Author Guidelines

Guidelines for Authors

Iraqi Journal of Cancer and Medical Genetics

GENERAL INFORMATION

1-     All manuscripts submitted should be related to journal specialty, Cancer or medical Genetics only.

2-     All manuscripts must be submitted electronically through our website at “https://ijcmg.uomustansiriyah.edu.iq/" and click on Submit Manuscript menu and start submission.

3-     The IJCMG shall exclude from consideration any research that has received direct or indirect funding from tobacco firms or their affiliated entities. Any such work is likely to be rejected by the editorial board.

4-     Submit text files only in .DOC or .DOCX file formats ― other file formats are not accepted.

5-     Authors are obligated to submit through email or upload any documentation of permissions acquired for figures or tables, as well as any permissions necessary for patient consent, following to the receipt of the formal acceptance letter.

6-     Please be sure to check that you adhere to the journal guideline before submission.

7-      Please name the file with short title referring to them (for example main manuscript, title page).

8-     The journal requests certification for improving the English language after accepting the manuscript by reviewers.

9-     The manuscript is subject to the Turnitin plagiarism detection software before sending to reviewers.

• Accepted Manuscript Types

The IJCMG accepts the following manuscript types:

• Research Articles: original research. The text for research articles is limited to 6,000 words including the title page, abstract, text, references, figures, and tables.
• Review Articles: The article type should provide a comprehensive and relevant analysis of a particular subject. Review articles are often requested by the editors, although unsolicited submissions may also be taken into consideration. In order to submit a review article, authors are required to send an email to the Editor-in-Chief at [email protected], with the subject line labeled as "Request to send a review for IJCMG". In addition, the author is required to elucidate their intention and provide corroborating evidence of their expertise in the respective field. The individual's request will undergo an evaluation process, and they will thereafter receive notification of the outcome of the editorial assessment. They can then proceed accordingly based on this information.
• Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: A systematic review is a rigorous research method that aims to address a specific research topic by systematically gathering and analyzing all relevant empirical material that meets predetermined eligibility criteria. Meta-analysis refers to the application of statistical techniques in order to synthesize and summarize the findings of several investigations.
• Methodological papers: We invite manuscripts that encompass a comprehensive account of innovative methodologies and substantial enhancements to established fundamental research approaches pertaining to the field of cancer or medical genetics. The manuscript aims to provide readers with novel tools and abilities that can enhance their approach and facilitate their research endeavors.
• Editorials: The perspectives of respected authorities in the field of cancer or medical genetics specialty. Editorials are typically requested by the Editor-in-Chief and pertain to a manuscript inside the same issue. The maximum word count for the document should not surpass 3000 words, and the number of references should not exceed 30.
• Commentaries: This text presents an opinion that is of broad relevance, but it is not directly connected to any specific article within the same issue of the (IJCMG).
• Short Communications: This scientific paper focuses on chosen subjects derived from reputable cancer groups or societies. The short communication presents scientific findings in a style that is more abstract and descriptive.  Short communications should primarily focus on presenting completed work rather than preliminary findings. This style serves as an alternative means of describing smaller research endeavors. The format of the paper should adhere to the original framework, maintaining a maximum length of 2,500 words and include no more than two tables or figures. This can consist of either two figures, two tables, or one figure and one table.  The word count of 2500 does not encompass the tables, abstract, and references. The number of references should be restricted to a maximum of 25.
• In Memoriam: Memorialization of recently deceased individuals who have made notable contributions to the field of cancer and medical genetics in Iraq and the Middle east region.
• Correspondence: Correspondence Addressed to the Editor Pertaining to Previously Published Papers in the Iraqi Journal of Cancer and Medical Genetics. The submission of letters is required to be completed within a time frame of six months from the date of online publication of the article. The authors of the original publication will be afforded the option to provide a response within the same issue of the journal. The length of letters and responses should not exceed 1000 words. It is imperative to disclose any financial affiliations or possible conflicts of interest.
• Case Report: Report of single case with significant value to the scientific community; however, the IJCMG encourages large case series from around the world about populations (minorities, ethnicities, and populations with a particular attribute), in which not much data on cancer or medical genetics are available.
• Protocol: Manuscripts pertaining to ongoing or commencing substantial, carefully designed investigations, such as clinical trials and cohorts, may be deemed suitable for publication provided that the submission adheres to the guidelines outlined in the Protocol Items for Randomized Trials (SPIRIT) framework. It is recommended that those considering writing visit the official SPIRIT website located at "http://www.spirit-statement.org" in order to familiarize themselves with the guidelines outlined in the convention. They should then proceed to create their book in accordance with the SPIRIT principles. The text ought to include all the elements specified in the SPIRTI checklist. In order to be deemed suitable for publishing, it is imperative that the protocol goes through the necessary ethical approval process and is legally registered, particularly in the context of clinical trials.

