Writing Rules

General Formatting

Manuscript Format:

  • Use a standard word processing program (e.g., Microsoft Word).
  • The manuscript should be in A4 size, with 1-inch margins on all sides.
  • Use 12-point Times New Roman font and double-spacing throughout the document.
  • Number all pages consecutively, starting with the title page.

Sections:

  • Title Page: Include the title of the manuscript, author names and affiliations, corresponding author contact information, and a running title (up to 50 characters).
  • Abstract: Provide a concise summary of the manuscript without references or abbreviations. The word count varies by paper type.
  • Keywords: List 3-6 keywords related to the manuscript.
  • Main Text: Organize the manuscript into the following sections: Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion.
  • Acknowledgments: Recognize any funding sources, contributors, or assistance.
  • References: Follow APA 7th edition guidelines, with in-text citations and reference formatting adhering to APA style.
  • Tables and Figures: Include tables and figures at the end of the manuscript, each on a separate page, with appropriate captions.

Types of Papers

  • Full-Length Articles: Maximum length 2500 words; abstract maximum 250 words, 30 references, normally no more than 6 figures or tables.
  • Basic Science: Maximum length 2500 words; abstract maximum 250 words, 30 references, normally no more than 6 figures or tables.
  • Randomized Controlled Trials: Maximum length 2500 words, 30 references, and 6 figures/tables, must conform to CONSORT guidelines.
  • Short Communications/Case Reports: Maximum length 750 words; abstract maximum 150 words, 10 references, 3 figures or tables.
  • Technical Notes: Maximum length 500 words, 5 references, 4 figures or tables, no abstract required.
  • Letters: Maximum length 500 words, 5 references, 2 figures or tables.
  • Review Articles: Maximum length 3000 words, 40 references, and 6 figures/tables.
  • Systematic Reviews: Maximum length 3000 words, 40 references, and 6 figures/tables, must conform to PRISMA guidelines.
  • Leading Articles (by invitation only): Maximum length 2500 words, 40 references, and 6 figures/tables.
  • Book Reviews (by invitation only).
  • Announcements by Fellows & Members.
  • Obituaries.

Language and Style

Language:

  • Manuscripts should be written in clear, concise, and grammatically correct English.
  • Avoid jargon and colloquialisms.

Scientific Terminology:

  • Use standard scientific terminology.
  • Define all abbreviations at first mention and avoid excessive use.

Units of Measurement:

  • Use the International System of Units (SI) for all measurements.
  • Provide conversions for non-SI units.

Statistical Reporting:

  • Clearly describe statistical methods and present results with appropriate measures of variability and significance.
  • Report exact p-values and confidence intervals.

Ethical Standards:

  • Ensure all research complies with ethical guidelines and includes statements on informed consent and ethical approval.

Appendices:

  • If there is more than one appendix, they should be identified as A, B, etc.
  • Formulae and equations in appendices should be given separate numbering: Eq. (A.1), Eq. (A.2), etc.
  • Similarly, for tables and figures: Table A.1; Fig. A.1, etc.

Essential Title Page Information

Title:

  • Concise and informative.
  • Avoid abbreviations and formulae where possible.

Author Names and Affiliations:

  • Clearly indicate the given name(s) and family name(s) of each author.
  • Present the authors' affiliation addresses below the names.
  • Indicate all affiliations with a lower-case superscript letter immediately after the author's name and in front of the appropriate address.
  • Provide the full postal address of each affiliation, including the country name and, if available, the e-mail address of each author.

Corresponding Author:

  • Clearly indicate who will handle correspondence at all stages of refereeing and publication.
  • Ensure the e-mail address is given and that contact details are kept up to date.

Abstract

  • A concise and factual abstract is required.
  • The abstract should briefly state the purpose of the research, the principal results, and major conclusions.
  • Avoid references and non-standard or uncommon abbreviations.

Graphical Abstract

  • Optional but encouraged.
  • Should summarize the contents of the article in a concise, pictorial form.
  • Submit as a separate file in the online submission system.

Keywords

  • Immediately after the abstract, provide a maximum of 6 keywords.
  • Use British spelling and avoid general and plural terms and multiple concepts.

Acknowledgments

  • Collate acknowledgments in a separate section at the end of the article before the references.
  • List those individuals who provided help during the research (e.g., language help, writing assistance, proofreading).

Formatting of Funding Sources

  • List funding sources in a standard way to facilitate compliance with funder's requirements.

Units

  • Follow internationally accepted rules and conventions: use the International System of Units (SI).
  • Provide equivalents for non-SI units.

Math Formulae

  • Submit math equations as editable text and not as images.
  • Present simple formulae in line with normal text where possible and use the solidus (/) instead of a horizontal line for small fractional terms.
  • Number consecutively any equations that have to be displayed separately from the text.

Footnotes

  • Use footnotes sparingly.
  • Number them consecutively throughout the article.
  • Indicate the position of footnotes in the text and list the footnotes separately at the end of the article.
  • Do not include footnotes in the Reference list.

References

  • Follow APA 7th edition style.
  • Provide full citations for all sources used.
  • Use DOI links where available for permanent accessibility.