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The objective of this report is to discuss the method of urine obtention through spontaneous voiding in the study of urinary cytology and its results in the follow-up of bladder tumors. 122 urine samples from 84 patients treated of urinary bladder tumor undergoing follow-up and control were studied by means of polycarbonate filters and Pap stain. The reliability of such method was evaluated by Feinstein's tests, with a sensitivity of 61.53%, a specificity of 86.88% and a global safety of 77%. The final conclusion was a positive assessment of the results obtained, and the preference for a cytological study of spontaneously voided urine, and the use of this method as the most widely used procedure in the follow-up of urinary bladder tumors.

In a 4-year span, 12 patients with hepatic trauma were treated at our institution. After initial resuscitation, three underwent emergency celiotomy because of the severity of their injuries. This communication analyses the other nine. All of these had significant liver injuries and were managed nonoperatively. Hepatic injury was diagnosed and the severity defined by ultrasonography, radionuclide scintigraphy, or computed tomography (CT). These stable patients were initially admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and upon transfer to the ward, maintained on restricted activities. Seven of the nine children received blood transfusions. Although liver enzymes were initially elevated in each case, they returned to normal in 1 week. In-hospital and post-discharge imaging documented healing of the hepatic injuries in each case. Eight children are well at 3 months to 4 years follow-up. Only one of the nine nonoperatively managed patients died and this was secondary to severe head injuries. To date, there are no complications. Our nine children are added to the 23 nonoperatively treated pediatric hepatic injuries found in the literature.

The various forms of comfort behavior of the red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) are described and compared with that of other Sciurids to understand their adaptative value for the red squirrel's arboreal way of life. The different comfort activities are: self-grooming, stretching, resting, sleeping, elimination and nose blowing. Observations were made both in nature and in two outdoor enclosures. The discussion shows that most adaptations are common to arboreal squirrels while others, found in several Sciurid species, are not in relation to the arboreal versus terrestrial way of life.