These instructions contain three sections, namely: (research template, writing references, and instructions for authors), and as below:

• Simultaneous Submission:

The IJCMG has a policy of not accepting submissions that have been concurrently submitted to other journals or have been previously published, including online publishing. The act of presenting research findings at scientific conferences or including them in the conference's abstract book does not qualify as a publication of an article. It is not permissible to upload a manuscript to either the author's personal website or the institutional website once it has been submitted to the IJCMG Editorial system. The online posting of accepted submissions is prohibited until the paper has undergone complete publication on the IJCMG website.

• Cell Line authentication

To ensure the utmost quality and precision, the IJCMG strongly encourages the authentication of cell lines utilized in research submitted to the journal. Manuscripts based on cell line research must include a statement addressing the following elements in the Methods section:

• Where the cells were harvested.
• Whether or not the cell lines have been examined and verified.
• The procedure was used to examine the cells.
• Reauthorization is not required if cells were obtained directly from a cell bank that performs cell line characterizations and were in the user's laboratory for less than six months after receipt or resuscitation. In these instances, please include the cell bank's method of characterization. If the cell lines were obtained from a different source, the authors must provide proof of the cells' origin and identity. This is best accomplished through DNA (STR) profiling. The DNA profile must be compared to the DNA profile of the donor tissue (in the case of a new cell line) or other continuous cell lines.
• Clinical Trial Registry

The IJCMG requires that all prospective, randomized, controlled trials be registered in a national or international registry such as:

(actr.org.au, clinicaltrials.gov, ISRCTN.org, umin.ac.jp/ctr/index/htm, and trialregister.nl).

• Authorship:

The presence of the authors' names in a manuscript indicates that each author has sufficiently contributed to the work to assume public responsibility for its contents. Authorship should be determined using the following standards and responsibilities:

• Significant contributions to the conception and design, or the analysis and interpretation, of a research project.
• Participate critically in refining the paper's intellectual content.
• The final version of the paper has been authorized by the author.
• Accept accountability for every aspect of the work.
• Before submitting a manuscript, the authorship must be thoroughly reviewed. Adding or removing names from the author list may not be permitted.

• Professional and Ethical Obligations of Authors

The IJCMG reserves the right to forward any allegations of scientific misconduct to the sponsoring or funding institution or to other appropriate authorities for investigation; the IJCMG does not investigate or make determinations regarding scientific misconduct. If the IJCMG forwards a manuscript to the sponsoring or funding institution for such a claim, the author will be notified.

15-  Authorization to use copywritten materials.

The use of previously published or copy-protected material must be properly cited. To use previously published or copyrighted material, it is the responsibility of the corresponding author to obtain written permission from the relevant authors and/or copyright holders. The IJCMG Editorial Office must receive signed permission statements from the copyright holder for both print and online reproduction along with the submitted manuscript. When citing in press articles, permission statements must also be obtained from at least one author.

16-  Statistical Analysis

The following recommendations should be observed:

·       Report the effective sample size for each study and each subgroup analysis.

