AMA Manual of Style - Stacy L. Christiansen, Cheryl Iverson 2020
Nontabular Material
Tables, Figures, and Multimedia
Nontabular material does not contain cells of individual data. Usually it is set off from the text by a box, rules, shading, or other elements. Sometimes the box or sidebar is cited in the text (following the citation rules for tables) and other times it is not. Any references that appear in nontabular material should also appear in the reference list and be numbered in order of their appearance (see 4.1.4.10, Tables, Figures, and Multimedia, Tables, Table Components, Footnotes).
4.3.1 Boxes.
A textual table or box contains words, phrases, or sentences, often in list form. Boxes are used to emphasize key points, summarize information, and/or reduce the narrative text (Box 4.3-1).
Box 4.3-1. Box or Textual Table of Content Set Off From the Text Box 2. Features of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Typical features
Loose/frequent stools
Constipation
Bloating
Abdominal cramping
Abdominal discomfort
Symptom brought on by food intake/specific food sensitivities
Symptoms dynamic over time (change in pain location, change in stool pattern)
Concerning features for organic disease
Symptom onset after age 50 y
Severe or progressively worsening symptoms
Unexplained weight loss
Nocturnal diarrhea
Family history of organic gastroenterological diseases, including colon cancer, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease
Rectal bleeding or melena
Unexplained iron-deficiency anemia
In this example, the box provides information in a list-type format, which allows for easier reading than the same content in prose form.
4.3.2 Sidebars.
Sidebars typically contain supplementary information, including related topics or lists of sources for further reading (Box 4.3-2 and Box 4.3-3). They are often not called out in the text (eg, “Box 1”) but instead are placed within the article in a logical place for best comprehension.
Box 4.3-2. Sidebar From a News Story on Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Posing the Greatest Threats
At least 2 million people each year become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, and at least 23 000 people die as a direct result. Additional patients die of conditions complicated by antibiotic-resistant infection, according to a 2013 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC report classifies Clostridioides difficile (formerly Clostridium difficile), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, and drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae as urgent threats. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, and 10 others are classified as serious threats. Vancomycin-resistant S aureus, erythromycin-resistant Group A Streptococcus, and clindamycin-resistant Group B Streptococcus are concerning threats.
Box 4.3-3. Sidebar of Sources for Further Reading
Related guidelines and other resources
Chaikof EL, Brewster DC, Dalman RL, et al. The care of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm: the Society for Vascular Surgery practice guidelines. J Vasc Surg. 2009;50:S2-S49
Mastracci TM, Cinà CS. Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in Canada: review and position statement of the Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery. J Vasc Surg. 2007;45(6):1268-1276
Moll FL, Powell JT, Fraedrich G, et al. Management of abdominal aortic aneurysms: clinical practice guidelines of the European Society for Vascular Surgery. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2011;41(suppl 1):S1-S58
Principal Authors: Stacy Christiansen, MA, and Connie Manno, ELS
Acknowledgment
Thanks to the following for reviewing this chapter and providing important comments: Hope Lafferty, AM, ELS, Hope Lafferty Communications, Marfa, Texas; Trevor Lane, MA, DPhil, Edanz Group, Fukuoka, Japan; Thomas A. Lang, MA, Tom Lang Communications, Kirkland, Washington; Chris Meyer, JAMA Network; Joseph Clayton Mills, MA, Neuroscience Publications, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona; David Schriger, MD, MPH, JAMA, and David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California.
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