A Comparison of Water Chilling and Air Chilling on Poultry Shelf Life

ObjectivesIn the U.S. water immersion chilling (WC) is commonly used to chill poultry, while the E.U. utilizes air chilling (AC). With demand for poultry continuing to rise, poultry products with longer shelf life and less food waste will be needed. Meanwhile, widespread efforts to reduce natural resource and energy expenditures, such as water, as a means of enhancing sustainability, exist across the meat industry, including the poultry industry. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the impact of WC and AC on the shelf life and meat quality of bone-in and boneless chicken breast.Materials and MethodsA total of 256 eviscerated non-chilled chicken carcasses were obtained from a commercial processing facility in California and transported to the UC Davis meat laboratory within 2 h. Carcasses were randomly and evenly assigned to either water immersion chilling (WC) or air chilling (AC) and then were evenly assigned to be fabricated into bone-in (BI) or boneless (BL) breast. The breast samples were subsequently packaged onto polystyrene trays, overwrapped, and placed into cardboard boxes for dark storage at 4°C for either 7d (phase 1) or 14d (phase 2). Then breast samples were placed into a retail display case maintained at 4°C for 3d. Instrumental color measurement was performed every 12 h during retail display. Microbial analysis was conducted for samples collected on arrival, post chilling, post-fabrication, after dark storage at 4°C for 7d or 14d and after 3d retail display (n = 10 per sampling point per treatment). A panel of 8 untrained participants were asked to evaluate the color and their willingness to purchase (for example color: desirable, acceptable, unacceptable). Analysis of variance was conducted to evaluate the effect of chilling method and storage time on all dependent variables using Proc Mixed in SAS (version 9.4).ResultsThe WC chicken possessed lower psychrotrophic bacterial counts (1.05 log CFU/g) pre-fabrication than the AC chicken (2.12 log CFU/g), indicating that WC may remove a portion of the psychrotrophic bacteria. However, no difference in mesophilic bacterial counts was observed between the two treatments for pre-fabrication samples. The WC chicken and AC chicken, regardless of fabrication type, reached the end of shelf life (7 log CFU/g) at the 14d. The BL samples, regardless of chilling method, had lower total microbial counts throughout storage and display than the BI samples, since the removal of the skin physically removed the general microbial population as well. In terms of objective color, the a* and b* values were higher for AC breast, suggesting that AC breast was more red and yellow than WC breast through the display time. Chilling method did not have an impact on subjective color measurement. During phase 1, untrained panelist considered the color of BL chicken breasts more desirable than the BI breasts. During phase 2, regardless of chilling method or fabrication type, the desirability of color by untrained panelist decreased as display time increased.ConclusionThe results indicate that chilling method had a minimal impact on the shelf life in terms of the microbial counts. Although AC chicken breast tend to be more yellow based on objective color measurement, consumers did not detect a distinct color difference of chicken treated with air chilling or water chilling.

Investigating the Etiology of Increased Incidence of Sour Knuckles in Commercial Beef Processing Facilities

ObjectivesCattle weights have increased during the last couple of decades and have not always been accompanied by improvements in facility capabilities and management. Alongside quality issues of color, tenderness, and water holding capacity, issues such as sour muscles and bone taints are now appearing with great frequency in the meat industry. Development of off-flavor/sourness in deep muscles such as knuckles (vastus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and rectus femoris) has been a long-standing issue in the beef industry, however, has not been well characterized. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the cause, and characterize sour odor associated with beef knuckles using microbial, odor panel, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometric (GC–MS) analyses.Materials and MethodsKnuckles (n = 10) identified as having no sour odor (control), slight odor, or severe odor were collected from the fabrication line of a commercial beef processing plant. Sponge samples of synovial fluid and femur surface of the round were also obtained at the time of collection, for determination of anaerobic sporeformer counts. The collected knuckles were transported on ice to the laboratory where they were aseptically separated into two halves, with one half destined for microbial, odor, and GC–MS analyses on the day of collection (Day 0) and the other half for the same analyses after 35 d of vacuum packaged storage at 2°C (Day 35). For microbial analysis, 15 g of tissue was excised from the muscle surface and was analyzed for aerobic plate counts (Petrifilm Aerobic Count plates) and lactic acid bacteria counts (Lactobacilli MRS agar). Samples (5 g) for GC–MS were held at –80°C until analysis. The remainder of the sample was diced and used for trained odor panels. Data were analyzed using the ANOVA function in R (v. 3.5.1.), with a significance level of α = 0.05. Upon finding significant differences (P < 0.05) the means function was used to determine differences between groups.ResultsIrrespective of sourness classification of the knuckles, similar (P > 0.05) anaerobic sporeformer counts were obtained for the synovial fluid and femur surface. Additionally, muscle tissue samples from control, slightly sour and severely sour knuckles had similar (P > 0.05) aerobic plate counts and lactic acid bacteria counts. Odor panelists identified differences (P < 0.05) for all attributes between control and sour knuckles (slight and severe) on Day 0. Similarly, on Day 35, differences (P < 0.05) were observed between control, slightly sour, and severely sour knuckles for all attributes, with severe receiving the highest score for all categories. GC–MS results showed no differences (P > 0.05) between control and sour knuckles for propionic, butyric, isobutyric, and acetonic acid.ConclusionMicrobiological analysis found no differences in culturable organisms between control, slight, and severely sour knuckles on Day 0 or Day 35. However, odor panelists were able to identify differences between control and sour knuckles even after 35 d in vacuum packaging. GC–MS analysis did not indicate a statistical difference in the abundance of volatiles between the treatments, probably due to high variations within treatment groups.

