Culture and other direct detection methods to diagnose human granulocytic anaplasmosis.

Objectives: We sought to assess the performance of 3 laboratory tests on blood specimens for direct detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the cause of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA), in patients tested at a single medical institution in New York State.

Methods: Direct tests included microscopic blood smear examination for intragranulocytic inclusions, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and culture using the HL-60 cell line. The HGA cases testing positive by only 1 direct test were not included, unless HGA was confirmed by acute or convalescent serology using an indirect immunofluorescent assay.

SARS-CoV-2 Symptoms during the Omicron Surge Differ between Boosted and Vaccinated Non-Boosted Persons.

To determine the impact of booster COVID-19 vaccination on SARS-CoV-2 symptoms. : The Omicron surge of infections provided an opportunity to evaluate symptoms in relation to booster receipt. At a US medical college, the number, type, and duration of symptoms were evaluated for 476 students or employees, factoring in days between last vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis.

Validity of Computer-interpreted "Normal" and "Otherwise Normal" ECG in Emergency Department Triage Patients.

Introduction: Chest pain is the second most common chief complaint for patients undergoing evaluation in emergency departments (ED) in the United States. The American Heart Association recommends immediate physician interpretation of all electrocardiograms (ECG) performed for adults with chest pain within 10 minutes to evaluate for the finding of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The ECG machines provide computerized interpretation of each ECG, potentially obviating the need for immediate physician analysis; however, the reliability of computer-interpreted findings of "normal" or "otherwise normal" ECG to rule out STEMI requiring immediate intervention in the ED is unknown.

Variation in Hospital Practices Regarding Marijuana Use in Pregnancy and Lactation.

Evidence is lacking on the safety of marijuana (MJ) exposure on the fetus and neonate, and current guidelines vary across professional organizations. We examined variation in hospital practices regarding use of mother's own milk (MOM) in the setting of perinatal MJ exposure based on hospital location and state MJ legal designation. We conducted a cross-sectional electronic survey of U.