Mortality risk factors in primary Sjögren syndrome: a real-world, retrospective, cohort study.

Background: What baseline predictors would be involved in mortality in people with primary Sjögren syndrome (SjS) remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the baseline characteristics collected at the time of diagnosis of SjS associated with mortality and to identify mortality risk factors for all-cause death and deaths related to systemic SjS activity measured by the ESSDAI score.

Methods: In this international, real-world, retrospective, cohort study, we retrospectively collected data from 27 countries on mortality and causes of death from the Big Data Sjögren Registry.

Mugilidae fish as bioindicator for monitoring plastic pollution: Comparison between a commercial port and a fishpond (north-western Mediterranean Sea).

In the last decade, interest in monitoring and managing plastic pollution has greatly increased. This study compared levels of microplastic contamination in stomachs of Mugilidae fish, suggesting this family as a target for plastic pollution monitoring in areas with different degrees of anthropisation. Two sites characterised by low and high anthropic impact, a fishpond (S'Ena Arrubia, Italy) and a port (Genoa, Italy), respectively, were compared.

Microplastics in the abyss: a first investigation into sediments at 2443-m depth (Toulon, France).

Plastic and microplastic pollutions are known to be widespread across the planet in all types of environments. However, relatively little about microplastic quantities in the deeper areas of the oceans is known, due to the difficulty to reach these environments. In this work, we present an investigation of microplastic (<5 mm) distribution performed in the bottom sediments of the abyssal plain off the coast and the canyon of Toulon (France).

Development and characterization of experimental ZnO cement containing niobophosphate bioactive glass as filling temporary material.

Aims: The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a temporary restorative material based on a zinc oxide matrix containing niobophosphate bioactive glass (NbG) for the caries-affected dentin treatment.

Material And Methods: NbG was added to a ZnO matrix in different concentrations (wt%). EDS-SEM, ATR-FTIR and XRD analyses were performed to characterize the cement.

Baseline on rare earth elements in the marine sediments of a Mediterranean commercial port as environmental tracers and their relationships with inorganic contaminants.

The Port of Genoa (north-western Mediterranean Sea) receives sediments from two different catchment areas (Bisagno and Polcevera torrents). The aim of the work is to evaluate if Rare Earth Elements (REEs) could be used to identify the two sedimentary inputs and to unravel the origin of inorganic contaminants in an anthropised basin. REE results constitute a baseline for this port.

Effect of two desensitizing agents applied previous to in-office bleaching on the degree of whitening and dentin sensitivity: A randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of two desensitizing agents applied before in-office bleaching, on the degree of whitening and dentin sensitivity.

Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to the groups, according to the desensitizing agent used, with n=10 for each one. The bleaching was performed with 35% hydrogen peroxide, divided according to the desensitizing agent used prior to the bleaching procedure: Placebo (PL); Desensibilize KF with potassium nitrate and 0.

Physicochemical properties, metalloproteinases inhibition, and antibiofilm activity of doxycycline-doped dental adhesive.

Objectives: To evaluate the incorporation of doxycycline (DOX) into a commercial dental adhesive regarding physicochemical properties, microtensile bond strength (μTBS), nanoleakage (NL), nanohardness (NH) and Young's modulus (YM), metalloproteinases (MMP) inhibition, and antibiofilm activity.

Methods: DOX was incorporated into the adhesive at 0.05, 0.

Sediment distribution on the continental shelf in relation to stream inputs and contamination: hydrodynamic, chemical, mineralogical, and sedimentological characteristics (Ligurian Sea, Italy).

River estuaries, continental shelf, and sediment contamination are closely linked from the point of view of sediment transport and diffusion that is governed by different factors such as sea waves and currents, river flows and floods, and sediment characteristics. Taking these factors into consideration, we have examined marine environmental and marine bottom sediments off the mouth of a stream to highlight the main ways of sediment and contaminant transport and diffusion on the continental shelf. For this purpose, we followed a multidisciplinary approach, studying circulation of water masses, hydrological characteristics of water column, distribution and main characteristics of sediment grain size, sediment mineralogical composition, and metal concentrations of bottom sediments.

Baseline of distribution and origin of Rare Earth Elements in marine sediment of the coastal area of the Eastern Gulf of Tigullio (Ligurian Sea, North-West Italy).

A study on the Rare Earth Element (REE) distribution in the bottom sediments of the Gulf of Tigullio (north-west Italy) was conducted. The results constitute a baseline for this zone of the Ligurian Sea and enabled the obtaining of valuable information on the origin and transport of sediments in the gulf. The distribution of REEs is controlled by phosphates, mainly monazite, and is generally homogeneous in the study area, reflecting the homogeneous distribution of the minerals.

