Life Conflux is committed to fostering scientific excellence by providing a platform for researchers to share groundbreaking discoveries, innovative methodologies, and comprehensive analyses. We bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, ensuring that scientific progress benefits society through open, accessible, and rigorously peer-reviewed publications.

Research Integrity

We maintain the highest standards of scientific integrity, ensuring all published research adheres to ethical guidelines and contributes meaningfully to the scientific community.

Open Access Excellence

Our open access model ensures that groundbreaking research reaches the global scientific community without barriers, accelerating knowledge dissemination and collaboration.

Rigorous Peer Review

Our single-blind peer review process, conducted by leading experts in their respective fields, ensures the quality and validity of all published research.

By submitting a manuscript to Life Conflux, authors acknowledge and agree to the following terms:

• Originality Commitment: The submitted manuscript represents original work that has not been published elsewhere and is not under consideration by any other journal or publisher.
• Author Agreement: All listed authors have read, approved, and agree to the submission of the manuscript and accept responsibility for its content.
• Open Access License: Upon publication, the content will be freely available under an open access license for non-commercial use, promoting global knowledge sharing.
• Copyright Compliance: The manuscript content does not infringe upon any third-party copyrights, patents, or other intellectual property rights.
• Data Transparency: Authors commit to making research data available in accordance with open science principles and journal policies.

Single-Blind Review System

Life Conflux employs a rigorous single-blind peer review process designed to maintain objectivity and ensure the highest quality of published research. This system protects reviewer anonymity while maintaining transparency in the evaluation process.

Review Timeline & Process:

1. Initial Editorial Screening: 7-10 business days for editorial assessment and reviewer assignment
2. Peer Review: 3-4 weeks for comprehensive expert evaluation by 2-3 independent reviewers
3. Editorial Decision: 1-2 weeks for final editorial decision and author notification
4. Publication Process: 2-3 weeks from acceptance to online publication

Life Conflux welcomes diverse scholarly contributions that advance scientific knowledge and promote interdisciplinary collaboration in medical informatics and digital healthcare. Each article type serves specific purposes within the scientific communication ecosystem, from original research and comprehensive reviews to expert opinions and editorial communications on healthcare technology, clinical informatics, and AI-driven medicine.

Research Article

Description: Comprehensive reports of original research findings, experimental studies, or theoretical analyses that make significant contributions to medical informatics, digital health technologies, healthcare data science, and clinical decision support systems

Word Limit: 3,000-6,000 words, 4-6 figures, unlimited supplements

Abstract: Required (Structured)

Special Requirements: Data & Code Availability, IRB Statement, Ethics Approval

Short Communication

Description: Concise reports of preliminary findings, novel observations, or significant developments in healthcare informatics and digital medicine that warrant rapid dissemination to the scientific community

Word Limit: 1,500-3,000 words, 1-3 figures

Abstract: Required (Structured)

Special Requirements: Fast-track review available

Review Article

Description: Comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge, systematic analysis of literature, and critical evaluation of developments in specific research areas within medical informatics, health information technology, AI in healthcare, and digital health ecosystems

Word Limit: 3,000-12,000 words, 2-6 figures/tables, extensive references

Abstract: Required (Unstructured)

Special Requirements: Minimum 50 references, expert author credentials

Perspective

Description: Expert opinions on emerging trends, future directions, or innovative approaches to current challenges in medical informatics research, digital health implementation, healthcare AI development, and health information systems

Word Limit: 3,000-5,000 words, 2-4 figures

Abstract: Required (Unstructured)

Special Requirements: Future research directions, policy implications

Method

Description: Procedural method in the design and implementation of digital health studies, healthcare data analytics projects, clinical informatics systems, or AI model development. Detailed methodological innovations and technical procedures

Word Limit: 3,000-12,000 words, unlimited figures

Abstract: Required (Unstructured)

Special Requirements: Troubleshooting section, detailed procedures

Protocol

Description: Procedural protocol in the design and implementation of medical informatics experiments, digital health interventions, health data collection systems, or clinical decision support tools. Step-by-step protocols that can be followed and reproduced

