Writing Scientific Manuscripts in English Dr. M. Kevin O Carroll BDS, MSD Fellow, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Diplomate, American

Writing Scientific Writing Scientific Manuscripts in Manuscripts in

EnglishEnglishDr. M. Kevin O CarrollDr. M. Kevin O Carroll

BDS, MSDBDS, MSDFellow, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Fellow, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial

RadiologyRadiologyDiplomate, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Diplomate, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial

RadiologyRadiologyProfessor Emeritus, University of Mississippi School of Professor Emeritus, University of Mississippi School of

DentistryDentistryInternational Consultant, Chiang Mai University Faculty of International Consultant, Chiang Mai University Faculty of

DentistryDentistry

Scientific PaperScientific Paper

Written and published report describing Written and published report describing original research resultsoriginal research results

Must be written in a certain wayMust be written in a certain way Must be published in a certain wayMust be published in a certain way

Scientific PaperScientific Paper What do we mean by “written in a certain What do we mean by “written in a certain

way?”way?” Following a certain formatFollowing a certain format IMRADIMRAD

IIntroductionntroduction MMethodsethods RResults esults aandnd DDiscussioniscussion


What do we mean by “published in a certain What do we mean by “published in a certain way?”way?”

““Valid” or “Primary” PublicationValid” or “Primary” Publication Difficult concept to explainDifficult concept to explain A number of testsA number of tests

Scientific PaperScientific PaperExamples of non-primary publicationsExamples of non-primary publications

AbstractsAbstracts ThesesTheses Conference ReportsConference Reports Government ReportsGovernment Reports Institutional BulletinsInstitutional Bulletins

Scientific PaperScientific PaperTests for Primary PublicationTests for Primary Publication

First disclosure containing sufficient First disclosure containing sufficient information to enable peers toinformation to enable peers to 1) assess observations1) assess observations 2) repeat experiments and2) repeat experiments and 3) evaluate intellectual processes 3) evaluate intellectual processes

Scientific PaperScientific PaperTests for Primary PublicationTests for Primary Publication

Susceptible to sensory perceptionSusceptible to sensory perception Essentially permanentEssentially permanent Available to scientific community without restrictionAvailable to scientific community without restriction Available for regular screening by secondary services Available for regular screening by secondary services

(indexing)(indexing)

Scientific PaperScientific PaperWhat Does All This Mean?What Does All This Mean?

First DisclosureFirst Disclosure Oral presentation? – NoOral presentation? – No Scientific abstract from a meeting? – NoScientific abstract from a meeting? – No

First Disclosure must be in a form that allows the First Disclosure must be in a form that allows the peers of the author, either now or later, to fully peers of the author, either now or later, to fully comprehend and use the information that is disclosedcomprehend and use the information that is disclosed


Peers must be able toPeers must be able to 1) assess the observations1) assess the observations

Did you do a proper literature review?Did you do a proper literature review? Did you design the experiment properly?Did you design the experiment properly?

2) repeat the experiments 2) repeat the experiments Are they described in sufficient detail that I can repeat Are they described in sufficient detail that I can repeat

them? andthem? and 3) evaluate intellectual processes3) evaluate intellectual processes

Are your conclusions justified by the results?Are your conclusions justified by the results?


Susceptible to sensory perceptionSusceptible to sensory perception Normally it means “published” but now includes Normally it means “published” but now includes

media such as:media such as: PrintPrint

Journals, film, microficheJournals, film, microfiche AudioAudio Electronic Electronic

Must still pass the other testsMust still pass the other tests


PermanentPermanent In a form that libraries will keep in their permanent In a form that libraries will keep in their permanent

collectionscollections So, not newsletters or bulletins that may be thrown So, not newsletters or bulletins that may be thrown

away after short periods such as a few months or a yearaway after short periods such as a few months or a year

Scientific PaperScientific PaperSummarySummary

Primary publication isPrimary publication is The first publication of original researchThe first publication of original research In a form whereby peers can repeat the In a form whereby peers can repeat the

experiments and test the conclusions, andexperiments and test the conclusions, and In a journal or other source document readily In a journal or other source document readily

available to the scientific communityavailable to the scientific community

Scientific PaperScientific PaperSummarySummary

Peers of the author is now generally accepted Peers of the author is now generally accepted to mean pre-publication peer-reviewto mean pre-publication peer-review

So, just any journal, even if it is in a library’s So, just any journal, even if it is in a library’s permanent collection, does not constitute permanent collection, does not constitute primary or valid publicationprimary or valid publication

It must be a peer-reviewed journalIt must be a peer-reviewed journal

Peer-reviewed JournalsPeer-reviewed Journals

EditorEditor Editorial BoardEditorial Board

Helps the editor establish editorial policyHelps the editor establish editorial policy Manuscript reviewersManuscript reviewers

