Efficacy and safety of panitumumab alone or in association with radiotherapy in unresectable cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of unresectable cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas is very poor. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of panitumumab alone or in association with radiotherapy in the treatment of unresectable cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: This was a monocentre retrospective study of all consecutive patients having received at least two courses of panitumumab, alone or in association with radiotherapy, between 2016 and 2019. The primary endpoint was the rate of best overall response, evaluated according to the RECIST 1.1 criteria. The secondary endpoints were the response and disease control rates at 6 weeks and 6 months, progression-free survival, overall survival and safety. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients were included; their median age was 86 years, and 17 (86%) had a WHO performance status over 2. The best overall response rate was 52%, including four complete responses (16%) and nine partial responses (36%). All patients with complete response and five out of nine patients with partial response had received concurrent radiotherapy, in most cases in moderate to low doses (<40 Gray, 67%). The response rates at 6 weeks and 6 months were 12% and 28%, respectively. The control rates at 6 weeks and 6 months were 84% and 32%, respectively. Median progression-free survival was 6.9 months, and median overall survival was 10.5 months. Grade 3 side-effects, mostly dermatological, occurred in 16 patients (64%). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that panitumumab remains pertinent in the treatment of unresectable cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, in particular in association with radiotherapy, despite recent advances with anti-PD-1 antibodies. It presents several advantages: it can be used in very elderly or feeble patients, it does not provoke anaphylactic or other irreversible or life-threatening side-effects, and our study observed some long-term responses. Further prospective investigation of anti-EGFR antibodies, in association with anti-PD-1 antibodies and/or chemotherapy, should be conducted.

[Frequency of contact sensitization to modern dressings used to treat chronic leg ulcer]. / Fréquence des sensibilisations de contact aux pansements modernes utilisés sur les ulcères de jambe.

INTRODUCTION: Allergic contact dermatitis around chronic leg ulcers (CLU) is a common complication in patients presenting CLU and prolongs healing times. The aim of this study was to describe the rate of sensitization to modern dressings (MD) used in these patients and to assess whether there is a relation between the number of sensitizations and ulcer type, the time from onset of the ulcer, and patient age and gender. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study at Reims University Hospital between 2010 and 2014 that included all patients with CLU of vascular etiology surrounded by eczematous lesions, and who had one of the patch-tests in the following 3 series: European baseline±leg ulcers±corticosteroids. RESULTS: Among the 73 patients included, 43 % were polysensitized. Thirty-three patients (45 %) were sensitized to MD (38 % to hydrocolloids, 18 % to hydrogels, 7 % to hydrocellular dressings, 7 % to hydrofiber dressings, 5 % to contact layers and 3 % to alginates). Median age and sex did not differ between "polysensitized" patients and "non-polysensitized" patients (P=0.84 and P=0.25, respectively). Polysensitization was more frequent among patients presenting ulcers for more than 5 years (P=0.032). CONCLUSION: Practically half of all patients presenting CLU with surrounding contact dermatitis had sensitization to modern dressings (mostly hydrocolloids and hydrogels). The rate of sensitization increased with the length of presence of CLU.

Organic rearing of non-castrated male pigs: welfare indicators, carcass traits, pork quality and boar taint in Duroc and Pietrain crossbreds.

The main principles of organic farming as presented by the European organisation for organic food and farming are health, ecology, fairness and care, but the intrinsic quality of products is also important for consumers. Pig genotype was tested as a lever to improve animal welfare and pork quality (meat tenderness, processing ability) of organic, non-castrated males while controlling the risk for boar taint. Non-castrated Large White × Duroc (D, n = 47) or Large White × Pietrain NN (P, n = 34) males were involved in two batches, each including one group of pigs per genotype. Each group was reared in a pen from the same building on deep straw bedding (1.3 m2/pig), with a feeding zone (0.2 m2/pig) and an outdoor area (1.0 m2/pig), from 28 kg BW until slaughter at ca. 125 kg BW. All pigs received ad libitum the same growing and finishing diets, and hay. Overall, health and welfare indicators showed few problems, but the proportions of pigs with skin scratches, and tail lesions at the end of the finishing period, were lower in D than in P pigs (P < 0.05). Growth rate and final BW did not differ between genotypes. The D pigs had lower carcass lean meat content (P < 0.001) and relative proportions of ham and loin (P ≤ 0.01), and higher proportions of belly and backfat (P ≤ 0.001) than P pigs. Compared to P, loin (Longissimus muscle) of D pigs was less light and exudative and had higher chroma (P < 0.05), but pH 24 h and glycolytic potential did not differ. Loin meat of D pigs had higher intramuscular fat content (P < 0.001) and tended to have a lower shear force (P = 0.09), but cooking loss did not differ. In the ham muscles, D pigs had higher chroma than P pigs in the Gluteus medius, whereas pH 24 h did not differ in the Gluteus medius and Semimembranosus. D pigs had higher backfat concentrations of androstenone (P < 0.001), and skatole and indole (P < 0.05) than P pigs, suggesting a higher risk of rejection by consumers due to boar taint. However, only one D carcass was detected as tainted by human nose test. Altogether, organic farming of non-castrated Duroc crossbred males appears to be favourable for animal welfare, technological and several sensory pork properties provided that the risk of undesirable odours is limited through management practices.

