Subject(s)
Liver Transplantation , Tissue and Organ Procurement , Humans , Diaphragm , Tissue DonorsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A diagnostic algorithm for appendicitis in children was created to reduce computed tomography (CT) use owing to the risk of cancer from radiation exposure and cost of CT. This study evaluates the impact of the algorithm on CT use and diagnostic accuracy of appendicitis. METHODS: Patients ≤18 years who underwent appendectomy for suspected appendicitis after presenting to the emergency department for 2 years before and 3 years after algorithm implementation were identified. Clinical characteristics and outcomes, including use of CT and negative appendectomy rate, were compared between the pre- and post-implementation periods. Multivariable analysis was used to determine the impact of CT on negative appendectomy. RESULTS: We identified 331 patients-41% in the pre- and 59% in the post-implementation period. CT utilization decreased from 39% to 18% (P < .001) after implementation. The negative appendectomy rate increased from 9% to 11% (P = .59). Use of CT did not impact the risk of negative appendectomy (P = .64). CONCLUSION: Utilization of CT was significantly reduced after implementation of a diagnostic algorithm for appendicitis without impacting diagnostic accuracy. Given the concern for increased risk of cancer after CT, these results support use of an algorithm in children with suspected appendicitis.
Subject(s)
Algorithms , Appendectomy , Appendicitis/diagnostic imaging , Appendicitis/diagnosis , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Appendicitis/surgery , Child , Cohort Studies , Emergency Service, Hospital , False Positive Reactions , Female , Humans , Male , Prospective Studies , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential element and is a widespread environmental pollutant. Exposure to cadmium can result in cytotoxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic effects. The aim of the current work was to evaluate the protective effect of Aquilegia vulgaris extract against the oxidative stress and the genotoxicity induced by Cd using the chromosomal aberrations in somatic and germ cells assay and random amplified polymorphism DNA (RAPD-PCR) analysis. Forty male Balb/c mice were divided into four groups including the control group, Cd-treated group and the groups treated with the extract alone or plus Cd. The results indicated that Cd increased serum ALT, AST, urea, LDH, CK, lipid peroxidation in liver tissue accompanied with a significant decrease in GPX and SOD. Cd also increased the number of chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow and spermatocytes including structural and numerical aberrations. Animals treated with the extract alone were comparable to the control regarding all the tested parameters. The extract succeeded in preventing or diminishing the oxidative stress and the clastogenic effects of Cd. It could be concluded that Aquilegia vulgaris extract is a promising protective agent against oxidative stress and genotoxicity during the exposure to Cd.
Subject(s)
Antioxidants/pharmacology , Aquilegia , Lipid Peroxidation/drug effects , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Animals , Cadmium/toxicity , Chromosome Aberrations/chemically induced , Chromosome Aberrations/drug effects , DNA/drug effects , Kidney/drug effects , Kidney/metabolism , Liver/drug effects , Liver/metabolism , Male , Mice , Mutagens/toxicity , Plant Leaves/chemistry , Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA TechniqueABSTRACT
In an attempt to arrive at an adequate planning process for the effective and successful control of hashish production, cultivation areas in Southern Darfour and Bahr Elgazal States in Sudan were investigated during the cultivation period in September 1994. Data on hashish production and the socioeconomic status of the people in the area of production were collected. Attempts made at the prevention of hashish production in the area during the study are reported and discussed. The results of this work are presented together with some recommendations
