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Biomedical subjects

Michael Rosenberg

Publications and source records attributed to Michael Rosenberg.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

Potential sperm donors', recipients' and their partners' opinions towards the release of identifying information in Western Australia.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine Western Australian potential sperm donors' and recipients' opinions towards the release of identifying information and their intentions to disclose. METHODS: Forty-five potential sperm donors, 33 recipients and 12 partners completed an anonymous questionnaire regarding their opinions on the release of identifying information, whether a child should be told about the manner of their conception, the level of expected contact of donor with future donor offspring and the importance of anonymity in their decision to donate. RESULTS: Slightly less than one-half (48.9%) of potential donors indicated that they would still donate if their identity was revealed to future offspring. When asked whether they would consider contact with offspring, 80% responded positively, with 42% favouring one-off contact. The majority of recipients (82%) and partners (92%) were planning to inform their offspring about the manner of their conception, with 69% of recipients believing that the offspring should receive identifying information about the donor. Recipients were ambivalent about the level of contact between their offspring and the donor. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the move to an open-identity donor system in Western Australia will benefit the majority of recipient parents who are intending to disclose; however, it also suggests a 50% decline in the number of potential sperm donors.

Adult↗

Protein kinase Cgamma regulates myosin IIB phosphorylation, cellular localization, and filament assembly.

Nonmuscle myosin II is an important component of the cytoskeleton, playing a major role in cell motility and chemotaxis. We have previously demonstrated that, on stimulation with epidermal growth factor (EGF), nonmuscle myosin heavy chain II-B (NMHC-IIB) undergoes a transient phosphorylation correlating with its cellular localization. We also showed that members of the PKC family are involved in this phosphorylation. Here we demonstrate that of the two conventional PKC isoforms expressed by prostate cancer cells, PKCbetaII and PKCgamma, PKCgamma directly phosphorylates NMHC-IIB. Overexpression of wild-type and kinase dead dominant negative PKCgamma result in both altered NMHC-IIB phosphorylation and subcellular localization. We have also mapped the phosphorylation sites of PKCgamma on NMHC-IIB. Conversion of the PKCgamma phosphorylation sites to alanine residues, reduces the EGF-dependent NMHC-IIB phosphorylation. Aspartate substitution of these sites reduces NMHC-IIB localization into cytoskeleton. These results indicate that PKCgamma regulates NMHC-IIB phosphorylation and cellular localization in response to EGF stimulation.

Actomyosin↗

Progesterone receptor modulator for emergency contraception: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Compare the efficacy and adverse effects of CDB-2914, a new progesterone receptor modulator, to levonorgestrel for emergency contraception. METHODS: We performed a randomized, double-blinded noninferiority trial, enrolling healthy women seeking emergency contraception within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a single dose of 50 mg of CDB-2914, plus a placebo 12 hours later or two doses of 0.75 mg of levonorgestrel taken 12 hours apart. Follow-up was scheduled 5 to 7 days after the expected onset of the next menstrual period. Posttreatment pregnancy was established by a positive urine test at follow-up and confirmed by quantitative serum beta-hCG. Daily diaries were used from the time of emergency contraception use until next menses to record adverse effects and sexual activity. RESULTS: Product efficacy was evaluable in 775 of CDB-2914 users and 774 of levonorgestrel users. Pregnancies occurred in 7 (0.9%, 95% confidence interval 0.2-1.6%) and 13 (1.7%, 95% confidence interval 0.8-2.6%) women, respectively. Based on the estimated cycle day of unprotected intercourse, 85% and 69% of anticipated pregnancies, respectively, were averted. Nausea was reported by a somewhat greater percentage of CDB-2914 than levonorgestrel users (29% compared with 24%, P=.03), but the distribution of other adverse effects was similar in both groups. Women in both groups experienced considerable variation in menstrual cycle length as compared with their reported individual normal cycle lengths. CONCLUSION: CDB-2914 is at least as effective as levonorgestrel in preventing pregnancies after unprotected intercourse and has a similar side effect profile. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Adolescent↗

PAK1 regulates myosin II-B phosphorylation, filament assembly, localization and cell chemotaxis.

