Local Butcher Research Articles

Artificial neural network prediction of microbiological quality of beef minced meat processed for fast-food meals

In this study, the microbiological quality of 72 minced beef meat samples collected during six months from a local butcher was defined after laboratory analysis and developing advanced mathematical models. This new simultaneous approach provided adequate precision for the prediction of the microbiological profile of minced beef meat as one of the easily spoiled products with a short shelf life. For the first time, an artificial network model was developed to predict the microbiological profile of beef minced meat in a fast-food restaurant according to meat and storage temperatures, butcher identification, and work shift. A concurrent statistical study of practical analysis and the developing mathematical models provided adequate precision for the prediction of the microbiological profile of minced beef meat. The developed ANN provided a good prediction of the microbiological profile of beef minced meat with an overall R2 of 0.867 during the training cycle.

Predictors of Observance of Preventive Behaviors Toward Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever by Butchers in Qom City in Central Iran

Background: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral zoonosis. Ranchers, butchers, and slaughterhouse workers run the risk of contracting the disease more than others. Objectives: This study was aimed at the evaluation of occupational behaviors and practices of butchers and meat industry workers regarding CCHF based on the health belief model (HBM). Methods: The present descriptive-analytical study was carried out among 207 local butchers working in slaughterhouses who were selected by cluster sampling in Qom City in the first six months of 2019. To collect data, a researcher-made questionnaire based on the HBM constructs was used. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire have been verified. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 21 using regression analysis and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: A total of 141 (68.12%) of the participants used personal protective equipment, including appropriate workwear, gloves, mask, goggles, and boots when they had direct contact with raw meat products. There were significant positive relationships between CCHF preventive behaviors and perceived barrier structures (P = 0.003), perceived benefits (P = 0.004), perceived severity (P = 0.002), perceived susceptibility (P = 0.001), and cues to action (P = 0.001). Based on linear regression analysis, perceived susceptibility was able to predict 96% of the variance of CCHF preventive behaviors in Qom’s butchers. Conclusions: Perceived susceptibility is a predictor of CCHF preventive behaviors; thus, future plans and programs are suggested to be based on the HBM and emphasize increasing perceived susceptibility and other constructs of this model to improve the disease-preventing behaviors of butchers.

Computer-aided ration calculation (Diet Check Munich© ) versus blood profile in raw fed privately owned dogs.

Many dog owners create nutritionally imbalanced raw meat-based diets (RMBD) with information from the Internet and pseudo-scientific books, some even use pre-prepared frozen raw feed from online shops, local butchers or other providers. The risk of nutritional imbalances is therefore present. Blood profiles for dogs fed RMBD are promoted by laboratories as a simple tool for the owner to check the nutritional supply situation. Veterinarian nutrition specialists seem to be consulted less frequently and, in most cases, when blood analyses show deviations from reference ranges. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether a RMBD blood profile reflects possible malnutrition according to a computer-aided ration check and to assess its clinical relevance. Using standardized questionnaires, the average daily rations of 104 dogs, 83 of which were fed raw diets versus 21 commercially fed dogs, were analysed using Diet Check Munich©, based on the National Research Council values. Afterwards, the SYNLAB.vet GmbH 'Barfer-Profil' test including calcium, phosphate, calcium/phosphate ratio, vitamin A, vitamin D, copper, zinc and iodine with additional parameters taurine, urea, uric acid and creatinine was carried out. No significant correlation between nutrient supply and associated blood parameters could be detected. Diet calculation revealed significantly more nutritional imbalances in the RMBD group than in the control group. Low plasma taurine could be detected only in the RMBD group. After participating, 30% of the dog owners (RMBD group) decided to adjust their dogs' diets at the nutrition consultation of the Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine of the LMU Munich. Based on these results, for most parameters a RMBD blood profile is not an appropriate tool to monitor a dog's nutrition and computer-aided ration calculation remains the gold standard for detecting nutritional imbalances.

