Submissions
Submission Preparation Checklist
Checklist for preparing submissions
Before submitting your manuscript, please ensure it meets all the following criteria:
☐ The manuscript is original; it has not been previously published and is not currently under review at another journal.
☐ The relevant ethical principles of research and scientific publication have been followed.
☐ The number of authors is proportional to their contribution, and all meet the criteria for academic authorship.
☐ The manuscript file is in Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx).
☐ The document complies with the required format: (2.5 cm margins, Arial Narrow font, size 12, and 1.5 line spacing)
☐ All pages are numbered in the upper right corner.
☐ Figures, tables, and images: (are embedded in the text, attached as separate files (JPG or PNG), and have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi).
☐ Citations, references, tables, and figures comply with APA style, 7th edition (APA 7th ed.).
☐ All citations included in the text are listed in the reference list, and vice versa.
☐ References include, when possible, a DOI or web link for easy retrieval.
☐ The duly signed letter of originality and transfer of rights is attached, using the official template provided by the journal.
Artículos de Investigación Científica - Scientific Research Articles
This section publishes original, unpublished manuscripts that rigorously present the process, analysis, and results of completed scientific research in the field of health sciences.
Contributions are accepted in Spanish or English; however, the final version for publication should preferably be in English to enhance international visibility and impact.
Manuscript Length
The article must not exceed 6,000 words (excluding tables, figures, and references), equivalent to approximately 15–20 pages.
Manuscript Structure
Title / Título / Título em português
The title of the article must be provided in three languages: Spanish, English, and Portuguese. It must be clear, precise, and accurately reflect the content of the study.
Abstract / Resumen / Resumo
The manuscript must include a structured abstract in three languages: Spanish, English, and Portuguese, with a maximum length of 250 words per language.
Each version of the abstract must be organized into the following sections:
• Introduction
• Objective
• Materials and methods
• Results
• Discussion
• Conclusions
The use of bibliographic references in abstracts is not permitted, nor is the use of abbreviations or acronyms recommended.
The English and Portuguese versions must be translated and reviewed by a language expert to ensure accuracy, consistency, and academic quality.
Keywords / Palabras clave / Palavras-chave
Between 3 and 5 keywords must be included in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, directly related to the article’s content.
These should be based on controlled vocabularies such as Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) or BIREME’s Descriptores en Ciencias de la Salud (DeCS).
Introduction
It should provide the reader with context regarding the research problem, including relevant background information and the rationale for the study. It should also clearly state the objectives or hypotheses. It is recommended to cite only relevant references and avoid including results or conclusions from the study.
Materials and Methods
This section should be described in sufficient detail to allow for the study’s replicability, including:
This section should be described in sufficient detail to allow for the study’s replicability, including:
• Study design
• Characteristics of the population and sample
• Inclusion and exclusion criteria
• Participant selection procedure
• Techniques, instruments, and materials used
• Data collection procedures
• Data analysis
• Statistical software used, specifying the version
• Ethical considerations (the manuscript must include a section on ethical considerations in the Materials and Methods section, stating the following: ethical approval: name of the Ethics Committee, institution, approval number, and date. Informed consent: confirmation that it was obtained in writing from the participants or their guardians (for minors or vulnerable populations).
Results
Results must be presented clearly, logically, and chronologically, in accordance with the methods described.
A maximum of 6 tables and/or figures is allowed. These must:
• Be numbered consecutively
• Include a brief and precise title
• Cite the source (if not your own work)
• Be cited in the text and placed near their first mention
• Include footnotes when necessary (abbreviations, symbols, statistical tests, p-values, etc.)
Do not repeat in the text all the data presented in tables or figures; highlight only the most relevant findings.
For percentage data:
• In Spanish: use a decimal comma (e.g., 43,67%)
• In English: use a decimal point (e.g., 43.67%)
• Include the absolute value (n) in parentheses
• Figures must be submitted in an editable format (not as an image) and be self-explanatory.
Discussion
This section should include an interpretation of the main findings, comparing them with previous studies. It is recommended to:
• Explain possible mechanisms or implications
• Highlight novel contributions
• Analyze the influence of relevant variables (e.g., sex or gender, when applicable)
• Acknowledge the study’s limitations
Data already presented in the results or introduction should not be repeated.
