Educational inequalities in cervical cancer screening participation in 24 European countries.

OBJECTIVES: Cervical cancer screening (CCS) is an important public health measure for early detection of cervical cancer and prevents a large proportion of cervical cancer deaths. However, participation in CCS is relatively low and varies substantially by country and socio-economic position. This study aimed to provide up-to-date participation rates and estimates on educational inequalities in CCS participation in 24 European countries with population-based CCS programmes. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. METHODS: Using data from the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) conducted in 2019, 80,479 women aged 25-64 years were included in the analyses. First, standardized participation rates and standardized participation rates by educational attainment were calculated for all 24 countries based on each country-specific screening programme organization. Second, a series of generalized logistic models was applied to assess the effect of education on CCS participation. RESULTS: Screening participation rates ranged from 34.1% among low-educated women in Romania to 97.1% among high-educated women in Finland. We observed that lower-educated women were less likely to attend CCS than their higher-educated counterparts. Largest educational gaps were found in Sweden (odds ratio [OR] = 6.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.89-10.35) and Poland (odds ratio = 5.80, 95% CI = 4.34-7.75). CONCLUSION: Population-based screening initiatives have successfully reduced participation differences between women with medium and high educational attainment in some countries; however, persistent disparities still exist between women with low and high levels of education. There is an urgent need to increase participation rates of CCS, especially among lower-educated women.

Prevalence and management of arterial hypertension in the population aged 25-64 in the Czech Republic with a focus on diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of arterial hypertension and its awareness rate and control rate among diabetes mellitus (DM) patients in the Czech Republic between 25-64 years of age and to compare the results with those in age-matched non-diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood pressure measurement data of 1 170 respondents (467 men and 703 women) obtained during the EHES study in 2014 were analysed. DM was diagnosed in 95 (8.2%) respondents (44 men and 51 women). RESULTS: Mean systolic blood pressure in DM patients was 130.7 ± 18.3 vs. 123.2 ± 16.8 mmHg in non-DM subjects (p < 0.001). The difference in diastolic blood pressure was on the borderline of statistical significance (82.2 ± 9.4 mmHg in DM vs. 80.0 ± 10.6 mmHg in non-DM subjects, p = 0.051). Among the study population, 69.5% of DM and 34.2% of non-DM subjects suffered from arterial hypertension (p < 0.001). The hypertension awareness rates were 87.9% in the DM group and 66.8 % in the non-DM group. (p = 0.001). The percentage of treated arterial hypertension was 94.8% in DM patients vs. 80.5% in the non-DM group (p = 0.010). The blood pressure target of < 140/90 mmHg was achieved in 47.3% of DM patients vs. 60.6% in non-DM subjects (p = 0.077). Using a blood pressure target of < 130/80 mmHg, adequate arterial hypertension control was achieved in only 29.1% of DM patients. When comparing the achievement of the blood pressure targets recommended for diabetic patients (< 130/80 mmHg) and non-DM patients (< 140/90 mmHg), the difference between these groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001) in favour of the non-diabetic group. CONCLUSION: The study has shown the prevalence of arterial hypertension to be twice as high in DM patients aged 25-64 compared to the age-matched non-DM subjects in the Czech Republic. The adequate blood pressure control rate is significantly lower in DM patients than in the non-diabetic population. The study results indicate that the blood pressure targets recommended for diabetic patients (< 130/80 mmHg) are not always reached in clinical practice.

MODY diabetes and screening of gestational diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to present a summary of the actual diagnostic possibilities and differentiation of MODY (Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young) from gestational diabetes (GDM) found during routine screening, and specific aspects of care and treatment of MODY during pregnancy and early postpartum period. DESIGN: Rewiev. SETTINGS: Centre for Research of Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition; Second Department of Internal Medicine University Hospital Královské Vinohrady and Third Faculty of Medicine, Prague. Department of Internal Medicine, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague. METHODS: Recent publications selected in PubMed with the key words MODY, gestational diabetes. RESULTS: Many patients with MODY, especially the glucokinase MODY, can be first diagnosed during pregnancy. It is estimated that MODY patients account for up to 5% of GDM cases found in routine screening of GDM. MODY should be considered in lean women around 25 years of age, with a positive family history of diabetes in one of the parents. The differentiation of MODY from GDM is of particular importance not only for the different management and goals of antidiabetic therapy and planning ultrasound controls of fetal growth during pregnancy, but also because of the risk of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia in newborns. CONCLUSION: Recognition of MODY during pregnancy and adherence to existing recommendations concerning specific care of these patients is essential for the optimal course of their pregnancy and proper care of the newborn in the early postpartum period.