Rapid Communication: 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid characterization of liver abscesses in feedlot cattle from three states in the United States

Liver abscesses are a major economic burden to beef producers. Although a few causative organisms have been cultured from purulent material, the full polymicrobial diversity of liver abscesses has not been reported. The objective of this study was to characterize purulent material collected from liver abscess in beef cattle produced in different production systems in 3 cattle producing states in the United States using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Differences between purulent material microbial communities among geographic region of feeding and application of a common antimicrobial were also investigated. Cattle included in the study were fed in California (dairy type) and Colorado and Texas (both beef type). Liver abscesses from a cross section of feedlots, geographic areas, and tylosin phosphate-administered groups were collected at harvest; DNA from 34 liver abscess samples was extracted; and the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced. Sequences were classified into 5 phyla, 13 classes, and 17 orders in the domain Bacteria. The phyla identified included Bacteroidetes (35.2% of reads), Proteobacteria (28.6%), Fusobacteria (18.2%), Firmicutes (12.4%), and Actinobacteria (5.5%). Sequences matching the genera and , which have previously been identified as causative agents in liver abscesses, were both present in the abscess bacterial communities at a relative abundance of 15.1 and 3.2%, respectively, of the overall relative abundance. Furthermore, 3 of the most common phyla were Gram-negative bacteria. An analysis-of-similarities test was conducted on Euclidean distances to assess differences between cattle treated and not treated with tylosin as well as to assess differences between geographic regions. Geographical region and treatment with tylosin did affect the microbiome ( = 0.002 and = 0.026 respectively); however, a more robust sample scheme is needed to explore these differences. To our knowledge, this is the first publication describing the complex community of liver purulent material using next generation sequencing in cattle. These data provide a framework for research on a more targeted approach to liver abscess prevention and treatment.

Consumer Assessment of Lamb Loin and Leg from Australia, New Zealand, and United States

Lamb was sourced from 3 countries [Australia (AUS), New Zealand (NZ), and United States (US)] representing 2 muscle types (semimembranosus and longissimus lumborum) to evaluate the palatability of lamb loin and leg chops according to US consumers (n = 360). For tenderness, flavor, and overall liking, there was an interaction detected between source country and muscle (P < 0.05). Overall, US loin chops had the highest (P < 0.05) consumer sensory scores, were rated the most acceptable (P < 0.05), and were placed in better than everyday quality or premium quality categories more often than all other treatments. Leg samples sourced from AUS and NZ were rated the lowest (P < 0.05) for consumer sensory scores for tenderness, flavor liking and overall liking, as well as being the least acceptable (P < 0.05) for flavor liking and overall liking. Both source country and muscle impacted (P < 0.01) juiciness scores, as well as tenderness and juiciness acceptability. US chops were juicier and more acceptable for tenderness and juiciness than chops sourced from AUS or NZ, regardless of muscle; consumers rated loin chops juicier and more acceptable for tenderness and juiciness than legs chops, regardless of source country (P < 0.05). Overall, consumers detected differences in palatability between muscle type and the source country. Loin chops were preferred over leg chops for all palatability traits. US consumers preferred the domestically sourced lamb over the lamb sourced from AUS and NZ; however, complete animal background (diet, gender, and age) and knowledge of potential differences in slaughter and chilling conditions, as well as control over postmortem aging, is needed to help differentiate if differences in flavor were due to diet, genetics, or other environmental factors.

National Beef Quality Audit - 2016: Survey of carcass characteristics through instrument grading assessments

