Ethical Approval Number Research Articles

COPD, diabetes, lymphopenia, and increased LDH cause higher mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

COPD, diabetes, lymphopenia, and increased LDH cause higher mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Labouring women perspectives on mistreatment during childbirth: a qualitative study.

Respectful care during labour and childbirth, which has recently received a great deal of attention around the world, is vital for providing high-quality maternity care. However, this area has been underexplored in developing countries including Iran. This study aimed to assess postpartum women's views regarding disrespect and abuse during labour and childbirth in Iran. A qualitative study that involved a purposive sample of 21 postpartum women was conducted in Tehran, Iran, between 2019 and 2020. Following the semi-structured individual interviews, a conventional content analysis was performed. This research approved by Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran, with the ethical approval number 1396.810. Following explanation of the study's objectives, eligible women consented to participate in the study. The confidentiality of the participants' information and the anonymity of the analysis were maintained at all stage of the study. All data was stored on the password protected file in the researcher computer The findings were only disseminated in summary form, with no identifying of individual participants. Analysis of the data resulted in two main themes: 'inappropriate interaction' and 'inadequate quality care'. The 'inappropriate interaction' theme includes 'lack of empathy' and 'verbal abuse'. The second theme includes five sub-themes 'lack of participation in decision-making', 'lack of privacy', 'ignorance of women's pain and medical needs', 'rushed labour and painful procedures', and "unsatisfying facilities'. Providing supportive care, respectful communication, adequate participation in decision-making, maintaining privacy, attending to women's labour pain and medical needs, and improving the quality of the physical birth environment are all examples of what labouring women consider to be respectful maternity care. To minimise disrespect and maltreatment of women during childbirth, an all-inclusive strategy engaging women, communities, healthcare professionals, managers, and educators is required.

Determining the incidence of heart malformations in neonates: A novel and clinically approved solution.

Screening for critical congenital heart defects should be performed as early as possible and is essential for saving the lives of children and reducing the incidence of undetected adult congenital heart diseases. Heart malformations remain unrecognized at birth in more than 50% of neonates at maternity hospitals. Accurate screening for congenital heart malformations is possible using a certified and internationally patented digital intelligent phonocardiography machine. This study aimed to assess the actual incidence of heart defects in neonates. A pre-evaluation of the incidence of unrecognized severe and critical congenital heart defects at birth in our well-baby nursery was also performed. We conducted the Neonates Cardiac Monitoring Research Project (ethics approval number: IR-IUMS-FMD. REC.1398.098) at the Shahid Akbarabadi Maternity Hospital. This study was a retrospective analysis of congenital heart malformations observed after screening 840 neonates. Using a double-blind format, 840 neonates from the well-baby nursery were randomly chosen to undergo routine clinical examinations at birth and digital intelligent phonocardiogram examinations. A pediatric cardiologist performed echocardiography for each neonate classified as having abnormal heart sounds using an intelligent machine or during routine medical examinations. If the pediatric cardiologist requested a follow-up examination, then the neonate was considered to have a congenital heart malformation, and the cumulative incidence was calculated accordingly. The incidence of heart malformations in our well-baby nursery was 5%. Furthermore, 45% of heart malformations were unrecognized in neonates at birth, including one critical congenital heart defect. The intelligent machine interpreted innocent murmurs as healthy heart sound. We accurately and cost-effectively screened for congenital heart malformations in all neonates in our hospital using a digital intelligent phonocardiogram. Using an intelligent machine, we successfully identified neonates with CCHD and congenital heart defects that could not be detected using standard medical examinations. The Pouya Heart machine can record and analyze sounds with a spectral power level lower than the minimum level of the human hearing threshold. Furthermore, by redesigning the study, the identification of previously unrecognized heart malformations could increase to 58%.

