This article is only available in the PDF format. Download the PDF to view the article, as well as its associated figures and tables.
To the editor.—In the early grades, teachers used to give us a list of words to incorporate into a single paragraph. This exercise was always exciting and challenging. Such a list should similarly be provided for those who write abstracts for medical journals, and should include the following:
parameter—While the exact dictionary meaning is obscure this is used to mean "findings," "results," or even just "things," etc, and should be used twice in one or two paragraphs—it shows the writer is "with it"!
relevance—This clears up any uncertain reference of the title to the subject matter.
elegant—This refers to the work of a previous writer who happens to agree with you.
moiety—The dictionary says this is one of two equal parts; a half; a very small part—use it to mean "a little bit."
PRL (or any three initials)—Don't explain what they mean, trust that