Rectal ultrasound with fine needle aspiration: an underutilized modality for delineating and diagnosing perirectal, presacral, and pelvic lesions.

 The merits of rectal ultrasound for rectal cancer staging are well documented. Conventional approaches to accessing perirectal and presacral lesions entail computed tomography guidance via a transgluteal approach or frank surgical exploration. We report on the safety and efficacy of performing rectal ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration (RUS-FNA) for evaluating perirectal, presacral, and pelvic abnormalities.

Trends in the Use of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography for the Management of Chronic Pancreatitis in the United States.

Goals: The aim of this study was to characterize current trends in the use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the United States for patients hospitalized with chronic pancreatitis.

Background: Historically, ERCP was the primary tool for diagnostic and therapeutic management of chronic pancreatitis. With increased availability of magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopic ultrasound, indications for ERCP are being redefined.

Temporal, environmental and management factors influencing the epidemiological patterns of sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) infestations on farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Scotland.

In association with industry, an extensive database has been established on measurements of sea louse counts on farmed Atlantic salmon for the years 1996 to 2000 from 33 Scottish fish farms. These data include extensive counts on the sea louse species, Lepeophtheirus salmonis, at various stages of the life cycle and in particular the chalimus and mobile stages. There has been considerable speculation as to what factors might affect the abundance of sea lice, much of which is based on limited evidence.