For both boar types, pigs fed the CON diet performed better, with a higher daily gain (P = 0.028), DFI (P = 0.011) and dressing yield (P = 0.009) and better digestibility (P < 0.001), but without differences in feed conversion ratio or meat quality. In conclusion, there was no indication that pigs differing in feed intake capacity cope differently with a high-fat, high-fiber diet based on by-products. Different types of pigs may cope well with diets that are less prone to feed-food competition.

Effect of terminal sire line and timing second vaccination on effectiveness of immunocastration, performance, and carcass and meat quality.

Performance (from 10 weeks until slaughter), carcass and meat quality, and effectiveness of immunocastration was compared in crossbred offspring of stress positive (BP+) and negative (BP-) Belgian Piétrain and Canadian Duroc (CD) given the second vaccination of Improvac® at different times (4, 6, 8 weeks before slaughter). CD offspring had a significantly higher daily gain (DG) and feed intake (DFI), and lower predicted lean meat percentage (LMP) and dressing yield compared to BP+ and BP-, while feed conversion ratio (FCR) did not differ. CD offspring had significantly lower drip loss and higher pHi, intramuscular fat content than BP+ and BP- (except for pHi). No significant effect of vaccination time on DG nor FCR was observed. Predicted LMP tended to increase as time-post injection decreased, while meat quality was minor affected. Earlier vaccination had no effect on the effectiveness of immunocastration based on testosterone and GnRH-binding.

Quality characteristics of fresh loin and cooked ham muscles as affected by genetic background of commercial pigs.

This study was performed to investigate meat quality traits of loin and ham of commercial pigs as affected by genetic differences in carcass and growth traits of the parent lines. Three hybrid sow lines were crossbred with two types of Belgian Piétrain with different breeding goals (BPgrowth and BPcarcass emphasizing daily growth and carcass conformation, respectively). Pig live performance and carcass quality of 270 offspring were measured, and meat quality of the loin and (cooked) ham was evaluated on 216 animals. Despite the differences in pig live performance and carcass quality for sow line, little effect on meat quality was observed. Only a lower (p < 0.05) intramuscular fat content of ham and a tendency (p < 0.1) toward lower cooking yield was observed in offspring of the sow line with the highest versus the lowest carcass lean content. Loin traits were only weakly associated with fresh and cooked ham quality traits.

Performance and carcass, loin and ham quality in crossbreds from three terminal sire lines.

This study was designed to compare performance, carcass and meat quality of crossbred of a hybrid sow x three sire lines, i.e. stress positive Belgian Piétrain (BP), stress negative French Piétrain (FP) and Canadian Duroc (CD). BP offspring had a significantly higher carcass yield (p < .001) and lean meat content (p < .001) in comparison with FP, which was higher than CD. BP offspring had significantly lower pH (p < .05), water-holding capacity (WHC) (p < .001) and intramuscular fat (IMF) (p < .001) content in the loin compared to FP and CD, but these meat quality parameters, with the exception of pH, were superior for CD as compared to FP. In accordance with loin quality, pHi, pHu, WHC and IMF of BP were significantly lower (p < .05) compared to CD in the fresh and cooked ham. Most often, FP offspring could not be differentiated from the other offspring, with the exception of cooking loss of the cooked ham. Trained and consumer taste panels resulted in no significant differences (p > .1) in sensory attributes, however, consumers preffered CD based on ranking.

From bench to bedside: evolving therapeutic targets in autoimmune blistering disease.

Autoimmune blistering diseases comprise a group of heterogenous conditions characterized by the loss of tolerance and subsequent development of autoantibodies targeting epidermal and subepidermal adhesion proteins. Blisters and erosions form on the skin and mucous membranes leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Traditional therapies rely on systemic immunosuppression. Advancements in our understanding of the pathophysiology of pemphigus and pemphigoid have led to the development of molecules which target specific pathways involved in induction and perpetuation of disease. In this review, we outline the novel therapeutic strategies including B-cell depletion, T-regulatory cell repletion, cell signalling inhibitors and small molecular inhibitors, inhibitory monoclonal antibodies, as well as complement inhibition. We additionally review their current level of clinical evidence. We lastly review therapeutics targets gleaned from the experimental epidermolysis bullosa acquisita mouse model. These emerging treatments offer an exciting progression from basic science discoveries that have the potential to transform the treatment paradigm in autoimmune blistering diseases.

Gastrointestinal symptoms, gastrointestinal bleeding and the role of diet in patients with autoimmune blistering disease: a survey of the International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation.

