Authors who believe their manuscript has been rejected in error may appeal the decision to the Editor-in-Chief. Appeals must be submitted within 30 days of the rejection decision and must include:

• The manuscript reference number
• A point-by-point response to the reviewers' and editor's comments
• A clear scientific justification for why the decision should be reconsidered
• New data or analysis, if relevant

Appeals will be reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief or an independent senior editor. The decision following an appeal is final.

Complaints about any aspect of the journal, including editorial decisions, peer review processes, ethical concerns, or publication practices, should be directed to the editorial office at support@kmedjournals.com.

All complaints will be acknowledged within 5 business days. We aim to investigate and respond to complaints within 4 weeks. Complex complaints may take longer, and we will keep complainants informed of progress.

Allegations of research misconduct (fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, ethical violations) are taken extremely seriously. We follow COPE guidelines for investigating allegations:

• 1.Preliminary assessment by the editorial office
• 2.Notification to the authors and request for explanation
• 3.If necessary, referral to the authors' institution for formal investigation
• 4.Appropriate action based on investigation findings (e.g., correction, retraction)

Whistleblowers and those raising concerns in good faith are protected and will not be identified to the authors under investigation.

Note: These policies are subject to periodic review and update. Authors, reviewers, and readers should check this page for the most current version. Material changes to policies will be announced via the journal website and communicated to registered users. For questions or clarifications about any policy, please contact the editorial office at support@kmedjournals.com.

Authors should make reasonable efforts to provide research materials (cell lines, reagents, animal models, etc.) to qualified researchers upon request, subject to material transfer agreements where necessary. Manuscripts should include a statement on materials availability.

Note: These policies are subject to periodic review and update. Authors, reviewers, and readers should check this page for the most current version. Material changes to policies will be announced via the journal website and communicated to registered users. For questions or clarifications about any policy, please contact the editorial office at support@kmedjournals.com.