Melanocortin-1 Receptor, Skin Cancer and Phenotypic Characteristics (M-SKIP) Project: Study Design and Methods for Pooling Results of Genetic Epidemiological Studies

Background: For complex diseases like cancer, pooled-analysis of individual data represents a powerful tool to investigate the joint contribution of genetic, phenotypic and environmental factors to the development of a disease. Pooled-analysis of epidemiological studies has many advantages over meta-analysis, and preliminary results may be obtained faster and with lower costs than with prospective consortia. Design and methods: Based on our experience with the study design of the Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene, SKin cancer and Phenotypic characteristics (M-SKIP) project, we describe the most important steps in planning and conducting a pooled-analysis of genetic epidemiological studies. We then present the statistical analysis plan that we are going to apply, giving particular attention to methods of analysis recently proposed to account for between-study heterogeneity and to explore the joint contribution of genetic, phenotypic and environmental factors in the development of a disease. Within the M-SKIP project, data on 10,959 skin cancer cases and 14,785 controls from 31 international investigators were checked for quality and recoded for standardization. We first proposed to fit the aggregated data with random-effects logistic regression models. However, for the M-SKIP project, a two-stage analysis will be preferred to overcome the problem regarding the availability of different study covariates. The joint contribution of MC1R variants and phenotypic characteristics to skin cancer development will be studied via logic regression modeling. Discussion: Methodological guidelines to correctly design and conduct pooled-analyses are needed to facilitate application of such methods, thus providing a better summary of the actual findings on specific fields

Implementation Study of Patient-Ready Syringes Containing 25 mg/mL Methotrexate Solution for Use in Treating Ectopic Pregnancy

Background. Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality during the first trimester of pregnancy. Small unruptured tubal pregnancies can be treated medically with a single dose of methotrexate (MTX). Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of a 25 mg/mL solution of MTX to devise a secure delivery circuit for the preparation and use of this medication in the management of EP. Method. MTX solutions were packaged in polypropylene syringes, stored over an 84-day period, and protected from light either at +2 to +8 ∘ C or at 23 ∘ C. We assessed the physical and chemical stability of the solutions at various time points over the storage period. A pharmaceutical delivery circuit was implemented that involved the batch preparation of MTX syringes. Results. We show that 25 mg/mL MTX solutions remain stable over an 84-day period under the storage conditions tested. Standard doses were prepared, ranging from 50 mg to 100 mg. The results of this study suggest that MTX syringes can be prepared in advance by the pharmacy, ready to be dispensed at any time that a diagnosis of EP is made. Conclusion. The high stability of a 25 mg/mL MTX solution in polypropylene syringes makes it possible to implement a flexible and cost-effective delivery circuit for ready-to-use preparations of this drug, providing 24-hour access and preventing treatment delays

X-ray powder diffraction data of<i>A</i>^<i>II</i>(<i>ZnX</i>^<i>V</i><i>O</i>₄)₂compounds (<i>A</i>=<i>Sr</i>, Ba;<i>X</i>=<i>P</i>, As)

Two new arsenates with general formulaAII(ZnAsO4)2(A=Sr, Ba) were synthetized by solid state reaction. Furthermore, a high pressure form ofBa(ZnPO4)2was obtained under hydrothermal conditions. Indexing of their X-ray diffractograms was carried out with a monoclinic unit-cell and space groupP21/c. These compounds are isostructural withSr(ZnPO4)2and the paracelsian form ofBa(AlSiO4)2.</jats:p

Crystal and X-Ray Powder Data for Three Orthovanadates M Th₂ (VO₄)₃ (M = K, Rb, Cs)

AbstractThree isotopic orthovanadates MTh2 (VO4)3 with M = K, Rb, Cs have been syndiesized by solid state reaction. Single crystals of K Th2 (VO4)3 and Rb Th2 (VO4)3 were obtained. These compounds are isotypic with the corresponding orthophosphates: monoclinic, space group C2/c, Z = 4. Unit-cell parameters for die diree compounds were determined. Powder diffraction data for each phase are reported.</jats:p

Crystal and powder XRD data of Mg₃(PO₄)₂-III: High-temperature and high-pressure form

A new diffraction pattern of the high-temperature and high-pressure polymorph Mg3(PO4)2-III (PDF 43-500) is given and indexed on the basis of a single-crystal structure refinement. It allows diffractogram indexing of the isostructural high-temperature and high-pressure form of Co3(PO4)2 (PDF 43-499).</jats:p

Crystal and Powder X-Ray Diffraction Data for TlBeXO₄ (X = P, As)

AbstractTwo new compounds TlBeXO4 (X = P, As) have been synthesized by solid state reaction. Single crystals were obtained. These compounds are isotypic, space group Pna21, Z = 4. Unit-cell parameters were determined. Powder diffraction data for each phase are reported.</jats:p

X-Ray Powder Diffraction Data for A^ITh₂(VO₄)₃Compounds with A^I= Li, Na, Ag

AbstractThree orthovanadates ATh2(VO4)3with A = Li, Na, Ag have been synthesized by solid state reaction. Single crystals of AgTh2(VO4)3were obtained. This compound is isotypic with sheelite whose space group is I41/a(88). The two other compounds (A = Li, Na) have a zircon type structure: I41/ amd(141). Unit-cell parameters and powder diffraction data for the three compounds are reported.</jats:p