Association between maternal blood lipids during pregnancy and offspring growth trajectories in a predominantly macrosomic cohort: findings from the ROLO longitudinal birth cohort study.

The purpose of this study is to examine associations between maternal lipid profiles in pregnancy and offspring growth trajectories in a largely macrosomic cohort. This is a secondary analysis of the ROLO birth cohort (n = 293), which took place in the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. Infants were mostly macrosomic, with 55% having a birthweight > 4 kg. Maternal mean age was 32.4 years (SD 3.9 years), mean BMI was 26.1 kg/m2 (SD 4.4 kg/m2) and 48% of children born were males. Total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol) and triglycerides were measured from fasting blood samples of mothers at 14 and 28 week gestation. The change in maternal lipid levels from early to late pregnancy was also examined. Offspring abdominal circumference and weight were measured at 20- and 34-week gestation, birth, 6 months, 2 years and 5 years postnatal. Linear spline multilevel models examined associations between maternal blood lipid profiles and offspring growth. We found some weak, significant associations between maternal blood lipids and trajectories of offspring growth. Significant findings were close to the null, providing limited evidence. For instance, 1 mmol/L increase in maternal triglycerides was associated with faster infant weight growth from 20- to 34-week gestation (0.01 kg/week, 95% CI - 0.02, - 0.001) and slower abdominal circumference from 2 to 5 years (0.01 cm/week, 95% CI - 0.02, - 0.001). These findings do not provide evidence of a clinically meaningful effect.    Conclusion: These findings raise questions about the efficacy of interventions targeting maternal blood lipid profiles in pregnancies at risk of macrosomia. New studies on this topic are needed. What is Known: • Maternal fat accumulation during early pregnancy may potentially support fetal growth in the third trimester by providing a reserve of lipids that are broken down and transferred to the infant across the placental barrier. • There are limited studies exploring the impact of maternal lipid profiles on infant and child health using growth trajectories spanning prenatal to postnatal life. What is New: • Maternal blood lipid profiles were not associated with offspring growth trajectories of weight and abdominal circumference during pregnancy up to 5 years of age in a largely macrosomic cohort, as significant findings were close to the null, providing limited evidence for a clinically meaningful relationship. • Strengths of this work include the use of infant growth trajectories that span prenatal to postnatal life and inclusion of analyses of the change of maternal lipid levels from early to late pregnancy and their associations with offspring growth trajectories from 20-week gestation to 5 years of age.

The effectiveness of exercise interventions to increase physical activity in Cystic Fibrosis: A systematic review.

Physical activity (PA) and exercise have numerous benefits in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) including improved lung function, exercise capacity and quality of life. Despite these benefits, the effectiveness of interventions to promote PA in this population are still largely unknown. The objective of this review was to synthesise existing research and determine whether exercise interventions are effective in promoting PA in people with CF. Using the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted. Fifteen studies (463 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Eleven studies demonstrated improvements in PA in both short- and long-term interventions. However, the interventions were variable across the included studies, with a large inconsistency in PA assessment tools used. Aerobic training and activity counselling were the two elements identified in this review which most consistently improved PA. Future research should consider larger sample sizes and the use of accurate instruments to assess and track PA levels longitudinally.

Effect of supplement crude protein concentration on milk production over the main grazing season and on nitrogen excretion in late-lactation grazing dairy cows.

