bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Study of Chinese OutPatiEnts (PDN-SCOPE): protocol for a multicentre cross-sectional registry study of clinical characteristics and treatment in China
Authors: Zhang Yuanjin , Li Nan , Zhao Yiming , Fan Dongsheng 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionPainful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDN) is a growing public health problem in China. Despite recent progress in treatment, there has been no nationwide study evaluating current medical practices and compliance with treatment guidelines. The primary aims of this study are to investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment practices for PDN and associated anxiety and depression in China.Methods and analysisPainful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Study of Chinese OutPatiEnts is a cross-sectional, multicentre registry study with a target sample size of approximately 1500 people experiencing PDN. People with PDN will be treated according to current guidelines and local practices. The demographics, medical histories, Visual Analogue Scale pain scores, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 results, Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 scores and therapies will be recorded to evaluate clinical characteristics of PDN and current treatment practices for pain, anxiety and depression.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from the Peking University Third Hospital Medical Science Research Ethics Committee (2018–182).The results of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.Trial registration numberNCT03520608
Association between infection withHelicobacter pyloriand platelet indices among school-aged children in central Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Baxendell Kellyann , Walelign Sosina , Tesfaye Mehret , Wordofa Moges , Abera Dessie , Mesfin Abiyot , Wolde Mistire , Desta Kassu , Tsegaye Aster , Taye Bineyam 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivePrevious clinical studies in adults from developed countries have implicatedHelicobacter pyloriinfections in the development of thrombocytopenia. However, studies in children, particularly those from low-income countries, are unusually scarce. We examined the association betweenH. pyloriinfection and platelet indices in young Ethiopian school children.DesignCross-sectional studySettingThis study was conducted in five elementary schools located in central Ethiopia.ParticipantsBlood and stool samples were collected from 971 children across five elementary schools in Ethiopia.H. pyloriinfection was diagnosed using stool antigen and serum antibody tests, and haematological parameters were measured using an automated haematological analyser. An interviewer-led questionnaire administered to mothers provided information on demographic and lifestyle variables. The independent effects ofH. pyloriinfection on platelet indices were determined using multivariate linear and logistic regressions.Study outcomesH. pylori-infected children had a lower average platelet count and mean platelet volume than uninfected after adjusting the potential confounders (adjusted mean difference: −20.80×109/L; 95% CI −33.51 to −8.09×109, p=0.001 and adjusted mean difference: −0.236 fL; 95% CI −0.408 to −0.065, p=0.007, respectively). Additionally,H. pylori-infected children had lower red blood cell counts (adjusted mean difference: −0.118×1012/L; 95% CI −0.200 to −0.036, p=0.005) compared with non-infected.ConclusionOur study from a developing country provides further support for an association betweenH. pyloriinfections and reduced platelet indices in young Ethiopian school children, after controlling for potential confounders. Further research is needed, particularly longitudinal studies, to establish causality.
Asylum seekers health and wellbeing (TERTTU) survey: study protocol for a prospective total population health examination survey on the health and service needs of newly arrived asylum seekers in Finland
Authors: Skogberg Natalia , Koponen Päivikki , Tiittala Paula , Mustonen Katri-Leena , Lilja Eero , Snellman Olli , Castaneda Anu 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionHealth, well-being and health service needs of asylum seekers have emerged as urgent topics following the arrival of 2.5 million asylum seekers to the European Union (EU) between 2015 and 2016. However, representative information on the health, well-being and service needs of asylum seekers is scarce. The Asylum Seekers Health and Wellbeing (TERTTU) Survey aims to: (1) gather population-based representative information; (2) identify key indicators for systematic monitoring; (3) produce the evidence base for development of systematic screening of asylum seekers’ health, well-being and health service needs.Methods and analysisTERTTU Survey is a population-based prospective study with a total population sample of newly arrived asylum seekers to Finland, including adults and children. Baseline data collection is carried out in reception centres in 2018 and consists of a face-to-face interview, self-administered questionnaire and a health examination following a standardised protocol. Altogether 1000 asylum seekers will be included into the study. Baseline data will be followed up with national electronic health record data encompassing the entire asylum process and later with national register data among persons who receive residency permits.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been granted by the Coordinating Ethics Committee of the Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District. Participation is voluntary and based on written informed consent. Results will be widely disseminated on a national and international level to inform health and welfare policy as well as development of services for asylum seekers. Results of the study will constitute the evidence base for development and implementation of the initial health assessment for asylum seekers on a national level.
Identification of potential carcinogenic and chemopreventive effects of prescription drugs: a protocol for a Norwegian registry-based study
Authors: Andreassen Bettina Kulle , Støer Nathalie C , Martinsen Jan Ivar , Ursin Giske , Weiderpass Elisabete , Thoresen G Hege , Debernard Karen Boldingh , Karlstad Øystein , Pottegard Anton , Friis Søren 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionSurveillance of unintended effects of pharmaceuticals (pharmacovigilance or drug safety) is crucial, as knowledge of rare or late side effects is limited at the time of the introduction of new medications into the market. Side effects of drugs may involve increased or decreased risk of cancer, but these typically appear after a long induction period. This fact, together with low incidences of many cancer types, limits the usefulness of traditional pharmacovigilance strategies, primarily based on spontaneous reporting of adverse events, to identify associations between drug use and cancer risk. Postmarketing observational pharmacoepidemiological studies are therefore crucial in the evaluation of drug-cancer associations.Methods and analysisThe main data sources in this project will be the Norwegian Prescription Database and the Cancer Registry of Norway. The underlying statistical model will be based on a multiple nested case–control design including all adult (~200 000) incident cancer cases within the age-range 18–85 years from 2007 through 2015 in Norway as cases. 10 cancer-free population controls will be individually matched to these cases with respect to birth year, sex and index date (date of cancer diagnosis). Drug exposure will be modelled as chronic user/non-user by counting prescriptions, and cumulative use by summarising all dispensions’ daily defined doses over time. Conditional logistic regression models adjusted for comorbidity (National Patient Register), socioeconomic parameters (Statistics Norway), concomitant drug use and, for female cancers, reproduction data (Medical Birth Registry), will be applied to identify drug-use–cancer-risk associations.Ethics and disseminationThe study is approved by the regional ethical committee and the Norwegian data protection authority. Results of the initial screening step and analysis pipeline will be described in a key paper. Subsequent papers will report the evaluation of identified signals in replication studies. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, at scientific conferences and through press releases.
SINGAPORE–CHINA ECONOMIC COLLABORATION 2.0
Authors: TEO ENG CHEONG 
Published: April 2019

