Diagnosing Cervical Spine Instability: Role of the Post-Computed Tomography Scan
Out-of-Collar Lateral Radiograph
Published online: 27 January 2011
Alexander Ding, Hani Abujudeh, Robert A. Novelline
DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2010.11.039
Journal of Emergency Medicine

 http://www.jem-journal.com/article/S0736-4679%2810%2901007-3/abstract

Initiating Palliative Care in the Emergency Department
Travis E. DeVader, Robert Albrecht, Mark Reiter
The Journal of Emergency Medicine – 27 January 2011 (10.1016/j.jemermed.2010.11.035)
http://www.jem-journal.com/article/S0736-4679%2810%2901003-6/abstract

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/wk/mm6003.pdf?source=govdelivery

Interim Guidance: Preexposure Prophylaxis for the Prevention of HIV Infection in Men Who Have Sex with Men
Lead Poisoning of a Child Associated with Use of a Cambodian Amulet New York City, 2009
Updated Recommendations for Use of Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccines Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2010
Notes from the Field: Respiratory Diphtheria-Like Illness Caused by Toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans Idaho, 2010
Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables

Chomel BB, Sun B. Zoonoses in the bedroom. Emerg Infect Dis [serial on the Internet]. 2011 Feb [date cited]. http://www.cdc.gov/EID/content/17/2/167.htm

DOI: 10.3201/eid1702101070

http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/17/2/167.htm#cit

Scheuermeyer FX, et al “Emergency department management and 1-year outcomes of patients with atrial flutter”                                                                           Ann Emerg Med 2011; DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2010.09.027.

“….In a retrospective cohort study in two large emergency departments, patients eligible for rhythm control had a higher success rate (electrical cardioversion) and a lower admission rate than those treated with anti-arrhythmic medications…..”

http://www.medpagetoday.com/Cardiology/Arrhythmias/24458

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/22/AR2011012203854.html

Washington Post

Officials fear bath salts becoming the next big drug menace 

 By Sheila Byrd

Sunday, January 23, 2011

“…..emergency calls are being reported over exposure to the stimulants the powders often contain: mephedrone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone, also known as MDPV.

Sold under such names as Ivory Wave, Bliss, White Lightning and Hurricane Charlie, the chemicals can cause hallucinations, paranoia, a rapid heart rate and suicidal thoughts……”

Comparison of acute nonthrombolytic and thrombolytic treatments in ischemic stroke patients 80 years or older
Haralabos Zacharatos, Ameer E. Hassan, Gabriela Vazquez, Haitham M. Hussein, Gustavo J. Rodriguez, M. Fareed K. Suri, Kamakshi Lakshminarayan, Mustapha A. Ezzeddine, Adnan I. Qureshi
American Journal of Emergency Medicine – 19 January 2011 (10.1016/j.ajem.2010.11.019)

Link:  http://www.ajemjournal.com/article/S0735-6757%2810%2900561-9/abstract

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm240564.htm

Recall — Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Hawaii Business Group Incorporated, Barb’s Favorite Recipes, and Ohana Seafoods Recall Barb’s Local Style Black Bean Sauce and Ohana Flavors Black Bean Sauce Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Hawaii Business Group, Incorporated
808-676-0880

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 19, 2011 – Hawaii Business Group Incorporated, Barb’s Favorite Recipes, and Ohana Seafoods are recalling Barb’s Local Style Black Bean Sauce and Ohana Flavors Black Bean Sauce because of possible health risks due to the potential growth of Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled. The sauce was manufactured by First Commercial Kitchen LLC.

Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, may cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision, and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, abdominal distension, and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

The Black Bean Sauce is sold in 12oz. glass jars and labeled as Barb’s Local Style Black Bean Sauce or Ohana Flavors Black Bean Sauce. The UPC numbers on the product are 6-75981-42491-8 and 7-02003-72739-6. The recalled sauce was distributed on Oahu and Molokai.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. A routine inspection discovered the problem.

