Independent Investigations Research Articles

RETRACTION: High-Resolution Imaging of Human Cancer Proteins Using Microprocessor Materials.

M. J. Solares, G. M. Jonaid, W. Y. Luqiu, S. Berry, J. Khadela, Y. Liang, M. C. Evans, K. J. Pridham, W. J. Dearnaley, Z. Sheng and D. F. Kelly, "High-Resolution Imaging of Human Cancer Proteins Using Microprocessor Materials," ChemBioChem, 23, no. 17 (2022), e202200310, https://doi.org/10.1002/cbic.202200310. The above article, published online on 5 July 2022 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor-in-Chief, Ruben Ragg; and Wiley-VCH GmbH. The retraction has been agreed following a thorough peer review process conducted by the author's institution, Penn State. The editors' own independent investigation confirmed that density map for the p53 dimer does not align well with the model for Figures 2B and S3 A. Furthermore, it was found that the coordinate and map files associated with the article available in the Protein Data Bank [PDB accession codes 8F2I (p53 monomer), 8F2H (p53 dimer)] and Electron Microscopy Data Bank [EMDB accession codes EMD28817 (p53 monomer), EMD28816 (p53 dimer)] exhibit poor alignment throughout. In addition, the authors did not provide original research data, maps and models in question, to justify the findings. The editors' own independent investigation confirmed that the conclusions of this manuscript are not sufficiently supported. Author D. F. Kelly responded to our notice of retraction, but did not state their agreement nor disagreement. Author G. M. Jonaid agrees with the retraction. All other authors did not respond to our notice regarding the retraction.

Alteration of Serum MLKL Levels and Their Association with Severity and Clinical Outcomes in Human Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), which modulates necroptosis, has been implicated in pathophysiological processes following acute brain injury. Here, serum MLKL was quantified to determine its prognostic significance in severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). This prospective cohort study enrolled 155 patients with sTBI and 155healthy volunteers. The severity metrics included the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and Rotterdam computed tomography (CT) classification. The extended Glasgow outcome scale (GOSE) at posttraumatic 180 days was considered as a prognostic parameter, with a score of 1-4 as indicating poor prognosis. Univariate and subsequent multivariate analyses were used for independent factorial investigation. Compared to controls, patients displayed profoundly elevated serum MLKL levels. In the framework of restricted cubic spline analysis, serum MLKL levels were linearly correlated with the likelihood of mortality, overall survival, and poor prognosis. Serum MLKL levels were not only independently correlated with GCS, Rotterdam CT scores and GOSE scores, but were also independently predictive of death, overall survival, and poor prognosis. Subgroup analysis showed that serum MLKL levels exhibited negligible interactions with age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, smoking habits, and alcohol consumption to distinguish the possibility of death, overall survival, and poor prognosis. Within the context of receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, serum MLKL levels had strong discrimination effectiveness for death and poor prognosis and, in contrast to GCS and Rotterdam CT scores, were considered to have equivalent predictive ability. Extreme elevation of serum MLKL levels is intimately related to trauma severity, death, and neurological outcomes, suggesting that serum MLKL may act as a potential predictor for facilitating severity stratification and prognosis prediction of sTBI.

Analysis of the Gaia Data Release 3 parallax bias in the Galactic plane

Context. Systematic errors are inevitable in Gaia published astrometric data. A global recipe has been proposed to correct for the GEDR3 parallax zero-point offset, but this does not take the Galactic plane into consideration. The applicability of their correction model to the Galactic plane remains uncertain. Aims. We attempt to carry out an independent investigation into the sample dependence of the proposed correction, and its applicability to the Galactic plane. Methods. We collected various samples, including quasars, binaries, and sources with parallaxes from other surveys or methods, to validate the proposed correction, especially in the Galactic plane. Results. We conclude that the proposed correction exhibits sample dependence, and does not apply effectively to the Galactic plane. We present a new parallax bias correction for application to the Galactic plane, offering improvements over the previous correction. The correction difference between L21 and this work can be as high as 10 µas within certain ranges of magnitude and colour. This work provides an additional recipe for users of Gaia parallaxes, especially for sources located near the Galactic plane.

