We read the publication on Retraction of publications: a study of biomedical journals retracting publications based on impact factor and journal category with a great interest.1 Campos-Varela et al.1 concluded that “Retraction of publications is present in both high- and low-impact factor biomedical journals, but misconduct is more frequent among the papers retracted from lower impact journals”. We would like to share ideas on this report. In fact, misconduct is not uncommon and any standard journals normally have the process for screening, detection and management of the problem pre- and post-publication.2 The rate of detection of the problem and retraction might reflect many facts. If the journal strongly implements the standard rule for management of the problem, the retraction might be high. However, some journals might neglect to manage the problem and possible result in no retraction.3 On the other hand, the verification of the problem before retraction by the journal is also very important. Simple screening by computational tool might result in false positive and it requires good verification before any further management including to retraction.4 The low standard journal might overlook the verification process and might result in inappropriate retraction.
Conflicts of interestNone.