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Purpose: To investigate the screw loosening and fracture resistance of different hybrid abutment crown restorations after thermomechanical aging. Materials and Methods: Restorations were produced from zirconia, lithium disilicate, and hybrid ceramics with a CAD/CAM system (n = 10). Restorations and titanium bases (Ti-bases) were cemented, and the abutment screws were torqued to 30 Ncm. They were retorqued after 10 minutes, and then the removal torque values (RTVs) were measured. After 250,000 and 500,000 cycles of thermomechanical aging were completed, the RTVs were measured again, and removal torque loss (RTL) ratios were calculated. The specimens were subjected to a fracture resistance test after 750,000 cycles of thermomechanical aging, and the load at failure was recorded as the fracture resistance (N). The results were statistically analyzed (a = .05). Results: Aging was effective on the RTVs and RTL ratios (P < .001). The highest RTV was observed before aging; however, the RTVs significantly decreased and RTL ratios significantly increased after aging (P < .05). The fracture resistance values significantly differed among the ceramic materials. All lithium disilicate and hybrid ceramic specimens showed restoration fracture and most of the zirconia specimens showed Ti-base-related failure. Conclusions: Hybrid abutment crowns made of zirconia, lithium disilicate, and hybrid ceramics can withstand the average occlusal forces in the molar region; however, the ceramic type may affect the failure type. Retightening of the abutment screws after 10 minutes following the first tightening and annually may be beneficial to prevent the adverse effects of screw loosening on the integrity of the implant-abutment connection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have used a combination of pico-to-nano temporal/spatial scale computational physics and chemistry modeling of plasma–material interfaces in the tokamak fusion plasma edges to unravel the evolving characteristics, not readily accessible by empirical means, of lithium-, oxygen-, and hydrogen-containing materials of plasma-facing components under irradiation by hydrogen and its isotopes. In the present calculation, amorphous lithium compound surfaces containing oxygen, Li2O, and LiOH were irradiated by 1–100 eV particles at incident angles on the surface ranging from perpendicular to almost grazing angles. Consequential surface processes, reflection, retention, and sputtering were studied at "the same footing" and compared to earlier results from amorphous Li and LiH surfaces. The critical role of charging dynamics of lithium, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms in the surface chemistry during hydrogen-fuel irradiation was found to drive the kinetics and dynamics of these surfaces in unexpected ways that ultimately could have profound effects on fusion plasma confinement behavior and surface erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium (Li) is one of the most effective drugs for treating bipolar disorder (BD), however, there is presently no way to predict response to guide treatment. The aim of this study is to identify functional genes and pathways that distinguish BD Li responders (LR) from BD Li non-responders (NR). An initial Pharmacogenomics of Bipolar Disorder study (PGBD) GWAS of lithium response did not provide any significant results. As a result, we then employed network-based integrative analysis of transcriptomic and genomic data. In transcriptomic study of iPSC-derived neurons, 41 significantly differentially expressed (DE) genes were identified in LR vs NR regardless of lithium exposure. In the PGBD, post-GWAS gene prioritization using the GWA-boosting (GWAB) approach identified 1119 candidate genes. Following DE-derived network propagation, there was a highly significant overlap of genes between the top 500- and top 2000-proximal gene networks and the GWAB gene list (Phypergeometric = 1.28E-09 and 4.10E-18, respectively). Functional enrichment analyses of the top 500 proximal network genes identified focal adhesion and the extracellular matrix (ECM) as the most significant functions. Our findings suggest that the difference between LR and NR was a much greater effect than that of lithium. The direct impact of dysregulation of focal adhesion on axon guidance and neuronal circuits could underpin mechanisms of response to lithium, as well as underlying BD. It also highlights the power of integrative multi-omics analysis of transcriptomic and genomic profiling to gain molecular insights into lithium response in BD.

[Display omitted] • La doping and Li 3 BO 3 coating layers modified LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 (NCM811) is successfully synthesized by a facile one-step heating treatment processing. • The La diffused amorphous domains and Li 3 BO 3 passivating layers enhance the crystal lattice structure, interfacial chemistry behavior and lithium-ion transport kinetics. • The designed NCM811 exhibits high specific capacity and cycling stability under a high cutoff voltage up to 4.8 V. Single crystalline Ni-rich layered oxide cathodes show high energy density and low cost, have been regarded as one of the most promising candidates for next generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Extending the cycling voltage window will significantly improve the energy density, however, suffers from bulk structural and interfacial chemistry degradation, leading to rapidly cycle performance deterioration. Here, we propose a dual-modification strategy to synthesize La doping and Li 3 BO 3 (LBO) coating layers modified LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 (NCM811) by a facile one-step heating treatment processing. In-situ EIS and XRD, ex-situ XPS techniques are applied to demonstrate that the La diffused amorphous domains and Li 3 BO 3 passivating layers dampen the lattice distortion, enhance the interfacial chemistry behavior as well as lithium ion transportation kinetics. Specifically, surface La doping amorphous domains successfully suppress the intense lattice stress and volume changes induced by the phase transitions during lithiation/delithiation, thus avoiding the intergranular crack and enhancing the mechanical stability of the material. Moreover, the LBO layer formed by the consumption of residual lithium prevents successive parasitic reactions at the interface as well as provides rapid Li-ion diffusion channels. Furthermore, the coating layer also diminishes the residual lithium compounds, increasing the atmosphere stability and safety of LIBs. Consequently, the La doping and LBO coating NCM811 exhibits an exceptional initial specific capacity (230.6 mAh/g) at 0.5C under a high cutoff voltage of 4.8 V, and a 73.8 % capacity retention following 100 cycles. In addition, a superior specific capacity of 133.8 mAh/g is provided even at a high current density (4C). Our work paves a promising road to tackle the integral structure deterioration and interfacial instability of Ni-rich cathodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the issue of inactive dead lithium deposition on the anode side remains a significant challenge for anode‐free lithium metal batteries. While lithium compensation techniques can mitigate lithium depletion, directly introducing lithium compounds into the cathode material may degrade the electrode structure. Here the design and fabrication of a novel lithium replenishment separator (LRS) using a lithium compensation agent of Li2C4O4 is reported. The electrospun LRS demonstrates excellent ionic conductivity of 1.82 mS cm−1 and a high Li+ transference number of 0.51. Such a functionalized LRS not only provides additional active lithium for anode‐free lithium metal batteries but also promotes uniform deposition of lithium metal. Compared with conventional polyolefin‐based separators, the LRS effectively boosts LiFePO4||Cu anode‐free batteries with enhanced cyclability. These results suggest this LRS strategy can find promising applications in next‐generation anode‐free batteries with high energy densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palladium‐catalyzed cross‐couplings of aryl chlorides usually call for bulky, electron‐rich ligands such as phosphines or heterocyclic carbenes. We have now found that similarly powerful cross‐coupling catalysts are obtained by the reaction of palladium salts with alkynyllithium reagents. The species initially formed in this process was characterized as a dilithium tetraalkinyl palladate complex. It catalyzes the coupling of aryl chlorides with the lithium salts of various terminal