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

Computer-aided implant therapy [Terapia implantare computer-assistita]

CAD-CAM technology allows to plan implant position on CT images and to produce customized surgical template to transfer this information to surgical sites. The aim of this study was to check utility and accuracy of a new CAD-CAM system in the treatment of full and partial edentulism. 10 patients were enrolled in the sample and treated with the system. All patients received a template and underwent CT-DentaScan. CT images were used for planning implant position with the software. Patients were divided into two groups: the "Guided Group", where implant placement as well as drilling was template guided; and the "Non-Guided Group", where only drilling was template-guided. Overall 92 implants were placed. Two months after surgery a control CT-scan was taken and images of both planned and placed implants were compared. Success rate in repeating virtually planned implant position was 96.55% on the vestibular-oral/lingual axis; 86.21% on the mesio-distal axis and 91.38% on the whole. When implant placement was not template guided, success rates were lower. Distances from anatomical landmarks were always respected. The software allows to make accurate pre-surgical evaluation and treatment programs and to transfer them safely to surgical sites. This system appear to be a valid help in the treatment of difficult implant-supported rehabilitations