Retraction Note: Effects of fibroblast growth factors 2 and low intensity pulsed ultrasound on the repair of knee articular cartilage in rabbits.

Abstract

The article "Effects of fibroblast growth factors 2 and low intensity pulsed ultrasound on the repair of knee articular cartilage in rabbits" by Z.-F. Tang, H.-Y. Li, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2018; 22 (8): 2447-2453 - PMID: 29762847 has been retracted by the Editor in Chief. Following some concerns raised on PubPeer (link: https://pubpeer.com/publications/F11DC0DC2B3DAB9753C11C8DC18822), the Editor in Chief has started an investigation to assess the validity of the results as well as possible figure manipulation. The authors have been informed about the journal's investigation but remained unresponsive and have not provided the study's raw data. The journal's investigation identified duplications between Control images A (4 weeks) and E (8 weeks), FHF2 C (4 weeks) and G (8 weeks), and FGF2+LIPU D (4 weeks) and H (8 weeks) of Figure 1. Additionally, duplications were identified between panels A and B of Figure 4. Consequently, the Editor in Chief mistrusts the results presented and has decided to retract the article. This article has been retracted. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.