Browse

Clear display of data or information is the most important aspect of any figure. For figures that display quantitative information, data values may be represented by dots, lines, curves, area, length, or shading, based on the type of graph used.The horizontal scale (x-axis) and the vertical scale (y-axis) indicate the values of the data plotted in a graph. In most graphs, values increase from left to right (on the x-axis) and from bottom to top (on the y-axis).The range of values on the axes should be slightly greater than the range of values being plotted, so that the entire data ...Less

For photographs or videos in which an individual can be identified (either by himself/herself or by others), the author should obtain and submit a signed statement of informed consent from the identifiable person that grants permission to publish the photograph (in print, online, in video, and all licensed versions, if appropriate). Previously used measures to attempt to conceal the identity of an individual in a photograph, such as placing black bars over the person’s eyes, are not effective and should not be used (see , Ethical and Legal Considerations, Protecting Research Participants' and Patients' Rights in Scientific Publication, Patients' Rights ...Less

Flowcharts demonstrate the sequence of activities, processes, events, operations, or organization of a complex procedure or an interrelated system of components. Flowcharts are useful to depict study protocol or interventions (Example ), to demonstrate participant recruitment and follow-up such as in a randomized controlled trial (CONSORT) (Example , and Figure in , Study Design and Statistics), or to show inclusions and exclusions of samples in other types of studies, such as in meta-analyses of observational studies (MOOSE), meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (QUOROM), and studies of diagnostic accuracy (STARD).Decision trees are analytical tools used in cost-effectiveness and decision analyses. The ...Less

The term figure refers to any graphical display used to present information or data, including statistical graphs, maps, algorithms, illustrations, computer-generated images, and photographs. Figures may be used to clarify or explain methods, to present evidence and quantitative results, to highlight trends and relationships among data, to clarify complex concepts, or to illustrate items or procedures. Figures should be accurate, clear, and concise.In scientific articles, selection of a particular type of figure depends on the purpose and type of information being displayed. Some of the most common types of figures in biomedical publications are discussed herein.Line graphs have 2 or ...Less

It is preferable to use original figures rather than those already published. When use of a previously published illustration, photograph, or other figure is determined necessary, written permission to reproduce it must be obtained from the copyright holder (usually the publisher). The original source should be acknowledged in the legend. If the original source in which the illustration has been published is included in the reference list, the reference may be cited in the legend, with the citation number for the reference corresponding to its first appearance in the text, tables, or figures (see , Table Components, Footnotes, and , ...Less

The preferred format for submitting figures varies among scientific journals. Authors who submit figures with a scientific manuscript should consult the instructions for authors of the publication for specific requirements. For example, some journals require all files to be submitted through a Web-based submission system, others may request e-mail attachments, and still others may prefer to receive materials in hard copy. When high-resolution graphic files are required that are too large to be sent via e-mail or a Web-based system, the images may be loaded onto a fixed medium such as a CD. The following guidelines apply for figures submitted ...Less

Illustrations may explain physiological mechanisms, describe clinical maneuvers and surgical techniques, and provide orientation to medical imaging. Complex interactions often are easier to convey and understand in an illustration than in text or tables (Example ). ...Less

Maps are useful to demonstrate relationships or trends that involve location and distance or to illustrate study sampling methods (Example ). Maps may be used to demonstrate geographic relationships (eg, spread of a disease). Choropleth maps depict quantitative data (eg, relative frequencies by county, state, country, province, or region), with differences in numerical data, such as rates, shown by shading or colors. Authors should verify map details to avoid misspelled or incorrect names, deleted features, distorted geographic relationships, misplaced or missing cities, and misplaced boundaries. ...Less

Photographs and other images in biomedical articles are used to display clinical findings, experimental results, or clinical procedures. Such figures include radiographs and those from other types of medical imaging, photomicrographs, and photographs of patients and biopsy specimens. The availability of digital imaging has provided the ability to enhance images of photographic scientific data, such as clinical images or gel electrophoresis bands. Such digital manipulation may produce misleading or fraudulent images. Some publications require that authors who submit digital images also submit the original gels, while others ask authors to list image adjustments in the paper itself. ...Less

In the published article, figures should be placed as close as possible to their first mention in the text. Figures should be cited in consecutive numerical order in the text, and references to figures should include their respective numbers. For example: Patient participation and progress through the study are shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 shows patient participation and progress through the study. Patient participation and progress through the study were monitored by the investigators (Figure 1).Given the potential for variability in the page layout and online publication process, the text should not refer to figures by position on the ...Less