The instrument grading assessment portion of the National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA) - 2016 allows the unique opportunity to evaluate beef carcass traits over the course of a year. One week of instrument grading data was collected each month from 5 beef processing corporations encompassing 18 facilities from January 2016 through December 2016 ( = 4,544,635 carcasses). Mean USDA yield grade (YG) was 3.1 with 1.37 cm fat thickness (FT), 88.9 cm LM area, 393.6 kg HCW, and 2.1% KPH. Frequency distribution of USDA YG was 9.5% YG 1, 34.6% YG 2, 38.8% YG 3, 14.6% YG 4, and 2.5% YG 5. Increases in HCW and FT since the NBQA-2011 were major contributors to differences in mean YG and the (numerically) increased frequency of YG 3, 4, and 5 carcasses found in the current audit. Mean marbling score was Small, and the distribution of USDA quality grades was 4.2% Prime, 71.4% Choice, 21.7% Select, and 2.7% other. Frequency of carcasses grading Prime on Monday (6.43%) was numerically higher than the average frequency of carcasses grading Prime overall (4.2%). Monthly HCW means were 397.6 kg in January, 397.2 kg in February, 396.5 kg in March, 389.3 kg in April, 384.8 kg in May, 385.0 kg in June, 386.1 kg in July, 394.1 kg in August, 399.1 kg in September, 403.9 kg in October, 406.5 kg in November, and 401.9 kg in December. Monthly mean marbling scores were Small in January, Small in February, Small in March, Small in April, Small in May, Small in June, Small in July, Small in August, Small in September, Small in October, Small in November, and Small in December. Both mean HCW and mean marbling score declined in the months of May and June. The month with the greatest numerical frequency of dark cutters was October (0.74%). Comparison of overall data from in-plant carcass and instrument grading assessments revealed close alignment of information, especially for YG (3.1 for in-plant assessment versus 3.1 for instrument grading) and marbling (Small for in-plant assessment versus Small for instrument grading). These findings allow the beef industry access to the greatest volume of beef value-determining characteristics for the U.S. fed steer and heifer population than ever reported, resulting in potentially more precise targeting of future quality and consistency efforts.

National Beef Quality Audit-2016: In-plant survey of carcass characteristics related to quality, quantity, and value of fed steers and heifers

The National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA)-2016 used in-plant cooler assessments to benchmark the current status of the fed steer and heifer beef industry in the United States. In-plant cooler assessments ( = 9,106 carcasses) were conducted at 30 facilities, where approximately 10% of a single day's production were evaluated for USDA quality grade (QG) and yield grade (YG) factors. Frequencies of evaluated traits were 66.5% steer and 33.4% heifer sex classes and 82.9% native, 15.9% dairy-type, and 1.2% estimated breed types. Mean USDA YG factors were 1.42 cm for adjusted fat thickness, 89.5 cm for LM area, 390.3 kg for HCW, and 1.9% for KPH. Mean USDA YG was 3.1, with a frequency distribution of 9.6% YG 1, 36.7% YG 2, 39.2% YG 3, 12.0% YG 4, and 2.5% YG 5. Mean USDA QG traits were Small for marbling score, A for overall maturity, A55 for lean maturity, and A for skeletal maturity. Mean USDA QG was Select with a frequency distribution of QG of 3.8% Prime, 67.3% Choice, 23.2% Select, and 5.6% lower score. Lower score included dark cutter (1.9%), blood splash (0.1%), and hard bone, which are USDA overall maturity scores of C or older (1.8%). Marbling score distributions were 0.85% Slightly Abundant or greater, 7.63% Moderate, 23.54% Modest, 39.63% Small, 23.62% Slight, and 0.83% Traces or less. Carcasses that were Choice or Select and USDA YG 2 or 3 accounted for 70.7% of the carcasses evaluated. Compared with the previous NBQA, we found a numerical increase in mean USDA YG, USDA QG, adjusted fat thickness, HCW, LM area, and marbling score with an increase in dairy-type carcasses and percentage of carcasses grading USDA Prime and Choice as well as frequency of USDA YG 4 and 5. The findings from this study will be used by all segments of the industry to understand and improve the quality of fed steer and heifer beef that is being produced.

National Beef Quality Audit-2016: Transportation, mobility, live cattle, and carcass assessments of targeted producer-related characteristics that affect value of market cows and bulls, their carcasses, and associated by-products

The National Beef Quality Audit–2016 marks the fourth iteration in a series assessing the quality of live beef and dairy cows and bulls and their carcass counterparts. The objective was to determine the incidence of producer-related defects, and report cattle and carcass traits associated with producer management. Conducted from March through December of 2016, trailers (n = 154), live animals (n = 5,470), hide-on carcasses (n = 5,278), and hide-off hot carcasses (n = 5,510) were surveyed in 18 commercial packing facilities throughout the United States. Cattle were allowed 2.3 m² of trailer space on average during transit indicating some haulers are adhering to industry handling guidelines for trailer space requirements. Of the mixed gender loads arriving at processing facilities, cows and bulls were not segregated on 64.4% of the trailers surveyed. When assessed for mobility, the greatest majority of cattle surveyed were sound. Since the inception of the quality audit series, beef cows have shown substantial improvements in muscle. Today over 90.0% of dairy cows are too light muscled. The mean body condition score for beef animals was 4.7 and for dairy cows and bulls was 2.6 and 3.3, respectively. Dairy cattle were lighter muscled, yet fatter than the dairy cattle surveyed in 2007. Of cattle surveyed, most did not have horns, nor any visible live animal defects. Unbranded hides were observed on 77.3% of cattle. Carcass bruising was seen on 64.1% of cow carcasses and 42.9% of bull carcasses. However, over half of all bruises were identified to only be minor in severity. Nearly all cattle (98.4%) were free of visible injection-site lesions. Current results suggest improvements have been made in cattle and meat quality in the cow and bull sector. Furthermore, the results provide guidance for continued educational and research efforts for improving market cow and bull beef quality.

