Usefulness of questionnaires on advance directives in haemodialysis units.

Background: As renal replacement therapy has become universal practice in medicine, there is a need to consider whether this treatment is suitable for elderly people. These patients have high comorbidity and may require dialysis withdrawal in certain clinical circumstances. Advance directives (ADs) drawn up by patients facilitate treatment-related decisions if they lose cognitive capacity.

Clinical Relevance of Intraperitoneal Pressure in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

Introduction: Intraperitoneal pressure (IPP) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) increases in sitting and upright positions and is related to some individual characteristics. Adverse effects can appear with IPP > 20 cm HO. Few studies about peritoneal transport or abdominal wall problems have directly measured IPP.

Helpfulness of rectoanal endosonography in diagnosis of sexual abuse in a child.

Background: Clinical importance of sexual abuse in children has rapidly expanded in recent years, but despite of it, the lack of medical signs in the vast majority of sexual abuse cases, makes it difficult to assess. Given that, owing to our prior experience in endosonography (EUS) of the anal canal in child with anorectal malformations, we wanted to test EUS as a diagnostic method of sexual abuse in a child.

Purpose: The purpose of our study is to present our experience in the use of anorectal EUS among children with suspected sexual abuse.

Root growth dynamics linked to above-ground growth in walnut (Juglans regia).

Background And Aims: Examination of plant growth below ground is relatively scant compared with that above ground, and is needed to understand whole-plant responses to the environment. This study examines whether the seasonal timing of fine root growth and the spatial distribution of this growth through the soil profile varies in response to canopy manipulation and soil temperature.

Methods: Plasticity in the seasonal timing and vertical distribution of root production in response to canopy and soil water manipulation was analysed in field-grown walnut (Juglans regia 'Chandler') using minirhizotron techniques.

[Cholelithiasis in children: a clinical and morphological study].

Background: The use of ultrasonography increased the frequency of diagnosis of cholelithiasis in childhood.

Aim: To determine the clinical and laboratory features and follow up of children with biliary stones.

Patients And Methods: Twenty six children (13 male, aged 1 month to 14 years) were prospectively enrolled.