Submission Guidelines and Manuscript Preparation

Submission Process

1. Prepare all manuscript files according to formatting requirements.
2. Register or log in to the journal’s online submission system.
3. Upload files: blinded manuscript, title page, figures, tables, supplementary data, and cover letter.
4. Complete all metadata fields including author details, ORCID iDs, funding, and conflicts of interest.
5. Review the checklist and confirm compliance before final submission.

Manuscript File Preparation

• Main Document: Must exclude author names/affiliations for double-blind review.
• Title Page: Includes full author list, affiliations, corresponding author details, word count, and funding/conflict declarations.
• Figures: Submit high-resolution images (≥300 dpi) in TIFF or PNG formats. Provide captions in the manuscript file.
• Tables: Editable text tables with descriptive titles and notes.
• Supplementary Files: Datasets, multimedia, or extended methods as separate files with legends.
• Cover Letter: Addressed to the Editor, highlighting novelty and confirming originality.

Formatting Requirements

• Font: 12-point, double-spaced, standard fonts.
• Line and page numbering required.
• Structured headings (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion).
• References numbered consecutively; include DOIs where available.
• SI units used consistently throughout the manuscript.

Ethics and Compliance

All submissions must include ethics statements as applicable:

• Human studies: IRB approval and informed consent.
• Animal studies: IACUC or equivalent approval.
• Clinical trials: Registration number and registry name.
• Data availability: Statement describing where and how data can be accessed.

Reporting Standards

Authors are encouraged to follow relevant reporting guidelines:

• CONSORT for randomized trials.
• STROBE for observational studies.
• PRISMA for systematic reviews.
• CARE for case reports.

After Submission

Once submitted, manuscripts are assigned a unique ID for tracking. Authors will receive confirmation and can check the status of their submission through the journal portal. Peer review is double-blind and typically completed within 2–4 weeks.