A Monograph Series Devoted To The Understanding Of Medicine, Mental Health, Mind,
Man, Music And Their Matrix
Authors may send original unpublished* Monograph Manuscripts/Theme Papers/Musings/Prefaces/Reflections/Introductions/MSM
Poems not submitted elsewhere for potential publication to The Editors, Mens Sana
Monographs, 14, Shiva Kripa, Trimurty Road, Nahur, Mulund (W), Mumbai 400 080, Maharashtra,
India. Tel.: +91 022 25682740/+91 022 25673897.
For details of Editorial Board see http://www.msmonographs.org/editorial.asp
Electronic submission preferred at: http://www.journalonweb.com/msm or at mensanamonographs@yahoo.co.uk
The Mens Sana Monographs (MSM) are meant to forward resolute foundational enquiry
into all issues dealing with man and society with focus on mental health and medicine
but not restricted to them. Issues dealing with health, science, philosophy, religion,
culture, and their inter-relationship are very much the concern of MSM.
Monograph Manuscript
Outer limit for a Monograph Manuscript, including Preface, Abstract, Introduction,
References and Questions Raised, is 67,500 words (approximately 150 pages). Pertinent
references alone should be quoted. Tables, figures and elaborate statistics should
be avoided unless absolutely necessary. MSM is a viewpoint forum based on evidence,
not necessarily statistical. Hence reviews, overviews, position statements are welcome,
but they should be of a fundamental-foundational nature, not just a compilation of
views. (The word limit for a manuscript is relaxable in exceptional cases. Authors
should verify this from the Editors before submission).
Conceptual analysis of evidential findings, and insightful analysis of epoch making
writings of the past and present are welcome. Authors are advised to go through the
Conceptual Foundations of the MSM at http://www.msmonographs.org/cf.asp and check
a recent copy of a monograph (available on request in pdf format) to understand style
and substance requirements.
Review and Electronic Submission
All manuscripts are subject to editorial and anonymous peer review. We encourage electronic
submission in Word Format withVerdana 10 pt or Times New Roman 11 pt font size.
Principal Author, Corresponding Author and Co-Author/s
The Principal Author must clearly specify who are the Principal Author, Corresponding
Author and Co-Authors in propersequence. The institutional affiliations of each must
be clearly mentioned with the submission. All those who have not substantially contributed
to the submission should not be included as coauthors. They maybe acknowledged at
the end of the submission separately. All authors are required to reveal conflicts
of interest, if any. It will be the responsibility of the Corresponding Author to
obtain it from his co-authors.
Submissions, once made, may not be withdrawn after acceptance for publication by MSM.
If submissions are withdrawn before acceptance, a valid reason needs to be given.
Informed Consent, Human and Animal Rights, and Conflict of Interest
MSM accepts the following from the URM of ICMJE:
Published Statement of Informed Consent
Patients have a right to privacy that should not be infringed without informed consent.
Identifying information, including patients’ names, initials, or hospital numbers,
should not be published in written descriptions, photographs, and pedigrees unless
the information is essential for scientific purposes and the patient (or parent or
guardian) gives written informed consent for publication. Informed consent for this
purpose requires that a patient who is identifiable be shown the manuscript to be
published. Authors should identify Individuals who provide writing assistance and
disclose the funding source for this assistance.
“Identifying details should be omitted if they are not essential. Complete anonymity
is difficult to achieve, however, and informed consent should be obtained if there
is any doubt. For example, masking the eye region in photographs of patients is inadequate
protection of anonymity. If identifying characteristics are altered to protect anonymity,
such as in genetic pedigrees, authors should provide assurance that alterations do
not distort scientific meaning and editors should so note.”
“The requirement for informed consent should be included in the journal's instructions
for authors. When informed consent has been obtained it should be indicated in the
published article.”