[Changes in weight and diabetes compensation (HbA(1c)) in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 after adding exenatide (Byetta) to the current treatment in 28 diabetology departments in the Czech Republic - BIBY-I study (observations lasting 3 to 12 months)]. / Zmeny hmotnosti a kompenzace diabetu (HbA(1c)) u nemocných s diabetes mellitus 2. tpu po pridání exenatidu (Byetta) ke stávající lécbe ve 28 diabetologických ambulancích v CR--studie BIBY-I (sledováni 3-12 mesícu).

UNLABELLED: BIBY STUDY OBJECTIVE: To obtain experience with exenatide treatment (Byetta) in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 in a common clinical practice ofdiabetology departments. TYPE OF OBSERVATION: Observational study conducted by a randomly selected group of outpatient medical practitioners from 28 diabetology departments in the Czech Republic. OBSERVED AND ASSESSED POPULATION: 465 patients underwent at least three months of Byetta treatment; 347 persons (74.6% ofthe research population) stayed forthe extended observation of 6-12 months. Apart from the basic identification data (year of birth, sex, age when diabetes mellitus manifested, height, maximum patient weight before diabetes and when diabetes mellitus manifested), the following information was recorded in three-month intervals: weight, waistline, glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)), and diabetes mellitus treatment The population included 50.3% women and 49.7% men, and the average age at the time of diabetes manifestation was 48 (20-73 years). The period between the diabetes manifestation and the start of exenatide treatment was 8.3 years on average. RESULTS: The average maximum BMI value before the detection of diabetes was 39.05 (+/- 6.73); at the time of the diabetes manifestation 37.88 (+/- 6.40); and at the start of Byetta treatment 39.01 (+/- 6.22). The BMI after three, six, and 12 months of treatment was as follows: 37.86 (+/- 6.12), 37.18 (+/- 6.0), and 36.60 (+/- 6.21); it decreased by > or = 0.5 in 83.3% patients who were under observation for 12 months. HbA(1c) value decreased in the first three months from 7.39% (+/- 1.57) to 6.41% (+/- 1.34), p < 0.0001. In the period of three-six months, the value decreased to 6.22% (+/- 1.34), and after 12 months, HbA(1c) was at 6.04 (+/- 1.20). An improvement in HbA(1c) value of 0.5-2.0% occurred after the first year in 49% of our research population. The waistline was measured on a regular basis in only 267 patients (58.9%). The average initial value of 120.7 cm was reduced within three months of the treatment to 118.3 cm, and within six and 12 months to 117.3 and 112.6 cm respectively. CONCLUSION: Adding Byetta to the currently applied treatment of obese patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 led, in 66.8% of the population, to a statistically significant reduction in HbA(1c) levels in the first three-six months of the treatment; after 12 months of treatment, 25% of the population was still showing an improvement in HbA(1c) of > 2.0%. Of observed patients, 74.4% significantly reduced their BMI (by > 0.5) during the first three months; 39.6% of patients reduced their BMI in the period of three-six months.

[Changes in weight and diabetes compensation (HbA1c) in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 after adding exenatide (Byetta) to the current treatment in 28 diabetology departments in the Czech Republic -  BIBYII study (observations lasting 24 months)]. / Zmeny hmotnosti a kompenzace diabetu (HbA1c) u nemocných s diabetes mellitus 2. typu po pridání exenatidu (Byetta) ke stávající lécbe ve 28 diabetologických ambulancích v CR -  studie BIBYII (sledování 24 mesícu).