Asymptotic Normalization Coefficient Investigation of the 17O(d, p) Transfer for Astrophysical Application to the 17O(n, α)14C Reaction at Low Energies

Indirect methods have proven to be a complementary approach for extending our knowledge of nuclear structure and low-energy cross sections. Among these, the neutron-induced reaction cross sections appear to be of particular interest since their role both for unstable and stable beams. In view of this, we report here the combined study of the 17O(n, α)14C reaction accomplished by the Trojan Horse Method (THM) and the asymptotic normalization coefficient (ANC) method. The low-lying 8038, 8125, 8213, and 8282 keV resonances in 18O are studied, and their Γ n are derived. A comparison with recent direct data and recent THM experimental data is presented. The independent ANC investigation corroborates our previous THM results, confirms the consistence of the two indirect investigations, and shows new frontiers for neutron-induced reactions with radioactive ion beams. Moreover, we examined the impact of adopting the newly recommended 17O(n, α)14C reaction rate on asymptotic giant branch stars' nucleosynthesis. Our findings reveal significant variations (≳10%) in the production of the neutron-rich heavy isotopes sensitive to neutron density, underlining the neutron-poisoning effect of 17O on the s-process.

The state of individual participant data sharing for the highest-revenue medicines.

Amid growing emphasis from pharmaceutical companies, advocacy groups, and regulatory bodies for sharing of individual participant data, recent audits reveal limited sharing, particularly for high-revenue medicines. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the individual participant data-sharing eligibility of clinical trials supporting the Food and Drug Administration approval of the top 30 highest-revenue medicines for 2021. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 316 clinical trials supporting approval of the top 30 revenue-generating medicines of 2021. The study assessed whether these trials were eligible for individual participant data sharing, defined as being publicly listed on a data-sharing platform or confirmed by the trial sponsors as in scope for independent researcher individual participant data investigations. Information was gathered from various sources including ClinicalTrials.gov, the European Union Clinical Trials Register, and PubMed. Key factors such as the trial phase, completion dates, and the nature of the data-sharing process were also examined. Of the 316 trials, 201 (64%) were confirmed eligible for sharing, meaning they were either publicly listed on a data-sharing platform or confirmed by the trial sponsors as in scope for independent researcher individual participant data investigations. A total of 102 (32%) were confirmed ineligible, and for 13 (4%), the sponsor indicated that a full research proposal would be required to determine eligibility. The analysis also revealed a higher rate of individual participant data sharing among companies that utilized independent platforms, such as Vivli, for managing their individual participant data-sharing process. Trials not marked as completed had significantly lower eligibility for individual participant data sharing. This study highlights that a substantial portion of trials for top revenue-generating medicines are eligible for individual participant data sharing. However, challenges persist, particularly for trials that are marked as ongoing and for trials where the sharing processes are managed internally by pharmaceutical companies. Data-sharing rates could be improved by adopting open-access individual participant data-sharing models or using independent platforms. Standardizing policies to facilitate immediate individual participant data availability for approved medicines is necessary.

RETRACTION: High-Resolution Imaging of Human Viruses in Liquid Droplets.

G. M. Jonaid, W. J. Dearnaley, M. A. Casasanta, L. Kaylor, S. Berry, M. J. Dukes, M. S. Spilman, J. L. Gray and D. F. Kelly, "High-Resolution Imaging of Human Viruses in Liquid Droplets," Advanced Materials 33, no. 37 (2021): 2103221, https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202103221. The above article, published online on 24 July 2021 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the author, M. S. Spilman; the journal Editors-in-Chief, Irem Bayindir-Buchhalter and Esther Levy; and Wiley-VCH GmbH. The retraction has been agreed upon following a thorough peer review process conducted by the author's institution, Penn State University. The peer review determined that there is no significant correlation between the EM map and the model at any resolution. Furthermore, the validation curves and the published curves significantly misrepresent the fit of models to EM maps. The authors didnot provide their original research data, EM maps, and models included in the study, to justify their findings. As a result, the institution recommends the article be retracted. The editors of the journal agree with these findings as they are supported by their own independent investigation. The author, D.F. Kelly, disagrees with the retraction; G.M. Jonaid agrees with the retraction; the other authors were unavailable for comment.

