Progressive supranuclear palsy: extensive neuropil threads in addition to neurofibrillary tangles

Summary Light microscopic immunohistochemical investigations were performed on neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in four histologically confirmed cases of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and in five patients with a progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The antibody panel included antisera to the neuronal microtubule-associated protein, tau, and to isolated paired helical filaments (PHF), as well as mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to phosphorylated epitopes on high and medium molecular weight neurofilament subunits (RT97 and BF10, respectively). Paraffin sections were also impregnated with the Gallyas silver method, which specifically stains tangles and cortical neuropil threads in AD, but does not stain normal neurofilaments. All tangles in PSP and AD showed consistent immunostaining with antibodies to tau protein and isolated PHF, regardless of their localization. MAbs RT97 and BF10, however, did not stain or only weakly stained, subcortical tangles in PSP and AD, whereas most cortical NFT in AD were intensely immunostained. All tangles in PSP were as heavily impregnated with Gallyas as they were in AD. Furthermore there were extensive networks of Gallyaspositive, tau- and PHF-immunoreactive neurites in subcortical gray areas containing NFT, and bundles of positive axons in white matter tracts interconnecting subcortical nuclei of PSP. Our studies indicate a much more extensive disruption of fibrillar proteins in PSP subcortical neurons than previously reported. They furthermore indicate a very similar antigenic profile of NFT in PSP and AD, as far as subcortical neurons are concerned.     

RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION: PERCEPTIONS OF RURAL MENTAL HEALTH WORKERS

ABSTRACT: Recruitment and retention of professionals is a major issue in rural health care. Following a literature review and series of focus groups, a questionnaire to ascertain why professionals applied for, stayed in and would consider leaving rural mental health work was constructed. The questionnaire also included questions regarding possible initiatives that could be undertaken to improve recruitments. The questionnaire was distributed through informal networks to over 900 professionals. Four hundred and seventy eight questionnaires were returned, representing a 52% return rate. According to the response work related issues were generally more important than lifestyle/personal issues particularly as reasons for applying for rural work. Lack of organisational support and professional isolation were important detractors of rural work, with strong support being expressed for initiatives that would address these issues. The findings suggest that recruitment action might highlight the scope, variety, challenge and autonomy aspects of work, with retention focusing on professional support and contact and increased organisational support.     

Homo- und copolymerisation von N,N-disubstituierten carbamoyloxyalkylacrylaten und -methacrylaten

Methacrylates and acrylates ( 3a–i ) of 2-hydroxyalkyl carbamates ( 2 ) were synthesized and radically homo- and copolymerized. It was found that the homopolymerization follows the usual kinetic laws. The physico-chemical properties of the polymers are determined by the bulky and polar side groups which was revealed by measurements of the viscosity, of GPC, of X-rays, of DTA, and of NMR. The behaviour of the methacrylates in the radical copolymerization with a series of comonomers is similar to that of methyl methacrylate. However, the tendency to incorporation of the new monomers into the copolymers is less than that of methyl methacrylate. This fact could be caused again by the different steric effects.