Pasteur Institute of Iran

  Instructions to Authors

Submission Process                                           
Manuscripts should be submitted through the online submission system:

http://jommid.pasteur.ac.ir/index.php?&slct_pg_id=10&sid=1&slc_lang=en

In the event of any difficulties submitting the manuscript through the website, the journal is prepared to accept submissions via email at jommidgmail.com.  

ORCID IDs are mandatory for all authors.

                              

Ethical Considerations and Publication Ethics Policy
JoMMID is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct in research and publication. We adhere to the guidelines and recommendations of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) and the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
Studies Involving Human Participants:

• Ethical Approval: All studies involving human participants must have received ethical approval from an appropriate institutional review board (IRB) or ethics committee before the start of the study. A statement confirming ethical approval, including the name of the IRB/ethics committee and approval number, must be included in the Materials and Methods section.
• Declaration of Helsinki: Studies involving human participants must adhere to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki (http://www.wma.net/en/30publications/10policies/b3/index.html).
• Informed Consent: Written informed consent must be obtained from all adult participants and from the parents or legal guardians of minors before their involvement in the study. Participants must be fully informed about the study's aims, procedures, potential benefits, and any possible risks or side effects associated with the interventions or drugs involved. The Materials and Methods section must include a statement confirming that informed consent was obtained. JoMMID reserves the right to request documentation of informed consent and ethical approval at any stage of the editorial process.

Studies Involving Animals:

• Ethical Approval: All studies involving animals must have received ethical approval from an appropriate institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC) or equivalent body. A statement confirming ethical approval, including the name of the IACUC and approval number, must be included in the Materials and Methods section.
• Animal Welfare Guidelines: Studies involving animals must adhere to relevant national and international guidelines for animal welfare. Authors should specify the guidelines followed (e.g., name of the guidelines and relevant institutional policies).

Publication Ethics:

• Authorship: All authors listed on a manuscript must meet the ICMJE criteria for authorship (http://www.icmje.org/recommendations/browse/roles-and-responsibilities/defining-the-role-of-authors-and-contributors.html).
• Conflicts of Interest: Authors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence their research or the interpretation of their findings. See the "Conflicts of Interest" section for more details.
• Plagiarism and Data Fabrication: JoMMID has a zero-tolerance policy for plagiarism and data fabrication. All manuscripts are screened for plagiarism using specialized software. Suspected cases of misconduct will be investigated according to COPE guidelines.
• Exclusive Submission Requirement: Manuscripts submitted to the Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (JoMMID) must not be under consideration for publication elsewhere, nor can they be submitted to another journal until the final outcome of the review process has been determined by JoMMID. Any author found to have submitted the same manuscript to another journal concurrently with JoMMID will be considered to have committed a violation of publication ethics. Such actions will be treated seriously and may result in the following consequences:
  • The manuscript will be immediately rejected from consideration for publication in JoMMID.
  • The author will be banned from submitting future manuscripts to JoMMID.
  • The author's funding body and/or institution will be notified of the violation.
  • The author may face further disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by the journal's editorial board.

Reporting Suspected Misconduct:
Any concerns about potential ethical breaches or research misconduct should be reported to the JoMMID editorial office at jommidgmail.com.
                                                        
Copyright
JoMMID is committed to protecting the intellectual property rights of authors and other copyright holders.
Author Responsibilities:

• Obtaining Permissions: Authors are responsible for obtaining permission to reproduce any copyrighted material included in their manuscript, including but not limited to figures, tables, text excerpts, and multimedia content. This applies to material published previously by the authors themselves or by others.
• Written Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the copyright holder for each instance of copyrighted material used. Permission requests should clearly identify the material to be reproduced, the source publication, and the intended use in the manuscript.
• Submitting Permissions: Authors must submit copies of all granted permissions with their manuscript submission.

Copyright Transfer: Upon acceptance of a manuscript for publication, authors will be asked to sign a Copyright Transfer Agreement (CTA) that grants JoMMID the exclusive right to publish and distribute the article in all formats (print and electronic). The CTA also grants JoMMID the right to grant permission for others to reuse the article, subject to appropriate attribution and licensing terms.
Licensing Options: JoMMID offers authors the option to publish their work under a Creative Commons license (CC BY-NC-ND). This allows authors to retain certain rights to their work while granting JoMMID the right to publish and distribute it.
For further information about JoMMID's copyright and licensing policies, please contact the editorial office at jommidgmail.com.

Cover letter
A cover letter is mandatory for all manuscript submissions. The cover letter should include:

• A brief statement outlining the significance and novelty of the research.
• A declaration that the manuscript has not been published previously and is not currently under consideration by another journal.
• Disclosure of any related papers from the same study that have been published or submitted elsewhere, including citations and brief explanations of the relationship between the manuscripts.
• All authors hereby confirm that they have thoroughly reviewed the manuscript, agree with its content, and consent to its publication, assuming full responsibility for the accuracy, integrity, and ethical compliance of the work presented
• Suggested potential reviewers (optional).