Sex-differential markers of psychiatric risk and treatment response based on premature aging of functional brain network dynamics and peripheral physiology

BackgroundAging is a multilevel process of gradual decline that predicts morbidity and mortality. Independent investigations have implicated senescence of brain and peripheral physiology in psychiatric risk, but it is unclear whether these effects stem from unique or shared mechanisms. MethodsTo address this question, we analyzed clinical, blood chemistry and resting state functional neuroimaging data in a healthy aging cohort (N= 427; age 36-100 years) and two disorder-specific samples encompassing patients with early psychosis (100 patients, 16-35 years) and major depressive disorder (MDD) (104 patients, 20-76 years). ResultsWe identified sex-dependent coupling between blood chemistry markers of metabolic senescence (i.e., homeostatic dysregulation), functional brain network aging, and psychiatric risk. In females, premature aging of frontoparietal and somatomotor networks was linked to greater homeostatic dysregulation. It also predicted the severity and treatment resistance of mood symptoms (depression/anxiety [all three samples], anhedonia [MDD]) and social withdrawal/behavioral inhibition (avoidant personality disorder [healthy aging]; negative symptoms [early psychosis]). In males, premature aging of the default mode, cingulo-opercular, and visual networks was linked to reduced homeostatic dysregulation and predicted severity and treatment resistance of symptoms relevant to hostility/aggression (antisocial personality disorder [healthy aging]; mania/positive symptoms [early psychosis]), impaired thought processes (early psychosis, MDD) and somatic problems (healthy aging, MDD). ConclusionsOur findings identify sexually dimorphic relationships between brain dynamics, peripheral physiology, and risk for psychiatric illness, suggesting that the specificity of putative risk biomarkers and precision therapeutics may be improved by considering sex and other relevant personal characteristics.

Peak tibial accelerations in different foot strike patterns during level running: an independent investigation in different cohorts.

Peak tibial accelerations are used to monitor impact severity during distance running and as input for bio-feedback. Here, peak tibial accelerations were compared between rearfoot and forefoot strikes. Two different studies were undertaken by independent research centres. Tibial acceleration and optical motion capture were collected in 14 rearfoot strikers who changed to a forefoot strike in the first centre. In the second centre, tibial acceleration of 14 other rearfoot strikers and nine forefoot strikers were collected and processed. In over-ground level running at a submaximal speed, the resultant peak tibial acceleration was greater in the instructed forefoot strike condition (Δ = 7.6 ± 1.3 g, mean ± standard error difference) and in the habitual forefoot strikers (Δ = 3.7 ± 1.1 g) than in the rearfoot strikers. The shank kinematics revealed a greater decrease in antero-posterior velocity following touchdown in the forefoot strike condition. The forefoot strikes experienced greater posterior tibial acceleration, which resulted in an increased resultant peak tibial acceleration that also occurred earlier than in the rearfoot strikes. No significant difference in axial peak tibial acceleration was found between these foot strike patterns. In conclusion, the foot strike pattern differently affects peak tibial accelerations in level running, which can have implications for monitoring and biofeedback applications.

The cost of doing business: Drug costs in federally sponsored cancer clinical trials.

