bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Occurrence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Salmonellae Isolated from Commercially Available Canine Raw Food Diets in Three Canadian Cities
Authors: Finley R. , Reid‐Smith R. , Ribble C. , Popa M. , Vandermeer M. , Aramini J. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryThe purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Salmonella isolated from commercially available canine raw food diets in Canada. A total of 166 commercial frozen raw food diet samples were purchased from randomly selected local pet stores in three Canadian cities for a period of 8 months. All samples were evaluated for the presence of Salmonella, serotyped and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. There was an overall Salmonella prevalence of 21%; chicken was an ingredient for 67% of the Salmonella‐positive diets. Eighteen different Salmonella serotypes were recovered, and resistance was observed to 12 of the 16 antimicrobials tested, with the majority of Ontario isolates exhibiting resistance to ampicillin and Calgary isolates to tetracycline. This study demonstrates the potential risk of raw food diets, especially for immunocompromised individuals, and stresses the need for implementing regulatory guidelines for the production of these diets in order to help control and ideally eliminate the bacterial risks associated with their use and consumption.
Prevalence of Dog Intestinal Parasites and Risk Perception of Zoonotic Infection by Dog Owners in São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Katagiri S. , Oliveira‐Sequeira T. C. G. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryCoprological examination was used to estimate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in stray and domiciled dogs from Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil. Risk factors for dog infection were assessed in relation to demographic, husbandry and management data. The dog owners completed a questionnaire survey on some aspects of dog parasitism such as parasite species, mechanisms of infection, awareness of zoonotic diseases and history of anthelmintic usage. Parasites were found in the faeces of 138 dogs, with an overall prevalence of 54.3%. Dogs harbouring one parasite were more common (31.4%) than those harbouring two (18.5%), three (3.2%) or four (1.2%). The following parasites and their respective frequencies were detected:Ancylostoma(37.8%),Giardia(16.9%),Toxocara canis(8.7%),Trichuris vulpis(7.1%),Dipylidium caninum(2.4%),Isospora(3.5%),Cryptosporidium(3.1%) andSarcocystis(2.7%). Stray dogs were found more likely to be poliparasitized (P < 0.01) and presented higher prevalence ofAncylostoma,T. canisandGiardia(P < 0.01) than domiciled ones.Toxocara caniswas detected more frequently in dogs with <6 months of age (P < 0.05) and no effect of sex or breed could be observed (P > 0.05). Except forAncylostoma, that showed a significantly higher prevalence in dogs living in a multi‐dog household (P < 0.01), parasite prevalences were similar in single‐ and multi‐dog household. The answers of dog owners to the questionnaire showed that the majority does not know the species of dog intestinal parasites, the mechanisms of transmission, the risk factors for zoonotic infections, and specific prophylactic measures. The predominance of zoonotic species in dogs in the studied region, associated with the elevated degree of misinformation of the owners, indicates that the risk of zoonotic infection by canine intestinal parasite may be high, even in one of the most developed regions of Brazil.
Interferon alpha receptors are important for antiproliferative effect of interferon‐α against human hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Damdinsuren Bazarragchaa , Nagano Hiroaki , Wada Hiroshi , Noda Takehiro , Natsag Javzandulam , Marubashi Shigeru , Miyamoto Atsushi , Takeda Yutaka , Umeshita Koji , Doki Yuichiro , Dono Keizo , Monden Morito 
Published: September 2010

