The impact of slaughter weight and sex on the carbon footprint of pig feed intake.

The impact of pork production on global livestock's greenhouse gas emissions is substantial. Understanding the factors influencing these emissions is crucial in achieving a more sustainable pig husbandry. In two independent experiments, the impact of slaughter weight on the carbon footprint (CFP) of pig feed intake (CFPFI) was evaluated for growing-finishing pigs of different sexes (entire males (EM), barrows (BA), immunocastrates (IC) and gilts (GI)). In experiment 1 118 animals were raised individually in experimental conditions. In experiment 2 384 animals were housed in group (four pigs per pen), in controlled commercial farm circumstances. All animals were fed ad libitum in a three-phase feeding regime and slaughtered at different BW, ranging from 110 to 148 kg (experiment 1) and from 99 to 138 kg (experiment 2). When only the fattening period was considered, the CFPFI was expressed per kg carcass growth. When the production of piglets was also taken into account, the CFPFI was calculated per kg carcass weight. For all sexes, the heavier the pig, the higher the CFPFI per kg carcass growth (P < 0.05, experiment 1; P < 0.001, experiment 2) and per kg carcass weight (P < 0.05, experiment 1; P < 0.01, experiment 2). In addition, BA had a significantly higher CFPFI per kg carcass growth and per kg carcass weight compared to EM and IC and to EM, IC and GI in respectively experiments 1 and 2 (P < 0.001). When performing a desk study with a soy-free (i.e. reduced CFP) feed in the third phase of experiment 2, slaughter weight no longer affected the CFPFI per kg carcass growth (P = 0.133) and per kg carcass weight (P = 0.856). A higher slaughter weight thus implies a lower sustainability, unless a sufficiently low-CFP feed is provided in the finisher phase.

The importance of pigs' castration strategy on carbon footprint of feed intake, nitrogen and phosphorus efficiency under different management conditions.

The environmental impact of livestock production is under scrutiny nowadays and is being situated both on a global level and local level. On a global level, the global warming potential (GWP) of meat production is criticised. On a local level, the excretion of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) is of concern as excess nutrients may lead to water eutrophication and soil acidification. The ERA-NET project SuSI evaluated if immunocastration may act as an ecologically, socially and economic more sustainable alternative compared to pork production with surgical castrates (SCs) and boars (BOs). Here, we report the environmental impact of immunocastrates (ICs) vs SC and BO, based on four trials carried out by European SuSi partners. More specifically, we aimed to compare IC with SC and BO in terms of GWP, N and P excretion per kg of pork production and test if this differed between experiments. There was an interaction between trial and sex category (PTrial × Sex category < 0.005) for all environmental sustainability parameters. Surgical castrates performed worse (higher carbon footprint of the feed intake, N and P excretion, lower N and P efficiency) compared to IC and BO, but the size of the effect was trial dependent. Immunocastrates scored intermediate, with mostly no significant differences from BO in most trials, but with significantly better values compared to SC. Over trials, the carbon footprint of the feed intake (land use change inclusive) per kg lean meat gain in the growing-finishing phase was 9-16% lower for IC vs SC and 9-22% lower for BO vs SC. Nitrogen efficiency of IC and BO was 7-10% and 9-14%, respectively, higher compared to SC. Phosphorus efficiency of IC and BO was higher than that of SC by 6-14% and 9-17%, respectively. Per kg of lean meat gain in the growing-finishing phase, IC excreted between 14 and 19% less N and between 14 and 24% less P than SC. For BO, it was between 14 and 27% less N and between 14 and 31% less P than SC. Differences between trials were larger than differences between castration strategies and trial design may have amplified the observed effects. Improving feed efficiency, adapting the feed to the needs of the animal (avoiding excess nutrients) and choosing low-impact ingredients are key for improving the environmental sustainability of pig production. Ending physical castration is another step to attain this goal.

The effect of Piétrain sire on the performance of the progeny of two commercial dam breeds: a pig intervention study.

