Potential Duplication Research Articles

Introduction of A Proforma to Improve Communication to General Practitioners from an Acute Orthogeriatric Service

Abstract Background The National Office of Clinical Audit Irish Hip Fracture Standards 5 and 6 advise “patients with hip fracture should have their bone health assessed to determine their need for therapy to prevent future osteoporotic fractures” and “hip fracture patients should receive a specialist falls assessment and intervention to prevent further falls”. Ideally, these assessments should be communicated clearly via discharge summaries to avoid omission or duplication of treatment. Methods An admission proforma for an acute orthogeriatric service assessing inpatients with fragility fractures was developed. We retrospectively audited orthogeriatric patients’ discharge summaries prior and post introduction of the proforma. Patients who had atraumatic fractures were appropriately excluded from audit on their falls assessment. Results The total number of patients was 98. There were 70 patients in the pre-orthogeriatric proforma group and 28 patients in the post-orthogeriatric proforma group. The average age was 80.34 (SD 8.78). There were 55 females. The average length of stay was 18.08 days (SD 10.49). In the pre-orthogeriatric proforma group a falls assessment was reported in the discharge summary for 85.29% (n=58), bone protection; 60% (n=42). In the post-orthogeriatric proforma group a falls assessment was reported in the discharge summary for; 96.15% (n=25), bone protection; 61% (n=17). 100% of patients included had a bone protection plan: IV Zoledronic acid for 56 patients, denosumab for 26 patients, DEXA for 4 patients, virtual follow-up for 8 patients, onward specialty referral for 2. One patient was from overseas and for follow-up locally. Conclusion An orthogeriatric proforma may improve communication of falls assessment and bone protection plans in discharge summaries. Despite 100% of patients having a bone protection plan, there was a discrepancy of this in the discharge summaries. A dedicated orthogeriatric intern would ensure communication is accurate. This could avoid potential duplication or omission of prescribing of anti-resorptive treatment.

Genome-Wide Identification of CAMTA Gene Family in Oat (Avena sativa) and Expression Analysis under Various Abiotic Stresses

Oat (Avena sativa) is one of the most important cereal crops and cool-season forage grasses in the world. The calmodulin-binding transcription activator (CAMTA) gene family is one of the largest families in plants, and it plays vital roles in multiple biological processes. However, the CAMTA genes in oats, especially those involved in abiotic stress, have not yet been elucidated. Herein, our findings reveal the presence of 20 distinct AsCAMTA genes, which were clustered into three subfamilies based on their gene structure and conserved motifs, indicating functional similarities within each subgroup. Chromosomal mapping indicated an uneven distribution across 10 chromosomes, suggesting a complex evolutionary history marked by potential gene duplication events. The results showed that most AsCAMTA genes contained stress-related cis-elements. The study further investigated the expression patterns of these genes under abiotic stress conditions utilizing RT-qPCR analysis. The results identified three AsCAMTA genes (AsCAMTA5, AsCAMTA7, and AsCAMTA19) that exhibited significant up-regulation under salt stress, with AsCAMTA7 also showing a marked increase in expression under drought stress. These findings suggest a pivotal role of AsCAMTA5, AsCAMTA7, and AsCAMTA19 genes in mediating the responses to various abiotic stresses by integrating multiple stress signals in oats. This investigation provides valuable insights into the potential functions of AsCAMTA genes in the stress response mechanisms of oats, laying a foundation for further functional studies aimed at enhancing abiotic stress tolerance in crops.

Genome-Based Identification of the Dof Gene Family in Three Cymbidium Species and Their Responses to Heat Stress in Cymbidium goeringii.

