Guide for Authors

 

Categories of Articles

The Ninevah University Journal of Medical Sciences (NUJMS) accepts a wide range of manuscript types. Each category has specific requirements for structure, length, references, and formatting. Authors must ensure their submissions comply with these guidelines.

Original Articles

Original articles present primary research, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, cross-sectional studies, epidemiological research, intervention and observational studies, surveys, cost-effectiveness and decision analyses, as well as screening and diagnostic studies.

Manuscripts must clearly state an objective or hypothesis; describe the study design and methods (including setting, dates, participant criteria with inclusion/exclusion details, response rates, and data sources with selection criteria); outline key interventions; specify primary outcome measures and main findings; and provide a discussion that contextualizes results within existing literature, addressing limitations and concluding with key insights.

Research data must be original, up-to-date, and relevant. A structured abstract is required. For detailed abstract requirements, refer to the NUJMS Author Guidelines.

Word limit: Maximum of 5,000 words (excluding abstract, tables, figures, and references). A maximum of eight tables and/or figures and 60 references is permitted.

 

Editorials

Editorials are concise, opinion-based articles written by members of the editorial board, subject-matter experts, or invited guest contributors. They address significant issues in medical sciences, providing expert insights, interpretations, and perspectives on specific topics, supported by credible references.

All referenced articles must be thoroughly researched and critically analyzed, with a clearly documented search methodology. Editorials should be as recent as possible to ensure relevance and accuracy.

Word limit: Maximum 1,000 words and up to 20 references.

 

Review Articles

Review articles provide a comprehensive, systematic analysis of a specific topic, offering a critical evaluation of relevant literature. The review should be structured around key aspects such as etiology, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention.

The manuscript must detail the search methodology, selection criteria, and analytical approach. Each cited study should specify research design, population characteristics, selection process, type of exposure or intervention, and measured outcomes. A transparent, well-documented search strategy is essential, and reviews should be as current as possible.

Word limit: Maximum 4,000 words (excluding abstract, tables, figures, and references), with no more than 75 references.

 

Case Reports

Case reports should follow the CARE Guidelines and be organized into: Abstract, Introduction, Case Report, Discussion, Conclusion, Acknowledgments, and References.

Reports must describe unusual, interesting, or challenging clinical cases.

Word limit: Maximum 2,000 words (including abstract, figures, and references), up to 5 tables/figures, and 20 references.

 

Letters to the Editor

Letters provide concise, targeted commentary on previously published NUJMS articles or current hot topics in medical sciences. They may offer critical analysis, additional insights, or alternative perspectives, supported by relevant data and references.

Letters must be professional, fact-based, and free from unsupported personal opinion.

Word limit: Maximum 500 words and up to 10 references (including at least one reference to a recent NUJMS article).

 

Manuscript Submission and Peer Review Process

Upon submission, authors will receive an email confirming receipt of their manuscript. The corresponding author can track its progress via the NUJMS Editorial Manager system.

All submissions undergo an initial editorial review to check adherence to author guidelines and assess:

  • Originality and timeliness
  • Clarity of writing
  • Appropriateness of study methods
  • Validity of data
  • Reasonableness of results and conclusions
  • Relevance to NUJMS scope

Manuscripts that meet these criteria proceed to double-blind peer review by at least two independent experts. Both authors and reviewers remain anonymous. Reviewers evaluate scientific merit, originality, research integrity, and quality, and recommend acceptance, minor revision, major revision, or rejection.

The Editor-in-Chief makes the final decision based on reviewer feedback and compliance with NUJMS requirements. All reviews are confidential, and reviewers/editors must declare any conflicts of interest. Authors are promptly notified of the decision and receive a galley proof for final approval before publication.

 

Preparation of Manuscripts

General Formatting Requirements

  • Language: English, with correct grammar and terminology.
  • Font: Times New Roman, size 12, single-column format.
  • Paper: A4, typed area 15 cm × 24 cm.
  • File type: MS Word (.doc or .docx).
  • Include a Title Page with the title, all authors’ names, and affiliations.

Language Standard
All NUJMS publications are in English. Authors whose first language is not English must ensure their manuscript is written in fluent, idiomatic English before submission. NUJMS may offer language-editing services upon request (at the author’s expense).

New Submissions
Submit manuscripts via the NUJMS Editorial Manager system. The main file must be in MS Word format, with figures and tables included in the document.

Revised Submissions
Revised manuscripts must follow NUJMS formatting and be submitted in MS Word (.doc or .docx). Keep the layout simple, use spell-check and grammar-check, and ensure author details are included.

Submission Declaration
By submitting, authors confirm that:

  • The manuscript presents original, valid research.
  • It has not been published or submitted elsewhere in the same form.
  • All authors approve the submission and agree the corresponding author will manage communication with NUJMS.

Manuscript Structure by Type