Growth factor profile in calcified cartilage from the metaphysis of a calf costochondral junction, the site of initial bone formation.

Endochondral bone formation is orchestrated by growth factors produced by chondrocytes and deposited in the cartilage matrix. Whilst some of these factors have been identified, the complete list and their relationship remains unknown. In the present study, the growth factors were isolated from non-calcified and calcified cartilage of costochondral junctions. Cartilage dissected from the ribs of 6-20-week-old calves was purchased from a local butcher within 24 h of the death of the animal. The isolation involved hyaluronidase digestion, guanidinium hydrochloride (GuHCl) extraction, HCl decalcification and GuHCl extraction of the decalcified matrix. Growth factors were purified by heparin chromatography and their quantities were estimated using ELISA. Decalcified cartilage was also used for protein sequence analysis (data are available via ProteomeXchange; ID, PXD021781). Bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7), growth/differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) and NEL-like protein-1 (NELL-1), all known growth factors that stimulate bone formation, quantitatively accounted for the majority of the material obtained in all steps of isolation. Thus, cartilage serves as a store for growth factors. During initial bone formation septoclasts release osteoclastogenesis-stimulating factors deposited in non-calcified cartilage. Osteoclasts dissolve calcified cartilage and transport the released factors required for the stimulation of osteoprogenitor cells to deposit osteoid. High concentrations of BMP-7, GDF-5 and NELL-1 at the site of initial bone formation may suggest that their synergistic action favours osteogenesis.

Swine Erysipelas; It’s Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment and Control and Preventive Measures, Comprehensive Review

Erysipelas is an infectious disease seen mainly in growing pigs and characterized clinically by fever, arthritis, skin lesions and sudden death. The disease may be acute, subacute, or chronic. Swine erysipelas is a disease caused by a specific micro organ Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae whic h is a zoonotic ubiquitous gram-positive bacterium that causes erysipelas in swine, mammals, birds and erysipeloid in humans. People in contact with animals, animal products or animal wastes are at greatest risk. The acute form of swine erysipelas may have been confused for other diseases in pigs which are characterized by acute symptoms such as sudden death (for example, African swine fever). It can be diagnosed by its clinical signs, necropsy findings, bacteriology, antimicrobial response, molecular and serological examinations. It is recommended to increase awareness of the disease among animal and human practitioners as treatment is easy and available and vaccination is possible. However, the disease is still unknown to local veterinarians, clinical doctors, meat inspectors, butchers and laboratory personnel. Proper hygiene, regular pork inspection, use of protective wear among people working/ in contact with animals should be promoted. The disease causes high economic loss in pig rearing areas and influences the public health being a severe zoonotic disease. So the objective of this review is to create a better understanding of the disease for proper control and prevention of the disease

Development and first assessment of a RGBW-LED diaphanoscope

Background: Diaphanoscopy is an old but still useful technique in ophthalmic diagnostics. Its application suffers somewhat from the fact that the light is strongly attenuated and red-shifted in color when the eye wall is transilluminated. Material and methods: A color adjustable diaphanoscope prototype is developed based on a powerful red-green-blue-white light-emitting diode (RGBW-LED). Its optical and thermal properties are measured and tested on the porcine eyes of a local butcher. In addition, based on the technical data, the assumed retinal hazard to human eyes is assessed according to the standard DIN EN ISO 15004-2: 2007-6. Results: The investigated porcine eyes were brightly illuminated with all LED colors. The calculated values for judging the thermal and photochemical hazard were below the limits given in DIN EN ISO 15004-2: 2007-6. Conclusion: Based on the standard mentioned above, there is no recognizable danger to the human retina when applied for a limited time, and at least in the porcine model, the presented RGBW-LED diaphanoscope allows an adjustable ophthalmological transillumination without the requirement of the more elaborated devices that are usually employed in operating rooms.