UNLABELLED: BIBYII STUDY OBJECTIVE: To obtain experience with longterm (24 months) exenatide treatment (Byetta) in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 from a common clinical practice of diabetology departments in the Czech Republic. TYPE OF OBSERVATION: Observational study conducted by a randomly selected group of outpatient medical practitioners from 28 diabetology departments in the Czech Republic. OBSERVED AND ASSESSED POPULATION: From the original population of 465 patients, who underwent a minimum of three months Byetta treatment, 169 patients (36.6%) remained during the second prolonged observation after 18 months, and 76 patients completed 24 months of uninterrupted Byetta treatment. The following basic information about the patients was collected: year of birth, sex, age when diabetes mellitus (DM) manifested, height, maximum weight before diabetes and when DM manifested. The study recorded the following values in three- month intervals: weight, waistline, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and DM treatment. The population of the prolonged observation comprised 50.3% women and 49.7 % men, and the average age at the time of DM2 manifestation was 48.0 (20- 73 years). RESULTS: At the beginning of Byetta treatment, the average maximum BMI in the subpopulation observed for 24 months was 38.44; after 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 months the following levels were measured, respectively: 36.79, 36.22, 35.91, 35.57 and 35.58. The original HbA1c level of 7.44% at the beginning of Byetta treatment decreased after 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 months to 6.33, 5.98, 5.83, 5.86 and 5.93%. CONCLUSION: Adding Byetta to the currently applied treatment of obese patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 over a period of 24 months has led to an improvement in HbA1c level by 1.51%, and BMI level was reduced by 2.37 after two years of Byetta treatment.

Effects of a mono-component endo-xylanase supplementation on the nutritive value of wheat-based broiler diets.

1. Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of a mono-component thermostable endo-1,4-ß-xylanase derived from Thermomyces lanuginosus on the nutritive value of wheat-based broiler diets. In a 5-week growth trial, the efficacy of xylanase supplementation at 0, 100, 150, 200, 400 and 4000 FXU/kg diet was evaluated. A short-term balance trial was carried out according to a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, involving 4 wheat cultivars and endo-xylanase at 0 or 200 FXU/kg. 2. In the growth trial, enzyme supplementation from 0 to 400 FXU/kg reduced feed intake and improved feed conversion linearly. Digesta viscosity was significantly reduced by all enzyme inclusion levels by 49·6-56·9%, in a quadratic manner. 3. In the balance trial, xylanase supplementation resulted in a significant improvement of protein, lipid and dry matter apparent digestibility coefficients of diets, accompanied by improved dietary AME(N) values. There was a significant wheat × enzyme interaction on AME(N) and lipid digestibility. There was a significant effect of wheat cultivar on dry matter digestibility.

Prevalence of active infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae and human cytomegalovirus in patients with type II diabetes mellitus.

By promoting the inflammatory process in the arterial wall, Chlamydia pneumoniae (CPN) and human cytomegalovirus (CMV) participate in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Since patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at high risk of CVD, we studied markers of CMV and CPN infection in DM patients as possible predictors of cardiovascular complications. The seroprevalence rates of CMV in 44 DM patients and matched controls were 74 and 88%, respectively. Compared with controls, patients showed lower titers of IgG against CMV (p < 0.001) and higher titers of genus-specific IgA against CPN (p = 0.006). The titers of genus-specific IgG and prevalence rates of type-specific anti-CPN IgA, IgG or IgM were similar in both DM patients and controls. Serological markers of either active or recent CPN infection were detected in 54% of patients and 59% of controls. However, CPN DNA was not detected in the blood of any DM patient. CMV DNA was found in the blood of 1 (2.3%) patient. The results do not indicate an increased rate of CMV or CPN infection in patients with type II DM.

[Glibenclamide instead of insulin: a new chance for MODY 3 type diabetes patients: case report]. / Glibenklamid místo inzulinu: nová sance pro pacienty s diabetem MODY 3: kazuistika.