- International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (“Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts
Submitted to Biomedical Journals”) -- February 2006
Published Statement of Human and Animal Rights
“When reporting experiments on human subjects, authors should indicate whether the
procedures followed were in accordance with the ethical standards of the responsible
committee on human experimentation (institutional and national) and with the Helsinki
Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2000 (5). If doubt exists whether the research
was conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration, the authors must explain
the rationale for their approach, and demonstrate that the institutional review body
explicitly approved the doubtful aspects of the study. When reporting experiments
on animals, authors should be asked to indicate whether the institutional and national
guide for the care and use of laboratory animals was followed.”
- International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (“Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts
Submitted to Biomedical Journals”) -- February 2006
Published Conflict-of-Interest Statement
“Public trust in the peer review process and the credibility of published articles
depend in part on how well conflict of interest is handled during writing, peer review,
and editorial decision making. Conflict of interest exists when an author (or the
author's institution), reviewer, or editor has financial or personal relationships
that inappropriately influence (bias) his or her actions (such relationships are also
known as dual commitments, competing interests, or competing loyalties). These relationships
vary from those with negligible potential to those with great potential to influence
judgement, and not all relationships represent true conflict of interest. The potential
for conflict of interest can exist whether or not an individual believes that the
relationship affects his or her scientific judgement. Financial relationships (such
as employment, consultancies, stock ownership, honoraria, paid expert testimony) are
the most easily identifiable conflicts of interest and the most likely to undermine
the credibility of the journal, the authors, and of science itself. However, conflicts
can occur for other reasons, such as personal relationships, academic competition,
and intellectual passion.”
- International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (“Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts
Submitted to Biomedical Journals”) -- February 2006
Keeping all the above in mind, authors must disclose conflicts of interest, if any,
or mention clearly there is none. MSM expects authors to disclose, alongwith their
submission, any commercial interest that poses, or can appear to pose, a conflict
of interest. Consultancies, Grants, Stocks or Equity, Venture Capital investments,
Employment and/or other association that may involve a conflict of interest must be
disclosed with their submission.
All monographs containing patient data must be based on informed consent and must
ensure full confidentiality.
When reporting experiments on human subjects, authors should indicate whether the
procedures followed were in accordance with the ethical standards of the responsible
committee on human experimentation (institutional and national) and with the Helsinki
Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2000.
Original/Published work
*MSM is meant to publish original work. MSM may occasionally accept publication of
already published work provided it is in consonance with the philosophy of MSM, required
permission of the original copyright owners is obtained, and the material is resubmitted
according to MSM requirements.
Editors’ Opinion and Publication
The opinions expressed by the authors may not necessarily coincide with those of the
editors, but that is not necessary for acceptance for publication.
Acceptance of Submission
All manuscripts are subject to editorial and anonymous peer review. Acceptance, or
otherwise, will be communicated within one month of receipt. On acceptance, the author/authors
will be requested to submit a recent passport sized photograph to be printed along
with their monograph/paper. Unused manuscripts will be returned if accompanied by
return-post self-addressed envelope. Authors/Contributors / Discussants may please
send all correspondence by Registered Post/Speed-Post/Email only. Electronic submission
is preferred.
Critical comments/Readers Respond
These may kindly be forwarded to the Editors for incorporation in the next issue.
They may ordinarily be not more than 1900 words (4 pages), with a maximum of 10 references.
A brief biodata or CV, address for correspondence, email id and passport size photograph
may preferably accompany them.
Themes Issues/Monographs
Outer limit and other details of Papers for Theme Issues will be informed on the MSM
Website at http://www.msmonographs.org/callforpapers.asp, in issues of MSM, as well
as other forums from time to time. They may ordinarily not be more than 4500 words,
complete with an abstract (200 words maximum), introduction and concluding remarks
(300 words maximum). Each paper for a Theme Monograph may contain not more than 30
references.