10 Background: Federally sponsored cancer clinical trials (FS-CCTs) address a broad set of clinical cancer research questions that are avoided by industry sponsors, including combining treatment modalities, examining whether approved drugs may work in other cancers, or examining de-escalation therapy. FS-CCTs routinely extend the lives of patients with cancer and inform treatment guidelines. However, FS-CCTs must often be conducted in partnership with industry sponsors since the cost of drugs is high and cannot be paid for by the government. This limits the independence of FS-CCTs. We aimed to examine the drug costs for trials with federal sponsorship. Methods: We included all US-based cancer treatment trials registered in ClinicalTrials.gov that examined pharmaceuticals and/or biological products and started from 2018-2022. Trials with any NIH or other federal sponsorship (as the sole, lead, or other sponsor) were included. Drug names and number of enrollments per arm and drug were extracted from ClinicalTrials.gov and study protocols. The Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) was obtained from IBM Micromedex RED BOOK (2023) by matching the product name, dose strength and administration route. The product acquisition cost (“cost”) per trial was computed by summing the WAC for each drug and multiplying by the number of enrollments. Results: Overall, N=1020 trials were examined (phase I = 343, phase II = 611, phase III = 66). The mean (median) drug costs were $53.9 million (m) ($7.4m) overall, including $73.8m ($19.8m), $47.2m ($8.7m), and $44.7m ($5.8m) for trials solely sponsored, led by, or with secondary/tertiary participation by federal sponsors, respectively. Trial-level drug costs were $19.2m ($3.6m), $51.9m ($9.4m), and $244.9m ($38.8m) for phase I, II, and III trials, respectively. Drug costs were much greater for trials involving immune and/or targeted therapies ($60.1m [$11.4m]) than those with conventional chemotherapies ($30.8m [$1.5m]). In the subset of n=128 phase 2 or 3 comparative trials, drug costs were $97.7m ($21.8m) for experimental arms and $24.1m ($1.4m) for control arms. Conclusions: The costs for drugs in FS-CCTs were very high, especially for the experimental arms, highlighting the necessity for federally sponsored researchers to collaborate with industry partners to conduct trials. Drug costs for immune and/or targeted therapies were higher yet, suggesting that the cost burden to conduct trials for federal sponsors may continue to increase. These findings also suggest that systemwide costs for cancer drugs in clinical practice will continue to increase substantially. These results have implications for how FS-CCTs are designed and conducted, since the necessity of collaboration between federal and industry sponsors likely limits the independence of federal research. Future public policy efforts should focus on mechanisms for independent investigation of new pharmacologic agents.

Retracted] hsa‑miR‑212 modulates the radiosensitivity of glioma cells by targeting BRCA1.

Following the publication of the above paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that there appeared to be overlapping sections in a pair of the fluorescence reporter assay data panels shown in Fig. 4B; moreover, upon having conducted an independent investigation of the data in this paper in the Editorial Office, one of the data panels shown in this figure was strikingly similar to data that had previously appeared in different form in a paper written by different authors at a different research institute. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published prior to its submission to Oncology Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a satisfactory reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 39: 977‑984, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.6156].

DeepCheck: multitask learning aids in assessing microbial genome quality.

Metagenomic analyses facilitate theexploration of the microbial world, advancing our understanding of microbial roles in ecological and biological processes. A pivotal aspect of metagenomic analysis involves assessing the quality of metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), crucial for accurate biological insights. Current machine learning-based methods often treat completeness and contamination prediction as separate tasks, overlooking their inherent relationship and limiting models' generalization. In this study, we present DeepCheck, a multitasking deep learning framework for simultaneous prediction of MAG completeness and contamination. DeepCheck consistently outperforms existing tools in accuracy across various experimental settings and demonstrates comparable speed while maintaining high predictive accuracy even for new lineages. Additionally, we employ interpretable machine learning techniques to identify specific genes and pathways that drive the model's predictions, enabling independent investigation and assessment of these biological elements for deeper insights.

Innovative Learning Strategies for Islamic Religious Education Based on Merdeka Belajar Curriculum in Vocational High Schools