MODY 3 belongs to monogenic forms of diabetes mellitus and is caused by monoallelic mutation in gene for transcription factor HNF-1alpha, essential for regulation of beta-cell function. Clinical presentation of MODY 3 is similar to that of type 1 diabetes. Although MODY 3 patients are not threatened by ketoacidosis, tight metabolic control is important for prevention of chronic diabetic complications. In the sibbling pair diabetes was manifested by osmotic symptoms resulting from hyperglycaemia at the age of 18 years (brother) resp. 15 years (sister) and both of them started being treated with intensified insulin treatment. Metabolic control of the brother was very tight with HbA1c 3.3 % but frequent hypoglycaemias occured. On the contrary metabolic control of the sister was very poor due to her non-compliance (HbA1c 10.9 %, IFCC). Molecular-genetic testing proved HNF-1alpha gene mutation (Arg200Gly). In accordance with the references treatment with sulphonylurea derivate glibenclamide was initiated [at the doses 1.25 (brother) resp. 7.5 (sister) mg/day] and insulin treatment was discontinued. The treatment change led to better quality of life and metabolic control in both the patients and suprisingly to the lower frequency of the hypoglycaemias in the brother (HbA1c decreased from 3.3 % to 2.8 % in three months in the brother resp. from 10.9 % to 10.0 % in two months in the sister). Molecular-genetic testing enables the change of treatment leading to better quality of life and metabolic control, although its longterm safety and efficacy will have to be confirmed.

Material and compositional properties of selectively demineralized cortical bone.

Timed immersion in buffered ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA) was used to selectively alter the mineral content at each level in the cortical bone structural hierarchy. The effects on the mechanical behavior were investigated using a combination of experimental techniques which provide collectively a wide range of resolution (5 microns to 3 mm). Optical microscopy and histological analysis demonstrated a heterogeneous structure consisting of a mineralized tissue core surrounded by a layer of demineralized tissue (collagen) whose thickness varied depending on the immersion time. The mechanical behaviors of treated samples with (intact) and without (core) the surrounding demineralized layer were evaluated using three-point flexure. Overall, the intact specimens became significantly less brittle with increased immersion time in buffered-EDTA. For the core specimens, there was a systematic decrease in the elastic flexural properties (E, sigma e, epsilon e). The site-specific properties of the specimens were determined using microhardness testing, scanning acoustic microscopy, and wavelength dispersive analysis. The mineralization and site-specific properties of the mineralized cores were not significantly affected by buffered-EDTA immersion; however, histomorphometric analysis showed a decrease in the mineralized volume fraction via widening of the pre-existing vascular channels. The experimental hierarchy was effective in discerning site-specific property changes and the localized heterogeneities resulting from the buffered-EDTA treatment. Based on the results of this study, buffered-EDTA treatment can be used to facilitate the determination of material and physical properties of intact and demineralized tissues within a single cortical bone sample.

The effect of oils on PAH, PCDD, PCDF, and PCB emissions from a spark engine fueled with leaded gasoline.

The effect of synthetic and mineral oils on the formation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and biphenyls (PCBs) in emissions from a spark ignition engine was studied on a Skoda Favorit engine fueled with leaded gasoline. The test cycle simulated urban traffic conditions on a chassis dynamometer, in accordance with the ECC 83.00 test. The data for selected PAHs as well as PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs congener profiles are presented. PCDD/Fs emissions for an unused oil and the oil after 10000-km operation varied from 300 to 2000 fmol/m3, PCBs emissions from 75 to 178 pmol/m3, and PAHs emissions from 150 to 420 microg/m3. The content of PCBs in oils varied from 2 to 920 mg/kg.

Relationships between vitamin A and vitamin E in the chick.

Plasma levels of vitamins A and E were analysed during the dietary administration of two levels of vitamin A (10 000 or 50 000 IU/kg) in combination with four levels of supplemental vitamin E (0, 50, 100, or 150 mg/kg) and with or without a supplement of oil to the diet. Tocopherol levels in plasma were markedly decreased by the higher vitamin A supplementation. In contrast, the various vitamin E intakes had no influence on plasma retinol levels. The addition of oil to the diet did not affect this interaction. The absorption, distribution and elimination of labeled 3H-dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate after an oral or intravenous administration, in combination with a high oral dose of vitamin A (100 000 IU/chick), were studied. The high oral single dose of vitamin A reduced the levels of radioactivity in all the analysed tissues and organs, when both vitamins were administered orally. However, vitamin A did not affect distribution and elimination of radioactivity, when an interaction in the gastro-intestinal tract was avoided by different routes of administration.

