1,721,516 research outputs found
Lipoprotein(a): from ancestral benefit to modern pathogen?
No full textWe review current concepts regarding the genetic, structural and metabolic features of lipoprotein(a), a major inherited cardiovascular pathogen. Although lipoprotein(a) is almost completely confined to a subset of primates, the hedgehog produces a lipoprotein(a)-like complex, which appears to have evolved independently from that of humans. The physiological role of lipoprotein(a) in humans is still unclear, and individuals with low or null concentrations of plasma lipoprotein(a) manifest no deficiency syndrome or disease. The integration of recent discoveries about the structure and metabolism of this unique lipoprotein particle has allowed the formulation of some hypotheses concerning the evolutionary advantages of synthesizing lipoprotein(a)-like particles
Biochemical risk factors and patient's outcome: the case of lipoprotein(a)
No full textLipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a genetic variant of low density lipoproteins and consists of the covalent association of the unique and enigmatic apolipoprotein(a) to apoliprotein B100. Despite the high degree of homology with low density lipoproteins, Lp(a) displays distinctive physicochemical properties, function and metabolism. The present article reviews the main biological and clinical evidences about the association between raised concentration of Lp(a) and athero-thrombotic diseases and provides tentative guidelines to improve the clinical usefulness of Lp(a) measurements
Estimation of glomerular filtration rate in acute kidney injury
No full textEstimation of glomerular filtration rate in acute kidney injury
Doping e sport
No full textDoping is widely known as the use of banned substances and practices by athletes in an attempt to improve sporting performances. The term doping likely derives from 'dope', an ancient expression referred to a primitive alcoholic drink that was used as a stimulant in South African ceremonial dances; gradually, the term was extended and finally adopted his current significance. There are at least two essential reasons to support the fight against doping: the potential harmful effects on athletes and the depth corruption of the fair competition. An exhaustive list of banned substances and methods has been drawn by the International Olympic Committee and further accepted by other international Sport Authorities and Federations. This list, regularly updated, is basically divided into doping substances (stimulants, narcotic analgesics, anabolic agents, diuretics, peptide and glycoprotein hormones and analogues), doping methods (blood doping, pharmacological, chemical and physical manipulatio..
RE: 'Willingness to pay for policies to reduce future deaths from climate change: evidence from a British survey'
No full textWillingness to pay for policies to reduce future deaths from climate change: evidence from a British survey
Lipoprotein(a): an emerging cardiovascular risk factor.
No full textLipoprotein(a) is a cholesterol-enriched lipoprotein, consisting of a covalent linkage joining the unique and highly polymorphic apolipoprotein(a) to apolipoprotein B100, the main protein moiety of low-density lipoproteins. Although the concentration of lipoprotein(a) in humans is mostly genetically determined, acquired disorders might influence synthesis and catabolism of the particle. Raised concentration of lipoprotein(a) has been acknowledged as a leading inherited risk factor for both premature and advanced atherosclerosis at different vascular sites. The strong structural homologies with plasminogen and low-density lipoproteins suggest that lipoprotein(a) might represent the ideal bridge between the fields of atherosclerosis and thrombosis in the pathogenesis of vascular occlusive disorders. Unfortunately, the exact mechanisms by which lipoprotein(a) promotes, accelerates, and complicates atherosclerosis are only partially understood. In some clinical settings, such as in patients at exceptionally low risk for cardiovascular disease, the potential regenerative and antineoplastic properties of lipoprotein(a) might paradoxically counterbalance its athero-thrombogenicity, as attested by the compatibility between raised plasma lipoprotein(a) levels and longevity
Gene manipulation and improvement of athletic performances: new strategies in blood doping.
No full textPossible drawbacks of relying only on molecular testing for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infections
No full textReplacing genetic testing with antigen immunoassays in symptomatic subjects seems the best strategy for rapid and widespread screening and/or diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infections. A meta-analysis has recently concluded that the pooled diagnostic sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing in subjects with onset <7 days of typical symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is as high as 84% compared to molecular tests, thus underpinning that these tests represent a trustable means for large population screening, especially during sudden emergence of large local outbreaks. Therefore, we do not agree with the concept that the use of lateral flow tests and laboratory-based SARS-CoV-2 antigen immunoassays should be discouraged to the public, but we rather proffer that the use of (rapid) antigen tests shall be incorporated into validated algorithms aimed at filling the still important gaps that testing programs experience when relying only on SARS-CoV-2 molecular testing, especially when demand is high
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