Preparation of manuscripts

Manuscripts should be prepared in accordance with the uniform Requirements for manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals. We encourage the use of the active voice, short sentences and clear sub headings in the text. The typescript should be on A4 paper on one side only, double-spaced with a wide margin on either side. Do not provide a floppy diskette with the initial submission. The name, address, fax, email and telephone numbers of the corresponding author must be included in the covering letter and shown on the title page of the manuscript.

The title page should give both a descriptive title and a short title. The names, qualifications and affiliations of all authors, and the full postal address, including telephone number, fax and e-mail details of the corresponding author should be given.

The main text should start on a separate page and sections within the text should be appropriately sub-headed. Authors are advised to spell check their work properly. Both numbers and percentages should be given (not percentages alone) when relevant. Where statistical methods are used in analysis their use should be explained in the setting of the study and a footnote or appendix given if the method is particularly unusual or complex. For authors using qualitative methods and extended methodology section that includes a consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of the approach used should be included.

All pages should be numbered. Do not use abbreviations. All scientific units should be expressed in SI units.

Electronic artwork we would like to receive your artwork in electronic form. Please save vector graphics (e.g. line artwork) in Encapsulated Postscript Format (EPS), and bitmap files (e.g. half-tones) in Tagged Image File Format (TIFF). Ideally, vector graphics that have been saved in metafile (WMF) or pict (PCT) format should be embedded within the body of the Text file. Detailed information on our digital illustration standards is available from our publishers as follows. Keep a copy of the original manuscript for reference. An acknowledgement of receipt will be sent by the journal. Manuscripts rejected for publication will not be returned. Once a paper is accepted for publication authors are asked to sign a form assigning copyright to International Medical Publishing Group.

Proofs will be sent via email to the authors, or posted if preferred.

Title page with full title and subtitle (if any). For the purpose of blind refereeing, full name of each author with current affiliation and full address/phone/fax/email details plus short biographical note should be supplied on a separate sheet.