Types of Articles Published

Original research articles present a medical or scientific advance. These manuscripts should present well-rounded studies reporting innovative advances that further knowledge about a topic of importance to the fields of biology or medicine. The conclusions of the Original Research Article should be clearly supported by the results. These can be submitted as either a full-length article (no more than 6000 words, 8 figures, 4 tables, and 100 references) or a brief communication (no more than 2,500 words, 3 figures, 2 tables, and 75 references). Original Research Articles contain five sections:

(i) Abstract

(ii) Introduction

(iii) Materials and Methods

(iv) Results

(v) Discussion

Case reports describe an unusual disease presentation, a new treatment, an unexpected drug interaction, a new diagnostic method, or a difficult diagnosis. Case reports should include relevant positive and negative findings from history, examination, and investigation and can include clinical photographs. Additionally, the author must make it clear what the case adds to the field of medicine and include an up-to-date review of all previous cases in the field. Case series are articles that present more than three patients. These articles should be no more than 5,000 words with no more than 6 figures, 3 tables, and 100 references. Case Reports contain five sections:

(i) Abstract

(ii) Introduction

(iii) Case Presentation (clinical presentation, observations, test results, and accompanying figures)

(iv) Discussion

(v) Conclusions

Reviews provide a reasoned survey and examination of a particular subject of research in biology or medicine. These can be submitted as a mini-review (no more than 2,500 words, 3 figures, 1 table, and 75 references) or a long review (no more than 6,000 words, 6 figures, 3 tables, and 150 references). They should include critical assessment of the works cited, explanations of conflicts in the literature, and analysis of the field. The conclusion must discuss in detail the limitations of current knowledge, future directions to be pursued in research, and the overall importance of the topic in medicine or biology. Reviews contain four sections:

Authors wishing to submit an unsolicited review should submit a 100-word proposal to yjbm@yale.edu, summarizing the scope, importance, and relevance of the proposed review.

Perspectives provide personal view on medical or biomedical topics in a clear narrative voice. Articles can relate personal experiences, historical perspective, or scientist profile on people or topics important to medicine and biology. These articles can be submitted as a brief/opinion piece (no more than 2,500 words, 2 tables, and 75 references) or a long perspective (no more than 6,000 words, 2 tables, and 100 references). Perspectives contain four sections:

(i) Abstract

(ii) Introduction

(iii) Topics (with headings and subheadings)

(iv) Conclusions and Outlook

Analyses provide an in-depth prospective and informed analysis of a policy, major advance, or historical description of a topic related to biology or medicine. These articles should be no more than 6,000 words with no more than 3 figures, 1 table, and 100 references. Analyses contain four sections:

(i) Abstract

(ii) Introduction

(iii) Topics (with headings and subheadings)

(iv) Conclusions and Outlook

Symposium pieces describe a research symposium or seminar and present the topic covered in the form of a news brief, opinion piece, or mini-review.

A news brief summarizes a few talks on the same general topic or issues at a given symposium. This can include a summary of the discussion that followed the symposium or the significance of the talks at a large symposium for a particular field. It is important to indicate the main point of the symposium.

An opinion piece discusses the personal perspectives after a given symposium, including an analysis of the symposium and how this affected the author.

A mini-review can be based on a theme from a given symposium. This may require the author(s) to review articles written by a speaker at that symposium.

These articles should be no more than 3,000 words and 75 references. All symposium pieces should include the following:

(i) Abstract

(ii) Introduction

(iii) Topics (with headings and subheadings) [specifically required for a mini-review]

(iv) Conclusions and Outlook.

Book reviews cover relevant books important to clinicians and researchers. These articles provide a description of the book being reviewed, the strengths and weaknesses of the book, and the intended audience. The reviews should be 300 to 500 words. All members of the Yale community are eligible to write reviews. Please contact the Editors at yjbm@yale.edu if you are interested in writing book reviews.

Profiles describe a notable person in the fields of science or medicine. These articles should contextualize the individual’s contributions to the field at large as well as provide some personal and historical background on the person being described. More specifically, this should be done by describing what was known at the time of the individual’s discovery/contribution and how that finding contributes to the field as it stands today. These pieces should be no more than 6,000 words, with up to 6 figures, 3 tables, and 100 references. The articles should include the following:

(i) Abstract

(ii) Introduction

(iii) Topics (with headings and subheadings)

(iv) Conclusions

Interviews may be presented as either a transcript of an interview given with questions and answers presented or as a personal reflection after a given interview. If the latter is submitted, the author must indicate to the readers that the article is based on an interview. These pieces should be no more than 5,000 words, 3 figures, 2 tables, and 100 references. The articles should include:

(i) Abstract

(ii) Introduction

(iii) Questions and answers clearly indicated by subheadings or topics (headings and subheadings)

(iv) Conclusions