Incorporation of thieno[3,2-b]thiophene moieties as novel electropolymerizable groups in a conducting metallopolymer and study of the effect on photostability.

A novel nickel(II)-containing conducting metallopolymer utilizing thieno[3,2-b]thiophene moieties as the electropolymerizable groups is synthesized and characterized. A metal-free polymer is also obtained via electropolymerization of the title ligand allowing comparative studies of the electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of the polymer system in the presence and absence of nickel(II) metal ions. Photodegradation of the two polymers is studied along with an analogous system incorporating bithiophene as the electropolymerizable groups.

Randomized assignment to copper IUD or depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate: feasibility of enrollment, continuation and disease ascertainment.

Objectives: We conducted a feasibility study to enroll and follow family planning acceptors who were randomly assigned to use an intrauterine device (IUD) or injectable depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA).

Methods: Centers in Brazil, Guatemala, Egypt and Vietnam aimed to enroll 100 participants per site. Enrolled women were randomly assigned to have inserted a TCu 380A IUD, or to receive injections of 150 mg of DMPA every 3 months, and scheduled for up to 12 months of follow-up.