Robert A.Gross, Editor-in-Chief (2009-present), Neurology journals, Strong Epilepsy Center, University of Rochester Medical CenterRobert_Gross@URMC.Rochester.edu
It is important to recognize that standards in publishing have evolved, including criteria for authorship. While Neurology has had high standards, at the time of publication of the retracted manuscripts, processes were different: holding past decisions up to current standards is tricky at best and possibly unfair. That having been said, this journal in no way supports honorary or ghost authorship, and our retractions speak firmly regarding our stand on scientific misconduct.
1. Retractions: Risedronate therapy for prevention of hip fracture after stroke in elderly women; Risedronate therapy for prevention of hip fracture after stroke in elderly women. Reply from the Authors. Neurology 2016;87:239.
2. Retraction: Risedronate and ergocalciferol prevent hip fracture in elderly men with Parkinson disease. Neurology 2016;87:239.
3. Retraction: Amelioration of osteoporosis and hypovitaminosis D by sunlight exposure in stroke patients. Neurology 2016;87:239.
Dr. Kappos raises an important point in his comment on the retraction of 3 publications by Sato et al. [1-3] Current Neurology policy for Authorship criteria are outlined in our Information for Authors and were discussed in part in an editorial for the BMJ. [4] They are designed to prevent “guest” or “ghost” authorship and require each author to sign forms describing their contributions to the study or the manuscript. At the time the Sato articles were published, the corresponding author was trusted to provide the author list according to the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, but co-author forms were obtained and retained by the corresponding author. Thus it was difficult for journal staff to identify honorary authors.
It is important to recognize that standards in publishing have evolved, including criteria for authorship. While Neurology has had high standards, at the time of publication of the retracted manuscripts, processes were different: holding past decisions up to current standards is tricky at best and possibly unfair. That having been said, this journal in no way supports honorary or ghost authorship, and our retractions speak firmly regarding our stand on scientific misconduct.
1. Retractions: Risedronate therapy for prevention of hip fracture after stroke in elderly women; Risedronate therapy for prevention of hip fracture after stroke in elderly women. Reply from the Authors. Neurology 2016;87:239.
2. Retraction: Risedronate and ergocalciferol prevent hip fracture in elderly men with Parkinson disease. Neurology 2016;87:239.
3. Retraction: Amelioration of osteoporosis and hypovitaminosis D by sunlight exposure in stroke patients. Neurology 2016;87:239.
4. Baskin PK, Gross RA. Honorary and ghost authorship. BMJ 2011;343:d6223.
For disclosures, please contact the editorial office at journal@neurology.org.