Current evidence in the literature supports the enhancement of surgical education through the systematic use of various modalities that provide Simulation-Based Training (SBT) hands-on experience, starting from the early undergraduate level. The findings of the present study are in agreement with these previous reports.

BackgroundEssential Skills in the management of Surgical Cases – ESMSC is an International Combined Applied Surgical Science and Wet Lab course aimed at the undergraduate level. ESMSC combines interactive basic science workshops and case-based learning, with basic surgical training modules (BST) on Ex Vivo and In Vivo swine model. In Vivo Dissections include more advanced modules i.e. Abdominal Anatomy Dissections and Cardiac Transplant.AimTo evaluate the educational environment of a novel course, as well as to compare Medical students' perceptions across various groups.Materials and Methods83 Delegates from King's College London (KCL) and several Hellenic Medical Schools attended the ESMSC course. The DREEM inventory was distributed upon completion of the modules.ResultsThe mean overall score for DREEM inventory was 148.05/200(99–196, SD = 17.90). Cronbach's Alpha value was 0.818, indicating good internal consistency of the data. Year 3/4 Students have a significantly positive “Perception of Learning”, when compared to Year 5/6 (36.43 vs. 33.75, p = 0.017). KCL Students have a more positive view of the course compared to their Greek counterparts (155.19 vs. 145.62/200, p = 0.034). No statistical significant difference was noted when comparing male vs. female students (p > 0.05).ConclusionsStudents seem to positively rate the ESMSC educational environment. Junior as well as KCL students appear to be more enthusiastic. Further research should focus on the optimal strategy for early involvement and motivation of various students' groups in BST.

ObjectivesIdiopathic short stature (ISS) is a recognized, albeit a controversial indication for treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH).The objective of the present study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature and meta-analyses of selected studies about the use of rhGH in children with ISS on linear growth and adult height (AH).MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies published till February 28, 2017 in the following databases: Medline (PubMed), Scopus and Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials. After exclusion of duplicate studies, 3,609 studies were initially identified. Of those, 3,497 studies were excluded during the process of assessing the title and/or the abstract. The remaining 112 studies were evaluated further by assessing the full text; 21 of them fulfilled all the criteria in order to be included in the current meta-analysis.ResultsChildren who received rhGH had significantly higher height increment at the end of the first year, an effect that persisted in the second year of treatment and achieved significantly higher AH than the control group. The difference between the two groups was equal to 5.3 cm (95% CI: 3.4–7 cm) for male and 4.7 cm (95% CI: 3.1–6.3 cm) for female patients.ConclusionIn children with ISS, treatment with rhGH improves short-term linear growth and increases AH compared with control subjects. However, the final decision should be made on an individual basis, following detailed diagnostic evaluation and careful consideration of both risks and benefits of rhGH administration.

Background Pituitary apoplexy is an acute syndrome of haemorrhage or infarction into the pituitary. The condition is relatively well described. Less well described is sub-acute presentation of the same condition Objective To compare the clinical presentation and natural history of subacute pituitary haemorrhage/ infarction with pituitary apoplexy (acute). Method Retrospective analysis of a consecutive cohort of 55 patients (33 with pituitary apoplexy, 22 with subacute disease) presenting to University Hospital Plymouth between 1994 and 2019. Comparison of the clinical, endocrinological and radiological features at presentation. Comparison of clinical treatment and subsequent outcomes for the two groups Results There were no significant differences in predisposing factors for the two groups. Acute headache was more frequent in the acute group. Chronic headache was common in both groups prior to presentation. Low sodium was more common at presentation in the acute group (11/26 vs 2/19 p= 0.02) otherwise there were no differences in endocrine deficit at presentation. A significant proportion showed an improvement in endocrine function at follow up (acute 8/31, subacute 5/21 p = 1.0). MRI characteristics were variable at presentation and follow up in both groups. Ring enhancement with contrast was more frequent in acute (14/20 vs 3/11 p= 0.03). This appearance resolved at follow up in the majority. Conclusions Pituitary apoplexy has a characteristic and dramatic presentation. Subacute pituitary haemorrhage/ infarction shows similar natural history and outcome. These would appear to represent a spectrum of the same condition.

A 65-year-old woman with a background of myalgic encephalitis, who was taking alternative medicines and dietary supplements, presented with hypokalaemia and hypertension. After a thorough history it became apparent that this was most likely secondary to regular consumption of liquorice tea. The patient was advised to discontinue drinking this tea and was discharged. Follow-up showed normalising blood pressure and hypokalaemia, with a normal aldosterone:renin ratio.