Genetic evaluation of Piétrain sires in Flanders occurs under standardized conditions, on test stations with fixed dam breeds, standardized diets and uniform management practices. As environmental conditions vary on commercial farms and differ from the test stations, this study aimed at understanding to what extent the sire, the dam breed and the interaction between both affects the translation of breeding values to practice. Dams of two commercial breeds were inseminated with semen from one of five different sires selected for contrasting breeding values (daily gain, feed conversion ratio and carcass quality). For each sire by dam breed combination, six pen replicates (with three gilts and three barrows per pen) were evaluated for growth performance from 9 weeks of age (20 kg) to slaughter (110 kg), and for carcass and meat quality. In our experimental setup, both sire and dam breed affected growth, carcass and meat quality traits. No significant sire×dam breed interactions on performance could be detected. Though a tendency for interaction on average daily feed intake between 20 and 110 kg (P=0.087), and on pork colour (lightness) (P=0.093) was present. In general, offspring of all tested sires behaved similarly in both dam breeds, indicating that estimated breeding values for Piétrain sires determined in one dam breed are representative in other dam breeds as well.

Control of atopic eczema with pimecrolimus cream 1% under daily practice conditions: results of a > 2000 patient study.

BACKGROUND: Pimecrolimus cream 1% has been shown to effectively control atopic eczema (AE) when applied twice daily from the first signs or symptoms of AE until clearance. Moreover, pimecrolimus cream 1% has a favourable safety profile, lacking topical corticosteroid-related side-effects such as skin atrophy, making it particularly useful to treat delicate body regions (e.g. the face). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this naturalistic study was to monitor the safety, tolerability and efficacy of pimecrolimus when used in the long-term management of AE in a real-life setting. METHODS: A multicentre, open-label study was conducted in 2034 patients aged >or= 3 months with mild to moderate AE for up to 12 months' duration. Patients applied pimecrolimus cream twice daily, initiating treatment at first signs or symptoms of AE, continuing until clearance. RESULTS: Patients (n= 1847; 91%) completed 3 months of the study. Treatment success (clear or almost clear AE) after 3 months of treatment was observed on the whole body in 59% of patients and on the face in 81% of patients. Disease improvement of whole body and face was seen in 77% and 63% of patients, respectively. Pruritus was absent or mild in 79% of patients. Pimecrolimus cream was well tolerated throughout the study. CONCLUSION: In a daily practice setting, pimecrolimus cream 1% effectively and safely controls AE.

A prospective multicenter study of the efficacy and tolerability of cryopreserved allogenic human keratinocytes to treat venous leg ulcers.

Allogeneic human keratinocyte cultures have been used to treat burn wounds, donor sites, and chronic skin ulcers with some success. Cryopreservation of these cultures allows for the production of large standardized batches that are readily available for use. The aim of the study presented in this report was to study effects of cryopreserved cultured allogenic human keratinocytes (CryoCeal) on chronic lower extremity wounds. Parameters were measured to study efficacy, tolerability, pain associated with chronic wounds, and quality of life of patients. Twenty-seven patients with hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers received a maximum of 9 applications of CryoCeal in a prospective, uncontrolled multicenter study lasting 48 weeks. Eleven out of 27 patients (41%; 95% CI: 22%-61%) had complete wound closure within 24 weeks (1 week). The time required for complete wound closure in these 11 patients ranged from 4.1 to 24.9 weeks. Only 1 patient had recurrence of the ulcer at 48 weeks. Local (wound) pain scores decreased from a mean of 2.5 at baseline to 0.9 at week 24. Fifty percent of the patients attained a pain score of 0 after 12 weeks and remained stable at this score until the end of the study. Overall, the patient quality of life was better at week 24, compared to baseline values. The treatment was well tolerated, and wound infection was the most frequently occurring adverse event.

Long-term outcomes in the treatment of toenail onychomycosis.

