ajtcvm.org

Instruction to authors for manuscripts submitted to the AJTCVM

 Manuscripts will be considered for publication with the clear understanding that their contents have not been previously published in English or submitted or published elsewhere while under consideration for acceptance by the American Journal of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (AJTCVM). Manuscripts should be submitted electronically attached to an email to Dr. Cheryl L Chrisman, the Co-Editor of Journal Manuscripts, addressed to: chrismanc@ajtcvm.org. Author contact information should be clearly shown at the top of the manuscript including email address.

 Funding: Authors are expected to acknowledge all sources of funding or financial support and to disclose to the Co-Editor of Journal Manuscripts any financial interests (including ownership, employment, consultancy arrangements, and service as an officer or board member) they have with companies that manufacture products that are the subject of their research or with companies that manufacture competing products.

Author Affiliations: The name and location of the research center or practice of each author should be clearly stated and will be printed with the article. Street and email addresses should be included for communication between the Co-Editor of Journal Manuscripts and author only but will not be published with the final article.

Animal Use and Care: All research studies involving animals must have been performed in compliance with guidelines outlined in the Animal Welfare Act, US Public Health Service Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, NRC Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, or Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Agricultural Research and Teaching (Fass 1999) or with equivalent guidelines. A manuscript containing information that suggests that animals were subjected to adverse, stressful, or harsh conditions or treatments will not be considered for publication. Manuscripts describing studies that involved the use of animals, including studies that involved the use of privately owned animals (e.g. animals owned by clients, staff members, students, or private entities) must include a statement that the study protocol was reviewed and approved by an appropriate oversight entity (e.g. an animal care and use committee or institutional review board) or was performed in compliance with institutional guidelines for research on animals. Manuscripts describing prospective studies that involved privately owned animals must include a statement indicating that owner consent was obtained.

 Electronic manuscript format requirements: The manuscript must be typed using Times New Roman, 11 pt font, single spaced with one inch and justified margins and saved as an electronic file in Microsoft Word (version 1995 or newer). Use no accessory programs such as automatic footnotes or references in the text. Do not number individual lines but pages should be consecutively numbered. The body of the text should be single spaced with indented paragraphs (first line by 0.5) and no extra line spacing. Figures and tables should not be embedded within the manuscript. Tables and Figure legends should be placed in that order at the end of the manuscript following the references. Figures should be submitted a separate files as described below.

Footnotes: Manufacturers of herbal formulas and any equipment described in the paper should appear as a superscript small letter (a,b,c etc.) in the text at the end of the appropriate word and as footnotes at the end of the text just prior to the references .

 References: References should be indicated in the text as superscript numbers at the end of the sentence after the period.  At the end of the text a title REFERENCES should appear in the left margin in bold letters. References should then be numbered consecutively as they appear in the paper using the automatic numbering system found under the format section of the toolbar on Microsoft Word. All articles must have references and the appropriate page numbers must be included with all references. Do not use ibid for repeated use of a reference but simply list the pages in order of their reference in the text.

 Reference formats:

Journal Article:

Xie H, Collahan, Ott E. Evaluation of electroacupuncture treatment of horses with signs of chronic thoracolumbar pain. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2005; 227:281-286.

Book:

Schwartz C. Four Paws Five Directions. Berkley, CA: Celestial Arts 1996:35-39, 1-3, 15-24

Chapter in a Book:

Schoen AM. Acupuncture for musculoskeletal disorders. In Schoen A, ed. Veterinary Acupuncture 2nd Ed. St Louis, Mo:Mosby 2001:161-165.

 Tables: All tables should be typed in New Times Roman 11 point font, single spaced, contain as few rows and columns as necessary to report the data and be saved as Microsoft Word (Excel format is not acceptable). The title for the tables should be at the top and written as Table 1: with the title written in title format and un-bolded. Number tables consecutively, as cited in the text. Give each column a short or abbreviated heading. Explain abbreviations etc. at the bottom of the table e.g. EA=electroacupuncture or Moxa= moxibustion.