alkynes to give alkynyl arenes. The isolated Li‐alkynyl‐Pd complex also efficiently promotes the reaction of aryl, and allyl chlorides with (hetero)aryl‐, alkyl‐, and allyllithium compounds as well as lithium amides. None of these reactions proceeded in the presence of palladium salts alone. The preparative utility of this approach was demonstrated by the synthesis of 49 molecules, including pharmaceutically relevant compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shakhmatkin and Vedishcheva thermodynamic model (SV TDM) of the 45S5 Bioglass® doped with three different amounts of Li2O (4.1, 9.9, and 12.3 mol%) was evaluated at T = 800 K. The 55 components of SV TDM were considered, among them 12 lithium containing compounds. Different number of components with not negligible equilibrium molar amount was found for different glass compositions (9 or 10). In all glass compositions containing nonzero amount of Li2O, the four lithium compounds with not negligible equilibrium amount were identified, i.e., Li2O·SiO2, 3Li2O·P2O5, Li2O·2CaO·2SiO2, and 2Li2O·SiO2. In the 45S5 glass composition four phosphate compounds with not negligible abundance were identified: 9Na2O·6SiO2·2P2O5, Na2O·2CaO·P2O5, 5Na2O·4SiO2·P2O5, and Na2O·CaO·P2O5. In all other glasses the 3Li2O.P2O5 was found with not negligible abundance. Moreover, in the glass with 4.1 mol% Li2O the Na2O·2CaO·P2O5 and 3Li2O·P2O5 compounds were found with not negligible abundance. For each studied glass the glass transition temperature, coefficient of thermal expansion of glass and metastable melt were measured by thermodilatometry. The low temperature viscosity was measured by thermomechanical analysis. The viscous flow activation energy was evaluated from the viscosity temperature dependence. The compositional dependence of measured thermal properties was analyzed by correlation analysis with the Q-distribution of silicate and phosphate units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The leftover material from the heat-pressing of IPS e.max Press ceramic is often discarded, despite some laboratories exploring its potential for reuse. However, there is a lack of data on the performance of IPS e.max Press ceramic when combined with the button portions. This study investigated the impact of repeated heat-pressing on the crystal structure and flexural strength of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (LDGC). Methods: Specimens (N = 30, n = 10 per group) were categorized based on the number of heat-pressing cycles: G0 (control group, no heat-pressing), G1 (one cycle of heat-pressing), and G2 (two cycles of heat-pressing). The crystal structure of LDGC bars was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Flexural strength was tested, and microstructures were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the ImageJ processing program. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple pairwise comparisons of means were performed with Tukey's post-hoc test. Results: G2 exhibited significantly lower flexural strength and crystallinity, as well as larger crystal size, compared to G1 and G0 (p < 0.05). Flexural strength values decreased significantly with an increased number of heat-pressing cycles. Conclusions: The mechanical properties of LDGC significantly degraded after repeated heat pressing. Therefore, it is not clinically advisable to repeatedly press the lithium disilicate ingot together with the leftover material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the cutting efficiency of different diamond rotary instrument types for sectioning monolithic zirconia and lithium disilicate anatomical crowns. Materials and methods: The study used 30 diamond rotary instruments divided into three groups: Zirconia cutting diamond bur (White Z), super coarse grit diamond bur (KBlack), and medium coarse grit diamond bur (KBlue); Two subgroups were assigned based on the crown materials including monolithic zirconia (5YSZ) and lithium disilicate (e.max) ceramics. The cutting efficiency was assessed by measuring the time required to fully section the crowns, followed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) of the dental burs before use and after every sectioned crown. A three-way ANOVA examined the effects of bur type, material type, and sectioning stage. If interaction exists, one-way ANOVA was used to compare the different subgroups, followed by the Tukey post hoc test. The significance level was assigned at α ≤ 0.05. Results: The results exhibited various cutting efficiencies among diamond rotary instruments and ceramic crown materials. White Z demonstrated superior cutting efficiency of zirconia crown compared with KBlack and KBlue for the first cutting cycles (p ≤ 0.05); the results tend to be more comparable at the third cutting cycle. However, the super coarse diamond bur exhibited higher efficiency in cutting lithium disilicate crowns than white Z and KBlue burs through all three cutting cycles(p ≤ 0.05). The diamond bur-cutting efficiency diminished after each use, irrespective of the bur type or the crown material (p ≤ 0.05); this was represented by the reduction of carbon and increased nickel matrix ratio after each bur usage. Conclusion: White Z diamond bur showed higher cutting efficiency of zirconia in the first two cutting cycles; super coarse diamond bur is more efficient for cutting lithium disilicate crown in all of the cutting cycles. The amount of diamond on the burs reduced after each use, with no great impact on the material type when sectioning lithium disilicate and 5YSZ crowns. Clinical significance: This study provides valuable insights for dental practitioners in selecting the appropriate diamond rotary instrument for crown sectioning. Practitioners can minimize the risk of damage and reduce the time required for crown removal, improving patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ketenyl lithium compounds of type [RC(Li)CO] (with R = Ph2P(E), E = O, S, Se) were found to exhibit lower thermal stabilities than their potassium analogues due to the stronger coordination of the oxygen of the ketene moiety to the harder metal cation, resulting in a more pronounced ynolate character. Using additional ligands allows manipulation of the O–Li interaction, thereby influencing the stability and reactivity of the ketenyl anions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium is regarded as the first-line treatment for bipolar disorder (BD), a severe and disabling mental health disorder that affects about 1% of the population worldwide. Nevertheless, lithium is not consistently effective, with only 30% of patients showing a favorable response to treatment. To provide personalized treatment options for bipolar patients, it is essential to identify prediction biomarkers such as polygenic scores. In this study, we developed a polygenic score for lithium treatment response (Li+PGS) in patients with BD. To gain further insights into lithiums possible molecular mechanism of action, we performed a genome-wide gene-based analysis. Using polygenic score modeling, via methods incorporating Bayesian regression and continuous shrinkage priors, Li+PGS was developed in the International Consortium of Lithium Genetics cohort (ConLi+Gen: N = 2367) and replicated in the combined PsyCourse (N = 89) and BipoLife (N = 102) studies. The associations of Li+PGS and lithium treatment response - defined in a continuous ALDA scale and a categorical outcome (good response vs. poor response) were tested using regression models, each adjusted for the covariates: age, sex, and the first four genetic principal components. Statistical significance was determined at P

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a neuropsychiatric mood disorder manifested by recurrent episodes of mania and depression. More than half of BD patients are non-responsive to lithium, the first-line treatment drug, complicating BD clinical management. Given its unknown etiology, it is pertinent to understand the genetic signatures that lead to variability in lithium response. We discovered a set of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) of 10 controls and 19 BD patients belonging mainly to the immunoglobulin gene family that can be used as potential biomarkers to diagnose and treat BD. Importantly, we trained machine learning algorithms on our datasets that predicted the lithium response of BD subtypes with minimal errors, even when used on a different cohort of 24 BD patients acquired by a different laboratory. This proves the scalability of our methodology for predicting lithium response in BD and for a prompt and suitable decision on therapeutic interventions.