As an important genus in Orchidaceae, Cymbidium has rich ecological diversity and significant economic value. DNA binding with one zinc finger (Dof) proteins are pivotal plant-specific transcription factors that play crucial roles in the growth, development, and stress response of plants. Although the Dof genes have been identified and functionally analyzed in numerous plants, exploration in Orchidaceae remains limited. We conducted a thorough analysis of the Dof gene family in Cymbidium goeringii, C. ensifolium, and C. sinensis. In total, 91 Dof genes (27 CgDofs, 34 CeDofs, 30 CsDofs) were identified, and Dof genes were divided into five groups (I-V) based on phylogenetic analysis. All Dof proteins have motif 1 and motif 2 conserved domains and over half of the genes contained introns. Chromosomal localization and collinearity analysis of Dof genes revealed their evolutionary relationships and potential gene duplication events. Analysis of cis-elements in CgDofs, CeDofs, and CsDofs promoters showed that light-responsive cis-elements were the most common, followed by hormone-responsive elements, plant growth-related elements, and abiotic stress response elements. Dof proteins in three Cymbidium species primarily exhibit a random coil structure, while homology modeling exhibited significant similarity. In addition, RT-qPCR analysis showed that the expression levels of nine CgDofs changed greatly under heat stress. CgDof03, CgDof22, CgDof27, CgDof08, and CgDof23 showed varying degrees of upregulation. Most upregulated genes under heat stress belong to group I, indicating that the Dof genes in group I have great potential for high-temperature resistance. In conclusion, our study systematically demonstrated the molecular characteristics of Dof genes in different Cymbidium species, preliminarily revealed the patterns of heat stress, and provided a reference for further exploration of stress breeding in orchids.

E002 The Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool (PEST) as a mechanism for diagnosing psoriatic arthritis in dermatology practice: 5 year follow-up data from a quality improvement project

Abstract Background/Aims We carried out a QIP in 2018 as a collaboration between dermatology and rheumatology. 280 patients with psoriasis attending outpatient appointments in dermatology completed Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool (PEST) forms between January and April 2018; results were recorded on the patient record. 110 patients (39%) had a positive PEST score, indicating a possible diagnosis of PsA. Of these, 48/110 were not already known to rheumatology services. Patients with a positive PEST were informed of the results and their GP was advised to refer to rheumatology if they had not previously been assessed. The pathway aimed to avoid duplication of assessments, and acknowledged that patients with psoriasis may have had a rheumatology assessment at another hospital, or even be under their ongoing care. Methods We reviewed the hospital electronic and regional patient records of the 48 patients in January 2023 in order to identify which of these had been referred for a rheumatology review and/or had a new diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. Results One patient was excluded due to lack of access to local records. Of the remaining 47 patients, 31 had a PEST score of 3, 15 patients scored 4, and 1 patient scored 5. 5/47 (10%) patients were referred for a rheumatology opinion following a positive PEST score. 3/5 of these patients went on to be diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. 7/47 (15%) patients had a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis on GP records with no secondary care input. None of these patients were on treatment for PsA. 7/31 patients with PEST score of 3 were diagnosed with PsA, 2/15 patients with PEST score of 4 and the only patient with a score of 5 were diagnosed with PsA. Overall 10/47 (21%) patients were diagnosed with PsA. Conclusion A letter from dermatology to request review of joint disease and consideration of a rheumatology referral in response to a positive PEST score appears to have resulted in a low response in terms of rheumatology review. Others seemingly acquired a diagnosis of PsA without rheumatology review, potentially through the PEST score alone, which is concerning, and not how the PEST score should be used. Screening for PsA in psoriasis populations remains problematic. PEST score is recommended by dermatology guidelines, but lacks specificity and can result in high numbers of referrals, with potential duplication of work if referred repeatedly. It is important to recognise PsA in patients with psoriasis, but equally important that this is done efficiently and accurately, so patients are not inadvertently treated or inaccurately labelled with this diagnosis. Rheumatologists should work with dermatology and primary care colleagues to improve understanding of PsA and the PEST questionnaire, and consider the optimum pathways to ensure that PsA is recognised and treated promptly. Disclosure S. Ahmed: None. M. Babiker: None. M. Osama: None. M. Ahmed: None. K. Jobling: None. P. Hampton: None. B. Thompson: None.

Pharmacological treatments and medication-related problems in nursing homes in Catalonia: a multidisciplinary approach.

