Comparison of quality attributes of shell eggs subjected to directional microwave technology.

Microwaves have been shown to cause thermal as well as nonthermal destruction of pathogens such as Salmonella, which can be found in shell eggs. The objective of this study was to determine if using microwave technology would cause detrimental quality effects in shell eggs. Treatments included control (no treatment) and microwave-treated (20 s) shell eggs. There were no differences in mineral content, fatty acid profile, Haugh units, broken-out score, yolk index, emulsion stability, pH of whole egg, and foaming capacity between 2 treatments (P >or= 0.05). At 0 and 30 d, there were no noticeable differences in H(2)O activity between 2 treatments. The foaming stability and albumen thermocoagulation of microwave-treated eggs were significantly higher than control eggs (P or= 0.05). Therefore, microwave technology can be applied to shell eggs without causing detrimental effects to quality.

Hormonal contraception and trophoblastic sequelae after hydatidiform mole (a Gynecologic Oncology Group Study)

A prospective randomized study was undertaken to determine whether the administration of oral contraceptives after the evacuation of a hydatidiform mole affects the human chorionic gonadotropin serum level in a way that leads to an increased frequency in the diagnosis of postmolar trophoblastic disease. Between 1981 and 1988, 266 patients were randomly assigned to either oral contraceptives or barrier contraception after evacuation of a hydatidiform mole. Patients were followed up until serum levels of human chorionic gonadotropin were normal or until specific criteria for the diagnosis of postmolar trophoblastic disease were met. Twenty-three percent of patients receiving oral contraceptives had postmolar trophoblastic disease, whereas those using a barrier method had a rate of 33%. The median time to spontaneous regression in the oral contraceptives group was 9 weeks, whereas the median time to regression in the barrier group was 10 weeks. Twice as many patients in the barrier group became pregnant in the immediate follow-up period. We conclude that oral contraceptives are the preferred method of contraception after evacuation of a hydatidiform mole.

Cases from the aerospace medicine residents' teaching files. Case #11. New left bundle block on screening exam.

New left bundle block on screening exam. Presentation, evaluation, and relevant aspects of chloroquine-induced LBBB in the aviator are discussed.

Sample cell for EXAFS measurements on molten materials at elevated temperatures.

We describe the design, fabrication, and utilization of a simple sample cell for extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurements at elevated temperature. The cell is rigid, inert, easy to fabricate, cheap and effective in maintaining the critical specimen dimensions of both solid and liquid samples up to 1000 degrees C.

The effect of colostrum-derived antibody on louping-ill virus infection in lambs.

The influence of colostrum-derived antibody to louping-ill virus on the course of experimental infection was investigated in lambs. Lambs that had high titres of antibody were refractory to infection. Lambs that had low titres of antibody did not develop a viraemia but either showed an antibody reaction or were sensitized as judged by the immune response, which was typical of an anamnestic response, after rechallenge. Animals that had no antibody 34-20 days before challenge had either no or very slight viraemia, but did develop an antibody response with titres as high as those of control lambs by day 21. Lambs that had been negative for longer periods responded in a similar fashion to controls. These findings are discussed in relation to the occurrence of disease in lambs kept in louping-ill endemic areas. It is concluded that in such areas infections of lambs are likely to be of minor importance as a cause of mortality and of little epidemiological significance.