Initiation of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for cardiogenic shock during out of hours versus working hours is not associated with increased mortality.

BACKGROUND: Initiation of veno-arterial (VA) Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator (ECMO) is associated with severe complications. It is unknown whether these adverse consequences occur more often after initiations during out of hours service compared to working hours. METHODS: All patients receiving VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock between 2009 and 2020 were categorized into a working hours group (between 8 am and 5 pm on weekdays) and an out of hours service group (between 5 pm and 8 am, or between Friday 5 pm and Monday 8 am). Primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 30 days. Secondary outcomes included vascular complications (including limb ischemia and/or bleeding), bloodstream infections and length of ICU stay. Propensity scores were used to adjust for potential confounding effects. RESULTS: Among 250 patients (median (IQR) age 56 (42-64) years) receiving VA-ECMO (median duration 3.5 (1.0-9.0) days), 160 (64%) runs were initiated between 5 pm and 8 am whereas the remainder (36%) started during working hours. Characteristic did not differ between the working hours- and out of hours-group. By day 30, 37 (41.1%), and 68 (42.5%) patients in either group had died, respectively (p = 0.831). VA-ECMO support duration and length of stay on the ICU did not differ significantly in both crude and adjusted analyses. More complications occurred during out of hours service (p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Out of hours- versus working hours-initiation of VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock was not associated with higher mortality, longer VA-ECMO support duration, or longer length of stay on the intensive care. Vascular complications were more common in the out of hours group.

Biosensor microprobes with integrated microfluidic channels for bi-directional neurochemical interaction.

This paper reports on silicon-based microprobes, 8 mm long and 250 µm × 250 µm cross-section, comprising four recessed biosensor microelectrodes (50 µm × 150 µm) per probe shank coated with an enzymatic layer for the selective detection of choline at multiple sites in brain tissue. Integrated in the same probe shank are up to two microfluidic channels for controlled local liquid delivery at a defined distance from the biosensor microelectrodes. State-of-the-art silicon micromachining processing was applied for reproducible fabrication of these experiment-tailored multi-functional probe arrays. Reliable electric and fluidic interconnections to the microprobes are guaranteed by a custom-made holder. The reversible packaging method implemented in this holder significantly reduces cost and assembly time and simplifies storage of the biosensor probes between consecutive experiments. The functionalization of the electrodes is carried out using electrochemically aided adsorption. This spatially controlled deposition technique enables a parallel deposition of membranes and is especially useful when working with microelectrode arrays. The achieved biosensors show adequate characteristics to detect choline in physiologically relevant concentrations at sufficient temporal and spatial resolution for brain research. Sensitivity to choline better than 10 pA µm(-1), detection limit below 1 µM and response time of 2 s were obtained. The proposed combination of biosensors and microfluidic injectors on the same microprobe allows simultaneous chemical stimulation and recording as demonstrated in an agarose gel-based brain phantom.

Enzyme-based choline and L-glutamate biosensor electrodes on silicon microprobe arrays.

Brain-implantable microprobe arrays, 6.5 mm shaft-length, incorporating several recessed Pt microelectrodes (50 µm×150 µm) and an integrated Ag/AgCl reference electrode fabricated by silicon micromachining dry etching techniques (DRIE) are described. The microelectrodes are coated by an enzyme membrane and a semi-permeable m-phenylenediamine layer for the selective detection of the neurotransmitters choline and L-glutamate at physiologically relevant concentrations. The functionalisation is based on electrochemically aided adsorption (EAA) combined with chemical co-cross-linking using glutaraldehyde and electrochemical polymerisation, respectively. These deposition methods are fully compatible with the fabricated microprobe arrays for the simultaneous detection of several analytes in different brain target areas. They are spatially controlled and allow fabricating biosensors on several microelectrodes in parallel or providing a cross-talk-free coating of closely spaced microelectrodes with different enzyme membranes. A sensitivity of 132±20 µA mM(-1) cm(-2) for choline and 95±20 µA mM(-1) cm(-2) for L-glutamate with limits of detections below 0.5 µM was obtained. The results of in vitro and in vivo experiments confirm the functional viability of the choline and l-glutamate biosensors.

High-density electrode array for imaging in vitro electrophysiological activity.

