bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving Sexual Function in People With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Narrative Review of an Unmet Need in Nephrology Research
Authors: Harrison Tyrone G. , Skrtic Marko , Verdin Nancy E. , Lanktree Matthew B. , Elliott Meghan J. 
Published: September 2020

Purpose of review: Sexual dysfunction occurs commonly in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and has been recognized as a research priority. We sought to evaluate the current state of the literature addressing sexual dysfunction in people with CKD and identify barriers and strategies to improve our management of this important symptom. Sources of information: OVID Medline and Google Scholar were searched for English, peer-reviewed studies using keywords and terms related to “Chronic Kidney Disease,” “sexuality,” and “sexual dysfunction OR function.” Methods: In this narrative review, we describe definitions of sexual dysfunction and contributors exacerbated by CKD, barriers to researching sexual dysfunction in people with CKD, and possible avenues for future research. Key findings: Sexual dysfunction is common in people with CKD and results from a combination of kidney disease itself, as well as its associated physical (ie, comorbidities) and nonphysical factors. Barriers to the study of sexual dysfunction in CKD include inconsistent disease definitions, stigma, variable efficacy and safety of established therapies, and evolving gender roles in sexual function. Potential avenues for future research to improve the sexual function in people with CKD may include evaluating the safety and efficacy of established therapies in people with CKD using a variety of observational and interventional study designs, engaging people with CKD and multidisciplinary team members in research, and using implementation science methods to translate what is known about sexual function into clinical practice. Concerted efforts are required to break down barriers and improve sexual function in people with CKD. Patients have identified this as an important research priority, and national networks need to direct efforts to reduce symptom burden. Limitations: This narrative review was limited by a paucity of high-quality studies examining sexual dysfunction specifically in people with kidney disease.
Derivation and Internal Validation of a Clinical Risk Prediction Tool for Hyperkalemia-Related Emergency Department Encounters Among Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ronksley Paul E. , Wick James P. , Elliott Meghan J. , Weaver Robert G. , Hemmelgarn Brenda R. , McRae Andrew , James Matthew T. , Harrison Tyrone G. , MacRae Jennifer M. 
Published: September 2020

Background: Approximately 10% of emergency department (ED) visits among dialysis patients are for conditions that could potentially be managed in outpatient settings, such as hyperkalemia. Objective: Using population-based data, we derived and internally validated a risk score to identify hemodialysis patients at increased risk of hyperkalemia-related ED events. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Ten in-center hemodialysis sites in southern Alberta, Canada. Patients: All maintenance hemodialysis patients (≥18 years) between March 2009 and March 2017. Measurements: Predictors of hyperkalemia-related ED events included patient demographics, comorbidities, health-system use, laboratory measurements, and dialysis information. The outcome of interest (hyperkalemia-related ED events) was defined by International Classification of Diseases (10th Revision; ICD-10) codes and/or serum potassium [K+] ≥6 mmol/L. Methods: Bootstrapped logistic regression was used to derive and internally validate a model of important predictors of hyperkalemia-related ED events. A point system was created based on regression coefficients. Model discrimination was assessed by an optimism-adjusted C-statistic and calibration by deciles of risk and calibration slope. Results: Of the 1533 maintenance hemodialysis patients in our cohort, 331 (21.6%) presented to the ED with 615 hyperkalemia-related ED events. A 9-point scale for risk of a hyperkalemia-related ED event was created with points assigned to 5 strong predictors based on their regression coefficients: ≥1 laboratory measurement of serum K+ ≥6 mmol/L in the prior 6 months (3 points); ≥1 Hemoglobin A1C [HbA1C] measurement ≥8% in the prior 12 months (1 point); mean ultrafiltration of ≥10 mL/kg/h over the preceding 2 weeks (2 points); ≥25 hours of cumulative time dialyzing over the preceding 2 weeks (1 point); and dialysis vintage of ≥2 years (2 points). Model discrimination (C-statistic: 0.75) and calibration were good. Limitations: Measures related to health behaviors, social determinants of health, and residual kidney function were not available for inclusion as potential predictors. Conclusions: While this tool requires external validation, it may help identify high-risk patients and allow for preventative strategies to avoid unnecessary ED visits and improve patient quality of life. Trial registration: Not applicable—observational study design.
Oral Health and Cardiovascular Disease: Mapping Clinical Heterogeneity and Methodological Gaps
Authors: Aldossri M. , Farmer J. , Saarela O. , Rosella L. , Quiñonez C. 
Published: September 2020