Impact of different nutritional approaches on sarcopenia: a protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis

Although it is known that proper nutrition is effective in managing sarcopenia, the most powerful nutrients have not yet been determined. This study is designed to investigate the effects of various nutritional approaches on muscle mass, muscle strength, and sarcopenia prevention in systematic reviews. In study design, network and pairwise meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials were considered. Clinical studies regarding the nutritional effects associated with the physiological activity of skeletal muscle and management of sarcopenia will be covered. The main outcomes will cover the following five elements: anti-fatigue impact with skeletal muscle, muscle atrophy prevention, differentiation level with skeletal muscular cell, anti-inflammatory effect, and muscle injury prevention. Authors will conduct the study selection, extracting data process, and methodological quality investigation.Systematic review registrationOSF registry (ethical approval number: https://osf.io/ye4q7).

Anatomical venous landmarks for division of the distal pancreas: Implications for pancreatic resection

IntroductionResection of the pancreas is done for benign and malignant diseases. Distal pancreatectomy (DP) is defined as a resection of the body and tail of the pancreas which lie to the left of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV). The inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) is traditionally described to be draining into the splenic vein. This study aimed to determine the relationship of the IMV with respect to the distal pancreas to illustrate how it can be implemented as a landmark, especially to define the tail of the pancreas for parenchyma-sparing distal pancreatic resection. MethodsThis study included the dissection of 50 cadavers, which were obtained from the Department of Clinical Anatomy at a higher education institution in South Africa. The sex of the cadavers and the drainage pattern of the IMV were documented, along with the distance from the confluence of the SMV and splenic vein. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the results. [Ethical Approval Number: BE465/18]. ResultsWide variation in the drainage patterns of the IMV was noted, with overall 48% draining into the SMV, 36% in the splenic vein and the rest at the confluence of the SMV and splenic vein. The preferential pattern of the IMV draining into the SMV was more prominent in males, with females having been evenly distributed between the SMV and splenic vein. The distances measured were not statistically significant owing to the restricted sample size and outliers noted during data collection. ConclusionThis study confirmed the wide variation in drainage patterns of the IMV. Literature regarding limited pancreatic resections and the rate of pancreatic endocrine failure is increasing. The measured distances show some promise in using the IMV as a landmark for dividing the pancreas when it is draining directly into the splenic vein. However, larger cohort studies are required to validate this hypothesis.

Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Connective Tissue Graft for Treating Marginal Tissue Recessions: A Randomized, Controlled Split-Mouth Study.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) and connective tissue graft (CTG) in treating marginal tissue recessions. Fifteen patients with isolated bilateral maxillary gingival recessions were recruited for the study, with 30 defects. The defects were classified as Miller's class I/II gingival recession on the canine or premolar region. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, each receiving one of the two treatment techniques (A-PRF or CTG) on a different side of the maxilla in a split-mouth design. Clinical parameters such as recession height (RH), recession width (RW), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), a width of attached gingiva (WAG), and keratinized tissue height (KTH) were evaluated at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Changes in biotype, Recession Esthetic Score (RES), and Visual Analogue Score-Esthetics (VAS-E) were also evaluated at 6 months. Ethics approval number (Helsinki): PHRC/HC/877/21 and registered at the Clinical Trials Registry under the number NCT05267015 Results:At the end of 6 months, there was a statistically significant reduction in RH and RW in both groups, with the mean RC% of 69.2±22.91, and 88.66±33.18 in Groups I and II, respectively. Intergroup analysis showed statistically significant differences in recession parameters between groups at 3 and 6 months, with better outcomes for the CTG group. This study demonstrates that A-PRF and CTG effectively manage gingival recession defects. However, CTG resulted in better clinical outcomes in terms of reduction in recession height and width.

Effect of low molecular weight heparin and ulinastatin as a combined therapy on soluble myeloid cell expression and intestinal mucosal function in patients with severe pancreatitis

In the earlier published article, the ethical approval number of the Methods’ section was wrongly provided by the authors. The correct approval number should be: NKYY_YWKT_IRB_2021_009_01.
 New citation: Qian D, Luan X, Zhang Y. Effect of low molecular weight heparin and ulinastatin as a combined therapy on soluble myeloid cell expression and intestinal mucosal function in patients with severe pancreatitis. Trop J Pharm Res 2022; 21(7):1515-1521 doi: 10.4314/tjpr.v21i7.23 Erratum: 2022; 21(11): 2493 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v 21i11.32
 Earlier citation: Qian D, Luan X, Zhang Y. Effect of low molecular weight heparin and ulinastatin as a combined therapy on soluble myeloid cell expression and intestinal mucosal function in patients with severe pancreatitis. Trop J Pharm Res 2022; 21(7):1515-1521 doi: 10.4314/tjpr.v21i7.23