Help the editor identify manuscripts for Help the editor identify manuscripts for publicationpublication

AcceptAccept RejectReject Accept after modificationsAccept after modifications

Peer-reviewed JournalsPeer-reviewed Journals

Manuscript reviewersManuscript reviewers Editor usually selects 2 or 3 reviewers Editor usually selects 2 or 3 reviewers

per manuscriptper manuscript Very specific instructionsVery specific instructions

Evaluate the experimental procedureEvaluate the experimental procedure Do the results justify the conclusions?Do the results justify the conclusions? Check one third of the references for Check one third of the references for

accuracyaccuracy


Understanding the concepts of valid Understanding the concepts of valid or primary publication and proper or primary publication and proper form will make the writing task form will make the writing task easier than it would otherwise be.easier than it would otherwise be.

Scientific ManuscriptScientific Manuscript

Before a scientific paper is published it is Before a scientific paper is published it is referred to as a scientific manuscriptreferred to as a scientific manuscript

After publication it may be referred to as After publication it may be referred to as a paper or an articlea paper or an article

Scientific ManuscriptsScientific Manuscripts

TitleTitle Author(s) and addressesAuthor(s) and addresses AbstractAbstract IntroductionIntroduction Materials and MethodsMaterials and Methods ResultsResults

DiscussionDiscussion AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements ReferencesReferences TablesTables IllustrationsIllustrations Other considerationsOther considerations




TitleTitle

Title is read by thousands of peopleTitle is read by thousands of people Abstract is read perhaps by hundredsAbstract is read perhaps by hundreds Whole article may be read by only a few Whole article may be read by only a few

people people

Isn’t that a great pity, especially after Isn’t that a great pity, especially after you have spent so may hours writing the you have spent so may hours writing the manuscript?manuscript?

Sad but trueSad but true

TitleTitle

If your title does not convey the essence If your title does not convey the essence of the paper, nobody will bother to read of the paper, nobody will bother to read the paperthe paper

Every word in the title must be chosen Every word in the title must be chosen with great carewith great care

The syntax (relationship between the The syntax (relationship between the words) must be carefully managedwords) must be carefully managed

Think of the title as a label for the paper, Think of the title as a label for the paper, something that will entice the readersomething that will entice the reader

TitleTitle

The fewest possible words that The fewest possible words that adequately describe the contents of the adequately describe the contents of the paperpaper

Ideally not a sentenceIdeally not a sentence Unless you have a strong message backed up Unless you have a strong message backed up

by strong evidenceby strong evidence No waste words (A, the, an, No waste words (A, the, an,

“Observations on”)“Observations on”) Long titles are usually less meaningful Long titles are usually less meaningful

than short onesthan short ones

TitleTitle SpecificSpecific

““Actions of antibiotics on bacteria”Actions of antibiotics on bacteria”


““Actions of antibiotics on bacteria”Actions of antibiotics on bacteria” Short but tells us littleShort but tells us little



““Preliminary observations on the effect Preliminary observations on the effect of certain antibiotics on various species of certain antibiotics on various species of bacteria”of bacteria”



““Preliminary observations on the effect Preliminary observations on the effect of certain antibiotics on various species of certain antibiotics on various species of bacteria”of bacteria” Longer but tells us no moreLonger but tells us no more




““Action of streptomycin on Action of streptomycin on Mycobactrium tuberculosisMycobactrium tuberculosis””




““Action of streptomycin on Action of streptomycin on Mycobactrium tuberculosisMycobactrium tuberculosis”” Better, but still too generalBetter, but still too general



““Preliminary observations on the effect of Preliminary observations on the effect of certain antibiotics on various species of certain antibiotics on various species of bacteria”bacteria”

Longer but tells us no moreLonger but tells us no more ““Action of streptomycin on Action of streptomycin on Mycobactrium Mycobactrium

tuberculosistuberculosis”” Better, but still too generalBetter, but still too general

““Inhibition of growth ofInhibition of growth of Mycobactrium Mycobactrium tuberculosis tuberculosis byby streptomycin”streptomycin”

TitleTitle Syntax very important in titlesSyntax very important in titles

““Mechanism of suppression of non-Mechanism of suppression of non-transmissible pneumonia in mice transmissible pneumonia in mice induced by Newcastle disease virus”induced by Newcastle disease virus”

TitleTitle Syntax very important in titlesSyntax very important in titles

““Mechanism of suppression of non-Mechanism of suppression of non-transmissible pneumonia in mice transmissible pneumonia in mice inducedinduced by Newcastle disease virus”by Newcastle disease virus”

Mice that were induced by . . . virus?Mice that were induced by . . . virus? Pneumonia that was inducedPneumonia that was induced So, why separate the “induced” from the So, why separate the “induced” from the

“pneumonia?”“pneumonia?”

