The thoroughness of the Investigation appears to be excellent. Two sides to each allegation are clearly and well presented. However, we do question the validity of the analysis and conclusions in certain instances. There appears to be a discrepancy in the treatment of Drs. Gallo and Popovic.
Different standards appear to have been applied.
None of the authors will acknowledge composing the sentence. With no way to identify the actual source, the blame could be distributed among all the authors. Yet the blame has been specifically placed on Dr. Popovic. This appears to be arbitrary especially in light of other statements that misconduct cannot be charged where data are lacking. In the description of the immunofluorescence assay results, the blame for the discrepancy is placed on Dr. Popovic, again with no obvious basis for a choice between the two individuals involved, and in the absence of specific supporting data.