Effects of different levels of salt and temperature on some physico-chemical and colour properties of microwave-dried beef round (M. semitendinosus)

PurposeThe aim of this work was to study the effect of the different levels of salt and the temperature on some physico-chemical and colour change properties of microwave-dried beef round (M. semitendinosus).Design/methodology/approachThe samples were pretreated with different temperatures (0°C, 40°C and 50°C) and salting (0, 1.5, 2.5%). Later these samples have been dried by the microwave energy at 540 W for seven minutes. Some physical properties (water activity, moisture content, change in diameter, change in thickness, change in shrinkage ratio) and texture, colour and microscopic surface structure analysis were conducted in dried beef round samples.FindingsAs a result, the colour and moisture were the most affected factors. Also, physical and microstructural characteristics were affected by salting and pre-drying. In addition, while the textural structure did not show a significant difference, meat weight and water activity varied.Research limitations/implicationsMeat obtained from a local butcher in Konya was used as the study material. In addition, only a special part of the meat (M. semitendinosus) was used in the study. In the drying process, the parameters were determined as 540 W and 7 min. These are the limitations of the research.Originality/valueAll changes that can occur in the physical properties of the meat after the drying process were examined. The structure of beef round samples formed by microwave drying was shown by using electron microscope. The effects of pretreatment such as salting and pre-drying have been examined on microwave drying.

Rapid Profiling of the Volatilome of Cooked Meat by PTR-ToF-MS: Characterization of Chicken, Turkey, Pork, Veal and Beef Meat.

This study aimed to compare the volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles of cooked meat from different species. Four burgers were prepared and cooked from each of 100 meat samples obtained from 100 animals of five species/categories (chicken, turkey, pork, veal and beef) sourced from five supermarkets and five local butchers. Two burgers were cooked in a water bath and two were grilled. Direct proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass-spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS) analysis of the sample headspace yielded 129 mass peaks, 64 of which were tentatively identified. The results showed that turkey and chicken had the largest and the smallest total concentrations of all VOCs, respectively. Of the mammalian meats, veal and beef had greater total VOC concentrations than pork. The proportions of the amounts of all the individual VOCs differed significantly according to species. Additionally, 14 of 17 independent latent explanatory factors (LEFs) identified by multivariate analysis exhibited significant differences between meat species/categories, and therefore helped to characterize them. PTR-ToF-MS has been used for the first time for the rapid and non-invasive profiling of cooked meat of different species/categories. Knowledge of specific VOC profiles paves new avenues for research aimed at characterizing species through sensory description, at authenticating species or at identifying abnormalities or fraud.

Swine Erysipelas; It’s Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment and Control and Preventive Measures, Comprehensive Review

Erysipelas is an infectious disease seen mainly in growing pigs and characterized clinically by fever, arthritis, skin lesions and sudden death. The disease may be acute, subacute, or chronic. Swine erysipelas is a disease caused by a specific micro organ Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae whic h is a zoonotic ubiquitous gram-positive bacterium that causes erysipelas in swine, mammals, birds and erysipeloid in humans. People in contact with animals, animal products or animal wastes are at greatest risk. The acute form of swine erysipelas may have been confused for other diseases in pigs which are characterized by acute symptoms such as sudden death (for example, African swine fever). It can be diagnosed by its clinical signs, necropsy findings, bacteriology, antimicrobial response, molecular and serological examinations. It is recommended to increase awareness of the disease among animal and human practitioners as treatment is easy and available and vaccination is possible. However, the disease is still unknown to local veterinarians, clinical doctors, meat inspectors, butchers and laboratory personnel. Proper hygiene, regular pork inspection, use of protective wear among people working/ in contact with animals should be promoted. The disease causes high economic loss in pig rearing areas and influences the public health being a severe zoonotic disease. So the objective of this review is to create a better understanding of the disease for proper control and prevention of the disease.