Background: Women with gynecologic disorders requiring a hysterectomy often have co-existing psychiatric diagnoses. A change in the dispensing pattern of antidepressant (AD) and antianxiety (AA) medications around the time of hysterectomy may be due to improvement in gynecologic symptoms, such as pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding, or the emotional impact of the hysterectomy. Unfortunately, these dispensing patterns before and after hysterectomy are currently undescribed. Objectives: To model the dispensing patterns of AD and AA medications over time among women with psychiatric disorders before and after benign hysterectomy for endometriosis and uterine fibroids; and to characterize clusters of patients with various dispensing behaviors based on these patterns. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: This is a study of women who underwent a benign hysterectomy using data from the Merative MarkertScan® Research Databases (Ann Arbor, MI, USA). Inclusion criteria were reproductive-aged women (18–50 years), diagnosis of at least one mood or anxiety disorder, and at least one dispensing of AD or AA medications. We measured monthly adherence and persistence of AD/AA medication use over 12 months after hysterectomy. Group-based-trajectory modeling (GBTM) was used to identify trajectory groups of monthly AD/AA medication dispensing over the study period. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with individual dispensing trajectory patterns. Results: For a total of 11,607 patients, 6 dispensing trajectory groups were identified during the study period: continuously high (27.0%), continuously moderate (21.9%), continuously low (17.9%), low-to-high (10.0%), moderate-to-low (9.8%), and low-to-moderate (13.4%). Compared with the continuously high group, younger age, no history of a mood disorder, and uterine fibroids were clinical predictors of low dispensing. The discontinuation rate at 3 months after hysterectomy was higher at 88.6% in the continuously low group and at 66.5% in the continuously low-to-moderate group. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that GBTM identified six distinct trajectories of AD/AA medication dispensing in the perioperative period. Trajectory models could be used to identify specific dispensing patterns for targeting interventions. Plain language summary: Dispensing patterns of antidepressant and antianxiety medications for psychiatric disorders after benign hysterectomy in reproductive-aged women: Results from the group-based trajectory modeling Women with gynecologic disorders often have coexisting psychiatric diagnoses. A change in the dispensing pattern of antidepressant and antianxiety medications may be due to improvement in gynecologic symptoms or the emotional impact of the hysterectomy. However, static measures, such as the proportion of days covered or medication possession ratio, may not adequately predict meaningful dispensing patterns. Using the group-based trajectory modeling, 6 distinct patterns of medication dispensing over the perioperative periods of women with benign hysterectomy are identified and therefore used to assess how certain clinical characteristics influence these dispensing patterns. This study concludes that trajectory modeling may be a more appropriate approach to investigating dispensing patterns among women with preexisting psychiatric conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinically, most patients with lung cancer (LC) die from tumor spread and metastasis. Specific metastasis‐related molecules can provide reference for clinical prediction of efficacy, evaluation of prognosis, and search for the best treatment plan. Troponin T1 (TNNT1) is highly expressed in various cancer tissues, which affects malignant behavior of tumor cells and is related to patients' survival and prognosis. However, the role and molecular mechanism of TNNT1 in LC invasion and metastasis have not yet been investigated. Methods: Gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA) online analysis was used to analyze TNNT1 expression in LC tissues. Quantitative real‐time‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) or western blot were performed to measure TNNT1 or epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related and Wnt/β‐catenin pathway‐related protein expression in LC cells. After TNNT1 knockdown, cell scratch healing and transwell assays were introduced to assess cell migration and invasion, respectively. Results: TNNT1 expression in LC tissues and cells was increased. TNNT1 knockdown notably impaired LC cell migration, invasion and EMT. TNNT1 knockdown inhibited Wnt/β‐catenin pathway of LC cells. Lithium chloride (LiCl) addition partially restored the inhibition of TNNT1 knockdown on migration, invasion, EMT and Wnt/β‐catenin of LC cells. Conclusion: TNNT1 knockdown attenuated LC migration, invasion and EMT, possibly through Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of monolithic zirconia laminate veneers (MZLV) compared to lithium disilicate laminate veneers (LDLV). Materials and methods: Sixty resin replicas, each prepared with depths of 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, and 1 mm, were produced using a 3D printer from acrylic teeth. Laminate veneers of these thicknesses were milled from pre-sintered monolithic zirconia (3rd generation) and lithium disilicate blocks. The intaglio surface of MZLV was treated with air abrasion using 110 μm diameter silica-modified aluminium oxide particles and ceramic primer, while LDLV was etched with etchant gel and treated with the ceramic primer before cementation with resin cement. Vertical marginal discrepancy (VMD) was assessed using a stereomicroscope, and a load-to-failure test was conducted using a universal testing machine. Failure modes were evaluated macroscopically on fractured surfaces. Data were analysed statistically using Two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni correction (α = 0.05). Results: LDLV samples exhibited significantly larger VMD compared to MZLV samples across all thicknesses, especially in cervical, palatal, and mean data. Within the LDLV group, load-to-fracture values for 0.7 mm and 1.0 mm thicknesses were similar, whereas for 0.5 mm thickness, it was significantly lower. In the MZLV group, load-to-fracture values were lower for 0.7 mm and 1.0 mm thicknesses compared to LDLV, but higher for 0.5 mm thickness. Conclusions: Material choice and restoration thickness significantly influence laminate veneer restorations' success. MZLV generally exhibits superior vertical marginal fit compared to LDLV, with varying load-to-failure values across different thicknesses. Clinical management of debonding in MZLV is simpler compared to restoration fracture in LDLV. Clinical relevance: Considering clinical factors, MZLV may be a preferable option to LDLV for this restoration with the thickness of 0.5 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While organoelement compounds of lithium, sodium and potassium have been much studied for decades and consequently have found forests of applications, those of the