Utility of Urine Dipstick Testing in Pediatric Appendicitis: Assessing its Role in Identifying Complicated Cases and Retrocecal Appendicitis.

Background:  Diagnosing appendicitis in children remains a challenge, and the role of urine dipstick is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the association between abnormal urine dipstick results and appendicitis, particularly appendicitis severity and appendix position.

Methods:  A prospective cohort study was conducted from 2017 to 2021 at a tertiary hospital in Sweden.

The role of socio-demographic and psychological factors in shaping individual carbon footprints in Finland.

Household consumption emissions are a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, making them a vital target for emission reductions. While previous research has studied socio-demographic and situational factors in explaining the variation in individuals' carbon footprints, a more comprehensive exploration of individual drivers, would benefit the development of effective and equitable mitigation policies. The current study examines associations between psychological and socio-demographic factors and carbon footprints of Finnish adults (n = 3,519).

A Survey of Preoperative, Perioperative, and Postoperative Management Practices for Testicular Torsion in Pediatric Patients among European Surgeons.

Introduction:  Management of testicular torsion varies between specialties resulting in lack of standardization. The aim of this survey was to assess pre-, peri-, and postoperative differences.

Methods:  An online questionnaire was distributed in 2023 to general and pediatric surgeons, pediatric urologists, and urologists by the Trainees of European Pediatric Surgery.

[Acute scrotum in children].

Acute scrotum in a child is common, and the main underlying conditions are torsion of intrascrotal appendages, epididymitis, testicular torsion and idiopathic scrotal edema. The main diagnostic aim is to confirm or rule out testicular torsion, since this may lead to irreversible ischemia within hours. The diagnostics can be difficult, especially in prepubertal boys, but consist of a thorough history and clinical examination, the use of a clinical prediction score, and sometimes ultrasound with doppler.

Genetic testing and new variants in diagnosis of congenital ichthyoses.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate how diagnostic practice in congenital ichthyoses has evolved during the years 2000-2020 and what kind of gene variants of congenital ichthyosis have been found.

Methods: The study cohort of this register-based research consisted of a total of 88 patients, whose diagnostic testing was conducted, and ichthyosis diagnoses set at the Department of Dermatology and the Department of Clinical Genetics at Tampere University Hospital during the years 2000-2020.

Results: Diagnosis of ichthyosis was confirmed with genetic testing in 33 cases, and with conventional diagnostic methods, such as clinical findings, skin biopsy and family history of ichthyoses, in 55 cases.