The development of a high-density active microelectrode array for in vitro electrophysiology is reported. Based on the Active Pixel Sensor (APS) concept, the array integrates 4096 gold microelectrodes (electrode separation 20 microm) on a surface of 2.5 mmx2.5 mm as well as a high-speed random addressing logic allowing the sequential selection of the measuring pixels. Following the electrical characterization in a phosphate solution, the functional evaluation has been carried out by recording the spontaneous electrical activity of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Signals with amplitudes from 130 microVp-p to 300 microVp-p could be recorded from different pixels. The results demonstrate the suitability of the APS concept for developing a new generation of high-resolution extracellular recording devices for in vitro electrophysiology.

The foot-and-mouth disease epidemic in The Netherlands in 2001.

An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Great Britain was reported on 21 February 2001, followed by an outbreak of FMD in The Netherlands a month later. This Dutch index outbreak occurred on a mixed, veal-calf/dairy-goat farm in Oene, in the central part of The Netherlands. The most-likely route of infection was the import of Irish veal-calves to this Dutch herd via an FMD-contaminated staging point in France. With hindsight, more herds seemed to be infected by the time the index outbreak was confirmed. The regular EU control measures were implemented, in combination with pre-emptive culling of herds within 1km of each outbreak. Nevertheless, more outbreaks of FMD occurred. Most of the virus infections on those farms were "neighborhood infections". Because the situation seemed out of control locally and the destruction capacity became insufficient, it was decided to implement an emergency vaccination strategy for all biungulates in a large area around Oene to stop further spread of the virus. All susceptible animals on approximately 1800 farms in this area were vaccinated. All farms subsequently were depopulated, starting from 2 weeks after vaccination. In total, 26 outbreaks were detected (the last outbreak on 22 April 2001). In total, approximately 260,000 animals were killed.

Lessons from the foot and mouth disease outbreak in The Netherlands in 2001.

The Netherlands had recently developed a new strategy for the eradication of foot and mouth disease (FMD). When FMD was confirmed in Great Britain and France, recent imports of susceptible animals from these countries were traced and preventive measures were taken. On 21 March 2001, FMD was confirmed in The Netherlands. The disease was introduced by calves which became infected at a staging post in Mayenne, France, where infected sheep from Great Britain were present. A total of 26 farms were infected. Emergency vaccination of all susceptible animals was applied. Suppressive vaccination was chosen, implying that all vaccinated animals had to be slaughtered. Ring vaccination of all susceptible animals within 2 km of an infected herd was the standard procedure. However, in the 'Noord Veluwe', vaccination had to be applied to a larger area. The last affected farm was confirmed on 22 April 2001. Emergency vaccination contained the FMD infection rapidly. The last vaccinated animal was slaughtered on 25 May 2001. Many farmers were not convinced that the killing of their healthy, vaccinated animals was justified and tried to prevent the culling, but without success. Politicians and the public at large are now strongly opposed to the large-scale slaughter of vaccinated animals should a future outbreak of FMD occur. The Office International des Epizooties (OIE: World organisation for animal health) should incorporate control of vaccinated animals with non-structural protein (NSP) tests in the chapter on FMD in the International Animal Health Code.

Characteristics of pancreatic beta-cell secretion in Type 2 diabetic patients treated with gliclazide and glibenclamide.

The aim of the present cross-over study was to compare the beta-cell response to gliclazide and glibenclamide administered orally during and following a hyperglycaemic clamp in sulphonylurea treated Type 2 diabetes. Nine patients (6 males), aged 61.4 (S.D. 6.9) years with a body mass index of 27.5 (3.1) kg m(-2) and HbA(1c) at baseline of 7.2 (0.9)% were included. Eight healthy control subjects underwent the same tests. Patients received 80-240 mg gliclazide or 5-15 mg glibenclamide for 6 weeks. Thirty minutes after administration of 160 mg of gliclazide or 10 mg of glibenclamide a 1-h hyperglycaemic clamp (11.0 mmol l(-1)) was begun, and followed by a 3.5-h observation period. Nadir blood glucose levels were 4.2 (1.0), 4.3 (1.2) and 3.4 (1.0) mmol l(-1) for glibenclamide gliclazide and controls, respectively (both P=0.07 vs. controls). Glucose levels decreased slowly and linearly in people with diabetes and reached nadirs after 204 (8) and 198 (18) min, respectively, after cessation of glucose infusion, while in controls, glucose levels declined steeply to a nadir at 98 (47) min (P<0.003 vs. both drugs). No first phase insulin secretion peak was observed in people with diabetes. Insulin levels remained elevated during the 3-h observation period in SU treated patients but, in control subjects decreased to baseline values within 2 h of the clamp. The proinsulin to C-peptide ratio increased during the observation period. In conclusion, the effects of glibenclamide and gliclazide on insulin secretion are very similar in patients with Type 2 diabetes who are in moderate glycaemic control, with a slow rise to lower amplitude, poor responsiveness to falling glucose levels, and raised proinsulin to C-peptide ratio.

