Submissions

Author Guidelines

GENERAL INFORMATION

INNOVAPATH^TM is a journal dedicated to publishing original research in clinical medicine and basic sciences. Sponsored by the INNOVACORE^TM Center for Research & Development and CorePath Laboratories, the journal serves the professional and educational needs of healthcare practitioners, researchers, and educators. Although nationally based, INNOVAPATH^TM welcomes submissions from authors worldwide, ensuring a diverse and enriching exchange of scientific ideas. The journal is currently an online-only publication.

For inquiries about journal policies, please contact us via email at [email protected].

MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSION

All manuscripts must be submitted electronically through our online portal at https://innovapath.us 

ACCOUNT CREATION:

• Authors must create an account to submit manuscripts. If unsure about existing accounts or forgotten passwords, enter your email in the “Password Help” section. If an account exists, you will receive an email with your login details.

SUBMISSION PROCESS:

• After logging in, select “New Submission” and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Manuscripts must be submitted to one of the following sections:
  
  • Original Research Article
  • Review Article
  • Commentary / Perspective / Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Case Report
  • Technical / Methodological Paper
  • Brief Report / Short Communication
  • Letters to the Editor
• If interrupted during submission, progress is automatically saved, and you can return later to complete the process.
• Authors are required to recommend at least 2 preferred reviewers and may provide names of non-preferred reviewers. The Editorial Office retains the final selection rights for reviewers.
• Upon submission, the Editorial Office will send a confirmation email. If no confirmation is received within 48 hours, contact the Editorial Office at [email protected].

PEER REVIEW PROCESS:

INNOVAPATH^TM operates a single-blind peer review process:

• Initial Review: The Editorial Board reviews all submissions for suitability. This review is typically completed within 1-2 weeks.
• Plagiarism Check: Manuscripts undergo plagiarism screening using commercial detection tools before peer review.
• Peer Review: If suitable, the manuscript is sent to at least two independent expert reviewers for scientific evaluation. If there is a significant discrepancy between reviewers, a third reviewer may be recruited.
• Decision Making: The Editor makes the final decision on acceptance, revision, or rejection. The Editor’s decision is final.

AUTHORSHIP:

INNOVAPATH^TM follows the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) guidelines for authorship. To qualify for authorship, individuals must meet all four criteria:

• Substantial Contributions: Involvement in the conception, design, acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data.
• Drafting and Revising: Active participation in drafting or critically revising the manuscript for intellectual content.
• Approval: Final approval of the version to be published.
• Accountability: Agreement to be accountable for the accuracy and integrity of all aspects of the work.

Individuals who do not meet all four criteria should be acknowledged but not listed as authors.

DISCLOSURE OF CONTRIBUTIONS:

Each author’s role must be detailed under the following categories: Conceptualization, Design, Data Acquisition, Data Analysis, Data Interpretation, Manuscript Writing, and Critical Review. This section should appear before the Acknowledgments.

• Corresponding Author: One author should be designated as the Corresponding Author, responsible for all communications related to the submission and publication process.
• Changes in Authorship: Requests for changes (addition or removal of authors) must be submitted in writing, accompanied by a signed statement of agreement from all listed authors and the author to be added or removed.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

Confidentiality:

• INNOVAPATH^TM follows a single-blind review policy, where reviewer identities are confidential.
• Authors should not attempt to contact reviewers or speculate on their identities.

Conflict of Interest and Financial Disclosure:

• Authors: The Corresponding Author must complete the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest on behalf of all authors. Any financial support or conflicts must be disclosed in the Cover Letter.
• Reviewers: Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts related to the manuscript’s topic, authors, or affiliations. If unsure, they should contact the Editorial Office for guidance.
• Editors and Journal Staff: Editors and staff involved in decision-making must recuse themselves from any manuscripts where a conflict of interest exists. They must not use information from manuscripts for personal gain.

ETHICS AND PUBLISHING:

Ethical Standards:

• INNOVAPATH adheres to the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines. For more details, refer to the International Standards for Authors at https://publicationethics.org.

Human and Animal Research:

• Human Studies: Must include a statement confirming IRB approval and informed consent.
• Animal Research: Must comply with institutional and national ethical guidelines. Ethics approval and the full name of the ethics committee must be included in the Materials and Methods section.

Clinical Trials Registration:

All clinical trials must be registered in one of the ICMJE-approved registries. For more information, visit ICMJE Clinical Trial Registration.

MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION:

Authors submitting manuscripts to INNOVAPATH^TM should follow the Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals developed by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). For detailed guidelines, visit www.icmje.org. Reports of Randomized Controlled Trials should include a CONSORT flow diagram. For other reporting guidelines, refer to the Equator Network.

Manuscript Format and Structure:

General Formatting:

• Use 12-point font, double-spaced text throughout the document
• Save the manuscript in .doc or .rtf file formats.
• Pages should be numbered consecutively.

Manuscript Components:

Manuscripts should be organized as follows:

• Title Page
• Abstract
• List of Abbreviations (used at least three times, excluding abstract, figures, and tables)
• Main Text (with appropriate headings and conclusion)
• Acknowledgments
• References
• Figure Legends
• Tables (with a footnote containing an alphabetical list of all abbreviations and their expansions)

Title Page Requirements:

• Title: Clearly reflect the article’s content; maximum of 100 characters. Avoid questions, subtitles, or ambiguous phrases.
• Authors: Include full names, middle initials, academic degrees, departmental affiliations, and institutions. For authors who have changed affiliations, include both current and former institutions.

Financial Support and Conflict of Interest Disclosure:

• List all financial and material support for the research (e.g., grant numbers and funding agencies).
• Authors must disclose any financial or personal relationships that could influence the study. If no conflicts exist, include a “No Conflicts of Interest” statement.
• Corresponding Author: Provide the name, mailing address, and email of the author responsible for correspondence regarding the manuscript.

Abstract Requirements:

• Maximum 250 words. For Research Manuscripts, use a Structured Abstract with the following sections:

Objective:

• Begin with “To” and state the study’s purpose clearly in one sentence. 

Methods:

• Include the study design, setting, participants, interventions, and main outcome measures. Provide complete study dates (e.g., “January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2002”). 

Results:

• Summarize the main findings with relevant statistical data.

Conclusion:

• Clearly state the implications of the findings. 

Clinical Trials Registration Number should be included at the end of the abstract if applicable.

Main Text Formatting:

• Measurements: Use conventional units, providing conversion factors to SI units on first mention.
• P Values: Report exact P values, rounded to two digits unless leading zeros require three or four digits. Use the format: P=.02 (italicized P, no initial zero). Report as P<.001 for values below .001.

Language and Style:

• Avoid specialized jargon and abbreviations unless the term is used at least three times. Define abbreviations at first mention.
• Use generic names for drugs and equipment.
• Footnotes are not allowed within the text.

Genetic Nomenclature:

• Follow the Human Genome Organization (HUGO) recommendations. Approved gene symbols can be verified at https://www.genenames.org. For gene mutations, see the HGVS Guidelines at https://www.hgvs.org.

Figures and Tables: 

• Tables:
  • Create tables using the word processor’s table function.
  • Place tables at the end of the document or upload as separate files.
  • Number tables consecutively using Arabic numerals and provide a descriptive title.
  • Define all abbreviations as footnotes using superscripted lowercase letters (a-z).
  • Do not submit tables as images.
• Figures and Images:
  • Include graphs, algorithms, and images with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi.
  • Save and upload images in .jpg, .tiff, or .eps formats.
  • Do not embed figures within the manuscript text. Upload as separate files.
  • Line art and graphs should be created using PowerPoint or equivalent software.
  • Photomicrographs must specify the stain used and the original magnification.
  • Any recognizable patient in an image must provide a signed release form.
  • No pie charts or 3D figures are allowed, and hatching should be avoided on bar graphs.
  • Image Manipulation Policy: Adjustments for brightness, contrast, or color balance are allowed if they do not alter the original information. Manipulating images for deceptive purposes is considered scientific misconduct.
  • We follow Public Library of Science (PLOS) guidelines for figure preparation. For more details, visit https://journals.plos.org/plosone/s/figures.

Acknowledgments:

• The Corresponding Author must provide written assurance that permission has been obtained from all individuals acknowledged.

References:

• Accuracy and Completeness: Authors are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all references.
• Citation Style: Use Vancouver Style with sequential numbering in parentheses as references appear in the text.
• Sequential Numbering: Figures and tables are cited in the text sequentially. For example, if Table 1 contains references and the last in-text reference is (5), a reference in Table 1 would be (6). The next in-text reference would then be (7).

Reference List Format:

• List names and initials of all authors (if more than six, list the first three followed by et al.).
• Include the title, source, year, volume, issue, and page range.
• Abbreviate journal titles according to Index Medicus.
• Use a reference management tool (e.g., EndNote, Mendeley) for accurate citation.

Example Reference Styles:

• Journal Article (Print):
  
  • Rainier S, Thomas D, Tokarz D, et al. Myofibrillogenesis regulator 1 gene mutations cause paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis. Arch Neurol. 2004;61(7):1025-1029.
• Journal Article (Online):
  
  • Ierano C, Thusky K, Peel T, et al. Influences on surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis decision making. PLoS ONE. 2019;14(11):e0225011. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0225011.
• Book Chapter:
  
  • Bithell TC. Hereditary coagulation disorders. In: Lee GR, Bithell TC, Foerster J, eds. Wintrobe’s Clinical Hematology. 9th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1993:1422-1472.

Permissions:

• Use of previously published material is discouraged.
• Authors are responsible for obtaining permission for any reused figures, tables, or extensive quotes.
• Permission letters must accompany the manuscript submission.

ROLE OF THE FUNDING SOURCE:

Authors must disclose the source of financial support for conducting the research and/or preparing the article. This includes specifying the role of the sponsor(s), if any, in the following aspects:

• Study Design
• Data Collection, Analysis, and Interpretation
• Writing of the Report
• Decision to Submit the Article for Publication

If the funding source(s) was not involved in any of these areas, this should be clearly stated in the Acknowledgments section. For more information, please refer to The Bethesda Statement on Open Access Publishing.

