How to write an article : Abstract and Title

1. How to write an article: Abstract and Title Prof. Nikos Siafakas MD.PhD. University of Crete

2. Definition An abstract is a synopsis of a longer piece of workwhich is published in isolation from the main text and should therefore stand on its own How to Write an Abstract. [Online] [cited 2010 Apr 20]; Available from: URL: http://info.emeraldinsight.com/authors/guides/abstracts.htm?

3. Why do we have to write an abstract? • Most people will read only the abstract including the EDITORS • Due to electronic database information processing, the abstract represents the “selling part” of an article • Abstract will be often the only part of an article that is accessible in the electronic libraries (US National Library of Medicine Pubmed) • Abstract helps readers to decide whether to read the full paper and EDITORS to send it for review.

4. Title of a scientific paper • The title represents the first point of contact between the authors and the READERS and the EDITOR, REVIEWERS • The title and the abstract are often the only available components within electronic journal databases • It represents the last thing to be finalized before submission Rosenfeldt FL, Dowling JT, Pepe S, Fullerton MJ. How to write a Paper. Heart Lung Circ. 2000;9(2):82-7 Gilbert Welch H. Preparing Manuscripts for Submission to Medical Journals: The paper trail. Effective Clinical Practice [Online] 1999 [cited 2010 Apr 20]; Available from: URL: http://www.acponline.org/clinical_information/journals_publications/ecp/mayjun99/welch.htm

5. Simple rules for creating a title • “Readability”: by reading the title, the subject of the research should became immediately apparent • Avoid too many information in a sentence • Avoid conclusions • A question as a title is usually accepted when authors deal with controversial topics Lilleyman JS. How to write a scientific paper – a rough guide to getting published. Arch Dis Child. 1995;72(3):268-70

6. What do we have to report? • An abstract must give an answer to the following questions: • Why it was the study carried out? • How was done? • What was found? • What was concluded? Driscoll P. How to write a paper. J Accid Emerg Med.1997;14(2):65-9

7. Style of an abstract • Brevity (brief, clear prose is easy to read but very hard to write) • Avoid vague and vogue words • Use short, concrete, Anglo-Saxon wording • Modesty is a main element of somebody’s written work Paton A. Writing and Speaking in Medicine. How I write a paper. BMJ. 1976; 2(6044): 1115-6 David A. Write a Classic Paper. BMJ. 1990; 300(6716): 30-1

8. Necessary quality elements • Limited text (around 250 words) • Easy to read • Provides the most important information • Contains 4 sections • Introduction • Methods • Results • Conclusion

9. Introduction • Consists of 1-2 sentences that: • Introduces the topic of a research and why it is important • Describes the aim by ‘reflecting’ the research question • It should not repeat the already available information in the title

10. Methods • Type of study • Place • Sample • Criteria • Techniques • Statistical analysis

11. Results & Conclusion • Results should describe shortly the main findings • Include ONLY data or numbers to support/validate the Conclusions • In the Conclusion micro/macro implications can be included

12. All parts of the Abstract • Additionally : • Use short and succinct phrases • Avoid overuse of technical terms & abbreviations • Adopt a laconic language style

13. CONSORT for abstracts (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) A structured summary of trial design, methods, results, and conclusions Trial design Methods Results Conclusions Participants Numbers randomised Interventions Recruitment Objective Numbers analysed Outcome Outcome (estimated effect size) Randomisation Harms Blinding (masking) Trial Registration Funding Schultz KF, Altman DG, Moher D. CONSORT 2010 Statement: Updated Guidelines for Reporting Parallel Group Randomized Trials. Ann Inter Med. 2010; 152(11): 1-8

14. READ CARREFULY THE INSTRUCTIONS Journals have developed their own structure and word count for abstracts :NEJM

15. Case report abstracts • Often there is no structure • Lower limit of words (around 150 words) • It should include what is the most important information to gain after reading this case report Stephen N. Palmer. How to Write an Abstract. [Online] 2008 [cited 2010 Apr 20]; Available from: URL:http://www.texasheart.org/AboutUs/Depart/upload/Write-an-abstract.pdf

16. Common mistakes(1) • Too much (or too little) background with not clear aim • Limited methods information • Unfocused presentation of the findings • Conclusion not consistent with the results Journal of Young Investigators. JYI's Guide to Writing Scientific Manuscripts. [Online] 2008 [cited 2010 Apr 20] Available from: URL:http://www.jyi.org/resources/rs.php?id=320

17. Common mistakes (2) • Referencing • Lack of originality • Inclusion of details not directly relevant to the study • No effort spent to revise

18. Keywords • Identify keywords/search terms • Useful for electronic taxonomy • Authors reflection on the essential terms of their research work

19. Conclusions • Writeconcisely andclearly • Include only essential information • Emphasize the research question and the type of intervention • Summarize your main findings and highlight the new contribution in the field