Metagenomic analysis of gut microbiota of patients with colorectal cancer at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

195 Background: It has been suggested that the intestinal microbiome plays a vital role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), but the changes in intestinal bacteria in healthy and CRC subjects have not yet been examined in the Nigerian population. The study sought to investigate changes in intestinal bacteria in healthy subjects and patients with CRC. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from healthy and CRC subjects at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta with the study ethical approval number FMCA/47O/HREC/01/2021/23. We extracted genomic DNA with magnetic bead extraction and sequenced the whole genome using a Nanopore MinION sequencer. We performed metagenomic analysis on fecal samples from 20 healthy subjects and 20 patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) to study the bacterial community structure, relative abundance, differentially abundant bacteria, association networks, taxonomic profiling, and specialty gene expression. Results: CRC patients have significantly different bacterial community structures compared to healthy subjects. Compared to healthy subjects, CRC patients had low intestinal bacterial diversity. Only CRCs contain Gammaproteobacteria at the phylum level. Compared to CRC, Bacteroidia and Actinobacteria were significantly more abundant in healthy subjects, while Bacilli and Negativicutes were significantly less abundant. Bacteroides and Prevotella are more abundant in healthy subjects than in CRC at the genus level. There was a greater abundance of Escherichia and Pseudomonas in CRC as compared with healthy subjects. It is noteworthy that Escherichia coli, which co-occurred in both healthy and CRC subjects, was significantly elevated only in CRC, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa only occurs in CRC. Based on phylogenetic analysis, there were notable relationships between six strains of E. coli and four strains of Shigella sp. identified in CRC. There were several pathogenic-associated virulent and antimicrobial resistant genes expressed in these strains. These genes conferred resistance via antibiotic inactivation, efflux pump activity, alteration of cell wall proteins, and regulation of antibiotic permeability. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that the taxonomic composition and functional genes of intestinal bacteria were significantly altered in CRC. Also, E. coli and P. aeruginosa are at least partially involved in the pathogenesis of CRC.

Comparative Effectiveness of Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique Along with Conventional Treatment Vs Conventional Treatment Alone in Patients of Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: Due to cartilage damage adduction movement increased at knee joint which alters biomechanics of knee joint. All muscles attached to knee joint get overstretched, tightened and trigger points formed in them produces pain and alters functioning of knee joint. Objective: To determine which treatment approach either integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique INIT combined with conventional treatment or conventional treatment alone was effective in reducing pain, improving ROM and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Material and Methodology: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on n=28 patients (23 females, 5 males) with age group of 45-70 years were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Group A received conventional treatment along with INIT technique and group B received conventional treatment alone, treatment was given for 2 weeks with 3 sessions / week. NPRS was used to measure pain at baseline, after 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th session of treatment. ROM through goniometer measured at baseline, after 1st and at end of 2nd week (6th session). WOMAC scale for quality of life improvement measured at baseline and at end of 2nd week (6th session). SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Results: In-Between group analysis showed significant difference exist in knee pain and WOMAC scale values. However no, significant difference exist between both groups for knee flexion and extension except for knee extension range, improved after 6th session. Conclusion: Reduction in knee pain and disability of patient along with improved knee ROM was remarkably noted in the patients who received INIT technique combined with conventional treatment. Keywords: Osteoarthritis, trigger points, INIT technique, conventional treatment, Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique Ethical Approval Number: TUF/IRB/178/2023

Incidence of thymic malignancies in China: A longitudinal study based on a national commercial claims database from 2007 to 2016.

Incidence of thymic malignancies in China: A longitudinal study based on a national commercial claims database from 2007 to 2016.

