[How do I write an original article? An introduction for beginners].
Less than 50% of abstracts presented on scientific conferences get published as full articles. This manuscript is a hands-on instruction on how to collate a scientific investigation into an article. Criteria for authorship should be decided based on the Vancouver statement. The first step is a description of materials and methods including the statistical analysis (approximately 1,000 words), which should already be done during the study itself. The second step is describing the results without interpretation (approximately 350 words); graphs are better than tables. The discussion (approximately 1,000-1,350 words) is initiated with a short description of the most important results, followed by a defence of the model employed. Subsequently, the mechanisms of the results are discussed and put into context with the results of comparable studies; the clinical implication of the most important aspects should be discussed. This is followed by the limitations of the investigation to allow a realistic classification; the conclusions should be low-key rather than exaggerated. The last step is the introduction (approximately 350 words), which has to "hit the nail on the head" in order to attract the reader; this is followed by the abstract and references. Issues that are absolutely to be avoided are insufficient preparation of the study, no answers to the hypothesis of the study, contradictions within the manuscript, superficial discussion, changing terms, reflexive sentences, and a conclusion that is not supported by the data. The first author and mentor should write the first draft of the manuscript; subsequently, the co-authors have to contribute with constructive critique to improve the article until a final draft has been achieved after several rounds of revision and further critique. A journal should be targeted where the manuscript has a realistic chance of publication. If the reviewer's comments can be answered, a careful revision is always warranted and should be performed even if the editor rejected the manuscript. All parties involved should be informed about each step of the project by the first author in order to ensure enduring success.
Wenzel
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Univ.-Klinik für Anaesthesie und Allg. Intensivmedizin, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck. volker.wenzel@uki.at
Dünser
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MW
Lindner
K H
KH
D008511:Medicine; D010380:Peer Review; D011643:Publishing; D014956:Writing / Q000592:standards