Short Article Types: Editorials, Letters, Corrections, Rapid Communications and Abstracts

Editorial

Definition:

An opinion piece, policy statement, or general commentary is typically written by the staff of the publication (The similar work “article-commentary” is reserved for a commentary on a specific article or articles, which an author writes with a contrasting position, not an editor or other publication staff).

Letter to the Editor

We welcome Letters to the editor that directly refers to one of the contents published in a journal. Letters are not usually peer-reviewed (we rarely publish original research in this section), but the journal might invite replies from the authors of the original publication or pass on letters to these authors.

Please note that we have two types of Letters to the editor in a journal which are explained below:

Type 1 of Letter to Editor:

The letter linked to our published articles: These letters must reach us within three months of the publication of the original item, and the word count must be in line with our word count policy. 

For example, a letter referring to an article published in the January issue must be submitted online no later than March 31st. Letters submitted after the allowed time will not be considered.

A maximum of three (3) authors and ten references are allowed.

Only one table or figure is allowed.

Type 1 of Letter to the Editor is often accompanied by a Reply:

EIC should inform the corresponding author of the commented article and request them to submit a reply within a definite timeline.

Important Note:

Type 1 of letters to the editor MUST have these criteria:

The letter must refer to an original article published in the same journal.

The letter must reach us within three months of the publication of the original item.

Type 2 of Letter to Editor:

Letters of general interest, unlinked to items published in the journal: These letters must reach us within five weeks before the publication of an issue. Limitations are the same as type 1 and could be found in the word count policy

Rapid Communication

We publish two types of rapid communication in our journals:

• 1) Rapid Communications
• 2) Clinical Images

1) Rapid Communications:

Articles classified under Rapid Communications are suitable for presenting novel research or significantly extending previously published research. They can also be used for fast-breaking research updates or other news items such as images.

Structure:

This article type includes:

• Title page
• Abstract (plus keywords)
• Main Text:
  • Text with Figure (maximum two images)
  • Acknowledgments
  • Conflict of Interest Statement
  • Funding
  • Ethical Approval
  • Consent
  • Guarantor
  • References
  • Figure legends

Word count:

Please refer here and consider our word count standards.

2) Clinical Images:

We publish short articles to educate our readers using this article type. Authors are advised to choose the "Rapid Communication" type during their submission.

Structure and Specifications:

• Title page
• Abstract (plus keywords)
• Main Text:
  • Text (maximum 500 words) including "Key Question, Key Message, and Reply to the main Question."
  • Figures (maximum 2 images):
    • Figures must be original (copies from other sources are not accepted)
    • Human rights considerations must be respected in figures (or photos)
  • Conflict of Interest
  • References (maximum 5)

Correction

Definition:

• A modification or correction of previously published material; (sometimes called “errata”)
• Correction refers to changes the author wants to introduce post-acceptance, at any time after that, during the publication processes or post-publication.
• If the author determines it is scientifically necessary, it should be made. A Correction is then created and published in the next available issue.
• In addition, it is linked online to the published article, and if the article is referenced, the Correction information should be included.

Correction must be submitted as a new article

All corrections must be submitted on the journal website and will be reviewed by the EIC. After accepting a correction, this new article will be published in the journal.

Word Count:

The maximum word count of a correction is 250 words.

Abstract

Article Structure: Abstract:

An abstract is a concise summary of a research paper or presentation, typically published or presented independently. This article type follows a specific structure to convey the key aspects of the study concisely:

Title Page:

• Authors and their affiliations
• Corresponding author's address

Abstract:

• Brief overview of the research

Main Text:

• Expanded explanation of the research

Figures and Tables:

• Maximum of two images with captions
• Maximum of two tables with notes

Additional Sections:

• Acknowledgments
• Conflict of Interest Statement
• Funding information
• Ethical approval details
• Consent statements

References:

• List of cited sources

This standardized format allows readers to quickly grasp the study's objectives, methods, findings, and conclusions without reading the entire paper. The inclusion of key sections, such as the abstract, figures, tables, and references, facilitates efficient communication of the research within the scientific community.

Word count:

Please refer here and consider our word count standards.