Induction chemotherapy with or without erlotinib in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma amenable for surgical resection.

Purpose: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to definitive surgery has been utilized widely for locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We evaluated neoadjuvant erlotinib with platinum-docetaxel vs. placebo with platinum-docetaxel in stage III-IVB OSCC patients.

A nitrogen balance experiment using simulated urine samples.

We describe an undergraduate laboratory experiment that combines the advantages of problem-based learning with the need for biochemistry students to become proficient in practical laboratory skills. It also avoids the need to obtain ethical approval for recruiting volunteers and eliminates any possible biosafety issues with the handling and disposal of large amounts of urine. Simulated human urine samples are prepared that contain urea, uric acid, and creatinine at concentrations that represent the levels expected in 2 liters of urine collected over 24 h from subjects on various protein diets or during different physiological states.

Geospatial information technology: an adjunct to service-based outreach and education.

This exemplar highlights how geospatial information technology was effective in supporting academic practice, faculty outreach, and education initiatives at the University of Mississippi School of Nursing. Using this cutting-edge technology created a community-based prototype for fully integrating point-of-service research, practice, and academics into a cohesive strategy to influence change within the health care delivery system. This exemplar discusses ways this knowledge benefits practice and curriculum development; informs critical decision making affecting the people we serve; underscores the vital role nurses play in linking this technology to practice; and develops community residents as partners in their own health and that of the community.

Transient uniocular blindness after dental extraction under general anaesthetic.

A 14-year-old boy suffered transient uniocular blindness after extraction of four permanent first molar teeth under general anaesthetic. We discuss the theoretical basis for ocular vasospasm secondary to the minor trauma of dental extraction being relayed to the orbit.

Spontaneous passage of a dacryolith.

A patient had four episodes of recurrent dacryolith over 14 years. Each attack of acutely painful dacryocystitis was terminated by spontaneous passage of the dacryolith. Biochemical and dacryocystographic evidence help to explain the pathogenesis of the condition.