 Table Example:

Table 1: Ingredients of the Chinese Herbal Formula Fu Fang Dan Shen Pian and their Actions

Figure legends: All figure legends should be typed in New Times Roman 11point font, placed as a list at the end of the paper after the Tables. The format should be written as Figure 1: with the legend following in sentence structure and unbolded. Legends should be succinct and provide essential material only but adequately explain findings in the figure.

 Figures: Simple figures such as line drawings, bar graphs, and line graphs prepared in Excel should be saved as Excel files (.xls). Line drawings and graphs that were not prepared in Excel should be submitted as .TIF files; however, .JPG, .GIF, .EPS, and .BMP files are also acceptable. Figures created with software programs that use proprietary graphic formats (e.g. SigmaPlot, Statistix) cannot be used; most such software programs have the capability to save figures in one of the aforementioned formats. Minimum resolution for line drawings and charts is 1,000 dots per inch.

 Images (e.g. photographs, photomicrographs, and radiographs) that are not available in a digital format should be scanned on a flatbed scanner at a resolution of at least 300 dots per inch. Files should be saved as .TIF files; however, .JPG, .GIF, .EPS, and .BMP files are also acceptable. Color figures should be submitted in CMYK, rather than RGB, format to prevent color shift during production. All photographs will most likely be published in black and white but color photos are requested.

 No title page is necessary. Begin each manuscript with the title bolded and in title case format centered at the top of the page, and below, also centered, put the author names and credentials  (DVM, PhD etc.) un-bolded. Beginning in the left margin in a separate section include the affiliations (group or hospital) of each author and the street and email addresses of the primary author (for communication purposes only; will not be published).

Abstract and Key Words: All manuscripts should begin with the title ABSTRACT in bold letters in the left margin and a 250 word abstract summarizing pertinent information from the manuscript should follow. Next the heading Key words: should be placed in the left hand margin followed by a list of 5-6 key words.

Acupuncture Points: All transpositional acupuncture points should be referred to using the letters, a dash and the number e.g. LU-1 using the following abbreviations: LU (Lung), LI (Large Intestine), ST (Stomach), SP (Spleen), HT (Heart), SI (Small Intestine), BL (Bladder), KID (Kidney), PC (Pericardium), TH (Triple Heater), GB (Gall Bladder), LIV (Liver), CV (Conception Vessel) and GV (Governing Vessel). No Pinyin names for transpositional points will be used. When classical points and transpositional points are the same, the transpositional point abbreviation will be used. Classical points and other miscellaneous acupuncture points will be given by their pinyin names presented in italics with the only the first word capitalized and dashes between the words e.g. Da-feng-men and their location described. The reason for selection of each acupuncture point as it pertains to the diagnosis should be given.

 Herbal formulas and individual herbs should be given as pinyin names written in italics with common names in parentheses e.g. Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen decoction) or Fu Ling (Poria) and the reason for selection provided. The single herbs of each formula should be listed as the italicized pinyin name followed by the English name in parentheses and their effects as they pertain to the case. Individual herbs and actions should be listed in a table at the end of the paper. (See above example under Tables). A formatted Table with one column for Pinyin name, one for English name and one for the actions

 should be used. Manufacturers should also be listed at the bottom of the Table.

Pinyin names: All Chinese pinyin names throughout the manuscript should be italicized e.g. Qi, Yin, Yang

Types of articles: Manuscripts for AJTCVM will be classified as Original Scientific Reports, Retrospective Studies, Reviews, Clinical Case Studies, What’s Your Diagnosis, Pearls from TCVM Practice and Commentaries. The specific format for each type of manuscript is as follows:

 Original or translated scientific report manuscript format: The text length must not exceed 5000 words excluding footnotes, references, tables, and figure legends. The manuscript should be divided into 4 sections: Introduction, Materials and methods, Results and Discussion. The Introduction section should be untitled and consist of a brief review of the literature and other background information on the topic being studied using pertinent references. A clear statement of the objective and rationale of the study should be included. The Materials and Methods section should include a concise, clear description of the experimental design, subjects, and statistical methods. All equipment, herbal formulas and traditional drugs used should be described and a manufacturer provided as footnotes listed by the letters of the alphabet (small case) at the end of the manuscript prior to the references. A statement of animal care should be made, e.g. “Animals were cared for in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act, US Public Health Service Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, NRC Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, or Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Agricultural Research and Teaching (Fass 1999)”. The Results section should include the results of the study stated concisely and in a logical sequence summarizing important observations. Tables are recommended to summarize data. The same data should not be reproduced in both tables and figures. In the Discussion section provide a concise discussion of the new and important implications of the findings, their limitations, and how the observations relate to other relevant studies.

 Retrospective study manuscript format: The text length must not exceed 5000 words excluding footnotes, references, tables, and figure legends. The manuscript should be divided into 4 sections: Introduction, Case selection and Procedures, Results and Discussion. The Introduction section should be untitled and consist of a brief review of the literature and other background information on the topic being studied using pertinent references. A clear statement of the objective and rationale of the study should be included. The Case selection and Procedures section should include a concise, clear description of the selection criteria for the subjects, types and numbers of subjects, information reviewed on each animal and statistical methods. All equipment, herbal formulas and traditional drugs used should be described and a manufacturer provided as footnotes listed by the letters of the alphabet (small case) at the end of the manuscript prior to the references. A statement of animal care should be made, e.g. “Animals were cared for in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act, US Public Health Service Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, NRC Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, or Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Agricultural Research and Teaching (Fass 1999)”. The Results section should include the results of the study stated concisely and in a logical sequence summarizing important observations.

Tables are recommended to summarize data. The same data should not be reproduced in both tables and figures. In the Discussion section provide a concise discussion of the new and important implications of the findings, their limitations, and how the observations relate to other relevant studies.

 Review manuscript format: Review articles may be solicited by the editorial advisory board or submitted unsolicited by the authors to provide the reader with an overview of the state of the art in a specialized area of TCVM. Manuscripts should not exceed 6,000 words, excluding footnotes, references, tables, and figure legends. The use of illustrations, line drawings and figures is encouraged. The paper may have several sections with titles determined by the author.

Clinical Case Studies format: Clinical case studies are reports that include a detailed description of the diagnosis, management and clinical outcome of 1-5 animals. For case series with more than 5 animals, the report should be formatted as an original scientific manuscript as described above. Manuscripts should not exceed 2500 words excluding footnotes, references, tables and figure legends. Case descriptions that have not been previously reported, where the findings are new or unique, new clinical entities are described or new clinical diagnostic methods are explored will be considered. The format should begin with a 250 word abstract summarizing the case i.e. signs, treatment, outcome, length of follow-up. Do not write an introduction. Begin with the case description i.e. history, signs, TCVM diagnosis and rationale, TCVM treatment strategy and rationale, TCVM treatments, outcomes and duration of follow-up. End with a discussion of the problem described in the paper and discuss how this relates to the findings in other species even humans. This literature can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed and searching key words. Conclude the article with how the information in this case study can be useful for similar cases in the future. Do not use the animal’s name but refer to them as “the horse, dog, cat, bird etc”. Do not use any dates in the manuscript but instead say things like “2 weeks later” “Four weeks following initial treatment” etc. Pertinent references should be included with page numbers (see information on references above). Please include pictures of the case or cases whenever possible.

Pearls from Practice format: These articles are practical applications of TCVM as used by experts in the clinical setting. The text should not exceed 2500 words. The use of algorithms, line drawings, tables, figures and illustrations is encouraged. Pertinent references should be included with page numbers. Please include pictures of cases or procedures whenever possible.

