Rapid death from thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura following caesarean section.

We report a case of rapid death from thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura (TTP) in a young pregnant lady who developed full blown symptoms soon after caesarean section. Extensive intramyocardial confluent haemorrhages and widespread microthrombi in heart, brain, adrenals and kidney were found at autopsy. Thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura is an uncommon condition, which carries a high fatality rate if untreated. Awareness of this syndrome together with its high risk of sudden death underlines the importance of rapid diagnosis and treatment.     

Civil procedure: Can the Scots learn from Woolf?

Conclusion So can the Scots learn from Woolf? The answer must be in the affirmative, for his review points up similar problems to those we encounter here. There is no room for complacency in the civil justice system in Scotland, particularly in the field of Information Technology, where court systems and expertise are sadly lacking. It is clear that there is a need for a system of case management in all civil courts, targeted in particular areas or on particular cases, but only after a rigorous reappraisal of court timetabling; and that the public will lose confidence in a civil justice system which does not meet their needs for speedy and affordable decisions, perhaps by turning their backs on it and seeking means of Alternative Dispute Resolution. As for written pleadings, perhaps the most that can be said is that the case for their complete abolition is “not proven”, but that thestatus quo should not be maintained is beyond reasonable doubt. Sheriff of Lothian and Borders at Edinburgh; Member, Sheriff Court Rules Council.     

Preadolescent peer friendships: A critical contribution to adult social relatedness?

The primary aim of this paper is to review the literature on preadolescent friendships in order to examine the relationship between preadolescent friendships and social support in adulthood. Social supports are important to health, both directly and as a stress buffer. Few studies, however, have specifically examined adult social supports from the perspective of their developmental precursors and critical developmental periods. Some data indicate that the preadolescent period may be of particular importance to the development of adult social skills and ties. Observational and empirical studies of preadolescent peer relationships, and in particular best friendships, suggest unique and critical contributions to adult social relatedness. Present research is suggestive but is insufficient to validate preadolescence as a critical period in adult social relatedness. Our review has implications for better understanding the mechanisms by which preadolescent friendships effect adult social support—an important mediator of the effects of stress on health. Further longitudinal study is needed.Received Ph.D. from University of Maryland. Research interests are social supports and psychological responses to trauma and disaster.Received M.D. from Yale University. Research interests are social supports and traumatic stress.     

苏联解体的原因与后果

1991年12月8日俄罗斯领导人Б.Н.叶利钦、乌克兰领导人Л.М.克拉夫丘克和白俄罗斯领导人С.С.舒什克维奇签署了别洛韦日协议,导致了苏联的解体;苏联解体是20世纪世界史上最重大的历史事件之一,这大概是大多数历史学家和政治学家对此的一致评价,而其他所有有关苏联解体的原因、后果等问题则一直是激烈争论的对象。