Conclusions
These should be derived directly from the results and discussion, highlighting the study’s contributions. New hypotheses may be proposed, provided their exploratory nature is clearly indicated. Avoid unsubstantiated claims.
Declaration of Conflicts of Interest and Funding
Authors must explicitly state whether a conflict of interest exists. They must also indicate the sources of funding that supported the study, if any.
Declaration of Artificial Intelligence Use
Authors must include an explicit statement regarding the use of AI tools
Declaration of Conflicts of Interest and Funding
Authors must explicitly state whether a conflict of interest exists. They must also indicate the sources of funding that supported the study, if any.
Declaration of Artificial Intelligence Use
Authors must include an explicit statement regarding the use of artificial intelligence tools. If such tools were used (e.g., ChatGPT or others), the following must be specified:
• Tool used
• Purpose (drafting, translation, proofreading, etc.)
• Confirmation of review and validation by the authors
If AI tools were not used, this must be explicitly stated.
Acknowledgments
Express gratitude to the individuals or institutions that contributed to your research.
Authors’ Contributions
In this section, the individual contribution of each author must be specified in detail, using their initials. Each author must have participated in at least one or two substantial roles (e.g., conceptualization, data processing, formal analysis, research, methodology, project management, supervision, validation, visualization, writing—original draft, writing—revision and editing, and securing funding).
Example:
A.M.C.: conceptualization, methodology, writing—original draft.
J.R.L.: data processing, formal analysis, visualization.
M.P.G.: research, validation, data collection.
L.F.H.: interpretation of results, writing, revision, and editing.
C.T.S.: supervision, project management, securing funding.
All authors reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript and met the criteria for academic authorship, assuming public responsibility for its content.
References
References must be formatted according to APA style, 7th edition, ensuring accuracy, currency, and relevance.
• A minimum of 25 references is recommended.
• At least 70% must be from the last 5 years.
• Prioritize indexed scientific sources
Example in APA 7th edition format:
• Scientific article:
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (2023). Article title. Journal name, volume(issue), pages. https://doi.org/xxxx
• Book:
Author, A. A. (2020). Book title. Publisher.
Casos clínicos - Case Reports
Clinical case reports are a form of scientific publication focused on the detailed and systematic description of clinical situations that contribute relevant, novel, or under-documented knowledge in the field of health sciences. These manuscripts allow for an in-depth examination of diagnostic and therapeutic processes, as well as clinical progression, from a multidisciplinary perspective.
Cases that stand out for their originality, rarity, atypical presentation, complexity, innovative approach, or relevant clinical implications will be considered for publication.
Manuscripts may be submitted in Spanish or English; however, the final version may be published in the language determined by the Editorial Board, based on its scientific relevance and impact.
All reports must strictly comply with ethical principles, ensuring confidentiality, anonymity, and respect for patient rights. The journal may request documentation at any time to verify compliance with these requirements.
It is recommended that manuscripts adhere to the international CARE guidelines, available at: http://data.care-statement.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/CAREchecklist-Spanish-2013.pdf
https://www.care-statement.org/checklist
Manuscript Length
The document must not exceed 4,000 words (excluding tables, figures, and references), equivalent to approximately 10–13 pages in standard academic format.
Manuscript Structure
Title / Título / Título em português
It must be provided in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, be clear and precise, and reflect the content of the case. Translations must be reviewed by an expert in the corresponding language.
Abstract / Resumen / Resumo
It must be provided in three languages: Spanish, English, and Portuguese, with a maximum length of 250 words per language.
It may be structured or written in narrative form and should include:
• Context or brief introduction
• Case description
• Interventions performed
• Results or clinical course
• Main conclusion and relevance
References are not permitted, and the use of abbreviations or acronyms is not recommended. Translations must be reviewed by an expert.
Keywords / Palabras clave / Palavras-chave
Between 3 and 5 keywords must be included in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, aligned with controlled vocabularies such as Medical Subject Headings or DeCS.
