Originals. This section includes original works of clinical and basic research. The recommended designs are experimental studies (clinical trials), analytic observational (case-control and cohorts) or descriptive ones (cross-sectional). To elaborate the clinical trials, the CONSORT standards, available under http://www.stard-statement.org/ must be followed, the STARD initiative for diagnostic tests, available under http://www.stard-statement.org/ and for observational studies the STROBE guidelines available under http://www.strobe-statement.org/. For single-centre studies, it is recommended not to exceed the number of 6 signatories. When multicentre studies more authors might be considered. The maximum word count is 2500 words (excluding the title page, the abstract, the references, the tables and the figure legends. Up to 30 references, 6 figures and 6 tables will be accepted). An abstract of up 250 words and keywords should be included; this abstract will be structured in the following sections: background and aims, materials and method, results, conclusions. A Spanish translation of the abstract and keywords is required. These requirements may only be changed in exceptional situations and with prior permission from the Editor. Only for online publishing, it is recommended that authors submit all tables, figures and methodology that are not essential for understanding the study but that are useful for replicating the study or for a more thorough reading of it. The manuscript should be structured into sections.
Brief Communications. This section is meant for papers with short patient series or long series that validate the results of other previous papers, as well as brief research papers signed by a maximum of 6 authors. In the case of a study, the paper must follow the recommendations on style and design of the original articles. It should include an unstructured abstract of a maximum 150 words and keywords. A Spanish translation of the abstract and keywords is required. The maximum text length must be 1,500 words (excluding the title page, the abstract, the references, the tables and the figure legends), Up to 2 figures and/or tables and a maximum of 20 references will be accepted. The manuscript must be structured to include the following main headings: a) abstract (summary of most relevant findings); b) text with sequential sections: introduction, clinical cases/patients and method, results, discussion, and c) references. As noted for the original papers, we recommend only for online publishing, that authors submit all tables, figures and methodology that are not essential for understanding the study but that are useful for replicating the study or for a more thorough reading of it. This section will appear in the electronic version of Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas.
Images in Dermatology. To be considered for publication, images must be high quality originals that reflect the clinical characteristics of dermatological diseases or the results of additional tests in dermatology and have significant teaching value (either due to their uniqueness or visual impact), which must be noted in the accompanying text. The image presented must be unique, although it may be composed of up to 2 photographies and shall be accompanied by a legend no longer than 200 words, with no associated references or abstract. The title should be brief (no more than 10 words), and it is recommended that no more than 3 authors be included. The images will be published only in electronic format at the discretion of the Journal’s Editorial Committee.
Cases for diagnosis. These manuscripts should include original clinical cases that have not been published previously in another journal. One to 3 authors will be allowed. Do not include an abstract keywords. These manuscripts should include: 1. A first part (case presentation) maximum length of the text is 200 words. This part should contain the following: a) the case history; b) physical examination; c)histopathology (that describes the histologic findings but does not give conclusive information about the diagnosis); d) complementary tests; e) a maximum of 3 colour figures of highest-quality: these might be clinical, histologic, dermatoscopic..., with no figure captions (their meaning should be described in the text). 2. Second part (diagnosis and comments). Maximum length of the text is 450 words, excluding references. This part should include: a) the diagnosis; b) course and treatment (of the patient presented); c) comments (on the reference disease, the case presented, and the differential diagnosis); d) references (up to 6 references).
Case and Research Letters. This section is meant for the publication of brief reports on studies or clinical cases. They shall be signed by a maximum of 4 authors. The text shall have a maximum length of 800 words. Do not include an abstract keywords.Up to 3 figures and/or tables will be admitted. Maximum number of references will be 10.
Letters to the editor. This Section is for publishing critical opinions, agreements, praise or any other type of observation regarding articles published in the journal. This section can also be used for suggestions, criticism, or comments about any formal aspect or content of the issue of Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas. Letters shall be signed by a maximum of 4 authors. Do not include an abstract keywords. The maximum length of text allowed is 800 words and might content up to 3 figures and/or tables. Maximum number of references will be 10.
Opinion article. It includes the opinion of one or two authors on a subject of his/her specialty, giving his/her personal thoughts on it, with the possibility of referring to related publications. Maximum length of the text, usually without sections, will be 2500 words, not including the references (up to 20). Key words have to be included but no abstract. A Spanish translation of the keywords is required. Maximum of 2 table/figures can be added
Review. The aim is to update a topic of dermatological importance, reviewing it in depth based on the updated quality scientific evidence. The work should be signed by a maximum of 3 authors The length of the text shall not exceed 3,500 words (excluding the title page, the abstract, the references, the tables and the figure legends), 8 tables/figures and a maximum of 100 references. Includes an unstructured abstract with a maximum 150 words and keywords. A Spanish translation of the abstract and keywords is required. The reviews will be conducted at the express request of the Journal’s Editorial Committee or by a previous request from the author to the director (ad@elsevier.com) and will be subjected to a peer review. Reviews that include recommendations on procedures and/or preventive, diagnostic and/or therapeutic techniques shall include the level of evidence and degree of recommendation following the SIGN, Oxford or NICE classification systems. As well as general reviews, the journal Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas publishes reviews on issues related to clinical practice, controversies and developments, with the following standards for authors.
