Biomedical subjects

L C Li

Publications and source records attributed to L C Li.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Total flavones of Hippophae rhamnoides promotes early restoration of ultimate stress of healing patellar tendon in a rat model.

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has long been used for treatment of tendon injuries. Comparing to the modern way of treatments, Traditional Chinese medicine also stresses on strategies to promote the inherent healing capacity of tendons. Hippophae rhamnoides, known as Shaji, is one of Chinese herbal drugs that are traditionally used to promote tendon and ligament injuries. The total flavones of H. rhamnoides (TFH), with major constituents including quercetin, isorhamnetin and kaempferol, have been demonstrated with most of the bioactive properties of Shaji. In the present study, we evaluated the potential effect of TFH in the restoration of ultimate stress of healing patellar tendon in a well-established gap wound model in rats. A 0.1 mg TFH was injected to wound 1 day after the injury, and the ultimate stress of the healing tendon was measured at day 14 post-injury. The results showed that the ultimate stress of the healing tendon was significantly promoted by injection of TFH, increasing from 30 to 50% as compared to saline control. Excessive fibrotic response was not found in TFH-treated animals, but an enhanced collagen deposition and a better fibre alignment were observed. The results suggest that TFH may improve the ultimate stress of healing tendons at early stages, which implies possible earlier rehabilitation programme and better recovery.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

The economic burden associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and hypertension: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the economic burden to society incurred by patients with RA, OA, or high blood pressure (HBP) in Ontario, Canada. METHODS: Consecutive subjects recruited by 52 rheumatologists (RA) and 76 family physicians (OA and HBP) were interviewed at baseline and 3 months. Information was collected on demographics, health status, and any comorbidities. A detailed, open ended resource utilisation questionnaire inquired about the use of medical and non-medical resources and patient and care giver losses of time and related expenses. Annual costs were derived as recommended by national costing guidelines and converted to American dollars (year 2000). Statistical comparisons were made using ordinary least squares regression on raw and log transformed costs, and generalised linear modelling with adjustment for age, sex, educational attainment, and presence of comorbidities. RESULTS: Baseline and 3 month interviews were completed by 253/292 (86.6%) patients with RA and 473/585 (80.9%) patients with OA and/or HBP. Baseline and total annual disease costs for RA (n = 253), OA and HBP (n = 191), OA (n = 140), and HBP (n = 142), respectively, were $9300, $4900, $5700, and US$3900. Indirect costs related to RA were up to five times higher than indirect costs incurred by patients with OA or HBP, or both. The presence of comorbidities was associated with disease costs for all diagnoses, cancelling out potential effects of age or sex. CONCLUSION: The economic burden incurred by RA significantly exceeds that related to OA and HBP, while differences between patients with a diagnosis of OA without HBP or a diagnosis of HBP alone were non-significant, largely owing to the influence of comorbidities.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

Development of a topical suspension containing three active ingredients.

The objective of this study was to develop a topical suspension that contains sarafloxacin hydrochloride (1 mg/mL), triamcinolone acetonide (1 mg/mL), and clotrimazole (10 mg/mL), and is stable at room temperature (15-28 degrees C) for clinical usage. Due to the difference in the physicochemical properties and chemical stability profiles of these three active ingredients, it is a challenge to develop a stable suspension formulation containing these three drugs. In this study, the stability of these drugs in different buffer solutions was determined under different accelerated isothermal conditions. The Arrhenius equation was subsequently utilized to predict the room-temperature stability of these three drugs in these buffer solutions. By knowing the room-temperature solubility of the drugs in the buffer solution, the stability of the drugs in suspension was predicted. As a result, a 0.02 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) containing 0.02% (w/v)polysorbate 20, 1% (w/v) NaCl, and 0.1% (w/v) EDTA was determined to be an acceptable medium. In addition, 0.35% (w/v) high-viscosity carboxymethylcellulose (HV-CMC) was first selected as the suspending agent to enhance the redispersibility of the suspension. Stability data further supported that all three drugs were stable in the suspension containing HV-CMC with less than 5% potency loss for at least 6 months at 40 degrees C and 12 months at 25 degrees C. However, the viscosity drop of this HV-CMC formulation at 25 degrees C and 40 degrees C became a product stability concern. To improve the viscosity stability of the suspension, the medium-viscosity carboxymethylcellulose (MV-CMC) was selected to replace the HV-CMC as the suspending agent. The optimal combination of MV-CMC and sodium chloride in achieving the most desirable dispersion properties for the formulation was determined through the use of a 32 factorial design. The optimal formulation containing 1% MV-CMC and 1% sodium chloride has shown improved viscosity stability during storage and has been used for clinical studies.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed2001