The objectives of this study are to evaluate the effects of (1) a potential interaction between supplement crude protein (CP) concentration and differing cow genotypes on milk production, (2) differing cow genotypes on milk production, and (3) decreasing the supplement CP concentration on milk production and N excretion during the main grazing season within a spring-calving herd. A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement experiment, with 2 feeding strategies [14%; n = 30 (lower CP; LCP) and 18%; n = 28 (higher CP; HCP) CP concentrate supplements] offered at varying levels according to pasture availability and days in milk (DIM) was conducted over the main grazing season from April 3 to September 3, 2019, at University College Dublin Lyons Farm. Cows were also grouped into 2 genotype groups: lower milk genotype; n = 30 [LM; milk kg predicted transmitting ability (PTA): 45 ± 68.6 (mean ± SD); fat kg PTA: 10 ± 4.9; and protein kg PTA: 7 ± 2.3] and higher milk genotype; n = 28 [HM; milk kg PTA: 203 ± 55.0; fat kg PTA: 13 ± 3.8; and protein kg PTA: 10 ± 2.4]. A total of 46 multiparous and 12 primiparous (total; 58) Holstein Friesian dairy cows were blocked on parity and balanced on DIM, body condition score, and Economic Breeding Index. Cows were offered a basal diet of grazed perennial ryegrass pasture. The N partitioning study took place from August 25 to 30, 2019 (187 ± 15.2 DIM). No interactions were observed for any milk production or milk composition parameter. No effect of supplement CP concentration was observed for any total accumulated milk production, daily milk production, or milk composition parameter measured. The HM cows had increased daily milk yield (+1.9 kg), fat and protein (+0.15 kg), and energy-corrected milk (+1.7 kg), compared with the LM cows. Furthermore, HM cows had decreased milk protein concentration (-0.1%) compared with LM cows. For the N partitioning study, cows offered LCP had increased pasture dry matter intake (PDMI; +0.9 kg/d), dietary N intake (+0.022 kg/d), feces N excretion (+0.016 kg/d), and decreased N partitioning to milk (-2%), and N utilization efficiency (-2.3%). In conclusion, offering cows LCP had no negative influence on milk production or milk composition over the main grazing season where high pasture quality was maintained. However, any potential negative effects of offering LCP on milk production may have been offset by the increased PDMI. Furthermore, offering cows LCP decreased N utilization efficiency due to the higher PDMI and feed N intake associated with cows on this treatment in our study.

Outcomes of point-of-care testing for influenza in the emergency department of a tertiary referral hospital in Ireland.

BACKGROUND: Seasonal influenza causes significant morbidity and mortality, and represents a recurring financial burden for community- and hospital-based treatment. Nosocomial outbreaks exacerbate the impact of influenza. Rapid diagnosis of influenza has been shown to reduce transmission. However, point-of-care testing (POCT) in emergency departments and prudent direction of patients with the virus to reduce hospital-acquired infection (HAI) have not been evaluated widely. AIM: To assess performance characteristics of the Abbott ID NOW™ Influenza A & B 2 system, impact on incidence of hospital-acquired influenza, and admission rate ratio for patients who have POCT compared with laboratory testing. POCT was introduced in the 2018-2019 influenza season. Data from then were compared with preceding and subsequent seasons. METHODS: Records of POCT and laboratory testing for the 2017-2018, 2018-2019, and 2019-2020 influenza seasons were analysed. Sensitivity and specificity of POCT were compared pairwise with Xpert Flu A/B/RSV. Patient admission rates and time of waiting for admission were compared. FINDINGS: Compared to laboratory assay, POCT demonstrated sensitivity of 90.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 78.6-96.5) and specificity of 99.2% (95.2-100) for influenza A, with 51.4% and 41.9% reductions in numbers of HAIs observed in the two seasons when POCT was available, respectively. The admission rate ratio for influenza cases diagnosed by POCT compared with laboratory diagnosis was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.53-0.97; P = 0.031). CONCLUSION: POCT for influenza appears a feasible strategy for testing of patients during peak influenza virus season, with potential to reduce HAI. The relatively rapid turnaround time may also benefit clinical management of patients presenting at emergency departments with suspected influenza.

Management referral triaging process pilot study: a 'telephone first' approach.

BACKGROUND: In this Occupational Health Department (OHD), a 'telephone first' approach was introduced to triage management referrals with potential to convert to Telephone Independent Medical Assessment (TIMA). Telephone consultation has been widely used in the UK's NHS in the occupational health setting. AIMS: To evaluate TIMA effectiveness and efficiency of OHD resources; comparing the outcome of a triage call compared to previous default allocation of next available appointment, percentage of telephone triage calls converted to TIMA and appointment waiting times. To assess use of OHD resources arising from TIMA. To evaluate service user satisfaction following TIMA. To examine service user characteristics. METHODS: As management referrals were received, service users were given a telephone contact. Data were collected and anonymized regarding service users, who also consented to receive feedback questionnaire. Cross-sectional analysis of this management referral cohort was carried out. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-one management referrals were received in the specified period. Eighty per cent had a TIMA carried out (n = 208); 64% of management referrals with TIMA had a report issued (n = 166). Response rate to feedback questionnaire was 38% (n = 70); 94% of survey participants found TIMA acceptable going forward for management referrals (n = 66). CONCLUSIONS: Introduction of a 'telephone first' approach resulted in improved efficiency of this OHD, allowing maximum workforce planning, and positive service user feedback.