Practical dermatology. A review article on a topic with an eminently practical approach. Avoid an extensively long development of the work, orienting the subject towards recommendations for the daily clinical practice. Signed by a maximum of 3 authors. Length of the text shall not exceed 2500 words (excluding the title page, the abstract, the references, the tables, and the figure captions). Non-structured abstract (up to 150 words) and keywords are included. A Spanish translation of the abstract and keywords is required. The use of figures, graphics, tables, or algorithms (not more than 8) is recommended in order to facilitate the understanding of the topic. Maximum number of references will be 50. These articles are commissioned expressly by the Editor-in-Chief or by prior request of the author to the Editor (ad@elsevier.com) and will be subjected to peer review. The level of evidence of the recommendations as described for general reviews will be included.
Controversies in dermatology. These are review articles on a topic that has some controversial aspects. The author should give some personal criteria and cover the different positions found in the literature. The text will be signed by a maximum of 3 authors and the extent shall not exceed 2,500 words (excluding the title page, the abstract, the references, the tables, and the figure captions). A non-structured abstract (up to 150 words) and key words shall be included. A Spanish translation of the abstract and keywords is required. The use of figures or tables (not more than 6) is recommended if they facilitate the understanding of the topic; up to 30 references are allowed. These articles are commissioned expressly by the Editor-in-Chief or by prior request of the author to the Editor (ad@elsevier.com) and will be subjected to peer review.
Novelties in Dermatology. These are articles in which a subject of great current interest is reviewed and briefly commented on. The text will be signed by a maximum of 3 authors. Maximum length should be up to 2.500 words (excluding the title page, abstract, references, tables, and figure captions). Include a non-structured abstract (maximum 150 words) and key words. A Spanish translation of the abstract and keywords is required. Up to 6 tables/figures and 30 references can be included. These articles are commissioned expressly by the Editor-in-Chief or by prior request of the author to the Editor (ad@elsevier.com) and will be subjected to peer review.
Consensus statements. These articles cover the content of consensus statements, recommendations, and therapeutic or diagnostic guidelines drafted by a working group or a scientific society. The text will not exceed 2,500 words. A non-structured abstract (up to 150 words) and key words are included. Up to 8 tables/figures and 100 references can be included. Levels of evidence and recommendation grades according to current international guidelines have to be included.
History and humanities in dermatology. These are review articles on the history or humanities related to dermatology and venereology. A maximum length up to will be 1,500 words without abstract nor keywords. We admit no more than 3 authors, 3 figures/tables and 10 references. These articles are commissioned expressly by the Editor-in-Chief or by prior request of the author to the Editor (ad@elsevier.com) and will be subjected to peer review.
Practical Dermoscopy. This Section is dedicated to the publication of clinical-dermatoscopic cases. Includes clinical cases whose clinical diagnosis is difficult and in which dermoscopy provides the diagnostic key. Text signed by no more than 3 authors. Do not include an abstract. The practical dermoscopy should include the following sections: 1. Case problem presentation along with two clinical imaging study, brief descriptive text (up to 50 words) not including the diagnostic. 2. Dermoscopic images presentation: two dermoscopic images should be accompanied by the question “What is the diagnosis?”. 3. Comment: should be no longer than 400 words, excluding the references. It will include dermatoscopic feature description emphasizing the differential diagnosis keys. Maximum number of references allowed is 6.
Videos of Surgical Procedures in Dermatology. This section is focused on the use of innovative surgical techniques and modifications of existing ones for the resolution of clinical cases as well as the use of known surgical techniques to solve clinical complex cases. Videos will be signed by a maximum of 4 authors. A text of no more than 800 words (excluding title page, references, tables and figure captions) shall be attached to the video. Do not include abstract nor keywords. Figures and tables (maximum 3 figures and / or tables) should be embedded in the video stream. References (no more than 5) shall be included at the end of the manuscript and video stream. The manuscript should be structured into the following sections: introduction, surgical technique description, indications/contraindications, complications, conclusions and references. The link to the video will be placed at the foot of the manuscript. Video lasts up to 10 minutes. Surgical video will show complete surgery procedure from baseline to final outcome. It is recommended to include video footage or images of final postsurgical outcomes medium- to long term. To improve the understanding of the procedure described, short and clear commentaries (audio or subtitles) should be incorporated into the video file. Submit videos according to the following acceptable file formats .mov, .wmv, .mpg, .mpeg, .mp4 or .avi, and maximum file size of 50 MB. Verify that the videos are viewable in QuickTime® or Windows Media Player ®. Editorial board of Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas reserves the right to edit videos according to editorial line the journal. Accepted videos will be posted for viewing via streaming on the site of Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas and its manuscript will be published in the print version of the journal.
Resident’s Forum. This section is aimed at collecting short bibliographic reviews written by Dermatology Medical-Surgical and Venereology resident physicians who are aspiring academics to the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV). Each review will cover or a subject considered to be of maximum interest and current, or a paper recently published on an impact journal, in which new and relevant information about aetiology and/or disease physiopathology, new diagnostic techniques and/or treatments. The text will be signed by a maximum of 3 authors, (of them, only one specialist in Dermatology is allowed). The manuscript title must include the prefix “FR-” followed by the review subject. Do not include a summary. Do not include an abstract, include key words. A Spanish translation of the kewords is required. Maximum length of the text permitted is 500 words. In exceptional cases, a maximum of 1 figure and/or table could be included. The bibliography should include up to 5 references of articles published in PubMed indexed journals in relation with the subject of the original article commented.
Supplements. The aim of the supplements is to provide more detailed information on a monographic subject. The supplements will have a Coordinator and different authors who will collaborate in drafting the corresponding articles. These articles will be reviewed in the same way as regular articles. These articles are commissioned expressly by the Editor-in-Chief or by prior request of the coordinator to the Editor (ad@elsevier.com). Funding is required for the publication of these supplements. They must follow the same publication guidelines as Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas.