Smears are important for adequate cytologic diagnosis of kidney lesions.

Introduction: Traditionally at our institution, smears with or without liquid-based cytology (LBC) and core biopsies (CBs) have been obtained by radiologists performing image-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) of deep organs. Since 2015, however, there has been a shift to providing cytology with samples for LBC only when obtaining CBs. The impression among our institution's cytologists is that LBC alone is less often adequate for diagnosis compared with smears and LBC together.

Do early skin care practices alter the risk of atopic dermatitis? A case-control study.

The rise in atopic dermatitis prevalence observed in industrialized countries is unexplained. We hypothesized that certain skin care practices early in life may increase the risk for developing atopic dermatitis. Our case-control study could not identify any one practice that increased the odds of developing atopic dermatitis, but it revealed that regular lotion use was very common in infants who later develop atopic dermatitis.

Effects of a novel formulation of fluocinonide 0.1% cream on skin barrier function in atopic dermatitis.

Objective: To determine the effect a novel formulation of fluocinonide cream on skin barrier function in subjects with atopic dermatitis.

Design: The authors performed an open-label, investigator-blinded, side-by-side, controlled trial examining skin barrier function before and after a two-week course of a class I, super-potent topical steroid.

Setting: Outpatient university-based dermatology clinic in Portland, OR.

A pilot study of emollient therapy for the primary prevention of atopic dermatitis.

Background: Prevention strategies in atopic dermatitis (AD) using allergen avoidance have not been consistently effective. New research reveals the importance of the skin barrier in the development of AD and possibly food allergy and asthma. Correcting skin barrier defects from birth may prevent AD onset or moderate disease severity.