The effect of feed withdrawal on broiler blood glucose and nonesterified fatty acid levels, postmortem liver pH values, and carcass yield.

Feed withdrawal should start 5 h before broilers are captured and transported to the processing plant. This practice results in a total feed withdrawal period of about 8 h before slaughter. To check observance of this period at the plant reliably, blood samples were collected at slaughter from broilers. These samples were analyzed for glucose and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA). Glucose levels decreased, whereas the amount of NEFA increased as a consequence of deprivation. It was found that the decrease in glucose was smaller than could be expected from data in the literature, whereas the level tended to rise again after longer deprivation periods. The increase of the NEFA was lower in males than in females, and the glucose: NEFA ratio also showed a difference between the sexes. Therefore, it was concluded that these blood metabolites were not suitable for use as an indicator of the duration of feed withdrawal. The estimation of liver pH seemed to be a more reliable indicator of the length of feed withdrawal. Longer periods of feed withdrawal resulted in higher ultimate liver pH values, which were 6.10 to 6.20 in full-fed broilers, increasing to 6.60 in livers from broilers deprived during longer withdrawal periods. Further research, however, is needed because broilers in the present study were exposed to minimal amounts of stress. Other carcass characteristics such as slaughter, evisceration, and oven-ready yields matched results previously described in the literature.

The effect of stress, applied immediately before stunning, on pork quality.

The effect on meat quality characteristics of stress, applied during a short period just before stunning, was studied on slaughterpigs (113 boars, 85 gilts). Sexes were kept separately and only pigs that had been stunned correctly were included. Aggressive behaviour during lairage occurred more frequently in boars (about twice) than in gilts. Just before stunning, two animals of the same sex, that were lairaged for an equal period at the slaughter facility, were moved as quietly as possible to the stunning pen, after which one pig was stunned immediately and the other subsequently forced to move through the stunning pen over a period of 1 min. Stress resulted in lower pH values and higher temperatures in the semimembranosus (SM) and the longissimus lumborum (LL) muscles and a higher rigor mortis value of the SM, at 45 min post mortem. Stress affected water holding capacity of the LL negatively at 24 h p.m. Statistically significant interactions were present for sex×stress for several meat quality traits. In general, gilts reacted more strongly to short periods of stress than did boars.

A five day treatment with daily subcutaneous injections of growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 causes response attenuation and does not stimulate insulin-like growth factor-I secretion in healthy young men.

The synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP)-2 specifically stimulates GH release in man. To determine the effects of prolonged treatment and whether response attenuation occurs in man, we administered to nine healthy subjects a daily s.c. injection of 100 microg GHRP-2 over 5 days. Every day blood samples were taken to determine GH, IGF-I, IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-3 and osteocalcin levels. On days 1,3 and 5, GH was measured at -20,0,20,40,60,90,120 and 180 min using an immunometric and an immunofunctional assay. Mean-/+S.D). peak GH concentrations were 83+/-31, 59+/-22 and 51+/-13 microg/l on days 1, 3 and 5 respectively. Mean+/-S.D. areas under the curve for days 1, 3 and 5 were 6366+/-2514, 3987 +/- 1418 and 3392+/-1215 mU/l per min. Despite the maintained GH release, analysis of variance revealed that significant response attenuation occurred (P < 0.01). Mean serum IGF-I concentration did not increase after a 5 day treatment with GHRP-2. Mean basal levels were 22, 25,23,25,23,24 nmol/l measured on days 1 to 6. However, osteocalcin, another serum marker of GH activity in tissue, increased significantly from 3.2+/-1.0 to 4.2+/-0.4 microg/l (mean+S.D.) (P< 0.01).

