A physiatrist in Italy has lost four publications this year after two groups of researchers raised concerns about his research. The physician, Marco Monticone, a professor at the University of Cagliari, had three papers pulled in 2022. Those retractions followed a critique by Cochrane researchers who analyzed data in 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) headed by Monticone.

Neil O’Connell, of Brunel University of London, lead author of the critique, told: "In eight trials we found serious concerns that we felt amounted to a body of evidence that warrants consideration for retraction." In February of this year, The Clinical Journal of Pain retracted one more of the studies flagged by O’Connell’s team, "Effect of a Long-lasting Multidisciplinary Program on Disability and Fear-Avoidance Behaviors in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial." 

On August 15, 2024 the journal Clinical Rehabilitation pulled three additional studies by Monticone. The notices included identical statements: " The Journal Editors believe that the core questions on the authenticity of the data from these publications have not been fully addressed and resolved. Due to the unresolved questions about the authenticity of the data the Editors retract these articles." Meanwhile, several of the studies flagged by O’Connell’s group in 2022 remain in print.

Source: https://retractionwatch.com/2024/10/03/pain-researcher-in-italy-up-to-seven-retractions/