Cation substitution in β-tricalcium phosphate investigated using multi-nuclear, solid-state NMR

The substitution of aluminium, gallium and sodium cations into β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP; Ca3(PO4)2) has been investigated, and the Ca sites involved successfully determined, using a combination of 1D 31P, 27Al, 71Ga, 23Na and 43Ca (natural abundance) NMR and 2D 27Al{31P}, 71Ga{31P} and 23Na{31P} rotary-resonance-recoupled heteronuclear multiple-quantum correlation (R3-HMQC) NMR. Over the compositional range studied, substitution of Ca2+ by Al3+ or Ga3+ was observed only on the Ca(5) site, whilst substitution by Na+ was confined to the Ca(4) site. Some AlPO4 or GaPO4 second phase was observed at the highest doping levels in the Al3+ and Ga3+ substituted samples

Using aggregated single patient (N-of-1) trials to determine the effectiveness of psychostimulants to reduce fatigue in advanced cancer patients: a rationale and protocol

It is estimated that 29% of deaths in Australia are caused by malignant disease each year and can be expected to increase with population ageing. In advanced cancer, the prevalence of fatigue is high at 70-90%, and can be related to the disease and/or the treatment. The negative impact of fatigue on function (physical, mental, social and spiritual) and quality of life is substantial for many palliative patients as well as their families/carers.This paper describes the design of single patient trials (n-of-1 s or SPTs) of a psychostimulant, methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH) (5 mg bd), compared to placebo as a treatment for fatigue, with a population estimate of the benefit by the aggregation of multiple SPTs. Forty patients who have advanced cancer will be enrolled through specialist palliative care services in Australia. Patients will complete up to 3 cycles of treatment. Each cycle is 6 days long and has 3 days treatment and 3 days placebo. The order of treatment and placebo is randomly allocated for each cycle. The primary outcome is a reduction in fatigue severity as measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-fatigue subscale (FACIT-F). Secondary outcomes include adverse events, quality of life, additional fatigue assessments, depression and Australian Karnovsky Performance Scale.This study will provide high-level evidence using a novel methodological approach about the effectiveness of psychostimulants for cancer-related fatigue. If effective, the findings will guide clinical practice in reducing this prevalent condition to improve function and quality of life.Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12609000794202