Color Vision Outcome after Phacoemulsification with Intraocular Lens Implant in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: To determine the impaired color function in pseudophakic background diabetic retinopathy patient Methodology: After the ethical approval from The University of Faisalabad under ethical approval number TUF/Dean//2019/39 the cross-sectional study was conducted in the Ophthalmology department of Madina Teaching Hospital Faisalabad which is associated hospital of the The University of Faisalabad. 58 volunteers of both gender and age ranging between 35-75 years were studied through non-probability convenient sampling technique. Duration of study was September 2018 to February 2019. Visual acuity was tested from logmar at a 4 meter distance. Color vision was tested by conventional Farnsworth D15 test, along with slit-lamp and +70D lens to evaluate retinopathy severity, after proper consent of the patient. The test was performed after taking complete ocular, medical, surgical and drug history. Each pseudophakic eye was tested monocular and each subject was tested thrice. Results: Results were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Significant association was seen between the color vision in pseudophakic diabetic patient with background retinopathy (p<0.05), using Pearson Chi-Square. Color vision by conventional D-15 showed mean of ±2.17 and standard error of ±1.05. While pseudophakic group showed mean of ±1.05 and standard error of ± 0.116. Conclusion: There is color defect in pseudophakic diabetic with background retinopathy. The dyschromatopsia is more in the blue axis. Color vision defect (CVD) seen more in uncontrolled diabetic than controlled. Color vision defect (CVD) increases with the course of retinopathy. Color vision checking must be made an integral part of examination specifically in diabetic retinopathy patient.

Lung CAncer SCreening in French women using low-dose CT and Artificial intelligence for DEtection: the CASCADE study protocol

IntroductionLung cancer screening (LCS) using low-dose CT has been demonstrated to reduce lung cancer-related mortality in large randomised controlled trials. Moving from trials to practice requires answering practical questions about...

Effect of transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on neurogenic overactive bladder symptoms in female patients with multiple sclerosis: The study protocol of a randomized controlled study.

Neurogenic bladder is frequently seen in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Electrical stimulation methods (neuromodulation) can be used for patients that have persistent symptoms despite pharmacological treatment. This study aims to compare the effects of two different neuromodulation techniques used in the treatment of neurogenic bladder. This is a single-center randomized controlled trial for MS patients with neurogenic bladder. Patients determined to be eligible according to the study criteria will be randomized into two treatment groups: the transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) groups. Each group will include eight patients. The patients will be treated for a total of 10 sessions for two consecutive weeks. The pressure-flow study will be used to compare the initial and final urodynamic results as the primary outcome. All the participants will fill in a 3-day bladder diary before and after the treatments in each group. Patients will also be asked to complete specific questionnaires for incontinence and quality of life (QOL): Overactive Bladder Questionnaire-V8 score (OAB-V8), Incontinence Severity Index (ISI), Incontinence Quality of Life Scale score (I-QOL), International Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ-SF) score, and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS) score) as the secondary outcomes. An ethical approval number was obtained from the Non-Invasive Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Istanbul Medipol University (ethical approval number: 768). Support was received within the scope of the Istanbul Medipol University Scientific Research Project with project number 2020-2017. The result of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. NCT05312138.

Tessier cleft numbers 3 and 4: Presentation of soft tissue and bony deformities in a select South African population

BackgroundTessier cleft numbers 3 and 4 are rare congenital craniofacial malformations. Tessier cleft number 3 runs from the philtrum of the superior lip, traverses the ala of the nose and ends at the medial canthus of the eye. Tessier cleft number 4 commences between the philtrum and oral commissure in the superior lip, and ascends into the orbit, remaining medial to the infraorbital foramen. The associated clinical manifestation of each cleft type varies amongst patients. This study documented the soft tissue and bony deformities of Tessier cleft numbers 3 and 4 in a select South African population. MethodsThe study group was selected from retrospectively reviewed computed tomography (CT) scan records, which were made available via the repository of the Department of Clinical Anatomy at higher education institution in South Africa. Seven out of fifty CT scans that met the inclusion criteria were assessed and analysed. The patient records associated with the selected scans were reviewed. The soft tissue and bony deformities characteristic of Tessier cleft numbers 3 and 4 were documented [Ethical approval number: BE363/19]. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the results. ResultsThe bony deformities presented in the cases of this study included alveolar clefts, nasal septum deviation, hypertelorism and maxillary bone defects. The soft tissue deformities included cleft lip, nasolacrimal abnormalities, eye dystopia, anophthalmia and nasal ala defects. ConclusionsThe extent of the associated deformities of each case varied; however, the primarily affected regions remained constant i.e., the orbital, nasal and oral regions. The variation in soft tissue and bony presentation warranted the need to document these clefts. This study will contribute to the anatomical interpretation of Tessier cleft numbers 3 and 4 in South Africa, and aid medical professionals in the evaluation, differentiation, and treatment of such clefts.