Effects of natural oral alternatives to parental iron supplementation on haematological and health-related blood parameters of organic piglets.

The most common and efficient iron supply to prevent neonatal anaemia in piglets is the injection of iron dextran or gleptoferron. This treatment is problematic in organic farms because organic specifications strictly limit the use of chemically synthesised allopathic drugs. Based on the observation that piglets raised outdoors rarely develop anaemia, we hypothesised that piglets satisfy their iron needs by ingesting soil from their environment. Therefore, we compared the efficacy of a 100-mg intramuscular iron dextran injection (Iron, 8 litters, n = 98 piglets) at 4 days (d) of age (d4), to a daily ad libitum supply of dried soil (Soil, 8 litters, n = 101) or dried peat-like river silt (Peat, 8 litters, n = 102) from d4 to weaning (at 49 days of age, d49). Pigs were raised according to organic farming rules. Blood was collected on three males and three females per litter on d4, 20, 41, 50 and 69. BW was similar in the three groups on d4, 20, 41, 50 and 69 (P > 0.1). During the experiment, piglets were affected by a severe digestive E. coli episode but litter mortality rate between d4 and d69 did not differ between groups (P > 0.1). Blood haemoglobin concentration (Hb) was similar in all groups on d4, 50 and 69. However, on d20, Hb was higher in Peat and Iron groups than in the Soil group (P < 0.001), and on d41 and d50, Hb was higher in the Peat group than in Iron and Soil groups (P < 0.001). Mean red blood cell volume (RBCV) remained stable over time in the Peat group. In comparison, RBCV dropped in the Soil group on d20 and d41 (P < 0.001), and in the Iron group on d41 (P < 0.001). Soil and Iron group RBCV returned values similar to the Peat group by d69 (P > 0.1). In conclusion, soil supply in the pen was not sufficient to ensure a satisfactory iron intake in piglets, unlike peat-like river silt, which enable to reach haemoglobin concentrations above 80 mg/mL for over 90% of the piglets from d20 and, over 100% of piglets at weaning. The daily supply of the silt proved more efficient than the 100-mg iron injection beyond 20 days.

Feeding strategy in organic pig farming as a lever to improve various quality dimensions of pork.

Since 2022, European specifications for organic pig farming have evolved to distribute 100 % organic feed and to reinforce the link to the soil with feed resources that should primarily be obtained from the farm or the same region. Feeding strategy acts as a lever to improve various quality dimensions of organic (as well as conventional) pork, including intrinsic dimensions (carcass composition, nutritional, organoleptic, technological, sanitary qualities) and extrinsic dimensions related to animal farming (image). Diet may also influence the risk of undesirable odours or flavours that may be found in pork from non-castrated male pigs. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of a specific feeding strategy on several quality dimensions of organic meat from non-castrated male pigs. The experiment was conducted with 77 organic non-castrated male pigs (Piétrain NN × Large White) reared according to organic specifications and distributed in two batches. Within litters, male littermates were allocated at around 33 kg of live weight to either a Control group which received a Control feed (C) corresponding to the organic specifications or in a Bio+ group which received an organic test feed based mainly on French raw materials and which contained more fibres (faba bean and access to forages) and omega-3 fatty acids (linseed, camelina). All pigs were reared in the same building on deep straw bedding (1.3 m2/pig) with free outdoor access (1.0 m2/pig) using one pen per experimental group. Pigs were fed ad libitum until slaughter at about 125 kg live weight. Average daily gain, carcass weight and lean meat content did not differ significantly between C and Bio+ pigs. Compared to C, Bio+ pigs had higher (P < 0.05) ultimate pH in the loin (Longissimus muscle) and ham (Gluteus medius, and Semimembranosus) muscles, associated with a lower Longissimus muscle glycolytic potential (P < 0.001). Loin and ham meat from Bio+ vs. C pigs was lighter (P < 0.05) and had a more intense red colour (P < 0.10). The Bio+ strategy led to a lower Longissimus muscle n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio (P < 0.001), indicating an improvement in pork nutritional value. Backfat skatole concentration was lower in Bio+ than in C pigs whereas backfat androstenone was higher in Bio+ than in C pigs (P < 0.05). Altogether, we demonstrated that the Bio+ strategy had positive impacts on several qualities of organic pork from non-castrated male pigs.

