Pu-erh Tea Extract Attenuates Nicotine-Induced Foam Cell Formation in Primary Cultured Monocytes: An in Vitro Mechanistic Study.

In this study, the mechanisms by which pu-erh tea extract (PETE) attenuates nicotine-induced foam cell formation were investigated. Monocytes were purified from healthy individuals using commercial antibodies coated with magnetic beads. We found that the nicotine-induced (1-10 μM) expression of oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptors (ox-LDLRs) and α9-nAchRs in monocytes was significantly attenuated by 24 h of PETE (10 μg/mL; ∗, p < 0.

Cost evaluation of adverse drug reactions in hospitalized patients in Taiwan: A prospective, descriptive, observational study.

Background: Adverse drug reactions (AADRs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. In the United States, ADR-related morbidity and mortality costs have been estimated at US $330 billion to US $1130 billion annually.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of ADRs in Taiwan, to identify the drug classes that are most commonly related to ADRs, and to determine the direct medical costs to hospitals associated with prolonged hospitalizations due to ADRs.