Each issue follows the same peer review and ethics standards as regular submissions. Themes are selected based on emerging evidence and clinical needs.

Authors should align titles, abstracts, and keywords with the special issue theme to improve discovery within the collection.

If a manuscript spans multiple themes, note the preferred theme in the cover letter for accurate routing.

Focused alignment helps reviewers assess relevance quickly.

• Select the special issue in the submission system if available
• State the theme in the cover letter
• Align keywords with the issue focus
• Confirm data availability and ethics statements

Clear labeling helps the editorial office route manuscripts to the correct guest editor team.

Include a brief statement on how the study advances the special issue theme.

Clear scope alignment improves review speed.

• State the special issue title in the cover letter
• Align keywords with issue scope
• Describe how outcomes support clinical practice
• Note any related datasets or protocols

Themed collections help clinicians locate related evidence in one place.

Articles are published as soon as they complete peer review and production. This approach supports timely citation and keeps the collection active throughout the call period.

Rapid release helps clinical teams access timely findings during active research cycles.

Collections are promoted through journal channels and can include editorials that frame the clinical significance of the theme.

Focused collections also improve citation discovery by grouping related gastrointestinal studies in a single place.

The editorial office monitors workflow milestones and provides guidance on timelines, reviewer performance, and decision consistency.

Guest editors can request additional outreach support or adjustments to the call for papers when needed.

Guest editors may provide additional topic specific feedback for theme alignment.

Rolling publication supports timely citation and reader engagement as the collection grows.