Medicine Report Research Articles

Developing a National Trauma Research Action Plan: Results from the regulatory challenges Delphi survey.

In 2016, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine issued a report calling for a National Trauma Research Action Plan (NTRAP) requiring a resourced, coordinated, joint approach to trauma care research. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report recommended the identification of regulatory barriers to trauma research. The NTRAP Regulatory Challenges Panel of trauma researchers and regulatory professionals was convened to identify the most challenging aspects of regulatory processes involved in conducting research. Trauma researchers and regulatory experts were recruited to identify and rate challenging regulatory issues in 2021 to 2022. Challenge statements were developed from a comprehensive scoping review. Panelists rated the challenge level for each statement on a 9-point Likert scale. The Delphi survey was conducted over three online rounds. Consensus was defined a priori as ≥60% agreement. Results of the Delphi survey were presented to the panel during a webinar. Panel participants then participated in breakout sessions to strategize solutions, share lessons learned, and identify where more regulatory guidance is needed. Thirty-eight subject matter experts rated 175 regulatory challenges, of which 141 (81%) reached the consensus threshold. Of the consensus-reaching challenge statements, 42 had a challenge rating of 6 or higher. Among the highest-rated challenges were issues pertaining to conducting prehospital research, exception from informed consent, mistrust of research among various racial and ethnic groups, and issues specific to conducting pediatric trauma research. This Delphi survey rated challenges culled from a regulatory literature scoping review. The panel identified the most challenging aspects of human subjects protection while conducting trauma research and recommended strategies and best practices to address them. The findings from this study were used to develop the NTRAP Investigator Toolkit, which is available on the internet as a resource for trauma researchers. Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.

Retracted] Resveratrol reduces acute lung injury in a LPS‑induced sepsis mouse model via activation of Sirt1.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that the β‑actin control western blotting data shown in Fig.3D on p.1893 were very similar to the contol data shown in Fig.4A on p.1894; furthermore, the data shown for the MMP‑9 and the INOS protein bands in Fig.4C were remarkably similar to the data shown for the IL‑1β and IL‑6 proteins, respectively, albeit the backgrounds surrounding the bands were different. Moreover, various of the western blotting data shown in these figures were strikingly similar to data that had already been published in different form in other articles written by (largely) different authors at different research institutes. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine Reports, and due to the number of apparent duplications of strikingly similar data between Figs.3 and 4, 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. [Molecular Medicine Reports 7: 1889‑1895, 2013; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2013.1444].

Communicating disease, care and healing. The role of medical inscriptions and patient reports in temple medicine from classical antiquity to the roman imperial age

Communicating disease, care and healing. The role of medical inscriptions and patient reports in temple medicine from classical antiquity to the roman imperial age

Knowledge mapping of programmed cell death in osteonecrosis of femoral head: a bibliometric analysis (2000–2022)

BackgroundOsteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common, refractory and disabling disease of orthopedic department, which is one of the common causes of hip pain and dysfunction. Recent studies have shown that much progress has been made in the research of programmed cell death (PCD) in ONFH. However, there is no bibliometric analysis in this research field. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the knowledge structure and research hot spots of PCD in ONFH through bibliometrics.MethodThe literature search related to ONFH and PCD was conducted on the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database from 2002 to 2021. The VOSviewers, “bibliometrix” R package and CiteSpace were used to conduct this bibliometric analysis.ResultsIn total, 346 articles from 27 countries led by China and USA and Japan were included. The number of publications related to PCD in ONFH is increasing year by year. Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Xi An Jiao Tong University, Wuhan University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology are the main research institutions. Molecular Medicine Reports is the most popular journal in the field of PCD in ONFH, and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research is the most cocited journal. These publications come from 1882 authors among which Peng Hao, Sun Wei, Zhang Chang-Qing, Zhang Jian and Wang Kun-zheng had published the most papers and Ronald S Weinstein was cocited most often. Apoptosis, osteonecrosis, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, glucocorticoid and femoral head appeared are the main topics the field of PCD in ONFH. Autophagy was most likely to be the current research hot spot for PCD in ONFH.ConclusionThis is the first bibliometric study that comprehensively summarizes the research trends and developments of PCD in ONFH. This information identified recent research frontiers and hot directions, which will provide a reference for scholars studying PCD in ONFH.