Guest Articles
Matter for Guest Editorial may occasionally be considered from outside the Editorial
Board from fellow editors/editorial board members of other publications, or researchers/specialists
who have worked extensively in the field. Authors may contact Editor before submitting
the same. They must be between 450-2250 words (15 pages), with additional maximum
20 references. They are subject to editorial and peer review. Readers can browse Editorials
on the MSM site at:
http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2007;volume=5;issue=1;spage=1;epage=6;aulast=Kassirer
http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2008;volume=6;issue=1;spage=3;epage=9;aulast=Cloninger
http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2008;volume=6;issue=1;spage=10;epage=21;aulast=Fulford
Prospective editorial writers should specially peruse
What is a Good Editorial?
http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2006;volume=4;issue=1;spage=14;epage=17;aulast=Singh
Musings
Musings are personal reflections on true incidents or on eye-catching events reported
in the press or research field. They must be racy in style, and give food for thought.
They may not be more than 1350 words (3 pages). No references need be quoted; in any
case not more than 5 references are allowed for Musings. Readers can browse Musings
at
http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2008;volume=6;issue=1;spage=131;epage=134;aulast=Arnold
http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2007;volume=5;issue=1;spage=25;epage=26;aulast=Singh
Reflections
Reflections are ruminations on events/issues/personalities of the past or present,
or prognostications for the future, written in a racy style, and must not ordinarily
exceed 2750 words, with a maximum of 10 references. Readers can browse Reflections
at
http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2008;volume=6;issue=1;spage=135;epage=145;aulast=Narlikar
http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2006;volume=4;issue=1;spage=154;epage=165;aulast=Pandya
Introduction/Preface/Highlights
Introduction/Preface/Highlights are scholarly reflections published at the beginning
of a Monograph, which summarise the current state of knowledge in the field on which
the Monograph is based, or summarise the salient points of the papers included, or
a related issue. Historical reflections and conceptual analysis connected with the
theme of the Monograph and its related fields are welcome. Outer limit is 1800 words
(4 pages) with a maximum of 12 references. Readers can browse Introductions at
http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2005;volume=3;issue=1;spage=0;epage=0;aulast=Singh
http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2007;volume=5;issue=1;spage=31;epage=36;aulast=Singh
Preface at
http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2003;volume=1;issue=1;spage=3;epage=4;aulast=Singh
http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2006;volume=4;issue=1;spage=0;epage=0;aulast=Singh
MSM Poems
MSM Poems is meant to publish original poetry from medical practitioners/researchers/poets
on the themes of health, medicine and human behaviour. Details of MSM Poems are mentioned
elsewhere on this site [see http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2005;volume=3;issue=2;spage=52;epage=52;aulast=Singh].
Prospective poets are encouraged to submit their works for consideration for future
issues. Readers can browse MSM Poems at: http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2007;volume=5;issue=1;spage=233;epage=233;aulast=Davis
http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2008;volume=6;issue=1;spage=277;epage=278;aulast=Brenner
The Looking Glass
The Looking Glass depicts how others look at medical practice, its practitioners,
mental health workers and philosophers. It will also reflect on happenings in the
world of Medicine and Science. Readers can browse ‘The looking Glass’ at
http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2006;volume=4;issue=1;spage=21;epage=33;aulast=Singh
http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2007;volume=5;issue=1;spage=15;epage=25;aulast=Van
http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2008;volume=6;issue=1;spage=41;epage=47;aulast=Gilman
Journalology
MSM takes special interest in publishing articles and editorials related with issues
in Journalology, especially medical journal editing, publishing, conflict of interest,
informed consent, human and animal experimentation, ghost writing, bioethics etc.
