PURPOSE: The nontraditional clinical research rotation at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine-Chattanooga Unit is described and its efficacy evaluated by the number of peer-reviewed publications produced. METHODS: In 1988, a mandatory year of clinical research was added to the general surgery curriculum. The year is completed in 3 4-month rotations, 1 each during the PGY-2, PGY-3, and PGY-4 years. Curriculum vitae of 31 graduates of the traditional 5-year residency were evaluated for publications produced during residency and 1 year beyond training. Comparison was made to 15 subjects; 8 were 6-year graduates and 7 were PGY-4, PGY-5, or PGY-6 residents having completed the research year. Statistical analysis used the Mann-Whitney U test for nonparametric data as well as an independent t test with significance set at 0.05. Publications were verified by a MEDLINE search. Six-year graduates also completed a questionnaire regarding their research experience. RESULTS: Graduates of the 5-year program completed an average of 0.94 publications during residency, whereas 6-year graduates completed an average of 2.67 publications (p < 0.001). Opinions varied regarding desire to pursue research and the benefit of the research year. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that basic science research is not the only model; academic productivity can be improved with an additional year devoted to clinical research. Advantages to this nontraditional approach include decreased likelihood of decline of clinical skills and knowledge, ability to maintain long-term projects, and a physical and mental break from a demanding clinical residency.

Journal Article↗

PubMedDate not supplied

From grasshopper to Drosophila: a common plan for neuronal development.

Little is known about the mechanisms that generate neuronal specificity during development. Whereas the grasshopper embryo has been an ideal system for a cellular analysis of neuronal development, the Drosophila embryo has obvious attributes for a molecular genetic analysis. Here we show that the early Drosophila embryo is a miniature replica of the grasshopper embryo in terms of its identified neurones, their growth cones and their selective fasciculation choices, thus opening the way for a combined cellular and molecular genetic analysis of cell recognition during neuronal development in Drosophila.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Anorexia nervosa.

This paper, following a brief historical note, reviews the literature on anorexia nervosa. It begins by describing the characteristics of the syndrome and then considers incidence, aetiology and treatment. The results of treatment are described and the paper concludes by attempting a prognosis for those who are diagnosed anorexic. The authors are eclectic in their literature survey and also present some experience collected in a hospital school. The paper is intended as a teaching synthesis for clinicians new to this area or for those seeking a brief introduction to the present 'state of the art' in theory and practice.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Value assignment of retinol, retinyl palmitate, tocopherol, and carotenoid concentrations in Standard Reference Material 2383 (Baby Food Composite).

In 1997, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released Standard Reference Material (SRM) 2383 Baby Food Composite. This SRM can be used as a control material when assigning values to in-house control materials and when validating analytical methods for the measurement of proximates, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements in baby foods and similar matrixes. The Certificate of Analysis for SRM 2383 provides certified and reference values for concentrations of lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, delta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, alpha-tocopherol, retinol, and retinyl palmitate for 2 types of sample preparation--extraction and saponification. The assigned values were based on the agreement of measurements made by NIST and collaborating laboratories. The Certificate of Analysis also provides reference and information values for concentrations of proximates, minerals, and additional vitamins; assignment of these values is discussed in a companion paper (this issue, page 276).

Carotenoids↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Certification of nutrients in Standard Reference Material 1846: infant formula.

In 1996, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released Standard Reference Material 1846 (Infant Formula), which can be used as a control material for assigning values to in-house control materials and for validating analytical methods for measurement of proximates, vitamins, and minerals in infant formula and similar matrixes. The SRM was manufactured by preparing a spray-dried formula base containing fat, protein, carbohydrates, and minerals and then combining that formula base with a dry-blend vitamin premix that supplied the vitamins. The Certificate of Analysis for SRM 1846 provides assigned values for concentrations of proximates (fat, protein, etc.), vitamins, and minerals for which product labeling is required by the Infant Formula Act of 1980 and by the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990. These assigned values were based on agreement of measurements by NIST and/or collaborating laboratories. Certified values are provided for vitamins A (trans), E, C, B2, and B6 and niacin. Noncertified values are provided for solids, ash, fat, nitrogen, protein, carbohydrate, calories, vitamin D, delta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, vitamin B1, vitamin B12, folic acid, pantothenic acid, biotin, choline, inositol, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, sodium, potassium, and chloride. Information values are provided for iodine, manganese, selenium, and vitamin K.

Food Analysis↗