Undue Burden the Medical School Application Process Places on Low-Income Latinos

Undue Burden the Medical School Application Process Places on Low-Income Latinos

Retracted] Tripartite motif‑containing 14 regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis in cervical cancer via the Akt signaling pathway.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that the GAPDH control western blotting data shown in Fig.2B were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in Fig.1E in another article written by different authors at different research institutes [LiangT, Ye X, Liu Y, Qiu X, Li Z, TianB and YanD: FAM46B inhibits cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in prostate cancer through ubiquitination of β‑catenin. Exp Mol Med50: 1‑12, 2018]. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine 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 reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Molecular Medicine Reports 22: 5145‑5154, 2020; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11634].

Retracted] Inhibiting proliferation and migration of lung cancer using small interfering RNA targeting on Aldo‑keto reductase family1 member B10.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that data from the cell adhesion experiment shown in Fig.11 were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in Fig. 6B in another article written by different authors at different research institutes [HuangZ, Li J, Du S, Tang Y, Huang L, Xiao L and TongP: FKBP14 overexpression contributes to osteosarcoma carcinogenesis and indicates poor survival outcome. Oncotarget7: 39872‑39884, 2016]. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine 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 reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Molecular Medicine Reports 17: 2153‑2160, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.8173].

Medicinal plants of the upper Aswa River catchment of northern Uganda - a cultural crossroads

BackgroundThis paper presents a comparative inventory of medicinal plant taxa and their uses by smallholder farming communities of four cultures in the Aswa River catchment of northern Uganda, situated in the eastern Sudanian savanna parkland ecotype of sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of the study was to document the ethnobotanical use of medicinal plants by the Lango, Acholi, Teso (Atesot) and Ethur (jo Abwor), in an historical moment before civil conflict and mass displacement of the respondent communities disrupted the inter-generational transmission of traditional technical knowledge within the study area.MethodsFollowing community consultations in four districts of northern Uganda during 1999–2000, interviews were conducted with holders of specialist knowledge on plants used as medicine on basis of a plant specimen allocated a voucher number and identified by the national herbarium. Use reports reflecting specific medicinal applications were compiled in aggregate to obtain a Relative Importance Index ranking. The commonality of medicinal taxa cited between each cultural interface was assessed by the Jaccard Index of Similarity, and the similarity of specific medicinal usage by taxon using Rahman’s Similarity Index.ResultsThe data collected from 112 respondents comprise 280 medicinal use reports describing 263 applications for 62 medical conditions, citing 108 taxa from 44 botanical families of which Fabaceae comprised 20% of all use reports. No earlier mention could be found to corroborate 72 use reports (27% of the total), representing medicinal indications as yet undocumented, and potentially worthy of investigation. The RI values ranged between 15 and 94%, with 13 taxa having RI values above 50%. The JI ratios indicate the highest degree of similarity in the plant taxa used as medicine (21%) between the Lango and Teso cultures who share a common origin; however, Rahman’s Similarity Index indicates the highest similarity of specific medicinal usage by taxon between the Lango and Acholi, who share a common language group through cultural assimilation over time. ConclusionsAs a comparative study, the results imply that cultural exchange and assimilation may be a greater driver of inter-cultural similarity of ethnopharmacological use of a given taxon, as compared to shared historical origins.

Retracted] EVI‑1 acts as an oncogene and positively regulates calreticulin in breast cancer.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that, for the Transwell cell migration and invasion assay experiments shown in Fig.3 on p.1650, there were several panels showing overlapping sections of data; moreover, certain of the data shown in this Figure were also strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in Fig.4 in another article written by different authors at a different research institute [Liu J and DuanX: PA‑MSHA induces apoptosis and suppresses metastasis by tumor associated macrophages in bladder cancer cells. Cancer Cell Int17: 76, 2017]. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine 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 reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Molecular Medicine Reports 19: 1645‑1653, 2019; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9796].

Domain-adapted Large Language Models for Classifying Nuclear Medicine Reports

Domain-adapted Large Language Models for Classifying Nuclear Medicine Reports

Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema - Screening.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are leading causes of severe visual loss in the working population. Therefore, both DR and DME have a significant socioeconomic and health impact, which taking into account the epidemiologic predictions is expected to increase. A crucial role in the management of DR and DME (not only for individuals, but also for the population) is played by an adequate screening program. This is based on the structure and organization of the healthcare system, the latest scientific developments in diagnostics (imaging) as well as technological advancements in computing (artificial intelligence, telemedicine) and their practical use. The recommendation presented by World Health Organization is also important. This paper evaluates all these factors, including evidence-based medicine reports and experience from existing DR and DME screening programs in comparable countries. Based on an evaluation of these parameters, recommended guidelines have been formulated for screening for DR and DME in the Czech Republic, including linkage to the Czech National Screening Center and the organization of the healthcare system.

