Obesity and diet independently affect maternal immunity, maternal gut microbiota and pregnancy outcome in mice.

Introduction: Maternal obesity poses risks for both mother and offspring during pregnancy, with underlying mechanisms remaining largely unexplored. Obesity is associated with microbial gut dysbiosis and low-grade inflammation, and also the diet has a major impact on these parameters. This study aimed to investigate how maternal obesity and diet contribute to changes in immune responses, exploring potential associations with gut microbiota dysbiosis and adverse pregnancy outcomes in mice. Methods: Before mating, C57BL/6 mice were assigned to either a high-fat-diet (HFD) or low-fat-diet (LFD) to obtain obese (n=17) and lean (n=10) mice. To distinguish between the effects of obesity and diet, 7 obese mice were switched from the HFD to the LFD from day 7 until day 18 of pregnancy ("switch group"), which was the endpoint of the study. T helper (Th) cell subsets were studied in the spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and Peyer's patches (PP), while monocyte subsets and activation status were determined in maternal blood (flow cytometry). Feces were collected before and during pregnancy (day 7,14,18) for microbiota analysis (16S rRNA sequencing). Pregnancy outcome included determination of fetal and placental weight. Results: Obesity increased splenic Th1 and regulatory T cells, MLN Th1 and PP Th17 cells and enhanced IFN-γ and IL-17A production by splenic Th cells upon ex vivo stimulation. Switching diet decreased splenic and PP Th2 cells and classical monocytes, increased intermediate monocytes and activation of intermediate/nonclassical monocytes. Obesity and diet independently induced changes in the gut microbiota. Various bacterial genera were increased or decreased by obesity or the diet switch. These changes correlated with the immunological changes. Fetal weight was lower in the obese than the lean group, while placental weight was lower in the switch than the obese group. Discussion: This study demonstrates that obesity and diet independently impact peripheral and intestinal immune responses at the end of pregnancy. Simultaneously, both factors affect specific bacterial gut genera and lead to reduced fetal or placental weight. Our data suggest that switching diet during pregnancy to improve maternal health is not advisable and it supports pre/probiotic treatment of maternal obesity-induced gut dysbiosis to improve maternal immune responses and pregnancy outcome.

Seroprevalence of Measles (Rubeola) Antibodies in Childhood Cancer Survivors.

Background: Measles is reemerging as a public health threat, raising important questions about disease vulnerability among childhood cancer survivors. This secondary analysis assessed the seroprevalence of anti-measles immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies as a marker of immune status in survivors of childhood cancer and associated demographic/treatment variables. Method: Participants were childhood cancer survivors who were free of active disease, having routine blood studies drawn, and could provide documentation of having received two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine before their cancer diagnosis. Patient record review documented demographic and treatment variables. Antimeasles (rubeola) IgG antibody seroprevalence was assessed by enzyme immunoassay for vaccine-specific antibodies. Results: Of 270 survivors evaluated, 110 (42%) were female, 196 (75%) were White, and 159 (61%) were leukemia/lymphoma survivors. Of these 262, 110 (42%) had negative measles seroprevalence, suggesting loss of immunity. Conclusion: Measles antibody surveillance and the need for reimmunization for survivors of childhood cancer survivors outside the transplant setting remains controversial. Our analysis indicates that a substantial proportion of survivors lose vaccine-related immunity to measles. Pediatric oncology nurses play important roles in educating cancer survivors regarding their risk of measles infection, evaluating the need for reimmunization, correcting misinformation about vaccine safety and effectiveness, and working to optimize community herd-based immunity.

The Peri-Implant Microbiome-A Possible Factor Determining the Success of Surgical Peri-Implantitis Treatment?

