bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivo and in vitro evidence that intrinsic upper‐ and lower‐limb skeletal muscle function is unaffected by ageing and disuse in oldest‐old humans
Authors: Venturelli M. , Saggin P. , Muti E. , Naro F. , Cancellara L. , Toniolo L. , Tarperi C. , Calabria E. , Richardson R. S. , Reggiani C. , Schena F. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimTo parse out the impact of advanced ageing and disuse on skeletal muscle function, we utilized both in vivo and in vitro techniques to comprehensively assess upper‐ and lower‐limb muscle contractile properties in 8 young (YG; 25 ± 6 years) and 8 oldest‐old mobile (OM; 87 ± 5 years) and 8 immobile (OI; 88 ± 4 years) women.MethodsIn vivo, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), electrically evoked resting twitch force (RT), and physiological cross‐sectional area (PCSA) of the quadriceps and elbow flexors were assessed. Muscle biopsies of the vastus lateralis and biceps brachii facilitated the in vitro assessment of single fibre‐specific tension (Po).ResultsIn vivo, compared to the young, both the OM and OI exhibited a more pronounced loss of MVC in the lower limb [OM (−60%) and OI (−75%)] than the upper limb (OM = −51%; OI = −47%). Taking into account the reduction in muscle PCSA (OM = −10%; OI = −18%), only evident in the lower limb, by calculating voluntary muscle‐specific force, the lower limb of the OI (−40%) was more compromised than the OM (−13%). However, in vivo, RT in both upper and lower limbs (approx. 9.8 N m cm−2) and Po (approx. 123 mN mm−2), assessed in vitro, implies preserved intrinsic contractile function in all muscles of the oldest‐old and were well correlated (r = 0.81).ConclusionThese findings suggest that in the oldest‐old, neither advanced ageing nor disuse, per se, impacts intrinsic skeletal muscle function, as assessed in vitro. However, in vivo, muscle function is attenuated by age and exacerbated by disuse, implicating factors other than skeletal muscle, such as neuromuscular control, in this diminution of function.
Chronic relapsing remitting Sweet syndrome – a harbinger of myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Kulasekararaj Austin G. , Kordasti Shahram , Basu Tanya , Salisbury Jonathan R. , Mufti Ghulam J. , du Vivier Anthony W. P. 
Published: May 2015

SummarySweet syndrome (SS) is an acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis. It has been associated with malignant disease, especially acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), infections, autoimmune disorders and drugs, particularly granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (GCSF). No cause is found in the rest, which are labelled idiopathic. We describe 15 patients with SS, which we believe represent ‘immune dysregulation’ secondary to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We initially identified 31 patients with SS in a cohort of 744 patients with MDS and 215 with AML seen over a 6‐year period (2004–10). The cause in 16 patients could be attributed either to administration of GCSF or chemotherapy. The eruption was brief and resolved spontaneously or following withdrawal of GCSF. Fifteen patients however, had a chronic debilitating illness dominated by the skin eruptions. Diagnosis of chronic relapsing SS was delayed because the pathology was not always typical of classical neutrophil‐rich SS and included lymphocytic and histiocytoid infiltrates and bone marrow was not always performed because the relevance of the eruption to MDS was often not immediately appreciated. All these patients had ‘low risk’ MDS, diagnosed at a median of 17 months (range 0–157) following the diagnosis of SS. We describe a chronic debilitating episodic clinically distinctive skin eruption with features of SS but not always definitive histopathology often associated with immunological abnormalities affecting other systems related to underlying low risk MDS.
BJP is changing its requirements for scientific papers to increase transparency
Authors: McGrath J C , Curtis M J 
Published: May 2015

BJP is changing its procedures for the submission of articles so that authors can optimize transparency and experimental design. This relates to current moves to strengthen the robustness of the basic research that underpins drug discovery and therapeutics. To this end we are publishing new Instructions to Authors (ITA). Some are already in place and take immediate effect while others will be introduced over the next few months. Emphasis is placed on gathering essential information that authors often forget to include; this will also facilitate peer‐review by hard‐pressed reviewers. We have been in discussion with the Editors of other Pharmacology journals and plan that similar changes will be taking place across the sector. This will ensure that the various generic guidelines are more clearly specified for pharmacology.The major changes will be supported by three editorials:
In order to link published work to the growing network of databases we are introducing hyperlinks to drug targets and key drugs in the authoritative Guide to PHARMACOLOGY database of the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, which is now produced with the support of BPS. This is then further linked to other biological and chemical databases, placing the work first in a pharmacological then in a broader scientific context. (McGrath et al., 2015a).
