Pb-210 in volume samples: self-attenuation and scattering problems.

In this work we study the effect of the matrix of the source on the spectrum and on the full energy peak efficiency for low energy photons. Using realistic simulations carried out with PENELOPE 2018, including detector resolution, we show that small angle Compton scattering does contribute to the peak count rate, implying the dependence of the matrix effects on the linear attenuation coefficient μ and also on the scattering cross section. We show that the effect of Compton scattering can be removed from the apparent peak, resulting a "clean" peak depending only on μ.

The role of Universal Grammar and crosslinguistic influence in the interpretation of recursive set-subset adjectives in adult Romanian L1-English L2 bilinguals.

Our research contributes to debates about the role of Universal Grammar constraints and crosslinguistic influence in sequential bilingual acquisition and use. We investigate experimentally how adult Romanian L1-English L2 bilinguals interpret sequential adjectival modifiers of a noun in recursive set-subset contexts in both languages (e.g.

Psoriasis, stem cells, and obesity: metabolic exploration for therapeutics.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory cutaneous disease with a complex pathogenesis that remains incompletely understood. New data suggest that psoriasis severity may be more accurately assessed by examining inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormones, although further research is needed to substantiate the clinical value of these biomarkers. The multifactorial causes of psoriasis encompass metabolic deregulations, such as lipid alterations that favor inflammation, exacerbate immune cell activity, and worsen the disease symptomatology.

Pre-service teachers' misconceptions about brain and mind-prevalence and predictors.

Background: The issue of educational misconceptions among teachers is examined through distinct lines of research including educational neuroscience and psychology, each offering different perspectives and drawing clear distinctions between neuromyths and psychological myths. In the present study, we investigate educational misconceptions through an interdisciplinary lens to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between brain and mind myths and their prevalence among teachers. This framework also enables a more nuanced analysis of potential factors that may predict these misconceptions, aiding in understanding of how to address them effectively.

Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 Dissemination in Wastewater and Virus Isolation in Cell Cultures: An Integrated Approach for Pathogen Detection and Surveillance.

Our study presents wastewater (WW) monitoring data, focusing on determining the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in the collected samples. Additionally, a panel of different viruses has been tested in the WW samples. The untreated WW monitoring campaign took place over 1 year in Bucharest, with approximately 300 samples being collected twice a week at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and an infectious diseases hospital.

Microbial Signatures of Obesity-Aggravated Psoriasis: Insights from an Imiquimod-Based Mouse Model.

As obesity and Western diet consumption are key factors contributing to gut dysbiosis, we investigated the relationship between intestinal microbiota, obesity, and psoriasis in an imiquimod-based model. C57BL/6 mice were used as follows: psoriasis-induced groups fed continuously with a standard or Western diet, psoriasis-induced group fed with a Western diet and then returned to a standard diet, and controls. For each group, clinicopathological, immune, and metabolic parameters were integrated with microbiome data.

Diagnosing plague in 17th century camelids from Romania along historical Silk Routes.

Six camels exhumed from a 17th-century Silk Route site in Romania, along with negative controls, were blindly investigated via dental pulp paleometagenomics and paleoproteomics for traces of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis complex including the plague agent Yersinia pestis. Specific reads were detected in sample R04 (one read) and R05 (two reads) which also yielded a 16S rRNA guanine transferase specific for Y. pestis and one other Y.

Benzimidazole-Pyrimidine Hybrids: Synthesis and Medicinal Properties.

: Heterocyclic compounds represent a key class of compounds in medicinal chemistry. Both benzimidazoles and pyrimidines are essential heterocycles in medicinal chemistry, with various therapeutic properties. Recent literature presents a series of hybrid heterocyclic compounds, as their medicinal properties are generally improved compared to those of single heterocyclic rings.

Reversed-Phase (RP) and Hydrophilic Interaction (HILIC) Separation Mechanisms for the Assay of Nicotine and E-Cigarette Liquids.