Background: Aging correlates with increased frailty, multi-morbidity, and chronic diseases. Furthermore, treating the aged often entails polypharmacy to achieve optimal disease management, augmenting medication-related problems (MRPs). Few guidelines and tools address the problem of polypharmacy and MRPs, mainly within the institutionalized elderly population. Routine pharmacological review is needed among institutionalized patients. This pharmacological review may improve with a multidisciplinary approach of a collaboration of multiple health professionals. This study aimed to describe institutionalized patients, systematically review their medication plans, and then give recommendations and identify MRPs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using data obtained from patients living in five nursing homes in the northern area of Barcelona, Spain. The inclusion criteria comprised institutionalized patients with public health coverage provided by the Health Department of Catalonia. A detailed description of the clinical characteristics, chronic diseases, pharmacological treatments, recommendations, incomplete data, and MRPs, such as potential drug-drug interactions, therapeutic duplications, contraindications, and drugs deemed inappropriate or of doubtful efficacy, was made. The clinical pharmacologist was the medical doctor specialist who acted as the coordinator of the multidisciplinary team and actively reviewed all the prescribed medications to make recommendations and detect MRPs. Results: A total of 483 patients were included. Patients had a mean age of 86.3 (SD 8.8)years, and 72.0% were female individuals. All patients had at least three health-related problems, with a mean of 17.4 (SD 5.6). All patients, except one, had a minimum of one prescription, with a mean of 8.22 drugs prescribed (SD 3.5) per patient. Recommendations were made for 82.4% of the patients. Of these recommendations, verification of adequate use was made for 69.3% and withdrawal of a drug for 49.5%. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of health-related problems and several prescribed drugs in nursing homes in Catalonia. Many recommendations were made, confirming the increased proportion of polypharmacy, MRPs, and the need for standardized interventions. A multidisciplinary team approach, including general practitioners, geriatric assessments, a clinical pharmacist, and a clinical pharmacologist, should address this problem.

Choosing Wisely: Applying Value-Based Economic Principles to Population Science Research Investment.

Scientific research requires a substantial investment of time, effort, and money by researchers and funders. The funding that would be needed for all meritorious proposals far exceeds available resources. Major funding organizations use a multistep process for allocating research dollars that follows and extends beyond scientific peer review with considerations including mission priority, budget, and potential duplication of past or ongoing research activities. At the level of programmatic review, the process tends to be less proscribed than scientific review, but considerations relate to and are akin to basic value-driven economic principles. We propose a framework that encompasses the elements of programmatic review and provide examples of how the economic principles of opportunity costs, diminishing marginal productivity, sunk costs, economic optimization, return on investment, and option value apply to both research planning and funding decisions. Examples use cancer control population science research, as the nature of observational and interventional research involves large population studies (large sample size, recruitment, and often long-duration follow-up costs) which demand a high level of resource utilization; the same principles can be applied throughout medical and population health research. Awareness of the aspects of programmatic review and context to focus discussion regarding funding decisions may help guide research planning, decision-making, and increase transparency of the overall review process.

Duplicate references in the 'Introduction' and 'Discussion' sections of scientific articles on physical education and sports

Background and Study Aim. In the context of the increasing volume of scientific publications, the adequacy and effectiveness of source use in key sections of articles become crucial tasks. This requires detailed consideration, especially in light of potential duplication of references, which can affect the perception of originality and depth of research. The purpose of this article is to investigate the nature and impact of duplicate references in the 'Introduction' and 'Discussion' sections of scientific articles on physical education and sports.

Overestimated prediction using polygenic prediction derived from summary statistics

BackgroundWhen polygenic risk score (PRS) is derived from summary statistics, independence between discovery and test sets cannot be monitored. We compared two types of PRS studies derived from raw genetic data (denoted as rPRS) and the summary statistics for IGAP (sPRS).ResultsTwo variables with the high heritability in UK Biobank, hypertension, and height, are used to derive an exemplary scale effect of PRS. sPRS without APOE is derived from International Genomics of Alzheimer’s Project (IGAP), which records ΔAUC and ΔR2 of 0.051 ± 0.013 and 0.063 ± 0.015 for Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project (ADSP) and 0.060 and 0.086 for Accelerating Medicine Partnership - Alzheimer’s Disease (AMP-AD). On UK Biobank, rPRS performances for hypertension assuming a similar size of discovery and test sets are 0.0036 ± 0.0027 (ΔAUC) and 0.0032 ± 0.0028 (ΔR2). For height, ΔR2 is 0.029 ± 0.0037.ConclusionConsidering the high heritability of hypertension and height of UK Biobank and sample size of UK Biobank, sPRS results from AD databases are inflated. Independence between discovery and test sets is a well-known basic requirement for PRS studies. However, a lot of PRS studies cannot follow such requirements because of impossible direct comparisons when using summary statistics. Thus, for sPRS, potential duplications should be carefully considered within the same ethnic group.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the ZIP gene family in Quercus dentata

