Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Gene Delivery Cargo Based on Magnetic Nanoparticle Functionalized with Poly-vinylimidazolium

Introduction: The gene delivery vectors are generally classified into two types: viral and non-viral. The chemical vectors have several advantages such as convenient synthesis or chemical modification, unlimited DNA carrying capacity, and low immunogenicity. Recently, Ionic Liquids (ILs) have attracted more and more interest for gene delivery. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) act as effective carriers for DNA, the surface of the particles is better to be modified to enable attachment of the target molecules. Here, we design a particular carrier including the MNPs and ILs to transfer GFP gene to cells. Methods: First, imidazolium-type ILs-modified magnetite nanoparticle was synthesized. By this mean, Magnetic nanoparticles were modified with acryloyl amide according to reported procedure. Then, vinyl imidazole was copolymerized by free radical polymerization. Poly(vinylimidazole)-grafted silica-MNP was treated with methyl iodide to form a quaternary salt of poly(vinylimidazole). The chemical structure characterization was carried out by FT-IR and the organic content was determined by CHN analysis. The topography was studied by SEM, TEM, AFM. On the next step, The Green Florescent Protein (GFP) gene was attached to synthesized polymer by electrostatic interactions. The complex of polymer-DNA was added to cell line (HepG2) and the expression of GFP was evaluated. Results and Discussion: The result of chemical structure characterization was in line with our expectations. Imidazolium-type ILs-modified magnetite nanoparticle was characterized. This novel functionalized nanoparticle was a potential vehicle for gene delivery. Conclusion: In summary, we have reported the synthesis of poly-(vinylimidazolium)-modified iron oxide nanoparticles and estimated their potential gene delivery application. The Polyvinylimidazolium provided an efficient cationic group to increase binding capacity for biomolecules such as DNA

Psychometrics properties of the Iranian version of fertility quality of life tool: a cross- sectional study

Background: Clinical measurement of quality of life for assessing reproductive problems should be considered as a standard investigation at the initial and continuing medical consultations with infertile people. Objective: The purpose of this study was comprehensive testing the psychometric properties of the Iranian version of fertility quality of life (FertiQol) as its use could be considerable due to the prevalence of infertility in Iran and the importance of evaluation of QoL in patients with infertility. Method and material: This was a psychometric properties study of 300 women referred to infertility clinic, Hormozgan, Iran. After linguistic validation of the Iranian version of MPCOSQ, a semi-structured interview was conducted to assess face validity. Consequently exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed to indicate the scale constructs. Discriminant validity was assessed using the known groups comparison. Convergent validity was evaluated by assessing the correlation between similar content on the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and FertiQol. In addition, reliability analysis was carried out with internal consistency. Results: The reliability of the Iranian version of the FertiQol questionnaire was satisfactory in all dimensions (Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.77 to 0.83 ). Six factors (emotional, mind/body, relational, social, environmental and tolerability) were extracted from the results of EFA with factor loading of the more than 0.3. Discrimination validity showed that FertiQol can differentiate between female patients with differing duration of infertility and number of children; this indicates favorable discrimination validity. Moreover, the results of convergent validity showed a favorable correlation between the related dimensions of 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (correlation ranging from 0.43 to 0.68 ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(correlation ranging from 0.47 to 0.52 ) and FertiQol. Conclusion: The Iranian version of FertiQol is valid and reliable for assessing infertility problems and the effects of treatment on quality of life of infertile patients referred for diagnosis and treatment at an Iranian infertility clinic. The clinical use of this measure is recommended for Iranian infertility clinics

Effect of cationic poly acrylamide - nano bentonite system on retention, drainage and properties of recycled paper from OCC

Bio and synthetic polymers; micro and recently nano particles have been applied in wet end section of papermaking industry. Very special attention is focused toward their advantages for controlling the process variables and improving the product quality made from recycled papers. In the presence of cationic starch polymer as an anionic trash reducer in the pulp slurry, the effects of cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM)-bentonite nanoparticle complex on retention, drainage and paper properties made from old corrugated container (OCC) was evaluated. The results showed that addition of CPAM polymer individually enhanced burst, tensile and tear strength indices. The application of nano bentonite following CPAM has significantly increased all of mentioned pulp and paper properties. Dewatering rate analysis by Dynamic Drainage Jar and laboratory handsheet maker revealed that the time for the paper manufacturing can be reduced.  Moreover, raw material to final product ratio (total retention) increased from 96.7% up to 98.7%. Long chain cationic polyacrylamide shows high capability as the flocculation of papermaking ingredients, individually and particularly in combination with nano bentonite, especially for fines which is a high portion in the recycled pulps. Thus the problem resulting from not retaining sufficient ingredients and the pollution load of the paper mill effluent will be reduced

Late-onset multiple sclerosis in Iran: A report on demographic and disease characteristics

Background: Today, it is estimated that around 5% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are in the late-onset category (age at disease onset ≥ 50). Diagnosis and treatment in this group could be challenging. Here, we report the latest update on the characteristics of Iranian patients with late-onset MS (LOMS). Methods: This cross-sectional study used the information provided by the nationwide MS registry of Iran (NMSRI). The registrars from 14 provinces entered data of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of MS by neurologists. Patients with disease onset at or later than 50 years of age were considered LOMS. Results: Of 20,036 records, the late-onset category included 321 patients (1.6%). The age-standardized LOMS prevalence was around 75 per 100,000 people. 215 patients (67%) were female. Median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was 3 (interquartile range: 1.5–5). The majority of the cases (56%) suffered from relapsing-remitting (RR) course while 20% were diagnosed with primary progressive (PP) MS. Significantly higher proportion of male sex, PPMS, and higher EDSS were seen in the late-onset group compared with early-onset and adult-onset cases (p-value < 0.05). Seventy-five (23%) patients did not receive any disease-modifying treatment. Discussion: The more prominent degenerative pathology of LOMS may be the underlying mechanism of the observed differences in comparison to non-LOMS. Conclusion: There are substantial differences and knowledge gaps regarding LOMS which could be the subject of further research