Innovative learning strategies for Islamic Religious Education are needed to improve cognitive abilities, including analysis, application, creation, presentation, and implementation; affective abilities, including appreciation and organization or characterization; and psychomotor abilities, with the perception of the Qur'an and Hadith, which can enrich the vocational needs of students. This qualitative case study research aims to describe and analyze innovative learning strategies for Islamic Religious Education at Mambaul Ulum Vocational High School based on the Merdeka Belajar curriculum. Data collection through interviews, observations, and documentation. Testing the validity of the collected data through triangulation, expert discussions, and member checking. Data analysis using the Miles, Huberman, and Saldana methods with data condensation, data presentation, and conclusion. The study showed that the Islamic Religious Education teachers implemented three innovative learning strategies. First, problem-based learning integrates religious concepts with real issues to develop cognitive, affective, and psychomotor abilities. Second, inquiry-based learning through independent investigation and applying religious concepts in everyday life to deepen understanding. Third, flipped classroom combines independent learning at home with classroom discussion activities. Applying three innovative learning strategies has an impact on increasing learning motivation, knowledge of worship, and critical thinking skills. The value of this research lies in the application of learning strategies that connect religious concepts with actual practices to improve the quality of learning in vocational environments. The research findings strengthen constructivism through problem-based, inquiry-based, and flipped classroom theory by showing that active, collaborative, and interactive learning improves understanding and application of learning materials.

A modified dual preparatory method for improved isolation of nucleic acids from laser microdissected fresh-frozen human cancer tissue specimens.

A central theme in cancer research is to increase our understanding of the cancer tissue microenvironment, which is comprised of a complex and spatially heterogeneous ecosystem of malignant and non-malignant cells, both of which actively contribute to an intervening extracellular matrix. Laser microdissection (LMD) enables histology selective harvest of cellular subpopulations from the tissue microenvironment for their independent molecular investigation, such as by high-throughput DNA and RNA sequencing. Although enabling, LMD often requires a labor-intensive investment to harvest enough cells to achieve the necessary DNA and/or RNA input requirements for conventional next-generation sequencing workflows. To increase efficiencies, we sought to use a commonplace dual preparatory (DP) procedure to isolate DNA and RNA from the same LMD harvested tissue samples. While the yield of DNA from the DP protocol was satisfactory, the RNA yield from the LMD harvested tissue samples was significantly poorer compared to a dedicated RNA preparation procedure. We determined that this low yield of RNA was due to incomplete partitioning of RNA in this widely used DP protocol. Here, we describe a modified DP protocol that more equally partitions nucleic acids and results in significantly improved RNA yields from LMD-harvested cells.

Development Science E-Module Based PBL-Integrated STEM on Energy Material

This research is to develop E-module of STEM-PBL mater energy based science. The method used in development research was adapted from the RnD method with the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation). The data collection technique was in the form of a validated questionnaire for language experts, materials, media, and teachers responses. E-module based Problem Based Learning contains five stages, namely; 1) orientation of students towards problems; 2) organizing students to learn; 3) guiding independent and group investigations; 4) develop and present the work; 5) analyze and evaluate the problem-solving process. In addition, the STEM in this e-module contains aspects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The results of validation were, a percentage of 96.67% for language validation, a percentage of 95.00% for material validation, and a percentage of 96.00% for media validation, both of which were classified as very valid. Based on these results, it can be concluded that E-module based on STEM-PBL is feasible to be used in learning energy Materials.

Examining the Effect of Problem-Based Learning Approach on Learners` Mathematical Creativity: A Meta-Analysis

Problem-based learning (PBL) is linked to developing learners` creative thinking in mathematics. This process-oriented approach capitalizes on using problems to stimulate learning through independent and collaborative investigations. This meta-analysis looked at the effectiveness of using PBL to influence mathematical creativity. Fifteen results from 13 studies were analyzed in which a medium effect (g=0.580) was computed using the random effects model. Further, the analysis of heterogeneity statistics suggests conducting a subgroup analysis in which only the strategy used in the comparison group and educational level, among the identified characteristics, moderates the effect of PBL on mathematical creativity. Future research should expand geographically to encompass a more diverse educational landscape and include a broader demographic to validate the efficacy of PBL across different age groups and cultural contexts.