Molecular characterization of the porcine TEAD3 (TEF-5) gene: examination of a promoter mutation as the causal mutation of a quantitative trait loci affecting the androstenone level in boar fat.

A quantitative trait loci (QTL) for accumulation of androstenone in fat has been identified in an Large White × Meishan cross in a region of SSC7-containing TEAD3. In humans, TEAD3 is a transcription activator, known to be able to regulate the transcription of HSD3B. This enzyme is involved in the degradation of androstenone in the liver. In this study, porcine transcripts of TEAD3 were characterized and compared with mammalian transcripts. The complete structure of porcine TEAD3 gene was characterized including two 5' non-coding exons and one exon 5 not used in porcine transcripts. Variations were screened in sequences related to TEAD3: in exons, in flanking sequences of exons and in the promoter region. A SNP characterized at 726 bp at 5' of the first exon was tested on several pig populations without coherent and convincing results concerning its association with androstenone levels. We showed that in the liver of adult boars, the transcripts levels of TEAD3 and HSD3B were correlated. As in humans, it is possible that HSD3B is a target gene of TEAD3 in porcine liver. Nevertheless, no expression variation was observed for TEAD3 or HSD3B in liver between animals with different genotypes at the SNP. We concluded that this SNP was not the causal mutation of this QTL.

Exploration of early social behaviors and social styles in relation to individual characteristics in suckling piglets.

Social behavior is a key component of pig welfare on farms, but little is known on the development of social behaviors in piglets. This study aimed to explore social behaviors and identify early social styles in suckling piglets. Social behaviors of 68 piglets from 12 litters were scored continuously for 8 h per day at 21 and 42 days of age, and were included in a Hierarchical Clustering on Principal Components analysis to identify clusters of pigs with similar social styles. Social nosing represented 78% of all social interactions given. Three social styles were identified: low-solicited inactive animals (inactive), active animals (active), and highly-solicited avoiders (avoiders). Belonging to a cluster was independent of age, but was influenced by sex, with females being more represented in the 'inactive' cluster, and males in the 'active' cluster, whereas both sexes were equally represented in the 'avoider' cluster. Stability of piglets' allocation to specific clusters over age was high in the 'inactive' (59%) and 'active' (65%) clusters, but low in the 'avoider' cluster (7%). Haptoglobin and growth rate were higher in 'active' than 'inactive' pigs, and intermediate in 'avoiders'. Our findings suggest the existence of transient social styles in piglets, likely reflective of sexual dimorphism or health status.

Steroidome and metabolome analysis in gilt saliva to identify potential biomarkers of boar effect receptivity.

Optimal management of gilt reproduction requires oestrus synchronization. Hormonal treatments are used for this purpose, but there is a growing demand for non-hormonal alternatives, especially in organic farms. The boar effect is an important alternative opportunity to induce and synchronize oestrus without hormones. Before puberty, gilts exhibit a 'waiting period' during which boar exposure could induce and synchronize the first ovulation. We searched for salivary biomarkers of this period of boar effect receptivity to improve detection of the gilts to stimulate with the perspective of enhancing the efficacy of the boar effect. Saliva samples were collected from 30 Large-White×Landrace crossbred gilts between 140 and 175 days of age. Gilts were exposed twice a day to a boar and subjected to oestrus detection from 150 to 175 days of age. Among the 30 gilts, 10 were detected in oestrus 4 to 7 days after the first introduction of the boar and were considered receptive to the boar effect, 14 were detected in oestrus more than 8 days after first boar contact, and six did not show oestrus and were considered non-receptive. Saliva samples from six receptive and six non-receptive gilts were analyzed for steroidome and for metabolome using gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, respectively. Four saliva samples per gilt were analyzed: 25 days and 11 days before boar introduction, the day of boar introduction, 3 days later for receptive gilts or 7 days later for non-receptive gilts. Twenty-nine steroids and 31 metabolites were detected in gilt saliva. Salivary concentrations of six steroids and three metabolites were significantly different between receptive and non-receptive gilts: progesterone and glycolate 25 days before boar introduction, 3α5ß20α- and 3ß5α20ß-hexahydroprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenediol, succinate, and butyrate 11 days before boar introduction, and 3ß5α-tetrahydroprogesterone on the day of boar introduction. Thus, nine potential salivary biomarkers of boar effect receptivity were identified in our experimental conditions. Further studies with higher numbers of gilts and salivary sampling points are necessary to ascertain their reliability.

