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Within the body of the table and in column headings, units of measure and numbers normally spelled out may be abbreviated for space considerations (see , Abbreviations, Units of Measure; , Units of Measure; and , Numbers and Percentages). However, spelled-out words should not be combined with abbreviations for units of measure. For example, “First Week” or “1st wk” or “Week 1” may be used as a column heading, but not “First wk.” Abbreviations or acronyms should be explained in a footnote (see , Table Components, Footnotes). Less

UPDATE: We will discontinue using quotation marks to identify parts of an article, but retain the capitalization; eg, This is discussed in the Methods section (not the “Methods” section). This change was made February 14, 2013. A textual table or box contains words, phrases, or sentences, often in list form. Boxes are used to emphasize key points, summarize information, and/or reduce the narrative text (Example ). Less

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 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. 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 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

Authors submitting tables in a scientific article should consult the publication’s instructions for authors for specific requirements and preferences regarding table format. Although details about preferred table construction vary among journals, several general guidelines apply. Each table should be created by means of a table editor program in word processing software or a spreadsheet program and inserted in the electronic manuscript file. Reduced type should not be used. If a table is too large to be contained on 1 manuscript page, the table should be continued on another page with a “continued” line following the title on the subsequent page. 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