Medical Acupuncture is a journal with an international scope, focusing on the evolving specialty of medical acupuncture. The editor welcomes papers on all aspects of medical acupuncture, including research, education, clinical practice, technology, policy, ethics, law, schools of thought, history, and related disciplines.
All material submitted should conform to the Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals, as formulated by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. These requirements appear in their entirety (updated February 2006), online at www.icmje.org/index.html.
Please adhere to STRICTA (Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture), available online at www.ftcm.org.uk/stricta.htm.
Authorship
All persons designated as authors must qualify for authorship. Criteria include substantial contributions to the following: (a) conception, design, and/or analysis and interpretation of data; (b) writing or revising the manuscript for intellectual content; and (c) final approval of the paper for publication. All 3 criteria must be met. Contributors who do not meet these 3 criteria should be listed, with their permission, in an acknowledgement paragraph.
The order of the author byline should be reached by consensus of the co-authors. All authors should be listed by full name, degrees, and affiliations along with other pertinent information for the “Author Information” section.
Biographical and contact information (including address, phone and fax numbers, E-mail address) for all authors must be provided.
Manuscripts must be submitted online using the following URL: http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/acupuncture
Once material is published in the Journal, it becomes the copyrighted property of Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Permission must be attained from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. to publish in other medical journals.
Manuscript Submission and Copyright Agreement Form
The Copyright Agreement form (available from web site at transfer_of_copyright.pdf) should be submitted once your paper has been accepted for publication. Manuscripts cannot be published without this form. The corresponding author is responsible for obtaining signatures of coauthors. Authors not permitted to release copyright must still return the form signed under the statement of the reason for not releasing the copyright. Upon acceptance of your paper, please fax the Copyright Agreement form to 914-740-2101.
Financial Disclosure
All affiliations with, or financial involvement in, any entity with a financial interest in, or in competition with, the paper’s subject matter must be disclosed. This includes stock ownership, employment, consultancies, honoraria, grants, patents, and royalties.
Redundant or Duplicate Publication
Medical Acupuncture does not publish papers that have been submitted or published elsewhere.
Informed Consent, Study Ethics Approval, and Subject Confidentiality
When articles include reports of studies on human subjects, state in the Methods section that an appropriate review board or ethics committee approved the study. Authors who do not have formal ethics review committees should follow the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. In the Methods section, state that informed consent was obtained from subjects (specify oral or written.)
In addition, text, photographs, and pedigrees should not reveal identifying information unless it is essential for scientific purposes (in which case consent should be obtained.) Masking the subjects’ eyes in photographs is often insufficient to protect their identity.
Animals. The principal author must state that if animals were used experimentally, permission was obtained from the appropriate committee(s), and that the animals were treated humanely and conforming to the standards of current ethical animal research practices.
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MANUSCRIPT CENTRAL
All new manuscripts must be submitted online at: http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/acupuncture. Please read ALL the "Instructions for Authors" before submitting, and especially adhere to STRICTA requirements (available online: www.ftcm.org.uk/stricta.htm).
Please upload individual files of all manuscript materials - do NOT upload a single PDF file containing all text, figure, and table files of your paper. Once all individual files are uploaded onto Manuscript Central, the system will automatically create a single PDF proof for you, and the peer-review process. Note: when uploading your figures and tables, please label them with the journal acronym, ACU, and the year, plus your last name and the figure number. Example: ACU.2008.Smith.Fig1.
PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR MAIN MANUSCRIPT TEXT FILE CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING:
- A title page which includes the title of the article, as well as ALL authors’ names, affiliations, e-mail addresses, and contact information.
- An abstract (uploading your abstract into the appropriate field in Manuscript Central will NOT automatically incorporate it into the text file, so please include the abstract within the manuscript file).
- References section correctly formatted (see examples).
- Tables and figures should be uploaded as individual files.
- Do NOT upload a PDF of your text file.
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MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION
Title Page
The title page should include the full paper title, names and affiliations of all authors, and corresponding biographical information on all authors, including mailing address, fax and telephone numbers, and E-mail addresses.