The objective was to assess the effect of peri-implantitis surgery on the peri-implant microbiome with a follow-up of one year. A total of 25 peri-implantitis patients in whom non-surgical treatment has failed to solve peri-implantitis underwent resective surgical treatment. Their peri-implant pockets were sampled prior to surgical treatment (T0) and one year post treatment (T12). The natural dentition was sampled to analyse similarities and differences with the peri-implantitis samples. Treatment success was recorded. The change in microbial relative abundance levels was evaluated. The microbiota was analysed by sequencing the amplified V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA genes. Sequence data were binned to amplicon sequence variants that were assigned to bacterial genera. Group differences were analysed using principal coordinate analysis, Wilcoxon signed rank tests, and t-tests. Beta diversity analyses reported a significant separation between peri-implantitis and natural dentition samples on T0 and T12, along with significant separations between successfully and non-successfully treated patients. Eubacterium was significantly lower on T12 compared to T0 for the peri-implantitis samples. Treponema and Eubacterium abundance levels were significantly lower in patients with treatment success on T0 and T12 versus no treatment success. Therefore, lower baseline levels of Treponema and Eubacterium seem to be associated with treatment success of peri-implantitis surgery. This study might aid clinicians in determining which peri-implantitis cases might be suitable for treatment and give a prognosis with regard to treatment success.

Diagnostic yield of targeted next generation sequencing in 2002 Dutch cardiomyopathy patients.

BACKGROUND: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is increasingly used for clinical evaluation of cardiomyopathy patients as it allows for simultaneous screening of multiple cardiomyopathy-associated genes. Adding copy number variant (CNV) analysis of NGS data is not routine yet and may contribute to the diagnostic yield. OBJECTIVES: Determine the diagnostic yield of our targeted NGS gene panel in routine clinical diagnostics of Dutch cardiomyopathy patients and explore the impact of exon CNVs on diagnostic yield. METHODS: Patients (N = 2002) referred for clinical genetic analysis underwent diagnostic testing of 55-61 genes associated with cardiomyopathies. Samples were analyzed and evaluated for single nucleotide variants (SNVs), indels and CNVs. CNVs identified in the NGS data and suspected of being pathogenic based on type, size and location were confirmed by additional molecular tests. RESULTS: A (likely) pathogenic (L)P variant was detected in 22.7% of patients, including 3 with CNVs and 25 where a variant was identified in a gene currently not associated with the patient's cardiomyopathy subtype. Only 15 out of 2002 patients (0.8%) were found to carry two (L)P variants. CONCLUSION: The yield of routine clinical diagnostics of cardiomyopathies was relatively low when compared to literature. This is likely due to the fact that our study reports the outcome of patients in daily routine diagnostics, therefore also including patients not fully fulfilling (subtype specific) cardiomyopathy criteria. This may also explain why (L)P variants were identified in genes not associated with the reported subtype. The added value of CNV analysis was shown to be limited but not negligible.

Podocyte stress and detachment measured in urine are related to mean arterial pressure in healthy humans.

Hypertension-associated progressive glomerulosclerosis is a significant driver of both de novo and all-cause chronic kidney disease leading to end-stage kidney failure. The progression of glomerular disease proceeds via continuing depletion of podocytes from the glomeruli into the ultrafiltrate. To non-invasively assess injury patterns associated with mean arterial pressure (MAP), we conducted an observational study of 87 healthy normotensive individuals who were cleared for living kidney donation. Urine pellet podocin and aquaporin2 mRNAs normalized to the urine creatinine concentration (UPod:Creat ratio and UAqp2:Creat ratio) were used as markers of podocyte detachment and tubular injury, respectively. The ratio of two podocyte mRNA markers, podocin to nephrin (UPod:Neph) as well as the ratio of podocin to the tubular marker aquaporin2 (UPod:Aqp2) estimated the relative rates of podocyte stress and glomerular vs. tubular injury. The MAP was positively correlated with the UPod:Neph and UPod:Aqp2, thereby confirming the relationship of MAP with podocyte stress and the preferential targeting of the glomerulus by higher MAP. In multivariable linear regression analysis, both UPod:Neph and UPod:Creat, but not UAqp2:Creat or proteinuria, were both significantly related to a range of normal MAP (70 to 110 mm Hg). Systolic, as opposed to diastolic or pulse pressure was associated with UPod:Creat. Thus, higher podocyte stress and detachment into the urine are associated with MAP even in a relatively "normal" range of MAP. Hence, urine pellet mRNA monitoring can potentially identify progression risk before the onset of overt hypertension, proteinuria or chronic kidney disease.

A narrative review: current upper limb prosthetic options and design.

