Aim: The present study aims to investigate the effect of simultaneous encapsulation of DNA with different ratio of PLL via PLA-PEG copolymer, on gene delivery efficiency into mammalian cells. Some characteristics such as biocompatibility, DNA protecting against restriction enzymes, DNA release rate, size and zeta potential were also investigated.Material and Methods: PLA-PEG/PLL/DNA nanoparticles with different ratio of PLL were prepared by double emulsion-solvent evaporation technique. Then, the release percentage of DNA and the zeta potential of particles in Phosphate Saline buffer (PH=7) were measured.Results: Increasing the PLL percentage in the PLA-PEG/PLL/DNA nanoparticles resulted in enhancement of particles size and zeta potential. Gel electrophoresis analysis of DNA extracted from PLA-PEG/DNA and PLA-PEG/PLL/DNA nanoparticles after treatment with DNase I enzyme indicates the ability of PLA-PEG and PLA-PEG/PLL copolymers in DNA protection. The flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy study confirmed that gene transfer efficiency was improved by increasing the ratio of PLL in PLA-PEG/PLL/DNA nanoparticles. Moreover we found that gene transfer efficiency was one and half fold higher then PLL/DNA complex in the serum medium.Conclusion: The results showed that PLA-PEG nanoparticles in the serum medium have higher potential gene delivery to the MCF-7 cells in comparison with PLA-PEG/PLL/DNA nanoparticles.

Strength measurement of rock requires testing that must be carried out on test specimens with particular sizes in order to fulfill testing standards or suggested methods. Often, the coring process breaks up the weaker core pieces, and they are too small to be used in either index tests or conventional strength tests such as point load index (Is) and Brazilian tensile strength (BTS). One of the index tests to indirectly determine the rock strength is the block punch index (BPI) test, which requires flat disc specimens without special treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of the BPI test for predicting the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), BTS and IS of the sandstones by empirical equations. Also, we have compared the performance of the BPI and IS for predicting the UCS and BTS. It was experimentally shown that BPI is a reliable method for predicting the UCS, BTS and Is of the sandstones under study. Moreover, the results indicate that BPI could be utilized with same importance as Is for predicting the UCS, while predicting the BTS by Is appears to be more reliable than BPI.

This research aims to improve the production of geopolymer composites with high tensile strength by utilising local waste resources in Pakistan. Pakistan produces over 49.6 million tonnes of solid waste annually. In this study, we look into the possibility of using local waste streams as raw materials for synthesising geopolymer composites. The investigation thoroughly addresses the formulation of geopolymer matrices, including the precise selection of precursors, activators, and curing conditions according to the region's distinct waste sources. The study's findings encourage a circular economy and sustainable development by demonstrating how locally generated waste resources may be converted into useful building materials. After increasing polyvinyl alcohol content from 0% to 1% in 17 mol/dm3 concentration of NaOH, the material's flexural strength was 4 to 6 MPa. In 17 mol/dm3 concentration of NaOH, the material's compressive strength rises from 30 to 45 MPa upon increasing the PVA fiber content from 0% to 1%. Maximum mechanical strength is achieved at a concentration of 17 mol/dm3 of NaOH. The mechanical strength decreases as the concentration of NaOH rises. Although, geopolymer matrix is mostly amorphous, some crystalline phases may be present, including calcite, quartz, and gehlenite. The findings of these experiments indicate that PVA fibres have little effect on the phase composition of the geopolymer matrix. They improve the composites' mechanical properties by bridging the cracks and preventing their spread. As the SEM data shows, by bridging cracks and stopping their propagation, PVA fibres helped the composite's enhanced toughness. The flexural strength of 4.5 MPa (15% reduction) was found after performing a freeze-thaw cycle. The compressive strength reduces from 35 to 32 MPa with an average mass loss of 3% after performing a salt spray test. The blocks were immersed in water for 24 hours. The water absorption of 8% was measured, indicating effective moisture resistance.

Purpose: Together with the increase of orthodontic treatment needs the use of functional apparatus has been increased. Furthermore, different studies has been done on skeletal and dental changes after the use of these functional appliances, but few studies discussed soft tissue changes in the field. So, this study was carried out in order to evaluate soft tissue changes following the use of Twin block functional appliance.Methods & Materials: This study was quazi experimental done on 13 patients (7 girls and 6 boys) with 7 years and 7 months to 12 years and 6 months of age. All patients were Cl II Div.I malocclusion, Iranian, Muslim, resident of Tehran and with no previous orthodontic treatment and tooth extraction. The period of treatment with the apparatus varied between 7 to 17 months. The studied angular variables were nasolabial, nasofacial, facial convexity,H angle, mentocervical, nasomental and mentolabial. The liner variables were lower and upper lip to E line, upper and lower lip thickness, prominence and length, upper and lower face height. All variables were compared before and after the use of Twin block and recorded in a questionnaire and were analyzed by T - test. Results: The study showed that nasolabial, nasofacial, Lower lip to E line and Upper lip length decreased slightly with the use of apparatus, while facial convexity, H angle, upper lip prominence, upper lip thickness and upper lip to E line decreased significantly. As well as, mentocervical, upper lip thickness, lower lip prominence and soft tissue lower face height increased slightly and nasomental, mentolabial, soft tissue upper face height and lower lip length increased significantly.Conclusion: Following the treatment with Twin block, the lower face soft tissue moved anteriorly leading to decrease in profile convexity. The upper and lower face soft tissue height increases and their ratio improved. The upper and lower lip thickness reduced, but upper lip length did not change and lower lip length increased after the treatment. The space between upper and lower lip edge to E - line moved to a normal range and labiomental fold became wider.