Genetic determinism of boar taint and relationship with growth traits, meat quality and lesions.

Breeding entire males is an alternative to surgical castration to improve their welfare. However, entire males may have a major quality defect called boar taint. Boar taint is partly due to the presence of androstenone in fat. In this study, we estimated the genetic parameters between androstenone and production traits to evaluate the consequences of selection against boar taint for traits of interest. We focused on growth traits, meat quality, lesions, hormone levels and computerised tomography measurements in purebred Piétrain (P) or Piétrain cross Large White (X) entire males. The number of measured animals varied from 670 P and 734 X for hormones concentrations to 553 P and 645 X for computerised tomography measurements. Skin lesions were measured on live pigs shortly after mixing, at the end of the fattening period, and on carcasses. Heritabilities of traits measured by tomography ranged from low to high: femur density (P: 0.34, X: 0.69), loin eye area (P: 0.53, X: 0.88) and loin eye density (P: 0.12, X: 0.18). The mean number of lesions at each stage was lower in purebred pigs than in crossbreds (entering the fattening stage 4.01 in P and 4.68 in X; before slaughter 3.72 in P and 4.22 in X; on carcass 4.50 in P and 4.96 in X). We also observed a decrease in the average number of lesions between the two stages in live pigs. We found high genetic correlations between stages in purebred pigs (0.74 to 0.76) but low correlations (-0.30 to 0.29) in crossbred pigs. Selection aiming to decrease fat androstenone is feasible (h2 = 0.57 in P and h2 = 0.71 in X). It would have overall positive effects on meat production and quality traits. Selection aiming to reduce plasma oestradiol would strongly reduce the level of fat androstenone (rg = 0.89 in P and rg = 0.84 in X). Selection against oestradiol is easier and less invasive since it would only require a blood sample rather than a fat biopsy in live animals.

Review: Early life predisposing factors for biting in pigs.

The pig industry faces many animal welfare issues. Among these, biting behaviour has a high incidence. It is indicative of an existing problem in biters and is a source of physical damage and psychological stress for the victims. We categorize this behaviour into aggressive and non-aggressive biting, the latter often being directed towards the tail. This review focusses specifically on predisposing factors in early life, comprising the prenatal and postnatal periods up to weaning, for the expression of aggressive and non-aggressive biting later in life. The influence of personality and coping style has been examined in a few studies. It varies according to these studies and, thus, further evaluation is needed. Regarding the effect of environmental factors, the number of scientific papers is low (less than five papers for most factors). No clear influence of prenatal factors has been identified to date. Aggressive biting is reduced by undernutrition, cross-fostering and socialization before weaning. Non-aggressive biting is increased by undernutrition, social stress due to competition and cross-fostering. These latter three factors are highly dependent on litter size at birth. The use of familiar odours may contribute to reducing biting when pigs are moved from one environment to another by alleviating the level of stress associated with novelty. Even though the current environment in which pigs are expressing biting behaviours is of major importance, the pre-weaning environment should be optimized to reduce the likelihood of this problem.

How does barley supplementation in lambs grazing alfalfa affect meat sensory quality and authentication?