Background: Numerous studies have examined the associations between poor oral health and the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) over the past 25 y. This long history of research has resulted in a broad and heterogenous epidemiological field whose implications are difficult to understand and whose methodological gaps are hard to track. Objectives: This systematic mapping review aims to systematically map clinical heterogeneity and methodological gaps in assessing the relationship between poor oral health and CVD outcomes. Methods: Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify longitudinal studies that examined the relationship between any oral health indicator and CVD outcomes. Each database was searched from its inception date and June 27, 2018. Extracted data assess the clinical heterogeneity (participants’ characteristics, exposure and outcome measures, length of follow-up) and methodological gaps (availability of randomized controlled trials, utilization of time-varying exposures, propensity methods, mediation analysis, and competing risks analysis). Results: Eighty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. Clinical heterogeneity is evident in participants’ characteristics (age, clinical status, and occupation) and in the definitions of oral health indicators and CVD outcomes. More important, a significant proportion of studies reported unclear definitions for CVD outcomes. The search strategy did not reveal any randomized controlled trials. Time-varying exposures, propensity methods, mediation analysis, and competing risks analysis are used infrequently in the identified studies. Conclusion: There is a need for a universally accepted conceptual framework on the association between oral health and CVD to derive more consistent definitions for oral health and CVD outcomes that are aligned with the investigated research questions. There is also a need to use emerging research methods to maximize the impact of research in this area. Knowledge Transfer Statement: Clinical heterogeneity is evident in the definitions of oral health indicators and cardiovascular disease outcomes. Propensity methods, mediation analysis, and competing risks analysis are used infrequently in the identified studies. The identified clinical heterogeneity and methodological gaps interfere with summarizing existing evidence and understanding their practical implications. Advancing the current understanding of the associations between oral health and cardiovascular disease goes hand in hand with minimizing clinical heterogeneity and closing the identified methodological gaps.
Improvements across a range of patient-reported domains with fremanezumab treatment: results from a patient survey study
Authors: Buse Dawn C. , Gandhi Sanjay K. , Cohen Joshua M. , Ramirez-Campos Verena , Cloud Blaine , Yang Ronghua , Cowan Robert P. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe long-term safety and efficacy of fremanezumab were evaluated in a 52-week extension study (NCT02638103). Patient satisfaction with fremanezumab, dosing preferences, and patient-reported outcomes were assessed in a subpopulation who completed the extension study and consented to a follow-up questionnaire.MethodsIn the extension study (N = 1842), adults with migraine were randomized to quarterly or monthly fremanezumab. After completing active treatment, patients answered a survey evaluating patient satisfaction, treatment and dosing preferences, and changes in patient-reported outcomes.ResultsOf the 557 patients who could have been contacted upon completing the extension study, 302 consented and 253 completed the survey. The mean (standard deviation) satisfaction rating for fremanezumab was 6.1 (1.4; 1 = “extremely dissatisfied” to 7 = “extremely satisfied”). Most patients (175 [69.2%]) preferred quarterly over monthly fremanezumab dosing. Among patients taking antiepileptics (most common class of prior preventive medication;n = 130), 91.5% preferred fremanezumab. Patients reported improvements in anxiety (74 [67.9%]), sleep quality (143 [56.5%]), and quality of time spent with others (210 [83.0%]) with fremanezumab.ConclusionIn this study, treatment satisfaction with fremanezumab was high, most patients preferred quarterly fremanezumab dosing, and fremanezumab was generally preferred to prior preventive medications.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT02638103(HALO LTS), registered December 22, 2015.
Signatures of selection reveal candidate genes involved in economic traits and cold acclimation in five Swedish cattle breeds
Authors: Ghoreishifar Seyed Mohammad , Eriksson Susanne , Johansson Anna M. , Khansefid Majid , Moghaddaszadeh-Ahrabi Sima , Parna Nahid , Davoudi Pourya , Javanmard Arash 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThousands of years of natural and artificial selection have resulted in indigenous cattle breeds that are well-adapted to the environmental challenges of their local habitat and thereby are considered as valuable genetic resources. Understanding the genetic background of such adaptation processes can help us design effective breeding objectives to preserve local breeds and improve commercial cattle. To identify regions under putative selection, GGP HD 150 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays were used to genotype 106 individuals representing five Swedish breeds i.e. native to different regions and covering areas with a subarctic cold climate in the north and mountainous west, to those with a continental climate in the more densely populated south regions.ResultsFive statistics were incorporated within a framework, known as de-correlated composite of multiple signals (DCMS) to detect signatures of selection. The obtainedp-values were adjusted for multiple testing (FDR < 5%), and significant genomic regions were identified. Annotation of genes in these regions revealed various verified and novel candidate genes that are associated with a diverse range of traits, including e.g. high altitude adaptation and response to hypoxia (DCAF8,PPP1R12A,SLC16A3,UCP2,UCP3,TIGAR), cold acclimation (AQP3,AQP7,HSPB8), body size and stature (PLAG1,KCNA6,NDUFA9,AKAP3,C5H12orf4,RAD51AP1,FGF6,TIGAR,CCND2,CSMD3), resistance to disease and bacterial infection (CHI3L2,GBP6,PPFIBP1,REP15,CYP4F2,TIGD2,PYURF,SLC10A2,FCHSD2,ARHGEF17,RELT,PRDM2,KDM5B), reproduction (PPP1R12A, ZFP36L2,CSPP1), milk yield and components (NPC1L1,NUDCD3,ACSS1,FCHSD2), growth and feed efficiency (TMEM68,TGS1,LYN,XKR4,FOXA2,GBP2,GBP5,FGD6), and polled phenotype (URB1,EVA1C).ConclusionsWe identified genomic regions that may provide background knowledge to understand the mechanisms that are involved in economic traits and adaptation to cold climate in cattle. Incorporatingp-values of different statistics in a single DCMS framework may help select and prioritize candidate genes for further analyses.
Professional roles of general practitioners, community pharmacists and specialist providers in collaborative medication deprescribing - a qualitative study
Authors: Gerlach Navina , Michiels-Corsten Matthias , Viniol Annika , Schleef Tanja , Junius-Walker Ulrike , Krause Olaf , Donner-Banzhoff Norbert 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Collaborative care approaches between general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists have received international recognition for medication optimization and deprescribing efforts. Although specialist providers have been shown to influence deprescribing, their profession so far remains omitted from collaborative care approaches for medication optimization. Similarly, while explorative studies on role perception and collaboration between GPs and pharmacists grow, interaction with specialists for medication optimization is neglected. Our qualitative study therefore aims to explore GPs’, community pharmacists’ and specialist providers’ role perceptions of deprescribing, and to identify interpersonal as well as structural factors that may influence collaborative medication optimization approaches.