National Beef Quality Audit-2016: Phase 1, Face-to-face interviews

The National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA) is conducted every 5 yr and was most recently again conducted in 2016. Face-to-face interviews gauged progress in quality associated with live cattle production using procedures first utilized in NBQA 2011. The 2016 NBQA was the first in which interviews concerning fed steers and heifers were combined with an audit of market cow and bull beef. Face-to-face interviews were designed to illicit definitions for beef quality, estimate willingness to pay (WTP) for quality attributes, establish relative importance rankings for important quality factors, and assess images, strengths, weaknesses, potential threats, and shifting trends in the beef industry since the 2011 audit. Individuals making purchasing decisions in 5 market sectors of the steer/heifer and cow/bull beef supply chain were interviewed, including packers (n = 36), retailers (including large and small supermarket companies and warehouse food sales companies; n = 35), food service operators (including quick-serve, full-service, and institutional establishments; n = 29), further processors (n = 64), and peripherally-related government and trade organizations (GTO; n = 30). Face-to-face interviews were conducted between January and November of 2016 using a designed dynamic routing system. Definitions (as described by interviewees) for 7 pre-determined quality factors, including: (1) How and where the cattle were raised, (2) Lean, fat, and bone, (3) Weight and size, (4) Visual characteristics, (5) Food safety, (6) Eating satisfaction, and (7) Cattle genetics were recorded verbatim and categorized into similar responses for analysis. Compared to NBQA-2011, a higher percentage of companies were willing to pay premiums for guaranteed quality attributes, but overall were willing to pay lower average premiums than the companies interviewed in 2011. Food safety had the highest share of preference among all interviewees, generating a double-digit advantage over any other quality factor. The 2 beef industries have an overall positive image among interviewees, and despite lingering weaknesses, product quality continued to be at the forefront of the strengths category for both steer and heifer beef and market cow and bull beef.

National Beef Quality Audit-2016: Transportation, mobility, and harvest-floor assessments of targeted characteristics that affect quality and value of cattle, carcasses, and by-products

The National Beef Quality Audit-2016 (NBQA-2016) was conducted to assess current transportation, mobility, and quality characteristics of U.S. fed steers and heifers. Data were collected at 17 beef processing facilities between March and November 2016. About 8,000 live cattle were evaluated for transportation and mobility, and about 25,000 carcasses were evaluated on the slaughter floor. Cattle were in transit to the slaughter facility for a mean duration of 2.7 h from a mean distance of 218.5 km using trailers with dimensions ranging from 17.84 m² to 59.09 m². Area allotted per animal averaged 1.13 m² and ranged from 0.85 m² to 2.28 m². A total of 96.8% of cattle received a mobility score of 1 (walks easily, no apparent lameness). Identification types (35.1% had multiple) were lot visual tags (61.5%), individual tags (55.0%), electronic tags (16.9%), metal-clip tags (9.2%), bar-coded tags (0.05%), wattles (0.01%), and other (2.6%). Cattle were black-hided (57.8%), Holstein (20.4%), red-hided (10.5%), yellow-hided (4.8%), gray-hided (2.9%), brown-hided (1.3%), and white-hided (1.1%). Unbranded hides were observed on 74.3% of cattle; 18.6% had brands located on the butt, 6.3% on the side, and 1.3% on the shoulder (values exceed 100% due to multiple brands). For hide-on carcasses, 37.7% displayed no mud or manure; specific locations for mud or manure were legs (40.8%), belly (33.0%), tail region (15.5%), side (6.8%), and top-line (3.9%). Cattle without horns represented 83.3% of the sample, and cattle that did have horns measured: < 2.54 cm (5.5%), 2.54 to 12.7 cm (8.3%), and > 12.7 cm (2.9%). Carcasses without bruises represented 61.1% of those sampled, whereas 28.2% had 1, 8.2% had 2, 2.1% had 3, and 0.3% had 4 bruises. Of those carcasses with a bruise, the bruise was located on the loin (29.7%), round (27.8%), chuck (16.4%), rib (14.4%), and brisket/plate/flank (11.6%). Frequencies of offal condemnations were livers (30.8%), lungs (18.2%), viscera (16.3%), hearts (11.1%), heads (2.7%), and tongues (2.0%). Compared to NBQA-2011, fewer cattle were identified for traceability, fewer were black-hided, a greater number were Holstein cattle, more with no brand and no horns, fewer without bruises, more liver, lung, and viscera condemnations, and fewer heads and tongues were condemned. The NBQA remains an influential survey for the U.S. beef industry to provide benchmarks and strategic plans for continued improvement of beef quality and consistency.