We have assessed the implementation of the 2010 ARRIVE guidelines for reporting experiments involving animals and respond by significantly strengthening our requirements, especially relating to disclosure of information, rather than urging compliance with respect to every conceivable issue (McGrath & Lilley, 2015). As an international journal we believe that this must be done on a worldwide basis, taking account of differing practices but adhering to one ethical standard (McGrath et al., 2015b).
Inadequacy of experimental design and statistical validity of analysis of drug‐related research that underpins the discovery of new medicines has attracted recent criticism. We will publish new guidance for reporting statistical analysis and experimental design (Curtis et al., 2015).
Linked EditorialsThis Editorial is part of a series. To view the other Editorials in this series, visit: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12956/abstract and http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1476‐5381
Implementing guidelines on reporting research using animals (ARRIVE etc.): new requirements for publication in BJP
Authors: McGrath John C , Lilley Elliot 
Published: May 2015

The ARRIVE guidelines have been implemented in BJP for 4 years with the aim of increasing transparency in reporting experiments involving animals. BJP has assessed our success in implementing them and concluded that we could do better. This editorial discusses the issues and explains how we are changing our requirements for authors to report their findings in experiments involving animals. This is one of a series of editorials discussing updates to the BJP Instructions to AuthorsLinked EditorialsThis Editorial is part of a series. To view the other Editorials in this series, visit: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12956/abstract; http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12954/abstract; http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.13112/abstract and http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12856/abstract.VideoTo view the video on the ARRIVE guidelines, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYXoUAnhoPM
Epigenetics and pharmacology
Authors: Stefanska Barbara , MacEwan David J 
Published: May 2015

Recent advances in the understanding of gene regulation have shown there to be much more regulation of the genome than first thought, through epigenetic mechanisms. These epigenetic mechanisms are systems that have evolved to either switch off gene activity altogether, or fine‐tune any existing genetic activation. Such systems are present in all genes and include chromatin modifications and remodelling, DNA methylation (such as CpG island methylation rates) and histone covalent modifications (e.g. acetylation, methylation), RNA interference by short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and long non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs). These systems regulate genomic activity ‘beyond’ simple transcriptional factor inducer or repressor function of genes to generate mRNA. Epigenetic regulation of gene activity has been shown to be important in maintaining normal phenotypic activity of cells, as well as having a role in development and diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's. Newer classes of drugs regulate epigenetic mechanisms to counteract disease states in humans. The reports in this issue describe some advances in epigenetic understanding that relate to human disease, and our ability to control these mechanisms by pharmacological means. Increasingly the importance of epigenetics is being uncovered – it is pharmacology that will have to keep pace.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Epigenetics and Therapy. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue‐11
The immunoregulatory and fibrotic roles of activin A in allergic asthma
Authors: Hardy C. L. , Rolland J. M. , O'Hehir R. E. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryActivin A, a member of the TGF‐β superfamily of cytokines, was originally identified as an inducer of follicle stimulating hormone release, but has since been ascribed roles in normal physiological processes, as an immunoregulatory cytokine and as a driver of fibrosis. In the last 10–15 years, it has also become abundantly clear that activin A plays an important role in the regulation of asthmatic inflammation and airway remodelling. This review provides a brief introduction to the activin A/TGF‐β superfamily, focussing on the regulation of receptors and signalling pathways. We examine the contradictory evidence for generalized pro‐ vs. anti‐inflammatory effects of activin A in inflammation, before appraising its role in asthmatic inflammation and airway remodelling specifically by evaluating data from both murine models and clinical studies. We identify key issues to be addressed, paving the way for safe exploitation of modulation of activin A function for treatment of allergic asthma and other inflammatory lung diseases.