Method
Seven focus-group discussions with GPs, community pharmacists and community specialists were conducted in Hesse and Lower Saxony, Germany. The topic guide focused on views and experiences with deprescribing with special attention to inter-professional collaboration. We conducted conventional content analysis and conceptualized emerging themes using the Theoretical Domains Framework.

Results
Twenty-six GPs, four community pharmacists and three community specialists took part in the study. The main themes corresponded to the four domains ‘Social/professional role and identity’ (1), ‘Social influences’ (2), ‘Reinforcement’ (3) and ´Environmental context and resources’ (4) which were further described by beliefs statements, that is inductively developed key messages. For (1), GPs emerged as central medication managers while pharmacists and specialists were assigned confined or subordinated tasks in deprescribing. Social influences (2) encompassed patients’ trust in GPs as a support, while specialists and pharmacists were believed to threaten GPs’ role and deprescribing attempts. Reinforcements (3) negatively affected GPs’ and pharmacists’ effort in medication optimization by social reprimand and lacking reward. Environmental context (4) impeded deprescribing efforts by deficient reimbursement and resources as well as fragmentation of care, while informational and gate-keeping resources remained underutilized.

Conclusion
Understanding stakeholders’ role perceptions on collaborative deprescribing is a prerequisite for joint approaches to medication management. We found that clear definition and dissemination of roles and responsibilities are premise for avoiding intergroup conflicts. Role performance and collaboration must further be supported by structural factors like adequate reimbursement, resources and a transparent continuity of care.
Feeding practices and association of fasting and low or hypo glycaemia in severe paediatric illnesses in Malawi – a mixed method study
Authors: Ngwalangwa Fatsani , Chirambo Chawanangwa Mahebere , Lindsjö Cecilia , Dube Queen , Langton Josephine , Baker Tim , Hildenwall Helena 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
The presence of low or hypo glycaemia in children upon admission to hospital in low income countries is a marker for poor outcome. Fasting during illness may contribute to low blood glucose and caretakers’ feeding practices during childhood illnesses may thus play a role in the development of low or hypo glycaemia. This study aims to describe the caretaker’s feeding practices and association of fasting with low or hypo glycaemia in sick children in Malawi.

