J Emerg Med
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The COVID-19 pandemic presents a significant challenge to the global health care system. Implementing timely, accurate, and cost-effective screening approaches is crucial in preventing infections and saving lives by guiding disease management. ⋯ This study developed and validated three machine learning prediction models for COVID-19 mortality based on accessible clinical features. The RF model showed the best performance among the three models. The nine variables identified in the models may warrant further investigation as potential prognostic indicators of severe COVID-19.
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The differential diagnosis for pediatric neck pain is broad and includes benign and life-threatening entities. The neck is a complex structure with many compartments. Rare disease processes exist that can mimic more serious conditions, such as meningitis. ⋯ We present a case of a teenager with several days of severe pain underneath her left jaw, limiting the motion of her neck. After laboratory and imaging evaluation, the patient was found to have an infected Thornwaldt cyst and was subsequently admitted for IV antibiotic treatment. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Including infected congenital cysts on the differential for pediatric neck pain can help ensure appropriate use of invasive procedures, such as lumbar puncture. Missed cases of infected congenital cysts could lead to patients returning to the emergency department with persistent or worsened symptoms.
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The U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 has been used as a screening tool for residency selection. In February 2020, Step 1 numerical scoring changed to pass/fail. ⋯ Most EM programs disagree with pass/fail scoring of Step 1 and will most likely use Step 2 score as a screening tool. The cSLOEs, EM rotation grades, and interview are considered the most important selection factors.