Writing and Presenting a Research Abstract

1. Writing and Presenting a Research Abstract Marian Limacher, MD Director, CTSI Training and Professional Development Program Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Professional Development Professor, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine The UF CTSI is supported in part by NIH awards UL1 RR029890, KL2 RR029888 and TL1 RR029889

2. Abstracts for Scientific Meetings • Important for transmitting new information, “cutting edge” • Important for career development • Important to become known in the field • Important for you to get to know others in the field, enhance networking opportunities

3. Abstract Basics • One abstract per research question • No duplicate abstracts at different meetings • Goal: 1 manuscript per abstract

4. Why are abstracts rejected • Dull topic, nothing new • No context provided • Small number of subjects • All talk, no data (“results will be discussed…” • All data, no talk • Poor readability • Sloppy

5. Abstract Format • Read the instructions • Format the “box” or other limitations • Include: • Introduction/background/purpose • Methods • Results • Conclusions

6. Abstract format • Introduction • 1-2 sentences • Include the research question (hypothesis) or purpose at the end • Avoid jargon, excessive abbreviations • Assume reviewer(s) are not the most knowledgeable in the field

7. Abstract format • Methods • Include study design • Study population (#, age, M,F, inclusion criteria) • What was measured • How data was analyzed (if space), otherwise include during the talk/presentation

8. Abstract format • Results • Main finding of the study – in words • Give real numbers as well as significance • Tables can be helpful

9. Abstract format • Conclusions • What do your findings mean • Do not repeat results • If you could have written your conclusion before you knew your results – you don’t really have a conclusion

10. Abstract Presentations - oral • “The 10 minute talk” • Garson, et al, Am Heart J 1986; 111: 193-203 • Write out every word: better to read than to stumble or go over time • Usual rule: 1 minute per slide (maximum 30 sec per slide for non-complex statements) • Absolute maximum = 14 slides per 10 min.

11. Abstract presentation • Preparing slides • 20 point minimum (this is 32 point) • This is 20 point • Black on white/light • Yellow/white on blue • Leave 10% margin • Avoid too much “glitz”

12. Abstract presentation • Preparing slides • 20 point minimum (this is 32 point) • This is 20 point • Black on white/light • Yellow/white on blue • Leave 10% margin • Avoid too much “glitz”

13. Abstract presentation • Preparing slides • 20 point minimum (this is 32 point) • This is 20 point • Black on white/light • Yellow/white on blue • Leave 10% margin • Avoid too much “glitz”

14. Abstract presentation • Preparing slides • 20 point minimum (this is 32 point) • This is 20 point • Black on white/light • Yellow/white on blue • Leave 10% margin • Avoid too much “glitz”

15. Abstract presentation • Preparing slides • 20 point minimum (this is 32 point) • This is 20 point • Black on white/light • Yellow/white on blue • Leave 10% margin • Avoid too much “glitz”

16. Abstract Presentations • Avoid red lettering on blue backgrounds • Hard to read

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18. Abstract presentations • Use horizontal format • Center all material • No more than 7 lines per slides • No more than 7 words per line

19. How to increase data per slide without reducing readability • Use title/heading area or draw a line under title • Use bullets, especially if the statement uses more than one line • Underline the points • Use color

20. Slide tricks • Number the points • Use underlining above subheadings

21. Slide tricks • Purpose • Devise a new technique to keep your audience awake • Increase odds of publishing

22. Slide tricks • Use color • Methods • 300 patients with CHF • Admitted for syncope • 100 M; 200 F • All underwent Holter monitoring, EP testing, tilt table

23. Inexcusable!!! • “I know you probably can’t make out what’s on this slide, but…” • “I apologize for the complexity of this slide,…” • “Ignore the details on this slide, I just want to focus on …”

24. Slide construction • Title for every slide • Use phrases but should be readable • Common abbreviations ok if appropriate • Pts, M, F, CHF, LV, MI • Be careful of language differences • Try to avoid ** and footnotes (distracting)

25. Slide construction • Tables • Use if the numbers are important, rather than the relationship • Avoid more than 4 rows (for 2 columns) • If 3 columns, use 3 or less rows • For a “p” value column, list “NS” for p>.05 • For others use 0 before . “p<0.01”

26. Meta Analysis of Genetic risks for MI Boekholdt et al, Circulation 2001;104:3063-3068

27. Bar Graphs • Used to compare results of different treatment to different groups • Use less than 6 bars • (no more than 8 maximum) • If showing paired, no more than 3 groups • Label each bar

28. HT, Prothrombotic Mutations and Risk of Venous Thromboembolism [Rosendaal, 77 cases, 163 controls age 45-64]

29. Graphs • Pie graphs show how an entire population is distributed • If showing %’s, indicate absolute numbers somewhere on the slide

30. Examples

31. Examples

32. Graphs • Line graph • Shows a relationship between continuous variables

33. 0.05 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.01 Time (years) 0.0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Kaplan-Meier Estimates of Cumulative Hazards for CHD for WHI HR 1.29 nCI (11.02, 1.63) aCI (0.85, 1.97) E+P Placebo E+P 8506 8353 8248 8133 7004 4251 2085 814 Placebo 8102 7999 7899 7789 6639 3948 1756 523

34. Too Small!

35. The Title • Ideally: it should encourage the reader to be interested enough to want to see more • It should not lead to any of the following reactions • “not again!” • “I don’t believe this” • “How boring” • “Huh?”

36. Title Should say a lot about your research When in doubt: choose a declarative statement Ask colleagues and coauthors (should have a consensus) The key features should be in the title (clinical trial, children with ear infections, new antibiotic)

37. Title – Giving the results? • “Antibiotic X improves survival in neutropenic sepsis” • Those who say no: • Interpreted as bragging? • Will get lower marks if not the final trial results (e.g. preliminary findings)

38. Titles – stating results • May highlight what’s new about your study, especially if the population or intervention have been studied before • Can interest the reader • And the reviewer • Key point is to be objective – don’t overstate

39. Other considerations • Pros and cons of stating the results: “B52 genotype reduces survival in Disease X” • Will clearly give the reader the content of your study • But, may be “too assertive” • Can seem like bragging • What if it conflicts with previous work, e.g. the reviewers? • More objective (i.e. safer): “Effect of B52 genotype on Survival in Disease X”

40. Highlight particular strengths or new methodology • Especially if this is one of many studies on the same topic • “Association of protein Z with low cholesterol levels and dementia” • Specify study population (e.g. rodents or humans) when submitting to a journal/meeting where either might be presented • “Risk of renal failure in trauma patients with hematuria”

41. Title Checklist • Are the title and research question closely related? • Is the title objective in tone? • Are special features of the study mentioned – especially the study population (elderly, women, racial/ethnic group)

42. Examples • What not to do (from the world of journalism)

49. At least we know it’s effective!