- Open access · CC BY 4.0
- Journal of Advanced Cytology
Aims and Scope
The Journal of Advanced Cytology publishes research on cells and their study, from diagnostic and clinical cytology to the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind them.
What the journal sets out to do
- To publish rigorous research in cytology, from the examination and interpretation of cells to the mechanisms that govern them.
- To advance the laboratory, imaging and analytic methods on which cytological diagnosis and cell research depend.
- To report evidence that informs cytology practice and cell biology, in diagnostic, clinical and research settings.
- To make this research openly available, so that researchers, clinicians, laboratory scientists and educators can read and reuse it freely.
Research areas
JCY considers research on any aspect of cytology, from diagnostic and clinical cytology to cellular and molecular mechanisms. The areas below are illustrative and form part of a wider field, including:
- Cytopathology and diagnostic cytology
- Clinical and gynecologic cytology
- Exfoliative and aspiration cytology
- Cytochemistry and immunocytochemistry
- Molecular cytogenetics and cytogenomics
- Cell signaling and gene expression
- Cell cycle, cellular metabolism and organelles
- Telecytology, digital cytology and imaging
- Molecular and cellular mechanisms of disease
- Cytology laboratory methods and quality practice
Contributions from the clinical, laboratory, biological, imaging and computational sciences are welcome when they address a question about cells and their study. A topic that is not named above is considered on the same basis.
Designs and approaches welcomed
JCY considers quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research. Study designs are reported within the article types listed below.
Diagnostic and clinical studies
Studies of specimen collection, preparation, interpretation and diagnostic performance, including accuracy and correlation studies.
Laboratory and experimental research
Cell-culture, molecular, cytogenetic and cytochemical studies, including the mechanisms of cell signaling, division and gene expression.
Imaging and computational work
Microscopy, digital and remote cytology, image analysis and computational approaches to cell morphology.
Methods and protocols
New, adapted or validated methods, with the detail others need to apply them.
Evidence synthesis
Narrative and systematic reviews, with or without meta-analysis.
Article types
The journal publishes the article types below. Guidance on the structure, abstract and reporting standard for each type is given in the Instructions for Authors.
- Original Research
- Empirical studies in cytology, including diagnostic, clinical, laboratory, cellular and molecular research.
- Review
- Critical, evidence-based syntheses of published work on a defined topic, including systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis.
- Methods and Protocols
- New, adapted or validated laboratory, imaging or analytic methods, and protocols for planned studies.
- Short Communication
- Concise reports of a focused or preliminary finding.
- Letter
- Brief responses to articles published in JCY, or short observations relevant to cytology.
Where a manuscript sits between types, authors choose the closest type and explain the choice in the cover letter, and the editors confirm the classification.
Scope questions
Is my topic within scope?
A manuscript is a fit when it addresses a question about cells and their study, whatever its setting or method. If you are unsure, send the title and abstract to the editorial office at [email protected] before submitting.
Are diagnostic and clinical studies considered?
Yes. Diagnostic and clinical cytology is a core area of the journal, alongside cellular and molecular research.
Are cellular and molecular studies considered?
Yes. Studies of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cell structure, signaling, division and gene expression are considered, including those that inform diagnosis.
Can I submit work that has been posted as a preprint?
Yes. Posting a preprint is compatible with submission to JCY. Cite the preprint and its DOI in the cover letter.
Preparing a submission
Read the Instructions for Authors and the Editorial Policies before submitting.