TitleTitle

““Mechanism of suppression of non-Mechanism of suppression of non-transmissible pneumonia in mice transmissible pneumonia in mice inducedinduced by Newcastle disease virus” by Newcastle disease virus”

Revision:Revision: ““Mechanism of suppression of non-Mechanism of suppression of non-

transmissible pneumonia transmissible pneumonia inducedinduced in in mice by Newcastle disease virus”mice by Newcastle disease virus”

TitleTitle

““Multiple infections among Multiple infections among newborns newborns resulting from implantationresulting from implantation with with staphylococcus aureus”staphylococcus aureus”

Revision:Revision: ““Multiple infections Multiple infections resulting from resulting from

implantationimplantation ofof newbornsnewborns with with staphylococcus aureus”staphylococcus aureus”

TitleTitle

Be careful when you use “using”Be careful when you use “using” Most common dangling participle in Most common dangling participle in

scientific writingscientific writing

““Isolation of antigens from monkeys Isolation of antigens from monkeys using compliment fixation using compliment fixation techniques.”techniques.”

TitleTitle

““Isolation of antigens from Isolation of antigens from monkeys monkeys usingusing compliment fixation compliment fixation techniques.”techniques.”

Revision:Revision: ““Isolation of antigens from monkeys Isolation of antigens from monkeys

by means ofby means of compliment fixation compliment fixation techniques.”techniques.”

TitleTitle

Do not use abbreviationsDo not use abbreviations ““hydrochloric acid” or “HCl” in a title?hydrochloric acid” or “HCl” in a title? If you were looking for an article in an If you were looking for an article in an

index, you would look under “hy” not “hc”index, you would look under “hy” not “hc” Furthermore, if you were compiling a Furthermore, if you were compiling a

bibliography from a computer service, bibliography from a computer service, you would find only some of the literature you would find only some of the literature if some authors used (or editors if some authors used (or editors accepted) abbreviations and others did accepted) abbreviations and others did notnot

TitleTitle

Do not use jargon, proprietary Do not use jargon, proprietary names or outdated terminologynames or outdated terminology

They lead to problems with indexingThey lead to problems with indexing

TitleTitle

Do not use series titles (“ . . . Part I. . . . .” Do not use series titles (“ . . . Part I. . . . .” etc.)etc.)

The part before the Roman numeral is The part before the Roman numeral is usually so general as to be uselessusually so general as to be useless

The article can be hard to understand The article can be hard to understand unless all parts are available to the readerunless all parts are available to the reader

They cause problems for editorsThey cause problems for editors (What (What happens if Part IV is accepted but Part III happens if Part IV is accepted but Part III is rejected or delayed in review?) and is rejected or delayed in review?) and indexersindexers

TitleTitle

A hanging title is better (a colon is A hanging title is better (a colon is used instead of the Roman numeral) used instead of the Roman numeral) but still causes indexing problemsbut still causes indexing problems

Editors increasingly believe that Editors increasingly believe that each published paper should present each published paper should present the results of an independent, the results of an independent, cohesive studycohesive study


TitleTitle Author(s) and Author(s) and

addressesaddresses AbstractAbstract IntroductionIntroduction Materials and MethodsMaterials and Methods ResultsResults


Authors and addressesAuthors and addresses

Order of namesOrder of names No universal agreementNo universal agreement Most popular is listing in order of Most popular is listing in order of

seniority (in relation to the study)seniority (in relation to the study) First author should be the one who First author should be the one who

did most or all of the researchdid most or all of the research Subsequent authors should be in Subsequent authors should be in

order of importance to the studyorder of importance to the study


Order of namesOrder of names The tendency of laboratory directors The tendency of laboratory directors

or department chairs to have their or department chairs to have their names on all manuscripts coming out names on all manuscripts coming out of their labs or departments should be of their labs or departments should be discourageddiscouraged

Nobody in the scientific community is Nobody in the scientific community is fooledfooled


Order of namesOrder of names Some journals now require all authors to Some journals now require all authors to

sign a statement accepting intellectual sign a statement accepting intellectual responsibility for the research results responsibility for the research results being reportedbeing reported

In the US there have been cases of In the US there have been cases of institutions having to return millions of institutions having to return millions of dollars of research funding to the dollars of research funding to the government because of such fraudulent government because of such fraudulent authorshipauthorship


Proper and consistent formProper and consistent form Last name, first name, middle initial(s)Last name, first name, middle initial(s) Always use the same formAlways use the same form If you sometimes use John K. Smith If you sometimes use John K. Smith

and other times J. K. Smith, your work and other times J. K. Smith, your work will be difficult to locatewill be difficult to locate

If you change your name (e.g., upon If you change your name (e.g., upon marriage) people who do not know marriage) people who do not know you will not be able to find all your you will not be able to find all your workwork

Authors and addressesAuthors and addresses Degrees and titlesDegrees and titles This will be determined by the specific This will be determined by the specific

journaljournal There are two principal journals in my There are two principal journals in my

field and they have different philosophies field and they have different philosophies One accepts degrees but not titles (Dr., One accepts degrees but not titles (Dr., Prof., etc), the other does not.Prof., etc), the other does not.