Excessive flavour in lamb meat is undesirable for consumers and can prompt purchase resistance. Volatile indoles responsible for off-flavours accumulate more in the fat of lambs on pasture than on grain and are enhanced when lambs graze alfalfa. Here, we investigated whether barley supplementation of lambs grazing alfalfa influences meat sensory quality. Using three groups of 12 male Romane lambs, we compared three feeding regimes: alfalfa grazing (AG), alfalfa grazing + daily supplementation with barley (29 g/kg live weight0.75, AGS) and stall feeding with concentrate and hay (SF). As some of the compounds involved in meat sensory traits may act as dietary biomarkers, we also investigated potential implications for meat authentication. Although barley represented 38% of the diet in AGS lambs, it did not offer any advantage for animal average daily gain or parasitism level. Animal performance, carcass weight and fatness did not differ between feeding regimes. Dorsal fat firmness tended to be greater in AG than AGS and greater in AGS than SF. Skatole and indole concentrations in perirenal and dorsal fat were lower in SF lambs than in AG and AGS lambs (P<0.01 to P<0.0001), but did not differ between AG and AGS lambs. Yellowness, chroma and hue angle of perirenal fat were lower in SF lambs than in AG and AGS lambs (P<0.001), but did not differ between AG and AGS lambs. Absolute value of the mean integral for both perirenal fat and subcutaneous caudal fat (AVMIPF and AVMISC), quantifying the intensity of light absorption by carotenoids in perirenal and subcutaneous caudal fat, respectively, were lower in SF lambs than in AG and AGS lambs (P<0.0001 for both comparisons), but did not differ between AG and AGS lambs. Meat colour was unaffected by the treatment. We confirm that lambs grazing alfalfa accumulate high levels of volatile indoles in their fat, but we show that barley supplementation to lambs grazing alfalfa is not effective in reducing fat volatile indoles concentration and excessive odour/flavour in the meat. We also confirm that both perirenal fat skatole concentration and AVMIPF are of interest for discriminating lambs that grazed alfalfa from lambs that were stall-fed, and we show that they are not effective for discriminating supplemented from non-supplemented grazing lambs.

Tannin-rich sainfoin pellet supplementation reduces fat volatile indoles content and delays digestive parasitism in lambs grazing alfalfa.

Lambs grazing alfalfa or white clover are prone to flavour taint which can be an impediment to consumer acceptance. Here we investigated whether condensed tannin (CT)-rich sainfoin pellet supplementation of lambs grazing alfalfa influences meat sensory quality. Using three groups of 18 male Romane weaned lambs, we compared three feeding regimes: alfalfa grazing (AF), alfalfa grazing + daily supplementation with CT-rich sainfoin pellets (15 g dry matter (DM)/kg live weight, AS) and stall feeding with concentrate and grass hay indoors (SI). We also investigated the potential interest of sainfoin pellet supplementation for controlling digestive parasitism. The sainfoin pellets contained 42 g of CT/kg of DM and they represented on average 36% of the diet in AS lambs. Skatole and indole were detected in most of the AF and AS lambs, whereas in very few SI lambs. Skatole and indole concentrations in perirenal and dorsal fat were lower in the AS lambs than the AF lambs (P < 0.025 to P < 0.001), but the intensity of 'animal' odour and 'animal' flavour of the chops did not differ between both forage-grazing groups. Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle lightness was lower in the AF and AS lambs than the SI lambs (P < 0.001) with the other muscle colour coordinates being unaffected by the treatment and between-treatment group differences in muscle colour coordinates remaining constant throughout the 9-day display period. Subcutaneous fat colour coordinates were not influenced by the treatment. The number of individual anthelmintic drenches necessary to keep nematode faecal egg count below a threshold of 550 eggs/g of faeces was lower in the AS than the AF lambs (0.94 per lamb v. 1.63 per lamb; P < 0.001). Faecal oocyst count was lower in the AS than the AF lambs for the first measurement made 56 days after the beginning of the experiment (P < 0.001) and was not significantly different between both forage-grazing groups thereafter. The use of CT-rich sainfoin pellets to supplement lambs that are concurrently grazing alfalfa reduced fat volatile skatole and indole concentrations and delayed the onset of both helminth and coccidian infections.

Salivary and urinary metabolome analysis for pre-puberty-related biomarkers identification in porcine.