·       If applicable, describe the power analysis used to justify the sample size.

·       Identify all statistical methods and verify all statistical test assumptions.

·       Provide descriptive statistics (number, mean, median, and standard deviation) for each continuous variable.

*Inform the reader of the actual P-values and define statistical significance.

17-  Pharmaceuticals and medical devices

Utilize the drug's generic name (or the generic name followed by the brand name in parentheses). Include the manufacturer and location (city and country) for all medications and medical devices.

18-  The use of abbreviations

Use only standard abbreviations and spell out every abbreviation the first time it appears in the text, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses.

19-  Required information’s, files and formatting Manuscript guidelines:

Submission to journal involves:

1) Completing the metadata form

When submitting your manuscript, you must have the following information available:

·       Contact information for the corresponding author: You must provide comprehensive contact information for the corresponding author, including e-mail, phone number, and institutional address and the orcid.org number.

·       Prepare a running title of no more than 40 characters for your manuscript.

·       Prepare an abstract of your manuscript in accordance with the author's instructions. Research Articles, Review Articles, Meta-Analyses, and Case Series should typically contain an abstract.

·       Prepare between three to five keywords. Keywords are used to optimize search engines; therefore, it is essential to use relevant keywords.

·       Co-authors: For a successful upload, you must have the complete name, affiliation, and email addresses of all authors.

·       During the submission process, you will be asked to suggest at least two reviewers for your manuscript. Each reviewer requires a name, affiliation, and email address. Ensure that the reviewer you select has expertise in the subject of your manuscript. Important Notice: The suggested reviewer must be willing to associate his identity with the submitted manuscript and register with a review recognition website, such as Publons or another reviewer registration website.

2) uploading the required files

You must upload at least two files: a cover letter that includes a Novelty highlights, and a Manuscript Main File without authors name and affiliation. Microsoft Word is required for both files. You can upload supplementary or supporting data (SSD) files at this stage of the submission process.

·       The Cover letter: This is a simple letter to the editor with the corresponding author’s signature. The header letter has two sections:  1) A statement that the work has not been previously published or is presently under review for publication in another journal; and 2) A very brief (no more than three sentences) explanation of the significance, originality, and problem being addressed, you can include two or three paragraphs describing the originality of your work.  This file is crucial, as editors and reviewers will peruse it. It aids the editor and evaluators in determining the manuscript's fate.

·       The blind Manuscript Main File is a Microsoft Word document that contains all sections of the manuscript, excluding supplementary files. Thus, the file should include the following in the specified order: title page, abstract, keywords, manuscript body, tables, and figures. Please provide figures and tables cited in their original location in the text, finally references. If your tables are large, you may want to consider making the pages that contain the table landscape or even all the pages landscape.

20-  Preparing the Manuscript

Please read thoroughly and prepare your files (especially the Manuscript Main file) according to the instructions provided. Manuscripts that do not adhere to the required format will be returned to the author prior to screening or review.

·       The primary manuscript file.

Your manuscript should consist of a single file (text with embedded figures, tables, etc.), taking care to include figures and tables.

The main manuscript should include the followings:

The main manuscript file should be blind without the author’s information and affiliation.

• The manuscript should be structured as followings:
• Main title, (Title: pt 16, bold, centered).
• a running title of no more than 40 characters for your manuscript
• abstract: An Abstract should be 250 to 300 words. (Abstracts are not required for Editorials, Commentaries, Short Communications, or Correspondence).
• The keywords are written under the abstract (3 to 5 keywords) In order sequence using the English alphabet.
• Introduction
• Methods
• Results
• Discussion
• Conclusion
• Acknowledgment
• Conflict of interest: Any disclosure
• Authors contribution
• References

-      Manuscript text instructions:

1. The submitted manuscript should be in only one Font type: Times New Roman.
2. pt 11., Subtitles: pt 11, bold, non-numbered.
3. The full word "Figure" is used as a heading under the shape or what it represents, and the abbreviation "Fig." is used anywhere in the text.
4. Tables and shapes are placed in the results in the sequence mentioned, not at the end of the manuscript.
5. All numbers are written in the Arabic numerals system (e.g., 1,2,3, ….)
6. The authors should separate the results section from the discussion.
7. Line and paragraph spacing should be: 1.0.