Purpose: This review was conducted to provide an overview of current literature as it relates to upper limb difference, available componentry, and prosthetic options and design. Emerging technologies combined with an increased awareness of the limb difference community have contributed to recent advancements in upper extremity prosthetics.Methods: A search of five major clinical databases utilizing keywords relating to upper limb prostheses, componenty and limb difference levels resulted in over 1200 articles. These articles were subjected to inclusion and exclusion criteria in order to identify current peer reviewed research relevant to this topic.Results: Fifty-five applicable articles and sources of standards were reviewed based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, presenting five general options for prosthetic intervention. This information was assimilated and categorized in this article, which provides an overview of the aforementioned options.Conclusion: While a noteworthy amount of research focuses on technological advancements, the five options for prosthetic intervention are inherently represented in the current literature. For individuals with upper limb difference, as well as their care team, successful rehabilitation hinges on awareness of new components, the functional efficacy of these components, and the evolved techniques used in prosthetic design and fabrication. It is noted that the rapid evolution of upper limb prosthetics consistently outpaces research and publication of information.Implications for rehabilitationTo provide an overview of prosthetic design considerations and options to help create a more informed rehabilitation team, leading to improved outcomes in prescription and management of upper limb prosthetics.To bring awareness of current research in the field of upper limb prosthetics in order to provoke further exploration of the efficacy of prosthetic options and design considerations.

Development and Psychometric Validation of Capacity Assessment of Prosthetic Performance for the Upper Limb (CAPPFUL).

OBJECTIVES: (1) To develop a performance-based measure for adult upper limb (UL) prosthetic functioning through broad (ie, overall performance) and functional domain-specific (eg, control skills) assessment of commonplace activities; (2) to conduct initial psychometric evaluation of the Capacity Assessment of Prosthetic Performance for the Upper Limb (CAPPFUL). DESIGN: Internal consistency of CAPPFUL and interrater reliability for task, functional domain, and full-scale (sub)scores among 3 independent raters were estimated. Known-group validity was examined comparing scores by amputation level. Convergent validity was assessed between CAPPFUL and 2 hand dexterity or function tests; discriminant validity was assessed against self-reported disability. SETTING: Six prosthetic rehabilitation centers across the United States. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects (N=60) with UL amputation using a prosthesis. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Not applicable. RESULTS: Interrater reliability was excellent for scoring on the task, domain, and full-scale scores (intraclass correlation coefficients=.88-.99). Internal consistency was good (α=.79-.82). Generally, subjects with higher UL amputation levels scored lower (worse) than subjects with lower UL amputation levels. CAPPFUL demonstrated strong correlations with measures of hand dexterity or functioning (rs=-.58 to .72) and moderate correlation with self-reported disability (r=-.35). CONCLUSIONS: CAPPFUL was designed as a versatile, low-burden measure of prosthesis performance for any UL functional prosthetic device type and any UL amputation level. CAPPFUL assesses overall performance and 5 functional performance domains during completion of 11 tasks that require movement in all planes while manipulating everyday objects requiring multiple grasp patterns. Psychometric evaluation indicates good interrater reliability, internal consistency, known-group validity, and convergent and discriminant validity.

Escape Room Recruitment Event: Description and Lessons Learned.

BACKGROUND: The U.S. nursing workforce is facing a severe shortage of professionals due to an anticipated retirement of more than 500,000 RNs in the next 5 years. METHOD: An Escape to Nursing event was created and delivered in a rural medical center college of nursing in the spring of 2017. This faculty team developed four distinct rooms that were designed with key nursing concepts and patient health conditions. Recruits worked in teams to solve the patient health care puzzle, which then enabled them to proceed to the next room. RESULTS: Feedback was positive from the recruits, including comments about expanding the game to more health care scenarios and reaching out to more recruits. Additional recruitment may lead to better turnout of recruits. CONCLUSION: Linear, sequential formatting for the escape room game design is recommended for use with recruits into nursing. The use of escape rooms for recruitment is a positive activity. [J Nurs Educ. 2018;57(3):184-187.].