No matter where you wish to publish, No matter where you wish to publish, read the Instructions to Authors first. read the Instructions to Authors first. They will provide the information you They will provide the information you need.need.

Authors and addressesAuthors and addresses Degrees and titlesDegrees and titles An interesting problem for indexers.An interesting problem for indexers. George Kennedy and Desmond Brown, colleagues George Kennedy and Desmond Brown, colleagues

of mine published a paper.of mine published a paper. George’s degrees and qualifications were George’s degrees and qualifications were B.D.S., B.D.S.,

D. Orth., F.D.S., R.C.S.D. Orth., F.D.S., R.C.S. and Desmond’s was and Desmond’s was B.D.S.B.D.S.

When the article appeared in the Index to Dental When the article appeared in the Index to Dental Literature, the authors were listed as:Literature, the authors were listed as:

Kennedy GKennedy G, , Orth DOrth D, , Brown DBrown D It looked as if there were three authors because It looked as if there were three authors because

the indexer misidentified George’s second degree the indexer misidentified George’s second degree as an authoras an author

Authors and addressesAuthors and addresses AddressesAddresses With one author, one address is given, With one author, one address is given,

the one where the research was donethe one where the research was done If, before publication, an author has If, before publication, an author has

moved to another address, the new moved to another address, the new address should be indicated in a address should be indicated in a “Present address” footnote“Present address” footnote

With multiple authors, each in a With multiple authors, each in a different institution, the addresses different institution, the addresses should be listed in the same order as the should be listed in the same order as the authorsauthors


AddressesAddresses With three authors in two With three authors in two

instutions, problems sometimes instutions, problems sometimes arisearise

A common solution is to place a A common solution is to place a superscript a, b, or c after their superscript a, b, or c after their names and before the addressesnames and before the addresses

Consult the Instructions for AuthorsConsult the Instructions for Authors




AbstractAbstract Mini-version of the paperMini-version of the paper Brief summary of each section of the Brief summary of each section of the

paperpaper Written in one paragraph <250 wordsWritten in one paragraph <250 words Some journals now require a structured Some journals now require a structured

abstract consisting of a few paragraphsabstract consisting of a few paragraphs Headings matching the sections of the Headings matching the sections of the

paperpaper Although read first, it should be written Although read first, it should be written

after the manuscript is finished, when you after the manuscript is finished, when you know what to put in itknow what to put in it

AbstractAbstract

Purpose of abstractPurpose of abstract Enables reader to Enables reader to

identify the contents of the paper identify the contents of the paper quickly and accuratelyquickly and accurately

determine its relevance to their determine its relevance to their interests, andinterests, and

decide whether they need to read the decide whether they need to read the whole paperwhole paper

AbstractAbstract Structure of abstractStructure of abstract State the principal objectives and scope State the principal objectives and scope

of the investigationof the investigation Describe the methods employedDescribe the methods employed Summarize the resultsSummarize the results State the principal conclusionsState the principal conclusions Write it in the past tense because it Write it in the past tense because it

refers to work completedrefers to work completed Never place results or conclusions in the Never place results or conclusions in the

abstract that are not stated in the paperabstract that are not stated in the paper

AbstractAbstract Structure of abstractStructure of abstract Will be published by itself, so should be self-Will be published by itself, so should be self-

containedcontained Should not contain any abbreviations or Should not contain any abbreviations or

referencesreferences Language should be familiar to potential readerLanguage should be familiar to potential reader Omit all unnecessary detailsOmit all unnecessary details Remember, the first person who will read it is Remember, the first person who will read it is

the reviewerthe reviewer If the abstract is not good, the paper may be If the abstract is not good, the paper may be

rejectedrejected




IntroductionIntroduction Purpose of IntroductionPurpose of Introduction

Awaken the reader’s interestAwaken the reader’s interest

Prepare the reader, whether or not Prepare the reader, whether or not they are specialists in your field, to they are specialists in your field, to understand the paper understand the paper

