First impression

• Manuscript's clarity and relevance

• Fits journal scope
• Addresses a valid research question
• Appropriate language used

1. Title

• Clearly indicates manuscript's focus

• Is concise

2. Abstract

• Self-contained, without citations, under 300 words

• Accurately summarizes aims, methods, findings, and conclusions
• Understandable as a standalone

3. Introduction

• Summarizes the topic's current state

• Defines the study's aim, consistent with the manuscript

4. Main text

• Clear presentation of main ideas or findings

• Study design and approach are described and relevant
• Reproducible method reporting
• Clear participant recruitment/sample collection and bias discussion
• Proper controls and statistical tests
• Results are clear and supported by essential information
• Ethical considerations, especially for animal and human research

5. Results

• Conclusions backed by data

• Contextualized within existing knowledge
• Significant limitations discussed

6. Tables and figures

• Clear, accurate, and cited consecutively

• Each has a descriptive title

7. References

• Essential references included without omissions

• No inappropriate or excessive citations