Most clinical studies in subjects with toenail onychomycosis end with a final assessment at 48-52 weeks. This fails to take full account of the physiology of toenail growth, as toenails can take up to 12-18 months to grow out fully. Accurate assessment of long-term outcomes therefore requires follow-up of at least 2 years after completion of the study. We have evaluated long-term outcomes of treatment in the patients whom we contributed to two multicentre studies of oral therapy for toenail onychomycosis caused by dermatophyte infection. In the first, a dose-finding study for terbinafine (Lamisil), the high rates of mycological and clinical cure achieved by terbinafine at week 48 were maintained more than 2 years after completion of the study. In the second, a comparative study between terbinafine and itraconazole (Sporanox), the excellent mycological and clinical cure rates achieved by terbinafine at week 48 were again maintained more than 2 years after completion of the study. By contrast, the failure and relapse rates seen with itraconazole were much higher. Other studies undertaken in recent years have confirmed these positive findings with respect to terbinafine, and have demonstrated its superiority over itraconazole in maintaining mycological and clinical cure over long periods. These long-term benefits of terbinafine probably relate to its primarily fungicidal action against dermatophytes, compared to the fungistatic action of itraconazole and other triazole agents. Future clinical studies should therefore incorporate at least 2 years' follow-up.

Carbamazepine hypersensitivity syndrome: report of 4 cases and review of the literature.

We report 4 patients who developed a severe systemic hypersensitivity reaction when taking carbamazepine, To prove hypersensitivity to carbamazepine, we performed patch tests and in vitro lymphocyte transformation tests. Patch tests were uniformly and strongly positive in patients and negative in controls. Lymphocyte transformation tests were positive in 3 of 4 patients. We reviewed the literature on reports of carbamazepine-induced pseudolymphoma and other severe systemic hypersensitivity reactions. Considering the many common clinical, biochemical, and pathologic characteristics, we propose to group these reactions under the term "carbamazepine hypersensitivity syndrome." The syndrome is characterized by the development of fever, rash, and lymphadenopathy between 1 week and 3 months after the introduction of carbamazepine. A variety of other target organs may be involved, including the liver, kidneys, and lungs. The carbamazepine hypersensitivity syndrome is a clinical diagnosis. Patch tests and lymphocyte transformation tests are valuable tools to confirm the diagnosis, but are reliable only after all signs subside. Similar syndromes have been described with the other aromatic anticonvulsants (phenytoin, the other hydantoins, and phenobarbital), and there is evidence of a cross-reaction between carbamazepine and phenytoin. It is unknown whether the carbamazepine hypersensitivity syndrome should be considered a premalignant state, with an increased risk for the development of malignant lymphoma.

Febrile ulceronecrotic pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta.

An unusually severe form of pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA) with a fatal outcome in an 82-year-old woman is reported. After a period of a mild eruption, extensive polymorphous, papular and ulcerohemorrhagic skin lesions developed, associated with intermittent high temperature and constitutional symptoms. Skin biopsies showed the typical histopathological changes of PLEVA. Early recognition of this severe variant of PLEVA is important, since the fulminating course can lead to death.

Systemic contact dermatitis from subcutaneous hydromorphone.

We report a patient who developed a generalized dermatitis after a period of progressive local intolerance to continuous subcutaneous infusion of hydromorphone for cancer pain. Sensitization to hydromorphone was proved by a positive patch test. Infusions with an equianalgesic dose of diacetylmorphine were well tolerated, without local or systemic side-effects, and prolonged the duration of infusion sites.

[Erythema elevatum diutinum]. / Erythema elevatum diutinum.

This 73-year-old lady presented since four years a clinically typical erythema elevatum diutinum. The disease responded very favourably to a treatment with chloroquine, whereas no improvement was obtained with dapsone.

[Herpes gestationis. A histological and electron microscopic study (author's transl)]. / Herpes gestationis. Etude histologique et ultrastructurale.

The histology and electron microscopy of two cases of herpes gestationis is described (HG). It appears that at the histological as well as at the ultrastructural level, the blister of HG results from degenerative changes in the basal cells and is initially located in the epidermis. It is associated with spongiosis. As a consequence of the disappearance of the basal cell layer, the blister is secondarily found between the malpighian layer and the subepidermal basement membrane. Immunologically, C3 could be found at that dermo-epidermal junction. Although the immunological findings can be similar to those of BP, it is believed that HG and BP must be considered as different entities, because of the very particular clinical features of HG and because the blister formation is different in both diseases.