Consumers may contact Hawaii Business Group, Incorporated at 808-676-0880 between 7:30AM and 3PM, Monday through Friday for further information.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm240560.htm

Recall — Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Mama Rose’s Gourmet Foods Recalls Cilantro Con Queso, Garlic Con Queso, Viper Venom Con Queso and Hopi Corn Salsa Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Mama Rose’s Gourment Foods
P.O. Box 36852
Phoenix, AZ 86067
602-477-8286

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 20, 2011 – Mama Rose’s Gourmet Foods of Phoenix, AZ is voluntarily recalling Cilantro Con Queso, Garlic Con Queso, Viper Venom Con Queso and Hopi Corn Salsa, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

All Con Queso expiration dates of 01/10/12 and earlier and Salsa expiration dates of 01/06/13 and earlier located on a white sticker on the bottom of the jar are affected by this recall.

The listed Con Queso and Corn Salsa products were distributed in AZ and WA through retail stores and gift shops.

Mama Rose’s Gourmet Foods has not received any reports of illness connected with these products and has issued this voluntary recall as a precautionary measure. The potential for contamination was noted after routine FDA inspection and product testing found that the products were not processed according to acidified food regulations.

Eit Frits van der Velde, Diane B. Toll, Arina J. ten Cate-Hoek, Ruud Oudega, Henri E. J. H. Stoffers, Patrick M. Bossuyt, Harry R. Büller, Martin H. Prins, Arno W. Hoes, Karel G. M. Moons, and Henk C. P. M. van Weert.  Comparing the Diagnostic Performance of 2 Clinical Decision Rules to Rule Out Deep Vein Thrombosis in Primary Care Patients .   Ann Fam Med 2011; 9: 31-36.

http://www.annfammed.org/cgi/reprint/9/1/31

http://www.medpagetoday.com/ProductAlert/DevicesandVaccines/24449

Uptick in Febrile Seizures Tied to Flu Vaccine

By Todd Neale, Staff Writer, MedPage Today
Published: January 20, 2011

“The FDA and CDC have detected an increase in reports of febrile seizures among children younger than 2 who received Fluzone, the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine made by Sanofi Pasteur……..[T]he recommendation for vaccinating children against influenza — that everyone 6 months and older should be immunized — remains unchanged.   The FDA statement noted that all of the children with febrile seizure recovered with no lasting effects….”

http://www.webmd.com/news/20110120/snow-shoveling-injures-thousands-each-year

Shoveling Snow Injures Thousands Each Year

“……..The research team looked at snow shoveling injuries and medical emergencies in the U.S. from 1990 to 2006…….. During that time, about 195,000 people in the U.S. were treated in a hospital emergency room for a snow shoveling injury……….

……..Overworking your muscles, falling, and being hit with the shovel were the most common reasons for getting hurt.   Muscle, ligament, tendon, and other soft tissue injuries topped the list of snow shoveling mishaps………The arms and hands were the most likely body regions to sustain a bone fracture.  Heart-related problems made up only 7% of snow shoveling injuries…….Adults over 55 were 4.25 times more likely than younger people to have heart-related symptoms while shoveling………..”

“…….Nearly 300,000 people in the U.S. collapse each year from cardiac arrest, according to the FDA. Academics estimate nearly 500 lives are saved each year in the U.S. as a result of bystanders using the devices…..”

Source:  Perrone M (Associated Press).  FDA wants stricter testing for defibrillators.  http://www.ems1.com/print.asp?act=print&vid=959179.  Accessed 1/22/11.

http://www.ems1.com/print.asp?act=print&vid=959179

EMS1.com

 FDA wants stricter testing for defibrillators

The tighter regulation is aimed at curbing design and manufacturing flaws with the devices

Outcome of Chest Pain Patients Discharged From a French Emergency Department: A
60-day Prospective Study
Published online: 20 January 2011
Emmanuel Montassier, Eric Batard, Jean Pierre Gueffet, David Trewick, Philippe
Le Conte
DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2010.11.036
Journal of Emergency Medicine

http://www.jem-journal.com/article/S0736-4679%2810%2901004-8/abstract