When one becomes more: minimum renal artery length in laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy
Authors: Iype S. , David S. , Hilliard S. , Shaw A. , Jamieson N. V. , Praseedom R. K. , Butler A. J. , Huguet E. L. , Parker R. A. , Bradley J. A. , Watson C. J. E. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundLaparoscopic donor nephrectomy may convert short main arteries into multiple arteries, increasing the technical challenge of implantation. We evaluated our experience to identify factors predictive of multiple arteries after laparoscopic nephrectomy.MethodsAll laparoscopic nephrectomies from the start of our program in November 2002 until June 2013 were studied, and preoperative imaging reviewed for donor artery length and multiplicity together with operative findings.ResultsA total of 287 consecutive laparoscopic live donor nephrectomies (64 right and 223 left nephrectomies) were studied. Renal artery length was measured from preoperative donor magnetic resonance or computed tomography angiogram and nephrectomy performed using a laparoscopic stapling device. Nine left kidneys with a single artery (6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 16 mm in length) and five right kidneys with a single artery (5, 13, 15, 20, and 26 mm) on imaging resulted in multiple renal arteries at implantation. Complex renal vein anatomy was associated with multiple arteries following retrieval.ConclusionA main renal artery length of more than 16 mm on the left and 26 mm on the right is unlikely to result in multiple arteries to implant. The possibility of multiple arteries should be borne in mind when the donor renal artery is short.
Pre‐transplant angiotensin receptor II type 1 antibodies and risk of post‐transplant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis recurrence
Authors: Mujtaba Muhammad A. , Sharfuddin Asif A. , Book Benita L. , Goggins William C. , Khalil Ali A. , Mishler Dennis P. , Fridell Johnathan A. , Yaqub Muhammad S. , Taber Tim E. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPost‐kidney transplant recurrence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a major problem. AT1R is expressed on podocyte; its expression is elevated in the proteinuric state. Using an ELISA, we tested pre‐transplant sera of 28 patients with history of idiopathic FSGS for anti‐AT1R levels and serum soluble urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) as a biomarker for risk of recurrence of FSGS. Sera from 11 patients with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) were used as controls. Twelve patients had biopsy proven post‐transplant FSGS recurrence at 1.5 months. No difference was found in the pre‐transplant suPAR levels of FSGS patients (5993 ± 2292 pg/mL) vs. PKD (7334 ± 4538 pg/mL) (p = 0.23). Serum suPAR levels in patients with FSGS recurrence (5786 ± 1899 pg/mL) vs. no FSGS recurrence (6149 ± 2598 pg/mL) (p = 0.69) were not different. Anti‐AT1R levels in patients with FSGS were 12.66 ± 11.85 U/mL vs. 8.69 ± 6.52 U/mL in PKD (p = 0.32); however, a difference was found in patients with and without FSGS recurrence 20.41 ± 14.36 U/mL 6.84 ± 4.181 U/mL, respectively (p < 0.01). Area under curve for suPAR and anti‐AT1R to predict post‐transplant FSGS recurrence was 0.51 and 0.84, respectively. Pre‐transplant anti‐AT1R levels appear to be a helpful biomarker in identifying patients at high risk of post‐transplant FSGS recurrence.
A clinicopathologic study of morphea in Korean patients
Authors: Hong Jeong Ho , Kim Jeong Eun , Ko Joo Yeon , Ro Young Suck 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundThe exact pathogenesis of morphea is poorly understood, and only a few clinical or histopathological studies have been conducted in Asian patients.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to identify the clinical and histopathological characteristics of morphea in Korean patients.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 101 patients whose clinicopathologic findings were compatible with morphea and analyzed demographic characteristics, number of lesions, disease subtype and histopathological findings.ResultsOverall, circumscribed morphea (52.5%) was the most common clinical type, followed by linear (28.7%), mixed (13.9%) and generalized (5.0%) type. Disease duration was positively correlated with increased thickness of the skin in 54 patients (p < 0.001). Inflammatory cell infiltration was absent in 54, mild in 30 and moderate in 14 patients. There was no significant difference in the mean ratio of lesional to normal skin thickness (L/N ratio) among four types of morphea. Disease duration was not correlated with the density of inflammatory cell infiltration (p = 0.68). There were statistically significant differences in the duration of disease according to plasma cell counts (p < 0.05).ConclusionsA positive correlation was found between skin thickness and disease duration, but mean L/N ratio was not significantly different among various types of morphea.