Manuscript Preparation                        
Manuscripts should be prepared in accordance with "Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals" developed by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), commonly known as the ICMJE Recommendations.
                                          
Language, style and formatting
Language: Manuscripts must be written in clear and concise English (American spelling only). Use the past tense when describing the results of your study and the present tense when referring to previously established and generally accepted findings. Ensure your manuscript is grammatically correct and free of spelling and punctuation errors. Authors who are not native English speakers are strongly encouraged to have their manuscript professionally edited for language and clarity before submission.  
Typing: Use Times New Roman, 12-point font for the entire manuscript, including the references. Please ensure that the entire manuscript is formatted with double spacing, where each line of text is separated by a full blank line, equivalent to the height of a line of text. To implement consecutive page numbering, use the automatic page numbering function to place the page numbers at the bottom center of each page, starting with the title page. Use continuous line numbering for all pages. Use tab stops, not the space bar, to create indents. Create tables using the table function in your word processor, not spreadsheets. Use the equation editor to create equations. Save your manuscript as a .doc or .docx file (Word 2007 or higher). Avoid using Word's field functions, such as automatic page numbering through field codes, date inserts, or other dynamic elements, in your manuscript. Instead, use the built-in formatting tools and automatic page numbering function available in the 'Insert' tab.
Italicize all scientific names of organisms (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa), genes (e.g., recA), mutations (e.g., ΔrecA), genotypes (e.g., recA⁺), and alleles (e.g., recA1). Write the full binomial name of a species at its first mention (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and abbreviate the genus name in subsequent mentions (e.g., P. aeruginosa). Use the International System of Units (SI) throughout the manuscript.    

Authorship
JoMMID adheres to the criteria for authorship defined by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). Authorship is based on the following four criteria:

• Substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work; or the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data for the work; AND
•  Drafting the work or revising it critically for important intellectual content; AND
•  Final approval of the version to be published; AND
•  Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

All authors must meet all four criteria for authorship. Individuals who contributed to the work but do not meet all four criteria should be acknowledged in the Acknowledgments section.  
                                                                                       
Proofreading and Publication        
Galley proofs will be sent to the corresponding author for proofreading. Authors are responsible for carefully reviewing the proofs for typographical errors, minor factual inaccuracies, and formatting issues. Major changes to the content or structure of the manuscript are not permitted at this stage. Authors are required to return the corrected proofs to the editorial office within 3 days of receipt. Failure to submit the proofs within this specified timeframe may lead to publication delays or the manuscript being published in its current form.

Article Types
- Original Article:
Original Articles should present novel, primary research findings. These articles should provide a comprehensive and detailed description of the research conducted, including a clear rationale, robust methodology, and thorough analysis of the results. The main text of an Original Article should not exceed 6000 words, excluding tables, figures, and references.
- Short Report:
Short Reports are concise reports of original research findings that are of immediate interest to the readership. They should follow the same structure and formatting guidelines as Original Articles but be presented in a more condensed format. The main text of a Short Communication should not exceed 2500 words, excluding tables, figures, and references.                                                
- Letter to the Editor:                      
Letters to the Editor provide a forum for brief reports of preliminary findings, observations, or opinions that are of immediate interest to the readership but may not warrant a full Original Article or Short Communication. Letters may also address issues raised in previously published articles or comment on matters of general interest to the field of medical microbiology and infectious diseases. Letters to the Editor should adhere to the following guidelines:
- The main text should not exceed 500 words, excluding the figure/table and references.
- No abstract is required.
- Only one figure or table is allowed.
- Author names and affiliations should be listed at the end of the letter, before the references.
- The number of authors should not exceed five.
Note: The word limit does not include the figure/table or references.
- Case Report:
Case Reports describe unique or unusual clinical cases that contribute to medical knowledge and have educational value for clinicians and researchers. They may present rare or unreported diseases, novel diagnostic or therapeutic approaches, unexpected treatment outcomes, or unusual side effects of medications or interventions. Case Reports should highlight the clinical relevance of the case and its potential implications for clinical practice or diagnostic approaches.
Case Reports should adhere to the following guidelines:

• The main text should not exceed 1200 words, excluding the figure/table and references.
• A maximum of two figures or tables are allowed.
• A maximum of 10 references are allowed.
• Case Reports are typically presented as a narrative without subheadings. However, authors are encouraged to use clear and concise language to describe the case presentation, investigations, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome.