Aim:  Interferon (IFN)‐α is a promising drug for the prevention and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We reported that responders to IFN‐α/5‐fluorouracil combination therapy expressed higher IFN alpha receptor (IFNAR)2 in tumor. Herein we studied involvement of IFNARs in response to IFN‐α in HCC cells.Methods:  IFN‐α sensitivity and expression of IFNARs were studied in six HCC cell lines (HuH7, PLC/PRF/5, HLE, HLF, HepG2, Hep3B) using growth‐inhibitory and RT‐PCR, Western blot assays. Short interfering RNAs (SiRNAs) against IFNAR1 and 2 were used to analyze the role of the IFNARs in IFN‐α’s effect and signal transduction.Results:  The expressions of IFNAR1 and 2c mRNAs were higher in PLC/PRF/5 cells than those in other cell lines, and PLC/PRF/5 cells expressed abundant IFNAR2c on their cell membrane. When we examined the sensitivity of the HCC cell lines to the growth‐inhibitory effect of IFN‐α, PLC/PRF/5 exhibited a significant response, while the other cells were much more resistant. Knockdown of either IFNAR1 or 2 using siRNAs suppressed the IFN‐α’s signal transduction (2.5‐fold), and decreased the growth‐inhibitory effect (down by 69.9% and 67.3%).Conclusion:  The results suggest that the expression of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2c independently are important for the antiproliferative effect of IFN‐α in HCC cells.
Distribution frequency of hepatitis C virus genotypes in 2231 patients in Iran
Authors: Keyvani Hossein , Alizadeh Amir H.M. , Alavian Seyed M. , Ranjbar Mitra , Hatami Saeed 
Published: September 2010

Aim:  Given the importance of frequency distribution of HCV genotypes, we studied genotypic distribution of HCV in Iran. In this cross‐sectional study, 2231 patients with hepatitis C who presented in hepatitis clinics in Tehran were investigated for HCV genotypes.Methods:  Genotyping was performed by genotype specific primers.Results:  The highest frequency was for genotype 1a, with 886 (39.7%) of subjects. Genotype 3a and 1b were the other frequent genotypes, with 613 (27.5%) and 271 (12.1%) subjects, respectively. Of the samples, 401 (18%) had an undetermined genotype. Mixed genotypes were also found in 33 samples (1.6%). Genotype 1b frequency in patients under 20 years old was 10.2%, while its frequency in patients over 60 years old was 18.5%. Genotype 1b frequency significantly increased by age (P = 0.02).Conclusion:  This study indicates that the dominant HCV genotype among patients living in Tehran was 1a.
Cocirculation of and coinfections with hepatitis A virus subgenotypes IIIA and IB in patients from Pune, western India
Authors: Chitambar Shobha , Joshi Madhuri , Lole Kavita , Walimbe Atul , Vaidya Sunil 
Published: September 2010

Aim:  During the 1990s, a changing pattern of epidemiology of hepatitis A was reported in different populations of India. The present study was undertaken to investigate the molecular epidemiology of hepatitis A virus (HAV) strains over a period of 10 years.Methods:  Stool/serum samples were collected from hepatitis A patients clinically presenting acute viral hepatitis and hepatic encephalopathy. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was performed to detect HAV‐RNA. HAV genomes were examined by sequencing PCR products of VP1/2A junction (168 bp) and RNA polymerase (116 bp) regions.Results:  Subgenotype IIIA and IB were detected in 74.2% and 9.7% of specimens, respectively, while 16.1% of patients had mixed infections. Sewage samples also showed presence of both IIIA (9/10) and IB (1/10) subgenotypes. RNA polymerase region showed two clusters constituting 51.6% and 19.4% strains closer to Nor21 and HM175 strains, respectively, in clinical specimens. Three isolates appeared as discordant subgenotypes in VP1/2A and RNA polymerase regions.Conclusion:  The data revealed cocirculation of and coinfection with subgenotypes IIIA and IB, with predominance of IIIA and genetic heterogeneity of HAV strains in western India.
Estimating problem drinking among community pharmacy customers: what did pharmacists think of the method?
Authors: Sheridan Janie , Smart Ros , McCormick Ross 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Objectives
Community pharmacists have successfully been involved in brief interventions in many areas of health, and also provide services to substance misusers. There has been recent interest in community pharmacists providing screening and brief interventions (SBI) to problem drinkers. The aim of this study was to develop a method for measuring prevalence of risky drinking among community pharmacy customers and to explore acceptability of this method to participating pharmacists.

Methods
Forty-three pharmacies (from 80 randomly selected) in New Zealand agreed to participate in data collection. On a set, single, randomly allocated day during one week, pharmacies handed out questionnaires about alcohol consumption, and views on pharmacists providing SBI, to their customers. At the end of the data collection period semi-structured telephone interviews were carried out with participating pharmacists.