Exploring the Knowledge and Practices of Adverse Drug Reaction and Falsified Medicine Reporting Amongst the Community Pharmacists of India

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and falsified medicines (FMs) pose significant threat to patient safety and public health. Understanding the knowledge, experiences, and perspectives of community pharmacists in India regarding ADRs and FMs is crucial for effective intervention and prevention strategies.
 Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, experiences, and perspectives of community pharmacists in India regarding ADRs and FMs. It sought to gather information on pharmacists' familiarity with the threats posed by ADRs and FMs, their understanding of relevant legislation, their personal encounters with ADRs and FMs, and their views on the distribution of FMs and the adequacy of existing legislation.
 Method: A survey was conducted among community pharmacists in India, and data were collected using a questionnaire. The survey included questions related to knowledge, experiences, and perspectives on ADRs and FMs. The responses were analysed to identify trends and key findings.
 Results: The analysis revealed that a significant majority of pharmacists demonstrated a fundamental understanding of ADRs and FMs. However, a relatively low percentage reported encountering ADRs as well as FMs in their practice, with an equally low proportion reporting these incidents to the appropriate authorities Majority of pharmacists believed that they plan an important role in reporting of ADRs but only half of the pharmacists’ surveyed things that they plan an important role in tackling the issue of FMs.
 Conclusion: The research highlights that community pharmacists in India have a good understanding of Pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting, although knowledge of Indian legislation needs improvement. Pharmacists demonstrate a positive attitude towards ADR reporting and promptly report encountered ADRs and FMs. Patient education, convenience of the reporting system, and strengthening FM legislation are areas that require attention. Major sources of FM distribution are online pharmacies and street hawkers. These findings contribute to enhancing pharmacovigilance practices and addressing FM distribution in India.

Retracted] Functional characterization of the nitrogen permease regulator‑like‑2 candidate tumor suppressor gene in colorectal cancer cell lines.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that certain of the microscopic images shown in Fig.1C on p.3489 and the invasion assay images shown in Fig.5 on p.3491 were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles written by different authors at different research institutes. Moreover, unexpected similarities were identified comparing between a pair of the flow cytometric assay data panels in Fig.4 on p.3490, considering that these data were intended to show the results from differently performed experiments. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published, or were already under consideration for publication, prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine 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 reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Molecular Medicine Reports 12: 3487‑3493, 2015; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3881].

Retracted] NCTD elicits proapoptotic and antiglycolytic effects on colorectal cancer cells via modulation of Fam46c expression and inhibition of ERK1/2 signaling.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that the GAPDH control western blotting data shown in Fig.2C were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles written by different authors at different research institutes. Moreover, certain of the western blotting data shown internally within Fig.4E and F appeared to be strikingly similar, even though the experiments portrayed in these Figure parts were intended to show the results obtained from different cell lines. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article were already under consideration for publication, or had already been published, prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine Reports, and based on an overall lack in the confidence in the data, 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 reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Molecular Medicine Reports 22: 774‑782, 2020; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11151].

Clinicians’ perspectives on PET/CT in oncological patients: an Italian National Survey

IntroductionThe present web-based national survey aims to assess the clinician's perspective toward (1) the indications to perform positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in cancer patients, (2) the utility of the interaction with the referring nuclear medicine physician, and (3) their perception of the clarity, usefulness, and the impact of the PET/CT report.MethodsWe conducted a prospective web-based survey consisting of 31 multiple-choice questions and an open-text field. The questionnaire was administered to Italian clinicians or surgeons who managed oncological patients. Data were analyzed using standard diagrams and the values were expressed as numbers (percentages).ResultsA total of 373 physicians completed the questionnaire. Among the 360 responses finally included in the analysis, the majority came from radiation oncologists (46%), followed by oncologists. For half of the respondents (53%), indications to perform PET/CT examination were “often” clear and easily accessible, but only 16% considered them “absolutely” clear and accessible. Additionally, most respondents (43%) considered “absolutely” necessary to facilitate access to PET/CT indications and their update. The interaction with the referring nuclear medicine physician was generally useful and satisfying. Regarding the nuclear medicine report, 74% considered “absolutely” useful to standardize the report structure, and the presence of semi-quantitative parameters was considered of great importance. Finally, in about half of the cases (53%), PET/CT report impacts patient management with major changes.ConclusionTo sum up, a “still not” complete confidence with PET/CT indications and the need to facilitate access to indications and their update emerged from our results. Moreover, a structured PET/CT report with a clarification on essential PET features is warranted. In this scenario, the participation of nuclear medicine physicians in guideline oncological committees, national and international oncological conferences as well as continuous training among all specialists involved in cancer patients’ management could be effective strategies to resolve clinicians' concerns about PET/CT, thereby improving the management of cancer patients.