The ZIP (Zn-regulated, iron-regulated transporter-like protein) gene family is a novel metal transporter that is capable of absorbing and transporting a variety of metal cations, including zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and cadmium (Cd). Quercus dentata Thunb. is a candidate plant species for the phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated soil. A chromosome-scale genome assembly is reported recently for Q. dentata, however, genome-wide analysis of ZIP genes has not been performed. In this study, we identified 29 ZIP genes in Q. dentata genome using bioinformatics tools. The sequence homology, chromosomal distribution and phylogenetic relationship of these genes with ZIP genes from other plants indicated potential gene duplication during Q. dentata genome evolution. Sequence analysis revealed 23 conserved motifs in QdZIP proteins and 11 types of high-frequency cis-acting elements in the promoters of QdZIP genes. QdZIP proteins were predicted to localize on cell membrane except QdZIP7. QdZIP7 was predicted to be a chloroplast protein, which was confirmed using microscopic observation of QdZIP7-GFP fusion protein. QdZIP gene expression patterns in roots and exophytic mycorrhiza, leaves, stems and fruits were obtained from transcriptome data, and the responsiveness of QdZIP7 to excessive heavy metal Zn was detected using qRT-PCR. In summary, our study provided a basic sights on the ZIP gene family in Q. dentata, laying the foundation for in-depth investigation on the roles of the ZIP proteins in heavy metal transport.

Statement of Retraction. Yu Zhao, Jiliang Wu, Huaiping Zhu, Ping Song, and Ming-Hui Zou. Peroxynitrite-Dependent Zinc Release and Inactivation of Guanosine 5'-Triphosphate Cyclohydrolase 1 Instigate Its Ubiquitination in Diabetes. Diabetes 2013;62:4247-4256. DOI: 10.2337/db13-0751. PMID: 23974923. PMCID: PMC3837037.

The above-cited article has been retracted by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the publisher of Diabetes. Because of ongoing concerns related to instances of potential image duplication, ADA's Panel on Ethical Scientific Programs (ESP) believes that the integrity of the study has been compromised and, therefore, the article should be retracted. The ADA, the publisher of Diabetes, has approved the Panel's recommendation. The ESP maintains that the following instances of potential duplication affect the overall reliability of the study:The IB: Biotin lanes in Fig. 1D and Fig. 2E, with contrast and brightness adjustments, appear to be similar.The IB: FLAG lanes in Fig. 1D and Fig. 2E (lanes 2-4), with contrast and size adjustments, appear to be similar. More information about ADA's retraction policies and procedures can be found at https://diabetesjournals.org/content/journal-policies.

Statement of Retraction. Zhonglin Xie, Junhua Zhang, Jiliang Wu, Benoit Viollet, and Ming-Hui Zou. Upregulation of Mitochondrial Uncoupling Protein-2 by the AMP-Activated Protein Kinase in Endothelial Cells Attenuates Oxidative Stress in Diabetes. Diabetes 2008;57:3222-3230. DOI: 10.2337/db08-0610. PMID: 18835932. PMCID: PMC2584127.

