Peritonsillar Abscess with Uvular Hydrops

The use of ultrasound by emergency physicians has improved the evaluation of pharyngeal infections. We present a unique case of concomitant peritonsillar abscess and uvular hydrops in which ultrasound provided accurate, timely information in the evaluation

An Educational Module for the Utilization of Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks as a Treatment Alternative for Post Dural Puncture Headache: A Quality Improvement Project

Background: Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a possible adverse effect of some spinal and neuraxial anesthesia procedures; it is characterized by visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, photophobia, and a postural component occurring within five days of a dural puncture. The epidural blood patch (EBP) has been considered the standard treatment for PDPH; however, the EBP has a considerable number of risks due to its invasive nature. The Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block (SPGB) is a non-invasive alternative therapy that shows promise in the treatment of PDPH. Methods: A thorough search of research was performed utilizing MEDLINE (ProQuest) and CINAHL to distinguish research studies published within the past five years that have assessed the efficacy of the sphenopalatine ganglion block as a treatment for post-dural puncture headaches. Results: Five published studies were classified as appropriate for analysis. The studies evaluated sphenopalatine ganglion block as an alternative to conservative treatment for post-dural puncture headache

Distinguishing Beginning Premed Students from their Science Peers: The Salience of Proximal Variables

The purpose of the study was to better understand how students at the beginning of a premed curriculum are different from their science peers on career-related variables. A total of 165 undergraduates were classified into three groups; these were premed students, students with the intent to pursue a graduate degree, and students with the intent to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Both distal (e.g., prior achievement) and proximal (e.g., mathematics and science self-efficacy and interest) social cognitive constructs were measured. Based on social cognitive career theory (SCCT), the authors predicted that the three groups would not differ on the distal variables. In contrast, the authors expected systematic group differences on the proximal variables. The hypothesis was supported; no significant group differences were found for the distal variables, but the premed group scored significantly higher than the bachelor’s degree group on almost all proximal SCCT variables. Implications for career counseling are discussed

Is there an association of vitamin B12 status with neurological function in older people? A systematic review.

Low vitamin B12 status is common in older people; however, its public health significance in terms of neurological manifestations remains unclear. The present systematic review evaluated the association of vitamin B12 status with neurological function and clinically relevant neurological outcomes in adults aged 50+ years. A systematic search of nine bibliographic databases (up to March 2013) identified twelve published articles describing two longitudinal and ten cross-sectional analyses. The included study populations ranged in size (n 28-2287) and mean/median age (range 65-81 years). Studies reported various neurological outcomes: nerve function; clinically measured signs and symptoms of nerve function; self-reported neurological symptoms. Studies were assessed for risk of bias, and results were synthesised qualitatively. Among the general population groups of older people, one longitudinal study reported no association, and four of seven cross-sectional studies reported limited evidence of an association of vitamin B12 status with some, but not all, neurological outcomes. Among groups with clinical and/or biochemical evidence of low vitamin B12 status, one longitudinal study reported an association of vitamin B12 status with some, but not all, neurological outcomes and three cross-sectional analyses reported no association. Overall, there is limited evidence from observational studies to suggest an association of vitamin B12 status with neurological function in older people. The heterogeneity and quality of the evidence base preclude more definitive conclusions, and further high-quality research is needed to better inform understanding of public health significance in terms of neurological function of vitamin B12 status in older people

Recent high school graduates support mandatory cardiopulmonary resuscitation education in Australian high schools

Objective: To evaluate recent high school graduates\u27 opinions on mandatory cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training in the high school curriculum as a solution to improving bystander CPR rates. Methods: Participants completed questionnaires assessing their CPR training history during their high school education, their willingness to learn CPR during their high school years and their opinion on making CPR training mandatory for high school curricula. Results: Of the 178 participants in this study, 60% had undertaken CPR training during their high school education. Of those who had not undertaken CPR training, 75% reported that they would have been willing to learn CPR had they been provided with the opportunity. A total of 97% of participants were in support of mandatory CPR training in high school education. Conclusion: Implementing mandatory CPR training in high school education would be embraced by students. Implications for public health: Findings of this study support our recommendation to implement mandatory CPR training in the high school curriculum. This will likely increase the number of bystanders in the community who would spontaneously administer CPR, thereby improving outcomes for patients experiencing out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest