scientific-writing

Structure the manuscript into Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections. Draft an outline with key points and citations first, then convert each bullet point into full flowing paragraphs with transitions and integrated citations.

Most medical journals use AMA or Vancouver style with numbered citations. Check the target journal's author guidelines; JAMA uses AMA superscripts while The Lancet and BMJ use Vancouver numbered brackets.

Use CONSORT for randomized controlled trials, STROBE for observational studies, PRISMA for systematic reviews and meta-analyses, STARD for diagnostic accuracy studies, and CARE for case reports.

No, final manuscripts must use full paragraphs with flowing prose. Bullet points are acceptable only in Methods for inclusion criteria or materials lists, and in supplementary materials, never in Abstract, Results, or Discussion.

Use the bundled scientific_report.sty package with XeLaTeX compilation. It provides colored box environments for key findings, methods, and limitations, plus commands for p-values, confidence intervals, and effect sizes.

Use tables for precise numerical values and detailed statistical outputs readers need to reference. Use figures for trends, relationships, distributions, and comparisons best understood visually, following roughly one display item per 1000 words.