OSS Responsibilities

We are all familiar with technological advances that have transformed the telecommunications industry in recent history. Why, it was only last millennium that the simplicity of digital signalling replaced the click-whirr of analogue pulses. With all these advances, we have taken for granted that sophisticated mechanisms exist behind the scenes to support the operation of the services we use. Your details are all filed on a computer somewhere. Whatever your provider needs to know about you, and the way you use the service, is all available at the touch of a button if they need it. Isn't it? This paper explores the story behind the scenes. In an exciting industry, keen to try out new ideas, and often racing to gain from new technology, we look at the race to keep support systems up to the task of handling new market offerings.     

Standardization of models and methods used to assess nanoparticles in cardiovascular applications

Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the management and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Controlled drug delivery and nanoparticle-based molecular imaging agents have advanced cardiovascular disease therapy and diagnosis. However, the delivery vehicles (dendrimers, nanocrystals, nanotubes, nanoparticles, nanoshells, etc.), as well as the model systems that are used to mimic human cardiac disease, should be questioned in relation to their suitability. This review focuses on the variations of the biological assays and preclinical models that are currently being used to study the biocompatibility and suitability of nanomaterials in cardiovascular applications. There is a need to standardize appropriate models and methods that will promote the development of novel nanomaterial-based cardiovascular therapies.