Reliability and practicability of the straight leg raise test in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Marsico Petra , Tal‐Akabi Amir , Van Hedel Hubertus J A 
Published: May 2015

AimPreventing restrictions to lower limb movement is part of the treatment given to children with cerebral palsy (CP). Such restrictions can be assessed using the ‘straight leg raise’ (SLR) test. This study investigated the interrater reliability and practicability of the SLR test in children with CP.MethodExperienced physiotherapists examined 23 children with CP (6–18y; eight females, 15 males) twice. The SLR hip range of motion (ROM) was measured using an electrogoniometer, and the test was rated based on sensitizing manoeuvres and biceps femoris muscle activity. Practicability was investigated by evaluating children's subjective feedback on the tolerable ROM.ResultsIntraclass correlation coefficients for the SLR hip ROM varied, ranging from 0.84 (95% CI 0.61–0.93) to 0.93 (95% CI 0.87–0.96). Physiotherapists substantially agreed on SLR ratings (Cohen's kappa=0.73). Biceps femoris muscle activity decreased significantly with the release of tension on the sciatic nerve. All children were able to communicate the location and sensation of the maximally tolerated position.InterpretationThe SLR test proved to be reliable and practicable in children with CP and might improve clinical reasoning processes. Lower limb movement restrictions in these children may partly be related to limitations in sciatic nerve mobility. Further studies should investigate if the SLR test could estimate activities in children with CP.
Grey matter injury patterns in cerebral palsy: associations between structural involvement on MRI and clinical outcomes
Authors: Reid Susan M , Dagia Charuta D , Ditchfield Michael R , Reddihough Dinah S 
Published: May 2015

AimsIn a population cohort of children with grey matter injury (GMI) and cerebral palsy (CP), we aimed to describe and classify magnetic resonance imaging characteristics specific to GMI, and to identify key structure–function associations that serve as a basis for rating GMI in clinically relevant ways.MethodSymmetry, extent of cerebral injury, and pathological pattern for 54 children (37 males, 17 females) with CP and a predominant GMI pattern on chronic‐phase magnetic resonance imaging were related to gross motor function, motor type and topography, epilepsy, intellectual disability, blindness, and deafness.ResultsRelative to mild GMI where there was no pallidal abnormality, severe GMI, comprising pallidal abnormality alone or in conjunction with other deep nuclear and generalized cortical–subcortical involvement, was strongly associated with Gross Motor Function Classification System levels IV to V (OR 35.7 [95% CI 3.5, 368.8]). Involvement of the basal ganglia was associated with non‐spastic/mixed motor types, but predominantly where cortical–subcortical grey and white matter involvement was not extensive. The prevalence of epilepsy was highest where there was diffuse cortical–subcortical involvement and white matter loss.InterpretationBetter understanding of structure–function relationships in CP and GMI, and how to rate the severity of GMI, will be helpful in the clinical context and also as a basis for investigation of causal pathways in CP.
