Development of a reproducible method of analysis of iron, zinc and phosphorus in vegetables digests by SEC-ICP-MS

Vegetables contain iron, zinc and phosphorus as complexes with phytates limiting their availability from a vegetarian diet, meaning non-haem iron deficiency anaemia and zinc deficiency immune malfunction are a risk. Although these elements have been analysed previously in biological fluids and cereal using LC-ICP-MS, there is no method suitable for analysing iron, zinc and phosphorus simultaneously in vegetables because of their complex matrix. In this study, we analysed iron, zinc and phosphorus in cabbage, broccoli, pepper, spinach, kale and rocket after a simulated gastrointestinal digestion using a newly optimised SEC-ICP-MS method. Ammonium nitrate, as the mobile phase, and a suitable rinsing regime, allowed good reproducibility and maintenance of the equipment. The method showed good reproducibility and can be easily adapted to other vegetables, as required

Determination of energy-dependent neutron backgrounds using shadow bars

Understanding the neutron background is essential for determining the neutron yield from nuclear reactions. In the analysis presented here, the shadow bars are placed in front of neutron detectors to determine the energy dependent neutron background fractions. The measurement of neutron spectra with and without shadow bars is important to determine the neutron background more accurately. The neutron background, along with its sources and systematic uncertainties, are explored with a focus on the impact of background models and their dependence on neutron energy.Comment: 7 pages, 10 figure

Cone-Abutment Connection and Zirconia Restorations Influence on Peri-Implant Tissues Health.

Objective: Stable crestal bone levels are believed to be critical for the long-term implant success. After implant insertion and loading, crestal bone usually remodels to a level about 2.0mm apical to the the implant–abutment junction in two-piece implants. This could be lead to a localized inflammation of the peri-implant tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of cone connection implants and zirconia restorations on peri-implant tissues. Methods: 91 Morse cone connection implants (Ankylos® Dentsply Friadent, Mannheim, Germany) were inserted in 53 patients, ranging in age between 27 and 65 years old, to correct partial or single edentulisms. After an healing period of 2 months, the implants were loaded, for 1 month with resin provisional prosthesis and then with Zirconia core fixed partial dentures and were monitorized every 3 months for 2 years. The crestal bone height was evaluated with digital standardized radiographs; mSBI, mPlI, suppuration or gingival enlargment were recorded to study soft tissue conditions. Results: Mean crestal bone loss at interproximal surfaces was ≤0,5 mm. Stable bone above the implant shoulder was detected in case of subcrestal positioning of the implant. No infrabony pockets were present. mPlI≤1 and mSBI≤1 were recorded regardless of patient smoking or hygene habits; no suppurations or gingival enlargments were observed. Conclusions: It has been claimed that morse tapered abutment connection provides high resistance to micromotion and bacteria infiltration and that Zirconia provocs lower inflammatory level in surrounding tissues than titanium. Clinical outcomes seem to confirm reduced inflammatory manifestation of peri-implant soft and mineralized tissues using this kind of implant-prosthesis