Internalization and thermal susceptibility of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in marinated beef products

This study evaluated the internalization and cooking susceptibility of seven individual Escherichia coli (STEC) serogroups in surface-inoculated (10(5)log CFU/cm(2)) and vacuum tumbled marinated (30 or 60 min) bottom sirloin steaks. After storage for 14 days (0 to 2°C), flaps were cooked to various endpoint temperatures (55, 60, 65, and 71°C) for evaluation of pathogen survival by direct plating or rapid PCR based detection (BAX®). Direct plating of cooked samples yielded no enumerable plates. The data indicate varied internalization, translocation, and heat susceptibility patterns among serogroups. Using the rapid PCR based detection method O26, O103, and O111 were detected in flaps after cooking to 55 and 60°C, while O157:H7 survived in flaps cooked to 60 and 65°C. However, STEC O145 was the only serogroup that survived in all cooking temperatures. Serogroup O121 was not detected by plating or PCR in any cooked products. Intriguingly, STEC serogroups can be internalized during marination and the internalized pathogens vary in thermal susceptibility.

Factors associated with pruritic papular eruption of human immunodeficiency virus infection in the antiretroviral therapy era

BACKGROUND

Pruritic papular eruption (PPE) of HIV is common in HIV-infected populations living in the tropics. Its aetiology has been attributed to insect bite reactions and it is reported to improve with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Its presence after at least 6 months of ART has been proposed as one of several markers of treatment failure.

OBJECTIVES

To determine factors associated with PPE in HIV-infected persons receiving ART.

METHODS

A case-control study nested within a 500-person cohort from a teaching hospital in Mbarara, Uganda. Forty-five cases and 90 controls were enrolled. Cases had received ART for ≥ 15 months and had an itchy papular rash for at least 1 month with microscopic correlation by skin biopsy. Each case was individually matched with two controls for age, sex and ART duration.

RESULTS

Twenty-five of 45 cases (56%) had microscopic findings consistent with PPE. At skin examination and biopsy (study enrolment), a similar proportion of PPE cases and matched controls had plasma HIV RNA < 400 copies mL(-1) (96% vs. 85%, P = 0·31). The odds of having PPE increased fourfold with every log increase in viral load at ART initiation (P = 0·02) but not at study enrolment. CD4 counts at ART initiation and study enrolment, and CD4 gains and CD8(+) T-cell activation measured 6 and 12 months after ART commencement were not associated with PPE. Study participants who reported daily insect bites had greater odds of being cases [odds ratio (OR) 8·3, P < 0·001] or PPE cases (OR 8·6, P = 0·01).

CONCLUSIONS

Pruritic papular eruption in HIV-infected persons receiving ART for ≥ 15 months was associated with greater HIV viraemia at ART commencement, independent of CD4 count. Skin biopsies are important to distinguish between PPE and other itchy papular eruptions.

Comparative effects of beta-adrenergic agonist supplementation on the yield and quality attributes of selected subprimals from calf-fed Holstein steers

Mechanical portioning tests were performed on beef rib, strip loin, tenderloin, and top sirloin subprimals obtained from calf-fed Holstein steers to characterize the influence of zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH), ractopamine hydrochloride (RH), or no β-adrenergic agonist (βAA; CON) on subprimal and steak yield. In addition, βAA effects on tenderness, composition, and raw and cooked color of steaks from the aforementioned strip loin subprimals were characterized. At 14 to 15 d (ribs, tenderloins, and top sirloin) or 16 d (strip loin) postmortem, subprimals were portioned into steaks using a mechanical portioning machine. The appropriate variables were measured before and after portioning to determine βAA influence on trimmed and untrimmed subprimal weight, subprimal length (rib only), steak weight and yield, and steak thickness (rib only). Steaks obtained from the strip loin subprimals were subjected to analysis of raw instrument color (L*, a*, b*), proximate composition, and pH. In addition, strip steaks were aged (16 or 23 d) before analysis of cooked internal color, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), and slice shear force (SSF). Briefly, ZH supplementation increased (P < 0.01) the weight of all subprimals when compared to CON. Furthermore, subprimals from CON animals consistently had fewer and lighter steaks (P ≤ 0.04) than subprimals from ZH-fed steers. Additionally, raw steaks from ZH cattle were a less vivid red (lower a* and saturation index values; P < 0.01) when compared to CON and RH steaks, which did not differ (P > 0.05). There was no interaction between βAA treatment and postmortem aging length for WBSF or SSF (P > 0.10). However, CON steaks (3.25 kg) had lower WBSF values (P < 0.05) than ZH or RH steaks (3.68 and 3.67 kg, respectively). Regardless, aging for 23 d vs. 16 d resulted in decreased WBSF and SSF (P < 0.01) for all βAA treatments. Although differences were numerically small, evaluations indicated the internal cooked surfaces of ZH and RH steaks were less red (P < 0.05) than CON steaks. Overall, these data reemphasize increased subprimal weights due to βAA supplementation, particularly ZH. However, the data are not indicative of increased steak yield due to βAA supplementation. Furthermore, the data demonstrate βAA supplementation increases the shear force of calf-fed Holstein strip steaks regardless of postmortem aging period. However, no differences in shear force between the βAA treatments (ZH or RH) were noted.