Abstract
For original research, reviews, and meta-analyses, provide a structured abstract of no more than 200 words. Include information as applicable for the following headings: Background, Objective, Design, Setting, Patients (or Subjects), Intervention, Main Outcome Measures, Results, and Conclusions. For all other major manuscripts, include an unstructured Abstract of no more than 300 words that summarizes the objective, main points, and conclusions of the paper.
Key Words
Underneath the Abstract, provide 3–10 key words (preferably Medical Subject Heading terms) that will assist indexers and researchers using electronic databases such as MEDLINE.
Text
Introduction. Provide a brief background for the paper, including the rationale for the study or observation. Do not present data from the current work.
Methods. Describe the selection of subjects, including demographics and study design. Describe the location and dates of the study. Identify the procedures in sufficient detail so others may replicate the results. Provide references to established methods and new techniques; provide the rationale for their use and also describe their limitations. Authors submitting review papers should describe the methods used to locate, select, extract, and synthesize data.
The principal author must state that verbal or written consent was obtained from the patient(s) when appropriate. The principal author must state whether a human research committee granted approval for treating and obtaining data or employing protocols which involved human subjects.
Statistics. As necessary, describe statistical methods and provide appropriate indicators of error or uncertainty (e.g., 95% confidence intervals). Specify any statistical software used.
Results. Present results in a logical sequence. Do not duplicate data in the text and tables/figures.
Discussion. The discussion section should summarize the results and their implications. This section should also discuss the rationale of acupoints used such as mechanisms of action; clinical implications and usefulness; and benefit to the patient.
Conclusions. Emphasize important and new findings of the study. Include implications of the findings and their limitations. Recommendations for future work may be included.
Nomenclature and Abbreviations
Authors must conform to the standard nomenclature for medical acupuncture, listed at the end of these instructions. As a general rule, use only these abbreviations and those easily recognizable in the literature. The full term should appear at first mention, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. Standard units of measure are acceptable to abbreviate without expansion. When discussing particular products, it is preferable to use the nonproprietary (generic) name or descriptive term throughout. If desired, the brand name can be included parenthetically at first mention.
Acknowledgements
At the end of the paper, include a paragraph, when appropriate, acknowledging support for the work. This can include contributions that do not justify authorship, technical support, and financial and technical help. This is also an appropriate place to mention previous presentation (e.g., as an abstract or poster at a meeting). Relationships that may pose a conflict of interest should also be disclosed.
Disclosure Statement
Immediately following the Acknowledgments section, include a section entitled “Author Disclosure Statement.” In this portion of the paper, authors must disclose any commercial associations that might create a conflict of interest in connection with submitted manuscripts. This statement should include appropriate information for EACH author, thereby representing that competing financial interests of all authors have been appropriately disclosed according to the policy of the Journal. It is important that all conflicts of interest, whether they are actual or potential, be disclosed. This information will remain confidential while the paper is being reviewed and will not influence the editorial decision. Please see the Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals at http://www.icmje.org/index.htlm#conflicts for further guidance. If no conflicts exist, the authors must state “No competing financial interests exist."
When naming your figure files, please label them with your manuscript number, followed by a period (.), and then list the figure number. Ex: MET-2008-0123.Fig1. Label figures and tables inside the files in addition to naming the file with the figure or table number. (ie: When figures or table files are opened, the figure or table number should appear inside the file.)
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IMPORTANT:
Please upload individual files of all manuscript material — do NOT upload a single PDF file containing all text, figure, and table files of your paper. Once all individual files are uploaded on to Manuscript Central, the system will automatically create a single PDF proof for you and the peer-review process.
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If no conflicts exist, the authors must state “No competing financial interests exist."
References
Abstract: van der Hamm IJ, Raemaekers M, van Wezel RJ, et al. Categorical and coordinate spatial relations in working memory: an fMRI study [abstract]. Brain Res. July 2009. doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2009.07.088.
Cite references within the text using superscript Arabic numbers (e.g., “. . . as previously described.” 1,4 ). List references in text in numerical order. Do not use “ibid”, but instead repeat the number of the citation. The reference list at the end of the paper should be double spaced and organized by Arabic numbers. Use journal abbreviations as provided by MEDLINE. List all authors up to 6 authors. If there are more than 6 authors, list three and then et al. If references to personal communications or unpublished data are used, they are not to be included in the list of references. They should be referred to in the text in parentheses. Include, among the references, papers accepted but not yet published; provide the journal, title, and the designation “In Press.” If it is necessary to cite an abstract, this should be so designated. Authors are responsible for the accuracy of the references, and are reminded that inaccurate references are highly frustrating to the reader, the cited author, and indexing services. Please follow the samples below. Translate titles of papers into English and place the original language in brackets.
