We have investigated the suitability of a recently identified and characterized population of neuronal progenitor cells for their potential use in the replacement of degenerating or damaged neurons in the mammalian brain. The unique population of neuronal progenitor cells is situated in a well-delineated region of the anterior part of the neonatal subventricular zone (referred to as SVZa). This region can be separated from the remaining proliferative, gliogenic, subventricular zone encircling the lateral ventricles of the forebrain. Because the neurons arising from the highly enriched neurogenic progenitor cell population of the SVZa ordinarily migrate considerable distances and ultimately express the neurotransmitters GABA and dopamine, we have examined whether they could serve as an alternative source of tissue for neural transplantation. SVZa cells from postnatal day 0-2 rats, prelabeled by intraperitoneal injections of the cell proliferation marker BrdU, were implanted into the striatum of adult rats approximately 1 mo after unilateral denervation by 6-OHDA. To examine the spatio-temporal distribution and phenotype of the transplanted SVZa cells, the experimental recipients were perfused at short (less than 1 wk), intermediate (2-3 wk) and long (5 mo) postimplantation times. The host brains were sectioned and stained with an antibody to BrdU and one of several cell-type specific markers to determine the phenotypic characteristics of the transplanted SVZa cells. To identify neurons we used the neuron-specific antibody TuJ1, or antimembrane-associated protein 2 (MAP-2), and anti-GFAP was used to identify astrocytic glia. At all studied intervals the majority of the surviving SVZa cells exhibited a neuronal phenotype. Moreover, morphologically they could be distinguished from the cells of the host striatum because they resembled the intrinsic granule cells of the olfactory bulb, their usual fate. At longer times, a greater number of the transplanted SVZa cells had migrated from their site of implantation, often towards an outlying blood vessel, and the density of cells within the core of the transplant was reduced. Furthermore, there were rarely signs of transplant rejection or a glial scar surrounding the transplant. In the core of the transplant there were low numbers of GFAP-positive cells, indicating that the transplanted SVZa cells, predominantly TuJ1-positive/MAP2-positive, express a neuronal phenotype. Collectively, the propensity of the SVZa cells to express a neuronal phenotype and to survive and integrate in the striatal environment suggest that they may be useful in the reconstruction of the brain following CNS injury or disease.

Animals↗

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Creating the optimum environment for pressure area care.

Pressure area care is often thought to be only 'skin deep' but this does not fulfil the philosophy of holistic patient care. Nurses, as the pivot of the multidisciplinary team, must fully assess each patient's needs and implement care based on this assessment, thereby creating the optimum environment for pressure area care.

Humans↗

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Use of health diaries with children.

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Child↗

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The assessment of antichymotrypsin in cancer monitoring.

A comparative study of serum antichymotrypsin, acid glycoprotein and antitrypsin levels has been made in various cancers. Antichymotrypsin (ACT) shows a non-specific elevation in metastatic cancer, and the response reflects tumour progression in a similar fashion to the other two acute phase reactant proteins. The main advantage of ACT as a marker appears to be its Normal distribution in health, and lack of phenotypic variation.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

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Comfort in the home: equipment.

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Equipment and Supplies↗

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Evaluation of a cold staining method for acid-fast bacilli in sputum.

Comparison between the Ziehl-Neelsen staining method for acid-fast bacilli, applied with and without heating, was carried out in a controlled investigation using smears prepared from 306 sputum samples collected prior to treatment from suspected cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. Smear and culture positivity were graded and the colour intensity of bacilli recorded. Results showed that the chance corrected agreement (Kappa) between Z-N and cold methods was only 78%. The sensitivity of the Z-N and cold methods were 84% and 77% respectively when compared with culture results. Assuming 10% smear positivity among symptomatics reporting to Peripheral Health Institutions (PHIs), the positive predictive value of the cold method was very low (53%). When compared to culture, the positive predictive value is 71% for the Z-N method and 57% for the cold method for a symptomatic population with 15% culture positivity. In the absence of heating, penetration of the stain was significantly reduced and consequently the number of bacilli detected was less. The inability to take the stain without heating was seen in smears from all grades of culture positive samples; thus even heavy positives were missed by the cold method. The evaluation of the cold method against the standard Z-N method highlights its limitations and demonstrates that it is not as reliable as the standard Z-N method.

Bacteriological Techniques↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The use of medication modules for medication administration problems.

Assisting nurses to accurately administer medications is a challenge that staff development educators currently face. Using a medication module format meets individual needs and can be adapted easily to various settings. This approach permits nurses to develop strategies in constructively dealing with medication errors in a non-threatening environment.

Humans↗