Article Categories and Guidelines:

See Guidelines

Article Categories:

Commentary:

Commentaries provide expert insights into significant or controversial issues related to clinical medicine, medical economics, public policy, ethics, or other relevant topics. They offer a platform for thought-provoking analysis and perspective.

• Supporting Literature: While in-depth literature reviews are not required, authors should reference key supporting or opposing studies when relevant.
• Editorial Focus: Priority is given to novel ideas, clear and engaging writing, and topics that are highly relevant to INNOVAPATH^TM readers.

Brief Reports:

Brief Reports present early findings or novel observations relevant to clinical medicine or medical science.

• Scope: These are not intended to report preliminary data from ongoing research but rather to highlight unexpected or unique findings that may inspire further investigation or influence clinical practice.
• Focus: Priority is given to high-impact observations that prompt new research questions or challenge existing clinical paradigms.

Research Manuscripts:

Research Manuscripts include original research articles detailing:

• Prospective Clinical Trials
• Laboratory Research
• Retrospective Clinical Analyses
• Other Original Research relevant to clinical practice or medical science.
• Review Process: Manuscripts presenting novel and impactful findings receive priority. In addition to peer review, statistical analysis by a qualified biostatistician may be required.

Case Reports:

Case Reports provide detailed accounts of unique or rare clinical cases that contribute to medical knowledge or influence clinical practice.

• Abstract: An unstructured abstract is required.
• Content Guidelines: Include a concise review of relevant literature and highlight the clinical significance of the case.
• Selection Criteria: Priority is given to reports that present:
• First-of-its-kind, unexpected, or unusual clinical observations relevant to a meaningful number of patients, such as:
  
  • A new disease or syndrome.
  • An unknown manifestation of a common disease.
  • New insights into the pathophysiology of a known condition
• New or unexpected adverse effects of commonly used drugs.
• Novel therapeutic approaches, including drug and non-drug interventions

Review Articles:

Review Articles provide a comprehensive analysis of existing literature and data on relevant medical or scientific topics.

• Scope: Priority is given to topics that:
  • Enhance the clinical care of patients.
  • Advance medical science.
  • Address healthcare delivery and economic issues.
• Search Methodology:
  • Authors are encouraged to clearly describe the search strategy used to identify relevant literature (e.g., databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE).
  • Include search terms, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and date limitations of the search.
  • Clearly explain how studies were selected for inclusion.
• Article Highlights: Include 3-5 key points summarizing:
  • Why the article is relevant to readers.
  • What is novel or cutting-edge about the topic.
  • How it impacts clinical practice or scientific understanding.
• Types of Review Articles:
  • Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses:
    • Must follow an explicit a priori inclusion and exclusion criteria with a comprehensive literature search.
    • PRISMA Checklist and Flowchart are required for submission but do not have to be published.
  • Narrative Reviews:
    • Provide a critical synthesis of existing knowledge without a structured methodology.
    • Require a non-structured abstract and 3-5 article highlights.
    • PRISMA documentation is not required.

Editorials:

• Submission Policy: Editorials are invited or pre-arranged with the Editorial Board.
• Scope and Purpose:
  • Editorials typically provide commentary on:
    • Original research articles published in the same issue.
    • Changes in journal policies or activities.
    • Emerging issues in clinical medicine or healthcare policy.
• Freestanding Editorials may address significant developments in medicine or health policy not linked to a specific article in INNOVAPATH^TM.
• Final Decision: All Editorials (including invited ones) are subject to final approval by the Editorial Board.

Acceptance and Reprints:

Acceptance:

• All accepted manuscripts are edited for clarity, style, and consistency according to the American Medical Association Manual of Style: A Guide for Authors and Editors, 10th Edition.
• The Corresponding Author will receive proofs for review before publication.

Reprints:

• Authors receive a free PDF copy of their published article for personal use.
• Paper reprints are not available at this time.

Use of Inclusive Language:
INNOVAPATH^TM promotes the use of inclusive language to:

• Acknowledge diversity and respect for all individuals.
• Avoid implying superiority or bias based on race, gender, culture, or other personal characteristics.
• Examples of inclusive language include:
  • Using “he or she” or “they” instead of gender-specific pronouns.
  • Avoiding stereotypes in job titles (e.g., “chairperson” instead of “chairman”).

Videos:

INNOVAPATH^TM accepts educational videos that enhance the understanding of published articles.

• Purpose: Videos should be educational and not promotional. Suitable topics include:
  • Expert interviews related to the article.
  • Procedure demonstrations.
  • Summary of key findings.
  • Technical Requirements:
    • Format: .wmv or .avi.
    • File Size: Maximum 10 MB.
    • Length: Up to 5 minutes.
    • Resolution: Minimum 320 x 240 pixels.
• Submission:
  • Upload videos during manuscript submission using the “Multimedia” tab.
  • If technical issues occur, videos can be emailed to [email protected] .
• Permissions and Copyright:
  • Videos must be original and not previously published on other platforms.
  • If using third-party content, permission must be obtained.

For questions regarding manuscript preparation, submission, or policy guidelines, please contact the Editorial Office at: [email protected].