Key findings
Pharmacists were generally positive about the way the study was carried out, the support and materials they were provided with, and the ease of the data collection process. They reported few problems with customers and the majority of pharmacists would participate again.

Conclusions
The method developed successfully collected data from customers and was acceptable to participating pharmacists. This method can be adapted to collecting data on prevalence of other behaviours or medical conditions and assessing customer views on services.
Non-adherence to antihypertensive medication and impaired cognition: which comes first?
Authors: Gard Paul R 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Objective
Antihypertensive medications are important in the prevention of serious consequences of hypertension, such as stroke and heart failure. Up to one-third of elderly hypertensive patients, however, do not adhere to their medication. Adherence to medication decreases with increasing age, and with decreasing cognitive ability, thus elderly, cognitively-impaired patients have poorer control of blood pressure. Good control of blood pressure is associated with decreased prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. This study assessed the evidence that antihypertensive medications have effects on the prevalence or severity of mild cognitive impairment, dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Methods
The ISI Web of Knowledge database was searched; including replicates, the nine searches identified 14 400 publications since 1952, of which 9.9% had been published in 2009. This review considers the 18 studies meeting the set criteria published in 2009 or later.

Key findings
Not all antihypertensive medications are equivalent in their positive cognitive effects, with brain-penetrating angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors and possibly angiotensin receptor antagonists being the most effective.

Conclusions
Based on evidence of blood-pressure control and cost, UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines recommend calcium-channel blockers or thiazide-type diuretics for the treatment of hypertension in patients over 55 years. These guidelines take no account of the potential cognitive effects of the antihypertensive therapies, consideration of which might lead to a review. There may be benefit in stressing that adherence to antihypertensive medication not only decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and death, but may also decrease the risk or severity of mild cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Exploring pharmacists' perceptions of the feasibility and value of pharmacist prescribing of antimicrobials in secondary care in Scotland
Authors: Tonna Antonella P , Stewart Derek C , West Bernice , McCaig Dorothy J 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Objectives
The introduction of non-medical prescribing in the UK has provided opportunities and challenges for pharmacists to help ensure prudent use of antimicrobials. The objective of this research was to explore pharmacists' perceptions of the feasibility and value of pharmacist prescribing of antimicrobials in secondary care in Scotland.

Methods
Pharmacists' perceptions were explored using focus groups in five Scottish regions representing (a) urban and rural areas and (b) district general hospitals and large teaching centres. Senior hospital pharmacists, both prescribers and non-prescribers, working in specialities where antimicrobials are crucial to patient management, were invited to participate. A topic guide was developed to lead the discussions, which were audio-recorded and transcribed. The framework approach to data analysis was used.

Key findings
Six focus groups took place and some emerging themes and issues are presented. Pharmacists believed that the feasibility of antimicrobial prescribing is dependent upon the patient's clinical condition and the area of clinical care. They identified potential roles and opportunities for pharmacist prescribing of antimicrobials. Perceived benefits included giving patients quicker access to medicines, reducing risk of resistance and better application of evidence-based medicine.