Beta cell response to oral glimepiride administration during and following a hyperglycaemic clamp in NIDDM patients.

The aim of the present study was to assess the beta cell response to glimepiride, administered orally, during and following a hyperglycaemic clamp in 14 NIDDM patients (7 males), aged 62.5 (St. Dev. 7.7) years with a body mass index of 27.3 (2.8) kg m(-2) and HbA(Ic) of 7.0 (0.7)% at baseline, in a placebo controlled study. All patients were on stable treatment with a second generation sulphonylurea for at least 8 weeks prior to randomization and received placebo (P) or 5 mg glimepiride (G) daily for 7 days and 10 mg prior to a hyperglycaemic clamp (10.9 mmol l(-1) for 60 min, preceded by i.v. insulin infusion to stabilize fasting blood glucose levels at 4.0 mmol l(-1)). The clamp was followed by an observation period of 2 h in 5 subjects and 3.5 h in the next 9 subjects, during which blood glucose and plasma insulin, C-peptide and proinsulin levels were measured at regular intervals to determine the effect of glimepiride on the interaction between changes in glycaemia and plasma levels of beta cell products. Neither G nor P elicited a first phase insulin response. Areas under plasma insulin curve during the 1 h hyperglycaemic clamp were 94.2 (39.5) vs 69.1 (26.5) pmol.h l(-1) in G and P clamps, respectively (p = 0.002). Total areas (AUC) under the plasma insulin curve were 377 (145) vs 271 (113) pmol.h l(-1) in G and P clamps (< 0.05). Total AUCs of C-peptide were 309 (96) and 259 (102 pmol.h.(-1), in G and P clamps, respectively, p = 0.01. Total AUCs of proinsulin were 176 (77) versus 119 (56) pmol.h l(-1) in G and P clamps, respectively, p = 0.004. Five hours after G and P administration blood glucose levels were 4.7) 92.1) mmol(-1) in the G clamp vs 6.2 (1.9) mmol l(-1) in the P clamp (p = 0.001). The number of hypoglycaemic events (blood glucose < 3.0 mmol l(-1)) in the 3.5 h observation period was 3 in G clamps vs 0 in P clamps (p = ns). In conclusion, glimepiride stimulates the second phase insulin and proinsulin secretion. The lowering of blood glucose levels is not accompanied by a commensurate inhibition of the insulin secretion. Further studies are required to compare this new drug with currently available oral hypoglycaemic agents, with respect to glycaemic control and the risk of hypoglycaemia.

Causes for variation in pork quality.

Research was carried out on 260 pigs that were slaughtered in 12 batches in the slaughter facilities of ID-DLO at Zeist. The practical circumstances were highly standardized. The 'animals' meat quality was good with only little variation; 46 animals showed a 'slightly' aberrant quality and 6 'slight' DFD. Carcasses within the quality categories 'PSE' and 'slight' PSE did not occur. Statistically significant effects on meat quality could be shown for the duration of the resting period before slaughter and the muscular contractions occurring while stunning, shackling and exsanguination, despite the minor variation in pork quality under standardization. A longer resting period before slaughter induced significantly lower temperatures in the m.semimembranosus and the loin at 45 min post mortem and a slightly higher ultimate pH, accompanied by a somewhat darker colour (24hr post mortem). A connection between the animal's behaviour at the fattening station and ultimate pork quality could not be shown. The same counts for fighting in the resting pen of the slaughter house and the pig's behaviour in the stunning area. Muscular contractions during and after stunning had a negative effect on pork quality, causing a more rapid drop in pH, a faster development of rigor mortis and a reduced water holding capacity. An imperfect electrical stunning procedure caused an increase in muscular contractions.

Predictive value of slaughterhouse measurements of ultimate pork quality in seven halothane negative Yorkshire populations.