Systematic Investigations of Surface Oxygen Functional Groups on Spherical Hard Carbon for Sodium-Ion Batteries

The surface activity of hard carbons and its effect on the formation of a stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) in sodium ion batteries has gained significant interest in the scientific community over the last years. The surface of hard carbons thus plays a pivotal role within the cell, as it constitutes the interface between the bulk material and the electrolyte. Following pyrolysis of the carbon-rich precursor at high temperatures, various oxygen functional groups (OFGs) and defects, such as five- or seven-membered rings, are present on the surface of the resulting hard carbons. The influence of OFGs on the surface is however controversially discussed. On the one hand, irreversible reactions of sodium ions with OFGs lower the initial coulombic efficiency (ICE), which leads to a decreased energy density. On the other hand, OFGs may also serve as nucleation sites for the SEI leading to a more conductive interfacial phase for sodium ions. Although many approaches of additional oxygen functionalization on the surface of hard carbons have already been reported, they mostly employ harsh reaction conditions disregarding the morphological impact on the carbon surface.In our studies, oxo-functionalized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are adsorbed on the surface to serve as model OFGs on surface oxygen deficient hard carbons. The versatility of functionalized pyrenes in combination with nondestructive adsorption enables independent investigations on the oxygen functionalization of the hard carbon surface. In the first step, native surface oxygen groups are cleaved from the pristine hard carbon through a high-temperature post-treatment in hydrogen atmosphere. Afterwards, selective re-introduction of surface OFGs is achieved through adsorption of oxo-functionalized pyrene derivatives such as 1-hydroxypyrene or 1-pyrenecarboxylic acid to simulate hydroxy or carboxylic surface functionalities. Additionally, various spatially configurations of surface OFGs can be mimicked by elongating the distance between the oxygen functionality and the pyrene backbone through a short alkyl chain (e.g. 1-pyrenebutyric acid).Our systematic approach of selectively re-introducing surface OFGs allows the discrimination between different surface OFGs and their influence on the SEI. The surface of our modified hard carbons is characterized by X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy to evaluate the oxygen content and determine the defect concentration. The electrochemical performance is assessed by rate performance tests and cyclic voltammetry in three-electrode half-cells with sodium metal as counter and reference electrode. Initial findings validate the correlation between surface oxygen functionalization determined by XPS and the electrochemical formation potential of the SEI during the first cycle. After high-temperature treatment in a hydrogen atmosphere, the surface oxygen content decreases from ~5% to 2%, leading to a significant lowering of the plateau capacity. Simultaneously, the ICE decreases from 79% to 55%. Cyclic voltammetry of deoxygenated hard carbon reveals that the SEI formation potential is shifted from ~1.0 V vs. Na towards lower potentials of ~0.3 V vs. Na indicating that different decomposition products are formed. Furthermore, rate performance is substantially deteriorated by the development of a modified SEI. Ex-situ XPS of cycled electrodes and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are used to identify differences in the SEI composition and link them to the electrochemical performance of our spherical hard carbons.Figure: 1-Pyrenebutyric acid adsorbed on the surface of hard carbon highlighting the different possible spatially orientations of the oxygen functional group. Figure 1

An alternative modeling approach to incorporate bond-slip effects in fiber-based elements

Fiber-based elements can provide accurate estimates of the global and local inelastic response of RC members subjected to reversed cyclic loads. However, fiber-based elements per se do not account for the localized deformations that arise from strain penetration or bond-slip effects at the member ends. To account for bond-slip effects, some researchers have suggested the use of modified properties for the steel reinforcement fibers, or that a zero-length element be attached at the element ends. In this study, a modified modeling procedure is proposed to include anchorage-slip effects in reinforced concrete frame members modeled with fiber-based beam-column elements. The proposed modeling approach is based on local bond-slip laws that can be implemented in general-purpose fiber-element software, and it differs from existing approaches in that it does not require the use of a zero-length element (though it could be used), and that it can be used with any local bond-slip relationship representative of a variety of bar embedment conditions. As such, the model can be used to simulate the effects of bond-slip of short or long embedment lengths in confined or unconfined concrete. The proposed modeling procedure is validated by comparing the calculated response with experimental data from four independent investigations. The test data included three columns and two beam specimens with various confinement and reinforcement configurations and included members reinforced with conventional and high-strength steel reinforcement. The results from the analyses show that the proposed modeling procedure provides a very good estimate of both the global and the local responses (anchorage-slip rotation) of the specimens.