Word Limit: 3,000-12,000 words, unlimited figures

Abstract: Required (Unstructured)

Special Requirements: Troubleshooting section, validation data

Opinion

Description: Personal opinions on topics that enhance the understanding of medical informatics challenges, digital health policies, healthcare technology adoption, or emerging trends in clinical informatics, providing expert perspectives on current issues or controversies

Word Limit: No specific limit

Abstract: No

Special Requirements: Expert author credentials

Editorial

Description: To convey an opinion, or overview of an issue, by the Editor or someone invited by the editor. Addresses journal policies, medical informatics field developments, or editorial perspectives

Word Limit: No specific limit

Abstract: No

Special Requirements: Editorial invitation required

Commentary

Description: Expert opinion from one or more people (who may agree or disagree) on a published work, current understanding/status of medical informatics or digital health topics, or how practice should be undertaken. Generally with references

Word Limit: No specific limit

Abstract: No

Special Requirements: Reference to original work, expert credentials

Correspondence

Description: A letter, or response to a letter, sent to the journal to raise a point of interest, discuss a difference of opinion or encourage participation in medical informatics discourse

Word Limit: No specific limit

Abstract: No

Special Requirements: Brief and focused

Analysis

Description: Overview of developments in medical informatics, digital health, healthcare AI, or health information systems, or the current lines of thought. Synthesizes multiple sources of information and has long list of references. Emphasis is more factual and less on opinion

Word Limit: 3,000-12,000 words

Abstract: Required (Unstructured)

Special Requirements: Data and Code Availability

Required Submission Materials

All manuscripts must include the following materials in the specified formats. Failure to include any required item may result in immediate return without review.

1. Manuscript: Required, must be uploaded in Word format. Should not contain any main figures or main tables. For revised manuscripts, must provide both clean and marked versions showing all changes.
2. Title Page: Required, must be uploaded in Word format. Must include detailed author information, complete institutional affiliations, and corresponding author email address.
3. Graphical Abstract: Required, must be in JPG format. Should provide a clear visual summary of the main findings, digital health methodology, healthcare informatics approach, or AI-driven medical application. High resolution (minimum 300 DPI) required.
4. Highlights: Required, must be uploaded in Word format. Should contain 3-5 bullet points (maximum 85 characters each) summarizing the key findings and significance of the work in medical informatics, digital health innovation, or healthcare technology advancement.
5. Figures: Required, all figures must be submitted in JPG format. Figures must be grouped into a single compressed ZIP file for upload.
6. Figure Legends: Required, must be uploaded in Word format (.doc or .docx). Should clearly describe each figure and include any relevant details such as abbreviations, symbols, data visualization methods, system architectures, or experimental/computational conditions.
7. Declarations File: Required, must be uploaded in Word format. Must include all sections detailed below, even if some sections are marked as "Not Applicable."

Optional Submission Materials

These materials enhance the submission and may be required depending on the article type and content.

1. Cover Letter: if applicable, must be uploaded in Word format. Should explain the significance and novelty of the research in medical informatics or digital health, and address any potential concerns.
2. Tables: Optional, if applicable, must be uploaded as a compressed package in Word format. All tables must be three-line tables with titles above and notes below.
3. Supplementary Figures: Optional, if applicable, must be in JPG format and uploaded as a compressed package. Should support but not duplicate main figures.
4. Supplementary Tables: Optional, if applicable, must be uploaded as a compressed package in Word format. Should follow the same three-line table format as main tables.
5. Raw Data: Optional, if applicable, must be uploaded as a compressed package. Original datasets including clinical data, healthcare system logs, EHR records, medical imaging data, or AI model training datasets that support the findings and enable reproducibility.

Declarations File - Detailed Requirements

The declarations file must include all of the following sections in the exact order specified. Each section is mandatory and must be present even if marked as "Not Applicable."