Note: Case Reports should focus on the clinical aspects of the case and avoid extensive discussion of the underlying pathophysiology or molecular mechanisms unless directly relevant to the clinical presentation or management.
- Commentary:
Commentaries provide a platform for expert opinions, interpretations, and perspectives on topics of current interest in medical microbiology and infectious diseases. They may discuss recent research findings, emerging trends, controversial issues, or clinical challenges. Commentaries should be thought-provoking, insightful, and evidence-based, offering a critical analysis of the chosen topic and potentially suggesting future directions for research or clinical practice.
Commentaries should adhere to the following guidelines:

• The main text should be approximately 1000 words, excluding references.
• Commentaries typically follow a less structured format than Original Articles, but they should still include a clear introduction, a well-supported argument, and a concise conclusion.
• Use references judiciously to support the arguments presented.

Note: Commentaries should be focused and avoid simply summarizing existing literature. They should offer a unique perspective or interpretation of the chosen topic and stimulate further discussion and debate within the field.
  - Review Article (Narrative or Traditional Review, Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, Critically Appraised Topic (CAT), Integrative Review, Rapid Review, Scoping Review, Umbrella Review):
· Narrative or Traditional Review: A general survey of literature on a topic, presented in a narrative format.
· Systematic Review: A comprehensive and systematic approach to collecting, evaluating, and synthesizing evidence on a specific research question.
· Meta-analysis: A quantitative statistical analysis of several separate but similar experiments or studies to test the pooled data for statistical significance.
· Critically Appraised Topic (CAT): A short summary of evidence on a topic, usually focused around a clinical question, and less rigorous than a systematic review.
· Integrative Review: A review that uses a systematic approach to find relevant evidence from various types of studies to answer a targeted clinical question.
· Rapid Review: An accelerated version of a systematic review, conducted within pre-specified limits to quickly analyze newly published data.
· Scoping Review: An exploratory review designed to chart the literature around a particular topic, often to identify gaps and organize the existing evidence.
· Umbrella Review: A review of multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses on a specific research topic, synthesizing the results across important outcomes.
Review Articles provide a comprehensive and critical overview of a specific topic within the field of medical microbiology and infectious diseases. They synthesize and analyze existing literature, identify key findings and controversies, and highlight areas for future research. Review Articles should be authoritative, well-structured, and accessible to a broad readership.
Review Articles should adhere to the following guidelines:

• Authors of Review Articles are expected to have demonstrated expertise in the topic under review, typically evidenced by authorship of at least three publications on the subject.
• The main text should not exceed 8000 words, excluding the figure/table and references.
• The main text should be divided into sections with informative subheadings. The review should conclude with a concise summary of the key findings and their implications.
• Use references comprehensively to support the information presented and provide a thorough overview of the relevant literature.

Note: Review Articles should go beyond simply summarizing existing literature. They should offer a critical analysis of the field, identify knowledge gaps, and propose future research directions. Authors are encouraged to consult with the editorial office before submitting a Review Article to ensure its suitability for the journal.

Preprint Policy
JoMMID welcomes the submission of manuscripts that have been previously posted as preprints on recognized preprint servers.
We recognize the value of preprints in accelerating the dissemination of research findings and encouraging early feedback from the scientific community. Authors who have posted their work as a preprint are encouraged to indicate this during the submission process and provide the preprint DOI or URL.
Conditions for Preprint Submissions:

• The preprint must be posted on a recognized preprint server that meets the criteria outlined by ASAPbio (https://asapbio.org/preprint-providers).
• The preprint should not have undergone formal peer review or been published in a journal or other peer-reviewed publication.
• Authors must retain the right to submit their manuscript to JoMMID, as outlined in the preprint server's terms and conditions.
• Authors should acknowledge the preprint version of the manuscript in the cover letter and manuscript itself (e.g., "This manuscript has been previously posted as a preprint on [preprint server name] [DOI/URL]").

Peer Review and Editorial Evaluation: Preprint submissions will undergo the same rigorous peer review process as other submissions to JoMMID. Reviewers will be aware that the manuscript has been previously shared as a preprint and may consider this information during their evaluation.
Copyright and Licensing: Authors retain copyright of their preprint and can choose a Creative Commons license that allows for preprint sharing. Upon acceptance for publication in JoMMID, authors will be asked to sign a copyright transfer agreement that grants JoMMID the exclusive right to publish and distribute the final version of the article.