Nicotine is a highly used addictive substance that has recently also become available through electronic cigarettes. Here we present a study of nicotine from e-cigarette liquids through reversed-phase (RP) and hydrophilic interaction (HILIC) liquid chromatography. Multiple aqueous mobile-phase additives are considered for the RP mechanism, focusing on chaotropic agents, mobile-phase concentrations and mixing ratios, and column temperature.

Evaluation of Biocontrol Measures to Reduce Bacterial Load and Healthcare-Associated Infections.

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) remain a major clinical and economic burden, with pathogens such as Escherichia coli contributing to high rates of morbidity and mortality. Traditional manual disinfection methods are often insufficient, particularly in high-risk hospital environments. In this study, we investigated innovative strategies to enhance surface decontamination and reduce infection risk.

Methylation Pattern and Repeat Expansion Screening in a Cohort of Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Correlation of Genetic Findings with Clinical Presentations.

Background/objectives: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental conditions with early onset of clinical manifestations. ASD etiology is highly heterogeneous, with genetic factors being strong determinants of the behavioral problems and neurodevelopmental deficits. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) (OMIM #300624), caused by the transcriptional silencing of the gene, represents the most common monogenic cause of autism.

Neurobehavioral Protection by Prebiotic Formulations in a Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impaired Zebrafish Model.

The present work evaluates the influence of two prebiotic formulations-P1 (ColonX) and P4 (a product containing AnXietate extract), at concentrations of 3 and 6 mg/L-on scopolamine (SCOP, 100 μM)-induced cognitive dysfunction and anxiety-related behaviors in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). To assess behavioral alterations, wild-type fish were subjected to the novel tank assay (NTT), Y-maze study, and novel object recognition test protocol (NOR). The formulations were examined for potential anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxicity.

New Antimicrobial Gels Based on Clove Essential Oil-Cyclodextrin Complex and Plant Extracts for Topical Use.

This study aimed to develop and characterise novel hydrogels based on natural bioactive compounds for topical antimicrobial applications. Four gel systems were formulated using different polymers, namely polyacrylic acid (Carbopol 940, CBP-G), chitosan with high and medium molecular weights (CTH-G and CTM-G), and sodium alginate (ALG-G), incorporating tinctures of and , essential oil, and a -cyclodextrin-clove essential oil complex. All gels displayed a homogeneous macroscopic appearance and maintained stability for over 90 days.

IL-4 and Brentuximab Vedotin in Mycosis Fungoides: A Perspective on Potential Therapeutic Interactions and Future Research Directions.

Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF), the most prevalent cutaneous T cell lymphoma, features clonal CD4⁺ T cell proliferation within a Th2-dominant microenvironment. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) promotes disease progression while Brentuximab Vedotin (BV), an anti-CD30 antibody-drug conjugate, shows efficacy but faces resistance challenges.

Methods: We conducted a narrative literature review (2010-2024) synthesizing evidence on IL-4 signaling and BV's efficacy in MF to develop a theoretical framework for combination therapy.

Unearthing prehistoric diets: First evidence of horse meat consumption in Early Bronze Age Sicily.

This paper presents the earliest documented evidence for the presence and consumption of horse meat in Early Bronze Age Sicily, significantly revising previous understandings of equid use on the island. Multidisciplinary analyses involving proteomics and lipidomics were performed on ceramic vessels from the Castelluccian settlement at Polizzello Mountain (Caltanissetta), revealing residues consistent with equine-derived substances. Proteomic data unequivocally identified equine serum albumin in multiple pottery fragments, demonstrating active consumption or processing of horse-derived substances within a ceremonial or dietary context.

Antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activity of natural bioactive compounds - an investigation with potential applications in managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Background: Natural bioactive compounds such as terpenoids and phenolic acids have emerged as promising agents in dermatological research due to their proven antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory condition, presents a therapeutic challenge that could benefit from innovative approaches harnessing these natural compounds.

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects of phytoconstituent agents (FCs) including Gallic Acid (GA), α-Terpineol (αT) and Nerolidol (N), both individually and in combinations.

Impact of Pre- and Post-Dilatation on Long-Term Outcomes After Self-Expanding and Balloon-Expandable TAVI.

