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3525

Author Guidelines
Preparation of Manuscript

Include:

  • Forename(s) and surnames of authors (see Authorship section below)
  • Author affiliations (1 per author): department, institution, city, state, country
  • Abstract 200 words
  • 3–6 keywords
  • Running header (shortened title)
  • Corresponding author: name, physical address, phone, fax, email
  • Double-spacing
  • 3-cm margins
  • Page numbers
  • Clear concise language
  • American spelling
  • Indicate placement of tables and figures
  • The preferred electronic format for text is Microsoft Word
  • Manuscripts will be accepted in LaTeX as long as the native LaTeX and a PDF is also supplied
  • Use International Systems of Units (SI) symbols and recognized abbreviations for units of measurement
  • Do not punctuate abbreviations eg, et al, ie
  • Spell out acronyms in the first instance in the abstract and paper
  • Word counts are not specified. In general, shorter items range from 1000 to 3000 words and reviews from 3000 to 10,000
  • Generic drug names are used in text, tables, and figures
  • Suppliers of drugs, equipment, and other brand-name material are credited in parentheses (company, name, city, state, country)
  • If molecular sequences are used, provide a statement that the data have been deposited in a publicly accessible database, eg, GenBank, and indicate the database accession number.

While the editors fully understand the extra challenges posed to authors whose native language is not English, we must ask that all manuscripts be reviewed and edited by a native speaker of English with expertise in that area prior to submission.

Authorship

There is no maximum for the number of authors of a manuscript, although all work must have been approved by all co-authors. All persons who have made substantial contributions to the work reported in the manuscript (eg, data collection, analysis, writing or editing assistance) but who do not fulfill the authorship criteria must be named with their specific contributions in an Acknowledgment in the manuscript.

Authorship Criteria
Credit should be based on the following criteria:
1) substantial contributions to conception and design, or acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data;
2) drafting the article or revising it critically for intellectual content; and
3) final approval of the version to be published.

Writing assistance from medical writers or agencies must be included in the Acknowledgments section, or should be given appropriate credit as authorship.

Figures and Tables
  • Submit as separate files
  • Number consecutively
  • Provide a descriptive heading/legend
  • Place abbreviations and footnotes immediately below the table
  • Use superscript a, b, c… as identifiers
  • Submit figures as PDFs, TIFF files, or in their originating graphics application
  • Supply TIFF files (Line Art 900 dpi, Combination (Line Art + Halftone) 900 dpi, Halftone 300 dpi)
  • Graphics downloaded from Web pages are NOT acceptable for print products
  • Submit multi-panel figures, ie with parts labeled a,b,c,d, as one file

 

Submission of Manuscript
  • All manuscripts should be submitted via our website.  
  • By doing so you agree to the terms and conditions of submission
  • Keep backup disks and hard copies of the material submitted
Reference Style

See Reference Style Guidelines  

Proofs
  • You will receive a copy of the edited manuscript and, later, page proofs
  • Check amendments made by the editor have not rendered the material inaccurate
  • Check you have answered all the editor’s queries
  • Ensure your corrections are minimal and absolutely necessary
  • Mark the adjustments clearly in the text and margins, and keep a copy of what you fax to the editor
  • Notify the editorial office of all corrections within 72 hours of your receipt of the material
  • Sign and return Author Approval and final page of Publication Agreement
Author Information