Serine/threonine p21-activated kinase is an effector of Rac with a key role in the regulation of cytoskeletal organization. Non-muscle myosin II is a molecular motor, which is an important component of the cytoskeleton. Non-muscle myosin II-B plays a major role in cell motility and chemotaxis. We investigated the role of Rac and p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) in the regulation of myosin II-B in prostate cancer cells in response to epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation. We found that both Rac and PAK1 affect EGF-dependent non-muscle heavy chain II-B localization and cell morphology. We further found that a dominant negative mutant of PAK1 significantly inhibits EGF-dependent myosin II-B heavy chains phosphorylation and filament disassembly. Furthermore, cells expressing the dominant negative mutant exhibited an increase in EGF-dependent myosin light chain phosphorylation and diminished chemotaxis towards EGF. To our knowledge this is the first report exploring the role of PAK1 in the regulation of both non-muscle myosin II-B heavy chains and light chains. Furthermore, the data presented here suggest that PAK1 plays a crucial role in the regulation of cell morphology and chemotaxis by regulating the phosphorylation and cellular localization of myosin II-B.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

Vomiting gravel.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Aged↗

VH3 gene expression in children with HIV infection.

OBJECTIVE: To study immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (V(H)) gene expression in HIV-uninfected (HIV-) and HIV-infected (HIV+) children. METHODS: A retrospective, observational study was performed by PCR-ELISA to examine IgM and IgG V(H) gene family expression among peripheral CD19-positive B cells. The subjects were 10 HIV+ children with, and 11 HIV+ children without a history of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and 12 HIV- children. The ages of the HIV+ and HIV- children, and the CD4 lymphocyte counts and viral loads (VL) of the HIV+ /IPD- and HIV+ /IPD- children were statistically similar. Rearranged V(H)3 gene libraries were constructed from 3 HIV+ /IPD- children to examine individual gene expression. RESULTS: The proportion of IgG V(H)3 expression among HIV+ /IPD- was lower than that of HIV- children, but the proportion of IgG V(H)3 expression among HIV+ /IPD+ children was not significantly different from that of HIV- children. IgG V(H)3 expression was positively, whereas IgM V(H)3 expression was inversely correlated with the VL among HIV+ /IPD+, but not HIV+ /IPD- children. IgM V(H) gene family expression did not differ between HIV+ and HIV- children. CONCLUSION: HIV+ children manifest qualitative and quantitative differences in V(H)3 expression, which may be influenced by IPD.

Bacteremia↗

Clinical and genetic analysis of a family with PROMM.

PROMM (proximal myotonic myopathy) and DM2 (myotonic dystrophy Type 2) are autosomal dominant multisystem disorders that have both been linked to chromosome 3q. Recently, the genetic basis of DM2 has been defined by a '(CCTG)(n)' expansion mutation in intron 1 of the ZNF9 gene. We identified and studied a multigenerational family in which five members had clinical features consistent with PROMM. Two affected members were available for detailed clinical, electrophysiological, radiological and genetic analysis. Our study confirms that the PROMM phenotype is associated with DM2-(CCTG)(n) expansion mutations. In addition, our results may extend the clinical spectrum of manifestations to include vestibular symptoms.

DNA Mutational Analysis↗

Are rural people getting HeartSmart?

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the impact of a cardiac rehabilitation program (HeartSmart) in a rural area on the quality of life, dietary behaviour, weight loss and physical activity participation of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or at high risk of CVD. DESIGN: The evaluation of the program consisted of a single group pre and post-test design with follow-up at 3, 6 and 12 months after program completion, complemented with a cross-sectional survey of non-participants as a pseudo comparison group. SETTING: The HeartSmart program is a hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation program in Bunbury, a regional centre of Western Australia. SUBJECTS: A total of 203 participants and 159 non-participants. INTERVENTIONS: The program consisted of 7 weeks of education and exercise sessions. RESULTS: The program had a high rate of completion (92%). Evaluation results suggested that HeartSmart participants demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life, compliance with medication, dietary behaviour, weight loss and physical activity participation. The largest changes were mostly observed between pre and post-program stages, with sustained behaviour change at 6 months after the completion of the program. Further evidence of the HeartSmart benefits was provided through significantly better health-related behaviour, confidence to diet and exercise, dietary fat intake, cardiac knowledge and quality of life scores among HeartSmart participants compared with non-participants. CONCLUSIONS: While this program has achieved its objectives, there are a few issues that need to be considered by similar programs: the post-program stage of patient follow-up by general practitioners; the geographical disadvantage of those living outside regional centres to access the service; enhancing the primary prevention aspect of the program; adapting the program to the needs of Aboriginal clients; facilitating evaluations by resourcing and training program staff in computer skills. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT: The viability of establishing cardiac rehabilitation programs in rural Australia has been questioned and few if any have been formally evaluated, particularly using a follow-up design and a control group. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: This study ascertains the benefits of secondary prevention programs in rural areas not only on the quality of life but also shows positive outcomes in lifestyle modification for program participants compared to non-participants. The lessons learnt can improve the effectiveness of similar prevention programs.