Sample References: Journal paper: Jobst KA. Acupuncture in asthma and pulmonary disease: An analysis of efficacy and safety. J Altern Complement Med 1996;2:179–206.
Book: Ersser SJ. Nursing as a Therapeutic Activity: An Ethnography. Avebury, UK: Aldershot, 1997:371.
Edited book: Fulford KWM, Ersser SJ, Hope T, eds. Essential Practice in Patient-Centered Care. Oxford: Blackwell Science, 1996.
Chapter in a book: Van Wijk R, Wiegant FA. Physiological effects of homeopathic medicines in closed vials: A critical evaluation. In: Endler PC, Schulte J, eds. Ultra High Dilution Physiology and Physics. Boston: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1994:81–98.
Website: Include name of website, and URL, starting with www. Include month, day, and year accessed.
A minimum of 3 references is required. References should be numbered consecutively in the text; do not alphabetize the reference list but present citations in numerical order to correspond with mention in the text. References cited only in tables or figures should be numbered in accordance with the order established by the first mention of that table or figure in the text.
Use the formatting of reference citations as cited in MEDLINE style. Avoid citing “personal communications” unless they provide essential information; do not list them in the references but place them parenthetically in the text. Authors should obtain permission from the source of such communications and indicate the date they occurred and whether the communication was oral or written. Also include the first initial, surname, and degree of the source.
Tables
Do NOT embed tables in the text file. Tables should be typed on separate pieces of paper, double-spaced. Number tables consecutively in the text as they appear. Provide a title for each, as well as column headings. Be sure to cite table(s) in text. Provide footnotes for explanatory material, using the following symbols in sequence: † ‡ § || ¶ #. Identify statistical measures, such as mean (SD). Data from other sources require permission and a statement of such in a table footnote. The use of too many tables in relation to length of text may cause problems for journal page layout. Avoid duplicating data in text and tables/figures, with the exception of significant findings and main outcomes.
Figures
Do NOT embed figures in the text file. Letters, numbers, and symbols should be clear and of sufficient size when printed in the Journal. If pictures of patients are used, either the subjects must be completely unidentifiable or written informed consent must be obtained and submitted.
Please submit figures using the following guidelines:
• Do NOT include any illustrations as part of your text file.
• Do NOT prepare any figures in Word as they are not usable.
• Line illustrations must be submitted at 600 dots per inch (dpi).
• Halftones and color photos should be submitted at a minimum of
300 dpi.
• Adobe is the preferred software. Do not submit PowerPoint files.
• Save art as either .tiff or .eps files. Do NOT submit .jpeg files.
• Color art must be saved as CYMK not as RGB.
• To ensure accuracy, please provide a laser printout of the art to
the managing editor if requested.
Figures reprinted from other sources should be acknowledged in the legend, and permission must be granted. The legend should be submitted as part of the text and not typed on the actual figure. Clearly identify all symbols and abbreviations, and explain scales if necessary. Any other explanatory information should be given in the legend.
Please name your artwork files with the submitting authors name i.e. SmithFig1.tif, SmithTable2.tif etc. Authors who do not follow these guidelines may have their submission returned to them without being reviewed.
In order to expedite your submission as quickly and efficiently as possible we ask that all artwork be checked using Digital Expert before submitting. This is a free tool that will ensure that you prepare and submit quality digital materials suitable for print.
Go to http://dx.sheridan.com to check your image files.
You will be given directions on how to correct any files which do not pass.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT ART FILES
Converting Word or Excel files: Perhaps the best and easiest way to convert Word or Excel files into a format which is suitable for print is to scan them using the below guidelines:
- All files should be scanned at 100% size.