IntroductionIntroduction Suggested rulesSuggested rules

Consider the level of audience and Consider the level of audience and determine the amount of description you determine the amount of description you need to provideneed to provide

Begin writing while the work is still in Begin writing while the work is still in progressprogress Everything is fresh in your mindEverything is fresh in your mind Writing early may identify problems in Writing early may identify problems in

methodologymethodology Co-authors are still available for consultationCo-authors are still available for consultation

IntroductionIntroduction Suggested rulesSuggested rules

Provide sufficient background Provide sufficient background information to enable the reader to information to enable the reader to understand and evaluate the results understand and evaluate the results of the present study without having of the present study without having to refer to previous publicationsto refer to previous publications

Provide the rationale for the studyProvide the rationale for the study Clearly and briefly describe your Clearly and briefly describe your

purpose in writing the paperpurpose in writing the paper

IntroductionIntroduction Suggested rulesSuggested rules Write in the present tense because you Write in the present tense because you

are describing what is known and what are describing what is known and what question or problem you want to question or problem you want to investigateinvestigate

Present the nature and scope of the Present the nature and scope of the problemproblem

Review the pertinent literatureReview the pertinent literature State the method of the investigationState the method of the investigation If necessary, the reason for choosing a If necessary, the reason for choosing a

particular method should be statedparticular method should be stated

IntroductionIntroduction Suggested rulesSuggested rules Some controversy regarding what Some controversy regarding what

else should be in the Introductionelse should be in the Introduction

IntroductionIntroduction Some saySome say State the principal results of the State the principal results of the

investigationinvestigation State the principal conclusions State the principal conclusions

suggested by the resultssuggested by the results Do not keep the reader in suspense; Do not keep the reader in suspense;

this is not a detective story!this is not a detective story! If you hold back the results until later If you hold back the results until later

in the paper, the reader may lose in the paper, the reader may lose interestinterest

IntroductionIntroduction Others sayOthers say The answers to the question should The answers to the question should

not be in the Introductionnot be in the Introduction Similarly, results should not be in the Similarly, results should not be in the

Introduction, nor should implicationsIntroduction, nor should implications Purpose of Introduction is leading inPurpose of Introduction is leading in Answers and implications sound like Answers and implications sound like

the end of the abstract. They close off the end of the abstract. They close off rather than lead inrather than lead in

IntroductionIntroduction

Safest policy is to study the style of Safest policy is to study the style of the journal in which you wish to the journal in which you wish to publishpublish

IntroductionIntroduction Suggested rulesSuggested rules If you have published a preliminary note If you have published a preliminary note

or abstract on this study, you should or abstract on this study, you should mention it, with the reference, in the mention it, with the reference, in the IntroductionIntroduction

If related work is about to be published If related work is about to be published elsewhere, say so in the Introduction, elsewhere, say so in the Introduction, usually towards the endusually towards the end

Such references help to keep the Such references help to keep the literature tidy for those who have to literature tidy for those who have to search itsearch it

IntroductionIntroduction Suggested rulesSuggested rules The Introduction is the place to The Introduction is the place to

define any specialised terms or define any specialised terms or abbreviations you intend to use, abbreviations you intend to use, especially for readers who are not especially for readers who are not in your specialtyin your specialty

Use only standard abbreviations Use only standard abbreviations unless you will be using them often unless you will be using them often in the paperin the paper


TitleTitle Author(s) and addressesAuthor(s) and addresses AbstractAbstract IntroductionIntroduction Materials and Materials and

MethodsMethods ResultsResults


Materials and MethodsMaterials and Methods Purpose of Materials and MethodsPurpose of Materials and Methods

Describe in detail the experimental Describe in detail the experimental methodmethod

Defend, if necessary, the experimental Defend, if necessary, the experimental designdesign

Enable the reader to duplicate the studyEnable the reader to duplicate the study

Materials and MethodsMaterials and Methods Most readers will probably skip this Most readers will probably skip this

sectionsection You (should) have summarised the You (should) have summarised the

methods in the Introductionmethods in the Introduction So, why give details?So, why give details? The scientific method requires that your The scientific method requires that your

results, results, to have scientific meritto have scientific merit, must be , must be reproducible, and for the results to be reproducible, and for the results to be judged reproducible, you must provide judged reproducible, you must provide the basis for repetition of the study by the basis for repetition of the study by othersothers

Materials and MethodsMaterials and Methods The fact that the experiments are not The fact that the experiments are not

likely to be reproduced is beside the likely to be reproduced is beside the point; the potential for reproducing point; the potential for reproducing the same or similar results must the same or similar results must exist or your paper does not exist or your paper does not represent good sciencerepresent good science

When your paper is submitted for When your paper is submitted for peer review, peer review, a good reviewer will a good reviewer will read this section very carefullyread this section very carefully

Materials and MethodsMaterials and Methods

If there is serious doubt that your If there is serious doubt that your experiments could be repeated, the experiments could be repeated, the reviewer will recommend rejection reviewer will recommend rejection of your manuscript no matter how of your manuscript no matter how awe-inspiring your resultsawe-inspiring your results




ResultsResults Do not start the Results section by Do not start the Results section by

describing methods you forgot to describing methods you forgot to include in the materials and include in the materials and methods section!methods section!