CpG hypermethylation of the promoter region inactivates the estrogen receptor-beta gene in patients with prostate carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The down-regulation of the estrogen receptor-beta (ERbeta) gene is associated with several malignancies, including prostate carcinoma. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the mechanisms of ERbeta inactivation through the analysis of CpG methylation of the promoter region of ERbeta gene. METHODS: ERbeta protein expression was examined by immunohistochemistry in 23 cases of human prostate carcinoma and 40 cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). DNA was extracted from these tissues and processed for sodium bisulfite genomic sequencing. The percentage of methylation of CpG sites in the promoter region of ERbeta (-376 to -117), which contains 19 CpG sites, was determined from genomic sequencing data. The prostate carcinoma cell lines DU145 and ND1 were treated with the demethylating agent 5-AZAC and ERbeta mRNA expression was analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: In BPH tissues, ERbeta protein expression was found mainly in epithelial cells. ERbeta protein expression was lacking in 83% of prostate carcinoma samples (19 of 23 samples) whereas all cases of BPH (40 of 40) demonstrated expression of ERbeta protein. The mechanism of inactivation of the ERbeta gene in prostate carcinoma was CpG methylation because the degree of methylation at all CpG sites within the promoter region between -376 and -117 was higher in prostate carcinoma samples compared with BPH tissues. Nine of 19 CpG sites within the promoter region of ERbeta displayed significant differences in methylation between prostate carcinoma and BPH samples. The prostate carcinoma cell lines appeared to lack ERbeta expression. However, 5-AZAC treatment restored ERbeta expression in those cell lines, suggesting that methylation inactivates the ERbeta gene in prostate carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study demonstrate, for what we believe to be the first time, that the inactivation of the ERbeta gene in prostate carcinoma occurs through CpG methylation of the promoter region of this gene.

Azacitidine↗

PubMed2001

CpG methylation of promoter region inactivates E-cadherin gene in renal cell carcinoma.

CpG methylation in the promoter region has been shown to be important in the regulation of genes implicated in malignant transformation. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that CpG methylation of the promoter region of the E-cadherin gene may inactivate its expression in renal cell carcinoma. To test this hypothesis, five kidney cancer cell lines and 34 microdissected renal cell carcinoma samples were analyzed for gene and protein expression by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively. CpG methylation in the promoter regions of the E-cadherin gene was analyzed by the sodium bisulfite genome sequencing technique. Our results show that all normal renal tissue expressed the E-cadherin gene and protein. Of the renal cancer tissues analyzed, 67% (23 of 34) lacked E-cadherin expression, with an associated increase in methylation, compared with normal tissue. E-cadherin gene promoter was methylated in all renal cancer cell lines and was accompanied by a loss of E-cadherin gene and protein expression. The treatment of renal cancer cell lines with the demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine restored E-cadherin mRNA expression in all renal cancer cell lines. This is the first report that shows inactivation of the E-cadherin gene and protein in renal cell carcinoma through CpG hypermethylation in the promoter region of this gene. The results of these experiments may contribute to an understanding of the role of E-cadherin inactivation in renal cell carcinoma.

Azacitidine↗

PubMed2001

Grass group I pollen allergens (beta-expansins) lack proteinase activity and do not cause wall loosening via proteolysis.

