How to Write a Scientific Original Article: Tips and Strategies

1. بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم ”الذي علم بالقلم ، علم الانسان ما لم يعلم“ صدق الله العظيم

2. HOW TO WRITE A SCIENTIFIC ORIGINAL ARTICLE BY Ahmed Shokeir, MD, PhD, FEBU Professor of Urology, Mansoura Urology & Nephrology Center, Mansoura, Egypt.

3. The Problem “I have collected a mass of facts, ideas, experience, but I cannot arrange them into any system or order them into a definite pattern”.

4. The Problem “I have spent a lot of time and a lot of effort in writing papers, but once submitted always rejected”.

5. The Problem • Doctors spend a deal of time with pen in hand. What they need, however, is someone to help them express themselves clearly.

6. The Problem • A person who is intelligent enough to be a doctor is also intelligent enough to learn how to write down what he wants to say in simple accurate terms.

7. Wrong Belief “Big international journals do not accept papers from Arab countries and developing countries !!!”

8. Types of Articles • Original article. • Review article. • Case report. • Letter to the editor. • Point of technique. • Editorial Comment. • Etc….

9. Original Article

10. Original ArticleThreeEssential Requirements“ Basic Triad “ M. Writing Structure Subject

11. Original ArticleThreeEssential Requirements“ Basic Triad “ I- Subject worthwhile to report. Subject

12. Original ArticleThree Essential RequirementsI- Subject • Read the relevant literature carefully. • Make sure that you are not repeating what had been done successfully before. • There should be an addition to the already existing literature.

13. Original ArticleThree Essential RequirementsI- Subject • It is better to spend 2 weeks reading in the library than 2 years working in the lab. • Do not waste your time in writing a paper which will never see day-light.

14. Original ArticleThree Essential Requirements“ Basic Triad “ II- Basic structure of manuscript. Structure Subject

15. Contents of The Original Article • Title page. • Abstract. • Introduction. • Patients & Methods. • Results. • Discussion. • Summary. • References. • Tables. • Legends to Figures. • Figures.

16. Title Page Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends toFigures • Title. • Authors. • Institutions. • Running title. • Key words. • Word count. • Corresponding author. • Second title page.

17. Title PageThe Title Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures • Informative, specific, comprehensive, and accurate stating exactly what you mean. • Convey the maximum information with the minimum of words. • Express (at least): - The main issue of the study. - The type of the study.

18. Title PageThe Title Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures • State the subject, never the conclusion. • Should be considered again, again and again when the paper is finished. • The final title is the last sentence to be written in the paper.

19. Title PageThe AuthorsWho should be an Author? Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures An author must have contributed something worthwhile: • Creative thinking. • Performing diagnostic or therapeutic techniques very essential in the study. • Collecting data. • Writing.

20. Title PageThe AuthorsWho should be the first Author? Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures • For multiple authors with various contributions: • Who has done the most work. • For multiple authors with equal contribution: • Give the advantage to the junior. • The junior the first, the senior the last. • For 2 authors: • First publication: give the advantage to the junior. • Second publication: redress the balance.

21. Title PageThe AuthorsWho should be the first Author? Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures Papers from Thesis • A thesis is essentially a personal project. • The name of the candidate should be the first. • The most senior person is the last.

22. Title PageThe Authors Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures Be very careful to use only one name with the same spelling and the same initials for all your publications. Example of different initials Ghoneim MA Ghoneim M

23. Title PageThe Authors Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures Example of different spelling: Shokeir Shokier Shokair shokeer

24. Title PageThe Authors Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures The compound names should be written as one word Abd El Rahman Abdulrahman

25. Title PageInstitutions Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures • To be written in the title page only. • Do not write institutions inside the article. • Do not write information inside the article that can identify the names of the authors.

26. Title Page Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures • Short running title. • Key words : Medline search. • Word count :2000-3000 words. • Corresponding author: Full address.

27. Title PageSecond title page Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures • Should include only the title. • No authors names, no institutions. • This page will be used in the review process.

28. ABSTRACT Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures • The first part that appears. • The last part to be written. • Will be discussed at the end.

29. Introduction Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures Definition: It introduces the subject but does not develop it. Objectives: 1- To hold the reader’s attention. 2- To give sufficient information to whet the appetite.

