US of the median nerve cross-sectional area can be efficiently taught and results in measurements consistent with that of an experienced operator.

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The preparation of immunoreactive derivatives of digoxin for analytical applications is most often carried out by periodate cleavage of the terminal sugar ring (digitoxose) followed by reaction with an enzyme, protein, carrier, or related biological molecules. Here we report an improved and more efficient synthesis which was developed to provide digoxin-phospholipid conjugates useful for liposome immunoassay. The approach used involved the linking of the cleaved digitoxose through a carboxymethyl oxime functionality, which provides much improved yields of readily purified products. The synthetic modification should be applicable to the preparation of analogous phospholipid conjugates involving linkage through a sugar ring (digitoxin, ouabain, and related cardiac glycosides) or to those involving steroids (i.e., 3-digoxigenone) which can be modified to form oxime derivatives remote from key functionalities important for immunorecognition by specific antibody. The characterization of the digoxin-phospholipid conjugates with high-resolution NMR and fast atom bombardment mass spectrophotometry will also be discussed.

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The digenean Cyathocotyle bushiensis has been associated with late summer fatalities of dabbling ducks in southern Québec. The objective of this study was to investigate the intensity- and time-dependent pathogenesis induced by experimental infection with this digenean in domesticated mallard ducklings. Lesions, hemorrhagic spots, plaques, and cores were observed in the ceca. Both affected tissue area and core weight increased with increasing intensity of infection. Magnitude of tissue damage increased with increasing duration of infection. Dye, administered intravenously, was found within the cecal lumen of infected ducks demonstrating increased permeability of the cecal wall to vascular products. The data suggest that infection was associated with decreased weight gain and a minor increase in body temperature. Elevations in hemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume were observed in some infected ducklings.

No abstract