General Arrangement of Papers
 Title Page:
Title: The manuscript title should be concise, informative, and engaging, clearly reflecting the study's content. Avoid using abbreviations and jargon to ensure the title is accessible and accurate.
Authors' names and affiliations: Provide the full names (first and last) and affiliations of all authors. List authors in the order of their contribution to the work. For each author, include the department, institution, city, state/province (if applicable), and country. Indicate author affiliations with superscript numerals corresponding to their order in the author list.
Corresponding Author: Clearly identify the corresponding author with an asterisk (*) after their name. Provide the corresponding author's full name, complete postal address, telephone number, and email address.
Running Title: A concise running title (short title) of no more than 70 characters (including spaces) is required. The running title should be a shortened version of the main title and accurately reflect the article's content.
                                                                                                                                             
Abstract Page
Title: Repeat the full article title at the top of the abstract page.
Abstract Text: The abstract should be a concise and accurate summary of the manuscript, able to stand alone as a complete and informative representation of the research. It should be structured with the following sections:

• Introduction: Briefly state the context and purpose of the study.
• Methods: Describe the key methods employed in the research.
• Results: Summarize the main findings of the study.
• Conclusions: State the major conclusions and implications of the research.

Write the abstract in the past tense and limit it to 250-350 words. Avoid citing references and using abbreviations within the abstract.
Keywords: Provide 3 to 6 relevant keywords that accurately reflect the content of the manuscript. It is recommended to select keywords from the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh) whenever possible.

INTRODUCTION
The Introduction should provide a concise and engaging overview of the research topic. It should clearly state the background of the study, highlighting the knowledge gap or unanswered question that the research addresses. Briefly review the relevant literature, focusing on key findings and controversies, and demonstrating the need for the current study. Conclude the Introduction with a clear statement of the study's objectives or hypotheses. 

MATERIAL AND METHODS
This section should provide a detailed and accurate description of the materials and methods used in the study. Ensure that sufficient detail is included to allow other researchers to replicate the work.  
Materials: Provide the precise names and sources (including manufacturer, city, and country) of all reagents, chemicals, and biological materials used. For organisms, specify the strain, source, and any relevant identifying characteristics. If specific equipment or software was crucial for obtaining the results, provide the manufacturer, model name, and relevant settings.
Methods: Describe the experimental procedures in a logical and chronological order. Include details of sample collection, processing, and storage, as well as any statistical analyses performed. If established methods were used, cite the original source and provide only brief modifications, if any. For novel methods, provide sufficient detail for others to understand and implement them.
Ethical Considerations: If the study involved human participants, animals, or any potentially sensitive materials, state that ethical approval was obtained from the relevant institutional review board or ethics committee and provide the approval number. Adhere to all applicable guidelines for reporting ethical considerations in research.

RESULTS
This section should present the findings of the study in a clear, concise, and objective manner. Focus on the most important results and present them in a logical sequence, supporting the study's objectives or hypotheses.
Text: Describe the key findings of the study, highlighting significant trends and patterns. Refer to tables and figures to support your narrative, but avoid repeating the same data in multiple formats. Provide statistical analyses where appropriate, including effect sizes and confidence intervals.
Tables and Figures: Use tables and figures to present data effectively and visually. Each table and figure should be numbered consecutively and have a clear and informative title and legend. Ensure that tables and figures are self-explanatory and can be understood without referring to the main text. Tables and figures must be cited within the text using their accurate corresponding numbers. For example, refer to them as "Table 3" or "Figure 2" when mentioning them in the text. Avoid referencing them by their position relative to the text (e.g., "the figure below") or their page number (e.g., "the table on page 12"), as these will change during the typesetting process. If a table or figure is adapted or reproduced from a previously published source, authors must obtain the necessary permission from the copyright holder. This is particularly important in review articles where material from various sources may be included. When using previously published material, include a note below the table or figure acknowledging the source, starting with "From" or "Adapted from" followed by the title, author, year, publisher, and any relevant copyright information. For example:
"Note. From [or Adapted from] 'Title of Article,' by First Initial. Last Name, Year, Journal Title, Volume (Issue), page number (DOI or URL). Copyright Year by Name of Copyright Holder. Reprinted with permission."

DISCUSSION
The Discussion section should provide a thoughtful and insightful interpretation of the study's findings, placing them within the context of existing knowledge. Avoid simply restating the results. Instead, focus on:
Interpreting the findings: Discuss the meaning and implications of the results, addressing the study's objectives or hypotheses. Compare your findings with those of previous studies, highlighting similarities, differences, and potential explanations for discrepancies.
Relating findings to broader context: Discuss how the findings contribute to the broader understanding of the research topic. Consider the clinical, public health, or scientific implications of the results.
Addressing study limitations: Acknowledge any limitations of the study design, methods, or data analysis that may affect the interpretation of the findings. Discuss the potential impact of these limitations and suggest ways to address them in future research.
Concluding remarks: Summarize the key findings and their significance. Offer a concise and impactful conclusion that highlights the main contributions of the study and suggests directions for future research.
CONCLUSION
The Conclusion should provide a concise and impactful summary of the main findings of the study and their significance. It should clearly state the conclusions drawn from the present research, rather than summarizing the results of other studies. Briefly reiterate the key implications of the findings and their potential impact on the field. Avoid introducing new information or data in the Conclusion.