Singapore and China started their close economic collaboration in the early 1990s. The collaboration model in the first 25 years focused mainly on the government’s role in foreign investment promotion, urban development, industrial infrastructure development and other related government policies. Platforms of collaboration included the Suzhou Industrial Park, Tianjin Eco-city, Chongqing Connectivity Initiative, the Software Transfer Project, training programs for thousands of Chinese officials and bilateral economic councils. Singapore’s pragmatic leverage on globalization trends and thoughtful application of market forces have been a major factor in the shaping of China’s own highly successful economic growth model. Singapore–China economic collaboration model 2.0 will be different. China is now the second largest economy in the world and is expected to establish its global leadership in the world. Singapore has developed successfully into a leading global business hub complete with trading, manufacturing, financing and professional services as the engines of the business hub. Model 2.0 will be about mutual sharing and partnership. We should see more collaboration outside of China, driven by the private sector and in new technologies. If collaboration model 2.0 is successful, we will see both China and Singapore emerging stronger, in a more sustainable way. Major companies in both countries will be more tightly coupled in projects and joint ventures in China and elsewhere.
BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE: A FRAMEWORK TO ADDRESS CHALLENGES AND UNLOCK POTENTIAL FOR HIGH-QUALITY AND INCLUSIVE GROWTH
Authors: KHOR HOE EE , POONPATPIBUL CHAIPAT , YONG FOO SUAN 
Published: April 2019

Developing economies, especially emerging market economies (EMEs), face complex challenges in investing for growth, including building infrastructure. Many developing economies are trying to sustain the growth catch-up process, and manage disruptions related to transition to the “new economy”, as well as headwinds from protectionist tendencies in trade and technology. Investing for the long term — including in infrastructure — has therefore become a critical issue. In this context, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has captured the imagination of the world. An ambitious initiative involving more than 70 countries collaborating through investments in infrastructure, it seeks to improve connectivity for cross-border trade and investment, and generate economic benefits for the countries involved. It seeks to address large infrastructure gaps and build capacities for growth. And it helps countries unable to get affordable financing for plugging savings-investment shortfalls. However, the BRI has drawn criticisms over China’s underlying geopolitical motives, and BRI partner countries have been warned of the risk of becoming heavily indebted or getting locked into business platforms created by China. This paper aims to contribute to the policy debate over the BRI from an ASEAN perspective. It analyzes the reasons for the persistent infrastructure investment gaps in EMEs from an ASEAN perspective; assesses whether BRI is more of a development opportunity or a debt trap; outlines a framework to address the risks and concerns in order to unlock the potential benefits; and uses case studies both outside of and within the ASEAN region to distil key themes needing policy attention.
Restriction and dimensional reduction of differential operators
Authors: Nikolov Petko A. , Petrov Nikola P. 
Published: April 2019

