Subspecialty consultations in a teaching hospital.

A chart review of 60 consultations by the nephrology service of a teaching hospital was carried out to determine their diagnostic and therapeutic utility. General medicine residents on elective rotations in nephrology performed 72% of the consultations, only 26% being written by residents in the subspecialty. Consultants made an average of 2.2 diagnoses per patient, of which 57% confirmed the working diagnosis already in the medical record. They made an average of 3.0 recommendations for further investigation per patient, but referring physicians implemented only 58% of these. An average of 1.6 recommendations for therapy were made per patient, of which 64% were implemented. The apparent neglect of the consultant''s advice for investigation and therapy suggests that the written consultation to some extent fails to convey information useful for the referring physician and the patient. Further study is needed to determine if this failure reflects inadequate training of house officers as consultants.     

A non-fluorescent complex of chlorophyll a with plastocyanin

A complex between chlorophyll a and plastocyanin has been prepared by dialysis of mixtures of chlorophyll in Triton X-100 micellar solution with the protein. The complex appears to contain no more than one chlorophyll per plastocyanin molecule, and is non-fluorescent, whether the protein is in the oxidized or reduced state. The lack of fluorescence suggests that the chlorophyll is adsorbed very close to the Cu center.     

Application of a Hybrid Forest Growth Model to Evaluate Climate Change Impacts on Productivity,Nutrient Cycling and Mortality in a Montane Forest Ecosystem

Climate change introduces considerable uncertainty in forest management planning and outcomes, potentially undermining efforts at achieving sustainable practices. Here, we describe the development and application of the FORECAST Climate model. Constructed using a hybrid simulation approach, the model includes an explicit representation of the effect of temperature and moisture availability on tree growth and survival, litter decomposition, and nutrient cycling. The model also includes a representation of the impact of increasing atmospheric CO₂ on water use efficiency, but no direct CO₂ fertilization effect. FORECAST Climate was evaluated for its ability to reproduce the effects of historical climate on Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine growth in a montane forest in southern British Columbia, Canada, as measured using tree ring analysis. The model was subsequently used to project the long-term impacts of alternative future climate change scenarios on forest productivity in young and established stands. There was a close association between predicted sapwood production and measured tree ring chronologies, providing confidence that model is able to predict the relative impact of annual climate variability on tree productivity. Simulations of future climate change suggest a modest increase in productivity in young stands of both species related to an increase in growing season length. In contrast, results showed a negative impact on stemwood biomass production (particularly in the case of lodgepole pine) for established stands due to increased moisture stress mortality.     

Soy,Red Clover,and Isoflavones and Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review

Background

Soy and red clover isoflavones are controversial due to purported estrogenic activity and possible effects on breast cancer. We conducted a systematic review of soy and red clover for efficacy in improving menopausal symptoms in women with breast cancer, and for potential impact on risk of breast cancer incidence or recurrence.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and AMED from inception to March 2013 for human interventional or observational data pertaining to the safety and efficacy of soy and red clover isoflavones in patients with or at risk of breast cancer.

Results

Of 4179 records, we included a total of 131 articles: 40 RCTs, 11 uncontrolled trials, and 80 observational studies. Five RCTs reported on the efficacy of soy for hot flashes, showing no significant reductions in hot flashes compared to placebo. There is lack of evidence showing harm from use of soy with respect to risk of breast cancer or recurrence, based on long term observational data. Soy intake consistent with that of a traditional Japanese diet (2-3 servings daily, containing 25-50mg isoflavones) may be protective against breast cancer and recurrence. Human trials show that soy does not increase circulating estradiol or affect estrogen-responsive target tissues. Prospective data of soy use in women taking tamoxifen does not indicate increased risk of recurrence. Evidence on red clover is limited, however existing studies suggest that it may not possess breast cancer-promoting effects.

Conclusion

Soy consumption may be associated with reduced risk of breast cancer incidence, recurrence, and mortality. Soy does not have estrogenic effects in humans. Soy intake consistent with a traditional Japanese diet appears safe for breast cancer survivors. While there is no clear evidence of harm, better evidence confirming safety is required before use of high dose (≥100mg) isoflavones can be recommended for breast cancer patients.     

Namib Desert edaphic bacterial,fungal and archaeal communities assemble through deterministic processes but are influenced by different abiotic parameters

Extremophiles - The central Namib Desert is hyperarid, where limited plant growth ensures that biogeochemical processes are largely driven by microbial populations. Recent research has shown that...     

An electrodynamic (moving field) theory of muscular contraction

It is proposed that muscular contraction is the result of electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged areas on actin and myosin filaments. On the latter charged areas are assumed to be moving, always a step ahead of stationary charged areas on actin filaments, the moving charges pulling the stationary charges, hence the actin filaments, with them. It may be noted that electric motors in human technology work on a similar moving field principle. On myosin filaments minute charged areas are assumed to spiral along the surface of the filament on 2 or 3-start helical paths, probably the latter, thus engaging with adjacent actin filaments in a screw-like fashion. The spiralling charges follow each other like peristaltic waves, engaging with an increasing number of static fields on actin filaments as interdigitation proceeds. The source of the electrostatic charges are assumed to be minute voltaic cells, one associated with every myosin head. It is suggested that they could be calcium-magnesium cells, calcium adsorbed by troponin complexes on actin filaments constituting one electrode, and magnesium complexed with ATP on myosin filaments the other. The potential difference that has to exist between actin and myosin filaments, if muscles are to be capable of developing a maximum force of 20 N per cm2, is calculated at about 50 mV.     

Heart failure associated with unusual hepatic inclusions in a Deckert's rat snake.

A juvenile Deckert's rat snake, Elaphe obsoleta deckerti, was presented with a circumferential enlargement of the body in the region of the heart. The heart was enlarged approximately twice normal size. Focal mineralized lesions were present in the tunica media of the right aorta and the right atrioventricular valve. The normal sinusoid architecture of the liver was disrupted with deeply eosinophilic to lightly basophilic granules of variable size in the cytoplasm and light eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions. Similar appearing intracytoplasmic granules were seen in the glomeruli and kidney tubules.     

Post-genomic Pseudomonas

A report on the 19th Whitehead Institute Symposium, Cambridge, USA, 14-16 October 2001.

     

Post-genomic Pseudomonas

A report on the Pseudomonas 2001 Meeting, Brussels, Belgium, 17-21 September 2001.