Lead-based paint detection using perovskite fluorescence and X-ray fluorescence.

BACKGROUND: Ingestion of flakes of Pb-based paint by infants remains a global health hazard with life-long consequences. Pb-based paint was banned for residential use in the US and Western Europe decades ago but is still sold in many countries. This study evaluates the performance of a new kit for detecting exposed Pb-based paint relying on the formation of Pb-halide perovskite that fluoresces bright green under a UV flashlight after spraying a non-toxic reagent. RESULTS: Tests with the Lumetallix kit were conducted in parallel with X-fluorescence and inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission analysis upon acid digestion using paint currently sold in Côte d'Ivoire and samples of older US paint. Comparison of the three different methods indicates a detection limit for the Lumetallix kit of approximately 500 mg kg-1 (ppm) Pb in paint, with a sensitivity of 95 % and selectivity of 94 % relative to that threshold (n = 76). This detection limit is an order of magnitude below the US definition of Pb-based paint of 0.5 % (5,000 ppm) Pb by weight. SIGNIFICANCE: Because the kit is easy to use, exposed paint posing a risk could reliably be screened at scale by the general public. Any follow-up for confirmation and mitigation based on XRF measurements will need to consider that Pb-based paint covered with low-Pb paint will not respond to the kit but will be detected by XRF through the overpainted layer.

Management of Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Disease While at Sea.

Management of complex acute surgical pathology in austere environments necessitates rapid evaluation and resource appropriate management to avoid time-associated morbidity and potentially mortality. Obstructive upper gastrointestinal (UGI) pathologies can be particularly challenging and associated with significant morbidity. Herein, we present six patients with UGI obstructions encountered over the course of an 8-mo deployment onboard a US Navy Aircraft Carrier. Each patient presented to our medical department with signs and symptoms of obstructive UGI pathology including one gastric volvulus requiring operative management at sea, one with a new diagnosis of achalasia requiring transportation and continental United States outpatient evaluation, and four patients with food impaction requiring urgent endoscopic management. Although UGI pathology is seldom encountered at sea, definitive surgical interventions, including prompt evaluation and management of these acute pathologies, can be performed in an austere environment. We wish to call attention to these potential encounters in order that underway deployed medical units and supporting resources ashore are prepared and equipped to intervene on acute UGI obstructive pathology.

Use of porcine small intestinal submucosa in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome Type IV.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) Type IV results in inadequate production of type III collagen and can lead to devastating vascular, gastrointestinal, and uterine complications. A case is presented of spontaneous colonic perforation in a patient with EDS Type IV complicated by multiple intestinal fistulas managed with porcine small intestinal submucosa. Early success with this technique would suggest additional applications in a variety of complicated gastrointestinal problems.

Effects of ad placement and type on consumer responses to podcast ads.

The purpose of this study was to understand the effects of podcast ad placement and podcast ad type on consumers' perceived intrusiveness, perceived irritation, attitude toward the ad, and ad avoidance. Our 2 x 2 (traditional ad vs. sponsorship by beginning vs. middle) experimental study found that sponsorships generated better consumer responses than did traditional ads and that podcast ads placed at the beginning of audio podcasts yielded better consumer responses than those placed in the middle. Implications for marketers and advertisers are discussed.