Submissions

Author Guidelines

1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

i. Scope of work of authors
Participation solely in the acquisition of funding or the collection of data does not justify authorship. General supervision of the research group is  not sufficient for authorship. Each contributor should have participated sufficiently in the work to take public responsibility for appropriate portions of the content of the manuscript as mentioned in the Authorship Policy. The order of naming the contributors should be based on the relative contribution of the contributor towards the study and writing the manuscript. Once submitted the order cannot be changed without written consent of all the contributors. 

ii. Language Policy
The Journal recognises the global diversity of its contributors and readership. In fostering inclusivity and accessibility, authors may use either American English or British English throughout your manuscript. The chosen form of English (American or British) should be applied consistently within the manuscript. Authors should avoid mixing varieties in spelling, grammar, or terminology within the same article.

iii. Originality
Submissions must be original, not previously published, and not under consideration elsewhere.

iv. Word Count
Manuscripts should not exceed 6,000 words except for letters and opinions which should not exceed 800 words and 1,500 words respectively (the word count excludes references, tables, figures, supplementary material).

v. Citations Style
Submission should follows APA-7 style guidelines (including text citations and reference list). Effective 1 June 2026, the Journal will transition to the Vancouver citation style (also known as the ICMJE Recommendations/ NLM citation style) for all new submissions. Vancouver is the standard format for biomedical and health sciences journals worldwide, improving readability and consistency with PubMed/MEDLINE.  

Cite sources using Arabic numerals in square brackets and in order of appearance. Use the same number for repeated citations of the same source. When citing multiple sources together, list them as a range if consecutive, or individually if non-consecutive, separated by commas. Examples:

• Single: ...As previously reported [1], the incidence…
• Consecutive range: ...Several studies have confirmed this finding [2-5].
• Non-consecutive: ...This has been widely observed [1,3,7].
• Mixed: ...Evidence supports this approach [1-3,7].

APA 7th edition remains acceptable for submissions until 31 May 2026, though early adoption of Vancouver citation style is encouraged. Authors should update their reference management software (EndNote, Zotero, Mendeley or Reference Manager) to the Vancouver output style before submitting.

vi. References
Peer-reviewed journal articles are strongly preferred. Prioritise articles from published in credible and/or reputable journals that comes with publication rigour. Books or book chapters (only when they provide foundational knowledge). Reputable guidelines from professional societies (e.g., WHO, DSM, NICE, IDEA, ACC/AHA) are acceptable. Peer-reviewed conference proceedings are acceptable. Prioritise recent literature (preferably published within the last 5–10 years)

Avoid sources that are non-peer-reviewed such as websites, blogs, or commercial materials. Avoid predatory or low-quality journals, unpublished data such as personal communications, or abstracts without full text, and wikipedia or other crowd-sourced platforms.

Every reference must include a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) or a stable URL link, preferably a PubMed or publisher link if DOI is unavailable. DOIs provide permanent, reliable access to the source. Reviewers and editors expect clickable and verifiable references.

Where a DOI has not been officially assigned by the publisher, it should be omitted entirely from the reference. Authors should not attempt to generate, construct, or substitute a DOI from third-party sources. An exception is made for older or seminal works that predate the widespread adoption of the DOI system but are of significant theoretical or foundational importance to the domain. Verify every DOI and URL link works before submission.

vii. Figures and tables
 The locations of tables and figures should be indicated in the body of the text. Figures that were previously published under a Creative Commons licences may be reused under the condition of the specific licence that applies to those figures. Figures should be numbered using Arabic numerals. Photographs submitted electronically should have a resolution of 300 dpi and should be saved as .tif or .jpg files. If a figure (photograph) has been previously published, the source should be given, and written permission to use it should be obtained from the copyright holder depending on the licences accorded with the figure.

viii. Citation of Figures and Tables

All tables and figures must be mentioned in the running text in the order of their appearance (e.g., Table 1, Table 2, Figure 1, Figure 2). Every table and figure must be referred to and discussed in the text. Tables and figures that are not mentioned and discussed in the manuscript will be removed during editorial processing.

All tables and figures must be accompanied by a descriptive caption that is sufficiently informative for the table or figure to be understood independently of the main text. Table captions are placed above the table, while figure captions are placed below the figure. Abbreviations used within tables or figures must be defined at the in a footnote immediately below the table or figure, even if they have been previously defined in the text.