Group I grass pollen allergens make up a subgroup of the beta-expansin family of cell wall loosening proteins in plants. A recent study reported that recombinant Phl p 1, the group I allergen from timothy grass pollen, was associated with papain-like proteinase activity and suggested that expansins loosen the plant cell wall via proteolysis. We tested this idea with three experimental approaches. First, we evaluated three purified native group I allergens from timothy grass, ryegrass and maize (Phl p 1, Lol p 1, Zea m 1) using five proteinase assays with a variety of substrates. The proteins had substantial wall loosening activity, but no detectable proteolytic activity. Thus we cannot confirm proteolytic activity in the pollen allergen class of beta-expansins. Second, we tested the ability of proteinases to induce cell wall extension in vitro. Tests included cysteine proteinases, serine proteinases, aspartic proteinases, metallo proteinases, and aggressive proteinase mixtures, none of which induced wall extension in vitro. Thus, wall proteins are unlikely to be important load-bearing components of the plant cell wall. Third, we tested the sensitivity of beta-expansin activity and native wall extension activity to proteinase inhibitors. The results show that a wide range of proteinase inhibitors (phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride, N-ethylmaleimide, iodoacetic acid, Pefabloc SC, and others) inhibited neither activity. From these three sets of results we conclude proteolysis is not a likely mechanism of plant cell wall loosening and that the pollen allergen class of beta-expansins do not loosen cell walls via a proteolytic mechanism.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2001

Shift of the gastric T-cell response in gastric carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The etiology and pathophysiology of stomach carcinoma is complex, and the mechanism whereby H. pylori directly or indirectly induces carcinoma remains unclear. In this study, interleukin (IL)-8, IL-4 and interferon (IFN)-gamma were measured in the tissue culture supernatant of gastric organ cultures from subjects with chronic gastritis with or without H. pylori infection, and with or without gastric cancer and gastric dysplasia. RESULTS: Interleukin-8 levels were higher in cancer- and H. pylori-infected gastritis subjects than in H. pylori-negative subjects (12.95 +/- 3.16, 10.48 +/- 1.55 and 4.49 +/- 1.28 ng/mL, respectively). Elevated levels of IFN-gamma were detected in both H. pylori-infected and non-infected subjects with uncomplicated gastritis (72.23 +/- 19.0 and 34.61 +/- 5.30 pg/mL) and in non-infected dysplasia subjects (88 +/- 20.5 pg/mL). Background levels of IL-4 (< or = 9.4 pg/mL) in uncomplicated gastritis subjects and relatively high levels of IL-4 in dysplasia subjects (25.8 +/- 7.3 pg/mL) were detected. In contrast, trace amounts of IFN-gamma (16.01 +/- 0.35 pg/mL) and high levels of IL-4 (42.81 +/- 8.49 pg/mL) in gastric biopsy culture supernatants were found in cancer subjects. Mucosal IL-4 levels (but not IL-8 levels) correlated with infection and mucosal anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin G antibody. CONCLUSIONS: The significant differences between gastritis with and without cancer and dysplasia indicated a shift from a Th1 to a Th2 helper cell pattern of cytokine secretion. This study has identified a local mucosal defect in gastric cancer. The near absence of IFN-gamma production from the mucosa at the margins of the tumor may be a critical factor in promoting growth of neoplastic cells.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2001

Expression analysis of Y chromosome genes in human prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: We hypothesized that alterations in Y chromosome gene expression may be associated with prostate cancer. To test this hypothesis we analyzed the expression of 19 Y chromosome genes in benign and malignant prostate tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To study the expression of Y chromosome genes RNA was extracted from prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tissue as well as from prostate cancer cell lines. RNA was reverse transcribed and polymerase chain reaction amplified using specific primers. These primers were designed for each gene sequence obtained from the gene data bank. We analyzed 19 Y chromosome genes using 6 cell lines, 7 BPH and 7 prostate cancer tissues. Normal testis RNA served as a positive control. RESULTS: Of the 19 genes analyzed in cell lines BPH-1 cells expressed the RPS4Y, USP9Y, TMSB4Y and DBY genes; DUPro expressed RPS4Y, USP9Y, TMSB4Y, DBY and UTY; DU145 expressed DAZ, RPS4Y, USP9Y, TMSB4Y, DBY, EIAFIY, PRKY and SMCY; LNCaP expressed TSPY, SRY, BPY1, PRY, DAZ, RBMIH, RPS4Y, DBY, EIAFIY, PRKY and SMCY; ND1 expressed DAZ, RPS4Y, USP9Y, TMSB4Y, DBY, EIAFIY, PRKY and SMCY; and PC3 expressed RPS4Y, USP9Y and DBY. BPH tissue expressed the SRY, PRY, DBY, PRKY, RPS4Y, TMSB4Y, USP9Y and ZFY genes. Prostate cancer tissue expressed the PRY, TSPY, USP9Y, UTY, DBY, SMCY, ZFY, EIAFIY, TMSB4Y and RPS4Y genes. CONCLUSIONS: The differential expression of Y chromosome genes in prostate cancer, BPH tissue and prostate cancer cell lines indicates that they may have a role in prostate cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2001

