Methods

Details of methods are essential. Do not omit information about methods because of word limits. Some methods can be described in an appendix, but methods for all the main outcomes should be in the main text. Some journals exclude methods from word limits.

Check your target journal for preferred subheadings and how formulae and equations
should be marked. For equations, use Microsoft Equation Editor, Math Type, LaTeX Equation Editor or a similar tool.

Describe in detail how the study was carried out. Where relevant, describe the study setting, cells, animals (species, age, sex), human participants (age, sex or gender, ethnicity), inclusion and exclusion criteria, origin of analysed material, what measures were used, which data were collected, equipment (model, manufacturer, city, country) and chemicals (city, country and purity, if relevant).

All factors that could have affected the results need to be considered.

For methods that have already been published, cite them and provide a brief summary, highlighting any deviations from the published version.