Preliminary studies for the standardization of a pXRF analyzer ICP-OES for the accurate quantification of Pb in new paint.

Determining lead (Pb) concentrations in new paints using spectroscopic methods such as Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) requires technical expertise, consumables, equipment for method preparation, and instrumentation that can be cost prohibitive and difficult to maintain in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Although portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF) analyzers are less expensive and simple to operate, their inaccuracy has limited their use to screening for the analysis of Pb in new, dried paint. To determine the limits of pXRF analyzers, new paint samples were purchased, dried, homogenized, and analyzed pXRF and ICP-OES.

Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis: A Challenging Diagnosis in the Emergency Department.

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is an underdiagnosed disease that has been described thus far only in case series. Patients, the majority of which are females, develop neuropsychiatric symptoms that can often be misdiagnosed as purely psychiatric illness. Although teratomas are nearly pathognomonic for anti-NMDAR encephalitis, these are less common in children and males.

Clinical spectrum of previously undiagnosed pediatric cardiac disease.

Unlabelled: Previously undiagnosed pediatric cardiac disease represents a clinical challenge for the emergency physician. The clinical presentation of these disorders can mimic other conditions of the respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurologic systems at a time when the need for early identification and treatment is at a premium. A high index of suspicion and superb clinical acumen is required to make a timely diagnosis and initiate optimal care.

Occult Pericardial Tamponade Presenting With Altered Mental Status.

In the pediatric population, cardiac tamponade may present with altered mental status without any clear signs of trauma. Bedside ultrasound is essential to the early diagnosis of this condition. We describe the case of a 5-year-old boy who sustained a potentially fatal, unrecognized trauma to his chest resulting in cardiac tamponade.

Mortality after discharge in clinically stable infants admitted with a first-time apparent life-threatening event.

Objective: The objective of this study is to review the mortality after discharge in clinically stable infants admitted with a first apparent life-threatening event.

Design: Retrospective chart review of all infants 0 to 6 months presenting with a first apparent life-threatening event (ALTE) over a 5-year period using explicit criteria. Patients with an emergency department (ED) diagnosis of ALTE, seizure, choking spell, or cyanosis were reviewed by 2 of 3 physicians.

Clinical spectrum of shock in the pediatric emergency department.

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the clinical spectrum of patients presenting with shock or developing shock in a pediatric emergency department (ED) during an 8-year period.

Methods: An observational study of all pediatric ED patients with shock between September 1998 and September 2006 was performed. Trauma activations were excluded.

An alternate light source to detect semen.

Unlabelled: The Wood's lamp (WL) has been used in sexual assault evaluations. Recent data have shown that semen does not fluoresce with a WL and that physicians are unable to differentiate semen from other common medicaments using a WL.

Objectives: To determine whether physicians could differentiate semen from other products using an alternate light source (ALS), and to investigate whether a brief training period with the ALS would enhance physicians' ability to differentiate between semen and other commonly used products.