1. Human Research

For studies involving human participants, authors must:

• Identify the approving ethics committee or institutional review board (IRB) in the Materials and Methods section, including the committee’s name and approval identifiers (e.g., reference numbers).

• Provide proof of ethics approval (or written approval from the committee if identifiers are not available) as a confidential supplementary file upon submission.

• Include a statement confirming that the research adhered to the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki and/or relevant institutional, national, and international guidelines and regulations.

• State that informed consent was obtained from all participants, specifying whether consent was written or oral.

• For minors, obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian.

• Inform participants of the purpose of publication, potential risks and benefits, and their right to refuse or withdraw consent at any time.

• Clearly declare any restrictions on the availability or use of human data.

Patient Anonymity and Privacy

• Authors must protect the privacy and confidentiality of participants.

• Identifying information (e.g., name, initials, date of birth, contact details, medical record or hospital numbers, geographical location) must not be published unless scientifically essential and explicit written consent is obtained.

• Images containing identifiable features (e.g., facial photographs) require patient review and written consent prior to publication.

• If the participant is deceased, consent must be obtained from the next of kin or legal representative.

• Consent forms must include all essential elements as in the journal’s sample form.

All submissions will be checked for adequate documentation of patient consent and removal/masking of identifiable information.

2. Animal Research

For studies involving regulated animals (all live vertebrates and higher invertebrates), authors must:

• Identify the approving animal ethics committee in the Materials and Methods section, including the committee’s name and approval identifiers.

• Provide proof of ethics approval or written confirmation if identifiers are not available.

• For non-regulated animals, include a statement explaining why ethical approval was not required.

• Follow the ARRIVE guidelines for reporting animal research.

• Provide details on species, strain, sex, age, weight, housing, husbandry, and welfare measures, including steps taken to minimize pain and distress.

• For research involving non-human primates, comply with the Weatherall Report recommendations.

3. Use of Cell Lines

To ensure reproducibility, authors must:

• Specify all cell lines used, including their source/origin.

• Provide information on authentication and mycoplasma testing.

• For de novo human cell lines derived from tissue, obtain ethics committee approval and include committee name and approval identifiers in the Materials and Methods section.

• Submit proof of ethics approval or written confirmation if identifiers are not available.

• Confirm that informed consent for tissue donation was obtained from the donor or next of kin.