Is the manuscript within the scope of the journal (match the journal's audience)?
Will clinicians/researchers in the field of bone and joint infection be interested in reading the publication of the manuscript?
Scientific accuracy
Are the reasons for performing the study and the study aims clear?
Are the methods to answer the study questions accurate?
Are the methods used to analyse the data statistically sound? (e.g., sample size appropriate, power analysis performed, correct statistical tests or suitable models, potential sources of bias considered)?
Are experiments adequately conducted to answer the study question?
Are the results analysed and interpreted correctly?
Do the results support the authors' conclusions?
Novelty
Why is the study question and the conduction of the study important?
Will the results advance the field of bone and joint infection?
How novel are the findings?
In what context should the novelty of the manuscript be viewed?
Composition of the manuscript
Does the manuscript fit together well?
Are the most important findings summarized in the abstract?
Does the introduction illustrates the background of the study question clearly?
Are methods and results well described and presented?
Are study findings with the findings of other studies adequately compared? (including current knowledge, key references)
Are the limitations of the study noted?
Are the conclusions appropriate and balanced in wording and tone?
Do the study's results potentially influence future research?
Writing
Is the manuscript written well and easy to read?
Does the title accurately say what the study was about?
Are there sections that can be made more concise?
Is there a logic and conclusive flow of sentences and arguments?