Estrus synchronization is important for optimal management of gilt reproduction in pig farms. Hormonal treatments, such as synthetic progestogens, are used on a routine basis, but there is a growing demand for non-hormonal alternative breeding tools. Before puberty, gilts exhibit a 'waiting period,' related to the ovarian development and gonadotrophin secretions, during which external stimulations, such as boar exposure, could induce and synchronize first ovulation. Practical non-invasive tools for identification of this period in farms are lacking. During this period, urinary oestrone levels are high, but urine sampling is difficult in group-housed females. The aim of this work was to search for specific biomarkers of the 'waiting period' in saliva and urine. In total, nine 144- to 147-day-old Large White gilts were subjected to trans-abdominal ultrasonography three times a week for 5 weeks until puberty detection (week -5 to week -1 before puberty). Urine and saliva samples were collected for oestrone assay to detect the 'waiting period' and for metabolome analysis using 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to detect potential biomarkers of the 'waiting period.' Gilts were slaughtered 7 days after puberty detection for puberty confirmation. Results were consistent with ultrasonography data for six gilts. Urine and saliva samples from these six gilts were analyzed. Urinary estrone concentration significantly increased 2 weeks before puberty detection. Metabolome analysis of urine samples allowed the identification of 78 spectral bins, among them, 42 low-molecular-weight metabolites were identified. Metabolome analysis of salivary samples allowed the identification of 59 spectral bins, among them, 23 low-molecular-weight metabolites were detected and 17 were identified. No potential biomarker was identified in urinary samples. In saliva, butyrate and 2HOvalerate, 5.79 ppm (putatively uridine), formate, malonate and propionate could be biomarker candidates to ascertain the pre-puberty period in gilt reproduction. These results confirm that non-invasive salivary samples could allow the identification of the physiological status of the gilts and presumably the optimal time for application of the boar effect. This could contribute to synchronize puberty onset and hence to develop non-hormonal breeding tools.

Effects of three husbandry systems on health, welfare and productivity of organic pigs.

Organic pig husbandry systems in Europe are diverse - ranging from indoor systems with concrete outside run (IN) to outdoor systems all year round (OUT) and combinations of both on one farm (POUT). As this diversity has rarely been taken into account in research projects on organic pig production, the aim of this study was to assess and compare pig health, welfare and productivity in these three systems. Animal health and welfare were assessed using direct observation and records of 22 animal-based measures, comprising 17 health-, 3 productivity- and 2 behavioural measures. These were collected in pregnant sows, weaners and fattening pigs during direct observations and from records within a cross-sectional study on 74 farms (IN: n = 34, POUT: n = 28, OUT: n = 12) in eight countries. Overall, prevalence of several animal health and welfare issues was low (e.g. median 0% for pigs needing hospitalisation, shoulder lesions, ectoparasites; <5% for runts, tail lesions, conjunctivitis). Exceptions in particular systems were respiratory problems in weaners and fatteners (IN: 60.0%, 66.7%; POUT: 66.7%, 60.0%), weaning diarrhoea (IN: 25.0%), and short tails in fatteners (IN: 6.5%, POUT: 2.3%). Total suckling piglet losses (recorded over a period of 12 months per farm) were high in all three systems (IN: 21.3%; POUT: 21.6; OUT: 19.2%). OUT had lower prevalences of respiratory problems, diarrhoea and lameness of sows. POUT farms in most cases kept sows outdoors and weaners and fatteners similar to IN farms, which was reflected in the results regarding several health and welfare parameters. It can be concluded, that European organic pigs kept in all three types of husbandry system showed a low prevalence of health and welfare problems as assessed by our methodology, but respiratory health and diarrhoea should be improved in weaners and fatteners kept indoors and total piglet mortality in all systems. The results provide benchmarks for organic pig producers and organisations which can be used in strategies to promote health and welfare improvement. Furthermore, in future research, the identified health and welfare issues (e.g. suckling piglet mortality, weaning diarrhoea) should be addressed, specifically considering effects of husbandry systems.

Sow environment during gestation: part I. Influence on maternal physiology and lacteal secretions in relation with neonatal survival.