The above-cited article has been retracted by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the publisher of Diabetes. Because of ongoing concerns related to instances of potential image duplication, the ADA's Panel on Ethical Scientific Programs (ESP) believes that the integrity of the study has been compromised and that the article should therefore be retracted. The ADA, the publisher of Diabetes, has approved the Panel's recommendation. The ESP maintains that the following instances of potential duplication affect the overall reliability of the study:The c-Jun panel in Fig. 5A and lanes 1-3 of the IP: PGIS/WB: PGIS panel in Fig. 6C appear to be duplicates.The p-38 panel in Fig. 5A and lanes 4-6 of the IP: PGIS/WB: PGIS panel in Fig. 6C appear to be duplicates.In Fig. 6D, the left half of the Control-AMPK α2 KO panel and the right third of the STZ/AICAR-AMPK α2 KO panel, with different aspect ratios, appear to be duplicates.In Fig. 6D, the STZ-C57BL6 panel and the middle portion of the STZ/AICAR-AMPK α2 KO panel appear to be duplicates.In the IP: PGIS/WB: 3-NT panel of Fig. 6C, there appears to be possible splicing between lanes 2 and 3 and between lanes 3 and 4. More information about ADA's retraction policies and procedures can be found at https://diabetesjournals.org/content/journal-policies.

A100 CAVERNOUS TRANSFORMATION OF THE PORTAL VEIN IN A PEDIATRIC PATIENT WITH GOLDENHAR SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT

Abstract Background Goldenhar syndrome is a rare congenital condition thought to arise from the first and second branchial arches and typically asymmetrically affects the eyes, ears, and spine. Portal vein thrombosis/cavernous transformation is one of the main causes of portal hypertension in children. It is often associated with risk factors such as catheterization of the umbilical vein in the neonatal period, omphalitis, intra-abdominal infections in the neonatal period and prothrombotic conditions. This is a challenging clinical scenario as it leads to portal hypertension and variceal bleed with no chronic liver disease stigmata and liver function is essentially normal. While previous European literature from the early-2000s reported associated portal vein anomalies in Goldenhar syndrome, we are not aware of any recent and/or Canadian pediatric cases. Purpose We report a Canadian case of cavernous transformation of the portal vein with resulting gastrointestinal bleeding in a child with Goldenhar syndrome. Method Case report Result(s) A pediatric patient with a postnatal suspicion of Goldenhar syndrome, with confirmation by 6 months of age, presented with an acute 3-day history of melena, on the context of a recent viral illness and ibuprofen use. Laboratory testing showed a normocytic anemia (Hb 68) with a normal INR (1.1). The rest of the workup was unremarkable. There was no history of catheterization of the umbilical vein on the neonatal period nor other hematological complications. To assess for potential duplication cyst as differential diagnosis, a computerized tomography of the chest, abdomen and pelvis was ordered and revealed suspected cavernous transformation of the portal vein with suspected varices near the gastroesophageal junction and within the abdomen, and hepatomegaly with spleen size at the upper limit of normal. Octreotide was started after the CT results. A gastroscopy was done 24h after presentation and found portal hypertensive gastropathy and esophageal varices (2 Grade II and 1 Grade I). Sclerotherapy was performed. Post-gastroscopy ultrasound supported earlier radiographic findings of cavernous portal vein transformation and hepatosplenomegaly. Moreover, the ultrasound noted normal flow direction in the portal and hepatic veins. The patient has not re-presented for further episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding. Conclusion(s) This case report supports the previously reported association between Goldenhar syndrome and portal venous anomalies. Early consideration may lead to prompt diagnosis and management of the potentially life-threatening complications of portal hypertension in this population. Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below None Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Synchronizing Poverty Alleviation Strategy: Lesson Learned from Central Java, Indonesia