Write in the past tenseWrite in the past tense

Provide representative data, not Provide representative data, not endlessly repetitive dataendlessly repetitive data

ResultsResults If one or just a few determinations are If one or just a few determinations are

to be presented, they should be to be presented, they should be described in the textdescribed in the text

Repetitive determinations should be Repetitive determinations should be presented in tablespresented in tables

Any determinations should be Any determinations should be meaningfulmeaningful

If statistics are used to describe the If statistics are used to describe the results, they should be meaningful results, they should be meaningful statisticsstatistics

ResultsResults The results should be short, without The results should be short, without

unnecessary wordsunnecessary words This section is often the shortest, This section is often the shortest,

especially if preceded by a well-especially if preceded by a well-written Materials and methods section written Materials and methods section and followed by a well-written and followed by a well-written DiscussionDiscussion

State the results clearly and simplyState the results clearly and simply They constitute the new knowledge They constitute the new knowledge

you are contributing to the worldyou are contributing to the world

ResultsResults Do not repeat in words information Do not repeat in words information

already contained in the tablesalready contained in the tables

Do not say “It can be clearly seen in Do not say “It can be clearly seen in Table I that streptomycin inhibited . Table I that streptomycin inhibited . . .”. .”

Instead, say “Streptomycin Instead, say “Streptomycin inhibited . . . (Table I)”inhibited . . . (Table I)”

ResultsResults Do not misuse “it”Do not misuse “it”

An example:An example: The patient’s left leg became numb The patient’s left leg became numb

at times but she walked it off. . . . at times but she walked it off. . . . On her second day the knee was On her second day the knee was better, and on the third day it had better, and on the third day it had completely disappeared.”completely disappeared.”




DiscussionDiscussion

Usually the hardest section to writeUsually the hardest section to write Many papers are rejected because of Many papers are rejected because of

faulty Discussion sections even faulty Discussion sections even though the data are valid and though the data are valid and interestinginteresting

Often too longOften too long Sometimes the true meaning of the Sometimes the true meaning of the

data is obscured by an incorrect data is obscured by an incorrect interpretation presented in the interpretation presented in the DiscussionDiscussion


Components of a good DiscussionComponents of a good Discussion

Discuss (not repeat) the principles, Discuss (not repeat) the principles, relationships and generalisations relationships and generalisations shown by the resultsshown by the results

Identify any exceptions or lack of Identify any exceptions or lack of correlation and define unsettled correlation and define unsettled pointspoints



Show how your results and Show how your results and intrerpretation agree or contrast with intrerpretation agree or contrast with previously published workpreviously published work

Discuss the theoretical implications of Discuss the theoretical implications of your work as well as any practical your work as well as any practical applicationsapplications

State your conclusions clearlyState your conclusions clearly Summarise your evidence for each Summarise your evidence for each

conclusionconclusion



Finish with a short summary of the Finish with a short summary of the significance of the studysignificance of the study

Scientific ManuscriptsScientific Manuscripts TitleTitle Author(s) and addressesAuthor(s) and addresses AbstractAbstract IntroductionIntroduction Materials and MethodsMaterials and Methods ResultsResults


AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

Acknowledge any significant technical Acknowledge any significant technical help you received from any individualhelp you received from any individual

Acknowledge the source of any special Acknowledge the source of any special equipment, cultures or materials equipment, cultures or materials

Acknowledge any sources of financial Acknowledge any sources of financial assistanceassistance

Show the wording of the Show the wording of the acknowledgement to whomever you acknowledgement to whomever you are thanking, so that they are not are thanking, so that they are not embarrassed in case you said too much embarrassed in case you said too much or not enoughor not enough

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

There is no need to write an essay There is no need to write an essay describing how grateful you aredescribing how grateful you are

““I thank John Smith for . . .”I thank John Smith for . . .” However, if acknowledging an idea, However, if acknowledging an idea,

suggestion or interpretation, be suggestion or interpretation, be specific about it.specific about it.