 Commentary format: These articles are opinions and information from TCVM experts on subjects and issues of interest to journal subscribers. The text should not exceed 2500 words. Pertinent references should be included with page numbers. The Editors and Executive Director reserve the right to make final decisions on the appropriateness of the content for AJTCVM.

 Peer review process- All manuscripts are first reviewed by the Co-Editors and Executive Director to determine suitability for potential publication and to ensure the appropriate format has been used as outlined in the Instructions to Authors. Any manuscript that describes methods that have subjected animals to inhumane conditions will be rejected. First edits and second edits may be returned to the author by the manuscript Editor for corrections prior to being sent to reviewers to ensure proper format. Next articles are sent to 2 experts in the field usually consisting of at least one Advisory Board member. Reviewers evaluate design, accuracy of results and contribution to the literature. Reviewer comments are combined so as to maintain anonymity of the reviewers and the paper is returned to the author for revisions unless the paper has been rejected. If provisional acceptance was obtained, a second review process is then undertaken with the same or an additional reviewer if necessary. If one reviewer accepted the manuscript and another rejected it, a third reviewer will be used to make the final decision. The finalized paper is then reviewed by the Editor in Chief and the Executive Director prior to final publication to ensure that all reviewer questions and comments have been addressed and the paper is acceptable for publication. Revisions and final proofs will be sent to authors for their approval. A copyright agreement must be signed prior to final publication. Authors who disagree with the final decision of the reviewers can submit a rebuttal citing other references in the literature to support their view and send this directly to the Co-Editor at: chrismanc@ajtcvm.org for consideration. 

 Letters to the Editor, Comments and other Reader feedback: Readers are encouraged to send questions, comments and other feedback regarding an article directly to the Co-Editor at: chrismanc@ajtcvm.org. The Co-Editor will send these to the author of the specific article for their comments and both will be published in the next issue of AJTCVM. Direct feedback can also be given for a specific article on our website at: www.ajtcvm.org. These may also be published in AJTCVM at the discretion of the Co-Editors and Executive Director. We would expect all comments to be professional and not contain slanderous or otherwise offensive language.

Publication Sequence: The AJTCVM is published by the American Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, 10145 SW 52^nd Rd, Gainesville, FL 32608, Telephone: 352-672-6400; FAX: 352-672-6400. The AJTCVM is published biannually in February and August but due to time needed for editing, reviewing, finalizing, layout, printing and mailing, the deadline for manuscripts is: February 1 (for August issue) and August 1 (for February issue). See subscription information at: www.ajtcvm.org

 Copyright: The primary author must sign the copyright form which confirms that the manuscript contains no material the publication of which violates any copyright or other personal or proprietary right of any person or entity. The author must obtain and include with the manuscript written permission from the respective copyright owners for the use of any textural, illustrative or tabular materials that have been previously published or are otherwise copyrighted and owned by third parties. The author must pay for any permission charges if needed. The copyright from need only be signed by the primary author, but it is the primary author’s responsibility to report to all other authors about the status and final version of the manuscript to ensure all are in agreement. The members of the AJTCVM Editorial Board or AATCVM will not be responsible for consequences of any miscommunications between authors. Signed Copyright forms may be FAXED to the AATCVM office at: 352-672-6400 or may be scanned and sent via email to chrismanc@ajtcvm.org. Manuscripts will not be published until the copyright form is completed and sent to the Co-Editor in Chief for Manuscripts.

Miscellaneous: With respect to all articles, works or other materials presented to the Editorial Board of AJTCVM, AJTVM reserves the right to alter or amend the presentation of the article to fulfill it’s journalistic needs and the risk of any claimed loss as a consequence of such action, omission, amendments or alterations by the journal is and remains solely upon those submitting the material for publication. Mistakes, brought to the attention of the Editorial Board, will be corrected in a subsequent issue as an Errata Corrige.