Dying, death, and bereavement do not occur in a social vacuum. How individuals and groups experience these phenomena will be largely influenced by the social context in which they occur. To develop an adequate understanding of dying, death, and bereavement we therefore need to incorporate a sociological perspective into our analysis. This article examines why a sociological perspective is necessary and explores various ways in which sociology can be of practical value in both intellectual and professional contexts. A case study comparing psychological and sociological perspectives is offered by way of illustration.
A liposome formulation containing a distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine analog was developed that was endocytosed by both lymphocytes and monocytes. This formulation was used to encapsulate sense and antisense 20-mer oligodeoxynucleotides to the 5' tat splice acceptor site of human immunodeficiency virus type 1. At a DNA concentration of 140 nM, the liposome-encapsulated sense DNA inhibited p24 production by as much as 84% in human peripheral blood leukocytes infected with "wild-type" virus. This treatment also reduced the number of peripheral blood leukocytes producing intracellular viral antigen by 71%. Of interest, no reduction in either parameter was observed for the antisense-containing liposomes. The results demonstrate the promise of a new liposomal delivery vehicle to inhibit human immunodeficiency virus replication by an entrapped oligodeoxynucleotide.
Robert Fulton, prime mover the Sociology of Dying and Death movement since the 1950s to the present, has had a seminal impact on the development of the field, as a discipline, and upon those who have conducted research and educated others. For me, Professor Fulton has been an inspiration and a source of scholarly knowledge from my very first beginnings of study within the field of dying and death. He has been a mentor, friend, scholarly director, and object of esteem to me. He has been a hero as a scholar and giant within the field. It is a great privilege to write an essay in his honor.
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