Elements: In this month's issue.
I would like to draw your attention to some of the varied content within this month's issue of QJM.

The review article by Noble and colleagues provides a helpful overview of what is a complex topic that is nevertheless the focus of much current research and attention. The term “glycocalyx” (literally “sugary coat”) has many interpretations within the biomedical literature. In this context however it refers to the outer component of vascular cells. The glycoclayx is thought to provide protection against atherosclerotic disease. The mechanisms whereby it achieves this is discussed in detail. The multifaceted relationships between the glycocalyx, nitric oxide, hyperglycaemia and other risk factors are explored. The authors argue that dysfunction of the glycocalyx in arteries (for whatever cause) may be the first step in the atherothrombotic process. This may be a simplistic model and may provoke discussion.

Of the original research papers this month, several focus on evaluation of the outcomes of several clinical services. For example, there is another paper that assesses the impact of a medical admission unit (MAU) on clinical care. St Noble et al. describe the establishment of a MAU. This required substantial changes in consultant and junior doctor working patterns. A …