The Title Page or Covering Letter should include the following details:

Clearly specify the type of manuscript (e.g., original article, review, case report, letter to the editor, images, etc.), along with the full title, running title, and the names of all authors/contributors with their highest qualifications, designations, and institutional affiliations. The departments and institutions to which the work is credited must also be listed. All identifying information must appear here and not in the main manuscript file. The file should be submitted in text/rtf/doc format (not compressed).

Provide the total number of pages, number of figures/photographs, and the exact word count for the abstract and the main text (excluding references, tables, and abstract). For original articles, also include the combined word count of the introduction and discussion.

Mention all sources of support, such as funding, equipment, medications, or resources used for the study.

Include acknowledgements, if any. This should cover:

Contributions that warrant acknowledgement but not authorship (such as administrative support).

Individuals who provided technical assistance.

Details of financial or material support, specifying the type of support.

These acknowledgements must appear only on the title page, not within the main manuscript.

If the work has been presented at a conference or meeting, provide the name of the organisation, location, and date. Also, declare any overlap with previously published or submitted work that could be considered redundant publication. Relevant references should be cited, and copies of related articles should be included to help the editor evaluate the submission.

For clinical trials, include the registration number, the registry’s name, and its URL.

Disclose any conflicts of interest for each author, whether financial or non-financial, unless this information is already provided in another required form.

Mention the criteria used for determining authorship or contribution to the study.

Add a statement confirming that all authors have read and approved the manuscript, that each fulfils authorship criteria, and that the submitted work is an honest and legitimate representation of the study.

Provide the full contact details of the corresponding author, including name, postal address, email, and phone number, who will act as the primary contact for communications regarding revisions and proof approval.

Guidelines for Manuscript Preparation

Original Research Articles

Original research submissions should not exceed 2500 words (excluding references and abstract). These may include randomised controlled trials, interventional studies, diagnostic or screening evaluations, outcome analyses, cost-effectiveness research, case-control studies, or surveys with strong response rates.

The manuscript should be structured with the following sections: Abstract, Keywords, Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion, References, Tables, and Figure Legends.

Abstract

The abstract must be concise, balanced, and informative, summarising both methods and findings. It should be organised under the subheadings:

• Background

• Aim

• Materials and Methods

• Results

• Conclusion

 Title

The title should clearly reflect the study design using a standard and widely understood descriptor.

Introduction

The introduction should provide a brief scientific context, explain the rationale for the study, and clearly state the research objectives.

Materials and Methods

This section should be well-structured and preferably subdivided into the following:

Study Design: Clearly describe the type of study (e.g., cross-sectional, cohort, case-control).

Study Setting: Mention locations, timeframes, recruitment periods, exposure duration, follow-up, and data collection details. Provide supplier or manufacturer details for equipment, drugs, chemicals, cell lines (name and source), and methodology for sample collection.

Participants: Define inclusion and exclusion criteria, selection methods, and follow-up procedures.

Results

Report participant characteristics (demographic, clinical, social), sample attrition at each stage (eligible, enrolled, lost to follow-up, analysed), and reasons for non-participation. Flow diagrams are encouraged.

Results should follow a logical order, with main findings first. Only present key observations in the text—avoid repeating full numerical details from tables/figures. Supplementary material can be provided in appendices or electronic files. Use tables and graphs judiciously, ensuring no duplication. Whenever applicable, stratify results by variables such as age and sex.

Discussion

Summarise the study’s critical outcomes, addressing both primary and secondary measures. Discuss the study strengths, limitations, implications for practice and policy, consistency with existing literature, and potential mechanisms. Note any controversies raised and suggest directions for future research. New hypotheses may be introduced, but must be identified as such. Avoid overstatements on cost-effectiveness unless explicitly supported by economic data. Limit references to about 30 citations, prioritising recent and relevant literature.

References

References must follow the National Library of Medicine (NLM) style. Cite sequentially in the text using superscript Arabic numerals within square brackets after punctuation. When citing six or more authors, indicate the first six followed by et al. Journal names should be abbreviated per Index Medicus guidelines. Avoid abstracts, unpublished work, and irrelevant personal communications unless indispensable.

Short Communications

Length: Maximum 1000 words (excluding abstract and references).

Up to 5 references permitted.

Should present clear and concise findings.

Case Reports

Maximum length: 2000 words (excluding abstract and references).

Should cite up to 10 references.

Reports must focus on rare, novel, or clinically significant cases.

Structure:

Title: Must include the term “Case Report” and the relevant focus area.

Abstract: Organised as Rationale, Patient Concerns, Diagnosis, Interventions, Outcomes, Lessons.

Introduction: State the uniqueness and importance of the case.

Case Report: Provide de-identified patient demographics, main complaints, relevant history (medical, family, psychosocial), interventions with outcomes, diagnostic tests, prognostic information, and follow-up status.

Discussion: Review related literature, analyse limitations, and highlight primary lessons.

Informed Consent: Confirm written consent from the patient or legal representative.

Figures: Photographs must obscure patient identity and exclude personal data. 

Review Articles

Word limit: 3500 words (excluding abstract and references).

Should present current understanding of a topic rather than exhaustive literature reviews.

References should highlight pivotal and recent contributions rather than all available sources.

Letters to the Editor

Limit: 400 words and 4 references.

Should present brief, valid observations of interest.

Preliminary or inconclusive findings requiring later validation are unsuitable.

Include the name and contact information of the corresponding contributor.

Referencing Format

Use consecutive numbering based on first appearance in text/tables/figures.

Identify references with superscript numerals in square brackets.

Follow NLM guidelines exactly (accessible at ICMJE and NLM websites).

Do not list unnecessary bibliographic details (issue numbers, months, etc.).

Use journal abbreviations per Index Medicus.