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Problematic Articles in Preclinical Literature on Microvascular Injury After Acute Myocardial Infarction
René Aquarius1, Vince P A van Reijmersdal2, Carolien T A Kuster2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
Background:
Microvascular injury (MVI) remains an important unmet therapeutic target in acute myocardial infarction. Progress in the field depends heavily on preclinical studies aimed at understanding the mechanisms underlying MVI and evaluating novel therapeutic strategies. Such studies are often complex and rely extensively on image-based data, which may be vulnerable to inappropriate image reuse or manipulation. Because concerns regarding research integrity can undermine confidence in the scientific evidence base, we sought to determine the prevalence of problematic articles in the preclinical MVI literature using mouse, rat, and pig models of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion.
Methods:
After screening for eligibility, we used the AI-powered software tool Imagetwin to systematically assess all included articles for inappropriate image duplication and manipulation. All findings were confirmed by the authors. We also noted all other serious issues encountered by chance.
Results:
We assessed 201 articles, of which 57 (28.4%) were deemed problematic: 46 articles for image-related concerns and 11 for data-related concerns. Corresponding authors of problematic articles were most frequently affiliated with institutions in China (38 articles, 66.7%). The 3 publishers with the highest absolute number of problematic articles were Elsevier (11 articles), Springer (9 articles), and Wiley (9 articles).
Conclusions:
The prevalence of problematic articles in the preclinical MVI literature using mouse, rat, and pig models of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion was 28.4%. Continued vigilance by publishers, reviewers, and readers is important to maintain the integrity and reliability of the scientific record.
Insights
A study found 28.4% of preclinical microvascular injury (MVI) research articles had image or data issues. This highlights the need for vigilance in scientific publishing to ensure reliable research on myocardial infarction treatments.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Biomedical Imaging
- Research Integrity
Background:
- Microvascular injury (MVI) is a critical therapeutic target in acute myocardial infarction.
- Preclinical studies are vital for understanding MVI mechanisms and testing therapies.
- Image-based data in these studies are susceptible to reuse and manipulation, impacting research integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of problematic articles in preclinical microvascular injury research.
- To assess image duplication and manipulation in studies using mouse, rat, and pig models of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion.
Main Methods:
- Systematic screening of 201 preclinical articles on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion.
- Utilized AI-powered software (Imagetwin) to detect inappropriate image duplication and manipulation.
- Confirmed findings with authors and noted other significant issues.
Main Results:
- 28.4% (57 out of 201) of articles were deemed problematic.
- Image-related concerns were found in 46 articles; data-related concerns in 11 articles.
- Problematic articles were frequently affiliated with Chinese institutes and published by major publishers like Elsevier, Springer, and Wiley.
Conclusions:
- A significant prevalence (28.4%) of problematic articles exists in the preclinical microvascular injury literature.
- Maintaining the integrity and reliability of scientific records requires ongoing vigilance from publishers, reviewers, and readers.
- Addressing these issues is crucial for advancing therapeutic strategies for acute myocardial infarction.
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