5-HT1B Receptor Polymorphism and Clinical Response to Sumatriptan

The 5-HT₁ receptor agonist, sumatriptan, is highly effective in the treatment of migraine. Some patients, however, do not respond or experience recurrence of the headache. In addition, some patients report chest symptoms after sumatriptan. We investigated whether these different responses could be attributed to genetic diversity of the 5-HT_1B receptor, which most likely mediates the therapeutic action and the coronary side effects of sumatriptan. Allele frequencies of two polymorphisms in the 5-HT_1B receptor gene ( G861C and T-261G ) were investigated in migraine patients with consistently good response to sumatriptan (n=14), with no response (n=12), with recurrence of the headache (n=12), with chest symptoms (n=13), and in patients without chest symptoms (n=27). Allele frequencies (G:0.74; C:0.26 at nt 861 and T:0.39; G:0.61 at nt -261) did not differ between patient groups, indicating that genetic diversity of the 5-HT_1B receptor does not seem to be involved in the different clinical responses to sumatriptan.     

Assessment of Women for Partner Abuse

Nearly 4 million women in the United States were physically hurt by their husbands or boyfriends in 1994. The health and well-being of these women and their children, as well as the women who are overlooked in these statistics, are jeopardized by past and current experiences with abuse within intimate relationships. Strategies for nurses in women's health care settings to screen women for current or past abuse within their intimate personal relationships, guidelines for effective responses to disclosure of abuse, and supportive interventions are described.     

Addressing Couples' Sexuality Concerns During the Childbearing Period: Use of the PLISSIT Model

During pregnancy, a couple may benefit from discussing sexuality concerns with a nurse. Couples indicate they do not receive this support, and frequently nurses state they do not have the knowledge, time, or skills to provide patient education regarding sexuality. The PLISSIT model provides a framework for developing and implementing interventions to assist clients in maintaining their sexual relationship throughout the childbearing experience.     

The effects of an HIV/AIDS educational programme on the anxiety level of nursing students

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a serious disease that has special concern for the health care provider. AIDS has continued to grow despite control efforts. As the disease infectivity period remains lengthy, and the heterosexual population is affected to a greater degree, the level of anxiety has also risen despite educational endeavours. Many fears and anxieties have been associated with AIDS patients by health care workers. The reduction of stress, perceived risk and discomfort following educational efforts have been supported in past research. Educational programmes will need to be given for current health care workers at all levels as well as nursing students. Future nurses must be prepared to meet this challenge. This study was conducted using a convenience sample of nursing students at a university in western United States. Its purpose was to assess any changes that occurred in state anxiety following an educational presentation. Spielberge's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used as the measurement instrument. Some anxiety levels were significantly reduced.     

Human placental growth hormone

Placental growth hormone is the product of the GH-V gene specifically expressed in the syncytiotrophoblast layer of the human placenta. Placental growth hormone differs from pituitary growth hormone by 13 amino acids. It has high somatogenic and low lactogenic activities. Assays by specific monoclonal antibodies reveal that in the maternal circulation from 15 to 20 weeks up to term placental growth hormone gradually replaces pituitary growth hormone, which becomes undetectable. It is secreted by the placenta in a nonpulsatile manner. This continuous secretion appears to have important implications for physiologic adjustment to gestation and especially in the control of maternal insulin-like growth factor-I levels. Placental growth hormone secretion is inhibited by glucose in vitro and in vivo and is significantly decreased in the maternal circulation in pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction. Placental growth hormone does not appear to have a direct effect on fetal growth because this hormone is not detectable in the fetal circulation. However, the physiologic role might also include a direct influence on placental development through an autocrine or paracrine mechanism, as suggested by the presence of specific growth hormone receptors in this tissue.(Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997;177:1526-34.)     

Decision-making and paediatric pain: a review

The aim of this paper is to present an overview of the literature on the factors influencing decision-making the nursing care of children in pain. To that effect published and unpublished references werr reviewed. The most frequently cited factors influencing the assessment and management of pain in children are summarized and discussed. Finally recommendations are made where further research is warranted.