heavier alkali metals, rubidium and caesium would barely manage to fill a tree. However, recently the literature has seen some little growth spurts with these metals, hinting at a possible fertile future in areas such as homogeneous catalysis provided more work is put into their fundamental development. Here we report the synthesis and crystal structures of lithium, rubidium and caesium derivatives of the ureaphosphane Ph2PCH2CH2NHC(=O)NHPh, chosen because it offers O, N, P, and π‐coordination sites. Though one may expect such alkali metal compounds to be essentially similar, the caesium complex has novel features where Cs+ engages in a side‐on coordination to the C=O bond and in a weak bond to the P centre, both of which are absent in the Rb structure. Less surprisingly, the lithium derivative is tetrameric in contrast to the infinite networks of the rubidium and caesium structures. All alkali metal derivatives were made with deprotonating the ureaphosphane by a suitable base, including the sodium and potassium complexes though these two complexes could not be obtained in a crystalline form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium compounds such as lithium hydride (LiH) and lithium hydroxide (LiOH) have a wide range of industrial applications, but are highly reactive in environments with H2O and CO2. These reactions lead to the ingrowth of secondary lithium compounds, which can alter the homogeneity and affect the application of particular lithium chemicals. This study performed an exploratory analysis of different lithium compounds using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman spectroscopy. Machine learning models are trained on the recorded spectral data to discriminate emission features that differ between LiH, LiOH, and Li2CO3 to perform high-fidelity classification. Support vector machine classifiers yield perfect prediction accuracy between the three compounds with optimal training time. Multivariate methods are then used to produce regression models quantifying the ingrowth of LiOH in LiH. Performing a mid-level data fusion of selected LIBS and Raman features with partial least-squares regression produces the superlative model with a root mean square error of 2.5 wt % and a detection limit of 6.3 wt %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the effects of conventional cigarette smoking (CS) and recent heated tobacco products (HTPs) on the surface roughness and color stability of different indirect restorative materials. Materials and methods: One hundred disc-shaped samples were constructed of three different restorative CAD/CAM materials: lithium disilicate glass–ceramic (IPS e.max CAD; Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein), zirconia (BruxZir® Zirconia, Glidewell, USA) and polyetheretherketone (BioHPP® bredent GmbH, Germany). Of the IPS e.max CAD and the Bruxzir samples, 20 samples were glazed, and 20 samples were polished, while the BioHPP samples were all polished according to the manufacturer's instructions. Fifty samples were subjected to conventional cigarette smoking (LM, Philip Morris International Inc., Egypt) (Groups: IPS e.max CAD_Glazed exposed to CS (LD_G_Cig), IPS e.max CAD_Polished exposed to CS (LD_P_Cig), Bruxzir_Glazed exposed to CS (Zr_G_Cig), Bruxzir _Polished exposed to CS (Zr_P_Cig) and BioHPP exposed to CS (PEEK_Cig) and fifty samples were exposed to heated tobacco product smoking (Heets, Russet selection, Philip Morris International Inc., Italy) (Groups: IPS e.max CAD_Glazed exposed to HTP (LD_G_HTP), IPS e.max CAD_Polished exposed to HTP (LD_P_HTP), Bruxzir_Glazed exposed to HTP (Zr_G_HTP), Bruxzir CAD_Polished exposed to HTP (Zr_P_HTP) and BioHPP exposed to HTP (PEEK_HTP).. Six hundred cigarettes/heets representing 30 days of medium smoking behavior (20 cigarettes/day) were used. Before and after exposure to smoke, the surface roughness of all the samples was measured using JITAI8101 surface roughness tester (Beijing Jitai Tech Detection Device Co., Ltd, China, and the color parameters were assessed using VITA Easyshade Advance 4.01 (VITA shade, VITA made, VITA). The data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA, paired sample t-test and independent sample t-test. The significance level was set at α < 0.05. The surface topography was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy to determine changes in the surface chemical composition. Results: Both types of smoking caused significant increases in the surface roughness of all the samples. There was a significant difference in color change between CS and HTP for all materials with different surface finish (P < 0.01) and zirconia had the greatest effect on color change (P < 0.001). In contrast, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) "BioHPP" had the least effect (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Exposure to different types of smoking induce changes in the surface topography and color of different esthetic restorative materials. Compared with HTP, conventional cigarette smoke has a greater effect on the surface roughness and color stability of esthetic restorative materials. The glazed surfaces showed less change in surface topography than did the polished surfaces. Zirconia showed better color stability when compared to polyetheretherketone (PEEK). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influences of various doping elements on the corrosion behavior and possible failure mechanism of aluminum nitride ceramic in lithium had been investigated using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope techniques. The results showed that different doping element could produce obvious effects on the corrosion behavior of aluminum nitride. In comparison with yttrium doping, better corrosion resistance in lithium could be achieved in zirconia doped aluminum nitride. This was attributed to a certain degree of compatibility of both the doped zirconium and its related compounds with lithium. Based on these observations, a corrosion resistance mechanism model was proposed, in which lithium was supposed to be hindered from diffusing into aluminum nitride by a network structure with the impurities, ie. ZrN and Al 2.85 N 0.5 O 3.5 , as the nodes. The corrosion resistance could also be improved effectively by fine and homogeneous grains due to the influences of grain sizes on the node number in network structure. Further studies on the corrosion behavior in embedded liquid lithium implied that the severity of corrosion had close relations with the sample surface quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effects of ceramic translucency, layer thickness, and substrate colour on the shade of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic restorations proved to be significant in several studies, however, quantitative, numerical results on the relationship between the colour difference and these parameters are still lacking. The purpose of this in vitro study was to quantitatively determine how the colour reproduction ability of a lithium disilicate glass-ceramic is affected by its translucency, layer thickness, and substrate colour. Methods: Ceramic samples were prepared from A2 shade IPS e.max CAD blocks with high and low translucencies (HT and LT) in a thickness range of 0.5–2.5 mm (+/- 0.05 mm). Layered samples were acquired utilizing composite substrates in 9 shades; transparent try-in paste was used. The spectral reflectance of the specimens was assessed under D65 standard illumination with a Konica Minolta CM-3720d spectrophotometer. The CIEDE2000 colour difference (ΔE00) between two samples was analysed using perceptibility and acceptability thresholds set at 50:50%. Statistical analysis involved linear regression analysis and the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: An increase in the thickness of 0.5 mm reduced the ΔE00 of the HT samples to 72.8%, and that of the T samples to 71.1% (p < 0.0001). 