Introduction
It should contextualize the clinical problem, including relevant background, current state of knowledge, and justification of the case. It should conclude with the objective of the report.
Presentation of the clinical case
It must be described clearly, in an orderly and chronological manner, including:
• Chronological description or timeline of the case.
• General patient data (age, sex, context), ensuring anonymity
• Reason for consultation
• Relevant history
• Current medical history
• Physical examination
• Results of diagnostic tests
• Diagnosis(es)
Interventions and Course of the Disease
• Treatment(s) administered (medical, surgical, nursing, etc.)
• Clinical course, follow-up, and outcome
Up to 6 tables and/or figures may be included, properly numbered, titled, and cited in the text.
Ethical considerations
The following must be explicitly stated:
• Obtaining informed consent for publication
• Protection of patient identity
• Ethics committee approval (when applicable)
Discussion
Must include a critical analysis of the case, including:
• Comparison with existing literature
• Explanation of relevant or unusual findings
• Clinical implications
• Strengths and limitations
Conclusions
These must be directly derived from the case, highlighting its clinical relevance, contributions to knowledge, and potential implications for practice.
Declaration of conflicts of interest
Indicate whether conflicts of interest existed during the work and declare the sources of funding, if applicable.
Statement on the use of artificial intelligence
Authors are kindly requested to include at the end of their original article an explicit statement regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the preparation of the manuscript.
The purpose of this statement is to promote transparency, academic integrity, and compliance with good editorial practices. If AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT or similar) were used, the type of tool employed, the purpose of its use (drafting, style correction, translation, among others), and a clarification that the content was reviewed and validated by the authors—who assume final responsibility for the manuscript—must be specified.
If no artificial intelligence tools were used, this must also be explicitly stated
Declaration of Conflicts of Interest
Please indicate whether any conflicts of interest arose during this work and disclose the sources of funding, if applicable.
Declaration of Artificial Intelligence Use
Authors are kindly requested to include at the end of their original article an explicit statement regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the preparation of the manuscript.
The purpose of this statement is to promote transparency, academic integrity, and compliance with good editorial practices. If AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT or similar) were used, the type of tool employed, the purpose of its use (drafting, style correction, translation, among others), and a clarification that the content was reviewed and validated by the authors who assume final responsibility for the manuscript must be specified.
If no artificial intelligence tools were used, this must also be explicitly stated.
Acknowledgments
Express gratitude to the individuals or institutions that contributed to your research.
Authors’ Contributions
In this section, describe each author’s specific contribution to the preparation of the clinical case, using their initials. Each author must have contributed to at least two substantial activities.
Example:
A.M.C.: conceptualization of the case, clinical care of the patient, and drafting of the original manuscript.
J.R.L.: collection of clinical information, data management, and creation of the timeline.
M.P.G.: analysis and interpretation of clinical findings and critical review of the manuscript.
L.F.H.: support in diagnosis, literature review, and writing, revision, and editing.
C.T.S.: supervision of the case, validation of clinical information, and final approval of the manuscript.
All authors reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript and assume responsibility for its content.
References
References must be formatted according to APA style, 7th edition, ensuring accuracy, currency, and relevance.
• A minimum of 20 references is recommended.
• At least 70% must be from the last 5 years
• Prioritize indexed scientific sources
Example in APA 7th edition format:
• Scientific article:
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (2023). Article title. Journal name, volume(issue), pages. https://doi.org/xxxx
• Book:
Author, A. A. (2020). Book title. Publisher.
Artículos de Revisión/Review Articles
Review articles should address relevant topics in the field of health sciences from a multidisciplinary perspective, integrating knowledge from various fields such as nursing, medicine, public health, psychology, nutrition, and health education, among others. The manuscript must clearly specify the time covered by the review.
The work must be comprehensive in relation to the stated objective, which must be formulated clearly and precisely and placed at the beginning of the text.
The total number of studies included must be explicitly stated, as well as the databases, information sources, and search strategies used.
Manuscript Length
Review articles must be of a length commensurate with the depth of the analysis and the required methodological rigor.