1. Abbreviations: If there are abbreviated terms in the article, provide corresponding abbreviations and full names in alphabetical order. If none: Write "Not Applicable."
2. Author Contributions: Clearly describe each author's specific contributions to the research and manuscript preparation. Use standard CRediT taxonomy when possible.
3. Acknowledgements: If there are acknowledgments, briefly describe the acknowledgment information including technical assistance, editorial help, or other support. If none: Write "Not Applicable."
4. Funding Information: If there is funding, briefly describe the funding information including grant numbers, funding agencies, and sponsor organizations. If none: Write "Not Applicable."
5. Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate: If there are ethics considerations, briefly describe the ethics information including IRB approval numbers, patient consent procedures for clinical data use, data privacy compliance (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR), ethical approval for AI model deployment in clinical settings, and compliance statements. If none: Write "Not Applicable."
6. Competing Interests: If there are competing interests, briefly describe the competing interests information including financial relationships, personal relationships, or professional affiliations that could be perceived as influencing the research. If none: Write exactly: "The authors declare that they have no existing or potential commercial or financial relationships that could create a conflict of interest at the time of conducting this study."
7. Data Availability: If no data availability statement is needed: Write "Not Applicable." If a data availability statement is needed: Write exactly: "All data needed to evaluate the conclusions in the paper are present in the paper or the Supplementary Materials. Additional data related to this paper may be requested from the authors."

Research Article Format (IMRaD Structure)

Title & Abstract

Compelling title (≤200 characters), structured abstract (200-250 words) with Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions

Introduction

Research context, literature review, current state of medical informatics/digital health, knowledge gaps, objectives, and hypotheses clearly stated

Methods

Detailed methodology, healthcare data sources, digital health intervention design, AI/ML model development, health IT system implementation procedures, statistical analyses, and ethical considerations including data privacy and security measures

Results

Key findings, statistical analyses, performance metrics (e.g., accuracy, sensitivity, specificity for diagnostic AI; system usability scores; clinical outcome measures), data presentation with figures and tables

Discussion

Interpretation of results, comparison with literature, implications for clinical practice and healthcare delivery, limitations including data quality, generalizability, and implementation challenges, and future directions

Conclusion

Synthesis of key findings, broader implications for medical informatics practice, digital health policy, or healthcare technology adoption, and future research directions

Structured Abstract Template

Background: State the research problem, significance, and objectives in medical informatics or digital health. Explain why this study was necessary and what gap it addresses in current knowledge of healthcare technology, clinical informatics, or digital medicine.

Methods: Describe study design, participants/patient populations/healthcare settings, data sources (e.g., EHR systems, wearable devices, clinical databases), key methodological approaches including AI/ML algorithms, health IT systems, or digital health interventions, data collection, and analytical approaches used.

Results: Present main findings with specific data, statistical significance, clinical performance metrics, system evaluation outcomes, and key quantitative/qualitative outcomes.

Conclusions: Summarize main conclusions, practical implications for healthcare delivery, clinical decision-making, or health information systems, and contributions to the field. Suggest future research directions.

Keywords: 5-7 relevant keywords separated by semicolons (e.g., medical informatics; electronic health records; artificial intelligence; telemedicine; clinical decision support; health data analytics; digital health)

Typography & Layout

• Font: Arial, 11pt, justified alignment
• Line Spacing: Double-spaced throughout
• Margins: 1-inch (2.54 cm) on all sides
• Page Numbers: Bottom center, starting from title page
• Headings: Bold, no numbering, hierarchical structure

Scientific Notation

• Numbers: Comma separation for >9,999 (e.g., 10,000)
• Multiplication: Use × symbol (not X or *)
• Statistics: p < 0.05 (spaces around operators)
• Gene Names: Standard formatting (no italics)
• Serial Lists: Oxford comma required (A, B, and C)

Important Formatting Notes: Manuscripts must be submitted as separate Word documents without embedded figures or tables. All formatting should follow standard academic conventions with clear section breaks and consistent styling throughout.

Vancouver Citation System

Life Conflux follows the Vancouver referencing system with sequential numeric citations. Each reference receives a unique Arabic number assigned in order of first appearance, maintained throughout the manuscript when cited again.