For tables and figures presenting the authors' own original data, no in-table or in-figure citation is required beyond the standard in-text reference at the point of discussion. Where a table or figure reproduces, adapts, or synthesises information from a previously published source or sources, authors are required to cite the relevant references both in the text at the point where the table or figure is introduced and within the table or figure itself, for transparency and traceability.

For systematic reviews and meta-analyses, studies included in summary tables such as the characteristics of included studies or risk-of-bias tables should be identified by author name(s) and year of publication within the table rather than by reference number, to preserve the sequential numbering requirements of Vancouver citation style. References should be cited in the running text only at the point where individual studies are specifically discussed or compared. For narrative reviews, where a table synthesises information from multiple sources, authors are encouraged to cite the full reference range in the text when the table is introduced, and include row-specific citations within the table where different rows draw from distinct reference sources.

For tables synthesising information from multiple sources in narrative reviews, where all rows draw from the same pool of references, the full reference range may be cited in the text and in the table caption. Where different rows draw from distinct reference sources, row-specific citations should be included in a dedicated reference column within the table. For figures synthesising or adapting information from multiple sources, the relevant references should be cited in the text at the point where the figure is introduced and listed in the figure caption. Where a table or figure is reproduced or adapted from a single previously published source, the original source must be cited in the table or figure caption and written copyright permission obtained from the original publisher prior to submission.

2. TITLE PAGE

The Journal uses double-blind peer review. The Title Page is submitted as a separate document from the main manuscript to facilitate anonymous peer review. It should include the full title of the manuscript, the names of all authors in the order they are to appear in the publication, the institutional affiliation of each author and their ORCID iD. The Journal will  assign every article a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) obtained from Crossref. The ORCID account will be updated automatically once the article is published with our Journal.

Authors are also required to complete the declarations in the Title Page. Declarations and disclosures  are a fundamental ethical obligation that underpins the credibility and integrity of published research in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. The Journal aligns its publication ethics policies with the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). 

3. MANUSCRIPT TYPES

i. Original Research
Include randomised controlled trials, intervention studies, studies of screening and diagnostic test, outcome studies, cost effectiveness analyses, case-control series, observational studies (including cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies) and surveys with high response rate. The text of original articles should be divided into sections with the headings Abstract, Keywords, Introduction, Material and Methods, Results, Discussion, Limitations and References. Each original research article should contain a structured abstract not more than 350 words.

Methods (or Materials and Methods)
In the Methods section, authors must provide sufficient detail on study design, participant selection (including eligibility and exclusion criteria and source population), interventions or exposures (with generic names, doses, routes, and manufacturer details where applicable), apparatus (including manufacturer name and location), procedures, and statistical methods to permit reproduction of the results by other researchers.

Compliance with the relevant reporting guideline is required. The following guidelines apply to primary research studies:

• CONSORT 2025 for randomised controlled trials
• STROBE for observational studies
• SPIRIT 2025 for trial protocols
• STARD 2015 for diagnostic accuracy studies (including imaging, laboratory, biomarker, or AI-based diagnostic tests)
• SQUIRE 2.0 for quality improvement and patient safety projects

A completed checklist for the relevant guideline must be submitted as a supplementary file during manuscript submission, clearly indicating the page or section where each item is reported. These checklists will be verified during the editorial and peer-review process.

Note on Clinical Practice Guidelines
Manuscripts that report the development or update of clinical practice guidelines, consensus statements, or recommendation papers should follow the AGREE Reporting Checklist (aligned with AGREE II). These manuscripts are not required to use the above paragraph for the Methods section. Instead, authors must adhere to the specific structure and reporting standards of AGREE and submit the completed AGREE checklist as a supplementary file. A statement such as “This clinical practice guideline is reported in accordance with the AGREE Reporting Checklist” should be included in the manuscript.

Statistics
Whenever possible quantify findings and present them with appropriate indicators of measurement error or uncertainty (such as confidence intervals). Authors should report losses to observation (such as, dropouts from a clinical trial). When data are summarised in the Results section, specify the statistical methods used to analyse them. Avoid non-technical uses of technical terms in statistics, such as 'random' (which implies a randomising device), 'normal', 'significant', 'correlations', and 'sample'. Define statistical terms, abbreviations, and most symbols. Specify the computer software used. Use upper italics (P=0.048). For all P values include the exact value and not less than 0.05 or 0.001. Mean differences in continuous variables, proportions in categorical variables and relative risks including odds ratios and hazard ratios should be accompanied by their confidence intervals.

