Digestive diseases and sciences
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This study is to investigate the time-course expression of TLR2 and TLR4 on peripheral monocytes in patients receiving major abdominal surgical operation. ⋯ The expressions of TLR2 and TLR4 on monocytes were up-regulated during the early period after a major abdominal surgical operation in patients, which might be related to the activation of innate immunity.
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The purpose of this study was to analyze diagnostic yield of repeat computed tomography (CT) after negative initial CT versus yield of initial CT in patients presenting repeatedly to emergency room (ER) for nontraumatic abdominal pain. Medical costs and radiation exposure from repeat CT could be reduced if repeat CT after negative initial CT has a low diagnostic yield. ⋯ Repeat abdominal CT after initially negative CT(s) performed for nontraumatic abdominal pain has a low diagnostic yield. Leukocytosis and APACHE-II score might help predict CT scan positivity. Data suggest restricted abdominal CT utilization in ER patients with multiple prior negative CTs. Findings warrant confirmation in prospective studies.