Retracted] Silencing cyclin‑dependent kinase inhibitor 3 inhibits the migration of breast cancer cell lines.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that the GAPDH control western blotting data shown in Fig.1C were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in another article written by different authors at different research institutes [ChenY, Guo Y, Yang H, Shi G, Xu G, Shi J, Yin N and ChenD: TRIM66 overexpression contributes to osteosarcoma carcinogenesis and indicates poor survival outcome. Oncotarget6: 23708‑23719, 2015]. Moreover, a pair of data panels showing the results from cell‑cycle experiments purportedly performed under different experimental conditions in Fig.4A appeared to be strikingly similar. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article were already under consideration for publication prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine 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 reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Molecular Medicine Reports 14: 1523‑1530, 2016; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5401].

Retracted] miR‑30a‑5p inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of melanoma cells by targeting SOX4.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that the tumour images shown in Fig.3B were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in another article written by different authors at different research institutes. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article were already under consideration for publication prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine 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 reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Molecular Medicine Reports 18: 2492‑2498, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9166].

Retracted] MicroRNA‑744 suppresses cell proliferation and invasion of papillary thyroid cancer by directly targeting NOB1.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that certain of the cell migration and invasion assay data shown in Fig.5C were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles by different authors at different research institutes. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article were already under consideration for publication, or had already been published, prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine 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 reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Molecular Medicine Reports 19: 1903‑1910, 2019; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.9826].

Retracted] Effects of cisplatin on the LSD1-mediated invasion and metastasis of prostate cancer cells.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that the cell invasion assay data shown for the 'LSD1siRNA+DDP' experiment in Fig.3A on p.2515 were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in Fig.3 in another article written by different authors at different research institutes [Liu Y, Li M, ZhangG and PangZ: MicroRNA-10b overexpression promotes non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Eur J Med Res18: 41, 2013]. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. After having been in contact with the authors, they accepted the decision to retract the paper. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Molecular Medicine Reports 14: 2511-2517, 2016; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5571].

Patterns of Premium and Nonpremium Cigar Use in the United States: Findings from Wave 6 (2021) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study.

Understanding the characteristics of premium cigar use patterns is essential for minimizing public health harms. Typically, premium cigars are handmade, larger, more expensive, and without the characterizing flavors that are present in other cigar types: Nonpremium traditional cigars, cigarillos, and filtered cigars. Self-reported brand and price data were used from Wave 6 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study to define and estimate premium versus nonpremium cigar use among U.S. adults, as well as to explore cigar smoking patterns, purchasing behavior, and reasons for use by cigar type. In 2021, 0.9% (95% CI = 0.7-1.0) of adults were premium cigar users, compared to 0.4% of nonpremium traditional cigar users (95% CI = 0.3-0.5), 1.1% of cigarillo users (95% CI = 1.0-1.2), and 0.6% filtered cigar users (95% CI = 0.5-0.7). Premium cigar users were overwhelmingly male (97.7%), and 35.8% were aged ≥55 years. The average premium cigar price/stick was $8.67, $5.50-7.00 more than other cigar types. Compared to other cigar types, significantly fewer premium cigar users had a regular brand with a flavor other than tobacco (~15% vs. 38%-53%). Though flavors remained the top reason for premium cigar use, they were less likely to endorse flavors as a reason for use than other cigar users (~40% vs. 68-74%). Premium cigar users had a lower prevalence (aRR: 0.37, 95% CI = 0.25-0.55) of dual use of cigars and cigarettes. Although <1% of U.S. adults use premium cigars, their use and purchasing characteristics continue to differ from other cigar types, highlighting the importance of capturing data specific to premium cigar use. This manuscript extends previous research from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine report, "Premium cigars: Patterns of use, marketing, and health effects" by utilizing the most recent PATH Study data (Wave 6) to examine patterns of cigar use, including purchasing behavior and reasons for use, by cigar type (eg, premium traditional cigars, nonpremium traditional cigars, cigarillos, and filtered cigars). The findings support continued research on patterns of premium cigar use, which differ from use patterns of other cigar types.