Author Guidelines

1. Introduction

The Journal accepts submissions in English, which is the sole language of publication and editorial processing. Manuscripts must be original, approved by all authors, and must not have been previously published or be under consideration elsewhere. All submissions are processed through an online submission system.

2. Manuscript Preparation: General Formatting

Manuscripts must be prepared in Microsoft Word, using A4 paper size with 2.5 cm margins on all sides. Text must be double-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman font. International System of Units (SI) should be used.

The following formatting rules apply:

• Abbreviations must be defined upon first use in both the abstract and main text.
• Authors should avoid abbreviations in the title.
• Decimal points should be indicated by a comma (e.g., 55,78).
• When mentioning a drug, product, hardware, or software, the product name, manufacturer, city, and country must be provided in parentheses.
• The main document file must be blinded for peer review, with all author and institutional identifiers removed.

Text and tables should be in MS Word format. Figures and images should be submitted in JPEG format with a minimum resolution of 300 DPI.

3. Article Types and Requirements

Identification of the correct article type is the first step in submission, as it dictates the specific formatting and word limits.

3.1. Original Article
Presents substantial novel research, including clinical trials, observational studies, diagnostic accuracy studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and experimental studies.

• Abstract: Structured (Aims, Methods, Results, Conclusion), Recommended Max. 250 words.
• Main Text: Recommended Max. 3,500 words, structured as Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, Acknowledgments, References.
• References: Recommended Max. 30.
• Other: Ethical approval is required for all studies involving human or animal subjects.

3.2. Case Report / Brief Report
Presents rare cases, novel diagnostic/therapeutic challenges, or preliminary findings.

• Abstract: Unstructured, Recommended Max. 150 words.
• Main Text: Recommended Max. 1,200 words, structured as Introduction, Case Report, Discussion.
• References: Recommended Max. 10.
• Other: A statement confirming that informed consent was obtained from the patient(s) is required.

3.3. Review Article
Provides comprehensive analyses of specific topics. May be invited, but unsolicited submissions are welcomed.

• Abstract: Unstructured, Recommended Max. 200 words.
• Main Text: Recommended Max. 4,000 words.
• References: Recommended Max. 80.
• Other: Does not require ethical approval.

3.4. Letter to the Editor
Offers commentary on articles published in the journal or discusses current developments.

• Abstract: Not required.
• Main Text: Recommended Max. 500 words, unstructured.
• References: Recommended Max.  5.
• Other: No tables, figures, or images are permitted.

3.5. Editorial Comment
A brief critical commentary, typically invited by the Editor-in-Chief, on a recently published article.

• Abstract: Not required.
• Main Text: Recommended Max. 1,200 words.
• References: Recommended Max. 10.
• Other: No tables, figures, images, or keywords are included.

4. Clinical Trials and Reporting Guidelines

Registration of clinical trials in a publicly accessible registry (e.g., ClinicalTrials.gov or a WHO ICTRP primary registry) is encouraged. The registry name and number must be provided at the end of the abstract. Authors are advised to consult the EQUATOR network (http://www.equator-network.org/) for appropriate reporting guidelines.

5. Manuscript Submission

The entire submission process is completed online. The submission should be divided into SEPARATE files:

5.1. Cover Letter
Must include the article title, corresponding author's name, article type, and statements regarding:

• Conflict of interest (presence or absence).
• Confirmation that the manuscript is original, not published elsewhere, and not under simultaneous consideration.
• Details of any previous presentations (date, place, format).

5.2. Title Page
A separate file containing:

• Full manuscript title (Recommended Max. 150 characters) and running title (Recommended Max. 50 characters).
• Full names, affiliations, ORCID IDs, and e-mail addresses of all authors.
• Corresponding author's contact information.
• Acknowledgments and funding statements.
• Information on previous presentations, if applicable.

5.3. Main Document
A blinded file containing, in order:

• Abstract and Keywords: 3-6 keywords from MeSH must be provided.
• Main Text: Structured according to article type.
• References: Numbered consecutively in the order of citation.
• Figure Legends: Listed on a separate page after references.

5.4. Tables
Each table should be submitted as a separate file, numbered consecutively, and cited in the text.

5.5. Figures
Each figure should be uploaded as a separate file in JPEG format (min. 300 DPI). Any identifying information must be blinded.

5.6. Ethics Committee Approval Form
A copy of the ethics committee approval must be provided for all relevant studies, stating the committee name, date, and approval number.

5.7. Copyright Agreement and Acknowledgement of Authorship Form
All authors must meet the ICMJE authorship criteria and sign this form, which is available on the journal’s website.

5.8. ICMJE Conflict of Interest Form
The completed form must be submitted with the manuscript.

6. References

References must be double-spaced and listed in alphabetical order by the first author's last name. Each reference should have a hanging indent.

Examples:

• Journal Article: Freund, K. B., Staurenghi, G., Jung, J. J., & et al. (2022). Macular neovascularization lesion type and vision outcomes in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: Post hoc analysis of HARBOR. Graefes Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 260(8), 2437–2447. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-022-05639-0
• Book Chapter: Bliss, C. M., & Wolfe, M. (2010). Common clinical manifestations of gastrointestinal disease. In T. E. Andreoli & R. L. Cecil (Eds.), Andreoli’s and Carpenter's Cecil Essentials of Medicine (8th ed., pp. 382–400). Saunders/Elsevier.
• Online Article: Morse, S. S. (1995). Factors affecting the emergence of infectious diseases. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 1(1). Retrieved June 5, 1996, from [URL]

Note on Authors:

For a work with up to 20 authors, list all authors' names. For a work with 21 or more authors, list the first 19 authors, an ellipsis (...), and then the final author's name. The phrase "et al." is used for in-text citations, not in the reference list entry.

7. ORCID

Providing an ORCID iD for the corresponding author is mandatory. ORCID iDs for all co-authors are strongly recommended. iDs can be registered at https://orcid.org/register.

8. Publication Process

Accepted manuscripts are copy-edited for grammar and style. A PDF proof is sent to the corresponding author for final approval, which must be returned within 48 hours. Articles are published online as "Ahead-of-Print" before inclusion in a scheduled issue.