We consider the restriction of a differential operator (DO) [Formula: see text] acting on the sections [Formula: see text] of a vector bundle [Formula: see text] with base [Formula: see text], in the language of jet bundles. When the base of [Formula: see text] is restricted to a submanifold [Formula: see text], all information about derivatives in directions that are not tangent to [Formula: see text] is lost. To restrict [Formula: see text] to a DO [Formula: see text] acting on sections [Formula: see text] of the restricted bundle [Formula: see text] (with [Formula: see text] the natural embedding), one must choose an auxiliary DO [Formula: see text] and express the derivatives non-tangent to [Formula: see text] from the kernel of [Formula: see text]. This is equivalent to choosing a splitting of certain short exact sequence of jet bundles. A property of [Formula: see text] called formal integrability is crucial for restriction’s self-consistency. We give an explicit example illustrating what can go wrong if [Formula: see text] is not formally integrable.As an important application of this methodology, we consider the dimensional reduction of DOs invariant with respect to the action of a connected Lie group [Formula: see text]. The splitting relation comes from the Lie derivative of the action, which is formally integrable. The reduction of the action of another group is also considered.
Establishment and Characterization of Histologically and Molecularly Stable Soft-tissue Sarcoma Xenograft Models for Biological Studies and Preclinical Drug Testing
Authors: Cornillie Jasmien , Wozniak Agnieszka , Li Haifu , Wang Yannick , Boeckx Bram , Gebreyohannes Yemarshet K. , Wellens Jasmien , Vanleeuw Ulla , Hompes Daphne , Stas Marguerite , Sinnaeve Friedl , Wafa Hazem , Lambrechts Diether , Debiec-Rychter Maria , Sciot Raf , Schöffski Patrick 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) represent a heterogeneous group of rare, malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin. Reliable in vivo sarcoma research models are scarce. We aimed to establish and characterize histologically and molecularly stable patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models from a broad variety of STS subtypes. A total of 188 fresh tumor samples from consenting patients with localized or advanced STS were transplanted subcutaneously in NMRI-nu/nu–immunodeficient mice. Once tumor growth was observed, the material was passaged to a next generation of mice. A patient-derived tumor sample was considered “successfully engrafted” whenever the sample was transplanted to passage 1. A PDX model was considered “established” when observing stable morphologic and molecular features for at least two passages. With every passage, histologic and molecular analyses were performed. Specific genomic alterations and copy-number profile were assessed by FISH and low coverage whole-genome sequencing. The tumor engraftment rate was 32% (61/188) and 188 patient samples generated a total of 32 PDX models, including seven models of myxofibrosarcoma, five dedifferentiated liposarcoma, five leiomyosarcoma, three undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, two malignant peripheral nerve sheet tumor models, and single models of synovial sarcoma and some other (ultra)rare subtypes. Seventeen additional models are in early stages of engraftment (passage 1–2). Histopathologic and molecular features were compared with the original donor tumor and were stable throughout passaging. The platform is used for studies on sarcoma biology and suited for in vivo preclinical drug testing as illustrated by a number of completed and ongoing laboratory studies.
Differences in Cost of Care by Palliation Strategy for Infants With Ductal-Dependent Pulmonary Blood Flow
Authors: Goldstein Bryan H. , O’Byrne Michael L. , Petit Christopher J. , Qureshi Athar M. , Dai Dingwei , Griffis Heather M. , France Ashton , Kelleman Michael S. , McCracken Courtney E. , Mascio Christopher E. , Shashidharan Subi , Ligon R. Allen , Whiteside Wendy , Wallen W. Jack , Agrawal Hitesh , Aggarwal Varun , Glatz Andrew C. 
Published: April 2019

Background:
In infants with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow, initial palliation with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) stent or modified Blalock-Taussig (BT) shunt have comparable mortality but discrepant length of stay, procedural complication rates and reintervention burdens, which may influence cost. The relative economic impact of these palliation strategies is unknown.

Methods and Results:

Retrospective study of infants with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow palliated with PDA stent (n=104) or BT shunt (n=251) from 2008 to 2015 at 4 centers of the Congenital Catheterization Research Collaborative. Inflation-adjusted inpatient hospital costs were calculated for first year of life using Pediatric Health Information System data. Costs derived from outpatient catheterizations not in Pediatric Health Information System were imputed. Costs were compared using propensity score-adjusted multivariable models, to account for baseline differences between groups. After propensity score adjustment, first year of life costs were significantly lower in PDA stent ($215 825 [190 644–244 333]) than BT shunt ($249 855 [230 693–270 609]) patients (
P
=0.05). After addition of imputed costs, first year of life costs were not significantly different between PDA stent ($226 403 [200 274–255 941]) and BT shunt ($252 072 [232 955–272 759]) groups (
P
=0.15). Patient characteristics associated with higher costs included: younger gestational age, genetic syndrome, noncardiac diagnoses, procedural complications, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, duration of ventilation, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay and reintervention (
P
≤0.02 for all).

