Methotrexate Versus Cyclosporine in Adults with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: A Phase III Randomized Noninferiority Trial.

Background: Methotrexate is currently used to treat atopic dermatitis but has never been assessed versus cyclosporine in adults.

Objective: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of methotrexate versus cyclosporine in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

Methods: Patients were randomized to receive either oral methotrexate (15 mg/wk) or cyclosporine (2.

ITPA deficiency and ribavirin level are still predictive of anaemia in HCV-HIV-coinfected patients receiving ribavirin combined with a first-generation DAA (ANRS HC27 study).

Background: We aimed to determine the impact of inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) deficiency on ribavirin (RBV)-induced anaemia in HIV-HCV-coinfected patients receiving a triple therapy including the haematotoxic direct-acting antiviral agent boceprevir (BOC).

Methods: Patients of the ANRS HC27 BocepreVIH study were genotyped for two ITPA single nucleotide polymorphisms involved in ITPA deficiency. RBV trough concentration (C) was determined at week (W)4 and W8.

Do Biologics Protect Patients With Psoriasis From Myocardial Infarction? A Retrospective Cohort.

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder that affects approximately 2% to 3% of the population, which translates to 17 million in North America and Europe and approximately 170 million people worldwide. Although psoriasis can occur at any age, most cases develop before age 40 years. Some larger studies have noted bimodal age at onset with the first peak occurring at approximately age 30 years and the second peak at around 55 to 60 years, but most patients have a younger age of onset (15-30 years).

Prognostic Value of Preoperative Brain Natriuretic Peptide Serum Levels in Liver Transplantation.

Background: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) serum concentration has been shown to be a preoperative predictor of postoperative outcome in high risk surgery. Whether it is able to predict early post-liver transplantation (LT) mortality in cirrhotic patients is unanswered.

Methods: Prospective monocenter observational study including all consecutive patients who received LT for cirrhosis and for whom a preoperative BNP serum dosage was available between January 2011 and December 2014.

Organic molecules in the Sheepbed Mudstone, Gale Crater, Mars.

Unlabelled: The Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument on board the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover is designed to conduct inorganic and organic chemical analyses of the atmosphere and the surface regolith and rocks to help evaluate the past and present habitability potential of Mars at Gale Crater. Central to this task is the development of an inventory of any organic molecules present to elucidate processes associated with their origin, diagenesis, concentration, and long-term preservation. This will guide the future search for biosignatures.

Diagnostic values of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-tube assay carried out in China for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis.

Background: Interferon-release assays (IGRAs) for diagnosing active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) are not yet fully validated, particularly in high TB-endemic areas as the People's Republic of China (PRC). The aim of this report was to assess the performance of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-tube (QFT-GIT) and tuberculin skin test (TST), in addition to microbiological results, as contributors for diagnosing active PTB in the PRC.

Methods/principal Findings: A total of 300 PTB patients, 41 disease controls (DC) and 59 healthy community controls (HCC) were included prospectively between May 2010 and April 2011 from two provinces of the PRC (Heilongjiang and Zhejiang).

Irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct in association with a wall thickening is a key sign at endoscopic ultrasonography for the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of key signs identified at endoscopic ultrasonography in diagnosing an autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP).

Methods: Between January 2007 and December 2011, a retrospective case-control study was conducted in 177 patients with AIP (n = 30), pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n = 42), pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (n = 21), alcoholic chronic pancreatitis (n = 32), and symptomatic common bile duct stones (n = 52).

Results: An irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct in association with a wall thickening was seen in 28 of 30 AIP, 1 of 42 pancreatic adenocarcinoma, 0 of 21 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, 0 of 32 alcoholic chronic pancreatitis, and 0 of 52 common bile duct stones (P < 0.

Duplication of the 15q11-q13 region: clinical and genetic study of 30 new cases.

Background: 15q11-q13 region is an area of well-known susceptibility to genomic rearrangements, in which several breakpoints have been identified (BP1-BP5). Duplication of this region is observed in two instances: presence of a supernumerary marker chromosome (SMC) derived of chromosome 15, or interstitial tandem duplication. Duplications are clinically characterized by a variable phenotype that includes central hypotonia, developmental delay, speech delay, seizure, minor dysmorphic features and autism.

A toolbox for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis: an Indian multicentric study (2006-2008). Evaluation of QuantiFERON-TB gold in tube for TB diagnosis.

Background: The aim of this multicentric prospective study in India was to assess the performance of the QuantiFERON TB-Gold in tube (QFT-GIT), Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and microbiological results as additional tools for diagnosing active tuberculosis (TB) and latent infection (LTBI) according to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) status.

Methods: Individuals with and without active TB and HIV infection were enrolled between 2006-2008. QFT-GIT and TST results were analyzed per se and in combination with microbiological data.

A toolbox for tuberculosis diagnosis: an Indian multicentric study (2006-2008): microbiological results.

Background: The aim of this multicentric prospective study in India was to assess the value of several microbiological tools that contribute to the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) according to HIV status.

Methods: Standard microbiological tools on individual specimens were analyzed.

Results: Among the 807 patients with active TB, 131 were HIV-infected, 316 HIV-uninfected and 360 had HIV-unknown status.

Prospective assessment of hospital-acquired bloosdstream infections: how many may be preventable?

Objective: To determine the proportion of preventable hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (HA-BSIs), the authors prospectively examined consecutive cases in a large university hospital over an 18-month period.

Patients And Methods: Medical charts were assessed with the physician in charge of the patient within 4 days after HA-BSI diagnosis to determine whether the infection was healthcare-related. Preventability was assessed using a validated tool.

Comparison between magnetic resonance imaging and fetopathology in the evaluation of fetal posterior fossa non-cystic abnormalities.

Objectives: To compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fetopathological findings in the evaluation of non-cystic fetal posterior fossa anomalies and to describe associated abnormalities.

Methods: This was a prospective study from 2000 to 2005 of fetuses identified on ultrasound as having sonographic suspicion of posterior fossa malformation. All underwent a thorough MRI examination of the fetal brain, after which we classified each fetus as presenting one of the following pathologies: vermian hypoplasia or agenesis, cerebellar and/or brain stem hypoplasia, destructive or dysplastic lesions.