The effect of aurotherapy on the level of unsaturated fatty acids during the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients

In the last decade a good number of biotechnical methods have been developed. They are available in medical, biological, and ecological fields of work as well as techniques that can replace animal experiments. These methods have been developed on the basis of researchwork in andrology (AI and cryoconservation of spermatozoa), endocrinology (hormonal control of reproduction) and the availability of industrial produced hormones and their analog. On the other hand practical clinical techniques for examination like the availability of sonography advice and clinical practical techniques for non-surgical recovery and transplantation of gamets and embryos have been the prerequisites for a successful work in this field of action. These fields of action are extended from breeding aspects (genetical progress) over the control of epidemics to the exportation of genetic material (especially developing countries to overcome hygienic and adaptation problems), the creation of gen-pools (conservation of breeds-species) and as well as the elimination of genetic defects like BLAD or DUMPS by help of PCR-techniques or the identification of positive characters like milk components and sexing of embryos. The industrial use of bioproducts produced by especially designed biosystems is in work but in Germany not possible by reasons of legislative restrictions. In the light of these developments the veterinary fields of work should be discussed and focussed towards an understanding that the veterinarian should be active and in a polposition in the processing of reproduction and production and presentation of food of animal origin by using these new technologies.     

Oxymetholone promotes weight gain in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection

The effect of the testosterone derivative oxymetholone alone or in combination with the H1-receptor antagonist ketotifen, which has recently been shown to block tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), on weight gain and performance status in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients with chronic cachexia was evaluated in a 30-week prospective pilot study. Thirty patients were randomly assigned to either oxymetholone monotherapy (n 14) or oxymetholone plus ketotifen (n 16). Patients receiving treatment were compared with a group of thirty untreated matched controls, who met the same inclusion criteria. Body weight and the Karnofsky index, which assesses the ability to perform activities of daily life, and several quality-of-life variables were measured to evaluate response to therapy. The average weight gain at peak was 8.2 (SD 6.2) kg (+ 14.5% of body weight at study entry) in the oxymetholone group (P < 0.001), and 6.1 (SD 4.6) kg (+10.9%) in the combination group (P < 0.005), compared with an average weight loss of 1.8 (SD 0.7) kg in the untreated controls. The mean time to peak weight was 19.6 weeks in the monotherapy group and 20.8 weeks in the combination group. The Karnofsky index improved equally in both groups from 56% before to 67% after 20 weeks of treatment (P < 0.05). The quality of life variables (activities of daily life, and appetite/nutrition) improved in 68% (P < 0.05) and 91% (P < 0.01) of the treated patients respectively. Oxymetholone was safe and promoted weight gain in cachectic patients with advanced HIV-1 infection. The addition of ketotifen did not further support weight gain. These results suggest the need for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial.     

Postoperative tetanus after gangrenous ileus

Tetanus has become an uncommon disease in developed countries. Tetanus is caused by exotoxins from the bacteria Clostridium tetani. This microbe, which is obligate anaerobe, is present in soil, and animal and human faeces. The condition usually appears after contamination of wounds. However, reports have been published of tetanus occurring after both acute and selective gastrointestinal surgery. We present a case of severe postoperative tetanus in a 57 year-old woman who underwent bowel resection after strangulation of the ileum. The patient was treated on an intensive care unit and was artificially ventilated for 64 days. Seven months later she had fully recovered. Clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and complications are discussed in the report. The diagnosis of tetanus is made by clinical observation. Nowadays, lack of suspicion of this condition may cause delay in administering proper treatment. Women and older men are often inadequately immunized. Doctors should therefore examine the immunization status of these groups of patients regularly.     

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis in a patient with a positive patch test to tin

The case of a 69-year-old man with liver cirrhosis, thrombocytopenia, unstable angina, and a history of previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is presented. The patient under-went successful repeat CABG through lateral thoracotomy on the beating heart without extracorporeal circulatory support.