Bonding Strength of Luting Cement to Zirconia-Based Ceramic Under Different Surface Treatments.

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the bonding strength of self-adhesive luting cement to zirconia under different surface treatments.

Materials And Methods:  Thirty-two zirconia samples were randomly divided into eight experimental groups based on the surface treatment employed (Control: no surface treatment; PMM: wear with diamond bur; JAT: blasting with glass beads; PMA: wear with a medium-roughness milling machine; Primer: primer application on the surface without treatment; PMM +Primer: PMM treatment plus primer application; JAT+Primer: JAT treatment plus primer application; and PMA+Primer: PMA treatment plus primer application). Cement cylinders were built on the ceramic surfaces, and the groups were subdivided according to the storage time employed (i.

Environmental implications of metal mobility in marine sediments receiving input from a torrent affected by mine discharge.

Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is one of the most important sources of pollution in fluvial systems and can enrich rivers in dissolved and suspended metals of environmental concern. Colloidal particles may favour the transport of metals to the sea, where metals can be accumulated in bottom sediments. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the mobility of metals in the "Baia delle Favole" bottom sediments (Sestri Levante, Italy), which receive the input of the AMD impacted Gromolo Torrent, using chemical speciation (BCR sequential extraction).

Benthic diatom community response to metal contamination from an abandoned Cu mine: Case study of the Gromolo Torrent (Italy).

Environmental contamination has become a global problem of increasing intensity due to the exponential growth of industrialization. One main debated issue is the metal contamination of rivers receiving Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) from active/abandoned mines. In order to assess the quality of lotic systems, diatoms are commonly used, as their assemblage modifies on the basis of changes in environmental parameters.

A Novel Synthesis Routine for Woodwardite and Its Affinity towards Light (La, Ce, Nd) and Heavy (Gd and Y) Rare Earth Elements.

A synthetic Cu-Al-SO₄ layered double hydroxide (LDH), analogue to the mineral woodwardite [CuAl(SO₄)(OH)₂·nH₂O], with x < 0.5 and n ≤ 3x/2, was synthesised by adding a solution of Cu and Al sulphates to a solution with NaOH. The pH values were kept constant at 8.

Influence of light-curing unit on the network structure and mechanical properties of model resin cements containing diphenyliodonium compared with a commercial reference.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of dyphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate (DPI) on crosslink density (CLD), flexural strength (FS), and flexural modulus (FM) of a light-cured experimental resin cement compared with a commercial dual-cured cement.

Materials And Methods: Bis-GMA combined with TEGDMA (50-50%) was used as resin matrix. Silanated barium-aluminum-silica glass was used as inorganic filler.

Effect of Ceramic Interposition and Post-activation Times on Knoop Hardness of Different Shades of Resin Cement.

The aim of this study was to evaluate Knoop hardness of different shades of a resin cement light-cured directly or through ceramic discs, measured 15 min or 24 h after light exposure, and at different depths. Specimens of a commercial resin cement (Variolink Veneer) in seven shades, were fabricated in an elastomeric mold, covered with a mylar strip, a 0.7 mm thick ceramic disc (IPS e.

Microtensile Bond Strength and Microhardness of Composite Resin Restorations Using a Sonic-Resin Placement System.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of applying sonic energy on microtensile bond strength and microhardness after the restoration process. A total of 40 human third molars were extracted. Class II cavities were prepared and restored with composite SonicFill or Filtek Z350 XT with and without the application of sonic energy.

Effect of radiotherapy, adhesive systems and doxycycline on the bond strength of the dentin-composite interface.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of radiotherapy, doxycycline and adhesive systems on the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of the dentin-composite interface.

Methods: 60 human third molars were sectioned to expose middle dentin surface and distributed according to: (1) adhesive system (Adper Scotchbond MP and Clearfil SE Bond) applied, (2) application or not of doxycycline, and (3) submission to 60 Gy total radiation (2 Gy daily doses, 5 days/week for 6 weeks) before restoration procedure (RtRes); after restoration procedure (ResRt) or not submitted to radiotherapy (Control group). Specimens were tested for μTBS and mode of failure were evaluated under optical microscopy.

Metal transport and remobilisation in a basin affected by acid mine drainage: the role of ochreous amorphous precipitates.

Metal-polluted mine waters represent a major threat to the quality of waters and sediments in a downstream basin. At the confluence between acidic mine waters and the unpolluted waters of the Gromolo Torrent (Liguria, North-West Italy), the massive formation of an ochreous amorphous precipitate takes place. This precipitate forms a soft blanket that covers the torrent bed and can be observed down to its mouth in the sea.

