New findings shed light on complexities of emerging zoonotic malaria

Zoonotic malaria has been shown to be caused by two genetically distinct Plasmodium knowlesi parasite subpopulations associated with different monkey host species in Malaysia, according to new research. The authors believe this could have important implications for how the parasite adapts and spreads in humans.

SOURCE: Top Health News — ScienceDaily – Read entire story here.

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Most Routine Laboratory Testing Of Pediatric Psychiatric Patients In The Emergency Department Is Not Medically Necessary [Value & Quality]

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May 4, 2015
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We examined the patient characteristics and hospital charges associated with routine medical clearance laboratory screening tests in 1,082 children younger than age eighteen who were brought to the emergency department (ED) for involuntary mental health holds—that is, each patient was brought to the ED to be evaluated for being a danger to him- or herself or to others, for being gravely disabled (unable to meet his or her basic needs due to a mental disorder), or both—from July 2009 to December 2010. Testing was performed on 871 of the children; all patients also received a clinical examination. The median charge for blood and urine testing together was $1,235, and the most frequent ordering pattern was the full comprehensive panel of tests. Of the patients with a nonconcerning clinical examination, 94.3