Results
Present your results in a logical sequence in the text, tables, and illustrations, giving the main or most important findings first. Do not repeat in the text all the data in the tables or illustrations; emphasise or summarise only important observations. Extra- or supplementary materials and technical detail can be placed in an appendix where it will be accessible but will not interrupt the flow of the text; alternatively, it can be published only in the electronic version of the journal.

When data are summarised in the Results section, give numeric results not only as derivatives (for example, percentages) but also as the absolute numbers from which the derivatives were calculated, and specify the statistical methods used to analyze them. Restrict tables and figures to those needed to explain the argument of the paper and to assess its support. Use graphs as an alternative to tables with many entries; do not duplicate data in graphs and tables. Where scientifically appropriate, analyses of the data by variables such as age and sex should be included.

Discussion
Include summary of key findings (primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, results as they relate to a prior hypothesis); Strengths and limitations of the study (study question, study design, data collection, analysis and interpretation); Interpretation and implications in the context of the totality of evidence (is there a systematic review to refer to, if not, could one be reasonably done here and now?, what this study adds to the available evidence, effects on patient care and health policy, possible mechanisms); Controversies raised by this study; and Future research directions (for this particular research collaboration, underlying mechanisms, clinical research).

Do not repeat in detail data or other material given in the Introduction or the Results section. In particular, contributors should avoid making statements on economic benefits and costs unless their manuscript includes economic data and analyses. Avoid claiming priority and alluding to work that has not been completed. New hypotheses may be stated if needed, however they should be clearly labeled as such. These articles generally should not have more than six authors.

ii. Systematic Review
Answers a specific, focused research question using explicit, reproducible methods to identify, appraise, and synthesise all relevant evidence (often with meta-analysis, if appropriate). It minimises bias through predefined criteria and is considered higher in the evidence hierarchy for decision-making. Systematic reviews suit evidence-based practice, policy or resolving controversies and emphasise methodological rigour. Systematic reviews should be reported in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement, an evidence-based minimum set of items for transparent and complete reporting of systematic reviews. Authors submitting a systematic review (with or without meta-analysis) must:

• Register the review protocol in advance (e.g., in PROSPERO or another appropriate registry) and report the registration number in the manuscript.
• Use the PRISMA 2020 Flow Diagram to illustrate the study selection process.
• Include a clear statement in the manuscript: “This systematic review is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) statement.”
• Submit a completed PRISMA 2020 checklist as a supplementary file during manuscript submission, indicating the page or section number where each item is reported. The checklist will be verified during editorial and peer review.

Title 
Clearly identify the report as a systematic review (with or without meta-analysis). Consider including the type of review or main topic (e.g., “Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of [Intervention] on [Outcome]”).

Abstract
Use a structured abstract following the PRISMA 2020 for Abstracts checklist. The abstract should be no more than 350 words.

ii. Narrative Review
Provides a broad overview, synthesis, and interpretation of literature on a topic. It is flexible, often qualitative, and allows author expertise and critical insight. It may address multiple or broader questions and can include historical context or emerging themes. They are particularly useful for summarising current knowledge, exploring conceptual developments, identifying gaps, or offering expert perspectives on emerging or complex topics. Authors are strongly encouraged to maintain high standards of clarity, balance, and reproducibility in literature selection and synthesis.

Abstract
Use an unstructured abstract (no more than 250 words) that summarises the background, main objectives, key findings or themes, and conclusions. Avoid references in the abstract.

Introduction
Provide the rationale for the review, its importance, and the specific aims or scope. Clearly define the topic and any key terms.

Methods
Briefly describe the literature search strategy, databases used, time period covered, and inclusion/exclusion considerations. Authors should explain how articles were selected and any deliberate focus (e.g., emphasis on recent literature or landmark studies).

iii. Case Report
Case reports describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcome of one or a small series of patients with unusual, rare, instructive, or novel features that contribute to medical knowledge or education. Cases with clinical significance or implications will be given priority.

Submit a completed CARE Checklist and submit as a supplementary file during manuscript submission, indicating the page or section where each item is reported.

Abstract
Unstructured or semi-structured abstract (no more than 250 words) summarising the introduction (why the case is important), case presentation, and discussion.

Introduction
Briefly explain the background of the condition and why this case is novel or educational (with limited references).

Case Presentation
Present the case in chronological order with clear subheadings:

• Subject information (demographics, relevant history – fully de-identified)
• Clinical findings and timeline
• Diagnostic assessment (including differential diagnosis)
• Therapeutic intervention and patient response
• Follow-up and outcomes
• Patient perspective (optional but encouraged)

Discussion
Compare the case with existing literature, highlight the educational value, discuss limitations, and suggest implications for practice or future research.

