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Porcine chromosome 4 harbours many quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting meat quality, fatness and carcass composition traits, detected in resource pig populations previously. However, prior to selection in commercial breeds, QTL identified in an intercross between divergent breeds require confirmation, so that they can be segregated. Consequently, the objective of this study was to validate several QTL on porcine chromosome 4 responsible for meat and carcass quality traits. The experimental population consisted of 14 crossbred paternal half-sib families. The region of investigation was the q arm of SSC4 flanked by the markers S0073 and S0813. Regression analysis resulted in the validation of three QTL within the interval: Minolta a* loin, back fat thickness and the weight of trimmed ham. The results were additionally confirmed by factor analysis. Candidate genes were proposed for meat colour, which was the most evident QTL validated in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marker density of a QTL region on pig chromosome 4 was increased. New microsatellites were identified by in silico mining of BAC-end and genomic shotgun sequences. Among 8,784 BAC-end sequences predicted within the region, 148 microsatellites were identified. In addition, 27,450 CA/TG repeats were identified within the genomic shotgun sequences, of which 157 were most likely located on SSC4q. A selection of 61 new microsatellites was mapped, together with previously mapped markers. The results showed that the human-pig comparative map in combination with BAC-end and genomic sequence resources provides an excellent source for a highly efficient and targeted development of markers.

1. A method of continuous infusion in the unrestrained rat is described, which provides a scientifically acceptable and easily maintained rodent model for use in toxicological investigations. 2. Sprague Dawley SPF rats had cannulas implanted into the vena cava via the femoral vein, and were continuously infused with physiological saline for a total of 28 or 90 days. 3. The results indicate that there was no change in body weight, food consumption, clinical observations or clinical biochemistry of infused rats when compared to non-infused rats. There were small changes in haematological parameters, however none were toxicologically significant. Urinary volume was increased and urinary specific gravity and osmolality were decreased. At macroscopic and microscopic examination there were findings of scar formation associated with the area of surgery and minimal irritation in the area of the vena cava which accommodated the cannula. 4. These results indicate that implantation of a cannula into the vena cava of a rat and subsequent continuous intravenous infusion of physiological saline produces no toxicological adverse effects over a period of 90 days. Consequently, this model can be recommended for the continuous intravenous administration of test substances to rats.

Objective: To determine the value of low dose methotrexate therapy in chronic inflammatory bowel disease., Setting: Catharina Hospital and Diaconessenhuis, Eindhoven, and St. Joseph Hospital, Veldhoven., Design: Descriptive., Method: From 1988 until 1993 we treated 15 patients 16 times (one patient was treated twice) with methotrexate 25 mg i.m. once a week during 12 weeks, followed by a tapering oral dose. Our population consisted of 4 men and 11 women with a mean age of 31 year. The diagnosis was Crohn ileitis (1 patient), Crohn colitis (8), ileocolitis (4) and ulcerative colitis (2). The indication for methotrexate was resistance to therapy (9) and steroid dependency (7). Retrospectively the disease activity was determined after 1, 2 and 3 months of therapy., Results: The mean defaecation frequency went down from 7 to 2 times daily after 12 weeks, the ESR from 47 to 17 mm/1st hour, the thrombocytes from 436 x 10(9)/l to 325 x 10(9)/l and the prednisone dose could be lowered from 22 mg to 15 mg after 3 months. In 13/16 treatment cases there was a subjective positive response to methotrexate. Initial response was seen within 4 weeks. No serious side effects were seen. After 10 of the 13 response episodes the disease recurred., Conclusion: Methotrexate 25 mg once a week i.m. was associated with a subjective and objective improvement in 12/15 patients, but the risk of recurrence after tapering appears to be large.

To investigate the value of the plain abdominal radiograph in the assessment of constipation we prospectively studied 30 patients (20 females, 10 males, mean age 48.6 years, range 21-76 years). These patients underwent the following tests: plain abdominal radiograph in supine position, measurement of stool weight (mean of 5 days) and whole gut transit time (20 radioopaque pellets, fluoroscopy of stools). All patients completed a questionnaire regarding their defaecation characteristics (a.o. average defaecation frequency and faecal consistency). The abdominal films were coded and independently scored for the degree of faecal stasis in ascending, transverse, descending colon and rectosigmoid by four gastroenterologists. To each of these parts of the colon a score of 1 (no faeces) to 4 (loaded with faeces) was assigned. The film scores given by the four observers were significantly correlated (p less than 0.001). Significant correlations were found between the radiograph scores and frequency of defaecation, faecal consistency and stool weight. The strength of these correlations were of the same order of magnitude as those between the other subjective and objective defaecation variables. The scores for the left colon (descending colon and rectosigmoid) showed a better correlation with the other defaecation parameters than the scores for the right colon. It is concluded that in the assessment of constipation a simple plain abdominal radiograph is as reliable as measurement of faecal weight or marker transit and can thus be advocated as the first procedure. When an abdominal radiograph is used for this purpose the stasis in the descending and sigmoid colon provides most information.

Acute cholestasis is a rare complication of EPP with a high mortality rate despite extensive treatment with corticosteroids, cholestyramine, and antioxidants. A single survivor, reported in the literature, was treated with blood exchange transfusions. We treated two EPP patients with blood exchange and additional blood transfusions which resulted in full clinical and biochemical recovery from the cholestasis and accompanying hepatitis. Recurrences of the cholestasis and hepatitis could repeatedly be corrected by additional blood transfusions.