Originals. Research papers that provide new findings in the Journal’s area of interest. The text length will be up to 3,000-3,500 words (excluding the structured resumen and abstract which will be a maximum of 250 words, from 3 to 5 relevant keywords and up to 40 literature references). A maximum of 6 tables of figures will be included. There will be a maximum of 6 authors. There will be a maximum of 9 authors for multicentre studies.
It is recommended that the CONSORT criteria for publishing controlled clinical trials are followed, available at:http://www.consort-statement.org
Brief originals. Research papers whose special features (series with a limited number of cases, descriptive epidemiological studies, papers with very specific objectives and findings) can be published in abbreviated form. The text length will not exceed 1,500 words (excluding the structured resumen and abstract of a maximum of 250 words, from 3 to 5 relevant palabras clave and keywords and up to 15 literature references). A maximum of 2 figures and/or tables will be included. There will be a maximum of 6 authors.
Research projects. This section will include the presentation of well-designed research projects with the potential to generate several publications in prestigious journals. Studies that have been financed on the basis of public bids with a selection system of proven quality, such as the “Strategic Action on Health” by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, or those of the European Commission’s Framework Programme, will be given priority. Their format should conform to the “original” or “original brief” section articles. The manuscript will be accompanied by a resumen and abstract in Spanish and English of a maximum 250 words structured in sections: introduction, objective, participants and methods, results and conclusions. There will be 3 to 6 keywords after the resumen and abstract. In general, they will comprise an introduction section on the reasons why undertaking the paper is appropriate, which should end with a description of the study objective, a complete section of methods that explain all the study design details and the statistical analysis to be performed, and a brief discussion of possible results, in addition to a complete literature review (maximum xx citations).
Reviews. Updates of an issue of biological, clinical or psychosocial relevance by submitting the required references to this effect. This section will be commissioned, for the most part. Any author may send manuscripts spontaneously for consideration in this section, after contact and acceptance of the subject on the part of the Editorial Team. The text length will be up to 3,000-3,500 words (excluding the unstructured resumen and abstract of a maximum of 150 words, from 3 to 5 relevant palabras clave and keywords, and up to xx literature references). It should read flowingly and present the subject conclusively. However, in order to avoid unnecessary effort, it is advisable to agree the subject and length of the manuscript with the Editor or Co-editor. A maximum of 6 tables or figures will be included. There will be a maximum of 4 authors.
Clinical notes. Case series or groupings of relevant and interrelated clinical cases, appropriately explained and argued, will be accepted in this section. Presentations of isolated clinical cases should be submitted as “scientific letters”. They will not exceed 1,500 words, 2 figures and/or tables and a maximum of 10 literature references. A brief unstructured abstract (around 100 words) will be submitted, which highlights the special features of the note. There will be a maximum of 4 authors.
Clinical Cases. Isolated clinical cases that are appropriately argued and explained will be accepted. Case reports will cover conditions that provide a new perspective, describe rare disorders, present peculiarities of clinical presentation or management, or new diagnostic or therapeutic approaches. The text length will not exceed 750 words, 10 bibliographic citations and 1 table or figure. There will be a maximum of 4 authors.
Scientific letters. This section will cover papers that contain new studies that can be presented in abbreviated form and that lack sufficient relevance to be considered “Originals” or “Brief Originals”. The text length will not exceed 750 words, 10 bibliographic citations and 1 table or figure. There will be a maximum of 4 authors.
Letters to the editor. “Scientific letters” can be published; i.e., papers containing new studies shown in abbreviated form and “Letters to the Editor”, where the readers can express their argued opinion of a recent publication, in agreement or otherwise, as well as a topical issue that they consider important to mention. The aim of this section is to encourage and stimulate debate and discussion amongst the professionals who read the Journal. Contributions must be precise and well-argued, preferably with literature references, which should not exceed 10 in number. The letter shall be no longer than 750 words. Preference for publication will be given to the most concise, brief and clear contributions. There will be a maximum of 4 authors. The Journal reserves the right to shorten the text of the letter, either because it has exceeded the established text length or due to repetitions that affect the reading flow.
Editorials and Points of view. These 2 sections are offered by the Journal for external collaboration. These are generally papers that have been directly requested by the editors. Spontaneous contributions are not excluded however; these need to be agreed beforehand.