Fetal Growth Trajectories and Their Association with Maternal, Cord Blood, and 5-year Child Adipokines.

BACKGROUND: The growth of the fetus is a complex process influenced by multiple factors. Studies have highlighted the important role of biochemical growth markers such as leptin and adiponectin on fetal growth. OBJECTIVE: To compare fetal growth trajectories with biochemical growth markers from maternal blood samples at 28 weeks' gestation, cord blood samples at birth, and in child blood samples at 5 years of age from mother-infant pairs who were part of the longitudinal ROLO study. METHODS: 781 mother-infant pairs from the ROLO and ROLO Kids study were included. Ultrasound measurements and birth weight were used to develop fetal growth trajectory groups for estimated abdominal circumference and estimated weight. Blood serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, insulin, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 from maternal, cord, and 5-year child samples were recorded. ANOVA and chi-square tests were applied to test the associations between fetal growth trajectory membership and maternal and child biochemical growth indicators. The influence of child sex was also investigated. RESULTS: Male sex was associated with a faster weight trajectory compared to females (p=0.001). At 28 weeks' gestation, maternal leptin levels were significantly higher in mothers with a fetus on a slower estimated abdominal circumference trajectory compared to fast (25616 [IQR: 11656.0 to 35341.0] vs. 14753.8 [IQR: 8565.4 to 24308.1], p < 0.001) and maternal adiponectin levels were lower in fetuses on a slower estimated abdominal circumference trajectory compared to a fast trajectory (22.4 [IQR: 13.6 to 35.9] vs. 27.6 [IQR: 17.6 to 46.3], p=0.027). No associations were noted with inflammatory markers. No associations were identified between fetal growth trajectories and growth markers at 5 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that male sex is associated with an accelerated estimated weight trajectory. Furthermore, high leptin and low adiponectin in maternal serum in late gestation are associated with a slower fetal growth trajectory. No associations were identified with blood growth markers after pregnancy.

Peer review audit of non-specialist occupational physician reports.

BACKGROUND: With declining specialist occupational physician (OP) numbers, there is increasing recognition of the importance of non-specialist physicians in occupational health (OH) service delivery, yet to date, this physician group remains understudied and their competency requirements poorly understood. AIMS: To evaluate the quality of a sample of non-specialist OH reports and compare these with specialist reports. METHODS: A retrospective peer review audit of a convenience sample of 200 consecutive non-specialist and specialist OH reports from an Irish OH service using an assessment form based on the modified Sheffield Assessment Instrument for Letters SAIL(OH)1. RESULTS: Of the 200 peer reviewed OH reports, 159 (80%) were from non-specialists. For all questions, 87% and above of non-specialist reports were 'satisfactory' or 'above expected'. On the overall assessment, out of 10, the mean non-specialist report score was 6.8 (standard deviation (SD) 3-10) and the specialist score was 7.3 (SD 3-10). Comparatively, non-specialist reports highlighted legal/ethical issues marginally more and adhered slightly better to contractual/ethical/legal boundaries, while specialist reports fared better in addressing manager's questions, in their structure and clarity and in covering all significant aspects of the case, particularly if the case was complex. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate a high standard of OH report quality in this sample of non-specialist OPs that is consistent across all key OH report components. Potential development areas are also identified that can inform education/training tailored to this physician group and assist in competency standard-setting.

Structured opioid-free protocol following outpatient hypospadias repair - A prospective SQUIRE 2.0-compliant quality improvement initiative.

