How to peer review a scientific manuscript Guidelines

How to peer review a scientific manuscript Guidelines on how to peer review a manuscript: Raul J. Rosenthal MD FACS, FASMBS Harvey Sugerman MD FACS FASMBS Co-Editors in Chief Surgery for obesity and Related Diseases

How to peer review a scientific manuscript Some Key Points to Keep in Mind Before You Start ! § Always try to accept the review § Make sure you can meet the deadline § Of course, provided it is within your area of expertise § Do not pass your review to others § Make sure you do not have a conflict of interest Reviewing Manuscripts for Peer-Review Journals: A Primer for Novice and Seasoned Reviewers Travis I. Lovejoy, M. S. , M. P. H. & Tracey A. Revenson, Ph. D. & Christopher R. France, Ph. D. ann. behav. med. (2011) 42: 1– 13 DOI 10. 1007/s 12160 -011 -9269 -x

How to peer review a scientific manuscript Some Key Points to Keep in Mind Before You Start ! § § § Have a positive attitude Always ask yourself, ”how can I improve this manuscript”? Do not discriminate because of poor English !! Do not request/expect your own references to be included. Follow a systematic process Reviewing Manuscripts for Peer-Review Journals: A Primer for Novice and Seasoned Reviewers Travis I. Lovejoy, M. S. , M. P. H. & Tracey A. Revenson, Ph. D. & Christopher R. France, Ph. D. ann. behav. med. (2011) 42: 1– 13 DOI 10. 1007/s 12160 -011 -9269 -x

How to peer review a scientific manuscript Getting Started Look at the Title and the Abstract § § Read the abstract first. Confirm that the abstract does summarize the contents Verify that the results are meaningful Make sure the title is in accordance with the contents Reviewing Manuscripts for Peer-Review Journals: A Primer for Novice and Seasoned Reviewers Travis I. Lovejoy, M. S. , M. P. H. & Tracey A. Revenson, Ph. D. & Christopher R. France, Ph. D. ann. behav. med. (2011) 42: 1– 13 DOI 10. 1007/s 12160 -011 -9269 -x

How to peer review a scientific manuscript Reviewing the Introduction § It should not be too long § The authors should briefly describe the subject § They should present reason for the study § Clearly state the aim of the study Reviewing Manuscripts for Peer-Review Journals: A Primer for Novice and Seasoned Reviewers Travis I. Lovejoy, M. S. , M. P. H. & Tracey A. Revenson, Ph. D. & Christopher R. France, Ph. D. ann. behav. med. (2011) 42: 1– 13 DOI 10. 1007/s 12160 -011 -9269 -x

How to peer review a scientific manuscript Reviewing Material and Methods § § Authors should disclose if the study was approved by IRB Follows HIPPA guidelines Type of statistical analysis. Prospective or Retrospective ? Define the time period Reviewing Manuscripts for Peer-Review Journals: A Primer for Novice and Seasoned Reviewers Travis I. Lovejoy, M. S. , M. P. H. & Tracey A. Revenson, Ph. D. & Christopher R. France, Ph. D. ann. behav. med. (2011) 42: 1– 13 DOI 10. 1007/s 12160 -011 -9269 -x

How to peer review a scientific manuscript Reviewing Results § § Should be clear and reflect p values Very important to report the loss to follow up Correlate with graphics and tables If need to be more clear request additional tables Reviewing Manuscripts for Peer-Review Journals: A Primer for Novice and Seasoned Reviewers Travis I. Lovejoy, M. S. , M. P. H. & Tracey A. Revenson, Ph. D. & Christopher R. France, Ph. D. ann. behav. med. (2011) 42: 1– 13 DOI 10. 1007/s 12160 -011 -9269 -x

How to peer review a scientific manuscript Discussion § § § Should be balanced and focused on the subject The results should be discussed with the literature All statements should be supported by references Strengths and weaknesses must be towards the end Conclusions should be in accordance with results and title Reviewing Manuscripts for Peer-Review Journals: A Primer for Novice and Seasoned Reviewers Travis I. Lovejoy, M. S. , M. P. H. & Tracey A. Revenson, Ph. D. & Christopher R. France, Ph. D. ann. behav. med. (2011) 42: 1– 13 DOI 10. 1007/s 12160 -011 -9269 -x

How to peer review a scientific manuscript References § Should be up to date and meaningful § Make sure those are complete Reviewing Manuscripts for Peer-Review Journals: A Primer for Novice and Seasoned Reviewers Travis I. Lovejoy, M. S. , M. P. H. & Tracey A. Revenson, Ph. D. & Christopher R. France, Ph. D. ann. behav. med. (2011) 42: 1– 13 DOI 10. 1007/s 12160 -011 -9269 -x

How to peer review a scientific manuscript Tables , photographs and Graphics § Verify there are not too many § They should help the reader better understand the results § They should be of good quality when printed Reviewing Manuscripts for Peer-Review Journals: A Primer for Novice and Seasoned Reviewers Travis I. Lovejoy, M. S. , M. P. H. & Tracey A. Revenson, Ph. D. & Christopher R. France, Ph. D. ann. behav. med. (2011) 42: 1– 13 DOI 10. 1007/s 12160 -011 -9269 -x

How to peer review a scientific manuscript Writing your report: § § § Start with a brief summary of the manuscript Make positive criticism. These are your colleagues. Be sensitive if English is not the first language of the authors Do not use the review as an opportunity for revenge Your suggestions should be evidenced based Use references to support your recommendations Reviewing Manuscripts for Peer-Review Journals: A Primer for Novice and Seasoned Reviewers Travis I. Lovejoy, M. S. , M. P. H. & Tracey A. Revenson, Ph. D. & Christopher R. France, Ph. D. ann. behav. med. (2011) 42: 1– 13 DOI 10. 1007/s 12160 -011 -9269 -x

How to peer review a scientific manuscript Other important issues: § § You might choose to sign your recommendation Acknowledge if you received help to perform the review Keep the manuscript contents as confidential Is there a chance that there is scientific fraud or plagiarism involved in this manuscript? We will check for you. Reviewing Manuscripts for Peer-Review Journals: A Primer for Novice and Seasoned Reviewers Travis I. Lovejoy, M. S. , M. P. H. & Tracey A. Revenson, Ph. D. & Christopher R. France, Ph. D. ann. behav. med. (2011) 42: 1– 13 DOI 10. 1007/s 12160 -011 -9269 -x