Instructions for Authors

PURPOSE AND FOCUS

Acta Clinica Croatica is an international, peer-reviewed medical journal dedicated to publishing high-quality original research that enhances medical knowledge and clinical practice. The journal aims to disseminate important medical insights to a global audience. It is published quarterly in English.

MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSION

Language and Guidelines

Submissions must be in English and must comply with the Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), accessible at: http://www.icmje.org

How to Submit

Via Email:
Authors may email their manuscripts to editor@actaclinica.org. A signed Author Copyright Agreement (ACA) by all contributors must be included as an email attachment 

Via Online System:

Manuscripts can also be submitted through the journal’s electronic platform https://www.actaclinica.org/acc/about/submissions

The system requires user registration and supports document uploads including the manuscript file, signed ACA, and reviewer suggestions.

AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS

Only individuals who have made significant intellectual contributions should be listed as authors. All authors must accept responsibility for the content and integrity of the work. Others who contributed but do not meet authorship criteria should be acknowledged separately.

COPYRIGHT AGREEMENT

Each submission must include a fully signed Author Copyright Agreement by all authors. A downloadable version of the form is available on the journal’s website.

REVIEWER SUGGESTIONS

Authors are encouraged to suggest up to five qualified reviewers, including at least two from outside their home institution. Each proposed reviewer must hold a PhD and be identified by name, affiliation, and email address. The editorial board will make the final selection.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Authors must disclose any financial or personal relationships that could influence the work. Any sources of funding or potential conflicts should be declared under the “Acknowledgments” section. For further information, see:
ICMJE Conflict of Interest Guidelines

MANUSCRIPT FORMAT

The manuscript should be prepared using Microsoft Word, formatted on A4 paper with 25 mm margins. Use double spacing and number pages consecutively starting from the title page.

The manuscript must include the following sections, in order:
Title Page, Abstract and Keywords, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Acknowledgments, References, Tables, Figure Legends, and Figures.

TITLE PAGE

Include:

  • Article title (concise and descriptive)
  • Running title
  • Full author names with degrees and institutional affiliations
  • Corresponding author's contact details, including email
    All affiliations must use official institution names.

ABSTRACT & KEYWORDS

The second page must contain an abstract in both English and Croatian, each not exceeding 200 words. It should summarize objectives, methods, findings, and conclusions, emphasizing the study's novel aspects.

Include up to 6 keywords below the abstract. Use terms from MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) whenever possible.

INTRODUCTION

Briefly describe the background and aim of the study. Provide only essential references and exclude study findings or conclusions.

METHODS

Clearly explain study design, participant characteristics, data collection methods, and tools used (include manufacturer details in parentheses). Provide references for established methods and describe new techniques thoroughly, including their limitations. Use generic names for drugs and express measurements in SI units.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Human studies must include a statement confirming compliance with institutional or national ethical standards and the Helsinki Declaration. Avoid including any patient-identifying information. Animal research must state adherence to institutional or national animal welfare guidelines.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Explain statistical methods in detail to enable replication. Where applicable, include error margins or confidence intervals. Mention any software used.

DISCUSSION

Focus on the study's key findings and their significance. Avoid repeating earlier content. Discuss limitations, relevance to existing literature, and potential directions for future research. New hypotheses should be clearly identified as such.

TABLES

Each table should be on a separate page, typed with double spacing. Use short, descriptive titles and column headings. Number tables in the order of their appearance in the text. Do not submit tables as images.

FIGURES

Figures should be of high quality and professionally produced. All text in figures must remain legible after reduction. Each figure should be labeled with the figure number, manuscript title, and orientation. Images of identifiable individuals must have documented permission for publication. Acceptable formats include JPEG and TIFF with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi.

ABBREVIATIONS

Use only widely accepted abbreviations. Spell out the full term at first use, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Mention individuals who contributed to the study but do not meet authorship criteria (e.g., technical support, editorial help). Acknowledge all financial or material support.

REFERENCES

References should appear in the order cited and be indicated in the text with superscript numerals. Include DOI numbers for all entries. Use the reference style outlined by the ICMJE, available at:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/bsd/uniform_requirements.html

List all sources including unpublished work, online material, and articles in press (label as “in press”). Authors must confirm and obtain permission to cite any unpublished sources.

PEER REVIEW PROCESS

Upon submission, the author receives confirmation. Manuscripts are checked using CrossRef Similarity Check via iThenticate for potential plagiarism.

Papers deemed suitable are sent to a minimum of two anonymous peer reviewers. Authors may suggest or exclude specific reviewers with appropriate justification. The editorial team retains full discretion over reviewer selection.

The review process will take 30-45 days from date of submission. Authors must address reviewer comments thoroughly and return a revised version with explanations. If major revisions are requested by multiple reviewers, the revised manuscript may be re-reviewed.

Final acceptance is based on reviewer feedback and editorial decision. Accepted articles undergo language editing before publication. Authors receive proofs for final error correction prior to print.