Early predictors of brain injury in patients with acute carbon monoxide poisoning and the neuroprotection of mild hypothermia

IntroductionCarbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can cause serious neurological sequelae. However, there is neither effective treatment strategy nor reliable indicators to determine the prognosis of patients with CO poisoning. The present study aimed to observe the changes of neurological function score, disease severity score, cerebral oxygen utilization (O2UCc), bispectral (BIS) index and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) concentration, and to elucidate the clinical significance of these potential indicators and the neuroprotective effect of mild hypothermia on brain injury in patients with severe acute CO poisoning. Materials and methodsA total of 277 patients with acute severe CO poisoning from 2013 to 2018 were enrolled in our hospital. Patients were divided into three groups according to their body temperature on the day of admission and their willingness to treat: a fever group (n = 78), a normal temperature group (NT group, n = 113), and a mild hypothermia group (MH group, n = 86). All patients were given hyperbaric oxygen therapy, while those in the MH group received additional mild hypothermia treatment. The severity of the disease, the neurobehavioral status, the incidence of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP), and other indicators including BIS, O2UCc, NSE were further evaluated in all patients at given time-points. ResultsMild hypothermia therapy improved the prognosis of patients with CO poisoning, significantly decreased the value of O2UCc and NSE, and up-regulated BIS. The incidence of DEACMP at 6 months was 27% in the fever group, 23% in the NT group, and 8% in the MH group. The values of Glasgow-Pittsburgh coma scale (G-P score), BIS index and NSE were closely related to the occurrence of DEACMP, the cutoff values were 12.41, 52.17 and 35.20 ng/mL, and the sensitivity and specificity were 79.3%, 77.6%, 79.3% and 67.6%, 89.5%, 88.6% in the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), respectively. ConclusionsEarly mild hypothermia treatment could significantly reduce the severity of brain injury after CO poisoning, and might be further popularized in clinic. G-P scores, NSE and BIS index can be regarded as the prediction indicators in the occurrence and development of DEACMP. Clinical trial registrationThe study protocol was granted from Qingdao University Research Ethics Committee (Clinical trial registry and ethical approval number: QD81571283).

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on physical exercise among participants receiving the Promoting Activity, Independence and Stability in Early Dementia (PrAISED) intervention: a repeated measure study

BackgroundThe potential decrease in daily physical activity associated with the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns may have a negative impact on people living with dementia. Given the limited literature around the effects of home confinement in people living with dementia, this study investigated changes in physical exercise levels of participants in the intervention arm of the Promoting Activity, Independence and Stability in Early Dementia (PrAISED) Randomised Controlled Trial during the first COVID-19 national lockdown. It hypothesised that participants would maintain physical exercise levels.MethodsA repeated measure (three time points) study involving 30 participants (mean age = 78.0 years, 15 male and 15 female, 22 (73.0%) living with their primary caregiver), from four regions in England receiving the PrAISED intervention. PrAISED is an individually tailored intervention of physical exercises and functional activities. Trained therapists deliver therapy sessions over a period of 52 weeks. Study participants received therapy sessions via phone or video calling during the COVID-19 lockdown. This study investigated self-reported minutes of physical exercise recorded on study calendars for the months of February (i.e., baseline – pre-lockdown), May (i.e., T1 – during lockdown), and August (i.e., T2—post-lockdown) 2020.ResultsParticipants reported a statistically significant increase in activity levels between February and May (Wilcoxon Z = -2.013, p = 0.044) and a statistically significant decrease between May and August (Wilcoxon Z = -2.726, p = 0.004). No significant difference was found in the physical activity levels from pre- to post-lockdown (Wilcoxon Z = 0.485, p = 0.620).ConclusionDespite concerns that the restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic might lead to reductions in physical exercise, participants in receipt of the PrAISED intervention increased their amount of physical exercise during lockdown. Our findings support the potential of remote support for people living with dementia to help them maintain physical exercise levels in circumstances where face-to-face service provision is not possible.Trial registrationThe PrAISED trial and process evaluation have received ethical approval number 18/YH/0059 from the Bradford/Leeds Ethics Committee.The Clinical Trial Identifier for PrAISED is: ISRCTN15320670 (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN15320670). Registration was made on 04/09/2018.

