BioMed Research International has retracted the article titled “Novel Hybrid Gels Made of High and Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid Induce Proliferation and Reduce Inflammation in an Osteoarthritis In Vitro Model Based on Human Synoviocytes and Chondrocytes” [1], due to concerns with the reliability of the data. In January 2020, the journal was made aware of concerns with figure duplications as noted on PubPeer [2]. The journal proceeded to investigate these concerns, however, the authors separately contacted the editorial office to request a corrigendum, which was published without consideration of the ongoing investigation [3].
The figure duplications identified are as follows:
In Figure 6(a), the 24 h and 48 h panels for HCC are overlapping
In Figure 6(a), the 72 h and 96 h panels for H-HA are overlapping
Following the conclusion of our investigation, which has also resulted in the retraction of another article [4], the article is being retracted from the journal with the agreement of the editorial board.
The authors do not agree to the retraction and the notice.
References
- 1.Stellavato A., Vassallo V., La Gatta A., et al. Novel Hybrid Gels Made of High and Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid Induce Proliferation and Reduce Inflammation in an Osteoarthritis In Vitro Model Based on Human Synoviocytes and Chondrocytes. BioMed Research International . 2019;2019:13. doi: 10.1155/2019/4328219.4328219 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] [Retracted]
- 2. http://pubpeer.com/publications/F96939DE768F217BAFAA962AFD7051#4, PubPeer, December 2019.
- 3.Stellavato A., Vassallo V., La Gatta A., et al. Corrigendum to “Novel Hybrid Gels Made of High and Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid Induce Proliferation and Reduce Inflammation in an Osteoarthritis In Vitro Model Based on Human Synoviocytes and Chondrocytes”. BioMed Research International . 2020;2020:2. doi: 10.1155/2020/7530149.7530149 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 4.BioMed Research International. Retracted: Positive Effects against UV-A Induced Damage and Oxidative Stress on an In Vitro Cell Model Using a Hyaluronic Acid Based Formulation Containing Amino Acids, Vitamins, and Minerals. BioMed Research International . 2021;2021:1. doi: 10.1155/2021/1975827.1975827 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]