1. Scope

These guidelines apply to all manuscripts submitted to SJN. Authors should also consult the journal’s Focus & Scope, Publication Ethics, and Human Subjects policies before submitting.

2. Article Types & Abstract Structure

3. Language and General Format

• Manuscripts are submitted in clear, standard English (British or American, used consistently).
• Use a 12-pt serif font, double line spacing, continuous line numbering, and A4 page size.
• Use SI units; define each abbreviation at first use; use generic drug names.
• Cite figures and tables in numerical order in the main text.

4. Manuscript Structure

• Title Page (separate file): title, all authors and affiliations, corresponding-author details and ORCID, word counts, conflicts, funding, acknowledgements.
• Blinded Main Manuscript: no information identifying the authors; abstract, keywords, IMRAD text, references, then tables and figure legends.
• Tables & Figures: numbered, titled, and cited; figures supplied at publication resolution; any identifiable patient or neuro-imaging material requires written consent.

5. References

References follow the Vancouver (ICMJE) style, numbered consecutively in order of appearance:

6. Ethics and Required Declarations

Every manuscript reporting human research must include statements on ethics-committee approval (with approval number), informed consent, conflicts of interest, funding, data availability, and author contributions.

7. Files Required at Submission

1. Cover letter;
2. Title page (with all identifying information);
3. Blinded main manuscript (abstract, references, table/figure legends);
4. Main manuscript with tables and figures embedded near first mention;
5. Completed SJN Author Declaration, Authorship & Conflict-of-Interest Statement;
6. Signed SJN Patient Consent for Publication form (where any identifiable patient material—including neuro-imaging—is included);
7. Copy of the ethics committee / IRB approval (for studies involving humans or animals).

8. Submission, Peer Review & Copyright

To protect authors and the journal from spam, online-gambling (“judol”) bots, and malware uploads, SJN does not operate an open online submission portal. All manuscripts are submitted by email to the editorial office:

Please observe the following when emailing your submission:

• Use the subject line “SJN Manuscript Submission – [your manuscript title]”;
• Attach all the files listed in Section 7 above (cover letter, title page, blinded manuscript, declaration and consent forms, ethics approval);
• Combine large files into a single archive where possible, and use standard formats only (.doc/.docx, .pdf, .xls/.xlsx, .tif/.jpg/.png);
• Do not send executable files or links to external file-sharing sites—such emails are filtered and will not be opened.

There is no submission fee. Submissions are first assessed for scope, completeness, and compliance, then undergo double-blind review by at least two independent expert reviewers, with the editorial office acting as intermediary to preserve anonymity. Editorial decisions are based solely on academic merit, validity, ethical compliance, and peer review, and are entirely independent of the authors’ ability to pay any charge. Authors retain copyright; on acceptance, authors grant SJN the right of first publication, with the article licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. An Article Processing Charge applies only after acceptance (see the Publication Fee page).