Aged↗

Do logbooks influence recall of physical activity in validation studies?

PURPOSE: To examine whether physical activity logbooks influence estimates of validity of 7-d recall physical activity questionnaires. METHODS: A convenience sample of 551 adults aged 18-75 yr wore an MTI accelerometer for seven consecutive days and were then randomly administered two of four 7-d recall physical activity questionnaires that varied in length and format (Active Australia Survey (AAS), long and short International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ-L and IPAQ-S), and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)). A subsample of 75% concurrently completed a physical activity logbook. RESULTS: Correlations (rho) between self-reported and measured duration of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity and total activity were similar among participants who received a logbook and those who did not for each of the four instruments. There was also no interaction between assessment method (survey, accelerometer) and the assignment of a logbook. For the IPAQ-L, however, variability in the difference between accelerometer data and responses to the vigorous items was smaller among those assigned a logbook (F = 4.128, df = 260, P = 0.043). Overall, there were no differences in percent agreement or kappa for participation in sufficient levels of physical activity according to receipt of a logbook for any of the surveys. CONCLUSION: The process of self-monitoring through completion of a logbook does not appear to influence estimates of validity for brief or long questionnaires with global questions. Whereas the magnitude of error in accuracy of recall of particular types of activity may be reduced by completion of a logbook that is similar in structure to the survey being validated, this does not appear to influence overall estimates of validity.

Adolescent↗

Prevalence of oral lesions and percent CD4+ T-lymphocytes in HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy.

This study examined prevalence of oral lesions and how it relates to CD4 percentages in vertically infected children with HIV undergoing combination antiretroviral therapy. One hundred two HIV-infected children between the ages of 3 and 15 years attending a specialized pediatric outpatient clinic were examined for oral lesions, and their CD4 percent and viral load extracted from their medical records. Of the 102 HIV-infected children, 69% had evidence of oral pathology and 31% were disease free. The proportion with disease was: 20.6% had conventional gingivitis, 19.6% had dental caries in their primary and permanent teeth combined, 13.7% had depapillated tongue, 3.9% had early childhood caries, 2.9% had oral candidiasis, 2% had bilateral enlarged parotid gland, 1% had median rhomboid glossitis, 1% had enlarged cervical lymph nodes and 2% had other developmental abnormalities. In the group with no evidence of suppression 15% had gingival lesion, 14% tongue lesion, and 1% parotid enlargement, and in the severe suppression group 55% had gingival lesion, 45% had tongue lesion, 9% had enlarged cervical lymph nodes, and another 9% had parotid gland enlargement. The association between conventional gingivitis and low CD4 percent was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Compared to previous studies, overall prevalence estimates of oral lesions in this study was low. Children with low CD4 percent had more oral lesions, consistent with results from other HIV studies.

Adolescent↗

Helping hospitalised clients quit smoking: a study of rural nursing practice and barriers.

Brief interventions have been identified as a useful tool for facilitating smoking cessation, particularly in the acute care setting and in areas where access to specialist staff is limited, such as rural Australia. A self-administered survey was used to determine current rural nursing staff practices in relation to brief intervention for smoking cessation, and to ascertain the perceived level of support, skills, needs and barriers amongst these staff to conducting brief interventions. The major findings include that while the majority of respondents were aware of their patients' smoking status, most were not very confident about assisting smoking patients to quit. Casually employed nurses were much less likely to be aware of patient smoking status than nurses employed full-time or permanent part-time. Only one-quarter to one-third of nurses did not believe assisting patients to quit was part of their role, and the vast majority of nurses reported that they were non-smokers. Future programs incorporating the routine use of brief interventions will need to consider these findings.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Dental visits by pediatric HIV-infected medical patients.

The purpose of the study described here was to assess dental-visit frequency in HIV-infected children as reported by caregivers. The sample consisted of 102 HIV-infected children aged 3 to 15 years and their caregivers. The child's most recent visit to any dental clinic for treatment or checkup was reported by the caregiver during his or her monthly medical review. The results were as follows: of the HIV-infected children, 50% had been to the dentist in the past 12 months; an additional 12% had been seen 13 to 36 months prior to the inquiry; and 38% had never visited a dentist. Of children 3 to 7 years old, the figures were 39%, 6% and 55%, respectively. For youth ages 8 to 15 years, figures were 60%, 17% and 23%. Within the racial/ethnic groups, 36% of African-Americans, 41% of Hispanics and 50% of white (non-Hispanic) had never been to a dentist. The researchers believe that the study showed that a significant number of HIV-infected children on public insurance programs receiving consistent medical care had not visited any dental provider.

Adolescent↗