Breaking the threshold: Developing multivariable models using computer-aided chest X-ray analysis for tuberculosis triage.

Objectives: Computer-aided detection (CAD) software packages quantify tuberculosis (TB)-compatible chest X-ray (CXR) abnormality as continuous scores. In practice, a threshold value is selected for binary CXR classification. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of an alternative approach to applying CAD for TB triage: incorporating CAD scores in multivariable modeling.

Flucloxacillin and cefazolin for treatment of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection.

Purpose: Antistaphylococcal penicillins and cefazolin have been used as first line therapy in Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection. While efficacy of both regimens seems to be similar, the compounds may differ with regard to tolerability. This study aims to describe the clinical use of cefazolin and flucloxacillin, focussing on discontinuation or change of anti-infective agent due to adverse events.

Brain abscess with Ureaplasma parvum in a patient with granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

Purpose: Ureaplasma species are associated with urogenital infections, infertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes as well as neonatal infections. Involvement of the central nervous system in adults is extremely rare. We report an unusual case of a brain abscess secondary to otitis media with Ureaplasma parvum in a patient with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA).

Adenosine receptor A2a blockade by caffeine increases IFN-gamma production in Th1 cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: Studies indicate that caffeine uptake may be a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but a definitive link between caffeine consumption and RA has not been established. This study aimed to investigate the interplay between caffeine, adenosine receptor A2a, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production in CD4 T cells from RA patients.

Method: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from the peripheral blood of healthy individuals and patients with RA.

Chest X-ray Analysis With Deep Learning-Based Software as a Triage Test for Pulmonary Tuberculosis: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Accuracy.

Background: Automated radiologic analysis using computer-aided detection software (CAD) could facilitate chest X-ray (CXR) use in tuberculosis diagnosis. There is little to no evidence on the accuracy of commercially available deep learning-based CAD in different populations, including patients with smear-negative tuberculosis and people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, PLWH).

Methods: We collected CXRs and individual patient data (IPD) from studies evaluating CAD in patients self-referring for tuberculosis symptoms with culture or nucleic acid amplification testing as the reference.