Antemortem diagnosis of canine neural angiostrongylosis using ELISA

A 5-month-old female Kelpie developed paraparesis, hind limb ataxia and spinal hyperaesthesia 4 days after ovariohysterectomy. Neurological examination demonstrated upper motor neuron signs in the pelvic limbs with lower motor neuron signs in the tail. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis demonstrated an increased protein concentration and marked eosinophilic pleocytosis. The dog was known to have eaten rats, snails and slugs. A tentative diagnosis of neural angiostrongylosis was made and later confirmed using an ELISA based on soluble antigens obtained from larval 4 Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Antibody titres from the patient's serum and CSF were 800 and 6400, respectively. The dog was treated successfully with prednisolone. ELISA testing of serum may provide a non-invasive means for diagnosing neural angiostrongylosis in dogs.     

酒制熟地黄炮制过程中梓醇的变化趋势及变化机理

为研究酒制熟地黄炮制工艺过程中梓醇的变化趋势和变化机理，利用HPLC检测酒制熟地黄炮制过程中不同时间点梓醇的含量，并利用FT-IR结合变温附件获取梓醇在不同温度点的红外光谱信息。结果表明，酒制熟地黄炮制过程中，梓醇含量整体呈下降趋势，但不同时间段梓醇含量下降率不同。梓醇含量下降的原因是其热稳定性较低，在温度90～100℃之间，其结构就发生变化。所以，生地黄产地加工焙干时，温度不能太高，以免梓醇含量下降；熟地黄炮制过程中，时间不能太短，以免“火候”不到。     

Further analysis of anti-human leukocyte mAbs with reactivity to equine leukocytes by two-colour flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry

We have reported on the reactivity of anti-human CD molecules with equine leukocytes by single-colour flow cytometry (this issue). The objectives of this additional study were to test for the reliability of the results obtained, and to obtain further information on the positive populations of lymphocytes. Two-colour flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were performed, using many of the positive mAbs and a few questionable ones from the first part of the study. All mAbs analysed by two-colour flow cytometry could be confirmed to their previous designation as "positive" or "questionable". Most of the mAbs tested were effective in immunohistochemistry, supporting previous results. Examples of positive results will be presented and limitations of the study will be discussed briefly.     

Pollutant concentration and stratification in urban heat island

Diurnal variation of oxidants and COH monitored in the Calgary urban heat island correlated with changes in atmospheric stability and surface activity. Profiles of COH showed that an elevated plume existed in the city in 60% of the summer-fall transition period. Cold air drainage contributed substantially to the high frequency. Observed discontinuity in COH-temperature relationship is partially explained by chinook effects and ice crystallization.     

Unusual ovarian activity in a mare preceding the development of an ovarian granulosa cell tumour

An 8-year-old mare, with a foal at foot, was inseminated on foal heat with frozen semen, with the resultant pregnancy lost between days 34 and 41. The right ovary developed a large anovulatory follicle that was non-responsive to multiple doses of ovulating agents. The follicle eventually appeared to luteinise, although plasma progesterone concentrations did not reflect this. Another follicle developed, responded to GnRH and resulted in a pregnancy from frozen semen that went to term with a healthy foal. When the mare was examined after foaling, the structure on the right ovary appeared to be a granulosa cell tumour; the left ovary was smaller than normal and non-functional. Surgical removal of the right ovary before increasing photoperiod resulted in a return to function of the left ovary and a pregnancy to frozen semen on the second cycle following removal. Figures showing concentrations of inhibin, progesterone, androstenedione, oestradiol and testosterone are presented for this entire period. Unusual ovarian activity in the mare might be a prelude to the development of a granulosa cell tumour.