[Retracted] Chronic oxymatrine treatment induces resistance and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition through targeting...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cell Biology
• Scientific Publishing Ethics

Context:

• Concerns were raised regarding the originality and integrity of data presented in the original publication.
• Specific figures (2B, 5C, 6B, and C) showed striking similarities to data from other research groups' publications.
• Some of the compared data had already been submitted or were under consideration for publication elsewhere prior to this article's submission.

Purpose:

• To address concerns raised by a reader about potential data duplication and overlap.
• To investigate the similarity of cell migration and invasion assay data with other published and submitted works.
• To ensure the integrity of scientific literature published in Oncology Reports.

Summary:

• The Editor of Oncology Reports decided to retract the article following a reader's report.
• The report highlighted that cell migration and invasion assay data in the article were strikingly similar to data from other sources, some submitted or published earlier.
• The authors consented to the retraction of their paper.

Impact:

• Retraction upholds scientific integrity and ethical publishing standards.
• Ensures the reliability of the scientific record for researchers in oncology and cell biology.
• Highlights the importance of rigorous data verification in peer review and publication processes.