8. Abstract and Keywords

The abstract is often the first section read by editors, reviewers, and readers. It should provide a clear, concise, and accurate summary of the manuscript. The abstract must be understandable as a standalone section and should briefly describe the purpose, methodology, principal findings, and conclusions of the study.

Authors should avoid citing references, using unexplained abbreviations, or including tables, figures, and footnotes in the abstract.

8.1 Original Articles

Original Articles must include a structured abstract of not more than 250 words under the following headings:

Background
Objective
Methods
Results
Conclusion

The abstract should accurately summarize the study and reflect the findings presented in the manuscript.

8.2 Review Articles

Review Articles should include an unstructured abstract of up to 250 words, summarizing the purpose, scope, key findings, and conclusions of the review.

8.3 Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses should include a structured abstract covering:

Background
Objective
Data Sources
Study Selection
Results
Conclusion

Authors are encouraged to prepare these manuscripts in accordance with the PRISMA reporting guidelines.

8.4 Case Reports

Case Reports should include an unstructured abstract of up to 150 words, briefly describing:

Background
Clinical Presentation
Intervention (if applicable)
Outcome
Clinical Significance

8.5 Keywords

Authors should provide three (3) to six (6) keywords immediately after the abstract.

Keywords should:

Reflect the main concepts of the manuscript.
Preferably be selected from the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) database.
Avoid repeating words already used in the title unless essential.
Be listed in alphabetical order where appropriate.

Appropriate keywords improve the discoverability and indexing of published articles in bibliographic databases and search engines.

Notes

Do not include references, tables, figures, or citations in the abstract.
Avoid undefined abbreviations and non-standard terminology.
Ensure that the abstract accurately reflects the content of the manuscript.
The information presented in the abstract should be consistent with the results and conclusions described in the main text.