Indiana medicine : the journal of the Indiana State Medical Association
-
Public opinion is an important vehicle in shaping legislative efforts and public policy related to tobacco use and related taxes. This study examined public opinion about policy related to tobacco use and raising tobacco taxes in a Midwestern state. The American Lung Association of Indiana provided a grant to sponsor this project. ⋯ More than 90% support a requirement that public places have nonsmoking areas. About 85% favor an increase in cigarette taxes to pay for health education and tobacco-related research. The relationship of the subjects' gender, education and income to their opinion about the various aspects of tobacco, taxes and related policies were examined.
-
Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) scanning of liver masses was compared with those of preoperative computed tomography (CT) and intraoperative palpation. Between March 1989 and May 1991, 24 patients underwent 25 IOUS procedures during laparotomy. Intraoperative ultrasound provided more information than the other modalities in 10 patients (40%) and affected operative management in eight patients (32%). It was concluded that IOUS, when used in conjunction with CT and palpation, is an important technique in the surgical management of patients with hepatic neoplasms.