scientific-writing

Structure the paper as Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. First create a bullet-point outline of key findings and citations for each section, then convert every point into complete paragraphs with transitions and integrated citations.

Most medical journals use AMA or Vancouver style with numbered citations. AMA uses superscript numbers while Vancouver uses numbers in square brackets; check the target journal's author guidelines for its specific variant.

Use CONSORT for randomized controlled trials, STROBE for observational studies, PRISMA for systematic reviews and meta-analyses, STARD for diagnostic accuracy studies, and ARRIVE for animal research. Each provides a checklist of required methodological elements.

Bullet points are only acceptable in Methods sections for items like inclusion criteria or materials lists, and in supplementary materials. Abstracts, Introduction, Results, and Discussion must be written as flowing paragraphs.

Use tables when readers need precise numerical values or detailed statistical outputs, and figures when showing trends, relationships, or distributions. Follow the guideline of roughly one display item per 1000 words and avoid duplicating data between text, tables, and figures.

Load the scientific_report.sty package and compile with XeLaTeX or LuaLaTeX. It provides colored box environments for key findings, methods, and limitations, plus commands like \pvalue, \CI, and \meansd for statistical notation.