How Annals of Dermatology Has Improved the Scientific Quality and Ethical Standards of its Articles in the Two-Year Period since October 2018

Annals of Dermatology has not been deposited in PubMed Central (PMC) since October 2018 due to inadequate scientific quality, including the absence of informed consent in three case reports with patients' photos. This study examined the readiness of Annals of Dermatology to be deposited in PMC again by analyzing the 13 issues published from October 2018 to August 2020. The journal's scientific quality and ethical standards were assessed, and adherence to these standards was documented. In total, 259 articles were analyzed for ethical standards, including institutional review board (IRB) approval, an informed consent statement, and disclosure of conflicts of interest. Scientific quality was also checked for each article. Of the 129 original articles or brief reports presenting research on human subjects or human-derived materials, 111 studies received IRB approval and/or obtained informed consent. The other seven studies were data analyses or studies of purchased cultured cells. One study that used a post-circumcision foreskin sample contained no statement describing permission from the patient's family, but the researchers were found to have obtained informed consent. In all 152 case presentations, the authors obtained informed consent. All seven animal experiments received Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approval. One review article did not disclose conflicts of interest, but this was an editorial error. Two systematic reviews adopted the PRISMA guidelines. In conclusion, the present publication policies, scientific quality, and ethical standards of the journal are top-tier internationally. Annals of Dermatology may be ready to apply to PMC again.