Assessment of the IgG index in dogs by indirect immunoenzimatic assays as diagnostic tool for inflammatory diseases of central nervous system

The IgG index measures the intrathecal immunoglobulin production and it is a useful tool for diagnosis of inflammatory diseases involving the central nervous system. This index is based on the precise quantification of albumin and IgG in canine cerebrospinal fluid and serum. Here, we report the development of an indirect competitive ELISAs for the detection of both antigens. Thirty-two dogs were included in this study, divided into three experimental groups. Group A was composed of 22 healthy animals, as determined by standard clinical examination. In group B, six animals, presented neurological pathologies associated with endogenous IgG production and, in group C four animals presented neurological diseases or symptoms not associated with intrathecal IgG production. Cerebrospinal fluid and serum samples were obtained from these animals. As expected, by using the indirect ELISAs proposed here, the IgG indexes obtained in healthy animals (A) were 0.371+/-0.252 (SD). In B and C, the values (3.002+/-1.897; 0.36+/-0.306, respectively), were in agreement with the pathologic conditions of the individuals in each group. Thus, the immunometric competition ELISA methods proposed here allow the discrimination of abnormal intrathecal IgG production, in a variety of inflammatory pathologic conditions of the central nervous system.     

完善我国地方税制度的思考及建议

我国新一轮的税制改革即将开始,这将是继1994年分税制改革以来,我国又一次大的税收制度的调整,其目标是使我国的分税制体制更加完善,更加与市场经济相适应.税制改革中地方税制度的改革是十分关键的一部分,文中分析了当前我国地方税制度中存在的问题,并提出了一些构思性的设想.     

基于GIS的澳洲坚果在云南适宜种植区划分研究

为促进云南省澳洲坚果产业持续发展,利用GIS技术将7个气候要素和DEM网格图叠加分析,划分澳洲坚果在云南种植的最适宜、次适宜和不适宜区。结果表明,最适宜区面积57 939 km²,占云南省国土面积的14.7%;次适宜区面积63 977 km²,占云南省国土面积的16.2%。澳洲坚果可种植区域为文山州、红河州、普洱市、德宏州、临沧市、保山市、西双版纳州及玉溪南部地区,主要为云南热带、亚热带地区的河谷地带、低海拔山地区域。     

建立完善我国优质牛肉生产全程质量控制体系

本文介绍了我国牛肉生产和进出口现状及影响因素，并建议要制定推行我国牛肉生产全程质量控制体系以提高我国牛肉生产水平、牛肉质量及市场竞争力。     

规模化猪场疫病传入的外部风险因素指标体系的初探

据实际调查,运用层次分析法,将疫病传入的各外界风险因素指标划分为目标层、准则层和分准则层三个层次。采用EXCEL软件进行数据统计,依次编辑各层次结构模型,构建各层次的判断矩阵和一致性检验。结果表明：猪场的管理措施、生物安全、场址是疫病传入的主要风险因素。据此确立了I级指标和II级指标,从而构建疫病传入的风险因素指标体系。     

基于B/S结构的家蚕育种与种性维持信息管理系统

对家蚕育种亲本及其新品种性状数据档案实行信息化管理,可在家蚕育种和品种的种性维持过程中自动实现完整的信息采集、计算、调用、选择等功能。开发了一个基于B/S结构的家蚕育种与种性维持信息管理系统,主要包括品种管理、计划任务管理、饲育信息管理、蚕茧信息管理、选种信息管理、选优信息管理等功能模块。选种信息管理模块的运行过程是通过电子天平称量蚕茧质量,然后根据计算模型自动进行数据信息处理与统计分析实施选择。用户可以方便地通过网络访问该系统,实现家蚕新品种选育及种性维持工作的自动化。     

Heart Rate Variability in Horses Engaged in Equine-Assisted Activities

Although there has been a recent surge in using horses to treat mental and emotional human health issues, the consequences of horse-assisted interventions on the stress response of horses have not been well documented. Assessment of the autonomic nervous system and its regulation of cardiovascular function has been used as an indicator of acute and chronic stress in human beings and horses. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a noninvasive measurement that has been used to assess autonomic nervous system regulation of cardiovascular function. There is evidence to suggest that several factors including the genotype, behavior, environment, temperament, and nutritional status of the horse play a key role in the large inter-individual variations in basal HRV. The present study determined whether 24-hour HRV recordings in horses currently working in equine-assisted therapy (EAT) differ from those previously shown in Thoroughbred horses. Findings from the present study found that in contrast to previous studies in Thoroughbred horses, diurnal and nocturnal low frequency and high frequency powers were not significantly different in horses that are currently engaged in EAT. Future studies are needed to determine the short- and long-term consequences of horses participating in EAT programs. Findings from this study will provide the basis for the development of a physiological/behavioral assessment criteria to determine the consequences of EAT on the well-being of horses as well as to help EAT Centers to improve the beneficial effects of EAT in human beings.     

Development Of A Scoring System For The Veterinary Trauma Patient

An animal trauma triage (ATT) scoring system was devised to provide stratification of veterinary trauma patient populations based upon severity of injury. A retrospective population of 101 trauma patients and a prospective population of 88 patients were used to evaluate the predictive power of the ATT scoring system for survival seven days after initial presentation of the emergency service. In Both groups, the mean ATT score for survivors was significantly lower than the mean ATT score for non-survivors. In a logistic regression mode, the ATT score was found to be a significant predictor of the likelihood of survival seven days after initial presentation for both populartions. Each point increase in the ATT score resulted in a 2.3–2.6 times decreased likelihood of survival. The ATT scoring system is a useful objective classification scheme for predicting the likelihood to survive a traumatic incident and can serve as prototype for severity of injuroy scoring systems for the veterinary trauma patient.     

Carbon monoxide toxicity: a case series

Objective: To describe diagnostics, therapy, and sequelae of acute carbon monoxide (CO) toxicity because of a motor vehicle generator in 4 dogs and 2 cats. Series summary: Four dogs and 2 cats presented for recumbency, disorientation, dyspnea, and stiffness after an estimated 6–8 hour exposure to exhaust from a generator. Diagnostics included a serum carboxyhemoglobin levels evaluation, arterial blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry readings, and blood pressure measurements. Initial therapy included oxygen (O₂) administration, intravenous bronchodilators, fluids, and a hemoglobin‐based O₂ carrying (HBOC) molecule. Following administration of the HBOC, 4 of the 6 animals showed dramatic clinical improvement. Two weeks after hospital discharge, the owner reported potential hearing deficits in all animals. Brain auditory evoked response (BAER) tests were conducted in all surviving animals and some degree of hearing impairment was documented in all cases, with complete clinical resolution noted 6 weeks later. Unique information provided: This report describes the therapeutic use of an HBOC in acute isolated CO toxicity (i.e. without the complications of smoke inhalation). In addition, delayed nervous system dysfunction was documented in all surviving animals.