Predictors of retention and attrition in a study of an advanced upper limb prosthesis: implications for adoption of the DEKA Arm.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to identify factors associated with completion of the VA home study of the DEKA Arm. Design and methodological procedures used: Differences between groups were examined using chi-square and t-tests. A multivariable logistic regression model predicting completion was generated and odds ratios (OR) for significant variables calculated. Post-hoc analysis was performed to plot the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. RESULTS: Participants who completed were more likely to be prosthesis users at study onset (p = .03), and less likely to have a history of musculoskeletal problems (p = .047). There were no statistically significant differences between groups who completed and those who did not in gender, race, veteran status, age, body mass index (BMI), weight, height, musculoskeletal pain at baseline, satisfaction with current prosthesis, type of prosthesis, or months of prosthesis use. Two variables, prosthesis use and history of musculoskeletal problems were significant at p < .10. The area under the curve (AUC) accuracy index was 0.78. CONCLUSIONS: We considered completion of the home use study a reasonable proxy for participant willingness to adopt the device; and believe that findings can be extrapolated to guide DEKA Arm prescription recommendations. Participants most likely to complete the study were already using a personal prosthesis, and without pre-existing musculoskeletal problems. Implications for rehabilitation Data from the VA Study of the DEKA Arm were analysed to determine which factors were associated with likely successful adoption of the DEKA Arm. Participants most likely to complete the study were those who already using a personal prosthesis, and those without pre-existing chronic or re-occurring musculoskeletal problems. This information may be useful when attempting to identify and target the most appropriate candidates for DEKA Arm prescription.

A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Mirror Therapy for Upper Extremity Phantom Limb Pain in Male Amputees.

OBJECTIVE: Phantom limb pain (PLP) is prevalent in patients post-amputation and is difficult to treat. We assessed the efficacy of mirror therapy in relieving PLP in unilateral, upper extremity male amputees. METHODS: Fifteen participants from Walter Reed and Brooke Army Medical Centers were randomly assigned to one of two groups: mirror therapy (n = 9) or control (n = 6, covered mirror or mental visualization therapy). Participants were asked to perform 15 min of their assigned therapy daily for 5 days/week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was pain as measured using a 100-mm Visual Analog Scale. RESULTS: Subjects in the mirror therapy group had a significant decrease in pain scores, from a mean of 44.1 (SD = 17.0) to 27.5 (SD = 17.2) mm (p = 0.002). In addition, there was a significant decrease in daily time experiencing pain, from a mean of 1,022 (SD = 673) to 448 (SD = 565) minutes (p = 0.003). By contrast, the control group had neither diminished pain (p = 0.65) nor decreased overall time experiencing pain (p = 0.49). A pain decrement response seen by the 10th treatment session was predictive of final efficacy. CONCLUSION: These results confirm that mirror therapy is an effective therapy for PLP in unilateral, upper extremity male amputees, reducing both severity and duration of daily episodes. REGISTRATION: NCT0030144 ClinicalTrials.gov.

Movement quality of conventional prostheses and the DEKA Arm during everyday tasks.

BACKGROUND: Conventional prosthetic devices fail to restore the function and characteristic movement quality of the upper limb. The DEKA Arm is a new, advanced prosthesis featuring a compound, powered wrist and multiple grip configurations. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine if the DEKA Arm improved the movement quality of upper limb prosthesis users compared to conventional prostheses. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Three people with transradial amputation completed tasks of daily life with their conventional prosthesis and with the DEKA Arm. A total of 10 healthy controls completed the same tasks. The trajectory of the wrist joint center was analyzed to determine how different prostheses affected movement duration, speed, smoothness, and curvature compared to patients' own intact limbs and controls. RESULTS: Movement quality decreased with the DEKA Arm for two participants, and increased for the third. Prosthesis users made slower, less smooth, more curved movements with the prosthetic limb compared to the intact limb and controls, particularly when grasping and manipulating objects. CONCLUSION: The effects of one month of training with the DEKA Arm on movement quality varied with participants' skill and experience with conventional prostheses. Future studies should examine changes in movement quality after long-term use of advanced prostheses. Clinical relevance Movement quality with the DEKA Arm may depend on the user's previous experience with conventional prostheses. Quantitative analyses are needed to assess the efficacy of novel prosthetic devices and to better understand how to train people to use them effectively.

Range of Motion Requirements for Upper-Limb Activities of Daily Living.