Abbreviations
Avoid using abbreviations in the title and abstract.
In the text: If abbreviations are necessary, define them at their first mention in the text and use the abbreviation consistently thereafter. Use standard abbreviations where applicable.
In figures and tables: Abbreviations can be used in figures and tables to save space. Define all abbreviations used in the figure legend or a footnote to the table. Ensure that the abbreviations are clear and understandable to the reader.
List of Abbreviations (optional): For manuscripts with a large number of abbreviations, consider including a List of Abbreviations at the end of the manuscript, before the References section. This can improve readability and aid comprehension.

Supplementary Materials
JoMMID welcomes the submission of supplementary materials that enhance the understanding and impact of the research. Supplementary materials can include, but are not limited to:

• Detailed methods: Expanded descriptions of experimental procedures, protocols, or algorithms.
• Datasets: Raw data, large tables, or code used for analysis.
• Figures and tables: Additional figures or tables that support the main findings but are not essential for inclusion in the main manuscript.
• Multimedia files: Videos, audio recordings, or interactive presentations.

Submission of Supplementary Materials:               

• Format: Submit supplementary materials as separate files, clearly labeled with descriptive file names (e.g., "Supplementary Table 1", "Supplementary Figure 1", "Supplementary Video 1").
• Referencing: Refer to supplementary materials in the main manuscript at appropriate points (e.g., "See Supplementary Table 1 for detailed demographic data").
• Peer review: Supplementary materials will be reviewed alongside the main manuscript and may be subject to revision.
• Online availability: Accepted supplementary materials will be published online alongside the main article and will be freely accessible to readers.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Author Disclosure: Authors are responsible for disclosing all potential conflicts of interest that could influence their research or the interpretation of their findings. This includes financial, personal, professional, and intellectual relationships that might be perceived as a potential bias. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Funding sources for the research
• Employment or consultancy relationships
• Patents or intellectual property rights
• Membership on advisory boards or committees
• Personal relationships with individuals or organizations involved in the research

Disclosure Process: Authors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest at the time of manuscript submission. A structured disclosure statement will be provided during the submission process. If no conflicts exist, authors should explicitly state "The authors declare no conflicts of interest."
Reviewer Disclosure: External peer reviewers are also expected to disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could bias their evaluation of the manuscript. Reviewers should inform the editor of any such conflicts and recuse themselves from reviewing a manuscript if they believe a conflict exists.

Authors’ Contributions
Transparency regarding individual contributions to research is crucial for ensuring accountability and recognizing the efforts of all involved. JoMMID requires a detailed description of each author's contribution to the manuscript.
Format:
Please use the Contributor Roles Taxonomy (CRediT) to describe each author's specific contributions. CRediT provides a standardized framework for classifying author contributions across 14 different roles:

• Conceptualization
• Data curation
• Formal analysis
• Funding acquisition
• Investigation
• Methodology
• Project administration
• Resources
• Software
• Supervision
• Validation
• Visualization
• Writing – original draft
• Writing – review & editing

Example: "AB: Conceptualization, Methodology, Investigation, Writing – original draft. CD: Data curation, Formal analysis, Visualization. EF: Writing – review & editing, Supervision. GH: Funding acquisition, Resources. All authors read and approved the final manuscript."
Note:

• All authors must meet the criteria for authorship as defined by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE).
• Ensure that the listed contributions accurately reflect the involvement of each author in the research and manuscript preparation.
• If an individual made significant contributions but does not meet the criteria for authorship, they should be acknowledged in the Acknowledgments section.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The Acknowledgments section provides an opportunity to recognize individuals or organizations that contributed to the research but do not meet the criteria for authorship. It is also the place to acknowledge funding sources and other forms of support.
Who to Acknowledge:

• Individuals: Include individuals who provided technical assistance, data collection, or other support that facilitated the research but did not contribute substantially to the intellectual content of the manuscript.
• Organizations: Acknowledge institutions, funding agencies, or other organizations that provided financial or material support for the research.

Funding Sources:

• Specific Funding: Clearly state the source of funding for the research, including grant numbers or contract details.
• No Specific Funding: If no specific funding was received for the research, please state "This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors."

Role of Study Sponsor (if applicable): If the research was sponsored by a commercial or other organization, describe the sponsor's role in:

• Study design
• Data collection, analysis, and interpretation
• Manuscript writing
• Decision to submit the manuscript for publication

If the sponsor had no involvement in these aspects of the research, please state this explicitly.
Example:
"The authors thank Jane Doe for her assistance with data collection and John Smith for his technical support. This research was supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH grant number R01 AI123456). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript."

REFERENCES
Citation Style: JoMMID follows the Vancouver referencing style, which uses numbered citations in the text and a corresponding numbered list of references at the end of the manuscript.
In-text citations:

• Number references sequentially in the order they appear in the text.
• Enclose citation numbers in square brackets, e.g., [1], [2-5].
• Place citation numbers immediately after the relevant text, before any punctuation marks.