Budget constraints and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic are limiting poverty alleviation initiatives in Central Java. Local governments in Central Java are attempting to refocus priority policies by collaborating with local government agencies and CSR participants in order to reduce poverty, which necessitates the convergence of social protection contributions and CSR contributions as a solution that needs to be optimized in Central Java. One of the poverty alleviation program's action steps is to maximize the e-government CSR reporting system known as SILAP CSR and the CSR forum working group at the Central Java Province level to facilitate the convergence of social protection contributions based on potential, problems and needs in communities. However, SILAP CSR and the CSR forum working group have not been adequately exploited and socialized to the 35 regency and city governments across Central Java, hurting the quality and number of CSR participants in the local area. As a result, this study was carried out to determine the extent to which SILAP CSR and the CSR Forum working group synchronized their performance in poverty alleviation efforts among government agencies and CSR players at the Central Java Province level. This study employs qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and Nvivo, to examine the impact and evaluation of SILAP CSR and the CSR forum working group at the Central Java Province level, based on the theoretical foundations of stakeholders, governance, and leadership as essential keys to maximizing poverty alleviation strategies through internal and external collaboration. The findings indicate that SILAP CSR and the CSR forum working group at the Central Java Provincial level are not in sync with the 35 regencies and city administrations in Central Java. As such, different techniques are required to improve their performance: 1) internal collaboration among government agencies and partnerships with CSR participants to reduce technical and ego-sectoral barriers; 2) building sustainable participation through MUSRENBANG and CSR forum working group; 3) updating SILAP CSR data and synchronizing with various e-government and open data sources inclusively; 4) continuous supervision to avoid potential duplication and the risk of greenwashing CSR participants; and 5) the role of autocratic transformational leadership.

Expression of Concern re: P43/pro-EMAPII: A Potential Biomarker for Discriminating Traumatic Versus Ischemic Brain Injury (doi: 10.1089/neu.2008.0811).

Journal of NeurotraumaVol. 39, No. 23-24 Expression of ConcernFree AccessExpression of Concern re: P43/pro-EMAPII: A Potential Biomarker for Discriminating Traumatic Versus Ischemic Brain Injury (doi: 10.1089/neu.2008.0811)Published Online:30 Nov 2022https://doi.org/10.1089/neu.2008.0811.expconAboutSectionsPDF/EPUB Permissions & CitationsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail Readers are advised that after receiving an alert regarding a comment on the PubPeer platform,1 the Journal of Neurotrauma attempted to contact the authors of a paper published in 2009 entitled, “P43/pro-EMAPII: A Potential Biomarker for Discriminating Traumatic Versus Ischemic Brain Injury,” by Changping Yao, Anthony J. Williams, Andrew K. Ottens, X.-C. May Lu, Ming Cheng Liu, Ronald L. Hayes, Kevin K. Wang, Frank C. Tortella, and Jitendra R. Dave (J Neurotrauma. 2009:26(8):1295-1305.; doi: 10.1089/neu.2008.0811), requesting information and/or clarification on the post which claimed possible figure duplication.After receiving the alert, independent analyses run by the journal confirmed a duplicated panel in Figure 5: M-C 24 and 72 hours, as well as a potential duplication with panels M-C and M-I.One of the co-authors, Dr. Kevin Wang, replied1 directly on the PubPeer platform, indicating: “I agree with you that the control shown as 72 h and at 24 h are likely the same.The data were generated not by our team by at WRIAR, I know that senior author Dr. Dave also passed away many years ago now.If so, it was likely duplicated during image sorting inadvertently.Hope this is helpful.”Journal of Neurotrauma issues this Expression of Concern for readers to take this into consideration.Reference1. Actinopolyspora biskrensis.https://pubpeer.com/publications/F055E49F03750B813AE6F1752561F5?utm_source=Firefox&utm_medium=BrowserExtension&utm_campaign=FirefoxFiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 39Issue 23-24Dec 2022 InformationCopyright 2022, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishersTo cite this article:Expression of Concern re: P43/pro-EMAPII: A Potential Biomarker for Discriminating Traumatic Versus Ischemic Brain Injury (doi: 10.1089/neu.2008.0811).Journal of Neurotrauma.Dec 2022.1769-1769.http://doi.org/10.1089/neu.2008.0811.expconPublished in Volume: 39 Issue 23-24: November 30, 2022Online Ahead of Print:November 29, 2022PDF download

Lysosomal fusion and SNARE function are impaired by cholesterol accumulation in lysosomal storage disorders.