The effects of enzyme addition to broiler diets containing high concentrations of canola or sunflower meal.

The effects of two commercial enzyme products on the nutritive value of canola meal (CM) and sunflower meal (SFM) were determined in a classical AME bioassay with special emphasis on the utilization of nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP). The enzymes were added to semi-purified broiler grower diets based on corn and casein containing 35% CM or 35% SFM, respectively. Feed intake, growth, and AME of the diets were significantly (P < 0.001) affected by type of oilseed meal included in the diet. Birds fed the SFM-based diets had a significantly (P < 0.001) higher growth rate and AME and a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) than did birds fed the CM-based diets. The addition of enzymes to either CM- or SFM-based diets had no significant effects on growth performance and AME; however, the addition of enzymes to CM-based diets resulted in a significant reduction in the concentration of soluble NSP in the jejunum (Enzyme A) or a significant reduction of total NSP in the jejunum (Enzyme B). The AMEn was significantly lower in diets containing CM supplemented with Enzyme B. The addition of enzymes to SFM-based diets significantly improved NSP digestion in the jejunum and protein digestion in the ileum. The results of this study indicate that commercial enzyme products had some effects in diets containing high concentrations of CM or SFM. However, these effects could only be seen after detailed analyses of feed and digesta and did not result in significant improvement in growth performance of broilers.

Incompatibility between lasalocid and chloramphenicol in broiler chicks after a long-term simultaneous administration.

Two growth experiments were conducted to evaluate in broiler chicks the compatibility between lasalocid medication in the feed (at 90 or 125 ppm) and a long-term administration of chloramphenicol either via the feed (500 ppm) or via the drinking water (500 mg/liter). The simultaneous administration of lasalocid and chloramphenicol generally caused severe growth depression, decreased feed intake and impaired feed conversion. Several chicks showed evident symptoms of intoxication, such as ataxia, leg weakness and paralysis. The development and frequency of these symptoms were dependent on the dosage of lasalocid and on the duration of the simultaneous administration. Biochemical examinations (Experiment 2) revealed in the affected chicks significant changes in several parameters, in particular a markedly increased activity of creatine kinase and GOT in the plasma. It confirmed that the observed leg weakness and paralysis were caused by myodegeneration.

Serological markers of Chlamydia pneumoniae, cytomegalovirus and Helicobacter pylori infection in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with unstable angina pectoris.

The possible role of inflammation in coronary artery disease (CAD) is being recognised, while markers of inflammation (e.g., CRP) and infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) have been proposed as risk factors for CAD. However, these associations require further evaluation. It is a known fact that diabetic patients suffer from impaired immune response to some pathogens and a high incidence of atherosclerosis. In this case-control study we investigated serological markers of infection with C. pneumoniae, CMV, and H. pylori in a group of 140 patients with unstable angina pectoris (UA), 52 of them having type 2 diabetes mellitus, and in a matched control group. Anamnestic (IgG) and acute infection (IgA) antibodies against the above agents were tested using ELISA or indirect immunofluorescence tests. In patients with UA we found a significantly higher seroprevalence and titres of IgG antibodies against C. pneumoniae (p = 0.04) and increased titres of IgG antibodies against CMV (p = 0.007). No differences were found in IgA antibody response to these pathogens. Antibody response to H. pylori was similar in both groups tested. In diabetic patients with UA, the frequency of group-common IgG antibodies against C. pneumoniae was higher than in the non-diabetic UA patients. The other serological markers studied were comparable in the patients with or without diabetes mellitus. Our findings confirmed association of C. pneumoniae and CMV with cardiovascular heart disease. Moreover, diabetes mellitus may predispose the patients to C. pneumoniae infection. However, serological markers observed do not indicate that destabilisation of angina pectoris is associated with acute C. pneumoniae or CMV infection. No relationship was found between UA and H. pylori infection.

[Palliative therapy of bone metastases using radiopharmaceuticals. Recommendations for diagnostic and therapeutic care in nuclear medicine]. / Paliativní terapie kostních metastáz pomocí radiofarmak. Doporucení diagnostické a lécebné péce v nukleární medicíne.

