Ethics and disclosure
Authors, reviewers, and editors are accountable to readers. Formal review is public. It is not double-blind.
Research ethics
Human studies must follow the Declaration of Helsinki and have ethics-committee approval. Animal work must follow welfare rules and institutional approval. Case material needs informed consent. Authors must disclose funding and conflicts that could affect objectivity.
Integrity
Plagiarism, fabrication, serious falsehood, and dual submission during exclusive Release are forbidden. The office may refuse certification or withdraw the paper. A public record is kept.
Reviewer conflicts
Authors of the paper, unlisted ghost writers, same-lab ties to the corresponding author, or undisclosed financial interest cannot count as formal review. Softer ties (same institution, past collaboration) must be disclosed and may still count. Personal attacks may be cut and marked.
Stars and comments
A star means “worth reading”. It is not a review, does not pay the APC, and does not speed certification. Public comments are not a third formal review and are not medical advice. Write to the office to report a problem.