Instructions for Authors

Comprehensive guidance for neonatal research manuscript preparation.

• Title Page: Full title, all authors with ORCID, affiliations, corresponding author, word count, funding sources
• Abstract: Structured with Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions; 5-7 keywords
• Introduction: Context, knowledge gap, objectives; cite foundational neonatal literature
• Methods: Detailed protocols, statistical approaches, ethical approvals, CONSORT/STROBE adherence
• Results: Clear presentation with statistics, gestational age stratification where appropriate
• Discussion: Interpretation, limitations, clinical implications, future research directions

• Submit figures as separate high-resolution files (300 dpi minimum)
• Clinical images must have parental consent documented
• Patient identifiers must be removed from all images
• Tables should be editable with clear headers and units
• Supplementary materials for additional data or protocols

IJNE encourages data sharing where ethically and legally permissible. Include data availability statement describing access conditions. For patient data, aggregate or de-identified datasets are acceptable. Register protocols in PROSPERO for systematic reviews.

All authors must meet ICMJE criteria: substantial contributions to conception/design, data acquisition/analysis, manuscript drafting/revision, and final approval. Contributors not meeting criteria should be acknowledged. Corresponding author responsibilities include ensuring all authors meet criteria and managing revisions.

All authors must disclose potential conflicts including financial relationships, consulting arrangements, and industry support. Describe the role of funders in study design, data collection, analysis, and manuscript preparation. Complete ICMJE disclosure forms are required.

Use Vancouver (numbered) citation style. Include DOIs. Cite neonatal-specific guidelines including AAP, Vermont Oxford, and WHO recommendations where relevant.

Clinical trials must be registered in a recognized registry (ClinicalTrials.gov, ISRCTN, or equivalent) before enrollment begins. Include registration number in abstract.

Research involving neonates requires highest ethical standards. Obtain informed parental consent before study enrollment. Document consent processes clearly in methods. For retrospective studies using medical records, describe institutional review board approval and waiver of consent if applicable. Report any serious adverse events. Follow Declaration of Helsinki principles for all human subjects research.

Clinical photographs must have documented parental consent for publication. Remove all identifying information including dates, names, and medical record numbers. Include scale bars where appropriate. Video submissions should be compressed appropriately with clear captions describing content.

All submissions undergo rigorous double-blind peer review by 2-3 neonatal medicine experts. Reviewers evaluate scientific validity, methodological rigor, clinical applicability, and potential impact on newborn care. Authors receive detailed feedback within our target 21-day first decision timeline. Revisions typically address methodology clarifications, statistical approaches, or clinical interpretation. We are committed to supportive, constructive feedback that strengthens manuscripts.

Manuscripts must be written in clear, grammatical English suitable for international readers. Authors whose first language is not English should consider professional language editing services. Use SI units throughout. Define abbreviations at first use including gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), and other neonatal-specific terms. Spell out numbers below 10 except with units.

Extended data tables, additional figures, video content, and detailed protocols may be submitted as supplementary materials. Supplementary files should be clearly labeled and referenced in the main text. Large datasets should be deposited in appropriate repositories with access information provided.

Submit through ManuscriptZone for full tracking, or use Simple Submission for initial contact. Include cover letter explaining significance. Suggest 3-5 expert neonatal reviewers.

Questions? Contact [email protected] for guidance specific to your research area.