- 300 dpi
- Final color mode: cmyk
- save file as: .tif or .eps
If you need directions on how to convert a Power Point slide to acceptable format go to http://www.liebertpub.com/MEDIA/pdf/ppconvert.pdf
ACUPUNCTURE CHECKLIST
(Based on STRICTA requirements)1
- Provide rationale for treatment, and style of acupuncture used.
- Supply needling details: unilateral/bilateral points employed.
- Number of needles inserted; needle type (gauge, length, manufacturer [include city, state, and country]); insertion depth; responses elicited (Qi); and whether twirled counter clockwise or clockwise.
- Electrostimulator device (type, model, manufacturer [include city, state, and country]); time; stimulation frequency; which leads are designated or, and where placed.
- State treatment regimen: number of treatments, frequency (treatments per week, etc.); interventions employed such as moxibustion, cupping, herbs, etc.; treatment duration; environment: music, lighting, aromatics, etc.
1(MacPherson H, White A, Cummings M, Jobst K, Rose K, Niemtzow RC, for the STRICTA Group. Standards for reporting interventions in controlled trials of acupuncture: the STRICTA recommendations. Medical Acupuncture. 2002;13(3):9–11)
Submission and Editing Process
The Journal prefers that the paper be composed using a 12-point font in Microsoft Word. The author’s request to withdraw the manuscript after undergoing the editing process will result in possible penalty fees based on editing cost, and possible exclusion from future publishing in Medical Acupuncture.
Manuscript Review Process
Each manuscript will be initially reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief for preliminary acceptance or rejection. The manuscript is then forwarded to appropriate experts for review, and scored appropriately. The manuscripts are categorized as fully accepted, accepted pending revisions, or rejected with recommendations for resubmission. After submission, no revisions or new versions will be accepted unless requested by the Editor-in-Chief.
Reprints
Reprints may be ordered by following the special instructions that will accompany page proofs. Reprints ordered after the issue is printed will be charged at a substantially higher rate.
PUBLISHER
The Journal is published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., 140 Huguenot Street, 3rd Floor, New Rochelle, NY 10801; telephone: (914) 740-2100; fax: (914) 740-2108; E-mail: info@liebertpub.com; website: www.liebertpub.com
Standard Nomenclature for Medical Acupuncture
READERS: The standard nomenclature was revised May, 2002.
Please read carefully.
The following names and abbreviations are to be used in Medical Acupuncture. Some recent changes in nomenclature have been adopted by the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA) and are to be used in all papers submitted to this Journal. Please pay strict attention to these changes. For the most part, this is the system endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Common English anatomical, physiological, and pathological terms are capitalized to indicate their Chinese medical meanings, e.g., Lung, Blood, Heat Deficiency, etc. The Alphabetic Code was agreed on by participants and observers at a meeting of the WHO Scientific Group held in 1989.
STANDARD INTERNATIONAL NOMENCLATURE FOR MERIDIANS
Name of Meridian Alphabetic Code
Principal Meridians
Lung Meridian LU
Large Intestine Meridian LI
Stomach Meridian ST
Spleen Meridian SP
Heart Meridian HT
Small Intestine Meridian SI
Bladder Meridian BL
Kidney Meridian KI
Pericardium Meridian PC
Triple Energizer Meridian TE
Gallbladder Meridian GB
Liver Meridian LR
Governor Vessel (Dumai) GV
Conception Vessel (Renmai) CV
Miscellaneous
Fu Hollow organs
Zang Solid organs
Front Mu Collecting points
Back Shu Transporting points
Sheng Generating cycle
Ke Controlling cycle
Ah Shi “Ouch” point
De Qi Arrival of Qi
Command and Special Points
Ting Well
Ying Spring
Shu Stream
Jing River
He Sea
Yuan Source
Luo Vessel
Xi Cleft
Hui Influential
Energy Levels or Axes
Tai Yang Tai Yin
Shao Yang Shao Yin
Yang Ming Jue Yin
Extra Meridians
GV Dumai Governor Vessel
CV Renmai Conception Vessel
TV Chongmai Thoroughfare Vessel
BV Daimai Belt Vessel
YinHV Yinqiaomi Yin Heel Vessel
YangHV Yangqiaomai Yang Heel Vessel
YinLV Yinweima Yin Link Vesseli
YangLV Yangweimai Yang Link Vessel