An experiment with 1969 pigs, belonging to Yorkshire sire lines, was set up in cooperation with seven Dutch breeding organizations. The pigs, which were claimed to be halothane negative, were slaughtered in weekly batches. Light reflectance was determined with the Hennessy Grading Probe (HGP) and Fibre Optic Probe (FOP), in addition to pH(1) and rigor mortis at 45 min post mortem (p.m.). Further meat quality determinations were performed either in the slaughterhouse at 20 h p.m., or in the laboratory at 24 h p.m.. At first sight, both the scatter of light (HGP-PSE, FOP) and pH, measured at 45 min p.m., appeared to be indicative of the ultimate meat quality score. More accurate analyses, however, showed that the value of reflectance values is limited and less suitable in comparison to pH(1), especially with reference to the prediction of ultimate quality characteristics of water holding capacity. The correlations for pH(1) with drip loss were rather consistent, ranging from -0·34 to -0·52 per breeding population. In contrast, HGP-reflectance values ranged from -0·27 to 0·34, while those based on FOP(1) had a range from nearly zero (0·02) to 0·20. The proportion of variation (R(2) × 100%) in drip loss, explained by a set of slaughterline measurements, ranged from 13 to about 28% per breeding population. The use of measurements carried out at 20 h p.m. improved the R(2) × 100% for drip loss to a range from 50 to 62%.

Chilling pig carcasses: Effects on temperature, weight loss and ultimate meat quality.

Effects of conventional (4°C, air velocity 0·5 m/s) and forced chilling at -5°C (120 min) or -30°C (30 min) with air velocities of 1, 2 or 4 m/s, followed by conventional chilling till 24 h post mortem on temperatures, meat quality and weight losses, were studied. Experiments were carried out in six batches of six slaughter pigs each (crossbred gilts, weighing 105-110 kg. The subcutaneous temperature decreased very rapidly to values below 0°C when 'ultra' rapid chilling (-30°C) at high air velocities (4 m/s was used. Immediately after rapid chilling, when the carcasses were railed into a conventional chiller, the subcutaneous temperature increased above the air temperature, after which the decline in temperature was continued. Temperature inside the biceps femoris muscle decreased from the start of chilling rather slowly according to an asymptotic curve until ultimate values of 4°C were reached. Theoretically calculated temperatures during slaughter and chilling were comparable with the measured values; indicating that a finite-element calculation method in combination with a cylindrical model for heat transport can be used to predict muscle temperatures for various chilling regimes. Losses in carcass weight, 24 h after conventional and forced chilling at -5°C, were about 2%. After 'ultra' rapid chilling (-30°C) the losses were reduced to 1·3% when air velocity was increased to 4 m/s. Meat quality of the longissimus lumborum muscle was not significantly affected by the various chilling regimes except for the variables related to tenderness. The Warner-Bratzler shear forces were higher (P < 0·05) together with shorter sarcomere lengths (P < 0·10) after 'ultra' rapid chilling at a high (4 m/s) air velocity, indicating an increased risk of cold shortening.

Comparison of three methods for the quantification of beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity.

The purpose of this study was to compare two techniques for the quantification of beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity. Sixteen subjects (2 with newly diagnosed non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, 8 with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and 6 with normal glucose tolerance (NGT)), aged 40-65 years underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), a continuous infusion of glucose with model assessment (CIGMA) and a hyperglycaemic clamp (10 mmol/l) in random order. As measures of beta-cell function we used the clamp derived area under the curve from 0-10 min (first phase insulin response) and the mean insulin level during the last 20 min of the clamp (second phase insulin response). Insulin sensitivity was reflected by the ratio of the glucose infusion rate and the mean insulin level during the last 20 min of the clamp (M/I ratio). Measures for beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity derived from OGTT and CIGMA appeared to correlate only moderately (0.5-0.7) with the corresponding clamp measures. It is concluded that OGTT and CIGMA derived measures of beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity should be interpreted with caution.

Micromachined analyzers on a silicon chip.

For an example of a silicon-based micromachined analyzer, we describe a combined PO2, PCO2, and pH sensor designed for extracorporeal blood gas monitoring. The clinically well-accepted amperometric (PO2) and potentiometric (PCO2, pH) sensing principles are used, realized in a planar and miniaturized form on a single silicon chip (6 x 22 mm). The transducer part of the chip is fabricated by standard silicon technology. Polyacrylamide and polysiloxane polymeric layers, which are used as internal electrolyte and gas-permeable membrane, respectively, are deposited and patterned by photopolymerization. The entire sensor is fabricated on the wafer level by using integrated-circuit-compatible processes, thus allowing mass production. By integrating a flow-through channel directly on the chip, the sample size and the reagent consumption are substantially reduced. The device was characterized in aqueous solutions and in blood intended for transfusion. The sensor has a typical sensitivity of 0.36 nA/mmHg (PO2), -39 mV/decade (PCO2), and 51 mV/pH (pH); low drift; and a functional lifetime of > 2 months. The analytical precision in the physiologically expected range is better than 2 mmHg for the PO2 and PCO2 sensor, and 0.02 pH unit for the pH sensor.