In pig husbandry, pregnant females are often exposed to stressful conditions, and their outcomes on maternal and offspring health have not been well evaluated. The present study aimed at testing whether improving the welfare of gestating sows could be associated with a better maternal health during gestation, changes in the composition of lacteal secretions and improvement in piglet survival. Two contrasted group-housing systems for gestating sows were used, that is, a French conventional system on slatted floor (C, 49 sows) and an enriched system using larger pens on deep straw (E, 57 sows). On the 105th days of gestation (DG105), sows were transferred into identical farrowing crates on slatted floor. Saliva was collected from all sows on DG35, DG105 and DG107. Blood samples were collected on DG105 from all sows and on the 1st day of lactation (DL1) from a subset of them (C, n=18; E, n=19). Colostrum and milk samples were collected from this subset of sows at farrowing (DL0) and DL4. Saliva concentration of cortisol was greater in C than in E sows at DG35 and DG105, and dropped to concentrations comparable to E sows after transfer into farrowing crates (DG107). On DG105, plasma concentrations of haptoglobin, immunoglobulins G (IgG) and A (IgA), blood lymphocyte counts and plasma antioxidant potential did not differ between groups (P > 0.10), whereas blood granulocyte count, and plasma hydroperoxide concentration were lower in E than in C sows (P < 0.05). Concentrations of IgG and IgA in colostrum and milk did not differ between the two groups. The number of cells did not differ in colostrum but was greater in milk from E than C sows (P < 0.05). Pre-weaning mortality rates were lower in E than C piglets (16.7% v. 25.8%, P < 0.001), and especially between 12 and 72 h postpartum (P < 0.001). Plasma concentration of IgG was similar in E and C piglets on DL4. In conclusion, differences in salivary cortisol, blood granulocyte count and oxidative stress markers between groups suggested improved welfare and reduced immune solicitation during late gestation in sows of the E compared with the C system. However, the better survival observed for neonates in the E environment could not be explained by variations in colostrum composition.

Sow environment during gestation: part II. Influence on piglet physiology and tissue maturity at birth.

Sow environment during gestation can generate maternal stress which could alter foetal development. The effects of two group-housing systems for gestating sows on piglet morphological and physiological traits at birth were investigated. During gestation, sows were reared in a conventional system on a slatted floor (C, 18 sows), demonstrated as being stressful for sows or in an enriched system in larger pens and on deep straw bedding (E, 19 sows). On gestation day 105, sows were transferred into identical individual farrowing crates on a slatted floor. Farrowing was supervised to allow sampling from piglets at birth. In each litter, one male piglet of average birth weight was euthanized immediately after birth to study organ development and tissue traits. Blood samples were collected from 6 or 7 piglets per litter at birth and 2 piglets per litter at 4 days of lactation (DL4). At birth, mean piglet BW did not differ between groups (P > 0.10); however, the percentage of light ( 0.10) between C and E piglets, but the insulin to glucose ratio was greater (P = 0.02) in C than in E piglets. Compared with E piglets, C piglets had a lighter gut at birth (P = 0.01) and their glycogen content in longissimus muscle was lower (P < 0.01). In this muscle, messenger RNA levels of PAX7, a marker of satellite cells and of PPARGC1A, a transcriptional coactivator involved in mitochondriogenesis and mitochondrial energy metabolism, were greater (P < 0.05), whereas the expression level of PRDX6, a gene playing a role in antioxidant pathway, was lower (P = 0.03) in C than in E piglets. Other studied genes involved in myogenesis did not differ between C and E piglets. No system effect was observed on target genes in liver and subcutaneous adipose tissue. On DL4, C piglets exhibited a lower plasma antioxidant capacity than E piglets (P = 0.002). In conclusion, exposure of sows to a stressful environment during gestation had mild negative effects on the maturity of piglets at birth.

[Tobacco contact dermatitis caused by sensitivity to sorbic acid]. / Eczéma de contact au tabac par sensibilisation à l'acide sorbique.

BACKGROUND: Contact dermatitis caused by tobacco is rare and poorly understood. In this paper, we report what is to our knowledge, the first case of tobacco contact dermatitis with identification of the causative agent. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 46-year-old man was hospitalised for diffuse dermatitis originating in the left leg. Subsequent epicutaneous tests indicated that this dermatitis was ascribable to sensitisation to the sorbic acid present in Fucidin cream applied around a chronic wound. A persistent plaque of eczema observed on the day of examination opposite the patient's right trouser pocket suggested the implication of tobacco powder with which the pocket was soiled. An epicutaneous test using tobacco (moistened in water) proved positive (++ at 48 and 72 h). This tobacco contained sorbic acid, used as a preservative. DISCUSSION: The positive test for sorbic acid was relevant not only regarding the lesions on the patient's legs (application of a topical cream containing sorbic acid) but also for the lesion on the patient's thigh and for palmar dyshidrosis (through contact with strands of loose rolling tobacco). To our knowledge, this is the first recorded case of contact dermatitis caused by sorbic acid in tobacco.