The paper is presented as one of recommendations of diagnostic and therapeutic care in the field of nuclear medicine intended especially for the clinical needs of physicians indicating palliative treatment of metastases into bones using radiopharmaceuticals. It provides a brief review of principles, indications, the very performance of interventions, clinical interpretations, possible risks and contraindications including the clinical and social-economic meaning.

The supplementation of low-P diets with microbial 6-phytase expressed in Aspergillus oryzae increases P and Ca digestibility in growing pigs.

A trial was conducted to evaluate the dose response of a novel microbial 6-phytase expressed in Aspergillus oryzae (Ronozyme HiPhos; DSM Nutritional Products, Basel, Switzerland) in pigs. Forty-eight individually housed pigs (Landrace × Pietrain; 52 kg BW; 24 males and 24 females) were distributed among 6 experimental treatments consisting of a low-P diet (3.5 g P/kg; 1.1 g digestible P/kg), which was supplemented with 500, 1000, 2000, or 4000 units of phytase activity/kg, and a standard-P diet (4.5 g P/kg; 1.8 g digestible P/kg) that was supplemented with CaHPO(4). After 17 d, fresh feces were sampled from all pigs and the apparent total tract digestibility of DM, OM, ash, P, and Ca was measured using TiO(2) as indigestible marker. Blood samples were also obtained from each pig and serum was analyzed for P and Ca concentrations. The nonsupplemented low-P diet increased Ca and reduced P blood serum concentrations (P < 0.05) relative to the standard-P diet (10.8 vs. 10.2 and 6.7 vs. 7.7 mg/dL, respectively). Phytase supplementation of the low-P diet reduced Ca (from 10.8 to 9.9 mg/dL; linear, P < 0.001) and increased P concentrations (from 6.7 to 8.0 mg/dL; linear and quadratic, P < 0.001) in serum and reduced P concentration in feces (from 13.7 to 7.6 g/kg DM; linear and quadratic, P < 0.001). Phytase improved the total tract digestibility of P (from 29.0 to 62.3%; linear and quadratic, P < 0.001 and P < 0.05), Ca (from 54.0 to 75.7%; quadratic, P < 0.01), and ash (from 46.2 to 57.7%; quadratic, P < 0.01). In conclusion, the microbial 6-phytase tested improves the apparent total tract digestibility of P in growing pigs and reduces P excretion in feces in a dose-dependent manner.

The supplementation of low-P diets with microbial 6-phytase expressed in Aspergillus oryzae improves P digestibility in sows.

Two trials were conducted to evaluate a novel microbial 6-phytase expressed in Aspergillus oryzae (Ronozyme HiPhos; DSM Nutritional Products, Basel, Switzerland) in gestating and lactating sows. In the first trial, 24 sows (Duroc × Landrace; 223 kg BW) were offered, at 16 d of gestation, a low-P control diet (formulated to provide 4.0 g total P/kg; 1.5 g digestible P/kg) supplemented with 0, 500, or 1000 phytase activity (FYT)/kg of phytase. Two weeks later, fresh feces were sampled from all sows and the apparent total tract digestibility of P was measured using TiO(2) as indigestible marker. Phytase supplementation did not (P > 0.10) affect the total tract digestibility of P but reduced (P < 0.05) P concentration in feces (from 14.5 to 12.0 and 12.0 g/kg DM). In the second trial, 32 lactating sows (Duroc × Landrace; 282 kg BW) were used. They were offered, at 7 d of lactation, a low-P control diet (formulated to provide 6.1 g total P/kg; 3 g digestible P/kg) or the same diet supplemented with 500 FYT/kg of phytase. After 2 wk, fresh feces were sampled from all sows and the apparent total tract digestibility of P was measured using TiO(2) as indigestible marker. Phytase supplementation improved (P < 0.001) the apparent total tract digestibility of P from 27.5 to 38.7% and reduced (P < 0.001) P concentration in feces (from 27.5 to 21.4 g/kg DM). In conclusion, the microbial 6-phytase tested increased the apparent total tract digestibility of P in sows and reduced P excretion in feces.