Physical therapy management of low back pain: an exploratory survey of therapist approaches.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Since the release of acute low back pain management guidelines in 1994, little was known about the effect of these guidelines on clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to examine physical therapists' reported management of acute and subacute lumbar impairment. SUBJECTS: One in 10 registered physical therapists who were randomly selected from southern Ontario, Canada, (n=454) and all registered physical therapists from northern Ontario (n=331) were surveyed. METHODS: In the questionnaire, case scenarios covered 3 areas related to the management of lumbar impairment: (1) physical examination, (2) treatment and recommendations, and (3) therapists' beliefs regarding its management. RESULTS: Five hundred sixty-nine questionnaires were returned (response rate=72.5%). Only data obtained for therapists (n=274) whose weekly workload included more than 10% of people with lumbar impairment were used in the analysis. Overall, patient education, exercise, and electrotherapeutic and thermal modalities were the preferred interventions for acute lumbar impairment (symptom onset of less than 5 weeks) with or without sciatica, whereas exercise and work modification were preferred for subacute lumbar impairment (symptom onset of 5 weeks or longer). There was a trend of using electrotherapeutic and thermal modalities with uncertain effectiveness. Only 46.3% of the therapists agreed or strongly agreed that practice guidelines were useful for managing lumbar impairment. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Although the physical therapists surveyed, in general, followed the guidelines in managing acute lumbar impairment, they felt uncertain regarding the value of practice guidelines. Future research should focus on identifying effective treatment approaches and exploring the effectiveness of practice guidelines.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2001

Methylation of the E-cadherin gene promoter correlates with progression of prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: We studied the methylation status of E-cadherin gene promoter in prostate cancer and its relationship with E-cadherin inactivation in prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven human prostate cell lines and 35 microdissected prostate cancer specimens were analyzed for E-cadherin promoter methylation using the bisulfite genome sequencing technique. E-cadherin messenger (m)RNA expression and protein expression were also studied in prostate cell lines by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and in prostate cancer specimens by immunostaining, respectively. RESULTS: The overall methylation of E-cadherin promoter was evident in 14 of 20 grades III to V (70%) and in 5 of 15 grades I to II (33%) prostate cancer samples. It correlated with absent or reduced E-cadherin immunostaining. Methylation in low grade tumors was present mainly in the exon region, whereas in high grade tumors methylation was also present in the promoter region. Methylation was noted in 2 of 6 prostate cancer cell lines (33%) and correlated well with decreased E-cadherin mRNA in these cell lines. Treatment with the demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine restored E-cadherin mRNA levels in the E-cadherin negative prostate cancer cell lines TSUPr1 and DuPro. CONCLUSIONS: Methylation of the E-cadherin gene is common in prostate cancer and the severity of E-cadherin methylation correlates with tumor progression. This study implies that the invasion and metastasis suppressor function of E-cadherin may often be compromised in human prostate cancer by epigenetic rather than by mutational events.

Cadherins↗

PubMed2001

[Inhibitory effects of hydrocortisone on human polymorphonuclear leukocyte adhesion to human synovial cell].

AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effects of hydrocortisone on human polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) adhesion to human synovial cell (HSC), and to explore its mechanism. METHODS: MTT colorimetry was used to determine the adhesion effect of PMN to HSC. Cell-ELISA and RT-PCR methods were used to determine the expression of adhesion molecular ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. EMSA method was also used to observe the activity of nucleus transcription factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B). RESULTS: Hydrocortisone inhibited TNF-alpha (50 U.mL-1 for 12 hours) and IL-1 beta (50 U.mL-1 for 12 hours)-induced adhesion of PMN to HSC (IC50 2.05 x 10(-6) mol.L-1 and 2.13 x 10(-7) mol.L-1, respectively) in a concentration-dependent manner. Adhesion molecular VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 protein and mRNA (rather than ICAM-1) expression in HSC induced by TNF-alpha (50 U.mL-1) were inhibited significantly by hydrocortisone at 1 x 10(-6)-10(-5) mol.L-1. The activity of NF-kappa B was also extensively inhibited by hydrocortisone at 1 x 10(-6)-10(-5) mol.L-1. CONCLUSION: Hydrocortisone inhibited TNF-alpha-stimulated PMN-HSC adhesion, and expression of VCAM-1 by suppressing the activity of NF-kappa B.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Inhibitory effects of isorhapotigenin on IL-8 production and mRNA expression induced with TNF alpha in normal human synovial cells].

AIM: To study the effects of isorhapotigenin (Iso) on interleukin-8 (IL-8) production and mRNA expression in normal human synovial cells (HSC) induced with TNF alpha. METHODS: IL-8 were assayed with RIA method. The mRNA expression of IL-8 was detected by RT-PCR method. RESULTS: It was shown that TNF alpha at concentrations of 0.05 to 0.5 U.mL-1 for 24 h significantly increased IL-8 production. The expression of IL-8 mRNA was also promoted by TNF alpha (0.25 U.mL-1) for 6 h. Iso at the concentrations of 1 x 10(-6) mol.L-1 to 1 x 10(-5) mol.L-1 showed inhibitory effects on IL-8 production induced with TNF alpha (0.25 U.mL-1). The further study indicated that Iso at the concentrations of 1 x 10(-6) mol.L-1 to 1 x 10(-5) mol.L-1 inhibited IL-8 mRNA expression in HSC induced with TNF alpha (0.25 U.mL-1). CONCLUSION: TNF alpha promoted IL-8 production and mRNA expression in HSC. Iso inhibited IL-8 production and mRNA expression induced by TNF alpha (0.25 U.mL-1). This might be one of the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Iso.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

PubMed2000

Cloning and characterization of human estrogen receptor beta promoter.

Estrogen receptors beta (ERbeta) belong to the nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-dependent transcription factors that play critical roles in regulating genes involved in a wide array of biological processes. To investigate regulation of tissue-specific expression of ERbeta, we cloned and characterized a 2.1-kilobase 5'-flanking region of the human ERbeta gene. Two major transcription start sites were identified by primer extension and rapid amplification of 5'-cDNA end. The human ERbeta proximal promoter contains both TATA box and initiator element (Inr) and is GC-rich with a GC content of 65%. An Alu repeat sequence containing an ER-dependent transcription enhancer exists between -1416 and -1703. The full-length 5'-flanking sequence of ERbeta fused to a luciferase reporter exhibited functional promoter activity in ERbeta-positive TSUPr1 cell, but not in ERbeta-negative DU145 cells. In addition, DNase I protection assays of the proximal promoter showed unique protection patterns with nuclear extracts from TSUPr1 cells and ERbeta negative HeLa cells, suggesting presence of cell-specific trans-acting factors that mediate tissue/cell-specific ERbeta expression. Serial deletion analysis revealed that a 293-bp region encompassing the TATA box and Inr element possesses basal promoter activity.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed2000

A single nucleotide polymorphism in the E-cadherin gene promoter alters transcriptional activities.

E-cadherin plays a critical role in many aspects of cell adhesion, epithelial development, and the establishment and maintenance of epithelial polarity. The loss of the adhesive function of E-cadherin is a critical step in the promotion of epithelial cells to a more malignant phenotype. We identified a C/A single nucleotide polymorphism at -160 from the transcriptional start site of the E-cadherin gene promoter. Transient transfection experiments showed that the A allele of this polymorphism decreased the transcriptional efficiency by 68% compared with the C allele (P<0.001). Electrophoretic mobility shift and footprinting assays revealed that the C allele had a stronger transcriptional factor binding strength than the A allele. These results indicate that the -160 C/A polymorphism has a direct effect on E-cadherin gene transcriptional regulation. This allelic variation may be a potential genetic marker that can help identify those individuals at higher risk for invasive/metastatic diseases.

Alleles↗

PubMed2000

Frequent methylation of estrogen receptor in prostate cancer: correlation with tumor progression.