7 substrates with HT and LT specimens had significantly different results from the mean (p < 0.05). A thickness of 0.5 mm is not sufficient to achieve an acceptable result at any level of translucency, while the low translucency ceramic at a thickness of 1.5 mm gave acceptable results, except for severely discoloured substrates (ND8 and ND9). Conclusions: The colour reproduction ability of lithium disilicate glass-ceramics is significantly affected by their translucency, layer thickness, and 7 substrates out of 9 substrates examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium trichlate, Li[Cl3CSO3] ⋅ 2H2O (triclinic, P1‾ ${P\bar 1}$ , Z=2, a=630.29(3) pm, b=630.65(3) pm, c=1246.10(6) pm, α=100.657(2)°, β=97.813(2)°, γ=107.994(2)°) was obtained from the reaction of (H5O2)[Cl3CSO3] and LiOH in aqueous solution. Similarly, colourless single crystals of the tribrate Li[Br3CSO3] ⋅ 2H2O (triclinic, P1‾ ${P\bar 1}$ , Z=4, a=634.65(4) pm, b=636.83(4) pm, c=2496.8(2) pm, α=83.518°, β=86.081(5)°, γ=72.061(5)°) form in the reaction of aqueous Br3CSO3H and LiOH. The acid (H5O2)[Cl3CSO3] was obtained from the chlorination of CS2, followed by oxidation of the intermediate Cl3CSCl with H2O2. The bromo derivative Br3CSO3H has been prepared by bromination of phenylsulfonate with KOBr and subsequent ion exchange of the obtained potassium salt. Both lithium compounds exhibit molecular dimers according to {Li2(X3CSO3)2/1(H2O)2/1(H2O)2/2} with the Li+ ions in tetrahedral coordination of oxygen atoms. The difference in the crystal structures result from the variation of the orientation of the dimers with respect to each other. The experimental findings for the dimers are in good agreement with DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the rapid evolution of lithium silicate-based glass ceramics (LSCs) in dentistry, this review paper aims to present an updated overview of the recently introduced commercial novel LSCs. The clinical and in vitro English-language literature relating to the microstructure, manufacturing, strengthening, properties, surface treatments and clinical performance of LSC materials was obtained through an electronic search. Findings from relevant articles were extracted and summarised for this manuscript. There is considerable evidence supporting the mechanical and aesthetic competency of LSC variants, namely zirconia-reinforced lithium silicates and lithium–aluminium disilicates. Nonetheless, the literature assessing the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of novel LSCs is scarce. An exploration of the chemical, mechanical and chemo-mechanical intaglio surface treatments—alternative to hydrofluoric acid etching—revealed promising adhesion performance for acid neutralisation and plasma treatment. The subtractive manufacturing methods of partially crystallised and fully crystallised LSC blocks and the additive manufacturing modalities pertaining to the fabrication of LSC dental restorations are addressed, wherein that challenges that could be encountered upon implementing novel additive manufacturing approaches using LSC print materials are highlighted. Furthermore, the short-term clinical performance of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicates and lithium–aluminium disilicates is demonstrated to be comparable to that of lithium disilicate ceramics and reveals promising potential for their long-term clinical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The benefits and risks of augmenting or switching antidepressants in older adults with treatment-resistant depression have not been extensively studied. METHODS: We conducted a two-step, open-label trial involving adults 60 years of age or older with treatment-resistant depression. In step 1, patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to augmentation of existing antidepressant medication with aripiprazole, augmentation with bupropion, or a switch from existing antidepressant medication to bupropion. Patients who did not benefit from or were ineligible for step 1 were randomly assigned in step 2 in a 1:1 ratio to augmentation with lithium or a switch to nortriptyline. Each step lasted approximately 10 weeks. The primary outcome was the change from baseline in psychological well-being, assessed with the National Institutes of Health Toolbox Positive Affect and General Life Satisfaction subscales (population mean, 50; higher scores indicate greater well-being). A secondary outcome was remission of depression. RESULTS: In step 1, a total of 619 patients were enrolled; 211 were assigned to aripiprazole augmentation, 206 to bupropion augmentation, and 202 to a switch to bupropion. Well-being scores improved by 4.83 points, 4.33 points, and 2.04 points, respectively. The difference between the aripiprazole-augmentation group and the switch-to-bupropion group was 2.79 points (95% CI, 0.56 to 5.02; P = 0.014, with a prespecified threshold P value of 0.017); the between-group differences were not significant for aripiprazole augmentation versus bupropion augmentation or for bupropion augmentation versus a switch to bupropion. Remission occurred in 28.9% of patients in the aripiprazole-augmentation group, 28.2% in the bupropion-augmentation group, and 19.3% in the switch-to-bupropion group. The rate of falls was highest with bupropion augmentation. In step 2, a total of 248 patients were enrolled; 127 were assigned to lithium augmentation and 121 to a switch to nortriptyline. Well-being scores improved by 3.17 points and 2.18 points, respectively (difference, 0.99; 95% CI, -1.92 to 3.91). Remission occurred in 18.9% of patients in the lithium-augmentation group and 21.5% in the switch-to-nortriptyline group; rates of falling were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In older adults with treatment-resistant depression, augmentation of existing antidepressants with aripiprazole improved well-being significantly more over 10 weeks than a switch to bupropion and was associated with a numerically higher incidence of remission. Among patients in whom augmentation or a switch to bupropion failed, changes in well-being and the occurrence of remission with lithium augmentation or a switch to nortriptyline were similar. (Funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute; OPTIMUM ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02960763.).