Bacillary angiomatosis masquerading as Kaposi's sarcoma in East Africa

BACKGROUND

Bacillary angiomatosis (BA) is a rare manifestation of infection caused by Bartonella species, which leads to vasoproliferative lesions of skin and other organs. Bacillary angiomatosis affects individuals with advanced HIV disease or other immunocompromised individuals. In sub-Saharan Africa, despite the high prevalence of HIV infection and documentation of the causative Bartonella species in humans, mammalian hosts, and arthropod vectors, BA has only rarely been described.

METHODS

Three adult patients from Uganda and Kenya with deep purple dome-shaped papules or nodules of the skin underwent punch biopsies for histopathologic diagnosis. The biopsies of all 3 patients were sent to a local pathologist as well as to a dermatopathologist at the University of California, San Francisco.

RESULTS

All 3 patients were clinically suspected to have Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), and local pathologists had interpreted the lesions as KS in 2 of the cases and nonspecific inflammation in the third. Histologic examination by dermatopathologists in the United States revealed nodular dermal proliferations of irregular capillaries lined by spindled to epithelioid endothelial cells. The surrounding stroma contained a mixed inflammatory infiltrate with lymphocytes, eosinophils, and neutrophils. Extracellular deposits of pale amphophilic granular material were noted in the surrounding stroma. A Warthin-Starry stain highlighted clumps of bacilli, confirming the diagnosis of BA.

CONCLUSIONS

These 3 cases, to our knowledge, are the first reports of BA in East Africa in the biomedical literature. Each had been originally incorrectly diagnosed as KS. We speculate BA is underdiagnosed and underreported in resource-poor regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, that have high endemic rates of HIV infection.

The impact of packaging system and temperature abuse on the shelf life characteristics of ground beef

New ground beef packaging systems have warranted investigation of their spoilage and quality characteristics. Furthermore, analysis of ground beef spoilage in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and stored at abusive temperature is lacking. This research aimed to determine the effect of packaging systems and temperature abuse on the sensory and shelf-life characteristics of ground beef. Ground beef patties were packaged using polyvinyl chloride overwrap (OW), HI-OX MAP (80% O2, 20% CO2), LO-OX MAP (30% CO2, 70% N2), CO-MAP (0.4% CO, 30% CO2, 69.6% N2), or vacuum (VAC) prior to color, odor, biochemical, and microbial analyses over display. CO-MAP exhibited more desirable color and consumer acceptability throughout display. Lean discoloration and odor scores were lower for anaerobic packaging than aerobic packaging. Microbial results mirrored sensory preferences for anaerobic packaging. These results indicate anaerobic packaging extends shelf-life properties and desirable sensory attributes throughout display and temperature abuse.

Survivability of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in mechanically tenderized beef steaks subjected to lactic acid application and cooking under simulated industry conditions

Mechanical tenderization improves the palatability of beef; however, it increases the risk of translocating pathogenic bacteria to the interior of beef cuts. This study investigated the efficacies of lactic acid spray (LA; 5 % ), storage, and cooking on the survivability of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in mechanically tenderized beef steaks managed under simulated industry conditions. Beef subprimals inoculated with either high (10(5) CFU/ml) or low (10(3) CFU/ml) levels of E. coli O157:H7 were treated (LA or control) and stored for 21 days prior to mechanical tenderization, steak portioning (2.54 cm), and additional storage for 7 days. Steaks were then cooked to an internal temperature of 55, 60, 65, 70, or 75°C. Samples were enumerated and analyzed using DNA-based methods. Treatment with LA immediately reduced E. coli O157:H7 on the lean and fat surfaces of high- and low-inoculum-treated subprimals by more than 1.0 log CFU/cm(2) (P < 0.05). Storage for 21 days reduced surface populations of E. coli O157:H7 regardless of the inoculation level; however, the populations on LA- and control-treated lean surfaces of high- and low-inoculum-treated subprimals were not different after 21 days (P > 0.05). E. coli O157:H7 was detected in core samples from high-inoculum-treated steaks cooked to 55, 60, or 70°C. Conversely, E. coli O157:H7 was not detected in core samples from low-inoculum-treated steaks, regardless of the internal cooking temperature. These data suggest that LA- and storage-mediated reduction of pathogens on subprimals exposed to typical industry contamination levels (10(1) CFU/cm(2)) reduces the risk of pathogen translocation and subsequent survival after cooking.

Randomized, placebo controlled, double blind trial evaluating early pregnancy phytonutrient supplementation in the prevention of preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE

Daily provision of pregnant patients with dietary supplements containing antioxidants and phytonutrients, if initiated in the first trimester of pregnancy and continued throughout the gestation, may significantly decrease the incidence of preeclampsia.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a single center, randomized, placebo-controlled investigation in which women were randomized by their risk status and assigned to daily ingestion of a supplement consisting primarily of a blended fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrate or placebo.