Effect of Metal Primers on Bond Strength of a Composite Resin to Nickel-Chrome Metal Alloy.

This study evaluated the effects of three metal primers and one multi-mode adhesive system on the shear bond strength (SBS) of a flowable composite resin to nickel-chrome metal alloy (Ni-Cr). Ninety plates were cast from Ni-Cr and divided in nine groups (n=10). The surfaces were sandblasted with Al2O3 and primed with three adhesive primers: Alloy Primer (AP), Universal Primer (TP) and RelyX Ceramic Primer (CP), and a multi-mode adhesive (Scotchbond Universal, SU).

A mycological baseline study based on a multidisciplinary approach in a coastal area affected by contaminated torrent input.

Fungi include a vast group of eukaryotic organisms able to colonise different natural, anthropised and extreme environments, including marine areas contaminated by metals. The present study aims to give a first multidisciplinary characterisation of marine bottom sediments contaminated by metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn), originating in the water leakage from an abandoned Fe-Cu sulphide mine (Libiola, north-western Italy), and evaluate how the chemical and physical parameters of water and sediments may affect the benthic fungal communities. Our preliminary results showed the high mycodiversity of the marine sediments studied (13 genera and 23 species of marine fungi isolated), and the great physiological adaptability that this mycobiota evolved in reaction to the effects of the ecotoxic bottom sediment contamination, and associated changes in the seawater parameters.

Environmental complexity of a port: Evidence from circulation of the water masses, and composition and contamination of bottom sediments.

Ports are complex environments due to their complicated geometry (quays, channels, and piers), the presence of human activities (vessel traffic, shipyards, industries, and discharges), and natural factors (stream and torrent inputs, sea action, and currents). Taking these factors into consideration, we have examined the marine environment of a port from the point of view of the circulation of the water masses, hydrological characteristics, distribution of the sediment grain-size, mineralogical characteristics, and metal concentrations of the bottom sediments. Our results show that, in the case of the Port of Genoa (north-western Italy), the impact of human activities (such as a coal power-plant, oil depots, shipyards, dredging of the bottom sediments, etc.

Marine sediment contamination and dynamics at the mouth of a contaminated torrent: The case of the Gromolo Torrent (Sestri Levante, north-western Italy).

In this study we have examined the currents and hydrological characteristics of the water column off the mouth of the Gromolo Torrent (north-western Italy) in relation to the grain-size, mineralogical characteristics and metal distribution in the marine sediment sampled. Our purpose was to quantify and map the contamination that was carried out to sea from the abandoned Libiola Fe-Cu sulphide mine that has heavily impacted the torrent. Our results show high concentrations of Cu and Zn, and relatively high concentrations of Cd and Ni inside the bay into which the Gromolo Torrent flows.

Correlation between bond strength and nanomechanical properties of adhesive interface.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to evaluate the nanohardness and Young's modulus of the adhesive-dentin interface and to correlate them with the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) after storage in water for 24 h and 6 months.

Methods: Eighty human third molar teeth were bonded to composite resin with the Adper Scotchbond Multipurpose (SBMP), Adper Single Bond 2 (SB2), Clearfil SE Bond (CSE) or Clearfil S3 Bond (CS3) adhesive systems and stored in water for 24 h and 6 months. Three bonded teeth were selected for each group for nanoindentation methodology to obtain the nanohardness and modulus values (n = 3), while seven bonded teeth each group were used for μTBS (n = 7).

Effect of temperature on the release and remobilization of ecotoxic elements in AMD colloidal precipitates: the example of the Libiola copper mine, Liguria, (Italy).

Due to their characteristics, colloidal particles are able to control the dispersion of many organic and inorganic pollutants in soils and streams. Colloidal precipitates generated by acid mine drainage (AMD) process are usually amorphous or nanocrystalline materials, and their stability plays a crucial role in controlling the fate of metals released by sulphide oxydation. This paper describes a study of elements release (Fe, Al, Mn, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, S, Zn) due to desorption or destabilization of three different colloidal precipitates, two ochreous and a greenish-blue precipitate, sampled at the Libiola mine site (northwest Italy).

Influence of irradiance on Knoop hardness, degree of conversion, and polymerization shrinkage of nanofilled and microhybrid composite resins.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the irradiance emitted by a light-curing unit on microhardness, degree of conversion (DC), and gaps resulting from shrinkage of 2 dental composite resins. Cylinders of nanofilled and microhybrid composites were fabricated and light cured. After 24 hours, the tops and bottoms of the specimens were evaluated via indentation testing and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to determine Knoop hardness number (KHN) and DC, respectively.