Methods
A mixed method approach was used combining quantitative cross-sectional data for children aged 0–17 years admitted to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), a tertiary hospital in Malawi, with qualitative focus group discussions conducted with caretakers of young children who were previously referred to QECH from the five health centres around QECH. Logistic regression was used to analyse the quantitative data and thematic content analysis was conducted for qualitative data analysis.

Results
Data for 5131 children who were admitted through the hospital’s Paediatric Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) were analysed whereof 2.1% presented with hypoglycaemia (< 2.5 mmol/l) and 6.6% with low glycaemia (≥2.5mmoll/l – < 5 mmol/l). Fasting for more than eight hours was associated with low glycaemia as well as hypoglycaemia with Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) of 2.9 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) of 2.3–3.7) and 4.6, (95% CI 3.0–7.0), respectively. Caretakers demonstrated awareness of the importance of feeding during childhood illness and reported intensified feeding attention to sick children but face feeding challenges when illness becomes severe causing them to seek care at a health facility.

Conclusion
Results suggests that caretakers understand the importance of feeding during illness and make efforts to intensify feeding a sick child but challenges occur when illness is severe leading to fasting. Fasting among children admitted to hospitals may serve as a marker of severe illness and determine those at risk of low and hypoglycaemia.
PRMT5 inhibition attenuates cartilage degradation by reducing MAPK and NF-κB signaling
Authors: Dong Yonghui , Wang Ping , Yang Yongguang , Huang Jincheng , Dai Zhipeng , Zheng Wendi , Li Zhen , Yao Zheng , Zhang Hongjun , Zheng Jia 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectivesA role for the type II arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 in various human diseases has been identified. In this study, the potential mechanism underlying the involvement of PRMT5 in the pathological process leading to osteoarthritis (OA) was investigated.MethodsPRMT5 expression in cartilage tissues from patients with OA and control individuals was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. The regulatory and functional roles of PRMT5 in the chondrocytes of patients with OA and control individuals were determined by western blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The effects of the PRMT5 inhibitor EPZ on interleukin-1β-induced inflammation were examined in the chondrocytes of patients with OA and in the destabilized medial meniscus (DMM) of a mouse model of OA.ResultsPRMT5 was specifically upregulated in the cartilage of patients with OA. Moreover, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of PRMT5 in human chondrocytes caused cartilage degeneration. This degeneration was induced by elevated expression levels of matrix-degrading enzymes (matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13)) in chondrocytes. The activation of the MAPK and nuclear factor κB signaling pathways was evidenced by elevated levels of p-p65, p-p38, and p-JNK. These effects were attenuated by inhibiting the expression of PRMT5. In the mouse model, EPZ inhibited PRMT5 expression, thus protecting mouse cartilage from DMM-induced OA.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that PRMT5 is a crucial regulator of OA pathogenesis, implying that EPZ has therapeutic value in the treatment of this cartilage-destroying disease.
Existence and uniqueness of solutions for coupled system of fractional differential equations involving proportional delay by means of topological degree theory
Authors: Ali Anwar , Sarwar Muhammad , Zada Mian Bahadur , Abdeljawad Thabet 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this manuscript, we obtain sufficient conditions required for the existence of solution to the following coupled system of nonlinear fractional order differential equations: $$ \begin{gathered} D^{\gamma}\omega(\ell)= \mathcal{F} \bigl( \ell,\omega(\lambda\ell), \upsilon(\lambda\ell) \bigr), \\ D^{\delta}\upsilon(\ell)=\mathcal{\overline{F}} \bigl(\ell,\omega ( \lambda\ell), \upsilon(\lambda\ell) \bigr), \end{gathered} $$

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Analytical properties of the Hurwitz–Lerch zeta function
Authors: Nadeem Raghib , Usman Talha , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Baleanu Dumitru 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn the present paper, we aim to extend the Hurwitz–Lerch zeta function $\varPhi _{\delta ,\varsigma ;\gamma }(\xi ,s,\upsilon ;p)$

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involving the extension of the beta function (Choi et al. in Honam Math. J. 36(2):357–385, 2014). We also study the basic properties of this extended Hurwitz–Lerch zeta function which comprises various integral formulas, a derivative formula, the Mellin transform, and the generating relation. The fractional kinetic equation for an extended Hurwitz–Lerch zeta function is also obtained from an application point of view. Furthermore, we obtain certain interesting relations in the form of particular cases.