• Title Page (needed file).

The following items are required on the title page:

Manuscript title.

Running title:  A short version of the title (up to 40 characters including spaces).

Each author's name, academic degrees, and affiliation.

Complete mailing address, telephone, fax, and e-mail for corresponding authors.

• ORCID should be provided for all

21-  Writing References

• References are numbered and cited as they appear in the text using superscript ex, for example (a discerption regarding the reference 1 or a discerption regarding the reference 1,2 or a discerption regarding the reference 1-4). References are numbered in sequential order in the text, table, or figure. Put the superscript Arabic numerals to cite the reference, for example, number one is referring to the first reference used in a written manuscript and listed as the first reference list at the end of the
• References are written only in the English language with Vancouver Citing & Referencing.

• For abbreviation journals: please use the following as a guide: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nlmcatalog?Db=journals&Cmd=DetailsSearch&Term=currentl yindexed%5BAll%5D

Journal Articles

Article with 1 to 6 authors:

Author AA, Author BB, Author CC, Author DD. Title of the article. Abbreviated title of the journal. Date of publication YYYY Mon DD; volume number (issue number): page numbers.

Example:

Petitti DB, Crooks VC, Buckwalter JG, Chiu V. Blood pressure levels before dementia. Arch Neurol. 2005 Jan;62(1):112-6.

Article with more than 6 authors (list 6 authors only and use et al for the remaining):

Author AA, Author BB, Author CC, Author DD, Author EE, Author FF, et al. Title of article. Abbreviated title of the journal. Date of publication YYYY Mon DD; volume number (issue number): page numbers.

Example:

Hallal AH, Amortegui JD, Jeroukhimov IM, Casillas J, Schulman CI, Manning RJ, et al. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography accurately detects common bile duct stones in resolving gallstone pancreatitis. J Am Coll Surg. 2005 Jun;200(6):869-75.

Electronic journal article:

Author AA, Author BB. Title of the article. Abbreviated title of Journal [Internet]. Date of publication YYYY MM [cited YYYY Mon DD]; volume number (issue number): page numbers. Available from: URL

Example:

Stockhausen L, Turale S. An explorative study of Australian nursing scholars and contemporary scholarship. J Nurs Scholarsh [Internet]. 2011 Mar [cited 2013 Feb 19];43(1):89-96. Available from:

http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.lib.monash.edu.au/docview/858241255?accountid=12528

Electronic journal article with DOI:

Author AA, Author BB, Author CC, Author DD, Author EE, Author FF. Title of the article. Abbreviated title of Journal [Internet]. Year of publication [cited YYYY Mon DD]; volume number (issue number): page numbers. Available from: URL DOI

Example:

Kanneganti P, Harris JD, Brophy RH, Carey JL, Lattermann C, Flanigan DC. The effect of smoking on ligament and cartilage surgery in the knee: a systematic review. Am J Sports Med [Internet]. 2012 Dec [cited 2013 Feb 19];40(12):2872-8. Available from: http://ajs.sagepub.com/content/40/12/2872 DOI: 10.1177/0363546512458223

.

Book Reference:

Print book:

Author AA. Title of the book. # edition [if not first]. Place of Publication: Publisher; Year of publication. Pagination.

Example:

Carlson BM. Human embryology and developmental biology. 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby; 2009. 541 p.

Chapter in a book:

Author AA, Author BB. Title of the book. # edition. Place of Publication: Publisher; Year of publication. Chapter number, Chapter title; p. [page numbers of chapter].

Example:

Speroff L, Fritz MA. Clinical gynecologic endocrinology and infertility. 7th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; c2005. Chapter 29, Endometriosis; p. 1103-33.

