Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte count ratio is associated with perforated appendicitis in elderly patients of emergency department.

Purpose: The diagnostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte count ratio (NLR) and the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response (AIR) score for identifying acute appendicitis (AA) perforation in elderly patients in the emergency department (ED) were evaluated.

Methods: A total of 103 patients who were admitted for appendectomy for AA via the ED between January 2012 and December 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients aged 65 and over were included.

A survey study of institutional review board thought processes in the United States and South Korea.

Introduction: In the last several decades, South Korea has rapidly adopted Western customs and practices. Yet, cultural differences between South Korea and the United States exist. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize potential cultural differences in the Korean and US institutional review board (IRB) approach to certain topics.