Multi-walled carbon nanotube induced frustrated phagocytosis, cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory conditions in macrophages are length dependent and greater than that of asbestos.

The potential toxicity of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been compared to pathogenic fibres such as asbestos. It is important to test this hypothesis to ascertain safe methods for CNT production, handling and disposal. In this study aspects reported to contribute to CNT toxicity were assessed: length, aspect ratio, iron content and crystallinity; with responses compared to industrially produced MWCNTs and toxicologically relevant materials such as asbestos.

Distance learning improves attainment of professional milestones in the early years of surgical training.

Objectives: To assess the impact of a surgical sciences e-learning programme in supporting the academic development of surgical trainees during their preparation for professional examination.

Background: In 2007, a 3-year online part-time Master of Surgical Sciences (MSc) degree programme was launched, utilizing an innovative platform with virtual case scenarios based on common surgical conditions addressed by the curriculum relating to the Membership Examination of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons (MRCS). Multiple-choice questions with feedback and discussion boards facilitated by expert clinical tutors provided formative assessment.

Economic outcomes of exenatide vs liraglutide in type 2 diabetes patients in the United States: results from a retrospective claims database analysis.

Objective: The safety and efficacy of the GLP-1 receptor agonists exenatide BID (exenatide) and liraglutide for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been established in clinical trials. Effective treatments may lower overall treatment costs. This study examined cost offsets and medication adherence for exenatide vs liraglutide in a large, managed care population in the US.

One-year treatment persistence and potential adverse events among patients with atrial fibrillation treated with amiodarone or sotalol: a retrospective claims database analysis.

Background: The risk-benefit profile of antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) affects the choice of pharmacotherapy for maintenance of sinus rhythm. Adverse events (AEs) associated with AADs may influence patient compliance and compromise the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). There are limited data on the incidence of AEs or persistence with AADs outside the clinical trial environment.

Aerobic fitness is associated with lower proportions of senescent blood T-cells in man.

Senescent T-cells accumulate with age, lowering the naïve T-cell repertoire and increasing host infection risk. As this response is likely to be influenced by certain lifestyle factors, we examined the association between aerobic fitness (VO(2max)) and the age-related accumulation of senescent T-cells. Blood lymphocytes from 102 healthy males (18-61 yr) were analyzed for KLRG1, CD57, CD28, CD45RA, CD45RO surface expression on CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells by 4-color flow cytometry.

Can adherence to antihypertensive therapy be used to promote adherence to statin therapy?

Objective: To compare adherence with statin therapy in patients switching to single-pill amlodipine besylate/atorvastatin calcium with patients adding a separate statin to their amlodipine regimen.

Methods: We identified hypertensive patients prescribed amlodipine who switched to amlodipine/atorvastatin (switch) or added a statin to their amlodipine regimen (add-on) from July 2004 to June 2007. Propensity score matching (1 switch:3 add-on) was applied based on 'nearest neighbor' approach.

Cannabinoid CB(1) receptor activation stimulates neurite outgrowth and inhibits capsaicin-induced Ca(2+) influx in an in vitro model of diabetic neuropathy.

Cannabinoid CB(1) receptors mediate, in part, the neuroprotectant properties of endocannabinoids, and altered signalling via the CB(1) receptor may contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy. We investigated CB(1) receptor function in PC12 cells differentiated into a neuronal phenotype with nerve growth factor (NGF, 50 ng/ml) in 5.5 and 50 mM concentrations of glucose.

Direct medical costs for type 2 diabetes mellitus complications in the US commercial payer setting: a resource for economic research.

Background: Medical complications are the key drivers of the direct medical costs of treating patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the published literature shows great variability across studies in the number and type of sources from which these costs for diabetes are obtained.

Objective: To provide to researchers a set of costs for type 2 diabetes complications, originally developed for input into an established diabetes model, that are empirically based, clearly and consistently defined and applicable to a large segment of managed care patients in the US.

Expression of cannabinoid CB1 receptors in models of diabetic neuropathy.

A clearer understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of diabetic neuropathy is likely to indicate new directions for the treatment of this complication of diabetes. In the present study we investigated the expression of cannabinoid CB(1) receptors in models of diabetic neuropathy. PC12 cells were differentiated into a neuronal phenotype with nerve growth factor (NGF) (50 ng/ml) in varying concentrations of glucose (5.

Perivascular nerves induce cardiorespiratory reflexes in response to algogens in anaesthetised rats.

In the present study we measured cardiovascular and respiratory reflexes evoked by administration of bradykinin and capsaicin into the hindlimb vasculature of anaesthetised rats, whilst simultaneously recording activity of sensory afferents on the adventitial surface of femoral arteries and veins. Bradykinin (0.9 nmol) and capsaicin (0.

Cannabidiol lacks the vanilloid VR1-mediated vasorespiratory effects of capsaicin and anandamide in anaesthetised rats.

The results of vasorespiratory studies in rats anaesthetised with pentobarbital show that (+/-) cannabidiol, a cannabinoid that lacks psychotropic actions and is inactive at cannabinoid (CB) receptors, does not affect respiration or blood pressure when injected (1-2000 microg; 3.2-6360 nmol i.a.