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Elements: In this month's issue
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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,