Readers can browse articles at
http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2008;volume=6;issue=1;spage=226;epage=236;aulast=Hoey
http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2008;volume=6;issue=1;spage=237;epage=243;aulast=Marcovitch
http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2008;volume=6;issue=1;spage=244;epage=256;aulast=Healy
http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2008;volume=6;issue=1;spage=257;epage=273;aulast=Langdon-Neuner
MSM Book Review
Started in 2007, MSM publishes book reviews of books published during the year that
make a difference. Readers can browse book reviews at
http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2008;volume=6;issue=1;spage=274;epage=276;aulast=Bhide
http://www.msmonographs.org/article.asp?issn=0973-1229;year=2007;volume=5;issue=1;spage=228;epage=232;aulast=McHenry
References
At MSM, we have been using the modified Harvard referencing system until now. Most
biomedical Journals use the Vancouver system.
Both systems have their plus points and their drawbacks.
We have decided to modify our referencing system to incorporate the best of both.
We shall continue to have authors’ names with year in the text, but will add a number
which matches that number in the Refr List alphabetically arranged at the end of the
paper. Also, the individual citation in the Refr list will be modified to make it
easy for PubMed to pick up and also for our webmaster to establish links at html pages
of respective articles.
In a nutshell
As before we shall continue to have authors’ names in the text, but now will change
to add numbers along with, like this (Walsh et al., 2010 [37]). [See example below]
These numbers must correspond to numbers in the Refr list at the end of the paper.
[Also see example below]
Refr list should continue to be arranged in alphabetical order.
Refr style should be changed as follows
For. e.g. Walsh TR, Toleman MA, Sarma JB, Irfan S, Woodford N, Livermore DM. New Delhi
metallo-â-lactamase 1: Authors’ reply. Lancet Infect Dis 2010;10:752-4. Available
from: http://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(10)70245-0/fulltext
[accessed 2011 Jan 13].
This style, let's call it the MSM Style, incorporates the number and individual citation
of the Vancouver System [both help in web referencing], while it incorporates the
authors’ names/year in text and alphabetical order in Reference list from the Harvard
System[helping in article/reference list browsing and critical/analytical study of
text].
If you need any clarification, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Someday, hopefully, other journals may realise the usefulness of this change, and
accept it for their journals.
All other author guidelines are as per
Template for MSM Submissions at
Instructions to contributors at http://www.msmonographs.org/contributors.asp.
ICMJE and CSE Requirements
The Mens Sana Monographs accepts The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors
(ICMJE)'s updated “Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts (URM) Submitted to Biomedical
Journals: Writing and Editing for Biomedical Publication” updated Oct 2008 [www.icmje.org],
except with regard to referencing, where it follows the Modified Harvard Style [see
in References above]. Authors are requested to note that their submissions are in
accordance with the Uniform Requirements mentioned above.
The Mens Sana Monographs also accepts the “Editorial Policy Statements Approved by
the CSE Board of Directors” that covers the responsibilities and rights of editors
of peer-reviewed journals [http://www.councilscienceeditors.org/services/draft_approved.cfm]
The Mens Sana Monographs also accepts the “Editorial Policy Statements” of The Council
of Science Editors (CSE) that covers the responsibilities and rights of editors of
peer-reviewed journals. http://www.councilscienceeditors.org/services/draft_approved.cfm
Word Count, Font, Photograph and CV
Authors are encouraged to submit a word count with their submission. Submission should
be in Word format, with Verdana 10 pt or Times New Roman 11 pt font size. MSM publishes
a photograph of the contributing author with a brief CV (250 words for a monograph
and 50-100 words for other contributions.) along with his/her contribution (optional).
Reprints/Off prints
All authors will receive 1 COPY of the Monograph containing their work free of charge.
All discussants/commentators will receive 1 offprint free of charge.
Copyright
Copyright of material published rests with the Mens Sana Monographs. However, authors
are permitted to disseminate their published work freely by post or electronic means,
and to put it up on their personal/institutional web sites for the information and
knowledge of their viewers and fellow researchers, with due acknowledgement of the
original source of publication (MSM). Authors should contact and obtain permission
from MSM if they intend publication of their work in any other form later. Such requests
are ordinarily granted on due acknowledgement of publication in MSM.