Effect of Singeing Materials on Distribution of Some Metals in Liver and Kidney Samples of Capra aegagrus hircus Slaughtered in Uyo Village Road Abattoir in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria and Health Risk Assessment

A number of local butchers in Uyo metropolis usually make use of used scrap car tyres (USCT) and condemned plastics (CPS) as close substitutes for firewood to singe slaughtered ruminants. This study evaluated the effect of singeing materials on the distribution of some metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu, Zn and Fe) in liver and kidney samples of Capra aegagrus hircus (goat) slaughtered in Uyo Village Road Abattoir in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks for children and adults were also estimated using Estimated Chronic Daily Intake (ECDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Indices (HI) of metals in liver and kidney. Relative to unsinged samples, singed treatments generally demonstrated elevated heavy metal levels in both goat liver and the kidney. Apart from nickel, iron and zinc, the range of values obtained for all the metals in singed samples studied were above the threshold stipulated by the Food and Agricultural Organization and World Health Organization. The health risk assessment revealed Cd, Pb, Ni and Cr as potential carcinogens in the signed samples evaluated. The continuous use of these dangerous materials for singeing of goat meat for human consumption poses great risk to human health and should be discontinued.

Identification of Mislabeling Some Meat Products Sold on the Iran Market Using PCR-RFLP

Background: Mislabeling of meat products due to their high market values is a food fraud, which can result in economic deception. Currently, a little information on mislabeling is available in Iran. Therefore, the aim of this study was to carry out a market survey on a variety of meat products sold in Iran to investigate mislabeling. Methods: A total of 31 meat product samples were purchased from local retailers including supermarkets and local butchers. These samples included salami (n = 6), hamburger (n = 15) and minced meat (n = 10). Labels claimed that the products only contained beef. DNA was extracted from samples and tested using PCR-RFLP for the presence of chicken traces. Results: Of the 31 meat products, 23 included mislabeling, which substituted low-cost chicken for costly beef. Results showed that six of six salami (100%), nine of 15 hamburger (60%) and eight of ten minced meat (80%) contained chicken meat not listed in ingredient labels. Conclusion: Overall, results from the current study greatly warn consumers on potential economic deception occurring in meat products in Iran. This study helps meat industries to address potentially fraudulent activities and improve sanitary techniques during meat processes.

Identifying the stakeholders and sustainability indicators for sonok breeding system

Sonok contest is a cultural event involving cattle in Madura Island, Indonesia. Sonok breeding strategy and event are unique since they involve only the female cattle. Many stakeholders participate in the value chain. This study was aimed to identify stakeholders in Sonok breeding system and to determine sustainability issues and indicators. The study was conducted by a literature review and discussion with experts. The procedures are consisted of 3 phases, including problem definition, identifying and analysis relevant stakeholders, then determining Economic, Ecological, and Societal (EES) relevant issues. Next step, the EES issues were translated into sustainability indicators. As a result, there were two stakeholders, primary and secondary stakeholders. Primary stakeholders consisted of cultural groups, farmers, and policymakers. Secondary stakeholders consisted of local government, inseminator/veterinarians, butchers, and traders. Several issues were elaborated at the farm level. Economically benefit, manure use and human well-being were important issues. Selected sustainability indicators were farmer income, cattle growth and reproduction, manure production, feed availability, farm size, cultural value, and cattle/human health and disease. According to the result, the present stakeholders and sustainability indicators need to tested and confirmed with data to assess the sustainability of Sonok breeding systems.