[Systemic contact dermatitis due to nickel from an intravenous catheter]. / Dermite de contact systémique au nickel induite par un cathéter veineux.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic contact dermatitis is a form of delayed hypersensitivity reaction seen after systemic administration of a hapten in a subject previously sensitised via the cutaneous route. There have been few reports of this condition with nickel. In this paper, we describe four cases ascribable to the presence of nickel in a peripheral venous catheter. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the dossiers of four women developing pruriginous exanthema several hours after infusion. The same type of catheter (Optiva) was used in all cases. Epicutaneous tests were performed in all four patients, as well as a challenge test comprising a serum glucose infusion given via the incriminated catheter. Testing for the presence of nickel in the catheter was performed by means of a spot-test. Quantitative nickel assays were performed in vitro using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry on the glucose solution infusion kits with eight sample catheters and a negative control kit. RESULTS: The eruptions comprised maculopapular lesions, in some cases vesicular or bullous, arranged symmetrically around the tops of the limbs, the trunk and skin folds, with involvement of the infused forearm in most cases. Two of the four patients had previously presented a number of similar episodes. All four patients exhibited frankly positive test results for nickel and the role of the Optiva) catheter was demonstrated in all four patients by means of a challenge test. The presence of nickel in the catheter was demonstrated by a positive spot-test and was confirmed by quantitative assay demonstrating variations in nickel release for the different samples of the same Optiva) catheter model. DISCUSSION: As with the few reported cases published in the literature, our four cases of systemic contact dermatitis induced by nickel in a catheter all incriminated the same type of catheter and the tests performed clearly demonstrated the causative role of the device. The cases of systemic contact dermatitis were seen chiefly in women in the immediate postoperative period; they could be confused with adverse drug reactions and subsequently lead to inappropriate withdrawal of treatment. The diagnosis, which was suggested by the appearance of the lesions (symmetry, involvement of skinfolds and buttocks, concomitant reaction at the injection site), history of prior episodes and a frankly positive epicutaneous nickel test, may be readily confirmed using a challenge test.

Influence of the inflammatory status of entire male pigs on their pubertal development and fat androstenone.

Androstenone production increases during pubertal development and plays a major role in boar taint. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a subclinical inflammation on the pubertal development of boars and hence on fat androstenone. Contrasted hygiene conditions were applied during rearing to increase the variability of the inflammatory status. Boars from a commercial cross line were allocated at 139±0.9 days of age (Day 0) and 81.3±5.9 kg of live weight either to Good (n=61) or Poor (n=54) hygiene conditions until slaughter at 172.9±4.8 days of age and 116.7±4.5 kg live weight. Inflammatory status, growth and pubertal development were evaluated on Day 0, Day 27 and at slaughter by analysing the blood formula, plasma inflammatory proteins; testosterone and oestradiol, salivary cortisol, rectal temperature, live weight, back fat thickness, weight of reproductive organs and clinical scores of organs (lungs, stomach, snout). Fat was collected on Day 27 by biopsy and at slaughter to measure androstenone concentration. A principal component analysis including inflammatory indicators followed by a clustering procedure was performed to identify pigs with a high (Infl+, n=50) or a low (Infl-, n=65) inflammatory status. Infl+ pigs had more granulocytes/ml, higher concentrations of haptoglobin, C-reative protein and cortisol (P<0.05), lower growth rate and higher lung pneumonia score. However, regardless of stage, the inflammatory status had no significant effect on plasma testosterone or oestradiol, fat androstenone or sexual organ development. Present data suggest that a mild inflammatory status has no influence on pubertal development or fat concentration of androstenone in boars.

Review: Drinking water for liquid-fed pigs.

Liquid feeding has the potential to provide pigs with sufficient water to remain hydrated and prevent prolonged thirst. However, lack of permanent access to fresh water prevents animals from drinking when they are thirsty. Moreover, individual differences between pigs in a pen may result in uneven distribution of the water provided by the liquid feed, leading to some pigs being unable to meet their water requirements. In this review, we look at the need for and provision of water for liquid-fed pigs in terms of their production performance, behaviour, health and welfare. We highlight factors which may lead to water ingestion above or below requirements. Increases in the need for water may be caused by numerous factors such as morbidity, ambient temperature or competition within the social group, emphasising the necessity of permanent access to water as also prescribed in EU legislation. The drinkers can be the target of redirected behaviour in response to feed restriction or in the absence of rooting materials, thereby generating water losses. The method of water provision and drinker design is critical to ensure easy access to water regardless of the pig's physiological state, and to limit the amount of water used, which does not benefit the pig.