A Content Analysis of Exploring Trends and Dynamics of English Language Pedagogy in Engineering Departments

English language pedagogy has shifted from a broad to a specialized pattern in the past several decades. The aim of the present study is to examine the pedagogical landscape of the English language in engineering departments. The study demonstrates a remarkable prevalence of authors, focusing on the significance of independent investigation in the field by assessing various aspects such as authorship, years of publication, involvement of the countries where the studies were conducted, and the methodologies employed in the studies. A temporal analysis reveals an emphasis on studies during 2020-2022, suggesting increased concern and responsiveness to specific issues in English pedagogy in engineering departments. In terms of countries, Indonesia, China, and Malaysia emerge as substantial contributors, highlighting their dynamic involvement in English language instruction in engineering departments. Qualitative methodologies dominate, acknowledging the nuanced nature of language teaching in engineering and enabling a profound exploration of instructional intricacies. In summary, this content analysis provides insights into the distribution, trends, and preferences in teaching English in engineering fields. The prevalence of individual authorship, temporal clustering, geographical concentrations, and the dominance of qualitative methods collectively enrich the understanding of this dynamic research landscape.

Study of Diagnostic Accuracy: Fundus Photography vs. Optical Coherence Tomography

(1) Background: This study aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy that optical coherence tomography (OCT) can add to fundus photography (FP) in assessing the condition of the retinal posterior pole. (2) Methods: We conducted two blocks of analysis: First, the posterior pole of each eye was examined using an FP non-mydriatic imaging device. Second, OCT was used in addition to FP. After consolidating the specific diagnostic criteria, the assessments were evaluated using two blinded independent investigation groups (by optometrists, and by ophthalmologists who were considered the gold standard). (3) Results: We calculated the diagnostic accuracy of FP compared to OCT and found that they had similar sensitivity. FP had a slightly higher specificity (p-value: 0.01), and OCT had a higher kappa coefficient with 0.50 (95% CI: 0.46–0.55) vs. 0.39 (95% CI: 0.34–0.45) for FP. (4) Conclusions: On the basis that the role of the optometrist in Spain is not to diagnose but to detect lesions and refer patients to an ophthalmologist, the results of this study support the use of OCT, which provided gradable images in almost all examined eyes (97.5%), compared to FP (73.5%). However, optometrists need a detailed and standardized guide in order to conduct evaluations according to the ophthalmologist’s criteria.

Retracted] MicroRNA‑320a suppresses tumour cell proliferation and invasion of renal cancer cells by targeting FoxM1.

Subsequently to the publication of the above paper, the authors drew to the attention of the Editorial Office that they made a couple of errors in terms of the data assembly in Figs. 2 and 4 in their paper; specifically, the Transwell assay data shown for the 'miR-320a+/FoxM1+' panel in Fig. 5D on p. 1923 also appeared as the 'ACTN/NC' data panel in Fig. 4E on the same page (Fig. 4E contained the erroneously duplicated panel). In addition, data featured in Fig. 2D of the above paper were strikingly similar to data that appeared in Fig. 6e of the following paper, published subsequently to this article, written by different authors (although a Dr Shiyue Zhao worked in the molecular biology laboratory of Harbin Medical University from 2017 to 2018, and the research collaboration was conducted with Dr Chenlong Li's research group): Li C, Zheng H, Hou W, Bao H, Xiong J, Che W, Gu Y, Sun H and Liang P: Long non-coding RNA linc00645 promotes. TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition by regulating miR-205-3p-ZEB1 axis in glioma. Cell Death Dis 10: 17, 2019. Finally, after having conducted an independent investigation of the data in this paper, the Editorial Office noted that one of the Petri dish images in Fig. 2C was also strikingly similar to data that appeared in Fig. 2H of the abovementioned article in the journal Cell Death & Disease. After having considered the authors' request for corrigendum, in view of the problems that were identified with the data, the Editor of Oncology Reports has decided that, owing to a lack of confidence in the presented data, the paper should instead be retracted from the journal. After having informed the authors of this decision, they accepted the decision to retract this paper. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 40: 1917‑1926, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/or.2018.6597].