Ethics of Publication

Authors are expected to adhere to the highest standards of publication ethics. The IJMSCRR guidelines are based on the principles established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). In cases where the IJMSCRR guidelines do not provide specific instructions, COPE and ICMJE recommendations will be followed.

Authors reporting clinical trials must include a registration number from a recognized registry (e.g., ClinicalTrials.gov, CTRI, etc.). See Clinical Trials Policy for details.

For detailed instructions, please visit: Publication Ethics & Malpractice Statement.

Types of Contributions

The following types of manuscripts will be considered:

1. Original Research Papers

Word Limit: 4000 words (excluding abstract, references, tables and figures)

Abstract: 250 words (structured)

References: Up to 50

Tables/Figures: Maximum 6

Structure: Abstract, Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusions, References.

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2. Review Articles (Systematic, Narrative or Scoping)

Word Limit: 4500 words

Abstract: 300 words

References: Minimum 40 (no upper limit)

Tables/Figures: Maximum 6

Special Requirements: Must clearly describe the search strategy (databases, keywords, inclusion/exclusion criteria). Use of PRISMA flow diagram is strongly recommended for systematic reviews.

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3. Case Reports:

Word Limit: 2000 words

Abstract: 180 words

References: Maximum 20

Tables/Figures: Maximum 3

Note: Only those that add new information, novel perspective, or important learning points will be accepted.

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4. Brief Reports / Short Communications: Word Limit: 2000 words Abstract: 180 words References: Maximum 20 Tables/Figures: Maximum 3 Requirement: Must present conclusive findings. Preliminary or incomplete studies are generally not accepted.

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5. Letters to the Editor:

Word Limit: 800 words No abstract required. Can discuss published articles or important issues.

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6.  Book Reviews: Prior approval from the Editor-in-Chief is required.

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Manuscript Presentation & Structure

Manuscripts must be prepared in Microsoft Word, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font. British or American English is acceptable but must be consistent.

Order of Sections (Each section on a new page):

• Title Page
• Abstract
• Main Text (Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusions)
• Data Availability Statement
• Conflict of Interest
• Funding Statement
• Acknowledgments
• Tables
• References
• Figure Legends

Title Page must contain:

• Title of the article
• Full names of all authors
• Institutional affiliations
• Corresponding author’s full contact details (email, phone, ORCID iD)
• Funding sources
• Keywords (4–6)
• Short running title

Note: Authors’ academic qualifications (MD, PhD etc.) should not be mentioned in the manuscript.

Section-Wise Guidelines

Introduction:

Define the problem, provide brief but relevant literature review, state the rationale for the study, objectives, and hypothesis (if any).

Materials and Methods

• Clearly describe study design, setting, participants, inclusion/exclusion criteria.
• Detail all procedures, interventions, and outcome measures.
• Provide full statistical methods with software used and significance level.
• Rationale for chosen study design should be mentioned.
• Ethical approval and informed consent statements are mandatory.

Results:

Present findings in logical sequence. Use tables and figures appropriately. Do not repeat data in text.

Discussion:

Authors must provide a critical and comprehensive interpretation of the findings. The Discussion should include the following:

• Brief summary of the main findings.
• Comparison of results with relevant previous studies (highlight agreements, differences, and possible explanations).
• Strengths of the study.
• Honest and detailed discussion of limitations (sample size, design, bias, generalizability, etc.).
• Clinical, practical, public health, or research implications.

Conclusions:

A short paragraph summarizing the key take-home message.

Conflict of Interest:
All authors must disclose any potential conflict of interest that could influence the research. This includes financial, personal, or professional relationships. If no conflicts exist, the authors should state:
“The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.”

Funding Statement:
Authors must clearly declare the source of funding for the study (if any), including grant numbers and funding agencies. If the study received no specific funding, the following statement should be used:
“This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.”

The role of the funding body (if any) in study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and manuscript writing must be clearly described.

References:

Numbered consecutively in the order of appearance. Follow Vancouver style (as per your previous example). DOI should be added wherever available.

Tables & Figures

• Tables must be concise and not repeat text data.
• Figures should be high resolution (minimum 300 dpi).
• Patient privacy must be protected; written consent is required for identifiable images.