BACKGROUND: Prescription opioids have been extensively to manage postoperative pain in children. A growing body of evidence from the adult literature, suggests however, that healthcare providers may be prescribing far more opioids than required, with some studies demonstrating equivalent post-operative pain and clinical outcomes with their omission. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this prospective study were to assess the current heterogeneity of practice in post-operative opioids prescription following day case hypospadias surgery, to establish a streamlined discharge protocol, and to reduce the use of post-operative opioid prescription by 30% within a 4 month period through the use of systemic forcing functions and education. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective study was approved by the Quality Improvement (QI) sub-committee of the hospital's Research and Ethics Board (REB) and was compliant with the Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE 2.0) guidelines. Recruited parents (n = 84) were contacted for telephone interview following a combined intervention of education and omission of post-operative opioids from the discharge prescription. A mixture of qualitative and quantitative techniques were employed including an initial process analysis to assess current opioid use, the creation of balancing measures, and the creation of Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Age, procedure, post-operative outcomes and opioid prescription data were recorded over a period of 6 months in 2019. RESULTS: Initial measures in our process analysis demonstrated significant institutional practice variation amongst our 84 post-intervention patients. Our process and fidelity measures confirmed 100% information provision. Following the point of intervention, there was a significant and sustained drop in opioid prescription, with an absolute reduction of 35%, and a relative reduction of 56%. There was no significant difference in patient age, pain scores, or outcomes pre- and post-intervention. DISCUSSION: We have shown in this study that a sustainable decrease in post-operative opioid prescriptions following hypospadias surgery is possible. We managed to achieve a relative reduction 56% which is comparable to other specialties, however, did it within a quality improvement framework to ensure fidelity and no adverse balancing measures. We also managed to reduce the number of doses prescribed in those receiving opioids post-intervention at week 9. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates opioids can be safely omitted in hypospadias cohorts without any adverse clinical outcomes or balancing measures. We recommend that opioids be used extremely judiciously in this population in order to minimize exposure in children.

Grey-scale silicon diffractive optics for selective laser ablation of thin conductive films.

Laser beam shaping can play a crucial role in improving many laser processes, especially in selective laser patterning of thin films for display devices and solar cells. Typical Gaussian spatial energy distributions can increase damage to the substrate and lead to large crater edge ridges, which are sub-optimal for typical industrial thin film processes. We report on the design, fabrication, and testing of reflective silicon diffractive optics developed for spatial beam shaping at a wavelength of 355 nm. The application of the elements for laser-selective removal of 20 nm indium tin oxide thin films on glass substrates is demonstrated. The design of the phase profile is first generated using the numerical method of computer-generated holography. The phase profiles are realized on a silicon substrate using a novel two-step fabrication technique consisting of a calibrated focused ion beam and an inductively coupled plasma etch. This results in truly grey-scale, blazed diffractive optics, which were analyzed using white light interferometry and atomic force microscopy. Using the diffractive elements with 355 nm nanosecond pulses shows excellent focused spot profiles with a good reproduction of the intended design with a first-order off-axis diffractive efficiency of approximately 80% at a 45 deg angle of incidence.

A novel protein C-factor VII chimera provides new insights into the structural requirements for cytoprotective protease-activated receptor 1 signaling.

Essentials The basis of cytoprotective protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) signaling is not fully understood. Activated protein C chimera (APCFVII-82 ) was used to identify requirements for PAR1 signaling. APCFVII-82 did not initiate PAR1 signaling, but conferred monocyte anti-inflammatory activity. APC-specific light chain residues are required for cytoprotective PAR1 signaling. SUMMARY: Background Activated protein C (APC) cell signaling is largely reliant upon its ability to mediate protease-activated receptor (PAR) 1 proteolysis when bound to the endothelial cell (EC) protein C (PC) receptor (EPCR). Furthermore, EPCR-bound PC modulates PAR1 signaling by thrombin to induce APC-like EC cytoprotection. Objective The molecular determinants of EPCR-dependent cytoprotective PAR1 signaling remain poorly defined. To address this, a PC-factor VII chimera (PCFVII-82 ) possessing FVII N-terminal domains and conserved EPCR binding was characterized. Methods Activated PC-FVII chimera (APCFVII-82 ) anticoagulant activity was measured with calibrated automated thrombography and activated FV degradation assays. APCFVII-82 signaling activity was characterized by the use of reporter assays of PAR1 proteolysis and EC barrier integrity. APCFVII-82 anti-inflammatory activity was assessed according to its inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and cytokine secretion from monocytes. Results PCFVII-82 was activated normally by thrombin on ECs, but was unable to inhibit plasma thrombin generation. Surprisingly, APCFVII-82 did not mediate EPCR-dependent PAR1 proteolysis, confer PAR1-dependent protection of thrombin-induced EC barrier disruption, or limit PAR1-dependent attenuation of interleukin-6 release from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. Interestingly, EPCR occupation by active site-blocked APCFVII-82 was, like FVII, unable to mimic EC barrier stabilization induced by PC upon PAR1 proteolysis by thrombin. APCFVII-82 did, however, diminish LPS-induced NF-κB activation and tumor necrosis factor-α release from monocytes in an apolipoprotein E receptor 2-dependent manner, with similar efficacy as wild-type APC. Conclusions These findings identify a novel role for APC light chain amino acid residues outside the EPCR-binding site in enabling cytoprotective PAR1 signaling.