Partial Retraction of: The EMBO Journal (2010) 29: 3607-3620. DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2010.237 | Published online 24 September 2010 Journal statement The journal contacted the authors in February 2022 about potential image insertions and duplications in Fig 4A and 4E. In the absence of source data, the authors are retracting Fig 4A, the lower panel of Fig 4E (LAMP1 immunoblot), and the following statements in the text that rely on these data: "Quantitative analysis showed that the percentage of Flotillin-1 associated with DRMs was increased in LSD endolysosomal membranes (Figure4A), indicating an increased amount of cholesterol-enriched regions in these membrane samples." "LAMP1 also displayed a similar distribution profile in WT and LSD cells (Figure4E)". Author statement The authors could not verify the aberrations in panel A of Fig 4 and the lower immunoblot (LAMP1) of 4E because the original source data are no longer available (12 years after publication, which is beyond the institute's 10-year data retention policy). The authors wish to clarify that the main conclusions of the paper are not affected by the retraction of Figurepanels 4A and 4E for the following reasons: Figurepanel 4A supports the observation that there are increased cholesterol-enhanced regions in LSD samples. This finding is also supported by data provided in figs 4B, 4C and 4D. Figurepanel 4E: The LAMP1 blot in Fig 4E shows that the distribution of protein normally excluded from DRMs is not altered between Wt and LSD samples. This result is also supported by the upper blot in this panel (Transferrin receptor). The authors apologize for these errors and agree with this corrigendum; no response could be obtained from AL.

Expression of Concern: CENP-C binds the alpha-satellite DNA in vivo at specific centromere domains.

This Expression of Concern relates to J. Cell Sci. (2002) 115, 2317-2327 (doi:10.1242/jcs.115.11.2317).A reader contacted Journal of Cell Science with concerns about a potential image duplication in Fig. 2A of this article, which was also highlighted on the PubPeer website. Possible duplication was highlighted for the α-sat (1, 5, 19) and α-sat (X) total DNA dilution series dot blots in Fig. 2A.We contacted the authors of the article to request the original data for this experiment. We were informed by Professor Giovanni Perini, co-first author of the article, that the corresponding author, Professor Giuliano Della Valle, retired in 2010 and passed away in 2016. Consequently, the data and laboratory records relating to Fig. 2A are no longer available.Professor Perini informed us that he cannot exclude the possibility that the α-sat (1, 5, 19) and α-sat (X) total DNA dilution series dot blots in Fig. 2A are duplicated images. However, Professor Perini also highlighted that the legend for Fig. 2A states that the filters were sequentially hybridised with the alpha-satellite probes, raising the possibility that the similarities between these two dot blots, which are shown for semi-quantitative assessment of the corresponding ChIP dot blots, could be the result of rehybridisation of the same filter with the different probes. The authors state that the major conclusions of the article are not affected by this issue.Because the original data and records for this experiment are not available, we are unable to determine whether Fig. 2A shows duplicated data for the α-sat (1, 5, 19) and α-sat (X) total DNA dilution series. The journal is therefore publishing this Expression of Concern to make readers aware of this issue.

Analysis of cancer drug prices: a narrative review of literature

Abstract Objectives The objective of the literature review is to collect data on how cancer medication pricing affects affordability and availability around the world. Key findings A literature search was carried out between 12 October 2020 and 2 December 2020, articles were selected based on them being available as full texts online and written in English. The keywords used were: ‘cancer’, ‘medicines’, ‘drug’, ‘drugs’, ‘pharmaceuticals’, ‘price’, ‘prices’, ‘pricing’. The collective search produced a total of 10 725 articles. After a refining process, any articles considered unnecessary and potential duplications were eliminated, and 16 research articles were included in the final analysis. The results were included in the following categories: (a) high-income countries, (b) low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), (c) originator cancer drug prices, (d) generic drug prices, (e) breast and colorectal cancer drug pricing. The expensive pricing of oncology medications is typically expected to be an obstacle for developing nations; however, the soaring prices have been found increasingly challenging for high-income countries. Within Europe, variations exist between countries in government expenditure and cancer drug prices. Originator cancer drug prices tend to be most expensive in Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland and Germany whereas Greece, Spain, Portugal and the UK had among the lowest recorded prices. The high cost of cancer drugs coupled with low availability rates have resulted in restricted access for many LMICs as monthly medicinal costs are often greater than yearly incomes. Summary The literature has shown the increasing trend of cancer drug pricing. The synthesis has also shown that cancer treatments are unaffordable in many developing countries resulting in most cancer deaths occurring in LMICs. Furthermore, governments cannot effectively challenge patented drug prices until the expiry of the patent.