Paediatric terminology in the Australian health and health‐education context: a systematic review
Authors: Clark Ramona , Locke Melissa , Bialocerkowski Andrea 
Published: May 2015

AimThis study aimed to identify paediatric terminology used in the Australian health and health‐education context, propose a standardized framework for Australian use, and compare it with a US‐based framework.MethodAustralian health and health‐education websites were systematically searched using a novel hierarchical domain‐specific search strategy to identify grey literature containing paediatric terminology. Webpages published from 2009 to February 2014, with a ‘.gov.au’ or ‘.edu.au’ domain and no advertising, were included. Paediatric terms were analysed with power‐law distributions. Age definitions were grouped using a chi‐squared test automatic interaction detection analysis (p<0.05).ResultsIn total, 34 paediatric terms and 197 unique age definitions were identified in 613 webpages. Terms displayed a language distribution, although definitions had semantic and lexical ambiguity. Age definitions were divided into four statistically different groups (F=245.3, p<0.001). Four paediatric terms with distinct age definitions were proposed based on Australian data: ‘infant: 0 to <1 year’, ‘early childhood: 1 year to <5 years’, ‘child: 5 years to <13 years’, and ‘young person: 13 years to <22 years’. These recommendations were broader than the US‐based comparison.InterpretationThis is a starting point for standardizing Australian paediatric terminology, and a method for exploring paediatric terminology in other countries.
Metabolic syndrome of weight change from pre‐pregnancy to 1–5 years post‐partum among Chinese women with prior gestational diabetes
Authors: Li W. , Liu H. , Qiao Y. , Lv F. , Zhang S. , Wang L. , Leng J. , Liu H. , Qi L. , Tuomilehto J. , Hu G. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimsFew studies have evaluated the effect of weight change from pre‐pregnancy to post‐partum with the risk of cardiometabolic diseases among women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between weight change from pre‐pregnancy to 1–5 years post‐partum with metabolic syndrome among Chinese women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study in 1263 women with gestational diabetes mellitus at 1–5 years post‐partum. Participants were divided into four groups based on their weight change from pre‐pregnancy to 1–5 years post‐partum: loss of ≥ 3 kg, ± 3 kg, gain of 3–7 kg and gain of ≥7 kg.ResultsThe prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 12.1%, 16.2%, 26.0% and 44.3% among women with weight loss ≥ 3 kg, stable weight ( ± 3 kg), weight gain 3–7 kg and weight gain ≥ 7 kg from pre‐pregnancy to post‐partum, respectively. The positive association between weight change and metabolic syndrome was observed among women with pre‐pregnancy normal weight (BMI < 24 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 24–27.9 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was almost similar among pre‐pregnancy normal weight women with weight gain ≥ 7 kg, pre‐pregnancy overweight women with stable weight ( ± 3 kg) and pre‐pregnancy obese women with weight loss ≥ 3 kg from pre‐pregnancy to post‐partum (P = 0.62).ConclusionsWomen with gestational diabetes mellitus who had large weight gain from pre‐pregnancy to post‐partum were more likely to develop metabolic syndrome. Women who are pre‐pregnancy overweight/obesity and also diagnosed as gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy need more weight control after delivery.
Differences in risk factors for the onset of albuminuria and decrease in glomerular filtration rate in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus: implications for the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Takagi M. , Babazono T. , Uchigata Y. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimsTo determine differences in predictors of albuminuria and decreased estimated GFR in Japanese people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus without chronic kidney disease.MethodsThis single‐centre observational cohort study involved 1802 Japanese people with Type 2 diabetes with normoalbuminuria and estimated GFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (740 women; mean ± sd age 58 ± 12 years). Two separate outcomes were evaluated: onset of albuminuria ( ≥ 30 mg/g creatinine, albuminuria cohort; n = 1655) and decrease in estimated GFR ( < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2; estimated GFR cohort; n = 1777). A Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify significant predictors for each outcome.ResultsDuring a median follow‐up period of 6.9 years for the albuminuria cohort and 8.0 years for the estimated GFR cohort, 181 and 316 individuals reached the respective outcome. The 5‐year cumulative incidence of albuminuria was 8.3%, and that of decreased estimated GFR was 10.4%. In the multivariate Cox model, greater urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio, presence of diabetic retinopathy and higher HbA1c levels were associated with both outcomes. Unique risk factors for onset of albuminuria were male gender and higher uric acid levels; those for decreased estimated GFR were older age, greater systolic blood pressure, and lower baseline estimated GFR and HDL cholesterol levels.ConclusionsIdentification of both common and distinct predictive factors for onset of albuminuria and decreased estimated GFR support the hypothesis that both common and distinct pathophysiological mechanisms are involved in the development of these two manifestations of chronic kidney disease in diabetes.