Anti-inflammatory effects of cannabidiol in early stages of neuroinflammation induced by high-fat diet in cerebral cortex of rats

High-fat diet (HFD) contributes to neuroinflammation forming, hence it is crucial to find safe and effective substances that are able to counteract its progress. The anti-inflammatory properties of phytocannabinoids acquired from the Cannabis plant have been widely acknowledged. We evaluated the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) treatment on induced by applying HFD early stages of neuroinflammation in Wistar rat cerebral cortex. In our 7-week experiment, CBD was injected intraperitoneally over the last 14days at a dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight once a day. The level of arachidonic acid, a precursor to pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, decreased in all analysed lipid classes after CBD administration to the HFD group. Moreover, the extent of diminishing the activity of the omega-6 (n-6) fatty acid pathway by CBD was the greatest in diacylglycerols and phospholipids. Surprisingly, CBD was also capable of downregulating the activity of the omega-3 (n-3) pathway. The expression of enzymes involved in the synthesis of the eicosanoids was significantly increased in the HFD group and subsequently lowered by CBD. Significant changes in various cytokines levels were also discovered. Our results strongly suggest the ability of CBD to reduce the formation of lipid inflammation precursors in rat cerebral cortex, as a primary event in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. This can raise hopes for the future use of this cannabinoid for therapeutic purposes since it is a substance lacking lasting and severe side effects.

Integrated care at the bedside: job description consensus

A Nursing Career Pathway Committee developed a differentiated nursing model based upon the Midwest Alliance in Nursing competencies. Two distinct and complementary roles provide direct nursing care: the Registered Nurse in the Associate Role and the Registered Nurse in the Primary Role. Through a differentiated nursing demonstration project, the need for changes in the "charge nurse" role became apparent. Opportunities for growth and participation, regardless of position held, are presented. Agencies without "clinical ladders" will be intrigued with this fresh approach for rewarding nurses who provide direct care.

Assisting nursing staff to learn and conduct research. An interinstitutional approach

This article describes a resource sharing and collaborative interinstitutional project designed to assist the nursing staff of three hospitals to gain expertise in research and to promote collaborative research endeavors. Information is provided that will help staff development educators complete a similar project with a group of staff nurses.

Perception of "No Code" and the Role of the Nurse

CPR is now the rule rather than the exception and death is often viewed as the ultimate failure in modern medicine, rather than the final event of the natural life process (Stevens, 1986). The "No Code" concept has created a major dilemma in health care. An interagency collaborative study was conducted to ascertain the perceptions of nurses, physicians, and laypersons about this issue. This article deals primarily with the nurse's role and perceptions of the "No Code" issue. The comparison of nurses' perceptions with those of physicians and laypersons is unique to this study. Based on this research, suggestions are presented that will assist nursing educators and health care professionals in managing this complex dilemma.

A nursing care monitoring and evaluation system: making it work in differentiated practice

This article describes the evolution of a chart audit tool that became an integral part of a nursing care monitoring and evaluation system at two healthcare agencies in South Dakota. These agencies, an acute care hospital and a federal healthcare agency, continue to use the audit tool for multiple purposes within their institutions. The initial design of the tool had two objectives: to measure objectively the quality and effectiveness of patient care provided by the nursing staff and to educate nurses about expectations of their roles as case managers or case associates. The tool has been revised and continues to be modified to fit needs within hospital, ambulatory care, and community based care settings, to meet program standards for accreditation, and other purposes within each agency.