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SUMMARY: Aims/Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hemostatic consequences of whole blood leukoreduction (LR). Background: Whole blood is being used for trauma resuscitation in the military, and an increasing number of civilian trauma centres across the nation. The benefits of LR, such as decreased infectious and transfusion‐related complications, are well established, but the effects on hemostatic parameters remain a concern. Methods: Twenty‐four units of whole blood were assigned to one of the four groups: non‐leukoreduced (NLR), leukoreduced at 1 h and a height of 33 in. (LR‐1), leukoreduced at 4 h and a height of 33 in. (LR‐4(33)), or leukoreduced at 4 h and a height of 28 in. (LR‐4(28)). Viscoelastic parameters, platelet aggregation, cell counts, physiological parameters and thrombin potential were evaluated immediately before and after LR, and on days 1, 7, 14 and 21 following LR. Results: The viscoelastic parameters and thrombin generation potential were unchanged between the groups. Platelet aggregation was reduced in the LR‐1 group compared with NLR after 7 days. The LR‐4(28) group also showed a trend of reduced platelet aggregation compared with NLR. Aggregation in LR‐4(33) was similar to NLR throughout the storage time. Physiological and electrolyte changes over the whole blood storage period were not affected by LR. Conclusion: Our study shows that whole blood can be LR at 4 h after collection and a height of 33 in. while maintaining platelet count and without altering platelet function and hemostatic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) increases exponentially with age but there is limited knowledge of the modifiable risk factors for AD. However, there is growing evidence for possible dietary risk factors in the development of AD and cognitive decline with age, such as antioxidant nutrients, fish, dietary fats, and B-vitamins. Numerous animal and laboratory studies have shown that antioxidant nutrients can protect the brain from oxidative and inflammatory damage, but there are limited data available from epidemiological studies. There is more substantial epidemiological evidence from a number of recent studies that demonstrate a protective role of omega-3 fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid, in AD and cognitive decline. This review will focus on epidemiological evidence investigating the relationship between nutrition and AD, focusing particularly on the roles of dietary fats and antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

. The responses of gravid female Lucilia cuprina to odours from sheep urine, faeces and gut mucus, and to odours from liver/sodium sulphide mixtures was tested using a bioassay which measured the movement and probing response of walking flies. The same bioassay was used to test the response to odours from cultures of bacteria isolated from liver/sodium sulphide and liver/water mixtures. A significant movement towards odours from faeces, gut mucus and urine was observed. Odours from cultures of the bacteria Proteus mirabilis, Dermatophilus congolensis and Serratia marcescens also elicited significant movement. A probing response was elicited by odours from gut mucus, fresh urine, liver/sodium sulphide mixtures and cultures of P.mirabilis, D.congolensis and gram-positive species. Odours from cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Entero-bacter aerogenes and Citrobacterfreundii did not elicit significant movement or probing. The movement and probing responses are discussed with reference to the possible uses of the substances tested as a bait for attracting L.cuprina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral vasculitis following acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) is a rare neurological complication. An 11-year-old girl with biopsy proven APSGN developed an acute seizure disorder. Clinical and computed tomography findings were consistent with vasculitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To review children with nephrotic syndrome in Auckland, New Zealand.Methods: All children admitted to Auckland Children's Hospital between January 1984 and December 1994 with nephrotic syndrome and a renal biopsy had their charts retrospectively reviewed and the appropriate information summarised.Results: Fifty-seven children biopsied with nephrotic syndrome were available for review. The mean age at diagnosis was 5.4 years, standard deviation (SD) 3.9 years, with mean follow-up of 5.7 years. The histologies of the renal biopsies were: minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) in 37%, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in 19%, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) in 23% and other causes in 21%. Maori children were most likely to have MPGN. Steroid resistance was present in 66% of children. End stage renal failure developed in 26% of patients and chronic renal failure in 4% of patients.Conclusion: In this series the proportion of children with MCNS is low and significant numbers of children with nephrotic syndrome progressed to chronic renal failure and end stage renal failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]