Tables and Figures

  1. Tables should be self-contained and complement textual information without duplicating it. Raw data should not be presented. Construct each table with double spacing on a separate page from the main text. Do not embed tables in the text. Number tables consecutively with Arabic numerals in the order of their first citation in the text, followed by a brief title. Column headings should be brief, with units of measurement in parenthesis. Abbreviations and explanatory matter should be defined in footnotes (not in the heading) using symbols *,†,‡,§,||,¶,**,††,‡‡ in that order. Identify statistical measures of variations such as standard deviation and standard error of the mean. Be sure each table is cited in the text.

If a table is taken or adapted from a published source, acknowledge the original source and submit written permission from the copyright holder to reproduce or adapt the material. Permission is required irrespective of authorship or publisher except for documents in the public domain.

  1. Figure legends should be typed starting on a separate page, double spaced, with Arabic numerals corresponding to the illustrations. When symbols, arrows, numbers, or letters are used to identify parts of the illustrations, identify and explain each one clearly in the legend, without indicating color (e.g. green arrow).
  2. Figures include all illustrations, line drawings and photographs. Do not embed figures in the text. Figures should be professionally drawn or photographed, submitted in electronic JPEG format with at least 300 dpi. Low resolution images will not be reproduced. High resolution color images may be published if authors agree to shoulder extra costs, otherwise they will be published in grey-scale. All figures should be properly labeled. Diagnostic Images should identify the modality (X-ray, CT scan, MRI, Ultrasonogram), view (Lateral, Axial, Sagittal), type of study (Soft Tissue, Contrast, Weighted). Histopathology figures should specify the view (low, high power) stain (H&E, Congo red) and magnification (40x, 100x).
  3. Letters, numbers, and symbols on Figures should be clear and even throughout, and of sufficient size that when reduced for publication each item will still be legible. Figures should be made as self-explanatory as possible. Titles and detailed explanations belong in legends, not on the illustrations themselves.
  4. Photomicrographs should have internal scale markers. Symbols, arrows, or letters used in photomicrographs should contrast with the background. If photographs of people are used, either the subjects must not be identifiable or their pictures must be accompanied by written permission to use the photograph.
  5. Figures should be numbered consecutively according to the order in which they have been first cited in the text, and submitted individually as separate supplemental attachments. If a figure has been published, acknowledge the original source and submit written permission from the copyright holder to reproduce the material. Permission is required irrespective of authorship or publisher except for documents in the public domain.

Units of Measurement

Measurements of length, height, weight, and volume should be reported in metric units (meter, kilogram, or liter) or their decimal multiples. Temperatures should be in degrees Celsius. Blood pressures should be in millimeters of mercury, unless other units are specifically required by the journal. Report other laboratory values in both local and International System of Units (SI). Drug concentrations may be reported in either SI or mass units, but the alternative should be provided in parentheses where appropriate.

Abbreviations

Use only standard abbreviations. Avoid abbreviations in the title. The full term for which an abbreviation stands should precede its first use in the text unless it is a standard unit of measurement.