Long-term effects of immunosuppressive therapy on lung function in scleroderma patients.

The study aims to analyze the effects of induction treatment with cyclophosphamide (CYC) pulse therapy followed by maintenance treatment with other mild immunosuppressive agents on lung function in scleroderma (SSc) patients. Thirty patients with SSc (mean age 52 years, mean disease duration < 2 years) with forced vital capacity (FVC) ≤ 80% and/or diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLco) ≤ 70% were included. Monthly CYC pulses were given for 6 months (induction treatment), followed by 3-monthly maintenance pulses for the next 18 months, and during the next 5 years patients received other mild immunosupressive therapy brought by the competent rheumatologist.

Managing refractory cryoglobulinemic vasculitis: challenges and solutions.

Cryoglobulinemia is thought to be a rare condition. It may be an isolated disorder or secondary to a particular disease. According to immunoglobulin composition, cryoglobulinemia is classified into three types.

Transabdominal and transrectal ultrasonography of fetuses in Württemberg ewes: Correlation with gestational age.

It is useful to determine the gestational age in sheep to provide essential information for effective flock management practices. The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and practical aspects for using two ultrasound techniques, transabdominal and transrectal, in determining the gestational age in Württemberg ewes. Monitoring of embryo and fetus developmental stages during the ewes' gestation was carried out with real time ultrasound using a transabdominal convex probe, frequency 3.