Electronic book:

Author AA. Title of web page [Internet]. Place of Publication: Sponsor of Website/Publisher; Year published [cited YYYY Mon DD]. The number of pages. Available from: URL DOI: (if available)

Example:

Shreeve DF. Reactive attachment disorder: a case-based approach [Internet]. New York: Springer; 2012 [cited 2012 Nov 2]. 85 p. Available from: http://ezproxy.lib.monash.edu.au/login?url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-1647-0

Edited Book:

Editor AA, Editor BB, editors. Title of the book. # edition [if not first]. Place of Publication: Publisher; Year. Pagination.

Example:

O'Campo P, Dunn JR, editors. Rethinking social epidemiology: towards a science of change. Dordrecht: Springer; 2012. 348 p.

Chapter in an edited book:

Author AA, Author BB. Title of chapter. In: Editor AA, Editor BB, editors. Title of the book. # edition. Place of Publication: Publisher; Year of publication. p. [page numbers of chapter].

Example:

Blaxter PS, Farnsworth TP. Social health and class inequalities. In: Carter C, Peel JR, editors. Equalities and inequalities in health. 2nd ed. London: Academic Press; 1976. p. 165-78.

Edited electronic book:

Author AA, Author BB. Title of chapter. In: Editor AA, Editor BB, editors. Title of the book [Internet]. Place of publication: Publisher's name; Year of publication. [cited YYYY Mon DD]. p. #. [page or chapter number/s]. Available from: URL DOI [if available].

Example:

Halpen-Felsher BL, Morrell HE. Preventing and reducing tobacco use. In: Berlan ED, Bravender T, editors. Adolescent medicine today: a guide to caring for the adolescent patient [Internet]. Singapore: World Scientific Publishing Co.; 2012 [cited 2012 Nov 3]. Chapter 18. Available from: http://www.worldscientific.com/doi/pdf/10.1142/9789814324496_0018

Thesis:

Unpublished:

Author AA. Title of thesis: subtitle. Unpublished thesis type [format]. Location of University: University; Year.

Example:

Borkowski MM. Infant sleep and feeding: a telephone survey of Hispanic Americans. PhD [dissertation]. Mount Pleasant (MI): Central Michigan University; 2002.

Published:

Author AA. Title of thesis: subtitle. Place of publication: Publisher; Year of publication.

Example:

Gruszczynski L. Regulating health and environmental risks under WTO law: a critical analysis of the SPS agreement. New York: Oxford University Press; 2010.

From a full-text database

Author AA. Title of thesis: subtitle. Thesis type [format]. Location of University: University; Year. Available from: Database Name.

Example:

Gethin, A. Poor suburbs and poor health: exploring the potential of a locational approach to reducing health disadvantage in Australian cities. PhD [dissertation]. Sydney: University of Western Sydney; 2007. Available from: Australasian Digital Theses Program.

For more examples go to http://www.nlm.nih.gov/citingmedicine

22-  Information’s for Authors

• Iraqi Journal of Cancer and Medical Genetics applies the license of CC BY (a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License). If you need to know information on this license, please follow this link: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• The amount of (100,000) Iraqi Dinars for publication fees after acceptance of the manuscript.
• The author must incorporate revisions required by referees within a maximum period of one month; however, the final copy of the manuscript should be viewed and approved by the author within a period of three days
• The author/s should be declared if any, national or international organizations explicitly cover such fees for articles originated in funded research projects. If it is not announced by the author/s and if the grant authorities have a conflicting, in this case, the manuscript will be rejected in any process of publishing while if the paper published in this case the journal marked on the paper by "retracted".

Iraqi Journal of Cancer and Medical Genetics

Iraqi Center for Cancer and Medical Genetics Research / Mustansiriyah University AlQadisiyah Q., Sec. 603, Street 23 / Baghdad

E-mail: [email protected] Mobile: +964 7902674798