pHoenix score: development and validation of a novel approach to decrease the number of inconclusive GERD diagnoses.

Background: The Johnson-DeMeester composite score (DMS) is the historical gold standard for diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The Lyon Consensus outlines criteria for diagnosing GERD by pH monitoring, defining normal acid exposure time (AET) as < 4% and pathological as > 6%, presenting diagnostic uncertainty from 4 to 6%. We aimed to (i) calculate the proportion of borderline studies defined by total AET alone that are reclassified as normal or pathological by the DMS, (ii) determine the importance of supine AET for reclassification, and (iii) propose a new classification system using a composite score that considers positional changes.

Concomitant septic and crystal arthropathy: a single-centre 10-year retrospective observational study in New Zealand.

Aim: To quantify and characterise patients with coexistent septic arthritis (SA) and crystal arthritis (CA) (SACA) in an emergency department (ED) setting.

Methods: A single-centre, retrospective, 10-year observational study was conducted at a major referral centre. Patients with a positive joint aspirate for CA or SA carried out in ED, were included.

Human papillomavirus and occupational exposure: The need for vaccine provision for healthcare providers.

To probe the understanding of healthcare providers regarding occupational exposure to human papillomavirus and their knowledge about human papillomavirus vaccination in relation to the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) recommendations. In this cross-sectional study, the healthcare providers at Mayo Clinic Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota were delivered an electronic survey. The survey was completed by 349 healthcare providers, with one respondent excluded for inconsistent entry.

Alcohol and acute traumatic brain injury in the emergency department.

Objective: There is limited research from Australasian EDs describing the demographic make-up, injury severity and impact of alcohol in patients requiring computed tomography (CT) for suspected traumatic brain injury (TBI). The present study aims to review the frequency and presenting patterns of patients who consume alcohol prior to presenting with suspected TBI.

Methods: Retrospective observational study of patients referred for head CT to exclude TBI from a major referral centre and regional ED in New Zealand, between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2019.