Vulnerability for alcohol use disorder after adverse childhood experiences (AUDACE): protocol for a longitudinal fMRI study assessing neuropsychobiological risk factors for relapse

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences (ACE) are common and may predispose affected individuals to various health problems, including alcohol use disorder (AUD). Although a relationship between ACE and AUD has been well-established,...

Impact of a synchronous prophylactic treatment of the anterior accessory saphenous vein on the recurrent varicose vein rate in patients undergoing thermal ablation of an insufficient great saphenous vein (SYNCHRONOUS-Study): study protocol for a prospective, multicentre, controlled observational study

IntroductionTo date, there are no prospective studies evaluating the prevention of recurrent veins by the simultaneous treatment of a sufficient anterior accessory saphenous vein (AASV) in patients undergoing endovenous laser...

Efficacy and Safety of Electro-Thumbtack Needle Therapy for Patients With Chronic Neck Pain: Protocol for a Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial.

BackgroundChronic neck pain is a prevalent condition adversely impacting patients' wellbeing in both life and work experience. Electro-thumbtack needle (ETN) therapy, combining acupuncture with transcutaneous stimulation, might be one of the effective complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies in treating chronic neck pain, although the evidence is scarce. This study aims to estimate the efficacy and safety of ETN therapy for chronic neck pain.Methods and AnalysisThis is a sham-controlled, randomized clinical trial. A total of 180 subjects will be randomly allocated to either the ETN group or the sham ETN group. Treatment will be administrated three times a week for four consecutive weeks, with a 6-month follow-up. The primary outcome measure will be the Numerical Rating Scale for neck pain (NRS-NP) over a period of the 4 weeks. Secondary outcome measures include the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), patient expectation, and preference assessment. The chi-square test or Fisher's exact test will be used for proportions of participants having clinically meaningful improvement. Analysis of covariance or repeated-measures analysis of variance will be applied to examine changes in the outcome measures from baseline.DiscussionsThis prospective trial will contribute to evaluating the efficacy and safety of ETN in the treatment of chronic neck pain, with an intermediate-term follow-up. This study will provide further evidence for clinical neck pain management.Ethics and DisseminationThis trial has been approved by the Research Ethical Committee of Guang'anmen Hospital (ethical approval number: 2021-039-KY-01). Recruitment began in March 2022 and will continue until December 2023. Dissemination plans include posters, WeChat, websites, and bulletin boards in hospital and communities.Clinical Trial RegistrationThis trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT04981171).

Retraction of Zhang et al. (2022)

The following article is being retracted: Zhang, Y., Vatanpour, M., Vatanpour, M., Tayyebi, S., Baghani, O., & Abbasnejad, M. (2022). Prenatal Exposure to Classical Music Improves Learning and Memory in Adult Rats: Possible Anxiolytic or Antistress Effects. European Journal of Psychology Open. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1024/2673-8627/a000018 . The editors and the publisher have decided to retract this article due to the following reasons: Firstly, according to information received by some authors, the article contains incorrect information that has not been possible to correct by agreement of all authors. This raises questions regarding the integrity of the information included in the published paper. Secondly, it remains unclear who should have authorship on this work and whether all people involved are in agreement with the author names that appear on the paper. And lastly, issues were reported to the journal regarding the accuracy of the ethical approval number that was included in the original submission. A correction note regarding these issues was drafted but then again not approved by all authors.Themajor disagreements that remain among the authors about the information included in the paper as it was published raise questions about the accuracy of this critical information.