Citation Examples:

Journal Articles (≤6 authors):

Zhou, G., Li, . A., & Wang, R. (2025). The role of IL-17 family in the process of pulmonary fibrosis. Life Conflux, 1(3), e217. https://doi.org/10.71321/tg620c27

Journal Articles (>6 authors):

Huang HJ, Liu C, Sun XW, Wei RQ, Liu LW, Chen HY, et al. The rheumatoid arthritis gut microbial biobank reveals core microbial species that associate and effect on host inflammation and autoimmune responses. (2024). iMeta. 3(5):e242. https://doi.org/10.1002/imt2.242

Books:

Thomson AK, editor. Molecular mechanisms in cardiovascular disease: clinical applications. 3rd ed. New York: Academic Press; 2023.

Online Resources:

World Health Organization. Global health observatory data repository [Internet]. Geneva: WHO; 2024 [cited 2024 Oct 15]. Available from: https://www.who.int/data/gho

In-Text Citations:

• Superscript format: text¹ or text¹⁻³
• Bracket format: text [1] or text [1-3]
• Multiple citations: [1,3,5-7]

Reference Management:

• EndNote style file available
• DOI required when available
• Complete page ranges

Figure Requirements

• Format: JPEG (photos) or TIFF (graphics)
• Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI
• Size: Single or double column width
• Labels: Clear, readable fonts (Arial 8-12pt)
• Color: High contrast, colorblind-friendly
• Legends: Comprehensive, standalone descriptions

Table Specifications

• Format: Three-line table structure
• Title: Above table, descriptive and concise
• Headers: Clear column headings with units
• Data: Consistent decimal places and formatting
• Notes: Below table for explanations
• Statistics: Significance indicators clearly defined

Best Practices for Visual Elements: Ensure all figures and tables are self-explanatory and can be understood independently of the main text. Use consistent styling, clear labeling, and provide detailed legends that explain all symbols, abbreviations, and statistical measures used.

Data Transparency

Life Conflux promotes open science principles and requires transparent reporting of research data and methodologies in medical informatics and digital health research.

• Data availability statement required
• Code and analysis scripts when applicable including AI/ML model code, data processing pipelines, statistical analysis scripts, and health IT system configurations
• Repository links for shared datasets such as de-identified clinical data, healthcare system performance data, or publicly available health databases
• Restrictions and access conditions clearly stated including patient privacy protections, institutional data use agreements, and HIPAA/GDPR compliance requirements

Research Ethics

All research involving human participants, patient data, healthcare systems, or sensitive data must comply with ethical standards and institutional guidelines.

• IRB/Ethics committee approval for clinical studies and patient data analysis
• Informed consent documentation including patient consent for data use in research and AI model training
• Data privacy and security compliance (HIPAA, GDPR, or applicable regional regulations)
• Patient confidentiality protections including de-identification procedures
• Conflict of interest disclosure especially regarding commercial health IT products, AI algorithms, or digital health platforms

Editorial Workflow Steps

1. Submission: Upload manuscript and required materials through online portal
2. Editorial Review: Initial assessment for scope, quality, relevance to medical informatics and digital health, and reviewer assignment
3. Peer Review: Expert evaluation by independent reviewers with expertise in relevant medical informatics subfields, healthcare technology, clinical informatics, or digital health applications
4. Publication: Final editorial decision, production, and online publication

Submission Checklist

Before Submission:

• Manuscript follows journal guidelines
• All required files prepared
• Ethics approval obtained (if applicable) including IRB approval for clinical studies and data use agreements
• Patient data de-identification verified (if applicable)
• All authors approve submission

Quality Assurance:

• Data and methodology clearly described including data sources, preprocessing steps, algorithm details, and system implementation procedures
• References properly formatted
• Figures and tables high quality with clear visualization of clinical outcomes, system performance, or data analytics results
• Statistical analyses appropriate and validation metrics clearly reported for AI/ML models

Editorial Office

For submission inquiries and editorial matters

Email: editorial@lifeconflux.com

Technical Support

For submission system and technical issues

Email: support@lifeconflux.com

Fast Track Review

For urgent research communications

Email: fasttrack@lifeconflux.com