OBJECTIVE: We quantified the range of motion (ROM) required for eight upper-extremity activities of daily living (ADLs) in healthy participants. METHOD: Fifteen right-handed participants completed several bimanual and unilateral basic ADLs while joint kinematics were monitored using a motion capture system. Peak motions of the pelvis, trunk, shoulder, elbow, and wrist were quantified for each task. RESULTS: To complete all activities tested, participants needed a minimum ROM of -65°/0°/105° for humeral plane angle (horizontal abduction-adduction), 0°-108° for humeral elevation, -55°/0°/79° for humeral rotation, 0°-121° for elbow flexion, -53°/0°/13° for forearm rotation, -40°/0°/38° for wrist flexion-extension, and -28°/0°/38° for wrist ulnar-radial deviation. Peak trunk ROM was 23° lean, 32° axial rotation, and 59° flexion-extension. CONCLUSION: Full upper-limb kinematics were calculated for several ADLs. This methodology can be used in future studies as a basis for developing normative databases of upper-extremity motions and evaluating pathology in populations.

Self-reported and performance-based outcomes using DEKA Arm.

Mechanical properties of the DEKA Arm and associated engineering innovations are easy to observe. What is less clear is how these advances translate into functional benefits for the user with amputation. Study aims were to (1) quantify outcomes including dexterity, performance of daily activities, and prosthetic skill and spontaneity of users of the DEKA Arm and (2) compare outcomes when using the DEKA Arm with scores using the existing prosthesis. This was a quasi-experimental study. Descriptive analyses examined outcomes by DEKA Arm configuration level. Of the 39 subjects fit with a DEKA Arm, 32 were trained in use and completed end-of-study testing. Data from 26 prosthetic users were used to compare outcomes using existing prostheses with outcomes with the DEKA Arm. Dexterity and activity performance with the DEKA Arm varied by amputation level (p < 0.01). Self-reported function and number of activities performed using the prosthesis were similar across levels. Comparisons with existing prostheses showed the effect on dexterity varied by level. Activity performance and spontaneity of prosthetic use improved for users of the shoulder configuration level, while use of the prosthesis to perform activities and perceived difficulty performing self-selected tasks improved for all levels.

Do users want to receive a DEKA Arm and why? Overall findings from the Veterans Affairs Study to optimize the DEKA Arm.

BACKGROUND: The purposes of this article are (1) to report on the overall desirability of the DEKA Arm by prototype and by level of prosthesis, (2) to report on user-perceived benefits of the DEKA Arm as compared to their current prostheses, and (3) to summarize user concerns about taking the device home. STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative content analysis of data from a multiple case study design. METHODS: This study utilized data from 24 upper-limb amputees fit with a Gen 2 DEKA Arm and 13 fit with a Gen 3 DEKA Arm. Surveys were administered after fitting the DEKA Arm and at the end of training. Subjects recorded audiotaped comments about their experiences. All study sessions were videotaped. RESULTS: In all, 79% of Gen 2 and 85% of Gen 3 users indicated that either they wanted to receive or might want to receive a DEKA Arm. In total, 95% of Gen 2 and 91% of Gen 3 prior prosthesis users reported that they were able to perform new activities that they were unable to perform with their own device. CONCLUSIONS: A large majority of subjects wanted a DEKA Arm, although desirability varied by amputation level. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The majority of amputees in this study expressed a desire to receive the DEKA Arm, a device which provides multiple powered degrees of freedom and is operated predominantly by foot controls. The majority reported functional advantages of the DEKA Arm over their existing prostheses.