The maximum length of the manuscript is 6,000 words, excluding the abstracts in the three languages (Spanish, English, and Portuguese), as well as tables, figures, and bibliographic references.
Manuscript Structure
Title / Título / Título em português
It must be presented in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, be clear and precise, and reflect the content of the review. Translations must be reviewed by an expert in the corresponding language.
Abstract / Resumo
The manuscript must include a structured abstract in three languages: Spanish, English, and Portuguese, with a maximum length of 250 words per language.
The abstract must contain the following sections:
• Introduction
• Objective
• Materials and Methods
• Results
• Discussion
• Conclusions
The use of bibliographic references is not permitted, and it is recommended to avoid abbreviations or acronyms.
Keywords / Palavras-chave
Between 3 and 6 keywords must be included, presented in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, directly related to the article’s topic.
These must be indexed in:
• BIREME’s Descriptores en Ciencias de la Salud (DeCS)
• Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
Introduction
The introduction must:
• Present the context of the problem
• Describe its relevance in the field of multidisciplinary health
• Justify the need for the review
• Clearly state the study’s objective
Methodology
The methodology section must describe the review process in a detailed, transparent, and reproducible manner, ensuring scientific rigor, traceability, and replicability.
The use of international guidelines is recommended:
• PRISMA Statement for systematic reviews
• PRISMA-ScR for scoping reviews
Mandatory methodological elements
1. Type of review
The type of review conducted must be clearly specified:
• Systematic review
• Scoping review
• Integrative review
• (Optional: narrative, if applicable)
Furthermore, the choice of review type must be justified based on the study’s objective.
2. Research question
The research question must be formulated using structured frameworks:
• PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome): systematic reviews
• PICo (Population, Interest, Context): qualitative studies
• PCC (Population, Concept, Context): scoping reviews
3. Information sources
The databases consulted must be clearly indicated, for example:
• PubMed/MEDLINE
• Scopus
• Web of Science
• SciELO
• Virtual Health Library (VHL)
Additionally, the following sources must be included:
• Grey literature
• Institutional repositories
• Secondary references
4. Search strategy
The search strategy must be described in an explicit and reproducible manner, including:
• DeCS and/or MeSH terms
• Synonyms and related words
• Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT)
• Use of truncations
• Applied filters (language, study type, publication period)
It is recommended to include at least one complete search strategy as an appendix.
5. Inclusion and exclusion criteria
The criteria used for study selection must be clearly defined, considering:
• Study population
• Intervention or exposure
• Outcomes of interest
• Methodological design
• Language
• Publication period
6. Study selection process
The selection process should be described in its different phases:
• Identification
• Screening
• Eligibility
• Inclusion
It is recommended to include:
• A PRISMA-style flow diagram
• Involvement of at least two independent reviewers
• Procedure for resolving discrepancies
7. Data extraction
The data extraction process must be explained, including:
• Variables collected (author, year, country, design, sample, main results, discipline)
• Use of matrices, tables, or standardized instruments
8. Assessment of methodological quality
Where applicable, the quality assessment or risk of bias for the included studies should be reported.
Suggested tools:
• CASP
• Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI)
• AMSTAR
• ROBIS
Methodological Specifications by Review Type
A. Systematic Review
Characterized by a rigorous approach aimed at answering a specific question.
Must include:
• Pre-review protocol (registration in PROSPERO recommended)
• Mandatory assessment of risk of bias
• Quantitative (meta-analysis) or qualitative synthesis of results
The synthesis may be conducted via:
• Meta-analysis (when homogeneity exists)
• Structured narrative synthesis
B. Scoping Review
Its objective is to map the available evidence and explore the breadth of existing knowledge.
It must include:
• Use of the PCC framework
• Broad inclusion of different methodological designs
• Identification of knowledge gaps
Methodological quality assessment is optional.
The data synthesis should focus on:
• Mapping of evidence
• Thematic categorization
• Descriptive analysis
C. Integrative Review
It allows for the inclusion and synthesis of studies with quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches.
It must include:
• Critical integration of the evidence
• Comparison between different methodological approaches
• In-depth interpretive analysis
A methodological quality assessment tailored to the type of study is recommended.