This study evaluated in vitro the biologic profile of manually polished surfaces of pressed lithium disilicate (LD) ceramic compared to zirconia (Zir) in human gingival fibroblasts. Samples with a 10-mm diameter and 3-mm thickness were used. After manual polishing, the average roughness (Ra) of the samples was measured. The cell proliferation and viability of gingival fibroblasts on the surfaces were assessed at 24, 48, and 96 hours. Additionally, the morphology, cell adhesion, and type III collagen (COLIII) and vimentin (VIM) expression by fibroblasts plated onto these surfaces was analyzed. Polystyrene (Pol) was used as control for all assays. The mean Ra was 0.261 ± 0.053 µm for Zir and 0.345 ± 0.130 µm for LD. Both surfaces presented similar cell proliferation and viability (P > .05). The cell morphology demonstrated that, for both surfaces, the cells were occasionally spindle-shaped, parallel to the direction of the grooves. Compared to Pol, an upregulation of COLIII and VIM gene expression was observed by fibroblasts cultured on Zir and LD at all time points (P < .05). The characteristics presented by LD and Zir surfaces after manual polishing protocol were similar and had biologically favorable performances, thus suggesting LD as a suitable alternative to Zir in the peri-implant region for esthetic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residual lithium compounds (RLCs) are known to form on the surface of nickel‐rich LiNi1‐x‐yCoxMnyO2 (NCM) oxides during synthesis and storage. In this study, the impact of RLCs on cathode performance in sulfide‐based all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) is investigated by employing practically relevant approaches to generate (or remove) RLCs on (or from) NCM single crystal particles. It is revealed that Li2CO3 is the predominant component in samples exposed to air. Surprisingly, heat treatment at high temperatures does not remove RLCs but increases the overall RLC content, accompanied by the partial transformation of existing RLCs into Li2O. These samples exhibit compromised electrochemical performance due to asymmetric overpotential increase during cell discharge. However, it is possible to recover performance through controlled ambient air storage which enables the conversion of existing Li2O into Li2CO3 and formation of fresh Li2CO3 on the surface. Notably, the beneficial effects are not replicated with pure CO2 or moisturized air storage, emphasizing the significance of storage conditions and reaction pathways for Li2CO3 formation. This study demonstrates that removal of Li2O residuals through the formation of Li2CO3 under controlled ambient air exposure proves to be advantageous for sulfide‐based ASSBs, thereby offering valuable guidance for the development of optimized NCM‐based ASSB systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Different materials and restorative concepts have been proposed over the years to restore endodontically treated teeth (ETT). Monolithic ceramic and composite restoration can be lute to the tooh, without the use of a post. However, little is known how the material stiffness and presence of a composite core will affect the survival and failure mode. The objective of this in‐vitro study was to evaluate the fracture strength and failure mode of endodontically treated molars, restored with ceramic or hybrid composite monolithic restoration, in the presence of absence of a composite core. Materials and Methods: Sixty depulped molars were restored with a lithium‐disilicate (e.max CAD) or hybrid composite (Cerasmart) restoration. Both materials were used in a monolithic approach, but with 3 different designs: (a) monolithic endocrown, (b) crown with a separate composite core, and (c) overlay without core buildup or pulpal extension. Ten sound teeth were used as control group. All groups were thermocycled (10,000 cycles), subsequently loaded in a chewing simulator (100,000 cycles) and finally loaded until fracture. Results: Peak fracture loads and failure modes were registered. No significant differences were seen between the groups in terms of fracture load. Failure modes were statistically significantly different among groups with significant correlation between restoration type and material. (p < 0.001 and p = 0.033, respectively). No group presented significantly higher fracture resistance. Although ceramic crowns and overlays presented the highest repairability, all restored ETT were within the range of the intact tooth' fracture strength. Conclusion: No restoration presented significant different fracture loads. However, the type of restoration and material choice were correlated to the fracture mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frictional properties of lithium compound grease (LCG) with different percentage compositions of few-layer graphene (FLG) were investigated, and the mechanisms of temperature and loading effects on LCG containing FLG are also considered. The concluding effect shows that 1 wt% FLG is more appropriate for friction and wear modifiers for lithium compound grease at elevated temperatures and less suitable at ordinary temperatures. Thickener chemisorption film, FLG layering film, and tribo-reaction film consisting of FeO(OH), Fe2O3, Fe3O4, Li2O, and other oxides assist in the establishment of a lubricating boundary film on the friction interfaces lubricated with LCG containing FLG. The poor fluidity of lithium compound grease at low temperatures leads to poor dispersion of FLG, decreasing friction reduction capability. Under elevated temperature and low load condition, adding 1wt% FLG to LCG can only improve its wear-resistant property, the abrasion volume of steel plate reduced by 24.49%. Under elevated temperature and high load condition, adding 1wt% FLG to LCG can only enhance its anti-friction characteristics. Conversely, FLG is unsuitable as an anti-friction and wear-resistant additive for LCG at low-temperature conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excellent spinel microwave dielectric ceramics (1- x)Zn 2 TiO 4 - x Li 2 MgTi 3 O 8 (ZTLMT x , x = 1/3 and 2/3) were prepared at relatively low densification temperatures of 1100 °C and 1080 °C, respectively. A disordered cubic phase with space group Fd -3 m was formed at x = 1/3, whereas an ordered cubic phase with space group P 4 3 32 was formed at x = 2/3. The ceramics at x = 1/3 and 2/3 exhibited promising microwave dielectric properties of ɛ r = 18.27 and 22.96, Q × f = 91,877 GHz and 75,186 GHz, and τ f = −42.3 ppm/°C and −21.05 ppm/°C, respectively. The large deviation between the experimental ԑ r and theoretical ε th of 1/3 and 2/3 ceramics were 18.3 % and 57 %, respectively, due to the underestimation of the ionic polarizability of Ti4+. The difference in their ɛ r , Q × f , and τ f were discussed by the structure, FWHM of A 1g , lattice energy and bond energy in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This article highlights the feasibility of the additive fabrication of ultra‐thin veneers made of lithium disilicate using the lithography‐based ceramic manufacturing (LCM) method. Clinical Considerations: An esthetical appealing restoration of anterior teeth with thin ceramic veneers is considered one of the ultimate challenges in restorative dental