Reference List:

• Completeness: Include all authors' names, article title, journal name, year of publication, volume/issue number, and page numbers.
• Accuracy: Ensure that all information in the reference list is accurate and complete.

Reference Management Software: Authors are encouraged to use a reference management software such as EndNote, Mendeley, or Zotero to manage and format their references.
For EndNote users: Please use the "Vancouver" output style, which can be downloaded from the EndNote website.
Uncitable Sources: Avoid citing personal communications, unpublished data, manuscripts in preparation, letters, company publications, and pending patents. If it is necessary to refer to such sources, mention them within the text in parentheses, e.g., "(unpublished data)", "(personal communication)". Do not include them in the reference list.

 Samples of Formatted References
1. Standard journal article
Format:
Author 1 Last Name First Initial, Author 2 Last Name First Initial, Author 3 Last Name First Initial, etc. Article title. Journal Abbreviation. Year; Volume (Issue): Page numbers.
Examples:
Less than 7 authors:

1. Halpern SD, Ubel PA, Caplan AL. Solid-organ transplantation in HIV-infected patients. N Engl J Med. 2002; 347 (4): 284-7.

7 or more authors:           
Rose ME, Huerbin MB, Melick J, Marion DW, Palmer AM, Schiding JK, et al. Regulation of interstitial excitatory amino acid concentrations after cortical contusion injury. Brain Res. 2002; 935 (1-2): 40-6.

2. Organization as Author
Format:
Organization Name. Title of article. Journal Abbreviation. Year; Volume (Issue): Page numbers.
Example:
Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group. Hypertension, insulin, and proinsulin in participants with impaired glucose tolerance. Hypertension. 2002; 40 (5): 679-86.

3. Article not in English
Format:
Author 1 Last Name First Initial, Author 2 Last Name First Initial, etc. Article title. Journal Abbreviation. Year;Volume(Issue):Page numbers. Language.
Example:
Ellingsen AE, Wilhelmsen I. Sykdomsangst blant medisin-og jusstudenter. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2002; 122 (8): 785-7.

4. Book with Personal Author(s)
Format:
Author 1 Last Name First Initial, Author 2 Last Name First Initial, etc. Title of Book. Edition number. City, State: Publisher; Year.
Example:
Murray PR, Rosenthal KS, Kobayashi GS, Pfaller MA. Medical Microbiology. 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby; 2002.

5. Book with Author(s) and Editor(s)
Format:
Chapter Author(s) Last Name First Initial(s). Chapter title. In: Editor(s) Last Name First Initial(s), editor(s). Book Title. Edition number. City, State: Publisher; Year. Page numbers of chapter. Example:
Breedlove GK, Schorfheide AM. Adolescent pregnancy. In: Wieczorek RR, editor. Adolescent Pregnancy. 2nd ed. White Plains (NY): March of Dimes Education Services; 2001. p. 23-48.

6. Chapter in a Book
Format:
Chapter Author(s) Last Name First Initial(s). Chapter title. In: Editor(s) Last Name First Initial(s), editor(s). Book Title. Edition number (if applicable). City, State: Publisher; Year. Page numbers of chapter.
Example:
Meltzer PS, Kallioniemi A, Trent JM. Chromosome alterations in human solid tumors. In: Vogelstein B, Kinzler KW, editors. The Genetic Basis of Human Cancer. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2002. p. 93-113.

7. Conference Proceedings
Format:
Editor(s) Last Name First Initial(s), editor(s). Title of Conference Proceedings. Conference Name; Conference Date; Conference Location. City, State: Publisher; Year.
Example:
Harnden P, Joffe JK, Jones WG, editors. Germ Cell Tumours V. Proceedings of the 5th Germ Cell Tumour Conference; 2001 Sep 13-15; Leeds, UK. New York: Springer; 2002.

8. Conference Paper
Format:
Author(s) Last Name First Initial(s). Paper title. In: Editor(s) Last Name First Initial(s), editor(s). Conference Proceedings Title. Conference Name; Conference Date; Conference Location. City, State: Publisher; Year. Page numbers of paper.
Example:
Christensen S, Oppacher F. An analysis of Koza's computational effort statistic for genetic programming. In: Foster JA, Lutton E, Miller J, Ryan C, Tettamanzi AG, editors. Genetic Programming. EuroGP 2002: Proceedings of the 5th European Conference on Genetic Programming; 2002 Apr 3-5; Kinsdale, Ireland. Berlin: Springer; 2002. p. 182-91.