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune blistering diseases are a group of severe mucocutaneous conditions that typically require the use of prolonged corticosteroids and immunosuppression. Properly managing associated comorbidities is an integral part of these patients' care. The frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding in these patients, is not known. Likewise, the effect of diet on disease is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of gastrointestinal comorbidities and the role of diet in patients with autoimmune blistering disease. METHODS: We distributed an e-survey to patients with autoimmune blistering disease utilizing the International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation's listserv. The incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms and gastrointestinal bleeding were recorded, as were foods avoided and those noted to be beneficial in patients' disease. Historical incidences in the general population were used as controls. RESULTS: A total of 200 responses were collected. 30.3% of patients experienced gastroesophageal reflux following treatment of their autoimmune blistering disease, with 51.7% utilizing some form of gastrointestinal symptomatic treatment. The incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding following an autoimmune blistering diagnosis was 2.1%, which remained significant despite correction for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory use (NSAID), but not corticosteroid use. 65.2% of patients reported dietary limitations because of their autoimmune blistering disease. Significant intolerances after correction for multiple comparisons included alcohol, citrus and spicy foods. Greater than 10% of patients reported improvements in their disease with vegetables and dairy. CONCLUSIONS: Gastrointestinal comorbidities are common in patients with autoimmune blistering diseases, with gastrointestinal bleeding occurring in 2.1% of patients following a diagnosis of autoimmune blistering disease. While further work is needed to determine the relative risk of routine gastrointestinal prophylaxis in this population, gastrointestinal bleeding prophylaxis should be considered in patients receiving corticosteroids, particularly those taking NSAIDs. Dietary limitations are additionally frequent in this population. Patients should be cautious of alcohol, citrus and spicy foods.

Monitoring of behavior, sex hormones and boar taint compounds during the vaccination program for immunocastration in three sire lines.

Immunocastration (vaccination against boar taint) is an alternative method to prevent boar taint without the need for surgical castration. This study investigates the evolution of boar taint compounds in serum and fat, serum steroid compounds as well as behavior in immunocastrated pigs from 3 sire lines: 15 stress positive Belgian Piétrain (BP), 20 stress negative French Piétrain (FP), and 20 stress negative Canadian Duroc (CD). Hormone and boar taint compounds in serum were determined at 4 time points; boar taint compounds in fat were determined at 3 time points. Behavior, skin lesions, animal and pen fouling were also recorded before the first vaccination (V2). Aggressiveness, eating and drinking and general activity behavior declined from  V2 for all sire lines. Pigs from BP were cleaner than FP and CD pigs. Even though immunocastration was effective in general (reduced testosterone, estradiol as well as androstenone in serum) for all sire lines, some individual pigs showed either androstenone or skatole levels in fat above cutoff values. While the immunocastration mechanism works as intended for androstenone, and also for skatole for the three sire lines, the risk of carcasses with boar taint compounds above cutoff levels (respectively 1.9 and 3.7%) still remains to some extent.

The comparative safety of intravenous iron dextran, iron saccharate, and sodium ferric gluconate.

Intravenous iron treatment is an important component of anemia therapy for patients on dialysis. Until recently iron dextran was the only parenteral form of iron available in the United States. This drug has been associated with occasional serious adverse reactions, including full-blown anaphylaxis. In 1999 the Food and Drug Administration approved a second form of iron for intravenous administration, sodium ferric gluconate in sucrose. It is expected that by the time of this publication, a third agent, iron saccharate will also be approved. In this review the comparative safety of these three agents is critically evaluated.

Masticatory stress, orbital orientation and the evolution of the primate postorbital bar.

