Clarification on a Published Paper in Iran J Parasitol

As well known, we have recently published the following paper in Iranian Journal of Parasitology: "Phenolic acid composition and anti-parasitic effects of Peucedanum species on Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites, 10(3), 420-431". In this paper, we reported the antiparasitic effects and phenolic acid compositions of the relevant plant species. At the beginning of the submission process, we inadvertently forgot to include the name of the one of our colleague (Dr. Necati Baris TUNCEL) who carried out the HPLC analyses. Then, at the proof correction stage of the publication process, we realized this problem and tried to insert his name. However, due to the editorial policy of the journal, we could not achieve it. After completing the publication process, Dr. TUNCEL contacted us by inquiring the absence of his name in the paper. On the other hand, he also claimed that the HPLC chromatograms published in this paper have several mistakes and are not reliable in their current form. We carefully checked and compared the chromatograms with the source files sent by Dr. TUNCEL and saw that he is quite right and there are some technical problems with them. We would like to declare clearly that the problem with these chromatograms does not stem from us. We are also agreeing with Dr. TUNCEL on the problem and willing to solve it as quickly as possible. We think that the technical problem we have faced might have been arisen from the intermediate sources and/or persons that transferred and/or reorganized the data between him and us after finishing the analyses. Since it is impossible to withdraw the paper completely from the journal and all scientific databases, it is essential to publish this letter to clarify the problem to the audience of this paper. By this letter, we clearly announce that the audience should pay no attention to the HPLC chromatograms and data related to these chromatograms presented in the paper (phytochemistry section of the paper). By publishing this letter, we also clearly announce that we have no responsibility on the chromatograms from now on. We are terrible sorry for any inconvenience. Herewith, we would like to thank to the editor and the editorial board of the journal and appreciate their great effort and kind approach to solve the problem with us. Iranian Society of Parasitology http:// isp.tums.ac.ir Iran J Parasitol