FAQ

How do I submit my manuscript to the journal?

You can submit your manuscript through our online submission system on the journal’s website. First, create an account and follow the step-by-step process to upload files, including the main document, tables, figures, and supplementary materials. Detailed instructions, including preferred formats (e.g., Word or LaTeX), are available in the "Author Guidelines" section. If you encounter issues, contact the editorial office at ycbjournal@gmail.com for assistance.

Is there a submission fee?

There is no fee for submitting your manuscript for initial review.

What file formats are accepted for submission?

We accept manuscripts in Microsoft Word (.docx), LaTeX (with a PDF preview), and high-resolution image files (e.g., .tiff, .jpg). Supplementary materials like videos should be in MP4 format. Ensure all files comply with the formatting guidelines to avoid delays.

Can I withdraw my submission after sending it?

Yes, you can withdraw your manuscript before acceptance by submitting a signed request to the editorial office with a reason (e.g., submission to another journal). The process takes up to 5 working days, and you will receive confirmation via email.

How does the peer review process work?

After an initial editorial check, your manuscript is sent to at least two independent peer reviewers with expertise in cardiovascular research. The process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, though complex studies may extend to 6 weeks. Reviewers provide detailed, anonymous reports unless they opt to sign them, and these reports are published alongside accepted articles to enhance transparency.

Can I suggest or exclude reviewers?

Yes, you may suggest up to three independent reviewers, providing their institutional email addresses and a brief justification (e.g., "Expert in echocardiography"). You can also request to exclude reviewers with potential conflicts (e.g., recent collaborators), but the final decision rests with the editorial team.

What happens if a reviewer declines or delays their review?

If a reviewer declines or fails to submit within the 2-week deadline (with a possible 1-week extension), the editorial team will assign a replacement. You will be notified of any delays with an updated timeline (e.g., "New reviewer assigned, decision expected by August 1, 2025").

How will I be informed about the review status?

You will receive weekly email updates during the review process, detailing the current stage (e.g., "With Reviewer 2 since July 15, 2025"). Immediate notifications will be sent for significant changes, such as a reviewer withdrawal.

How long does it take to publish my article after acceptance?

After final proof approval, your article will be published online in the "Online First" section with a DOI within 1 to 2 weeks. For urgent research (e.g., a new heart disease outbreak), this can be reduced to 1 week with editorial approval. The print version follows in the next monthly or quarterly issue, typically 2 weeks later.

Can I publish color figures in the print version?

Color figures are free in the online version.

What ethical approvals are needed for my study?

For human or animal studies, you must provide ethics committee approval (e.g., "Approved by University X Ethics Committee, Ref #ETH-2025-013") or an exemption (e.g., "Retrospective, waived by Committee Y"). Informed consent from participants is also required and must be documented.

How should I handle conflicts of interest?

All authors must complete a conflict of interest form at submission, disclosing financial (e.g., grants), personal (e.g., family ties), or professional (e.g., consultancy) relationships from the past 3 years. A summary (e.g., "Dr. A received funding from Company Z") or "No conflicts" will be published.

What if my study involves clinical trials?

Prospective clinical trials (Phase II-IV) must be registered in a public database (e.g., ClinicalTrials.gov, #NCT123456) with the registration number and date in the abstract. Retrospective registration is encouraged and should be noted as such.

What should I do if I find an error after publication?

If you identify a significant error (e.g., incorrect data in a table), notify the editorial office within 6 months with evidence (e.g., corrected dataset). A corrigendum will be published for author errors, or an erratum for publisher mistakes, with the original article updated online.

Can I make changes to my article after online publication?

Minor corrections (e.g., typos) are handled via an erratum with a separate DOI. Major changes (e.g., new results) are not allowed post-publication unless they address critical errors, requiring editorial approval and a corrigendum.

What happens to my article if misconduct is suspected?

Suspected issues (e.g., plagiarism) trigger a COPE-guided investigation. Outcomes may include rejection, a correction notice, or retraction with a "Retracted" watermark, and your institution will be informed if confirmed.

What if my question isn’t answered here?

Contact the editorial office at ycbjournal@gmail.com or call the support line (number on the website). Responses are typically provided within 3 working days, with complex queries assigned to a dedicated advisor.

Do you offer language editing services?

Yes, we provide optional language editing to improve clarity and grammar, available through our partner services.

How can I check the status of my submission?

Log into your account on the submission portal to track progress (e.g., "Under Review since July 12, 2025"). Weekly updates are also sent via email, with real-time alerts for major changes.

Who should I contact for technical issues with the submission system?

For technical difficulties (e.g., file upload errors), email ycbjournal@gmail.com Our team is available 7 AM to 2 PM and aims to resolve issues within 24 hours.