No abstract

No abstract

In the mammal, definitive hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are first derived from mesodermal cells within a region of the embryonic para-aortic splanchnopleura known as the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM). Within this region, HSCs are thought to arise from hemangioblast precursors located in the ventral wall of the dorsal aorta. However, the factors that regulate HSC development in vivo are still largely unknown. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-4, a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily of growth factors, is a potent ventralizing factor and has been implicated in the commitment of embryonic mesodermal cells to a hematopoietic fate in a number of systems. In the human AGM, we find that BMP-4 is expressed at high levels, and with striking polarity, in a region of densely packed cells underlying intra-aortic hematopoietic clusters. In contrast, TGF-β1 is expressed predominantly by hematopoietic cells within the clusters. These findings implicate both BMP-4 and TGF-β1 in the initiation and regulation of hematopoiesis in the human AGM. Furthermore, the distribution of BMP-4 expression is highly suggestive of a direct role in the specification of human hematopoietic cells from embryonic mesoderm in vivo.

In the mammal, definitive hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are first derived from mesodermal cells within a region of the embryonic para-aortic splanchnopleura known as the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM). Within this region, HSCs are thought to arise from hemangioblast precursors located in the ventral wall of the dorsal aorta. However, the factors that regulate HSC development in vivo are still largely unknown. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-4, a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily of growth factors, is a potent ventralizing factor and has been implicated in the commitment of embryonic mesodermal cells to a hematopoietic fate in a number of systems. In the human AGM, we find that BMP-4 is expressed at high levels, and with striking polarity, in a region of densely packed cells underlying intra-aortic hematopoietic clusters. In contrast, TGF-β1 is expressed predominantly by hematopoietic cells within the clusters. These findings implicate both BMP-4 and TGF-β1 in the initiation and regulation of hematopoiesis in the human AGM. Furthermore, the distribution of BMP-4 expression is highly suggestive of a direct role in the specification of human hematopoietic cells from embryonic mesoderm in vivo.

Objective: To estimate service demand (willingness to seek or use services) for respite care among informal, primary carers of people with a psychological disability and to describe their characteristics.Methods: Analysis of data from the household component of the 2009 Survey of Disability Ageing and Carers (n=64,213 persons). Results:In Australia in 2009, 1.0% of people aged 15 years or over (177,900 persons) provided informal, primary care to a co-resident with a psychological disability. One-quarter (27.2%) of these carers reported service demand for respite care, of whom one-third had used respite services in the past three months and four-fifths had an unmet need for any or more respite care. A significantly greater percentages of carers with service demand for respite care spent 40 or more hours per week on caregiving, provided care to a person with profound activity restrictions and reported unmet support needs, compared to carers without service demand. Lack of suitable, available respite care models was a barrier to utilisation. Conclusions:Findings confirm significant service demand for, and under-utilisation of, respite care among mental health carers.Implications: Increased coverage of respite services, more flexible service delivery models matched to carers' needs and better integration with other support services are indicated.

Background: Hospitals are constantly involved in quality improvement and research projects investing considerable money, time, and effort in supporting these projects; however, there is not always a strong enough focus on publishing the results. The challenge lies in engaging clinicians to publish their work. One of the hallmarks of the clinical nurse specialist is mentoring, and this has led to the creation of our Inspiring Writing in Nursing (IWIN) program. Purpose: The goal of IWIN cohort was to engage and promote publication submissions from frontline clinicians. The 18-member Nursing Research and Evidence-Driven Practice Council (NR-EDPC) supports more than 3000 nurses in quality and research projects. Two senior librarians support our council and staff. In 2014, we launched our first IWIN cohort to mentor nurses in writing and submitting for publication. Evaluation: The NR-EDPC motto “meet them where they are” applies to both location and level of research/EDPC knowledge and skill. An Annual Nursing Research Conference showcases the products of nursing science. The first cohort of IWIN enrolled 11 mentees, and after a yearlong journey, we submitted 5 of 11 manuscripts, 3 withdrew, and 3 are still under revisions. From the 5 submissions, 3 were published, 1 was rejected, and 1 is currently under revision. Discussion: With support and the infrastructure of our NR-EDPC, we are launching our second IWIN cohort.

Bone morphogenetic protein 4 modulates c-Kit expression and differentiation potential in murine embryonic aorta-gonadmesonephros haematopoiesis in vitroHaematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) capable of long-term multilineage reconstitution in myeloablated recipient mice first arise during embryogenesis and persist into adult life. The differentiation pathways and cytokine requirements through which haematopoietic progenitor cells achieve maturity in all blood cell lineages have been studied extensively and are well characterized. However, the processes by which the stem cells and precursors that seed the adult multilineage blood system are generated and maintained are less well understood. Stem cell homeostasis depends on maintaining a balance between self-renewal, proliferation, death and differentiation. Identification of the factors that regulate HSC emergence and subsequent development will provide insight into how the mammalian haematopoietic system is formed and how the decision to self-renew or differentiate is controlled at the molecular level.During mammalian embryogenesis, the first multipotent HSCs are detected within a region of mesodermal tissue containing the dorsal aorta, gonadal ridge and mesonephros, the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region, at between 8AE5 and 11AE5 day post coitum (dpc) in the mouse and 4-6 weeks gestation in the human embryo (Godin et al, 1995;Medvinsky & Dzierzak, 1996;Godin et al, 1999;Tavian et al, 2001). Within this region, CD45 + haematopoietic cells aggregate in clusters associated with major vessel walls, including the ventral wall of the dorsal aorta (Tavian et al, 1996). However, the precise origins of this specific population of embryonic cells and the nature of the signals

Ventricular assist devices (VAD) are used to extend life expectancy for patients with advanced heart failure. Approximately 102 hospitals nationwide have a VAD program, but the majority implant only a small number of devices each year. This low-volume and high-acuity patient population can create concerns for maintaining nursing knowledge skill levels. Nursing staff from a step-down telemetry floor in a large urban hospital completed an Individual Readiness Assessment Test to assess their knowledge and accuracy in the care of mechanical circulatory support patients using the Immediate Feedback Assessment Technique. The nurses were then assigned to small groups and worked as a team to complete the same test known as the Group Readiness Assessment Test. Study results suggest that team-based learning was effective in increasing knowledge of mechanical circulatory support. [ J Contin Educ Nurs . 2021;52(1):13–20.]