PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Qi Rong Huang

Publications and source records attributed to Qi Rong Huang.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

A qualitative study of GPs' views on modern genetics.

BACKGROUND: With rapid advances in genetics and increased public awareness of genetic testing for many hereditary diseases, the demand for genetic services may increase. We wondered how developments in genetics have impacted on general practice and the position general practitioners have taken in practising the new genetics. METHOD: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews conducted during 2003-2004 with 15 GPs practising in Sydney (New South Wales) and the Australian Capital Territory. RESULTS: General practitioners reported that genetic services had minimal impact on their practice and the number of consultations related to genetic conditions was insignificant. They felt they were often not included in the 'referral loop' of such patients. Their knowledge of advances in genetics was limited. They were wary of the possible costs of testing and the time taken to provide genetic counselling. DISCUSSION: General practitioners' attitudes toward modern genetics seems to be disengaged, and they are ambivalent toward the role they now play, or will play, in genetic services.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2003

Interleukin 12-augmented T cell proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HIV-seropositive individuals is associated with interleukin 12 receptor beta 2 upregulation.

Interleukin 12 (IL-12) production is believed to be impaired in individuals with HIV infection and this impairment manifests early in disease, when the CD4(+) cell counts are within normal values. The reduced antigen-specific and mitogen-stimulated T cell-proliferative responses that occur in HIV infection can be corrected by the addition of recombinant human interleukin 12 (rhIL-12). As the IL-12 receptor (IL-12R) is central to the IL-12 signaling pathway, we examined whether the augmentation of antigen-specific proliferation of HIV(+) peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) related to altered IL-12R expression. rhIL-12 augmented antigen-specific proliferation of HIV(+) PBMCs but not of HIV(-) PBMCs. Examination of resting PBMCs from HIV(+) and HIV(-) donors showed that neither of these populations expressed IL-12R beta 1 or IL-12R beta 2 chains on their cell surface as detected by flow cytometry. However, examination of mRNA showed that both IL-12R beta 1 and IL-12R beta 2 mRNAs were markedly reduced in HIV(+) PBMCs when compared with HIV(-) PBMCs. After mitogen activation there was an increase in IL-12R beta 1 expression on the cell surface of HIV(+) and HIV(-) PBMCs and this level was not altered by coculture with rhIL-12 or interferon gamma (IFN-gamma). However, coculture of phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-activated HIV(+) or HIV(-) PBMCs with rhIL-12 (but not IFN-gamma) increased IL-12R beta 2 expression on the cell surface of both populations. Examination at the message level showed a correction of IL-12R beta 1 to normal levels with activation that was further enhanced by rhIL-12 coculture for both the HIV(+) and HIV(-) PBMCs. However, although the level of IL-12R beta 2 for the HIV(+) PBMCs was normalized by PHA, rhIL-12 caused a further augmentation. This information provides a strong link between IL-12R upregulation, and the significant improvement in antigen-specific HIV-proliferative responses seen with the addition of rhIL-12. It also reveals that the dysfunction in IL-12R expression seen in cells from HIV(+) patients occurs at the transcriptional level. In addition, we provide further evidence that IL-12R beta 1 and IL-12R beta 2 regulation in human PBMCs is independent of IFN-gamma.

HIV Infections↗
PubMed2003

Creating informed consumers and achieving shared decision making.

BACKGROUND: The internet has become a powerful tool to disseminate health information and there are millions of people accessing this free information for a second medical opinion. Consumers seeking information from this resource are more responsible for their own health. However, the quality of health information on the internet varies and there is no simple instrument that can effectively evaluate its quality. OBJECTIVE: This paper reviews recent studies on the validity of instruments or guidelines developed for evaluating health information. It describes government initiatives around the world in establishing quality health information and proposes an alternative way of empowering consumers with reliable health information. It emphasises the importance of the role of primary family physicians in this consumer education process. DISCUSSION: The debate over the quality of health information on the internet and the attempt to use instruments to evaluate the quality of web information are discussed. The relationship between family physicians and consumer informations in this information age is also addressed.

Decision Making↗