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Biomedical subjects

G Thoms

Publications and source records attributed to G Thoms.

15 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1987

Common input of the cranial motor nuclei involved in phonation in squirrel monkey.

Our aim was to locate brain regions projecting to all cranial motor nuclei involved in phonation simultaneously, that is, the ambiguus, trigeminal motor, facial, and hypoglossal nuclei. For this purpose, four squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) were injected with horseradish peroxidase, each of the four nuclei in a different animal. Those regions retrogradely labeled in all four cases then were injected in another 29 animals with [3H]leucine for anterograde tracing. We found that the only region connected directly with all phonatory motor nuclei is a restricted portion of the pontine and medullary reticular formation, including the nucl. subceruleus ventralis, nucl. parvocellularis and nucl. centralis myelencephali. It is assumed that these nuclei are involved in the integration of vocal fold adduction, articulation, and respiration during vocal utterances.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

[Social relationship and depression among the elderly (author's transl)].

The relevance of social relationships to the phenomena of depression among the aged was examined. The study was based on the reduced reinforcement hypothesis which predicts a low rate of social relationships (i.e. the loss of positive reinforcement) for those individuals who are prone to depression. This hypothesis was both tested and confirmed among the residents in homes for the aged in Berlin. The senior citizens who reported a low rate of social activities had higher depression scores than those reporting a higher rate of such social involvement. These results were confirmed for various indicators of social participation. A further variable influencing the rate of depression was identified as the self-rating of personal health. The results are discussed within both a behavioral and a cognitive framework.

Adjustment Disorders↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Patient satisfaction with chronic pain management.

BACKGROUND: This article describes the use of focus groups in research, including the advantages and disadvantages of using this type of research methodology. Using an example of a focus group of patients who experienced chronic pain, the authors discuss the planning, organisation, conduct and analysis of focus groups. CONCLUSION: Focus groups enabled an exploration of the topics in-depth including obtaining insight from a patient's perspective of the management of their chronic pain. It was important and of value to take into account the experiences and expectations of health service delivery from a consumer's perspective.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Living with chronic pain: the patient's perspective.

AIM: The aim of this study is to investigate patients' perceptions and experiences of chronic pain management before and after attending pain services. METHOD: A sample of 245 patients with chronic pain, who attended specialist pain services in 11 UK hospitals, were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Patients' ages ranged between 23 and 86 years (median 51 years), and the duration of pain ranged between six months and 57 years (median five years). RESULTS: Patients reported that pain had had a profound effect on their lives, restricting daily living and leisure activities. 33 per cent (81) were classified as medically disabled. Patients' perceptions and attitudes to the management of chronic pain varied. Their main concern was that, although they wanted a specific diagnosis, they were often not given a reason for their chronic pain. CONCLUSION: Pain management requires a significant amount of input by health professionals. Patients wanted advice on the best techniques to help them cope with chronic pain. Most patients had previously tried many different pain treatments to obtain short-term pain relief. One third of patients had waited up to four months for their initial pain assessment at the pain service. Once referred to specialist pain services, patients were satisfied with their care. Almost half (47 per cent, 115) of the interviewees reported that their pain had improved. As chronic pain has a profound effect on patients' lives, it is important that early diagnosis, treatment and referral to appropriate specialists is given high priority. This study has raised the awareness and understanding of an important, but often misunderstood area.

Activities of Daily Living↗