Interval of detectability of predator DNA after livestock (and wild animal) predation

With the return of the wolf, predation of livestock such as sheep, cattle, and horses, has vastly increased in Europe. DNA swabs are routinely taken from killed animals to clarify whether the predator was a wolf, and to further individualize the animal. However, based on the publication of a German working group, in some cases the – from a forensic point of view doubtful – opinion prevails that securing evidence is no longer promising after 24 or 48 h at the latest. Traces are then not secured, sometimes causing considerable financial loss for the owners of the predated animal(s). To verify the results of the aforementioned study, we conducted an experiment simulating the circumstances after livestock predation. Sheep extremities provided by a local butcher were chewed on by a dog and, after 30 min, were laid out in the woods. After defined intervals, swabs were taken from the limbs, and genetic analyses to detect Canidae specific DNA were performed. Our study shows that successful DNA typing is feasible for at least 72 h after predation. DNA sampling in cases of animals presumably killed by a wolf should thus not be based on the PMI alone, but should be treated individually regarding all circumstances.

Diagnostic study for Listeria monocytogenes isolated from brain and meat of sheep in Mosul city

This study included collect of 150 samples from brain and meat of sheep from the slaughterhouse and local butchers shop in Mosul city. 50 sample from each (brain, cutting meat, and minced meat) which used for detection of listeria monocytogenes. The International Standard Organization (ISO) methods were used for isolation. The isolated bacteria were diagnosed according to bacterial morphology, culture, and biochemical characteristics. 10 isolates were obtained, which included 2(4%) isolates from the brain of sheep, 3 (6%) isolates from cut meat and 5(10%) from minced meat. Virulence factors tests were used for bacterial isolates which include, lecithinase, lipase, protease, esterase, and hemolysin. Antibiotic sensitivity test for bacterial isolates was also used for some antibiotics. The results indicated that all isolates were sensitive to Ampicillin, Gentamycin, Chloramphenicol, and resistant to Nalidixic acid. However, they showed variant sensitivity to other antibiotics. In conclusion, this study documented that L monocytogenes can be isolated from brain and meat of sheep in Mosul city.

A Novel Porcine Stomach Tissue Model for Laparoscopic Colpotomy Simulation.

Hysterectomies are the most common benign gynecologic surgical procedures performed in the United States. Currently, there are no tissue models that exist to teach trainees the techniques for colpotomy during laparoscopic hysterectomy. To address this educational gap, we have created a laparoscopic colpotomy model using a porcine stomach attached to a uterine manipulator. A segment of a porcine stomach is secured onto a uterine manipulator to simulate the cervicovaginal junction. A uterus model created with craft materials and reused in subsequent sessions is placed above the porcine stomach onto the uterine manipulator tip. Porcine stomach was obtained from a local butcher or meat market costing less than $1.00 per model. The tissue can be refrigerated or frozen for storage, then thawed before each use. This model can be used with any energy device and any laparoscopic platform to teach and perform the colpotomy. Usability survey showed that trainees responded positively to the model and attendings thought it was a useful teaching tool. Trainees and faculty responded favorably to the model and stated that the use of actual tissue enhanced the realism of a colpotomy simulation. The porcine stomach laparoscopic colpotomy model is an innovative, low-cost teaching tool to add to a gynecologic surgical education simulation toolkit.

Hydrogel from Acellular Porcine Adipose Tissue Accelerates Wound Healing by Inducing Intradermal Adipocyte Regeneration

As an important component of the skin, intradermal adipocytes are closely associated with skin homeostasis and wound healing. Although studies have focused on the role of fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and inflammatory cells in wound healing, the role of adipocytes has not been fully investigated. Here, we verified whether the induction of adipocyte regeneration in a wound bed can effectively promote wound healing, finding that the hydrogel from acellular porcine adipose tissue in combination with adipose-derived stem cells can induce in situ adipogenesis in the wound microenvironment. The newly regenerated adipocytes enhanced fibroblast migration, accelerated wound closing, and enhanced wound epithelialization. More importantly, newly formed intact skin structure was observed after treating the wound with adipose-derived stem cell-loaded hydrogel from acellular porcine adipose tissue. These results show that hydrogel from acellular porcine adipose tissue might substantially improve re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, and skin-appendage regeneration, making it a promising therapeutic biomaterial for skin wound healing.

