Acute intoxication caused by three common synthetic cannabinoids: The experience of a large, urban, tertiary care hospital.

Background: Synthetic cannabinoids (SC) are chemical substances, which activate cannabinoid receptors in a similar fashion to tetrahydrocannabinol, but with increased efficacy, and are used as illicit recreational drugs.

Objective: Our objective was to characterize the clinical manifestations and management of three specific, common SC exposures in a cohort of patients presenting to the emergency department of our institution.

Methods: Retrospective case series of patients admitted to an urban tertiary care center between August 1, 2018 and December 31, 2021, with confirmed SC use and positive urinary immunoassay testing for AB-FUBINACA, 4F-MDMB-BUTINACA and ACHMINACA.

Value of Cerebrospinal Fluid Lactate Levels in Diagnosing Shunt Infections in Pediatric Patients.

Objective: The diagnosis and timely treatment of shunt infections (SI) in children is of paramount importance. In some cases, the standard cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) variables will not be sufficient for an accurate diagnosis of SI. CSF lactate (LCSF) has been found to assist in differentiating bacterial from nonbacterial meningitis in non-neurosurgical patients.

The value of cerebrospinal fluid lactate levels in diagnosing CSF infections in pediatric neurosurgical patients.

Purpose: Diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) infections in patients following neurosurgical procedures can be challenging. CSF lactate (LCSF) has been shown to assist in differentiating bacterial from non-bacterial meningitis in non-neurosurgical patients. The use of lactate in diagnosing CSF-related infections following neurosurgical procedures has been described in adults.

Procollagen C-Proteinase Enhancer 1 (PCPE-1) in Liver Fibrosis.

Fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of collagen and additional extracellular matrix (ECM) components in response to chronic injuries. Liver fibrosis often results from chronic hepatitis C virus infection and alcohol abuse that can deteriorate to cirrhosis and liver failure. Current noninvasive diagnostic methods of liver fibrosis are limited in their ability to detect and differentiate between early and intermediate stages of fibrosis.