Prior studies have shown that the estrogen receptor (ER) gene is down-regulated in prostate cancer, but the mechanism of its inactivation is not known. We hypothesize that inactivation of the ER gene in prostate cancer is through promoter methylation. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the methylation status of the ER gene in prostate cancer cell lines, prostate cancer, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tissues samples using the bisulfite genomic sequencing method. Our results show that the ER gene promoter was methylated in 100% (six of six) of the prostate cancer cell lines tested and all were accompanied by loss of ER mRNA expression. Treatment of these cell lines with demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine restored ER mRNA expression in all of the ER-negative cell lines. In addition, elevated expression of DNA methyltransferase mRNA was found in all of the prostate cancer cell lines. Of the prostate tissue samples analyzed, 60% (6 of 10) in the BPH samples, 80% (8 of 10) in the low-grade cancer samples (grades I and II), and 95% (20 of 21) in the high-grade cancer samples (grades III-V) exhibited promoter methylation of the ER gene. The overall methylation levels in the cancer samples were higher than that in the BPH samples. The differences between the high-grade cancer samples and BPH samples were significant at all CpG sites. Only at three CpG sites were the differences significant between the low-grade cancer samples and BPH samples. This study presents the first evidence that ER gene is transcriptionally inactivated by DNA methylation in prostate cancer. Our data suggest that ER may be involved in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer, as well as BPH.

DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1↗

PubMed2000

Identification of a yellow impurity in aged samples of aqueous butamben suspension: evidence for the oxidative degradation of poly(ethylene glycol).

Butamben (butyl p-aminobenzoate) has been formulated to provide long-acting treatment for chronic pain. The suspension, which contains poly(ethylene glycol) and polysorbate 80, was found to yellow under ambient conditions if not adequately protected from oxygen. The impurity responsible for the color was isolated and identified on the basis of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The compound is an oxalamidine, which is formally the condensation product of oxalic acid with four equivalents of butamben, and may be formed by the reaction of butamben with an oxidation product of poly(ethylene glycol).

Benzocaine↗

PubMed2000

Ambulatory care or home-based treatment? An economic evaluation of two physiotherapy delivery options for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the difference in costs of home-based versus clinic-based physiotherapy (PT) for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from a societal perspective. METHODS: A cost analysis was performed using statistical and financial information provided by The Arthritis Society, Ontario Division, from April 1, 1997 to March 30, 1998. Cost estimates included treatment costs and costs borne by patients. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to examine the effect of altering the valuation of treatment time and patient employment status. RESULTS: Total costs per case were $210.87 for the home setting, and $183.87 for the clinic setting when patients were employed. Sensitivity analysis did not change the trend of the results. The estimated start-up costs for an arthritis clinic were between $302.90 and $652.40. From the perspective of the health care system, these costs would be recovered after serving 4 to 8 RA patients at a clinic. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that ambulatory PT care is less costly than home-based services for people with RA based on The Arthritis Society model. Further studies should be conducted to examine the effectiveness and the possible adverse consequences of alternative settings for service delivery.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Sustained-release butorphanol microparticles.

Various butorphanol-loaded microparticles have been prepared with a biodegradable copolymer P(FAD-SA) of erucic acid dimer (FAD) and sebacic acid (SA) and a copolymer P(CPP-SA) of carboxyphenoxypropane (CPP) and SA using a melt compounding and milling method. Drug release was measured in vitro following incubation of drug-loaded microparticles in water for injection at 37 degrees C. It was found that butorphanol was released in a sustained manner, yielding a cumulative drug release of about 100% over a period of 48 hr. Also, drug release was affected by drug loading and the size of the microparticles; however, it was not significantly influenced by the copolymer composition. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) results showed that most of the particles were irregular in shape with uneven surfaces. The molecular weights of the copolymers were not changed after this fabrication process. In addition, 20% butorphanol-encapsulated microspheres were prepared with copolymer P(FAD-SA) by spray-drying. The SEM micrograph shows that the particle sizes of the microspheres ranged from 2 to 10 microns, and the external surfaces appear smooth. Moreover, rapid drug release was observed for these microspheres, with more than 92% of the encapsulated drug released within the first 2 hr.

Analgesics, Opioid↗