Application of AutoFom III equipment for prediction of primal and commercial cut weight of Korean pig carcasses.

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to enable on-line prediction of primal and commercial cut weights in Korean slaughter pigs by AutoFom III, which non-invasively scans pig carcasses early after slaughter using ultrasonic sensors.MethodsA total of 162 Landrace, Yorkshire, and Duroc (LYD) pigs and 154 LYD pigs representing the yearly Korean slaughter distribution were included in the calibration and validation dataset, respectively. Partial least squares (PLS) models were developed for prediction of the weight of deboned shoulder blade, shoulder picnic, belly, loin, and ham. In addition, AutoFom III’s ability to predict the weight of the commercial cuts of spare rib, jowl, false lean, back rib, diaphragm, and tenderloin was investigated. Each cut was manually prepared by local butchers and then recorded.ResultsThe cross-validated prediction accuracy (R2cv) of the calibration models for deboned shoulder blade, shoulder picnic, loin, belly, and ham ranged from 0.77 to 0.86. The R2cv for tenderloin, spare rib, diaphragm, false lean, jowl, and back rib ranged from 0.34 to 0.62. Because the R2cv of the latter commercial cuts were less than 0.65, AutoFom III was less accurate for the prediction of those cuts. The root mean squares error of cross validation calibration (RMSECV) model was comparable to the root mean squares error of prediction (RMSEP), although the RMSECV was numerically higher than RMSEP for the deboned shoulder blade and belly.ConclusionAutoFom III predicts the weight of deboned shoulder blade, shoulder picnic, loin, belly, and ham with high accuracy, and is a suitable process analytical tool for sorting pork primals in Korea. However, AutoFom III’s prediction of smaller commercial Korean cuts is less accurate, which may be attributed to the lack of anatomical reference points and the lack of a good correlation between the scanned area of the carcass and those traits.

Risk Perceptions and Protective Behaviors Toward Bovine Tuberculosis Among Abattoir and Butcher Workers in Ethiopia.

Bovine Tuberculosis (BTB) is a serious cause of economic losses and public health threat, especially in developing countries. Humans acquire BTB through consumption of raw or undercooked meat, inhalation of aerosol and occupational exposure. A cross-disciplinary approach to study diseases connecting society and biology helps to understand the ways in which social, cultural, behavioral, and economic circumstances influence a healthy life. The objective of this study was to assess the risk perceptions and protective behaviors toward BTB among abattoir and butcher workers in central Ethiopia. A health belief model was used to generate the desired data following health belief model constructs. A total of 300 meat handlers working in local abattoirs, export abattoirs and butcher houses in Bishoftu, Modjo, Dukem, and Akaki towns of central Ethiopia were selected using a systematic random sampling method. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to assess factors associated with risk of exposure to BTB through the consumption of raw meat. The results showed that among the study participants, 95% heard about BTB and 93% knew that eating raw meat could be a source of BTB for humans. More than 62.7% of the respondents in the high risk group strongly agreed that contracting BTB would prevent them from coming to work, keep them in bed for an extended period of time and cause death. The majority of the respondents believed that free provision of personal protective clothing, compensation with test and slaughter campaigns, television and radio advertisements, educational programs and government-imposed penalties would help in prevention of BTB. Despite the high perceived severity and risk perception, the multivarable logistic regression model showed low-risk protective behavior among male (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2–4.3) and older age (>30) individuals (OR: 14.4 95% CI: 2.1–125.8). The study also noted the importance of media for health education as means for prevention of BTB. The authors strongly recommended the need of promotion of behavioral change toward the consumption of raw meat wich would have potential implications for the public health impacts of zoonotic tuberculosis and ultimately help national and global efforts toward prevention and control of tuberculosis.