Conclusion
Provide a concise takeaway or key learning point.

iv. Letters to Editor
A short, focused response (usually to a recently published article in the same journal). It provides critical comments, corrections, additional data, questions, or minor new insights. It functions as a form of post-publication peer review and is typically very concise, polite, evidence-based, and time-sensitive. Letters must refer to a specific article published in this journal (usually within the last 3 to 6 months). 

Include a clear statement at the beginning referencing the original article (e.g., “We read with interest the article by [Author et al.] published in [Journal] on [date] entitled ‘[Title]’.”). Limit to one main point or a maximum of 2 to 3 closely related points. 

vi. Opinion Article
Opinion articles present the author’s expert viewpoint, analysis, or argument on a timely, important, or controversial topic in the field. They aim to stimulate discussion, offer new insights, or highlight policy, ethical, or future research implications. An opinion piece often includes personal thoughts, beliefs, or practical insights or a judgement or conclusion based on facts. The goal may be to persuade or influence the reader that their position on this topic is the best. The article should be evidence-informed but may include reasoned interpretation and forward-looking ideas. 

Abstract
Short unstructured abstract (no more than 150 words).

Introduction / Opening
Start with a strong hook or timely issue and clearly state the central argument or perspective.

Main Body
Develop the argument logically with supporting evidence, examples, and balanced discussion of counterpoints. Use subheadings if helpful.

Conclusion
Summarise the key takeaway and provide implications or recommendations for practice, policy, or research.


4. MANUSCRIPT STRUCTURE TEMPLATE & DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Authors who are submitting their work are required to access the "Documents For Submission" page, where they should review the mandatory template for formatting guidelines and obtain the necessary forms to complete their submission. 


5. USE OF AI TOOLS

AI Tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors, nor cited as such, as authorship requires human accountability for the work's accuracy, originality, ethical compliance, and final approval. Authors should disclose the use of AI Tools for manuscript preparation in a separate AI declaration statement in their manuscript upon submission and a statement will appear in the published work.

Authors should document and disclosure their use of AI Tools including the name and purpose of such AI Tools used, and the extent of their oversight as mentioned in the Artificial Intelligence Policy.


6. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS & POLICIES

The journal comply with COPE practices and published articles are double-anonymised peer-reviewed in an Open Access format . 

Rights and Informed Consent
When reporting experiments on human subjects, authors should indicate whether the procedures followed were in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2000 (concerning ethical principles for the medical community and forbidding releasing the name of the patient, initials or the hospital evidence number) and with the ethical standards of the responsible committee on human experimentation (institutional and national).

Information regarding the ethical committee approval for conducting the research and the informed consent of patients for participating in the studies should be included in the methods section of articles describing studies in which the diagnostic intervention or the treatment included non-routine procedures. Authors presenting case studies are obligated not to disclose patients’ personal data. Regarding photographs, in case of any doubt that the image inadequately protects the patient’s anonymity, his consent is required for publication.

Clinical Trial Registration
The Journal publishes in accordance with ICMJE policies and recommendations. The ICMJE requires and recommends that all require registration of clinical trials in a public trials registry at or before the time of first patient enrollment as a condition of consideration for article publication. The ICMJE defines a clinical trial as any research project that prospectively assigns people or a group of people to an intervention, with or without concurrent comparison or control groups, to study the relationship between a health-related intervention and a health outcome. Health-related interventions are those used to modify a biomedical or health-related outcome; examples include drugs, surgical procedures, devices, behavioural treatments, educational programs, dietary interventions, quality improvement interventions, and process-of-care changes. Health outcomes are any biomedical or health-related measures obtained in patients or participants, including pharmacokinetic measures and adverse events.

The ICMJE accepts publicly accessible registration in any registry that is a primary register of the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) that includes the minimum acceptable 24-item trial registration data set or in ClinicalTrials.gov, which is a data provider to the WHO ICTRP. In accordance with the ICMJE clinical trial registration policy recommendations, authors are required to provide all necessary information regarding the registered study when submitting the article for publication. This include the name of the register, Main ID, Public Title, Date of Registration. 

Author should also take note of the following policies:

Others:
Academic Misconduct Policy
Citation Manipulation Policy
Conflict of Interest Policy
Data & Software Availability Policy
Image Integrity and Standards Policy
Open Access Policy
Plagiarism Policy
Research Ethics Policy
Sponsorship Policy