Writing the Methods and Results Sections
4- 15
In the example shown below, the authors use a summary sentence (underlined) to describe the general pattern of their findings. Immediately after this sentence, they describe the actual detailed findings (in bold).
Comparative Genomic Hybridization Patterns Differ by Age of Patient
This analysis included 10 pure teratomas (six mature and four immature teratomas). All of the mature teratomas and three immature teratomas showed normal comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) profiles (Tables 2 and 3). One immature ovarian teratoma showed gain of chromosome 14. All of the malignant germ cell tumors (GCTs) showed chromosomal imbalances on CGH analysis (Tables 2 and 3). Specific CGH profiles did not correlate with histological differentiation or tumor site. However, two distinct CGH patterns could be distinguished by age. Regardless of site, malignant GCTs in infants and children younger than 8 years (n = 16) most commonly showed imbalances at chromosome 1 (loss of 1p and/or gain of 1q), gain of 3p, loss of 4 and 6q, and gain of 20q. Only one ovarian malignant GCT in a 4-year-old girl showed gain of 12p. Conversely, gain of 12p was the most consistent aberration found in GCTs arising after 8 years of age and was found in 11 of 16 tumors. Other recurrent aberrations in adolescents were gain of 1q, gain of chromosome 8 and 21, and loss of chromosome 13. One tumor (number 19) showed loss of chromosome 11 and 15. Because this tumor showed biallelic expression of IGF-2, the tumor is most probably polyploid. Four other tumors showed gain of chromosome 15. Otherwise, no chromosomal imbalances of the chromosomes 11 and 15 were detected with CGH. (Adapted with permission from Schneider DT et al. Multipoint imprinting analysis indicates a common precursor cell for gonadal and nongonadal pediatric germ cell tumors. Cancer Res 61:7268 – 7276, 2001.) When the journal permits subheadings in the form of sentences, the subheadings can also be used to highlight the most important findings. In the example above, the subhe ading “Comparative Genomic Hybridization Patterns Differ by Age of Patient” helps readers recognize the importance of the paragraph that follows.
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