Conclusions
Pharmacists feel they have a good knowledge base to prescribe and manage antimicrobial treatment, identifying possible opportunities for intervention. Roles within a multidisciplinary antimicrobial team need to be clearly defined.
Activation of Murine Double Minute 2 by Akt in Mammary Epithelium Delays Mammary Involution and Accelerates Mammary Tumorigenesis
Authors: Cheng Xiaoyun , Xia Weiya , Yang Jer-Yen , Hsu Jennifer L. , Lang Jing-Yu , Chou Chao-Kai , Du Yi , Sun Hui-Lung , Wyszomierski Shannon L. , Mills Gordon B. , Muller William J. , Yu Dihua , Hung Mien-Chie 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Amplification or overexpression of murine double minute 2 (MDM2) promotes a variety of human tumors by degrading tumor suppressor proteins such as p53. Phosphorylation of MDM2 on Ser166 and Ser186 by the survival kinase Akt inhibits p53-mediated apoptosis. However, it is unclear whether this pathway contributes to normal or malignant pathophysiology in vivo. To address these questions, we generated transgenic mice expressing the Akt-phosphorylated form of MDM2 (MDM2DDS166D/S186D) in the mammary epithelium. Activation of MDM2 delayed mammary gland involution and accelerated tumor progression in mouse mammary tumor virus/neu transgenic mice by inhibiting apoptosis in a manner associated with decreased p53 expression. Our findings offer in vivo evidence that activation of MDM2 by Akt contributes to mammary development and tumorigenesis. Cancer Res; 70(19); 7684–9. ©2010 AACR.
Image-Based Chemical Screening Identifies Drug Efflux Inhibitors in Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Xia Xiaofeng , Yang Jian , Li Fuhai , Li Ying , Zhou Xiaobo , Dai Yue , Wong Stephen T.C. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Cancer cells with active drug efflux capability are multidrug resistant and pose a significant obstacle for the efficacy of chemotherapy. Moreover, recent evidence suggests that high drug efflux cancer cells (HDECC) may be selectively enriched with stem-like cancer cells, which are believed to be the cause for tumor initiation and recurrence. There is a great need for therapeutic reagents that are capable of eliminating HDECCs. We developed an image-based high-content screening (HCS) system to specifically identify and analyze the HDECC population in lung cancer cells. Using the system, we screened 1,280 pharmacologically active compounds that identified 12 potent HDECC inhibitors. It is shown that these inhibitors are able to overcome multidrug resistance (MDR) and sensitize HDECCs to chemotherapeutic drugs, or directly reduce the tumorigenicity of lung cancer cells possibly by affecting stem-like cancer cells. The HCS system we established provides a new approach for identifying therapeutic reagents overcoming MDR. The compounds identified by the screening may potentially be used as potential adjuvant to improve the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs. Cancer Res; 70(19); 7723–33. ©2010 AACR.
ERBB Receptor Activation Is Required for Profibrotic Responses to Transforming Growth Factor β
Authors: Andrianifahanana Mahefatiana , Wilkes Mark C. , Repellin Claire E. , Edens Maryanne , Kottom Theodore J. , Rahimi Rod A. , Leof Edward B. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Engagement of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor complex activates multiple signaling pathways that play crucial roles in both health and disease. TGF-β is a key regulator of fibrogenesis and cancer-associated desmoplasia; however, its exact mode of action in these pathologic processes has remained poorly defined. Here, we report a novel mechanism whereby signaling via members of the ERBB or epidermal growth factor family of receptors serves as a central requirement for the biological responses of fibroblasts to TGF-β. We show that TGF-β triggers upregulation of ERBB ligands and activation of cognate receptors via the canonical SMAD pathway in fibroblasts. Interestingly, activation of ERBB is commonly observed in a subset of fibroblast but not epithelial cells from different species, indicating cell type specificity. Moreover, using genetic and pharmacologic approaches, we show that ERBB activation by TGF-β is essential for the induction of fibroblast cell morphologic transformation and anchorage-independent growth. Together, these results uncover important aspects of TGF-β signaling that highlight the role of ERBB ligands/receptors as critical mediators in fibroblast responses to this pleiotropic cytokine. Cancer Res; 70(19); 7421–30. ©2010 AACR.
Targeting Stat3 in the Myeloid Compartment Drastically Improves the In vivo Antitumor Functions of Adoptively Transferred T Cells