prosthetics. These sophisticated restorations can be fabricated in different ways. Both analog and digital subtractive manufacturing processes have been used to date. Either of the methods is highly demanding for the dental technician and dental engineering due to the required low ceramic layer thickness. Conclusion: Modern additive manufacturing methods, for example LCM technology, enable the production of ultra‐thin lithium disilicate veneers with layer thicknesses of down to 0.2 mm and could therefore represent a viable alternative for this indication in the future. Clinical Significance: Digital technologies can help streamline workflows, make the outcome more predictable and reproducible, and even further optimize therapeutic restorative options such as highly esthetic veneers for anterior teeth. The reduced material thickness allows for a true non‐prep solution or minimally invasive preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of lithium polysulfides on the amount and ratio of electrochemically active metallic lithium, electrochemically inactive metallic lithium, and chemically formed lithium compounds in the cathodic deposits formed on a stainless-steel electrode during galvanostatic cycling in 1 М LiClO4 solution in sulfolane at 15, 30, 45, and 60°C is studied using the method we have developed earlier. It is shown that the increase in temperature leads to increase in the Coulomb efficiency of cycling and the amount of electrochemically active metallic lithium; a decrease in the amount of electrochemically inactive metallic lithium, regardless of the presence of lithium polysulfides in the electrolyte. When lithium polysulfides have been introduced into the electrolyte, an increase in the Coulomb efficiency of the metallic lithium cycling and a change in the ratio of various forms of lithium in the cathodic deposits toward an increase in electrochemically active lithium by about 1.5 times are observed. The lithium polysulfides are assumed to contribute to the dissolution of electrochemically inactive metallic lithium, forming an interfacial "sulfide" film at the electrode, which possessed high ionic conductivity and good protective properties, the more so, at elevated temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Sacrificial cathode additives have emerged as a tempting strategy to compensate the initial capacity loss (ICL) in Li-ion batteries (LIBs) manufacturing. However, the utilization of sacrificial cathode additives inevitably brings residuals, side reactions, and negative impacts in which relevant researches are still in the early stage. In this study, we conduct a systematic investigation on the effects of employing a nickel-based sacrificial additive, Li 2 Cu 0.1 Ni 0.9 O 2 (LCNO), and propose a feasible strategy to achieve advantageous surface reconstruction on LCNO. Specifically, we build a Li 5 AlO 4 (LAO) coating layer on the LCNO through dry ball milling and annealing treatment. This process not only consumes surface residual lithium compounds on LCNO but also demonstrates minimal detrimental effects on its performance. The surface reconstructed LCNO (SR-LCNO) reveals mitigated gas generation and suppressed structure degradation under high working voltage (＞4.1 V), thereby causing negligible negative effects on the cycling capability and rate performance of commercial cathode materials. The full cells containing SR-LCNO deliver significantly improved electrochemical properties, with no observed exacerbation of side reactions. This work awakes the awareness of the prudent utilization of sacrificial cathode additives and provides an effective strategy for harmless pre-lithiation via surface reconstructed sacrificial cathode additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypothyroidism is a common side effect of lithium use and is associated with a slower response to treatment and poorer long-term remission in patients with bipolar disorder. No studies have examined the prevalence of lithium-associated hypothyroidism or its associated factors in Saudi Arabia. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of lithium-associated hypothyroidism among psychiatric patients in a specialized lithium clinic at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia and to examine the possible risk factors for its development. This retrospective observational study included 117 participants. The prevalence of secondary hypothyroidism was 15%. The median duration between the start of lithium therapy and the first abnormal thyroid test result was 341 days. The multiple logistic regression showed that none of the studied variables, namely, sex, current age, age of lithium initiation, continuity on lithium, lithium level (≤0.5 mmol/L or >0.5 mmol/L), and prescription of as-needed medications, was significantly associated with secondary hypothyroidism. Our study also shed light on the possible clinical significance of baseline TSH levels in developing hypothyroidism secondary to lithium. Further multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to examine the generalizability of these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited research is available evaluating whether the reported in vitro benefit of immediate dentin scaling (IDS)-namely, increased bond strength to tooth structure-can be acquired in the era of same-day (SD) dentistry. The purpose of this study was to compare the fracture strengths of ceramic overlays fabricated with a delayed dentin sealing (DDS) technique or an IDS technique under 1-hour SD or 2-week multiple-day (MD) delivery conditions. Forty extracted, healthy maxillary third molars were prepared for a lithium disilicate overlay restoration and divided into 4 groups of 10 teeth each. In the SD-DDS group, the teeth were prepared and then stored for 1 hour in artificial saliva, and the adhesion protocol (bonding agent and resin restoracement) was applied at the time of delivery of the ceramic overlay. In the SD-IDS group, the teeth were prepared, the adhesive protocol was applied immediately, and the teeth were stored for 1 hour before delivery of the overlay. The protocols for the MD-DDS and MD-IDS groups were identical to SD-DDS and SD-IDS, respectively, except that the teeth were provisionalized and stored for 2 weeks prior to delivery of the overlay. Specimens were thermocycled and subjected to cyclic functional loading before they were loaded to failure in a universal testing machine using a rod resting on the buccal incline of the palatal cusp. Two-way analysis of variance tests revealed no statistically significant differences in fracture strength between the groups based on dentin sealing (P = 0.331) or delivery time (P = 0.314). The specimens demonstrated 2 fracture types; either a portion of the ceramic cohesively fractured, leaving the tooth intact, or the ceramic and part of the tooth fractured. There were no instances in which the restoration itself delaminated during fracture testing. A Kruskal-Wallis test indicated there were no statistically significant differences in fracture modes between the groups. In this in vitro study, IDS did not provide a significant increase in the fracture strength of overlay restorations compared with DDS, regardless of whether the restorations were delivered the same day or