30. IntroductionImportance Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures • It sets the tone and quality of the entire paper. • How a writer begins will determine whether his reader bothers to go on and how he ends will determine whether the reader is satisfied or unconvinced.

31. INTRODUCTIONFundamental Parts Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures SCOPE OF THE STUDY SHORT REVIEW PROBLEMS & LIMITATIONS AIM OF THE STUDY

32. IntroductionFundamental Parts1- Short Review Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures • Should touch the core of the subject. • Should be concise and interesting, not boring. • Long historical reviews are dull. • Should be provided by some updated references. • It varies in length from one sentence to several paragraphs.

33. IntroductionFundamental Parts2- Limitations of existing literature Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures • Convince the reader of the importance of your study. • Give reasons for investigating this particular subject.

34. IntroductionFundamental Parts3- Aim of the study Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures • The study should answer a timely and important question. • The rationale of the study must be strong and very clear. • There should be an addition to the existing literature.

35. IntroductionFundamental Parts4- Scope of the Study Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures • Set out the scope of the study. • Provide a quick overview of the organization which follows.

36. IntroductionGeneral Advice Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures • Introduction must be short and to the point. “ The reader can gain the main body of the paper”. • It should be easy to read. • Do not use too many references (more suitable for discussion).

37. The reviewer asks the following questions : Evaluation of the Introduction Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures 1- Are the objectives clear ? 2- Is the importance of the study adequately emphasized ? 3- Is the subject matter of the study new ? 4-Is previous work on the subject adequately cited ?

38. MATERIAL & METHODS Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures STATISTICS MATERIALS Fundamental Parts 0 METHODS ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS DESIGN

39. Materials And MethodsFundamental Parts Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures 1- Full description of the materials. Example: If patients: - Demographic characteristics. - All relevant information. 2- Full description of the methods. Example: - Surgical technique. - Radiological technique. - If drug (preparation, dose, timing…etc).

40. Materials And MethodsFundamental Parts Title page Abstract Introduction Materials& Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures 3- Full description of the type of the study: - If controlled: Type of the control. - If randomized: Method of randomization. • 4- Statistical methods: - Common: Enumeration. - Uncommon: Simple idea + reference.

41. Materials And Methods Fundamental Parts5- Ethical Considerations Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures • Fully Informed consent • Permission of ethical committee • Conflict of interest • Funding • Declaration of Helsinki

42. Materials And MethodsGeneral Advice Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures • Only new methods are described in details. • Previously published methods: - Common: Enumeration + reference. - Uncommon: Short summary + reference. • Do not lose your objective. All methods used should be devoted to satisfying the objectives.

43. The reviewer asks the following questions : Evaluation of the Materials and Methods Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures 1- Is the study population detailed adequately ? 2- Are the methods described well enough to reproduce the experiment? 3- Is the study design clear ? 4- Are statistical methods included ?

44. Results Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures Presentation of the results. Fundamental Parts Correlation of the data.

45. ResultsFundamental Parts Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures 1- Presentation of the results • Results of all methods used must be provided in a respective systematic manner. • Present the results as text, tables or graphs, but do not repeat the same data in more than one.

46. ResultsFundamental Parts Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures 1- Presentation of the results The reader is entitled to have the data presented in a logical order, which may not have been the order in which the work was done.

47. ResultsFundamental Parts Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures 2- Correlation of data • Correlate your data with each others to obtain an objective proof of your hypothesis. • In science the object is a precise measurement “Measure what is measurable and make measurable what is not”[Galileo].

48. ResultsFundamental Parts Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures • In biological sciences, all measurements are inexact. The only way to describe this variability is to use statistics intelligently. 2- Correlation of data

49. ResultsFundamental Parts Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures 2- Correlation of data • Statistical significance is different from clinical importance. • Small differences between large groups can be statistically significant but clinically not important. • Large differences between small groups can be clinically important but not statistically significant.

50. ResultsGeneral Advice Title page Abstract Introduction Materials & Method Results Discussion Summary References Tables Figures Legends to Figures • Do not write any result for a method not mentioned in the section of materials and methods. • Results must be written in a very clear non- equivocal non-confusing manner. • Avoid redundancy (each information must be mentioned only once).