Myeloperoxidase Modulates Inflammation in Generalized Pustular Psoriasis and Additional Rare Pustular Skin Diseases.

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a severe multi-systemic inflammatory disease characterized by neutrophilic pustulosis and triggered by pro-inflammatory IL-36 cytokines in skin. While 19%-41% of affected individuals harbor bi-allelic mutations in IL36RN, the genetic cause is not known in most cases. To identify and characterize new pathways involved in the pathogenesis of GPP, we performed whole-exome sequencing in 31 individuals with GPP and demonstrated effects of mutations in MPO encoding the neutrophilic enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO).

Quantitative perfusion analysis of transabdominal contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of pancreatic masses and carcinomas.

Background & Aims: Preoperative differential diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and focal masses in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) can be challenging. There are fine differences in the vascularization of these lesions; ultrasound contrast agents can aid in their differentiation. We evaluated the value of software-aided quantitative analysis of transabdominal contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for differential diagnosis of PDAC vs focal masses.

Effects of cholestyramine on vitamin E levels in patients treated with statins.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cholestyramine in combination with statins on vitamin E levels and their concentration related to LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients with hyperlipidemia. In an open-label, randomized study of 25 patients with elevated LDL-C, 12 received cholestyramine (12 g/d) in addition to chronic statin therapy, which had been started at least 8 weeks prior to the study in all patients. At the start and end of the 12-week study period, vitamin E concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and cholesterol and triglycerides enzymatically in all patients.

Preliminary evidence for the mechanism underlying the development of tolerance to prazosin in congestive heart failure: the alpha-agonistic properties of dobutamine unmasked by prazosin treatment.

The hemodynamic effects of acute and chronic treatment with different vasodilators were assessed in patients with chronic heart failure of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III-IV. Each of 24 patients was randomly allocated; 6 to each of four groups: isosorbide dinitrate, dihydralazine, captopril, or prazosin. In addition, we evaluated the hemodynamic response to dobutamine by using increasing infusion rates of 2.