Writing a research paper in nutrition Michael Meguid, Prof. of Surgery, Director of Surgical Research, Director of the Nutritional Support Team, University Hospital, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York. A research paper is generally the result of a clinical observation that has sparked the curiosity of the writer. This leads to the formation of a hypothesis that is tested. The results of this hypothesis and the tests constitute the material of a manuscript. The title page is critical since a title clearly indicates the content of the paper. It can take the form of a statement, a summary of the findings, or even a question. The title page is also critical because it states the authors and their rank order according to their contributions to the work. Gratuitous authorship is to be avoided because it can lead to embarrassment and devaluation of the work. The authors get all the credit for the work, but should a problem arise with the work, all authors share the blame as well. Next follows the abstract and it is advisable to write this last. The third item of a paper constitutes the Introduction. It that is expected to provide sufficient background material to set the stage for the study, its relevance and purpose. It should not reflect an encyclopedic knowledge of the author's viewpoint. The preparation for performing the study generally encompasses material that becomes the Introduction in the manuscript and the bulk of the Methods and Materials. It is said that there are "lies, damn lies, and statistics". Statistics forms the basis for objectively evaluating data. It is highly advisable for the authors to be familiar with the various statistical methods and their limitations, which they have used to evaluate their data. Generally it is recommended that the Introduction and Method and Materials be written at the time the study is being conducted. Results should constitute the bulk of the paper. These need to be organized in such a way that they logically lead to the conclusion to be derived from the study. The Results are generally illustrates by tables, or preferably by figures. Each of these requires a legend and should be self-explanatory. It is recommended that a great deal of time be spent to make sure that Figures and Tables adequately complement text. The Discussion section is generally constructed in three parts. The first paragraph is a reiteration of the reason for performing the study and a succinct summary of the results. The second paragraph usually entails an interpretation of the results in relation to what is already known in the literature. The last paragraph of the Discussion section should advance the reader's understanding by attempting to integrate the new information derived from the study into the general knowledge base of the subject matter. The Discussion should not be a reiteration of the Results. Lastly, the Abstract should be written and this should preferably be a "structured" abstract organized as follows: Objective, Research Methods and Procedures, Results, and Conclusion. Acknowledgement of persons who made substantial contributions to the study is important. The authors are responsible for obtaining permission of everyone acknowledged by name. References: In general most journals want references numbered sequentially in the order in which they first appear in the text. It is the author's Solomon duty to ensure the references reflect and support the actual point the author is trying to make. A common mistake is to copy references from other papers, without reading the references, and thus be fooled into using inaccurate and inappropriate citations. Summary: The authors should consider a manuscript with the solemnity of an offspring. It is your work and you should be proud of it. Authors should avoid treacherous professional errors of plagiarism, bogus data and the temptation to submit. From "PENSA 2003" Cidade de Goa, India, November 6-8, 2003 Page : 73