A postorbital bar is one of a suite of derived features which distinguishes basal primates from their putative sister taxon, plesiadapiforms. Two hypotheses have been put forward to explain postorbital bar development and variation in circumorbital form: the facial torsion model and visual predation hypothesis. To test the facial torsion model, we employ strain data on circumorbital and mandibular loading patterns in representative primates with a postorbital bar and masticatory apparatus similar to basal primates. To examine the visual predation hypothesis, we employ metric data on orbit orientation in Paleocene and Eocene primates, as well as several clades of visual predators and foragers that vary interspecifically in postorbital bar formation.A comparison of galago circumorbital and mandibular peak strains during powerful mastication demonstrates that circumorbital strains are quite low. This indicates that, as in anthropoids, the strepsirhine circumorbital region is excessively overbuilt for countering routine masticatory loads. The fact that circumorbital peak-strain levels are uniformly low in both primate suborders undermines any model which posits that masticatory stresses are determinants of circumorbital form, function and evolution. This is interpreted to mean that sufficient cortical bone must exist to prevent structural failure due to non-masticatory traumatic forces. Preliminary data also indicate that the difference between circumorbital and mandibular strains is greater in larger taxa.Comparative analyses of several extant analogs suggest that the postorbital bar apparently provides rigidity to the lateral orbital margins to ensure a high level of visual acuity during chewing and biting. The origin of the primate postorbital bar is linked to changes in orbital convergence and frontation at smaller sizes due to nocturnal visual predation and increased encephalization. By incorporating in vivo and fossil data, we reformulate the visual predation hypothesis of primate origins and thus offer new insights into major adaptive transformations in the primate skull.

[The application of biodegradable anastomosis ring Valtrac for intestinal anastomosis]. / Zastosowanie biorozpadalnego pierscienia zespoleniowego Valtrac do zespolen jelitowych.

UNLABELLED: In 1985 a biofragmentable anastomosis ring (BAR) Valtrac was introduced for intestinal anastomoses. From August 1994 trough March 1998, 49 intestinal anastomoses were performed in 44 patients: there were 28 jejunoileostomies, 8 colocolostomies and 3 gastrojejunostomies. In 5 patients after total gastrectomy, two anastomoses with the use of Valtrac ring were made during the same operation. The patient group consisted of 26 women and 18 men, aged 14 to 81 years (mean age: 54 years); there were 13 emergency and 31 elective procedures. The reasons for the operations were: cancer--35 cases, pancreatic cyst drainage--4 cases and reconstructive procedures in the digestive tract--5 cases. First intestinal gas passage and defecation were monitored in all patients; control X-ray was performed on the 10th postoperative day. No mortality nor serious complications were observed in the postoperative period. In an 81-year old patient, an inconsiderable leakage was found at the anastomotic site. This was successfully managed in the second operation. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Valtrac is an alternative method for intestinal anastomoses. 2. The anastomotic technique is atraumatic and easy even for an unexperienced surgeon.

Prevalence of hypertension in a hemodialysis population.

BACKGROUND: Accurate information on prevalence and status of blood pressure (BP) control in hemodialysis patients is lacking. Our Hemodialysis Quality Improvement Program, sought to determine: 1) The extent and control of hypertension (HTN), 2) whether Erythropoietin (EPO) dose or intradialytic fluid loss had any effect on BP and 3) a means to follow the severity of HTN. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The pre/post mid-week dialysis BP readings of 190 patients (64+/-14.1 years, 53% males, 77% whites) were evaluated over a 3 month period. HTN was defined as BP >150/90. Hypertension was further characterized according to whether the patients had normal or elevated pre-dialysis systolic, pre-dialysis diastolic, post-dialysis systolic or post-diastolic BP readings on more than 6 of the possible 13 recordings. The average EPO dose and weight loss during dialysis was correlated with BP. To better understand the extent of HTN, systolic and diastolic pressures were separately graded from 0 to 3 and a number designated as hypertension sensitivity index (HSI) was assigned to each patient. RESULTS: Of the 190 patients, 146 (76.8%) were hypertensive. 117 out of 146 hypertensive patients (80.1%) had persistent elevation of BP despite being on one or more antihypertensive medications. Most patients were on calcium channel blockers (39%) with 27% being on beta-blockers and 14% on Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. There was no correlation between the number of medications used and the control of HTN. The dose of EPO also had no effect on the degree of HTN. 69.8% of all HTN was systolic. Of this, 64.7% was pre-dialysis and 35.3% post-dialysis. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated a significant correlation with loss of weight during dialysis and lowering of systolic BP (r = 0.33, p = 0.0001). The mean HSI for this population was 2.3+/-1.8. CONCLUSION: HTN was a frequent finding in our hemodialysis population and it was controlled in only 19.9% of hypertensive patients. Most of this HTN was pre-dialysis systolic. There was a significant correlation between fluid loss during dialysis and lowering of blood pressure. The use of the HSI has proven to be helpful in differentiating type and severity of HTN.

The evaluation of iron status in hemodialysis patients.