Systematic review of emerging and innovative technologies for meat tenderisation.

Consumers are the final step in the meat supply chain and meeting consumer expectations of quality and tenderness are important for satisfaction and repeat purchase. High pressure processing, shockwaves, ultrasound, pulsed electric field and muscle stretching can be applied to pre- and post-rigor meat for tenderisation. These non-thermal and thermal innovative technologies can be used with varying levels of success to cause physical disruption to muscle structure, enhanced proteolysis and ageing and muscle protein denaturation and solubilisation resulting in changes to texture and juiciness. Results of a meta-analysis are used to compare the effects of these technologies on meat tenderisation. In the future, a combination of new and innovative technologies will be ideally suited to deliver a range of desired textures for meat products.

Inhibition of major integrin αV ß3 reduces Staphylococcus aureus attachment to sheared human endothelial cells.

Essentials Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) binds and impairs function of vascular endothelial cells (EC). We investigated the molecular signals triggered by S. aureus adhesion to EC. Inhibition of the EC integrin αVß3 reduces S. aureus binding and rescues EC function. αVß3 blockade represents an attractive target to treat S. aureus bloodborne infections. SUMMARY: Background Vascular endothelial dysfunction with associated edema and organ failure is one of the hallmarks of sepsis. Although a large number of microorganisms can cause sepsis, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the primary etiologic agents. Currently, there are no approved specific treatments for sepsis, and the initial management bundle is therefore focused on cardiorespiratory resuscitation and mitigation of the immediate threat of uncontrolled infection. The continuous emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria necessitates the development of new therapeutic approaches for this disease. Objective To identify the molecular mechanisms leading to endothelial dysfunction as a result of S. aureus binding. METHODS: Binding of wild type and Clumping factor A (ClfA) deficient S. aureus Newman to the endothelium was measured in vitro and in the mesenteric circulation of C57Bl/6 mice. The effects of the αV ß3 blocker-cilengitide-on bacterial binding, endothelial VE-cadherin expression, apoptosis, proliferation and permeability were assessed. Results The major S. aureus cell wall protein ClfA bound to endothelial cell αV ß3 in the presence of fibrinogen. This interaction resulted in disturbances in barrier function mediated by VE-cadherin in endothelial cell monolayers, and ultimately cell death by apoptosis. With a low concentration of cilengitide, ClfA binding to αV ß3 was significantly inhibited both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, preventing S. aureus from attaching to αV ß3 resulted in a significant reduction in endothelial dysfunction following infection. Conclusion Inhibition of S. aureus ClfA binding to endothelial cell αV ß3 by cilengitide prevents endothelial dysfunction.

A Novel Mental Health Crisis Service - Outcomes of Inpatient Data.