The synthesis may be conducted through:
• Thematic analysis
• Conceptual categorization
• Development of theoretical models or frameworks
Synthesis of information
The analysis method used must be clearly described, which may include:
• Narrative synthesis
• Thematic analysis
• Categorization
• Meta-analysis (when applicable)
Likewise, the integration of findings from a multidisciplinary perspective must be demonstrated.
Results
The results must be presented in a clear, organized, and coherent manner, closely aligned with the review’s objective and the research question.
The following must be included:
• The total number of included studies, specifying the selection process using a flowchart (e.g., PRISMA).
• The general characteristics of the studies, such as:
• Author and year of publication
• Country or geographic context
• Methodological design
• Population or sample
• Discipline or field of knowledge
• The main findings, organized by:
• Theme
• Chronology
• Methodology
as appropriate for the type of review.
The use of the following is recommended:
• Summary tables
• Figures or diagrams
• Evidence maps (in scoping reviews)
In the case of systematic reviews with meta-analyses, the following must be presented:
• Effect sizes
• Confidence intervals
• Heterogeneity analysis
The results should be limited to the objective presentation of the findings, avoiding extensive interpretations that belong in the discussion.
Discussion
The discussion should focus on the critical interpretation of the results, integrating the evidence found with existing knowledge.
It should include:
• Analysis and interpretation of the main findings in relation to the study’s objective
• Comparison with previous studies or similar reviews
• Explanation of similarities, differences, or inconsistencies in the results
• Theoretical, clinical, methodological, or public health implications from a multidisciplinary perspective
• Identification of knowledge gaps
Additionally, the following must be acknowledged:
• Limitations of the review, such as:
• Search restrictions
• Publication bias
• Quality of the included studies
• Heterogeneity
In integrative and scoping reviews, the following should be emphasized:
• The conceptual integration of the findings
• The development of categories, models, or interpretive frameworks
Conclusions
The conclusions should be directly derived from the study’s findings and clearly address the stated objective.
They should:
• Summarize the main contributions of the review
• Highlight its relevance to the field of health sciences
• Avoid statements not supported by the results
It is also recommended to include:
• Implications for practice, research, or policymaking
• Recommendations for future research
Conclusions should be clear, precise, and concise, avoiding verbatim repetition of the results or discussion.
Conflict of Interest Statement
Indicate whether conflicts of interest existed during the work and disclose funding sources, if applicable.
Statement on the Use of Artificial Intelligence
Authors are kindly requested to include at the end of their review article an explicit statement regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the preparation of the manuscript.
The purpose of this statement is to promote transparency, academic integrity, and adherence to good editorial practices. If AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT or similar) were used, the type of tool employed, the purpose of its use (drafting, style correction, translation, among others), and a clarification that the content was reviewed and validated by the authors who assume final responsibility for the manuscript must be specified.
If artificial intelligence tools were not used, this must also be explicitly stated.
Acknowledgments
Express gratitude to the individuals or institutions that contributed to your research.
Authors’ Contributions
In this section, the individual contribution of each author must be specified in detail, using their initials. Each author must have participated in at least one or two substantial roles.
YMC: conceptualization, study design, literature search and selection, data extraction and analysis, synthesis and interpretation of results, and drafting of the original manuscript.
JPL: conceptualization, study design, assessment of methodological quality, interpretation of results, and critical review of intellectual content.
MGR: literature search and selection, data extraction and analysis, and interpretation of results.
CHT: data extraction and analysis, assessment of methodological quality, and interpretation of results.
All authors participated in the critical review of the manuscript, approved the final version, and meet the criteria for academic authorship, assuming public responsibility for its content.
References
References must be formatted according to APA style, 7th edition, ensuring accuracy, currency, and relevance.
• A minimum of 40 references is recommended
• At least 70% must be from the last 5 years
• Prioritize indexed scientific sources
Example in APA 7th edition format:
• Scientific article:
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (2023). Article title. Journal name, volume(issue), pages. https://doi.org/xxxx
• Book:
Author, A. A. (2020). Book title. Publisher.
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