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ABSTRACT An Instron universal testing machine was used to assess fundamental parameters, such as Young's modulus, tensile strength and tensile strain, in order to determine the effect of fat and moisture migration on the mechanical properties of chocolate during storage. Two thin steel anchorages were inserted into each end of the chocolate samples during molding. These anchorages were used to mount the samples in the instrument without inducing stresses prior to the start of the experiment. Longitudinal forces applied to the chocolate provided a measure of the strength of the bond between different chocolate components (nonfat solids and cocoa butter). The new method proved to be a valid technique that can be used to measure fundamental mechanical parameters and quantify the impact of fat or moisture migration. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The described method enables traction test of chocolate without inducing stresses from the instruments' clamps, thus enabling more precise measurements of fundamental mechanical parameters. The material properties of the chocolate during storage could be quantified and compared with samples subjected to fat or moisture migration, which is a crucial quality defect in confectionery products. The new methodology using an Instron universal testing machine allows for better understanding of the effect of migration from the filling, different chocolate recipes (milk, dark and white) and processing on the material properties in chocolate during storage, which are strongly related to quality or sensorial perception. The assessed fundamental parameters can also be used in mathematical modeling of quality defects such as the cracking behavior of chocolate pralines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents several case reports related to medicine. Natural oestrogenic hormone oestradiol as a component of combined oral contraceptives; Relation between anterior tibial compartment syndrome and alcohol abuse; Bladder rupture in multiple sclerosis.

Neonatal chlamydial eye infection was detected in 39 cases of 281 infants with purulent conjunctivitis seen at the Department of Ophthalmology. Most cases of neonatal chlamydial eye infection (90%) were detected during the first month of life, and no case was found after 2 months of age. C. trachomatis was not isolated from any of 161 healthy control infants at 3-4 weeks of age. Genital chlamydial infection was demonstrated in 50% of the mothers to infected infants. Two of these women developed post-partum complications possibly due to chlamydial infection. Mothers of infected infants tended to be younger than average. Of 23 cases examined 2 years later, late sequelae were identified in 3. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Appropriate skin care of newborns is performed partly to prevent infection but also for aesthetic and cleansing purposes. Skin care should involve cleansing with a non-toxic, non-abrasive neutral material. This study compared the relative risks and benefits of washing versus bathing with regard to bacterial colonization rate, clinical infection rate, body temperature and crying. The results confirm our clinical impression that bathing and washing routines do not differ with regard to signs of infection or other clinical complications. However, the washing routine does increase the babies heat loss and make them less comfortable. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Maternal chlamydial antibodies were determined in cord sera of 41 infants who developed neonatal chlamydial conjunctivitis and compared with the antibody profile of infants who had been exposed to Chlamydia trachomatis at birth by their isolation positive mothers but in whom conjunctivitis did not develop. No protective effect could be attributed to maternal antibodies transferred to the infants. Paired sera samples were collected from 18 infants with chlamydial conjunctivitis. Chlamydial IgM antibodies were detected in four of these 18 cases at the time diagnosis was established by isolation. An additional eight cases had developed chlamydial IgM at the time the convalescent sera samples were taken, on average on day 40. At that time symptoms had disappeared after systemic treatment had been given. Thus chlamydial IgM antibodies were eventually shown in two thirds of infants with chlamydial conjunctivitis who were all systemically treated and clinically healed. These data suggest a cautious assessment of chlamydial IgM in the diagnosis of chlamydial pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]