after 2 weeks of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of niobium ions with high‐valence doping on high‐voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) materials was investigated. LiNi0.5Mn1.5−xNbxO4 was prepared by doping high‐valent niobium ions into LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 material using the organic assisted combustion method. The experimental samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electrochemical impedance (EI), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis. The experimental results show that ‐doping with high‐valence niobium ions changes the orientation of the crystal plane growth of spinel particles, and the morphology of these particles changes from the octahedral shape before doping to the spherical shape after doping. With the increase in doping amount, the crystal structure changes gradually, resulting in the Li0.96Nb1.01O3 impurity phase. The doping of high valence‐niobium ions increases the content of Mn3+ in the material, resulting in the appearance of a 4 V discharge platform and the formation of a 4.7 and 4 V discharge platforms. The doping of Nb can improve the cycling stability of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 material, but the specific capacity of the material is reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the fracture resistance of a press-on ceramic custom implant restoration with pressed and cemented restorations. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two (32) lithium disilicate (IPS e.max Press) custom hybrid abutment restorations were fabricated. The restorations were divided into two groups (n = 16) according to the construction technique: the commercial control group (C) and the press-on group (P). For the control group, lithium disilicate restorations were pressed and cemented on titanium bases. For the press-on group, lithium disilicate pressable ceramic (IPS e.max Press) was pressed on the titanium bases with injection molding. Each group was further divided according to the restoration design, either screw-or cement-retained, into two subgroups of eight specimens each. Specimens of C group were divided into screw-retained (cemented hybrid abutment crown, CHAC) or cement-retained (cemented hybrid abutment, CHA). Specimens of the P group were also divided into screw-retained (pressed hybrid abutment crown, PHAC) and cement-retained (pressed hybrid abutment, PHA). The specimens were subjected to static loading until failure with a universal testing machine. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the effect of different techniques and designs on the fracture resistance of the samples (P < .05), followed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey honest significant difference (HSD) test (a = .05). Results: C group showed higher mean fracture resistance (812.443 ± 129.14 N) than P group (596.71 ± 108.83 N), and the difference was statistically significant (P < .05). Regarding restoration design, HA groups showed higher mean fracture resistance (742.621 ± 153.82 N) than HAC (666.53 ± 163.07 N) groups with no statistically significant difference. CHA showed the highest mean fracture resistance (817.65 ± 161.76 N), while PHAC showed the lowest mean fracture resistance values (525.83 ± 47.29 N). Conclusion: The commercial cemented lithium disilicate restorations showed higher fracture resistance than the press-on restorations, although both showed a maximum load capacity that was greater than physiologic incisal force in the anterior region, and both hybrid abutments and hybrid abutment crowns were equally efficient in withstanding occlusal loading forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the fatigue resistance and failure mode of CAD/CAM composite resin and lithium disilicate–bonded screw-retained incisor crowns with long and short titanium bases. Sixty CAD/CAM implant restorations were fabricated using lithium disilicate (IPS e.max CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent) and composite resin (Block HC, Shofu). The central incisor crowns were bonded to a prefabricated titanium base 6 mm tall (groups: Emax6 and Shofu6; n = 15 each) or a modified abutment 4 mm tall (groups: Emax4 and Shofu4; n = 15 each). The intaglio surface of the restorations was conditioned according to the material and bonded to the titanium abutments/ bases using dual-cure cement. All assembled crowns were torqued onto implants and subjected to cyclic isometric loading at the incisal edge along the implant axis. Samples were loaded until fracture. Groups were compared using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (log rank test at P = .05). The number of mean survived cycles differed significantly, with Emax6 and Emax4 at 48,448 and 43,727 cycles, respectively, and Shofu6 and Shofu4 at 44,124 and 37,620 cycles, respectively. Post hoc tests showed similar fatigue resistance for Emax6, Emax4, and Shofu6. Shofu4 was less resistant than all other groups (P < .03). All restorations survived significantly above physiologic load limits. Lithium disilicate screw-retained incisor crowns can be used with long and short titanium bases, while it is recommended to keep a long titanium base for screw-retained composite resin crowns. The composite resin material required the full height of the abutment for optimal strength but may offer enhanced shock absorption and wear-friendliness when considering function and antagonistic wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: There is limited information on the characteristics of older adults with bipolar disorder (OABD) treated with lithium, along with safety concerns about its use by older adults. The aim of the present study is to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of OABD receiving lithium therapy, using data from the Global Ageing & Geriatric Experiments in Bipolar Disorder (GAGE-BD). EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES: Cross-sectional analysis of the GAGE-BD dataset to determine differences and similarities between lithium users and non-users. We analysed data from 986 participants aged 50 years or older (mean age 63.5 years; 57.5% females) from 12 study sites. Two subgroups (Lithium; Non-lithium) were defined according to the current prescription of lithium. We compared several outcomes between these groups, controlling for age, gender, and study site. RESULTS: OABD treated with lithium had lower scores on depression rating scales and were less likely to be categorised as with moderate or severe depression. There was a lower proportion of lithium users than non-users among those with evidence of rapid cycling and non-bipolar psychiatric diagnoses. Assessment of global cognitive state and functionality indicated better performance among lithium users. The current use of antipsychotics was less frequent among lithium users, who also reported fewer cardiovascular comorbidities than non-users. CONCLUSION: We found several potentially relevant differences in the clinical profile of OABD treated with lithium compared with those treated with other mood stabilisers. However, the interpretation of the present results must take into account the methodological limitations inherent to the cross-sectional approach and data harmonisation.