'Scharrel' (free range) pigs: Carcass composition, meat quality and taste-panel studies.

Carcass conformation, meat quality, fatty acid patterns of backfat and sensory quality characteristics (tenderness, juiciness, smell and taste) of scharrel (free range) pigs and animals from intensive fattening systems were compared. Both groups of pigs consisted of 80 animals, which were slaughtered in batches of 20 pigs per group. The measurements included hot carcass weight, HGP, pH and FOP measurements and a score for intrathoracal fat deposition, all performed early post mortem, and marbling, colour, drip and cooking loss and Warner-Bratzler shear force measurements in loin chops after 1 and 3 days of storage at 4°C. Furthermore, 25% of the carcasses were used in taste-panel analyses. The feed rations used for these 25% of the pigs and their backfat samples were analysed for fatty acid patterns. The overall meat quality of scharrel pigs was not significantly different from that of pigs from intensive fattening systems. W-B shear force values of scharrel pigs were slightly higher. However, this did not coincide with differences in panel tenderness scores. The analytical panel assessed minor differences in taste and smell. The inconsistency of the descriptions concerning these differences did not allow any conclusions. An increase in the amount of linolenic acid was observed in the scharrel pigs' backfat.

The effectiveness of examining early post-mortem musculature to predict ultimate pork quality.

Variations in pork quality reflect value differentials. However, only when they can be easily, accurately, rapidly and cost-effectively detected, can swine producers expect to eliminate poor quality from their herds through genetic selection, and can the industry be expected to take the necessary environmental precautions to prevent poor quality. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of various techniques thought to predict ultimate pork quality through the examination of the physical and chemical properties of early post-mortem (PM) musculature. Based on stiffness and pH 30, 285 carcasses were selected. This selection procedure ensured a wide variation in ultimate quality. Using 12 instruments simultaneously, temperature, stiffness, electrical properties, lightness properties, and pH 45 of the early PM longissimus thoracis et lumborum were recorded to predict ultimate quality. Based on post-rigor light reflection and water-holding capacity (WHC), quality was assigned to one of five arbitrary groups. Of all techniques tested, the only one with any potential for adequate prediction of quality categories was pH 45. Combination of different techniques did not significantly increase predictive values. For predicting quality of single carcasses, pH 45 should not be considered satisfactory. However, based on our success in selecting carcasses representing quality variation for this study and the results obtained from the study, using pH 45 and muscle stiffness to select groups of carcasses is feasible. We conclude that the techniques used early post mortem are not appropriate for predicting ultimate pork quality for single carcasses. At present we recommend that only post-rigor muscle be considered, and that ultimate pH, light reflection and a measure of WHC should be used.

The effect of scalding on subcutaneous and ham temperatures and ultimate pork quality.

Scalding of pig carcasses (n = 34) at 60°C for a period of at least 5·5 to 7·5 min gave satisfactory dehairing results, with the exception of autumn hair for which a longer period (9 mins) was required. Temperature curves were recorded for a subcutaneous position in the ham (n = 26) between the rind and the underlying fat layer. These showed a curve starting at about 30·8°C and increasing to an asymptotic value of 53°C during scalding. Results of calculations with a finite element model of a flat layer of muscle covered with a layer of 1·0 cm fat broadly showed the same temperature increase at about 0·5 cm below the surface as the actual values measured. Immediately after dehairing, about 1·5 mins after finishing scalding, the subcutaneous temperature had already dropped to 46·1 ± 3·0°C, which was considerably higher than the muscle temperature at the same position at a depth of 5 cm under the skin (40·6°C). The heat removal and temperatures during the cooling period after scalding were also calculated. It can be concluded that the increase in temperature due to scalding has only a minor influence on muscle temperature and that meat quality (pH, FOP) is not affected.