Validation of the predictive model for operative intervention after blunt abdominal trauma in children with equivocal computed tomography findings: a multi-institutional study.

Background: We recently developed a preliminary predictive model identifying clinical and radiologic factors associated with the need for surgery following blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) in children. Our aim in this study was to further validate the factors in this predictive model in a multi-institutional study.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of pediatric patients from five pediatric trauma centers who experienced BAT between 2011 and 2020 was performed.

Echinobase: a resource to support the echinoderm research community.

Echinobase (www.echinobase.org) is a model organism knowledgebase serving as a resource for the community that studies echinoderms, a phylum of marine invertebrates that includes sea urchins and sea stars.

Genome-wide identification and spatiotemporal expression analysis of cadherin superfamily members in echinoderms.

Background: Cadherins are calcium-dependent transmembrane cell-cell adhesion proteins that are essential for metazoan development. They consist of three subfamilies: classical cadherins, which bind catenin, protocadherins, which contain 6-7 calcium-binding repeat domains, and atypical cadherins. Their functions include forming adherens junctions, establishing planar cell polarity (PCP), and regulating cell shape, proliferation, and migration.

Safely Reducing Unnecessary Radiographs in Suspected Pediatric Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Multidisciplinary Developed Algorithm.

Background: While radiographs are a critical component of diagnosing musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries, they are associated with radiation exposure, patient discomfort, and financial costs. Our study initiative was to develop a system to diagnose pediatric MSK injuries efficiently while minimizing unnecessary radiographs.

Methods: This was a quality improvement trial performed prospectively at a single level one trauma center.

Sustaining the gains: Reducing unnecessary computed tomography scans in pediatric trauma patients.

Background/purpose: "Pan-scanning" pediatric blunt trauma patients leads to exposure to harmful radiation and increased healthcare costs without improving outcomes. We aimed to reduce computed tomography (CT) scans that are not indicated (NI) by imaging guidelines for injured children.

Methods: In July 2017, our Pediatric Trauma Center prospectively implemented validated imaging guidelines to direct CT imaging for trauma activations and consultations for children younger than 16 years old with blunt traumatic injuries.