INTRODUCTION: Northern Ireland has high mental health needs and a rising suicide rate. Our area has suffered a 32% reduction of inpatient beds consistent with the national drive towards community based treatment. Taking these factors into account, a new Mental Health Crisis Service was developed incorporating a high fidelity Crisis Response Home Treatment Team (CRHTT), Acute Day Care facility and two inpatient wards. The aim was to provide alternatives to inpatient admission. The new service would facilitate transition between inpatient and community care while decreasing bed occupancy and increasing treatment in the community. METHODS: All services and processes were reviewed to assess deficiencies in current care. There was extensive consultation with internal and external stakeholders and process mapping using the COBRAs framework as a basis for the service improvement model. The project team set the service criteria and reviewed progress. RESULTS: In the original service model, the average inpatient occupancy rate was 106.6%, admission rate was 48 patients per month and total length of stay was 23.4 days. After introducing the inpatient consultant hospital model, the average occupancy rate decreased to 90%, admissions to 43 per month and total length of stay to 22 days. The results further decreased to 83% occupancy, 32 admissions per month and total length of stay 12 days after CRHTT initiation. DISCUSSION: The Crisis Service is still being evaluated but currently the model has provided safe alternatives to inpatient care. Involvement with patients, carers and all multidisciplinary teams is maximised to improve the quality and safety of care. Innovative ideas including structured weekly timetable and regular interface meetings have improved communication and allowed additional time for patient care.

Comparison of colour duplex ultrasound with computed tomography to measure the maximum abdominal aortic aneurysmal diameter.

Introduction. Maximum diameter of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is the main indication for surgery. This study compared colour duplex ultrasound (CDU) and computed tomography (CT) in assessing AAA diameter. Patients and Methods. Patients were included if they had both scans performed within 90 days. Pearson's correlation coefficient, paired t-test, and limits of agreement (LOA) were calculated for the whole group. Subgroup analysis of small (<5.0 cm), medium (5.0-6.5 cm), and large (>6.5 cm) aneurysms was performed. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. 389 patients were included, giving 130 pairs of tests for comparison. Excellent correlation was in the whole group (r = 0.95) and in the subgroups (r = 0.94; 0.69; 0.96, resp.). Small LOA between the two imaging modalities was found in all subgroups. Conclusion. Small aneurysms can be accurately measured using CDU. CDU is preferable for small AAAs, but cannot supplant CT for planning aortic intervention.

Reporting of occupational exposures to blood and body fluids in the primary dental care setting in Scotland: an evaluation of current practice and attitudes.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate experience, practice and beliefs regarding occupational exposures to blood and oral fluids among a random sample of 300 dentists working in Scotland's NHS primary dental services. METHOD: A cross-sectional postal survey assessed occupational exposure policies and procedures, recent occupational exposure incidence and current management. Beliefs were measured using constructs from the theory of planned behaviour, shown to influence behaviour in this population. RESULTS: Forty-two percent of dentists responded. Fourteen percent had sustained an occupational exposure in the previous 12 months; of those, 35% did not report their exposure. All respondents' practices had protocols in place for managing and reporting dental team member sharps injuries. Most (82%) had protocols for mucocutaneous exposures. Less than half (48%) had a protocol for managing and reporting patient exposures to blood or saliva. Dentists placed significantly more importance (z-score -4.44, p value <0.001) and necessity (z-score -4.17, p value <0.001) on reporting patient exposure than dentist occupational exposure. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that while dentists generally have positive beliefs about reporting occupational exposures, there are gaps in practice.

An unusual lung mass post stem cell transplantation.

We report a case of Mycobacterium kansasii presenting as an obstructing endobronchial mass in a patient post stem cell transplant. The patient had a complete clinical, microbiological, and radiological response to anti-tuberculous treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first case of M. kansasii presenting post transplant with an obstructing lung mass simulating relapse or post-transplant lymphoma.

The use of power ultrasound for accelerating the curing of pork.

Power ultrasound (10, 25 or 40min at US intensities of 4.2, 11 or 19Wcm(-2)) was assessed for accelerating brine transfer into meat. Sample analysis included NaCl content, water content, water-binding capacity, colour and texture. Water content (g/100g) was increased by 19Wcm(-2) for 10 or 25min (p≤0.05). NaCl content (g/100g) was increased by all ultrasonic treatments (p≤0.001). Decreased cohesiveness (p≤0.05) and gumminess (p≤0.05) were evident in sonicated samples. Ultrasonic curing can assist brine transfer, reducing processing times with minimal impact on product quality.