9. Journal Article on the Internet
Format:
Author(s) Last Name First Initial(s). Article title. Journal Abbreviation [Internet]. Year Month [cited Year Month Day]; Volume (Issue): Page numbers or Article Number. Available from: URL.
Example:
Abood S. Quality improvement initiative in nursing homes: the ANA acts in an advisory role. Am J Nurs [Internet]. 2002 Jun [cited 2002 Aug 12]; 102 (6): 42. Available from: http://www.nursingworld.org/AJN/2002/june/Wawatch.htm.
Note:

• If the journal article has a DOI, include it instead of the URL.
• If page numbers are not available, provide the article number or other identifying information.
• If a subscription is required to access the article, indicate this after the URL (e.g., "Subscription required").

10. Website
Format:
Website Name. Title of Homepage/Specific Webpage (if applicable). Place of Publication: Publisher; Copyright Year [cited Year Month Day]. Available from: URL.
Example:
Eatright.org. Eat Right. Chicago: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; c2016 [cited 2016 Dec 27]. Available from: https://www.eatright.org/.

Tables and Figures
General Guidelines:

• Numbering: Tables and figures should be numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.) in the order they are first mentioned in the text.
• Clarity and Relevance: Tables and figures should be clear, concise, and directly relevant to the content of the article. Avoid unnecessary duplication of information presented in the text.
• Quality: Figures should be of high quality and resolution, suitable for reproduction in print and online.

Tables:

• Format: Tables should be created using the table function in your word processing software. Avoid using tabs or spaces to format tables.
• Titles: Each table should have a brief and informative title placed above the table.
• Footnotes: Use footnotes to explain any abbreviations or symbols used in the table.

Figures:

• Image Formats: Submit figures in high-resolution formats such as JPEG, TIFF, or PNG. For radiographic films, scans, and other diagnostic images, as well as pictures of pathology specimens, ensure that the images are of sufficient quality for diagnostic interpretation.
• Color Images: Color figures are welcome and will be published free of charge if they enhance the understanding of the article.
• Figure Legends: Each figure should have a concise and informative legend placed below the figure. The legend should explain the content of the figure, including any symbols, abbreviations, or scales used. For photomicrographs, the legend should also specify the staining method used.

Post-Publication Corrections and Retractions

JoMMID is committed to maintaining the integrity of the scientific record and ensuring the accuracy of published information. We follow the guidelines and recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) for handling post-publication corrections and retractions.
Corrections: Errors or inaccuracies that do not affect the overall interpretation of the findings may be corrected through the publication of a Correction. Corrections will be clearly identified as such and linked to the original article. The Correction will include a description of the error and the corrected information.
Retractions: Retractions are reserved for cases where there are serious concerns about the validity or integrity of a published article, such as:

• Significant errors: Errors that fundamentally affect the interpretation of the findings.
• Research misconduct: Evidence of plagiarism, data fabrication, or falsification.
• Ethical violations: Failure to obtain ethical approval or informed consent, or violation of animal welfare guidelines.
• Redundant publication: Publication of the same or substantially similar work in another journal without proper disclosure.

Retraction Process: Retractions will be initiated by the Editor-in-Chief, in consultation with the Associate Editors and, if necessary, external experts. The authors of the retracted article will be given the opportunity to respond to the concerns raised.
Retraction Notice: A Retraction Notice will be published prominently on the journal website and linked to the original article. The Retraction Notice will clearly state the reason for the retraction and identify the retracted article. The retracted article will remain accessible online, but will be marked as retracted and a watermark indicating "Retracted" will be added to the PDF.
Expressions of Concern: In cases where there are concerns about the integrity of a published article but insufficient evidence to warrant a retraction, the Editor-in-Chief may publish an Expression of Concern. This will alert readers to the potential issues and allow for further investigation.
Reporting Concerns: Any concerns about the accuracy or integrity of a published article should be reported to the JoMMID editorial office at jommidgmail.com. We will investigate all concerns thoroughly and take appropriate action in accordance with COPE guidelines.

Authorship Disputes

JoMMID recognizes that authorship disputes can arise during the research and publication process. We are committed to resolving such disputes fairly and efficiently, following the guidelines and recommendations of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) and the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
Preventing Authorship Disputes:

• Early Agreement: Authors are encouraged to discuss and agree on authorship criteria and the order of authors early in the research project, ideally before the start of data collection.
• Clear Contributions: Authors should document their individual contributions to the research and manuscript preparation throughout the project.
• Open Communication: Authors should maintain open communication and address any potential disagreements about authorship promptly and constructively.

Resolving Authorship Disputes:

• Initial Discussion: If an authorship dispute arises, the authors should attempt to resolve it through discussion and consensus.
• Mediation: If the authors are unable to resolve the dispute themselves, they may request mediation from the JoMMID editorial office. The Editor-in-Chief or a designated Associate Editor will act as a neutral mediator to facilitate communication and help the authors reach a mutually acceptable solution.
• Institutional Involvement: If mediation is unsuccessful, the JoMMID editorial office may involve the authors' institutions or relevant professional organizations in the dispute resolution process.
• Editorial Decision: In cases where a resolution cannot be reached through discussion, mediation, or institutional involvement, the Editor-in-Chief will make a final decision on authorship based on the available evidence and the ICMJE authorship criteria.