Introduction: After caesarean, mothers need to take care of their babies as soon as possible, and pain relief in them leads to more comfort and faster recovery and it reduces hospitalization time and complications such as pulmonary thromboembolism as well as treatment costs.Objective: Determining the effect of TAP block by injection of Bupivacaine 0.25% after caesarean section on post operative pain.Materials and Methods: This study was performed on seventy six women that underwent elective caesarean section. Then, the women were randomly divided into two groups. Six women were excluded from the study which was a double-blind clinical trial. In the case group: 20cc of Bupivacaine 0.25% was injected between transverse abdominal muscle fascia and internal oblique muscle fascia, and in control group the same amount of normal saline was used. Pain intensity was measured by VAS score at 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48 hours after surgery. In both groups, if the patient needed pain relief, diclofenac suppository was used and its dose was recorded. Some complications such as nausea, vomiting and dizziness were recorded too, data were analyzed by SPSS (21) software, P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: VAS score at 2, 4, 6 hours after surgery in case group was significantly lower than that in the control group. (P=0.0001, P=0.0001, P=0.039), respectively. The mean number of administered diclofenac in bupivacaine group was lower than that in placebo group (P=0.0001). The mean and standard deviation of pain free period in bupivacaine group was 13.77±2.41 and in placebo group was 5.94± 1.27. Survival rate of analgesia was 14.3% in bupivacaine group and 2.9% in placebo group. This difference was statistically significant (P= 0.001).Conclusion: Transverse abdominal plane block with Bupivacaine 0.25% can reduce post caesarean pain without any side effects, such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and any effect on the time of ambulation. It can also reduce use of analgesics.

Background and Aims: Functional therapy locates the mandible in a more anterior and inferior position. Tongue posture and oropharynx space have a considerable relationship with mandibular posture. The aim of the present study was to determine the changes of tongue posture and oropharynx space following treatment with Twin block appliance in adolescent patients with class II division 1 ma1occlusion. Materials and Methods: Twenty two patients (14 girls mean age: 11. 5, 8 boys mean age: 12. 5 years) who were treated with twin-block appliance were enrolled. Cephalograms were used to assess the linear measurements. Graber pattern and McNamara parameter were used to evaluate the tongue posture and oropharynx space, respectively. Data analysis was performed by paired t-test. Results: The findings of the present study showed a significant increase in anterior position of tongue (P=0. 06). Oropharynx space was increased significantly (P<0. 001). There was a significant correlation between the decrease of ANB and anteroposterior increase of oropharynx space. Conclusion: Twin-block appliance caused considerable forward movement of tongue and significant increase of oropharynx space in the sagittal plan.

Recently, researchers have suggested the use of membranes to separate gases. They found that using Pebax polymer was very suitable for gas separation. This polymer has good properties and good solubility for carbon dioxide absorption. One of the challenges for researchers is how to turn this polymer into a thin layer for usage as a membrane. Therefore, several methods and solvents have been used to make this membrane. Researchers have calculated the carbon dioxide permeability of this polymer and obtained different results. One of the reasons for the non-uniform permeability results for this gas could be the difference in the method of making the thin film. The use of different methods and solvents affects the physical and chemical properties of this polymer. Perhaps the most important parameters during membrane construction are temperature and drying time. In this research, we want to investigate the effect of these two parameters on the final performance. Thus, the membranes were evaluated by XRD, FT-IR, FESEM, and mechanical strength analyses. Finally, the effect of the parameters on the permeability of carbon dioxide and methane was calculated and compared by the Taguchi method.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical effectiveness of the mandibular infiltration versus the mandibular block for the operative and surgical treatment of primary molars.Methods & Materials: 80 children aged 6-9 years old who required bilateral identical dental treatment in mandibular primary molars were selected. Subjects received an infiltration on one side of mandible and blockon the other. Bilateral identical procedure was performed on each patients during the same appointment. These procedures included amalgam restoration, pulpotomy, extraction, stainless steel crown. Sign of discomfort included hand and body tension, eye movement indicating pain, verbal complaints and tears. Both techniques were evaluated blindly by a single rater who was not the operator.Result: T test indicated there was no significant difference between block and infiltration for any of the factors evaluated and anesthesia profundity is not as dependent upon bone density Conclusion: Mandibular infiltration can be used versus block in treating mandibular primary molars.