Exploring the Gantt chart as a tool to highlight double report in case series published during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, some studies describing different aspects of the infection included very similar participants, rising suspicion about double reporting. We aimed to evaluate the Gantt chart as a tool to highlight possible double reporting. The chart is routinely used in business applications to depict tasks of a project, by plotting horizontal bars against time, showing their time span and overlaps.MethodsAll case reports and case series of pregnant women with COVID-19, published by July 15, 2020, were included. Initial and final dates of participants’ enrollment, country, city, hospital, and number of pregnancies were plotted in the Gantt chart. Bars stand for enrollment dates of each study, according to hospital and city, thus allowing comparisons.ResultsWe included 116 articles in the present analysis. The Gantt chart highlighted papers in which some participants were likely the same, thus allowing easier identification of double reporting of cases. Combining all information and pregnancy characteristics and outcomes helped to recognize duplications when the authors did not acknowledged the previous publication.ConclusionsUnintended double reporting may occur, especially in exceptional times. The Gantt chart may help researchers to visually identify potential duplications, thus avoiding biased estimates in systematic reviews or meta-analysis.

Retraction: iASPP is a novel autophagy inhibitor in keratinocytes.

The journal is retracting J. Cell Sci. (2014) 127, 3079-3093 (doi:10.1242/jcs.144816).Issues initially raised on PubPeer and by our own subsequent analysis suggest that there are potential duplications in several western blots in Figs 1, 4, 5 and 6. Journal of Cell Science contacted Dr Bergamaschi, the corresponding author, to request the original full blots, but the data are no longer available.An investigation by the Dean for Research and Research Impact of the Faculty of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, stated:‘The overall conclusion is that duplication of images is less likely for the majority detected by your screening: equally, I am fully aware that without the original images duplication cannot completely excluded. However, Queen Mary University of London acknowledge the authors' transparency and openness throughout this process. The authors have the full support of QMUL.’Owing to the five remaining unresolved issues with these data and the fact that the original data are no longer available, the journal has lost confidence in the reliability of the results presented in this article and is therefore retracting the paper.All authors were contacted and do not agree with this retraction.

Variation in leaf transcriptome responses to elevated ozone corresponds with physiological sensitivity to ozone across maize inbred lines.

We examine the impact of sustained elevated ozone concentration on the leaf transcriptome of 5 diverse maize inbred genotypes, which vary in physiological sensitivity to ozone (B73, Mo17, Hp301, C123, and NC338), using long reads to assemble transcripts and short reads to quantify expression of these transcripts. More than 99% of the long reads, 99% of the assembled transcripts, and 97% of the short reads map to both B73 and Mo17 reference genomes. Approximately 95% of the genes with assembled transcripts belong to known B73-Mo17 syntenic loci and 94% of genes with assembled transcripts are present in all temperate lines in the nested association mapping pan-genome. While there is limited evidence for alternative splicing in response to ozone stress, there is a difference in the magnitude of differential expression among the 5 genotypes. The transcriptional response to sustained ozone stress in the ozone resistant B73 genotype (151 genes) was modest, while more than 3,300 genes were significantly differentially expressed in the more sensitive NC338 genotype. There is the potential for tandem duplication in 30% of genes with assembled transcripts, but there is no obvious association between potential tandem duplication and differential expression. Genes with a common response across the 5 genotypes (83 genes) were associated with photosynthesis, in particular photosystem I. The functional annotation of genes not differentially expressed in B73 but responsive in the other 4 genotypes (789) identifies reactive oxygen species. This suggests that B73 has a different response to long-term ozone exposure than the other 4 genotypes. The relative magnitude of the genotypic response to ozone, and the enrichment analyses are consistent regardless of whether aligning short reads to: long read assembled transcripts; the B73 reference; the Mo17 reference. We find that prolonged ozone exposure directly impacts the photosynthetic machinery of the leaf.