Before You Submit

Arthritis research often involves complex clinical data and patient sensitive information. Submissions that meet the requirements below move through editorial screening faster and reach peer review without delay. A concise cover letter and clear file naming help us move faster.

Manuscript Types

We accept original research, clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta analyses, case reports, short communications, and editorials that advance arthritis science and care. All article types receive the same expert editorial review, with the final decision based on scientific rigor and clinical relevance.

Manuscript Structure

Present your work in a clear, logical sequence that allows reviewers to assess methodology and outcomes efficiently. Manuscripts should use consistent terminology, define abbreviations on first use, and include all required statements.

Cover Letter and Authorship

Include a brief cover letter that explains the novelty of the work and why it fits the journal scope. Identify whether the study reports a clinical trial, a systematic review, or a methodological advance so editors can assign the appropriate reviewers. Authorship should reflect substantial contributions to study design, data analysis, or manuscript development. All authors must approve the final version and agree to be accountable for the work. Changes to authorship after submission require written approval from all listed authors.

Originality and Similarity Screening

Submissions must be original and not under consideration elsewhere. The journal uses similarity checks to screen for overlap, duplicate publication, or inappropriate text reuse. When reusing previously published figures or data, include clear permissions and citation to the original source. Preprint posting is acceptable, but it must be disclosed at submission.

References and Citation Style

Provide complete references that allow readers to locate sources quickly. Use a consistent citation format and verify DOI information where available. Citations should support key clinical claims, statistical outcomes, and discussion points. Avoid excessive self citation and prioritize primary research or authoritative clinical guidelines when possible.

Units, Abbreviations, and Nomenclature

Use standard scientific units and define abbreviations at first mention. Disease classifications and drug names should follow accepted clinical nomenclature. Consistency in terminology improves clarity for international readers and accelerates peer review.

Figures, Tables, and Supplementary Files

High quality visuals improve clarity and clinical impact. Submit figures at high resolution with concise legends that explain abbreviations and statistical tests. Tables should be editable and avoid excessive formatting. Supplementary files can include extended methods, datasets, or additional figures that support reproducibility.

Ethics, Consent, and Reporting Standards

All studies involving human participants must include institutional review board approval and informed consent. For clinical trials, registration and adherence to CONSORT guidelines are expected. Observational studies should follow STROBE, and systematic reviews should follow PRISMA. Animal research should comply with institutional guidelines and relevant national standards. Any use of patient images or identifiable information requires explicit permission and documentation.

Authors must also disclose funding sources, conflicts of interest, and the role of sponsors in study design or data interpretation. Submissions that lack ethics documentation or contain incomplete disclosures will be returned before peer review.

Clinical Trial Registration and Patient Privacy

Clinical trials should be registered in a recognized public registry prior to enrollment when required by local regulations or funding policies. Include registration numbers in the abstract and methods. Patient privacy is essential for arthritis research, particularly when imaging or longitudinal data are involved. Remove direct identifiers and confirm that datasets are properly anonymized before sharing or repository deposition.

Data Availability and Reproducibility

We encourage authors to make data accessible through trusted repositories when possible. A clear data availability statement should explain where data can be accessed, any restrictions for sensitive information, and how requests will be handled. Sharing code, protocols, and analytic methods improves reproducibility and strengthens the scientific record.

Language and Presentation Quality

Manuscripts must be written in clear academic English. Authors who need support may use professional language editing prior to submission. Language editing improves clarity but does not influence editorial decisions. For details, visit our language editing service page or contact the editorial office.

Submission Steps

Submissions follow a structured workflow to ensure rigorous review and consistent communication. Provide complete files and statements to keep the process on schedule.

Revision and Resubmission

If revisions are requested, provide a point by point response that addresses every reviewer comment. Highlight changes in the manuscript and explain any requested changes that were not implemented. Clear responses reduce additional review cycles and speed final decisions. Major revisions may be returned to reviewers, while minor revisions are handled by editors for faster turnaround.

After Acceptance

Once accepted, manuscripts move to production for copyediting, layout, and DOI registration. Authors will receive proofs for review and must respond promptly to avoid publication delays. The Article Processing Charge is invoiced only after acceptance and supports peer review, production, and open access distribution.

Licensing and Rights

Articles publish under a Creative Commons license that allows sharing and reuse with proper attribution. Authors retain copyright while granting the journal permission to publish and distribute the work. If your manuscript includes third party content, secure written permission before submission and clearly identify the source within the figure or table legend. Use clear attribution and include any required funder license statements.

Appeals, Corrections, and Post Publication Updates

Authors may appeal editorial decisions by providing a clear, evidence based rationale. Appeals are reviewed by senior editors and may involve additional peer review. If errors are identified after publication, we issue corrections or updates to protect the integrity of the scientific record. Retractions are reserved for serious issues such as misconduct, unreliable data, or ethical violations.

Submission Options

Choose the route that fits your workflow. Manuscriptzone supports full tracking and communication, while the simple submission form provides a fast path for initial editorial review.

Frequently Asked Questions