SAFE-ICE: research, innovation and business support for a low-carbon economy

The SAFE-ICE Cluster unites 20 partners from the coastal regions adjoining the Channel and the North Sea, of France, England, Belgium and the Netherlands. The mix of partners highlights the group’s triple helix approach to exploring key issues from multiple perspectives with universities, public bodies and private organisations all being represented. The SAFE-ICE Cluster work is set within a backdrop of various European policies and strategies and an evolving market

Porcine ear necrosis

Porcine ear necrosis (PEN) is a condition that mainly occurs in intensive pig production systems and mostly affects piglets after weaning. The syndrome manifests itself with lesions on the pinna, which can heal or become more severe resulting in partial loss of the ear. The pathogenesis of the condition is not fully known. Three different hypotheses for the development of PEN are described in this review: (1) damage of the epidermis due to Staphylococcal exfoliative toxins; (2) occlusion of small blood vessels; and (3) ear biting with subsequent beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection. Risk factors have not been completely elucidated, but viral and bacterial infections, and husbandry factors such as environment, housing conditions and management, have been suggested. It is also possible that some cases are due to a combination of these factors. The role of parasitic infestations has been not investigated. Due to bacterial involvement, severely affected pigs can be treated with antimicrobials. Control and preventive measures should focus on reducing potential risk factors by implementing herd immunization, as well as improvement of sanitary conditions, feed quality (with respect to mycotoxin contamination), management (appropriate stocking density), and environmental conditions (e.g. number of drinkers and feeders and/or optimal ventilation). Further research is needed to better understand the precise etiology and pathogenesis of PEN, so that risk factors can be identified and more targeted control measures can be implemented

Molding Molecular and Material Properties by Strong Light-Matter Coupling

When atoms come together and bond, we call these new states molecules, and their properties determine many aspects of our daily life. Strangely enough, it is conceivable for light and molecules to bond, creating new hybrid light-matter states with far-reaching consequences for these strongly coupled materials. Even stranger, there is no `real' light needed to obtain the effects, it simply appears from the vacuum, creating `something from nothing'. Surprisingly, the setup required to create these materials has become moderately straightforward. In its simplest form, one only needs to put a strongly absorbing material at the appropriate place between two mirrors, and quantum magic can appear. Only recently has it been discovered that strong coupling can affect a host of significant effects at a material and molecular level, which were thought to be independent of the `light' environment: phase transitions, conductivity, chemical reactions, etc. This review addresses the fundamentals of this opportunity: the quantum mechanical foundations, the relevant plasmonic and photonic structures, and a description of the various applications, connecting materials chemistry with quantum information, nonlinear optics and chemical reactivity. Ultimately, revealing the interplay between light and matter in this new regime opens attractive avenues for many applications in the material, chemical, quantum mechanical and biological realms

Canien distempervirus

Canine distempervirus (CDV) belongs to the genus morbillivirus, family Paramyxoviridae. CDV is the causative agent of a severe systemic disease in clogs characterized by fever, immunosuppression, pneumonia, enteritis and neurologic signs. There are several diagnostic tools, pre and post mortal, for identifying CDV. Vaccination has led to a decrease in the incidence of CDV-related disease in canine populations in our regions. Nevertheless, in the past few years, several episodes of CDV in vaccinated animals have been reported. This article gives a review of the agent, epidemiology, pathogenesis, injuries, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention of canine distemper virus in dogs

Peri-articular histiocytic sarcoma and synovial cell sarcoma in Bernese Mountain dogs : a retrospective investigation of the prevalence of these tumours in association with previously diseased joints

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An outbreak of the peracute form of malignant catarrhal fever in Belgian cattle

A large outbreak of the peracute form of malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Belgium is described. The main symptoms were nervous signs and high fever. Over a four-month period, 13 Belgian Blue yearlings and one cow died. Mortality was 16.3% of the herd. The diagnosis was confirmed by identifying ovine herpesvirus-2 DNA by PCR, both in the affected cattle and in the sheep on the farm. This case report illustrates the increasing importance of malignant catarrhal fever as a herd problem and the occurrence of the peracute form, as also reported in other European countries. It also illustrates the importance of malignant catarrhal fever as a differential diagnosis for nervous disorders in cattle