Post-Publication Disputes: If an authorship dispute arises after the publication of an article, the JoMMID editorial office will investigate the matter and take appropriate action, which may include publishing a correction or erratum to the article.
Reporting Authorship Disputes: Any concerns or disagreements about authorship should be reported to the JoMMID editorial office at jommidgmail.com. We will handle all authorship disputes confidentially and strive to reach a fair and equitable resolution.

Complaints and Appeals

JoMMID is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent editorial process for all authors. We recognize that authors may have concerns or complaints about various aspects of the journal's operations, including the peer review process, editorial decisions, or publication ethics.
Submitting a Complaint:
Authors who wish to file a complaint against JoMMID can do so by contacting the Editor-in-Chief at jommidgmail.com. The complaint should be submitted in writing and include the following information:

• Manuscript title and submission ID
• Specific details of the complaint, including dates, names of individuals involved, and supporting evidence (if available)
• Desired outcome or resolution

Complaint Handling Process:

• Acknowledgement: The Editor-in-Chief will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 7 days.
• Investigation: The Editor-in-Chief will investigate the complaint thoroughly and objectively, gathering relevant information and consulting with Associate Editors or other experts as needed.
• Response: The Editor-in-Chief will provide a written response to the complainant within 30 days, outlining the findings of the investigation and any actions taken or recommendations made.
• Appeal: If the complainant is not satisfied with the Editor-in-Chief's response, they may appeal the decision to the JoMMID Editorial Board. The Editorial Board will review the complaint and the Editor-in-Chief's response and make a final decision.

Confidentiality: All complaints will be treated confidentially. The identities of the complainant and any individuals involved in the complaint will not be disclosed to third parties without their consent, except as required by law or institutional policy.
JoMMID is committed to addressing all complaints fairly and transparently, striving to resolve issues effectively and maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in our editorial processes.
Privacy Statement
Data Collection and Use: JoMMID collects personal information from authors, reviewers, and editors, including names, email addresses, affiliations, and ORCID iDs, for the purposes of manuscript submission, peer review, editorial processing, and publication. This information is used solely for the administration and operation of the journal and will not be shared with any third parties for commercial or marketing purposes.
Data Security: JoMMID takes appropriate measures to protect the security and confidentiality of personal data collected through the journal website. We use industry-standard security protocols and technologies to prevent unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of information.
Data Retention: Personal data will be retained for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including the publication and archiving of articles. Authors may request the removal of their personal data from published articles after a reasonable period, subject to editorial policies and legal requirements.
Cookies: The JoMMID website may use cookies to enhance user experience and track website usage. Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer or device when you visit a website. You can control the use of cookies through your browser settings.
Third-Party Links: The JoMMID website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.
Changes to this Privacy Statement: JoMMID reserves the right to update this Privacy Statement at any time. Any changes will be posted on the journal website.
Contact: If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Statement, please contact the JoMMID editorial office at jommidgmail.com.

Peer Review Process:
JoMMID operates a double-blind peer review process, meaning that the identities of both authors and reviewers are kept confidential throughout the review process.
Initial Screening: Submitted manuscripts are initially evaluated by internal screeners who assess their compliance with the journal's instructions and scope. Upon successful initial screening, a unique submission code will be assigned to the manuscript. All future correspondence regarding the manuscript should reference this code.
External Peer Review: Manuscripts that pass the initial screening will be sent to a section editor or a member of the editorial board, who will make a decision on whether to proceed with the review process. If deemed suitable, the manuscript will then be forwarded to at least two external reviewers with expertise in the relevant field. These reviewers will be selected by the section editor or editorial board member and will be asked to provide objective and constructive feedback on the manuscript's scientific rigor, originality, clarity, and significance.
Author Response: Reviewers' comments will be shared with the authors, who are then given the opportunity to provide a point-by-point response to the reviewers' concerns and suggestions.
Editorial Decision: The manuscript will first be reviewed by at least two external referees who will provide their comments and recommendations. Following this, the relevant editor will evaluate the manuscript based on the referees' feedback and the authors' responses. If the editor recommends acceptance, the manuscript will then be forwarded to the Editor-in-Chief for final approval. The Editor-in-Chief, in consultation with the Associate Editors if necessary, will make the final decision on publication, which may include acceptance, rejection, or an invitation for revision.
Estimated Timelines:

• First decision (initial screening): 7 days
• Review process (external peer review and author response): 40 days
• Submission to acceptance (including potential revisions): 80 days