Corrections, Retractions, and Updates to Published Articles

Corrections, Retractions, and Updates to Published Articles

Honest errors are an inevitable part of scientific research and scholarly publishing. When such errors are identified, the journal is committed to correcting the scientific record promptly and transparently. Corrections are issued for factual inaccuracies that should reasonably have been detected at the time of publication. Matters involving scientific debate, evolving methodologies, or differing interpretations are not considered errors; these are best addressed through letters to the editor or in subsequent publications.

Correction Policy

When a correction is required, the journal adheres to the following minimum standards:

• Timely Correction Notice: A correction notice will be published as soon as possible. It will clearly describe the changes made and cite the original article. The notice will appear on a numbered page and be included in the journal’s Table of Contents to ensure proper indexing.

• Updated Article Version: A revised version of the article will be posted online, indicating the specific changes made and the date(s) of each modification.

• Archiving of Prior Versions: All previous versions of the article will be archived. These may be directly accessible to readers or provided upon request.

• Version Transparency: Earlier electronic versions will prominently state that a more recent version is available.

• Citation Guidance: Citations should reference the most recent version of the article.

Pervasive errors arising from coding mistakes, miscalculations, or similar issues may lead to widespread inaccuracies. If these errors do not alter the overall direction, interpretation, or conclusions of the work, a correction following the standards above will be issued.

Retractions and Retraction with Republication

Errors that fundamentally invalidate a study’s results or conclusions may necessitate retraction. In cases where an honest error—such as a misclassification or major miscalculation—substantially changes the findings but the underlying science remains sound, retraction with republication may be appropriate. This approach allows the corrected version to undergo renewed peer review and editorial assessment. When republished, the article will include a clear explanation of the changes, and supplementary material or an appendix may be provided to illustrate the extent of revisions for full transparency.

Older Publications

Correcting potential errors in articles published many years earlier (e.g., more than a decade) may be challenging due to limited access to authors or original data. Additionally, such corrections may have minimal impact on current scientific understanding or clinical practice. In these circumstances, the editor may reasonably determine that issuing a correction is not warranted.