Resilient polymeric materials such as silicone elastomers are currently used for maxillofacial prostheses construction but the strength of these materials and their clinical performance need to be optimized with the addition of reinforcing fillers. This study investigates the effect of zirconia nanopowder addition on tear strength, tensile strength, elongation at break, Shore A hardness, surface roughness and cytotoxicity of VST-50 maxillofacial silicone. Silicone base was mixed with different amounts (1%, 2% and 3%) of zirconia nanopowder using a vacuum mixer. Silicone without filler was used as control for comparison. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy were utilized to assess the efficiency of high-shear vacuum mixing as filler dispersion method and the surface topography, respectively. Both SEM and AFM images showed that the zirconia nanopowder were distributed fairly well within the polymer. Statistically, highly significant increase in tear strength, tensile strength and hardness with non-significant decrease in elongation at break and non-significant increase in surface roughness were seen with 1% and 2% groups. Whereas with 3% group, there was significant improvement in tear strength, tensile strength and hardness but there was significant undesirable decrease in elongation and increase in roughness. Cytotoxicity test revealed that the addition of zirconia nanopowder was nontoxic to Rat Embryonic Fibroblast (REF) cells and there was non-significant change in the cell viability of all study groups after 24- and 72-hours incubation periods. In conclusion, the addition of 2% by weight nano zirconia to VST-50 maxillofacial silicone could be beneficial in enhancing its performance.
Iraqi-Saudi Relations have witnessed a state of rapprochement over decades. However, this rapprochement was temporary and could not overcome the differences that formed the core of Iraqi-Saudi relations after 2003, relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia deteriorated with the Iraqi governments that followed the rule of Iraq after 2003, especially the government of Nuri Al-Maliki in which relations reached the end of mutual accusations between the two parties. In order to promote the relationship between the two countries, a culture of moderation has to be propagated especially in the field of religion and the religious institution should be encouraged to open up to other sects and to recognize all sects as prelude to combating the cultur
... Show MoreBackground: The association between diabetes and inflammatory dental diseases had been studied extensively for more than 50 years. A large evidence base suggests that diabetes is associated with an increased prevalence, extent and severity of gingivitis and periodontitis and loss of teeth. Many patients do not aware that they are diabetic.Objectives:The aim of the current study was to assess a fast, non-invasive, safe procedure to screen for diabetes and its severity in dental clinics and to assess the change in blood glucose level before and after tooth extraction during periodontalResults: there were no significant differences between the blood samples collected before tooth extraction from finger puncture method (FPB) and the gingival
... Show MoreThis research aims to study the important of the effect of analysis of covariance manner for one of important of design for multifactor experiments, which called split-blocks experiments design (SBED) to deal the problem of extended measurements for a covariate variable or independent variable (X) with data of response variable or dependent variable Y in agricultural experiments that contribute to mislead the result when analyze data of Y only. Although analysis of covariance with discussed in experiments with common deign, but it is not found information that it is discussed with split-Blocks experiments design (SBED) to get rid of the impact a covariance variable. As part application actual field experiment conducted, begun at
... Show MoreThe electrical characteristics of polyvinyl alcohol PVA doped with different concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4wt%) of sodium iodide NaI powder were studied. The films are prepared using solution casting technique, in order to investigate the effect of sodium iodide NaI additions on the electrical properties of PVA host. The D.C conductivity measured by measuring the D.C electrical resistance using the Keithly Electrometer type 616C, and for different temperatures ranging from 30 – 70oC.
The dielectric properties measured by measuring the capacitor and the loss
... Show MoreAlthough Israel's national security strategy, shaped by Ben Gurion in the 1950s, has remained steadfast, Israeli leaders have been keen to adapt and change some of its means and tools to maintain its national security. These changes were a response and adaptation to the complex and geostrategic transformations in the region since the end of the cold war. Traditional challenges to Israel's national security have declined as unconventional challenges have increased. This shift has adversely affected the efficiency and effectiveness of Israel's national security strategies. It has become necessary for Israel to confront regional actions taken by minor states and regional actors that have ensured the accumulation of its military capabilities. M
... Show MoreBackground: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are one of the most common complaints following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Objective: This study was designed to compare the effects of dexamethasone, metoclopramide, and their combination on preventing PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Methods: A total of 135 patients enrolled in the study. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II patients were included in this randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients were randomly assigned to group A administered 8mg iv dexamethasone, group B received metoclopramide 10 mg, group C received combination of 8mg de
... Show MoreThis article investigates the relationship between foot angle and jump stability, focusing on minimizing injury risk. Here are the key points: Importance: Understanding foot angle is crucial for improving jump stability, athletic performance, and reducing jump-related injuries like ankle sprains. Ideal Foot Angle: Research suggests a forward foot angle of around 15 degrees might be ideal for many people during jumps. This angle distributes forces evenly across the foot, lowers the center of gravity, and provides more surface area for pushing off the ground. Factors Affecting Ideal Angle: The optimal angle can vary depending on the type of jump (vertical vs. long jump), fitness level, and personal preference. Incorrect Foot Angles: Landing w
... Show MoreLasers, with their unique characteristics in terms of excellent beam quality, especially directionality and coherency, make them the solution that is key for many processes that require high precision. Lasers have good susceptibility to integrate with automated systems, which provides high flexibility to reach difficult zones. In addition, as a processing tool, a laser can be considered as a contact-free tool of precise tip that became attractive for high precision machining at the micro and nanoscales for different materials. All of the above advantages may be not enough unless the laser technician/engineer has enough knowledge about the mechanism of interaction between the laser light with the processed material. Several sequential phenom
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