The main objective of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with severe aortic stenosis, focusing on differences between self-expanding valve (SEV) versus balloon-expandable valve (BEV) prostheses and the influence of balloon pre- and post-dilatation on clinical results. The secondary objective was to report the long-term outcomes after TAVI in Romania. All patients who underwent a TAVI procedure for severe AS between November 2016 and May 2025 at a tertiary center in Romania were included in the present study.

Dimer of the DPPH Stable Radical.

Although the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-hydrazyl) radical is known for its indefinite stability, both in solid and in solution, and therefore no dimerization reaction occurs, the DPPH-dimer has been obtained by an alternative synthesis. Oxidation of the DPPH-dimer led to the corresponding DPPH-diradical, practically exhibiting all of the known properties of the simple DPPH radical. The structures were confirmed using H and C NMR, IR, UV-vis, HR-MS, and electron spin resonance (for the diradical) analyses.

Light microscopy image segmentation using active contours driven by local image information for environmentally friendly fired-clay bricks design and characterization.

This study proposes an innovative approach for the recycling of dry wastewater sludge in the production of fired clay bricks, aiming to create environmentally friendly and cost-effective building materials. Consequently, the proposed research focuses on optimizing the thermal and mechanical properties of ceramic bricks, while incorporating sewage sludge as a pore-forming agent in brick manufacturing process. For the assessment of porosity in ceramic brick mixtures with varying volumetric proportions of ash, clay and wastewater sludge, a novel method for microscopy image analysis is proposed.

Piercing the future of vaccination: the revolutionary role of microneedle-based systems in healthcare advancements.

Microneedle (MNs)-based vaccine systems have emerged as a groundbreaking innovation in healthcare, presenting an alternative to conventional vaccine delivery approaches. This study provides an extensive review of the role of MNs in enhancing modern healthcare through improved vaccine delivery strategies, emphasizing advances, advantages, and challenges associated with the integration of MNs and vaccine development technologies. MN-based systems offer a novel approach for vaccine delivery that is associated with an enhanced immunogenic response, and improved vaccine formulation stability.

Morphodynamic Foundations of Sumer.

Economic mechanisms behind the emergence of ancient Sumer remain unavoidably speculative and should benefit from a better understanding of their environmental context. Abundance sustaining increased social complexity during the Uruk period (c. 6,000-5,200 y BP) has been traditionally ascribed to pastoralism, trade, and/or resource diversity.

Increasing the fungal inoculation of mine tailings from 1 to 2% decreases plant oxidative stress and increases the soil respiration rate.

There is a knowledge gap about the quantitative aspects of mycorrhizal fungi's influence on ecological succession on tailings. Here, we demonstrate that inoculating mine tailings with 2% fungi yields significantly better results in terms of plant biomass and lower lipid peroxidation compared to 1% and 0%, both when growing Agrostis capillaris alone and in combination with Melilotus albus. Lipid peroxidation in the A.

Correction: Vlasceanu et al. Comprehensive Appraisal of Graphene-Oxide Ratio in Porous Biopolymer Hybrids Targeting Bone-Tissue Regeneration. 2020, , 1444.

In the original publication [...

Voice for All: Evaluating the Accuracy and Equity of Automatic Speech Recognition Systems in Transcribing Patient Communications in Home Healthcare.

Integrating automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems into home healthcare workflows can enhance risk prediction models. However, ASR systems exhibit disparities in transcription accuracy across racial and linguistic groups, highlighting an equity gap that could bias healthcare delivery. We evaluated four ASR systems-AWS General, AWS Medical, Whisper, and Wave2Vec-in transcribing 860 patient-nurse utterances (475 Black, 385 White).

A 75,000-y-old Scandinavian Arctic cave deposit reveals past faunal diversity and paleoenvironment.

During the last glacial period (~118 to 11.7 ka), the Arctic has been characterized by a major redistribution of flora and fauna as a consequence of extreme climatic fluctuations, with associated glacial advances and retreats, sea-level changes, and shifting sea ice extent. In the high-latitude regions of Northern Europe that are currently subject to rapid climate warming, we lack a comprehensive understanding of faunal biodiversity in the last glacial period due to the extreme rarity of preserved organic remains.