““I thank John Smith for his I thank John Smith for his assistance” is not enoughassistance” is not enough




ReferencesReferences List only significant published referencesList only significant published references

If reference to unpublished data, theses, If reference to unpublished data, theses, abstracts, etc., is essential, you can add it as a abstracts, etc., is essential, you can add it as a footnotefootnote

If a reference is to a paper that has been If a reference is to a paper that has been accepted for publication (not just submitted), list accepted for publication (not just submitted), list it as “In Press”)it as “In Press”)

Check Check all partsall parts of of every referenceevery reference against against the original publication, both before the the original publication, both before the manuscript is submitted and again at the manuscript is submitted and again at the galley proof stagegalley proof stage Both indexers and typesetters can make mistakesBoth indexers and typesetters can make mistakes

ReferencesReferences

There are far more mistakes made in There are far more mistakes made in the References section than in any the References section than in any other section of scientific manuscriptsother section of scientific manuscripts

The References section can be tedious The References section can be tedious and you may not want to spend the and you may not want to spend the time getting it righttime getting it right

But if you do not cite the references But if you do not cite the references correctly, the reader will not be able correctly, the reader will not be able to find the referenceto find the reference


Reviewers are asked to check references Reviewers are asked to check references and if they see a lot of errors they may and if they see a lot of errors they may recommend rejection of the paper, just recommend rejection of the paper, just because they are annoyedbecause they are annoyed

Remember, reviewers are not paid for Remember, reviewers are not paid for what they dowhat they do

You are relying on them to give you You are relying on them to give you suggestions for improving your suggestions for improving your manuscriptmanuscript


Reference stylesReference styles

Thirty three different stylesThirty three different styles Three most commonly usedThree most commonly used

Name and Year systemName and Year system Alphabet-number systemAlphabet-number system Citation order systemCitation order system


Check with the journals in which you Check with the journals in which you wish to publishwish to publish

Use the system they use!Use the system they use!

““Uniform Requirements for Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals” (The Vancouver System) Journals” (The Vancouver System) favours the Citation order systemfavours the Citation order system


Name and year systemName and year system Very convenient for authorsVery convenient for authors In the text write “Smith and Jones In the text write “Smith and Jones

(2004)”(2004)” Even after adding many references Even after adding many references

during production of the paper, this one during production of the paper, this one will always stay the samewill always stay the same

If another reference to a different part If another reference to a different part of the same paper is made it can be of the same paper is made it can be identified as “Smith and Jones (2004a)identified as “Smith and Jones (2004a)


Name and year systemName and year system Inconvenient for readers and Inconvenient for readers and

publishers if there are many publishers if there are many referencesreferences

Increases cost to publishers because Increases cost to publishers because of extra ink and spaceof extra ink and space

Readers have to read over many Readers have to read over many parenthetical references to continue parenthetical references to continue reading the textreading the text


Name and year systemName and year system

In the text the reference is written In the text the reference is written “Smith and Jones (2004)”“Smith and Jones (2004)”

In the References section the papers In the References section the papers are listed alphabetically by first are listed alphabetically by first authors’ last names and then by date authors’ last names and then by date


Alphabet-number systemAlphabet-number system Modification of name and year systemModification of name and year system

In the text write “(2)” at the end of In the text write “(2)” at the end of the sentencethe sentence

In the References section, the papers In the References section, the papers are listed in numerical orderare listed in numerical order


Citation order systemCitation order system

Much better for readers than the Much better for readers than the other systemsother systems

Most difficult for authorsMost difficult for authors Saves costs for publishersSaves costs for publishers System recommended by Vancouver System recommended by Vancouver

SystemSystem


Citation order systemCitation order system

In the text the reference is written In the text the reference is written as a superscript numeral, with 1 as a superscript numeral, with 1 being the first reference cited, 2 the being the first reference cited, 2 the second, etcsecond, etc

In the References section the papers In the References section the papers are listed in numerical orderare listed in numerical order


Journal abbreviationsJournal abbreviations

Standard abbreviations should be Standard abbreviations should be usedused

These can be found in the relevant These can be found in the relevant Indexes to the literatureIndexes to the literature


Citation in the textCitation in the text

Do not routinely place the reference Do not routinely place the reference at the end of the sentenceat the end of the sentence

Place it at the point in the sentence Place it at the point in the sentence where it applieswhere it applies

Sometimes this will be at the end, Sometimes this will be at the end, but not alwaysbut not always


Citation in the textCitation in the text

““JohnsonJohnson11 reported that . . .” reported that . . .”

““The decrease in cardiac output The decrease in cardiac output reported by Johnson (1998) cannot reported by Johnson (1998) cannot be explained by . . .”be explained by . . .”