Authors: Herrmann Andreas , Kortylewski Marcin , Kujawski Maciej , Zhang Chunyan , Reckamp Karen , Armstrong Brian , Wang Lin , Kowolik Claudia , Deng Jiehui , Figlin Robert , Yu Hua 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Improving effector T-cell functions is highly desirable for preventive or therapeutic interventions of diverse diseases. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) in the myeloid compartment constrains Th1-type immunity, dampening natural and induced antitumor immune responses. We have recently developed an in vivo small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery platform by conjugating a Toll-like receptor 9 agonist with siRNA that efficiently targets myeloid and B cells. Here, we show that either CpG triggering combined with the genetic Stat3 ablation in myeloid/B cell compartments or administration of the CpG-Stat3siRNA drastically augments effector functions of adoptively transferred CD8+ T cells. Specifically, we show that both approaches are capable of increasing dendritic cell and CD8+ T-cell engagement in tumor-draining lymph nodes. Furthermore, both approaches can significantly activate the transferred CD8+ T cells in vivo, upregulating effector molecules such as perforin, granzyme B, and IFN-γ. Intravital multiphoton microscopy reveals that Stat3 silencing combined with CpG triggering greatly increases killing activity and tumor infiltration of transferred T cells. These results suggest the use of CpG-Stat3siRNA, and possibly other Stat3 inhibitors, as a potent adjuvant to improve T-cell therapies. Cancer Res; 70(19); 7455–64. ©2010 AACR.
MRE11 Expression Is Predictive of Cause-Specific Survival following Radical Radiotherapy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Choudhury Ananya , Nelson Louisa D. , Teo Mark T.W. , Chilka Sameer , Bhattarai Selina , Johnston Colin F. , Elliott Faye , Lowery Johanna , Taylor Claire F. , Churchman Michael , Bentley Johanne , Knowles Margaret A. , Harnden Patricia , Bristow Robert G. , Bishop D. Timothy , Kiltie Anne E. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Radical radiotherapy and surgery achieve similar cure rates in muscle-invasive bladder cancer, but the choice of which treatment would be most beneficial cannot currently be predicted for individual patients. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether expression of any of a panel of DNA damage signaling proteins in tumor samples taken before irradiation could be used as a predictive marker of radiotherapy response, or rather was prognostic. Protein expression of MRE11, RAD50, NBS1, ATM, and H2AX was studied by immunohistochemistry in pretreatment tumor specimens from two cohorts of bladder cancer patients (validation cohort prospectively acquired) treated with radical radiotherapy and one cohort of cystectomy patients. In the radiotherapy test cohort (n = 86), low tumor MRE11 expression was associated with worse cancer-specific survival compared with high expression [43.1% versus 68.7% 3-year cause-specific survival (CSS), P = 0.012] by Kaplan-Meier analysis. This was confirmed in the radiotherapy validation cohort (n = 93; 43.0% versus 71.2%, P = 0.020). However, in the cystectomy cohort (n = 88), MRE11 expression was not associated with cancer-specific survival, commensurate with MRE11 being a predictive marker. High MRE11 expression in the combined radiotherapy cohort had a significantly better cancer-specific survival compared with the high-expression cystectomy cohort (69.9% versus 53.8% 3-year CSS, P = 0.021). In this validated immunohistochemistry study, MRE11 protein expression was shown and confirmed as a predictive factor associated with survival following bladder cancer radiotherapy, justifying its inclusion in subsequent trial designs. MRE11 expression may ultimately allow patient selection for radiotherapy or cystectomy, thus improving overall cure rates. Cancer Res; 70(18); 7017–26. ©2010 AACR.
The Role of Telomeres and Telomerase in Cancer Research
Authors: Stewart Sheila A. , Bertuch Alison A. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
The fourth AACR Special Conference on The Role of Telomeres and Telomerase in Cancer Research was held February 27 to March 2, 2010 in Fort Worth, TX. The meeting was organized to bring together those interested in the basic molecular mechanisms that govern telomere dynamics and stability with those interested in the clinical implications of telomere dysfunction and the use of telomeres and telomerase as therapeutic targets. The meeting was extremely successful as evidenced by the attendance and quality of the presentations. Indeed, several important themes emerged including (a) the intricate connection between the DNA replication and repair machineries in basic telomere replication and stability, (b) the complex interplay between the telomere-specific shelterin components and DNA repair proteins, (c) the nontelomeric functions of TERT in numerous cell types including stem cells, (d) a growing appreciation for the connection that exists between telomere maintenance deficiency states and diverse conditions such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and hematopoietic malignancies, and (e) the successful progression of agents targeting telomerase directly and immunologically to phase III clinical trials. Evident at the meeting was the vibrant energy that permeates the telomere field and the important biological and medical findings that it continues to yield. Cancer Res; 70(19); 7365–71. ©2010 AACR.