Development and evaluation of the activities measure for upper limb amputees.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To develop a measure of activities for adults with upper limb amputation: the Activities Measure for Upper Limb Amputees (AM-ULA); and (2) to conduct initial psychometric evaluation of the measure. DESIGN: This was a cohort study where the prototype measure was administered twice within 1 week. Tests were videotaped and graded by 2 independent raters. Interrater reliability, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and minimal detectable change were estimated. Known group validity was examined using analyses of variance comparing scores of transradial, transhumeral, and shoulder level amputees. Convergent validity was examined by correlating AM-ULA scores with dexterity tests and self-reported function. SETTING: Hospital outpatient. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects (N=52) with upper limb amputation. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Not applicable. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for test-retest reliability were .88 to .91. ICCs for interrater reliability were .84 to .89. Cronbach alphas were .89 to .91. The minimal detectable change at the 90% confidence interval was 3.7 points. Subjects with more distal levels of limb loss had better scores than those with more proximal levels (P<.01). The AM-ULA was moderately correlated with most dexterity tests and self-reported function. CONCLUSIONS: The AM-ULA is a new measure of activity performance for adults with upper limb amputation that considers task completion, speed, movement quality, skillfulness of prosthetic use, and independence in its rating system. It has good interrater reliability, test-retest reliability, and demonstrated known group validity.

"[N]ot subject to our sense" : Margaret Cavendish's fusion of Renaissance science, magic and fairy lore.

This article explores Margaret Cavendish's depictions of alchemy, witchcraft and fairy lore in her scientific treatise Philosophical Letters and in fictional texts from Natures Pictures and Poems and Fancies. Though Cavendish was a dedicated materialist, she appropriates theories of magic from early modern science and folklore into her materialist epistemology. As Cavendish draws upon a fusion of early modern conceptions of magic, she creates a radical theory of matter which not only challenges patriarchy and binary oppositions, but also explores the plurality and mystery that can exist within an infinitely complex material world.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 pathobiology studied in humanized BALB/c-Rag2-/-gammac-/- mice.

The specificity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) for human cells precludes virus infection in most mammalian species and limits the utility of small animal models for studies of disease pathogenesis, therapy, and vaccine development. One way to overcome this limitation is by human cell xenotransplantation in immune-deficient mice. However, this has proved inadequate, as engraftment of human immune cells is limited (both functionally and quantitatively) following transplantation of mature human lymphocytes or fetal thymus/liver. To this end, a human immune system was generated from umbilical cord blood-derived CD34(+) hematopoietic stem cells in BALB/c-Rag2(-/-)gamma(c)(-/-) mice. Intrapartum busulfan administration followed by irradiation of newborn pups resulted in uniform engraftment characterized by human T-cell development in thymus, B-cell maturation in bone marrow, lymph node development, immunoglobulin M (IgM)/IgG production, and humoral immune responses following ActHIB vaccination. Infection of reconstituted mice by CCR5-coreceptor utilizing HIV-1(ADA) and subtype C 1157 viral strains elicited productive viral replication and lymphadenopathy in a dose-dependent fashion. We conclude that humanized BALB/c-Rag2(-/-)gamma(c)(-/-) mice represent a unique and valuable resource for HIV-1 pathobiology studies.

A comparison of wet-dry swabbing and excision sampling methods for microbiological testing of bovine, porcine, and ovine carcasses at red meat slaughterhouses.

A comparison of wet-dry swabbing and surface tissue excision of carcasses by coring was undertaken. Samples from 1,352 bovine, 188 ovine, and 176 porcine carcasses were collected from 70 separate visits to commercial slaughterhouses operating under normal conditions. The mean total aerobic viable bacterial counts (TVCs) for all species sampled by excision was 5.36 log units, which was significantly greater than the 4.35 log units measured for swabbing. Poorly correlated linear relationships between swab- and excision-derived bacterial numbers from near-adjacent carcasses were observed for all three animal species. R2 values for least squares regressions for bovine, ovine, and porcine carcasses were 0.09, 0.27, and 0.21, respectively. The reasons why it was not possible to calculate a factor that allowed the interconversion of bacterial numbers between samples collected by each sampling method were investigated. Uncertainty associated with laboratory analyses was a contributing factor because the geometric relative standard deviations measured for TVCs were 0.174 and 0.414 for excision and swabbing, respectively. Uneven distribution of bacteria at identical sampling sites on near-adjacent carcasses on processing lines was also a contributory factor. The implications of these findings for process control verification were investigated by intensive sampling for 13 weeks in three commercial slaughterhouses. As many as 4 log units of difference in TVCs were observed in duplicate samples collected within a narrow timeframe from near-adjacent carcasses on the processing line. We conclude that it might not be appropriate to institute corrective actions in slaughterhouses on the basis of a single week's test results.