Effective treatment of anemia in hemodialysis patients requires ongoing monitoring of iron status. The purpose of this study was to determine levels of commonly used iron indices predictive of iron deficiency in this population. Forty-seven patients with baseline serum ferritin levels < 600 ng/mL were treated with intravenous iron dextran (INFeD; Schein Pharmaceutical Inc., Florham Park, NJ), 1000 mg over ten hemodialysis treatments. Patients whose hematocrit value increased by 5% or who had a 10% decrease in their erythropoietin dose by 2 months were classified as having iron deficiency (N = 31; 66%). All other subjects were classified as having adequate iron (N = 16; 34%). There was no statistically significant difference in baseline serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin content, or red cell distribution width between the two groups. Receiver operator curves demonstrated that none of the iron indices had a high level of utility (both sensitivity and specificity > 80%). Two tests had marginal utility, serum ferritin at a level of < 150 ng/mL, and transferrin saturation < 21%. It was concluded that because of the tests' marginal utility, they should only be interpreted in the context of the patient's underlying erythropoietin, responsiveness. In patients who are responsive to erythropoietin, a transferrin saturation value < 18% or serum ferritin level < 100 ng/mL should be used to indicate inadequate iron. When erythropoietin resistance is present, transferrin saturation of < 27% or serum ferritin < 300 ng/mL should be used to guide iron management.

Pressure effects on the stability of lipoxygenase: Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and enzyme activity studies.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) studies of lipoxygenase at pressures of up to 1.2 GPa have shown changes in the amide I' band which correlate to structural changes of the enzyme. The shift of the frequency maximum of the amide I' band at about 600 MPa suggests a cooperative change in the secondary structure of the protein. Studies of the changes in band width have shown the structural changes at 600 MPa to be irreversible. This has been confirmed by studies of enzyme activity after pressure treatment: exposure to 600 MPa for 30 min (40 degrees C) clearly reduced the activity of lipoxygenase. Anodic gel electrophoresis under non-denaturating conditions revealed a decrease in native protein parallel to the activity loss. A pressure-temperature-phase diagram for soybean lipoxygenase was established.

Ankle-arm blood pressure index as a marker for atherosclerotic vascular diseases in hemodialysis patients.

The ankle to arm blood pressure index (AABI) has been recently found to be a strong predictor of cardiovascular and overall mortality in several populations. The test, which is a noninvasive marker for lower extremity vascular disease (when the index is < 0.9), is an office procedure that is simple to perform. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the AABI in hemodialysis patients. One hundred seventy-seven hemodialysis patients were studied, of which the AABI could be measured in 142. The AABI was then compared in patients with and without coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral vascular disease. In patients with or without coronary artery disease, the AABI was, respectively, 0.87 +/- 0.03 and 1.03 +/- 0.02 (P < 0.0001). For cerebrovascular disease, the mean AABI for patients with or without disease was, respectively, 0.82 +/- 0.04 and 1.00 +/- 0.02 (P < 0.0004). In patients with or without peripheral vascular disease, the mean AABI was, respectively, 0.75 +/- 0.04 and 1.02 +/- 0.02 (P < 0.0001). The mean AABI was 0.86 +/- 0.03 in patients with any of the three diseases compared with 1.07 +/- 0.02 in patients without any vascular disease (P < 0.0001). Thirty-eight percent of patients had an AABI of less than 0.9; 24% were less than 0.8 and 11% were less than 0.7.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Persistent rotavirus infection in mice with severe combined immunodeficiency.

Rotaviruses are important pathogens of human infants and the infants of many animal species. The disease produced by these viruses can be described as an acute, self-limiting diarrheal disease, with virus replication localized to the differentiated epithelial enterocytes of the small intestine. Immunologically normal infants shed virus for approximately 5 to 12 days after the onset of infection. Recently, it has been shown that rotavirus can produce a chronic infection in severely immunocompromised children, with virus shedding and intermittent diarrhea lasting from 6 weeks to 2 years (G. A. Losonsky, J. P. Johnson, J. A. Winkelstein, and R. H. Yolken, J. Clin. Invest. 76:2362-2367, 1985; F. T. Saulsbury, J. A. Winkelstein, and R. H. Yolken, J. Pediatr. 97:61-65, 1980). These findings point to an important role for the immune system in recovery from the disease. The study described here examined the outcome of murine rotavirus infection in mice with severe combined B- and T-cell immunodeficiency (SCID) and in immunologically normal seronegative BALB/c mice. Persistent rotavirus infection was established in all mice with SCID which had been inoculated orally as pups. Low levels of virus replication and constant fecal virus shedding characterized the chronic infection. This is the first report of a persistent rotavirus infection in an animal model.