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Biomedical subjects

P Sansone

Publications and source records attributed to P Sansone.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

Neurobiology of pain.

The neurobiology of pain had a notable interest in research focused on the study of neuronal plasticity development, nociceptors, molecular identity, signaling mechanism, ionic channels involved in the generation, modulation and propagation of action potential in all type of excitable cells. All the findings open the possibility for developing new therapeutic treatment. Nociceptive/inflammatory pain and neuropathic pain represent two different kinds of persistent chronic pain. We have reviewed the different mechanism suggested for the maintenance of pain, like descending nociceptive mechanism and their changes after tissue damage, including suppression and facilitation of defence behavior during pain. The role of these changes in inducing NMDA and AMPA receptors gene expression, after prolonged inflammation is emphasized by several authors. Furthermore, a relation between a persistent pain and amygdale has been shown. Molecular biology is the new frontier in the study of neurobiology of pain. Since the entire genome has been studied, we will able to find new genes involved in specific condition such as pain, because an altered gene expression can regulate neuronal activity after inflammation or tissue damage.

Animals↗

Advance directives for elderly people: worthwhile cause or wasted effort?

This article examines whether elderly individuals who had executed an advance directive for health care were more likely to have their wishes understood by their designated surrogates than elderly individuals who had not executed an advance directive. A sample of 153 elderly people was drawn from two nursing homes and two senior citizen housing complexes; 40 of the participants had executed an advance directive. Concordance was measured using six hypothetical health care scenarios and was evaluated by assessing the percentage of agreement and directionality of discordant responses. The mere completion of an advance directive did not guarantee a surrogate decision maker's awareness of the older person's wishes. Education, communication, and supportive intervention are also needed. As educators, facilitators, and enablers, social workers are well suited for this role.

Advance Directives↗

DNA binding of iproplatin and its divalent metabolite cis-dichloro-bis-isopropylamine platinum (II).

The quadrivalent second-generation platinum complex iproplatin and an in vivo divalent metabolite of iproplatin, cis-dichloro-bis-isopropylamine platinum (CIP) were tested for binding to DNA in vitro. DNA binding was determined according to radioactivity measured using [14C]-iproplatin and [14C]-CIP and also by platinum content. Results indicate that (a) iproplatin shows negligible binding to DNA, (b) CIP binds to DNA in a time-dependent fashion, and (c) the isopropylamine ligand is intact when CIP is bound to DNA. Glutathione (GSH) inhibits the binding of CIP to DNA, possibly by inhibiting binding to DNA of the aquated form of CIP.

Animals↗

The awesome burden upon the child who must keep a family secret.

This paper describes a series of young patients hospitalized in a psychiatric facility because they presented symptoms indicative of a psychotic disorder when, in fact, the youngsters were dealing with the strain of keeping a family secret hidden. Case presentation oriented to how the burden prohibited proper psychological development and the manner of how these secrets came to light are offered. The commonality of patients exhibiting this phenomenon is discussed.

Adolescent↗

Providing tender touch massage to elderly nursing home residents: a demonstration project.

This 1-year demonstration project looked at the effects of gentle massage on two groups of elderly nursing home residents: those suffering from chronic pain and those with dementia who were exhibiting anxious or agitated behaviors. The certified nursing attendants were trained by a licensed massage therapist. The project was divided into three 12-week phases; different staff and residents were involved in each phase. Fifty-nine of 71 residents completed the 12-week program. Pain scores declined at the end of each phase, and anxiety scores declined in two of the three phases. Eighty-four percent of the nursing attendants reported that the residents enjoyed receiving tender touch, and 71% thought this type of massage improved their ability to communicate with the residents.

Aged↗