RESULT

Of the 684 patients randomized to the trial, 267 (39.0%) completed it. The final analysis is based on those participants who completed the study. For the primary outcome of preeclampsia, there was no difference observed between the phytonutrient supplement group and the placebo group: 15.9% vs 16.3%, respectively, (R.R. 0.97 (0.56-1.69)). Non-significant trends toward lower placenta-related obstetrical complications were observed in the supplement group compared with the placebo cohort (8.3% vs 15.5%, respectively, (R.R. 0.57 (0.29-1.14). Those infants born to mothers taking the supplement in the high-risk stratified group demonstrated non-significant trends toward lower rates of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS); 5.3% in the supplement group vs 15.4% in the placebo group: R.R. 0.34 (0.12-1.01).

CONCLUSION

Initiation of antioxidant/phytonutrient supplementation in the first trimester did not decrease rates of preeclampsia. Non-significant trends toward lower incidences of placental derived morbidity in those mothers taking the supplement in addition to decreased rates of RDS in infants born to supplemented mothers considered to be high-risk for preeclampsia, warrant further investigation.

Nutrient database improvement project: the influence of U.S.D.A. Quality and Yield Grade on the separable components and proximate composition of raw and cooked retail cuts from the beef rib and plate

Beef nutrition is important to the worldwide beef industry. The objective of this study was to analyze proximate composition of eight beef rib and plate cuts to update the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR). Furthermore, this study aimed to determine the influence of USDA Quality Grade on the separable components and proximate composition of the examined retail cuts. Carcasses (n=72) representing a composite of Yield Grade, Quality Grade, gender and genetic type were identified from six regions across the U.S. Beef plates and ribs (IMPS #109 and 121C and D) were collected from the selected carcasses and shipped to three university meat laboratories for storage, retail fabrication, cooking, and dissection and analysis of proximate composition. These data provide updated information regarding the nutrient content of beef and emphasize the influence of common classification systems (Yield Grade and Quality Grade) on the separable components, cooking yield, and proximate composition of retail beef cuts.

Effects of postmortem calcium chloride injection on meat palatability traits of strip loin steaks from cattle supplemented with or without zilpaterol hydrochloride

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of zilpaterol hydrochloride mM supplementation (ZH; 8.3 mg/kg on a DM basis for 20 d) and calcium chloride injection [CaCl(2), 200 at 5% (wt/wt) at 72 h postmortem] on palatability traits of beef (Bos taurus) strip loin steaks. Select (USDA) strip loins were obtained from control (no ZH = 19) and ZH-supplemented carcasses (n = 20). Right and left sides were selected alternatively to serve as a control (no INJ) or CaCl(2)-injected (INJ) and stored at 4°C. Before injecting the subprimals (72 h postmortem), 2 steaks were cut for proximate, sarcomere length, and myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) analyses. At 7 d postmortem each strip loin was portioned into steaks, vacuum packaged, and aged for the appropriate period for Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF; 7, 14, 21, and 28 d postmortem), trained sensory analysis (14 and 21 d postmortem), purge loss (7 d), and MFI (3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 d postmortem). Results indicated steaks from both ZH supplementation and INJ had reduced WBSF values as days of postmortem aging increased. The WBSF values of ZH steaks were greater (P < 0.05) than no ZH steaks at each postmortem aging period. The INJ steaks had lower WBSF values (P < 0.05) than non-injected steaks. A greater percentage (91 vs. 71%) of steaks had WBSF values < 4.6 kg from steers with no ZH supplementation at 7 d postmortem, but the percentage did not differ (P > 0.05) due to ZH at 14, 21, or 28 d or due to INJ at any aging period. Trained panelists rated tenderness less in ZH steaks than steaks with no ZH at 14 d and 21 d. However, INJ improved (P < 0.05) the tenderness ratings and flavor intensity of the trained panelists, compared with their non-injected cohorts at 21 d. Zilpaterol hydrochloride supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) MFI values, but INJ resulted in greater (P < 0.05) MFI values compared with no INJ. Subprimals from ZH and INJ showed greater purge loss (P < 0.05). Although no interactions were found with ZH and CaCl(2), injecting USDA Select strip loins from ZH-fed cattle can help reduce the normal WBSF variation as it does in steaks from non-ZH-fed cattle.

OS011. Management of late preterm pregnancy complicated by mildpreeclampsia: A prospective randomized trial

INTRODUCTION

In the absence of properly undertaken prospective randomized clinical trials, the optimal management of late preterm mild preeclampsia for best maternal and perinatal outcomes remains unclear for obstetricians worldwide.

OBJECTIVES

We desired to determine if immediate or expectant management of the late preterm mother presenting with mild preeclampsia was more beneficial to her without compromise to her newborn.

METHODS

This prospective randomized clinical trial of immediate versus expectant delivery for patients presenting with mild preeclampsia between the late preterm period of 34-0/7 to 36-6/7weeks gestation was undertaken using CONSORT guidelines. Patients were randomized to immediate delivery via induction of labor or cesarean delivery or inpatient expectant management with delivery at 37-0/7weeks gestation or earlier at onset of labor or progression to severe preeclampsia. The primary outcome was progression to severe preeclampsia; secondary outcomes were neonatal morbidity and mortality. Data were analyzed by appropriate tests for continuous or categorical outcomes with differences considered significant if p<0.05.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty nine patients during 2002-2008 satisfied and sustained protocol criteria in the immediate delivery (n=94) or inpatient expectant management (n=75) arms of the study. A third (33%) of expectantly managed patients developed severe preeclampsia during significantly longer hospitalization versus 3% in the immediately delivered patients (p=0.001). Cesarean delivery rates were similar. No significant neonatal morbidity differences were observed between groups; there were no maternal or neonatal deaths. The study was stopped in 2008 at 74% of the enrollment target when hospital policy changed to discourage inpatient hospitalization for uncomplicated mild preterm preeclampsia and in view of growing national concern for increased late preterm/early term neonatal morbidity and cost of care.