Conclusions:
In this first multicenter comparative cost study of PDA stent or BT shunt as palliation for infants with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow, adjusted for baseline differences, PDA stent was associated with lower to equivalent costs over the first year of life. Combined with previous evidence suggesting clinical noninferiority, these findings suggest that PDA stent provides competitive health care value.
Effect of Public Reporting on the Utilization of Coronary Angiography After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Nathan Ashwin S. , Shah Rohan M. , Khatana Sameed A. , Dayoub Elias , Chatterjee Paula , Desai Nimesh D. , Waldo Stephen W. , Yeh Robert W. , Groeneveld Peter W. , Giri Jay 
Published: April 2019

Background:
Public reporting of cardiovascular outcomes has been associated with risk aversion for potentially lifesaving procedures and may have spillover effects on nonreported but related procedures.

Methods and Results:

A cross-sectional analysis of the utilization of coronary angiography among patients presenting with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest between 2005 and 2011 in states with public reporting of percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes (New York and Massachusetts) versus neighboring states without public reporting of percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes (Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, Maryland, and Rhode Island) was performed using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. We analyzed 50 125 admission records with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest between 2005 and 2011. The unadjusted rate of coronary angiography for patients presenting with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in states with public reporting versus without public reporting was not different (20.8% versus 22.8%,
P
=0.35). We found no statistically significant difference in the adjusted likelihood of coronary angiography in states with public reporting, though the point estimate suggested decreased utilization (odds ratio, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.66–1.06;
P
=0.14). There was no difference in the adjusted likelihood of in-hospital mortality for patients presenting with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in states with public reporting compared to states without public reporting (odds ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.78–1.23;
P
=0.88).

Conclusions:
Public reporting of percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes was associated with a nonstatistically significant reduction in the utilization of diagnostic coronary angiography, a nonreported but related procedure, for patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Empagliflozin and the Risk of Heart Failure Hospitalization in Routine Clinical Care
Authors: Patorno Elisabetta , Pawar Ajinkya , Franklin Jessica M. , Najafzadeh Mehdi , Déruaz-Luyet Anouk , Brodovicz Kimberly G. , Sambevski Steven , Bessette Lily G. , Santiago Ortiz Adrian J. , Kulldorff Martin , Schneeweiss Sebastian 
Published: April 2019

Background:
The EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial (Empagliflozin Cardiovascular Outcome Event Trial in Type 2 diabetes Mellitus Patients) showed that empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, reduces the risk of hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) by 35%, on top of standard of care in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and established cardiovascular disease. The EMPRISE (Empagliflozin Comparative Effectiveness and Safety) study aims to assess empagliflozin’s effectiveness, safety, and healthcare utilization in routine care from August 2014 through September 2019. In this first interim analysis, we investigated the risk of HHF among T2D patients initiating empagliflozin versus sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor.

Methods:
Within 2 commercial and 1 federal (Medicare) claims data sources in the United States, we identified a 1:1 propensity score–matched cohort of T2D patients ≥18 years old initiating empagliflozin or sitagliptin from August 2014 through September 2016. The HHF outcome was defined as a HF discharge diagnosis in the primary position (HHF-specific); a broader definition was based on a HF discharge diagnosis in any position (HHF-broad). Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were estimated controlling for over 140 baseline characteristics in each data source and pooled by fixed-effects meta-analysis.

Results:
After propensity-score matching, we identified 16,443 patient pairs who initiated empagliflozin or sitagliptin. Average age was approximately 59 years, almost 54% of the participants were males, and approximately 25% had records of existing cardiovascular disease. Compared with sitagliptin, the initiation of empagliflozin decreased the risk of HHF-specific by 50% (HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.28–0.91), and the risk of HHF-broad by 49% (HR, 0.51;95% CI, 0.39–0.68), over a mean follow-up of 5.3 months. The results were consistent in patients with and without baseline cardiovascular disease, and for empagliflozin at both the 10- and 25-mg daily doses; analyses comparing empagliflozin versus the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor class, and comparing sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor versus dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor classes also produced consistent findings.

Conclusions:
The first interim analysis from EMPRISE showed that compared with sitagliptin, the initiation of empagliflozin was associated with a decreased risk of HHF among patients with T2D as treated in routine care, with and without a history of cardiovascular disease.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT03363464.