Word limits are provided for guidance only. The Editors will consider submissions that exceed the recommended limit, subject to feedback received during peer review.
Article
A manuscript reports the results of an original full-length study. An article has a comprehensive narrative that includes introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion, and references.
Abstract: Limited to 250 words without key words.
Word limit: Limited to 6,500 words excluding abstract, references, tables, figures, and their legends.
Tables and figures: The total number of tables and figures for the main text is limited to 8.
References guideline: Limited to 60 references. Please use the most important and relevant references where possible.
Supplemental information: Supplemental information for less important materials, methods, data (tables and figures) is allowed.
Review
A review should comprehensively and systematically analyze and discuss the existing literature related to a specific topic. Expert synthesis, assessment, future direction, and challenges are expected. Generally, a review article should have an introduction to provide the rationale for the review, followed by sections with appropriate subheadings, and a perspective section at the end. The standard headings (acknowledgements, contributions, competing interests, funding) are also required. All invited reviews will undergo peer review prior to acceptance. Before conceiving and writing a review, it is encouraged to consult the Editor-in-Chief first.
Abstract: Limited to 250 words.
Word limit: Limited to 6,000 words, excluding abstract, references, figures and tables.
References guideline: Limited to 100 references.
Supplemental information: Optional.
Method
A report of a study that focuses on a new method, technique, or technology that is widely useful and likely to impact the way we carry out research. Some technical details and recommendations for applying the method are recommended.
Abstract: Limited to 200 words.
Word limit: Limited to 3,000 words excluding abstract, references, figures and tables.
References guideline: Limited to 40 references.
Supplemental information: Supplemental information for less important materials, methods, data (tables and figures) are allowed.
Perspective
A perspective article expresses an opinion or a new perspective about existing research on a particular topic. Perspectives propose and support a new hypothesis, discuss the implications of a newly implemented innovation, or present unique viewpoints on existing problems, fundamental concepts, or prevalent notions on a specific topic. A perspective article may focus on current advances and future directions on a topic and may include original data.
Abstract: Not relevant.
Word limit: Limited to 3,000 words excluding abstract, references and figure legends.
References guideline: Limited to 40 references.
Supplemental information: Optional.
Short Communication
Short Communication is short, peer-reviewed articles focusing on a high-quality, hypothesis-driven, self-contained piece of original research or a proposal of a new theory or concept based on existing research.
Abstract: Not related.
Word Limit: The total length of the article (including the main text and figure legends, excluding the title page, abstract, materials and methods section, or reference list) should not exceed 3,000 words, with a 200-word abstract.
References guideline: Limited to a maximum of 40 references.
