Método de RP-HPLC para la estimación simultánea de atorvastatina cálcica y ramipril de plasma.

Solid lipid microparticles (SLMs) loaded with ketoprofen were prepared by single emulsion-solvent evaporation method, in which glyceryl monostearate and Tween 80 were employed. The particle size was found to be 99.80±2.1μm. Microparticles observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed spherical shape. The entrapment efficiency (EE %) and drug loading capacity (DL %) were found to be 72.60±1.6 % and 17.98±0.7% respectively. Results of stability evaluation showed relatively long term stability after storage at 4˚C for 3 months. The in-vivo study revealed slightly better per cent inhibition of pain i.e. 74% in comparison with 68% produced by plain drug.Las micropartículas lipídicas sólidas (MLS) cargadas con ketoprofeno se prepararon a través del método de evaporación del disolvente en emulsión simple, en el que se ha utilizado monoestearato de glicerilo y Tween 80. El tamaño de la partícula resultó ser de 99,80±2,1 μm. Las micropartículas observadas a través del microscopio electrónico de barrido (MEB) mostraron una forma esférica. La eficacia de captura (EC %) y la capacidad de carga (CC %) del fármaco resultaron ser del 72,60±1,6% y 17,98±0,7%, respectivamente. Los resultados de la evaluación de estabilidad mostraron una estabilidad relativa a largo plazo, después de una conservación a 4˚C durante 3 meses. El estudio in vivo reveló un ligero mejor porcentaje en la inhibición del dolor, concretamente, un 74% en comparación con un 68% producido por un fármaco corriente

Prevalence and factors affecting home blood pressure documentation in routine clinical care: a retrospective study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Home blood pressure (BP) is closely linked to patient outcomes. However, the prevalence of its documentation has not been examined. The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence and factors affecting documentation of home BP in routine clinical care.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A retrospective study of 142,973 encounters of 9,840 hypertensive patients with diabetes from 2000 to 2005 was performed. The prevalence of recorded home BP and the factors associated with its documentation were analyzed. We assessed validity of home BP information by comparing the difference between home and office BP to previously published prospective studies.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Home BP was documented in narrative notes for 2.08% of encounters where any blood pressure was recorded and negligibly in structured data (EMR flowsheets). Systolic and diastolic home BP in narrative notes were lower than office BP readings by 9.6 and 2.5 mm Hg, respectively (p < 0.0001 for both), consistent with prospective data. Probability of home BP documentation increased by 23.0% for each 10 mm Hg of office systolic BP (p < 0.0001), by 6.2% for each $10,000 in median income of zip code (p = 0.0055), and by 17.7% for each decade in the patient's age (p < 0.0001).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Home BP readings provide a valid representation of the patient's condition, yet are seldom documented despite their potential utility in both patient care and research. Strong association between higher patient income and home BP documentation suggests that the cost of the monitors may be a limiting factor; reimbursement of home BP monitoring expenses should be pursued.</p

Activation of T lymphocytes for the adoptive immunotherapy of cancer

Background: Adoptive immunotherapy of malignancy involves the passive transfer of antitumor-reactive cells into a host in order to mediate tumor regression. Based on animal models, the transfer of immune lymphoid cells can eradicate widely disseminated tumors and establish long-term systemic immunity. Critical for successful adoptive immunotherapy is the ability to isolate large numbers of immune cells. For clinical therapy, it will require the development of in vitro methods to promote the sensitization and propagation of tumor-reactive cells. However, this is formidable task since human cancers are postulated to be poorly immunogenic because of their spontaneous origins.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/41399/1/10434_2006_Article_BF02303568.pd

The mechanisms by which polyamines accelerate tumor spread

Increased polyamine concentrations in the blood and urine of cancer patients reflect the enhanced levels of polyamine synthesis in cancer tissues arising from increased activity of enzymes responsible for polyamine synthesis. In addition to their de novo polyamine synthesis, cells can take up polyamines from extracellular sources, such as cancer tissues, food, and intestinal microbiota. Because polyamines are indispensable for cell growth, increased polyamine availability enhances cell growth. However, the malignant potential of cancer is determined by its capability to invade to surrounding tissues and metastasize to distant organs. The mechanisms by which increased polyamine levels enhance the malignant potential of cancer cells and decrease anti-tumor immunity are reviewed. Cancer cells with a greater capability to synthesize polyamines are associated with increased production of proteinases, such as serine proteinase, matrix metalloproteinases, cathepsins, and plasminogen activator, which can degrade surrounding tissues. Although cancer tissues produce vascular growth factors, their deregulated growth induces hypoxia, which in turn enhances polyamine uptake by cancer cells to further augment cell migration and suppress CD44 expression. Increased polyamine uptake by immune cells also results in reduced cytokine production needed for anti-tumor activities and decreases expression of adhesion molecules involved in anti-tumor immunity, such as CD11a and CD56. Immune cells in an environment with increased polyamine levels lose anti-tumor immune functions, such as lymphokine activated killer activities. Recent investigations revealed that increased polyamine availability enhances the capability of cancer cells to invade and metastasize to new tissues while diminishing immune cells' anti-tumor immune functions

Induction of anti-tumor immunity by vaccination with dendritic cells pulsed with anti-CD44 IgG opsonized tumor cells

Due to the pivotal role that dendritic cells (DC) play in eliciting and maintaining functional anti-tumor T cell responses, these APC have been exploited against tumors. DC express several receptors for the Fc portion of IgG (Fcγ receptors) that mediate the internalization of antigen-IgG complexes and promote efficient MHC class I and II restricted antigen presentation. In this study, the efficacy of vaccination with DC pulsed with apoptotic B16 melanoma cells opsonized with an anti-CD44 IgG (B16-CD44) was explored. Immature bone marrow derived DC grown in vitro with IL-4 and GM-CSF were pulsed with B16-CD44. After 48 h of pulsing, maturation of DC was demonstrated by production of IL-12 and upregulation of CD80 and CD40 expression. To test the efficacy of vaccination with DC+B16-CD44, mice were vaccinated subcutaneously Lymphocytes from mice vaccinated with DC+B16-CD44 produced IFN-γ in response to B16 melanoma lysates as well as an MHC class I restricted B16 melanoma-associated peptide, indicating B16 specific CD8 T cell activation. Upon challenge with viable B16 cells, all mice vaccinated with DC alone developed tumor compared to 40% of mice vaccinated with DC+B16-CD44; 60% of the latter mice remained tumor free for at least 8 months. In addition, established lung tumors and distant metastases were significantly reduced in mice treated with DC+B16-CD44. Lastly, delayed growth of established subcutaneous tumors was induced by combination therapy with anti-CD44 antibodies followed by DC injection. This study demonstrates the efficacy of targeting tumor antigens to DC via Fcγ receptors.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/45862/1/262_2005_Article_104.pd