CONCLUSION

Proceeding to delivery of the late preterm (⩾34weeks gestation) patient with mild preeclampsia lessens maternal risk without significantly increasing neonatal risk.

PP137. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a constant component of eclampsia

INTRODUCTION

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) has been reported to occur in patients with eclampsia. In both conditions there is evidence to suggest disordered cerebral autoregulation.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to investigate the concurrence of PRES with eclampsia and to describe the associated obstetric, radiologic and critical care correlates.

METHODS

Single center 2001-2010 retrospective cohort study of all patients with eclampsia who underwent neuroimaging via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) with or without contrast. The medical records of all patients with eclampsia during the study interval were identified, evaluated and extracted for pertinent data; a diagnosis of PRES was made by radiologists using standard criteria.

RESULTS

Forty-six of forty-seven (97.9%) patients with eclampsia revealed PRES on neuroimaging using one or more modalities: MRI without contrast=41 (87.2%), MRI with contrast=27 (57.4%), CT without contrast=16 (34%), CT with contrast=7 (14.8%) and/or MRA/MRV=2 (4.3%). PRES was identified within the parietal (36, 78.3%), occipital (35, 76.1%), frontal (29, 63%), temporal (13, 28.3%) and basal ganglia/ brainstem/cerebellum (12, 26.1%). Eclampsia occurred antepartum in 23 patients, postpartum in 24 patients with 22 vaginal/25 cesarean deliveries at a mean maternal age of 21.8 years (range 15-39) and a mean gestational age of 33.9 weeks (range 22.4-41.7 weeks). Ethnicity was African-American in 38 patients. Headache was the most common presenting symptom (87.2%) followed by altered mental status (51.1%), visual disturbances (34%) and nausea/vomiting (19.1%). Severe systolic hypertension was present in 22 (47%) of patients.Use of antihypertensives (87%), magnesium sulfate (100%), diuretics (66%) and corticosteroids (50%) facilitated maternal recovery in all cases with usually a brief hospitalization (mean 3.9 days, range 1-20 days).

CONCLUSION

The common finding of PRES in patients with eclampsia suggests that PRES may be part of the pathogenesis of eclampsia. We speculate that therapy targeted at prevention or reversal of PRES pathogenesis will prevent or facilitate recovery from eclampsia.

Spoilage characteristics of ground beef with added lactic acid bacteria and rosemary oleoresin packaged in a modified-atmosphere package and displayed at abusive temperatures

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can reduce Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. in ground beef during storage. Furthermore, the addition of rosemary oleoresin (RO), a natural antioxidant, to ground beef has been shown to increase shelf life and is commonly used in modified-atmosphere packaged (MAP) ground beef. This study evaluated the effects of LAB and RO treatment on the shelf life and stability of MAP ground beef displayed at abusive (10°C) temperatures for 36 h. Subjective and objective sensory analyses were conducted to determine spoilage endpoints. Trained and consumer panel responses and Hunter lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) values were not affected (P = 0.62, 0.66, 0.45) by LAB addition, although RO inclusion improved (P < 0.05) lean color. Ground beef with LAB and RO had significantly less (P < 0.0001) thiobarbituric acid reactive substance values than control ground beef, indicating decreased lipid oxidation. Additionally, RO inclusion reduced (P < 0.0001) off odors, as determined by trained and consumer odor panelists. Overall, the addition of LAB did not negatively affect beef color, odor, or oxidative rancidity, suggesting that LAB can be added to ground beef in MAP packaging as a processing intervention without detrimentally affecting shelf life or stability.

Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus/human herpesvirus 8 and Kaposi sarcoma

Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) was discovered in 1994 and is now known to be a necessary but not sufficient causative agent of Kaposi sarcoma. While KSHV is likely also the causative agent of primary effusion lymphoma and multicentric Castleman's disease, its causal role has been refuted in the case of multiple myeloma, sarcoidosis, prostate cancer, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The epidemiology of KSHV is both intriguing and challenging. Two epidemiologic findings are clear, but their explanation is unknown. The first is that KSHV is distributed disparately throughout the world, with the virus being common in the general population throughout Africa and the Middle East, but uncommon virtually everywhere else. The second is that even though the virus is uncommon in the general population in industrialized settings, it is disproportionately concentrated among homosexual men in these areas. KSHV has special importance to the dental profession because saliva is the body fluid that harbors it most commonly, although exactly in which ways saliva spreads the virus are not known.