Synthesis, Characterization and Thermal Behavior of Four Arms Poly(L-lactide) via Ring Opening Polymerization

Four (4-arms, polyL-Lactide) were prepared by having different repeating units (10, 25, 50 and 100) from Erythritols and L-Lactide. The polymers were characterized by several methods as FT-IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, Gel Permission Chromatography and Scanning Electron Microscopy and finally their thermal stability was evaluated. The all characterization methods were confirmed the expected structure of prepared polymers, on the other hand the prepared polymers have a thermal stabilizing above 175° C, therefore, it is expected to be suitable for use in tissue engineering and drug release applications.   Keywords: poly L-Lactide, four arms, ring-opening polymerization, thermal behavior.

Difficulty in detecting discrepancies in a clinical trial report: 260-reader evaluation

Background: Scientific literature can contain errors. Discrepancies, defined as two or more statements or results that cannot both be true, may be a signal of problems with a trial report. In this study, we report how many discrepancies are detected by a large panel of readers examining a trial report containing a large number of discrepancies. Methods: We approached a convenience sample of 343 journal readers in seven countries, and invited them in person to participate in a study. They were asked to examine the tables and figures of one published article for discrepancies. 260 participants agreed, ranging from medical students to professors. The discrepancies they identified were tabulated and counted. There were 39 different discrepancies identified. We evaluated the probability of discrepancy identification, and whether more time spent or greater participant experience as academic authors improved the ability to detect discrepancies. Results: Overall, 95.3% of discrepancies were missed. Most participants (62%) were unable to find any discrepancies. Only 11.5% noticed more than 10% of the discrepancies. More discrepancies were noted by participants who spent more time on the task (Spearman’s ρ = 0.22, P < 0.01), and those with more experience of publishing papers (Spearman’s ρ = 0.13 with number of publications, P = 0.04). Conclusions: Noticing discrepancies is difficult. Most readers miss most discrepancies even when asked specifically to look for them. The probability of a discrepancy evading an individual sensitized reader is 95%, making it important that, when problems are identified after publication, readers are able to communicate with each other. When made aware of discrepancies, the majority of readers support editorial action to correct the scientific record

Detection of Mycoplasma bovis in Pneumonic Calves

Mycoplasma bovis is a major pathogen in respiratory diseases of calves and cause an excessive economic loses. The current study was a goal to diagnoses bovine Mycoplasma and chiefly M. bovis from an outbreak of pneumonia in calves that occurred in Mosul city and mainly in Gogjaly village. Forty-two lung samples were collected from slaughtered and dead pneumonic calves in seven herds of imported calves. Extraction and amplification for DNA were conduct from all samples for diagnosis of Mycoplasma and M. bovis by PCR technique. The results have recorded the presence of Mycoplasma in 88.1% of examined lungs and M. bovis was diagnosed in 86.5% of the positive Mycoplasma samples. Finally the present study is the first local study at the moment which diagnoses Mycoplasma in general and mainly M. bovis from pneumonic calves, also according to the results it recommended the use of molecular techniques and principally PCR for the diagnosis of Mycoplasma and M. bovis

Effect of body weight on serum homocysteine level in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome: A case control study

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) represent one of the common endocrine disorders which influence around 8% of reproductive women whom usually suffering from obesity and increase cardiovascular risk. Serum homocysteine levels are associated with bad impact on endothelial functions and considered as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Objective: The aim was to study the level of plasma homocysteine in obese and non-obese Iraqi patients with PCOS. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 207 women. Of theme, 101 women with PCOS and 106 PCOS- free women served as controls. Blood sample was taken from each participant on the 2PndP day of menstruation morning after an overnight fasting. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), free testosterone and androstenedione were measured. Moreover, total lipid profile and plasma homocysteine levels were measured in both groups. Results: Sixty percent of PCOS women were overweight or obese and 56% of them had a waist circumference >88cm. Moreover plasma homocysteine concentrations were found to be higher in patients with PCOS (11.5±5.41μmol/L) as compared with control (8.10±1.89 μmol/L) (p<0.002). Furthermore the homocysteine concentrations were 13.19±5.97 μmol/L and 9.38±2.99 μmol/L in both obese and normal-weight PCOS women respectively which was significantly higher than obese (p<0.002) and normal-weight (p<0.004) control women. Conclusion: Increase in body weight is not an independent risk factor to increase plasma homocysteine levels in PCOS wome

Measurement of glomerular filtration rate in patients undergoing obesity surgery

Abstract Background Most studies on obesity surgery have measured renal function using the estimated GFR. However, due to the reduction of muscle mass, and therefore creatinine that accompanies weight loss, such measures can falsely suggest an improvement in renal function. To balance the risks of surgery versus any potential benefits on renal function, we need to be able to determine renal function using valid and reliable methodologies. In this pilot study we aimed to measure renal function in patients with CKD undergoing obesity surgery using the gold standard 51Cr-EDTA GFR clearance methodology which is independent of measures of muscle mass. Methods Nine consecutive obese patients with CKD underwent obesity surgery. Their renal function was assessed using 51Cr-EDTA GFR, cystatin C and serum creatinine as well as using eGFR equations including MDRD CKD Epi, Cockcroft Gault and CKD Epi cystatin before and 12 months after surgery. Results Renal function using the 51Cr-EDTA measured GFR did not change significantly after surgery. Similar results were obtained when Cystatin C, CKD Epi cystatin, CKD Epi cystatin creatinine and adjusted Cockcroft Gault Creatinine clearance methods were used. In contrast there were either trends or significant improvements in renal function measured using the MDRD and CKD Epi equations. Conclusions In this pilot study using the gold standard 51Cr-EDTA method we found stabilisation in renal function after obesity surgery. Until further definitive data emerge it is critical to balance the risk and benefits of surgery, especially if renal function may not improve as often as previously suggested. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01507350. Registered June 2011