The various systems vary in how the The various systems vary in how the citations are written in the citations are written in the References sectionReferences section

Check with “your” journal about Check with “your” journal about which system to usewhich system to use

Examples of one reference in each of Examples of one reference in each of the three systemsthe three systems

ReferencesReferences Name and Year systemName and Year system

Sproul, J., H. Klaaren, and F. Mannarino. 1993. Sproul, J., H. Klaaren, and F. Mannarino. 1993. Surgical treatment of Freiberg’s infraction in Surgical treatment of Freiberg’s infraction in athletes. Am. J. Sports Med. athletes. Am. J. Sports Med. 2121:381-384.:381-384.

Alphabet-number systemAlphabet-number system 1. Sproul, J., H. Klaaren, and F. Mannarino. 1993. 1. Sproul, J., H. Klaaren, and F. Mannarino. 1993.

Surgical Surgical treatment of Freiberg’s infraction treatment of Freiberg’s infraction in in athletes. Am. J. Sports athletes. Am. J. Sports Med. Med. 2121:381-:381-384.384.

Citation order systemCitation order system 1. Sproul J, Klaaren H, Mannarino F. Surgical 1. Sproul J, Klaaren H, Mannarino F. Surgical

treatment of treatment of Freiberg’s infraction in Freiberg’s infraction in athletes. Am J Sports Med 1993; athletes. Am J Sports Med 1993; 2121:381-:381- 4. 4.


Name and Year systemName and Year system Day, R.A. 1994. How to write and publish a Day, R.A. 1994. How to write and publish a

scientific paper. 4scientific paper. 4thth ed. Phoenix: Oryx Press. ed. Phoenix: Oryx Press. Huth, E.J. 1986. Guideline on authorship of Huth, E.J. 1986. Guideline on authorship of

medical papers. Ann. Intern. Med. medical papers. Ann. Intern. Med. 104104:269-:269-274.274.

Sproul, J., H. Klaaren, and F. Mannarino. Sproul, J., H. Klaaren, and F. Mannarino. 1993. Surgical treatment of Freiberg’s 1993. Surgical treatment of Freiberg’s infraction in athletes. Am. J. Sports Med. infraction in athletes. Am. J. Sports Med. 2121:381-384.:381-384.


Alphabet-number systemAlphabet-number system 1. Day, R.A. 1994. How to write and publish 1. Day, R.A. 1994. How to write and publish

a a scientific paper. 4 scientific paper. 4thth ed. Phoenix: Oryx ed. Phoenix: Oryx Press.Press.

2. Huth, E.J. 1986. Guideline on authorship 2. Huth, E.J. 1986. Guideline on authorship of of medical papers. Ann. Intern. Med. medical papers. Ann. Intern. Med. 104104:269-274.:269-274.

3. Sproul, J., H. Klaaren, and F. Mannarino. 3. Sproul, J., H. Klaaren, and F. Mannarino. 1993. 1993. Surgical treatment of Freiberg’s Surgical treatment of Freiberg’s infraction in infraction in athletes. Am. J. Sports Med. athletes. Am. J. Sports Med. 2121:381-384.:381-384.


Citation order systemCitation order system 1. Huth EJ. Guidelines on authorship of 1. Huth EJ. Guidelines on authorship of

medical medical papers. Ann Intern Med 1986; papers. Ann Intern Med 1986; 104104:269-274.:269-274.

2. Sproul J, Klaaren H, Mannarino F. 2. Sproul J, Klaaren H, Mannarino F. Surgical Surgical treatment of Freiberg’s treatment of Freiberg’s infraction in athletes. Am infraction in athletes. Am J Sports J Sports Med. 1993; Med. 1993; 2121:381-384.:381-384.

3. Day, R.A. How to write and publish a 3. Day, R.A. How to write and publish a scientific scientific paper. 4 paper. 4thth ed. Phoenix: Oryx ed. Phoenix: Oryx Press, 1994. Press, 1994.




BooksBooks Academic Writing for Graduate StudentsAcademic Writing for Graduate Students

Swales JM, Feak CBSwales JM, Feak CB University of Michigan Press 1994University of Michigan Press 1994

Essentials of Writing Biomedical Research Essentials of Writing Biomedical Research PapersPapers Zeiger MZeiger M McGraw-Hill 2000McGraw-Hill 2000

How To Write and publish a Scientific Paper. How To Write and publish a Scientific Paper. 44thth ed ed Day RADay RA The Oryx Press 1994The Oryx Press 1994

Web SitesWeb Sites

www.lib.umich.edu/taubman/www.lib.umich.edu/taubman/pubguide.htmlpubguide.html

www.psywww.com/resource/www.psywww.com/resource/apacrib.htmapacrib.htm

www.icmje.org/#userswww.icmje.org/#users

THANK YOU FOR YOUR THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTIONATTENTION

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Writing Scientific Manuscripts in English Dr. M. Kevin O Carroll BDS, MSD Fellow, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Diplomate, American