Appendix:
The British Journal of Surgery recently published research regarding the tradition of removing redundant organs such as the appendix, even when they look normal. According to researchers this procedure is falling out of favour. A surgical team from the Netherlands now leaves normal appendixes alone when laproscopic investigation of suspected appendicitis has negative results. Only one of 109 was admitted some time later with appendicitis.
Low tar cigarettes: A new study from the Netherlands suggests that the increased use of low tar filter cigarettes could be linked to a rising incidence of, and poorer rates of survival from, lung adenocarcinoma among Dutch men. Adenocarcinoma is one of several forms of lung cancer. The study, building on previous US research, shows that among men who smoke, the proportion who smoke low tar filter cigarettes has increased from 30 per cent to 78 per cent between 1979 and 1997. It further revealed that during the same time the proportion of men diagnosed with adenocarcinoma had increased to 18 per cent.
Abuse: The Children at Risk in Ireland (CARI) Foundation are holding their annual conference on May 21st in the Business School at Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin. The keynote speaker, Prof Pamela Alexander is an associate professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Maryland. She will discuss the relevance of attachment theory to the study of child sexual abuse. Workshops themes include managing abuse in a school setting, working with adolescents, dealing with families after disclosure, working with offenders and the importance of parenting. Cost £75; booking on tel: 01 8308529 or www.cari.ie/conference.html
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