V07-04 RESIDENT TRAINING FOR ROBOTIC RENAL SURGERY WITH A PORCINE MODEL

You have accessJournal of UrologyRenal Oncology I1 Apr 2018V07-04 RESIDENT TRAINING FOR ROBOTIC RENAL SURGERY WITH A PORCINE MODEL Niraj Badhiwala, Kefu Du, Steven Monda, Venkatesh Ramakrishna, Angelia DeClue, and Robert Figenshau Niraj BadhiwalaNiraj Badhiwala More articles by this author , Kefu DuKefu Du More articles by this author , Steven MondaSteven Monda More articles by this author , Venkatesh RamakrishnaVenkatesh Ramakrishna More articles by this author , Angelia DeClueAngelia DeClue More articles by this author , and Robert FigenshauRobert Figenshau More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2018.02.1763AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Robotic surgery is critical for modern urologists. Despite the reduced difficulty of robotic surgery compared to traditional laparoscopy, a learning curve still exists. Due to increased demands on surgeon productivity and outcomes, residency robotics training is increasingly relying on simulations. We present a cost-effective model for realistic training for robotic partial nephrectomy. METHODS Using our surgical education center with a training Da Vinci Si robot, we set up a training platform with a porcine kidney obtained from a local butcher shop. Expired and unsterile instruments and equipment were used to reduce cost. A quarter-size circular area of the kidney is marked as the area of the “tumor”, and robotic partial nephrectomy is performed by the trainee in a standardized stepwise manner. Video recordings are obtained and uploaded for review by the trainees to provide constructive feedback to each other. These workshops are repeated several times through the academic year for the residents to practice and improve performance in the operating room. RESULTS Two residents participate in each training session. Average time for completion of each training session is less than 90 minutes. Average cost per session is under $20. Sliding-clip renorrhaphy was achieved without difficulty with tissue integrity. No significant difference in realism was noted between frozen and fresh specimen. CONCLUSIONS Porcine kidney for robotic partial nephrectomy is an inexpensive, realistic, and easily adoptable tool for resident training. Similar porcine models can be used for training for other surgical procedures. © 2018FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 199Issue 4SApril 2018Page: e742 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2018MetricsAuthor Information Niraj Badhiwala More articles by this author Kefu Du More articles by this author Steven Monda More articles by this author Venkatesh Ramakrishna More articles by this author Angelia DeClue More articles by this author Robert Figenshau More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Cystic echinococcosis in marketed offal of sheep in Basrah, Iraq: Abattoir-based survey and a probabilistic model estimation of the direct economic losses due to hydatid cyst

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a highly endemic parasitic zoonosis in Iraq with substantial impacts on livestock productivity and human health. The objectives of this study were to study the abattoir-based occurrence of CE in marketed offal of sheep in Basrah province, Iraq, and to estimate, using a probabilistic modelling approach, the direct economic losses due to hydatid cysts. Based on detailed visual meat inspection, results from an active abattoir survey in this study revealed detection of hydatid cysts in 7.3% (95% CI: 5.4; 9.6) of 631 examined sheep carcasses. Post-mortem lesions of hydatid cyst were concurrently present in livers and lungs of more than half (54.3% (25/46)) of the positive sheep. Direct economic losses due to hydatid cysts in marketed offal were estimated using data from government reports, the one abattoir survey completed in this study, and expert opinions of local veterinarians and butchers. A Monte-Carlo simulation model was developed in a spreadsheet utilizing Latin Hypercube sampling to account for uncertainty in the input parameters. The model estimated that the average annual economic losses associated with hydatid cysts in the liver and lungs of sheep marketed for human consumption in Basrah to be US$72,470 (90% Confidence Interval (CI); ±11,302). The mean proportion of annual losses in meat products value (carcasses and offal) due to hydatid cysts in the liver and lungs of sheep marketed in Basrah province was estimated as 0.42% (90% CI; ±0.21). These estimates suggest that CE is responsible for considerable livestock-associated monetary losses in the south of Iraq. These findings can be used to inform different regional CE control program options in Iraq.