In a clinical paper, which section describes the subjects' entry and exclusion criteria?

The section that outlines the subjects' entry and exclusion criteria in a clinical paper is the Methods section. This part of the manuscript is crucial because it details the study design, including how participants were selected or recruited. The entry criteria specify the characteristics that individuals must possess to be eligible for the study, such as age, health status, or the presence of specific medical conditions. Conversely, the exclusion criteria outline the factors that disqualify individuals from participation, which can include certain health conditions, medications, or other characteristics that might confound the study's results. This thorough delineation is essential for maintaining the integrity of the clinical study and ensuring that the findings are reliable and reproducible, ultimately contributing to the overall validity of the research.

In contrast, the Results section primarily focuses on the findings of the study after data analysis, the Discussion interprets these findings in the context of existing literature, and the Introduction provides background information and states the research objectives. Therefore, the Methods section is the most appropriate choice for information on subjects' entry and exclusion criteria.