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Featured Application: gamma ray shielding; solar cells; w-LEDs. This study explores the physical, radiation shielding, optical, and photoluminescent properties of PbO2-SiO2-based glass systems. Traditional radiation shielding materials, like lead and concrete, face challenges due to toxicity and weight. Glass materials provide an alternative, offering transparency and efficiency. Four glass systems were analyzed: PbO2-SiO2 (PS), PbO2-SiO2-CeO2 (PSC), PbO2-SiO2-Eu2O3 (PSE), and PbO2-SiO2-Yb2O3 (PSY). The results show that rare earth elements densify the glass network, thereby enhancing radiation attenuation properties, quantified through parameters like the linear attenuation coefficient (μ), the half-value layer (HVL), and the mean free path (MFP). The PSY system exhibited the best shielding properties, demonstrating its potential for use in gamma ray shielding. Samples PS0–PS3 revealed semiconducting behavior and may be considered a promising host matrix for solar cells and w-LED applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant threat to people with persistent infections. In recent years, the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) has been transformed significantly with the use of Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs). Hematological changes are seen in patients suffering from CHC due to both the disease and its therapy. This study aims to address the gaps in knowledge by thoroughly evaluating the hematological parameter alterations in CHC patients treated with Mavyret. Methods: This study reported that it took place over six months in 2024 on 101 patients observed at the gastroenterology department of Pitesti County Hospital in Romania, who had confirmed diagnoses of CHC and who were receiving the DAA Mavyret. Results: The values of leukocytes significantly decreased after treatment (8.69 ± 2.96 vs. 7.93 ± 1.78, p = 0.009). Similarly, neutrophils showed a statistically significant decrease after using Mavyret (5.45 ± 2.06 vs. 4.91 ± 1.29, p = 0.018). In the case of lymphocytes, the values slightly increased from 2.14 ± 0.69 before treatment to 2.20 ± 1.19 after it, but without a statistically significant difference (p = 0.320). The values of monocytes and eosinophils significantly decreased after antiviral therapy (0.81 ± 1.02 vs. 0.59 ± 0.15, p = 0.020; 0.21 ± 0.15 vs. 0.14 ± 0.09, p < 0.001). For basophils, the mean values remained almost unchanged after DAA therapy (0.09 ± 0.08 vs. 0.09 ± 0.15, p = 0.433). Conclusions: Mavyret has proven to be a safe medication for administering to patients with CHC, but its minor adverse effects on red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets require constant monitoring, mainly when used for an extended period and in patients who are vulnerable in this regard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate. in the course of one year. the role of physical therapy and occupational therapy intervention. in association of specific drug therapy versus only drug therapy. in patients with osteoporosis. The study was carried out between April 2022 and June 2024, on 94 patients with osteoporosis. selected from the Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital in Băile Felix. All subjects signed an informed consent form 46 subjects followed drug therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy (study group) and 46 subjects had only drug therapy (control group). The following parameters were assessed: the decrease in height. bone mineral density (BMD) - the T score and the Qualeffo test for the quality of life. Between groups analysis showed that in the study group. The post-test values of the total Qualeffo score decrease significantly and showed a smaller decrease in height compared to control group. Regarding BMD there is no significant difference between the study group compared to control group. The results of the study suggest that a specific physiotherapy can cause significant improvements both of quality of life and vertebral static disorders. As far as BMD is concerned rehabilitation has only a limiting effect of braking its decrease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a simple procedure to obtain multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) decorated with TiO2–Ag nanoparticles (MWCNT–TiO2–Ag). The MWCNTs were decorated with TiO2–Ag via combined functionalization with –OH and –COOH groups and a polymer-wrapping technique using poly(allylamine)hydrochloride (PAH). TiO2-modified Ag nanoparticles were synthesized via the Pechini method using a mixture of acetylacetonate-modified titanium (IV) isopropoxide with silver nitrate (with Ag+/Ti4+ atomic ratios of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, and 2.5%) and L(+)-ascorbic acid as reducing agents. XRD analysis revealed the formation of nanocomposites containing CNT, anatase TiO2, and Ag. The presence of nanoparticles on the MWCNT surfaces was determined using TEM. The morphology of the TiO2–Ag nanoparticles on the MWCNT surfaces was also determined using TEM. UV–Vis investigations revealed that an increase in the ratio between Ag+ and Ti4+ decreased the band gap energy of the samples. The characteristic vibrations of the TiO2, Ag, and C atoms of the graphite were identified using Raman spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the MWCNT–TiO2–Ag nanocomposite was assessed by examining the degradation of Allura Red (E129) aqueous solution under UV irradiation. The dye photodegradation process followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic with respect to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood reaction mechanism. The spin-trapping technique evidenced that •O2− was the main species generated responsible for the Allura Red degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terbium ions doped lead borate glasses and vitroceramics with the composition of xTb4O7·(100-x)[4PbO·B2O3] where x is from 0 to 25 mol % Tb4O7 were prepared by the use of a melt-quenching protocol. Their structural and spectroscopic properties were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopies. The XRD patterns reveal the amorphous nature of the samples with low Tb4O7 content up to x equal to 1 mol % Tb4O7. Above this concentration, the analysis of XRD measurements indicates the presence of new crystaline phases in the vitroceramic samples. The FTIR and Raman measurements indicate that the addition of the rare earth oxides in the host network is realized by the deformation of the Pb-O-Pb or O-Pb-O angles, the formation of varied borate units and a large number of non-bridging oxygen atoms. The compositional evolution is conducted at the formation of crystalline phases of the terbium and lead atoms. The terbium atoms have a pronounced affinity toward the borate units while the lead atoms are attracted toward the oxygen atoms. Structural investigations by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy show the presence of larger bands due to the f-f electron transitions of the Tb3+ ions and 6 s2 → 6s 6p transitions of Pb2+ ions, respectively. The optical gap energy values are dependent upon the concentration of the dopant level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studia Universitatis Vasile Goldis, Physical Education & Physical Therapy Series is the property of Vasile Goldis University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Studia Universitatis Vasile Goldis, Physical Education & Physical Therapy Series is the property of Vasile Goldis University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the last two decades it was found that, in Europe as well as in Romania, the consumption of so-called "fast-food" increased greatly. Excessive consumption of such foods is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. In this study we aimed to investigate the association between frequent consumption of fast-food and the characteristics of the lipid profile at adolescents. The study included 180 students, aged between 14-18 years, divided into two groups; the study group - consisting of 64 subjects (included teenagers who frequently eat fast- food, at least 3 times / week) and the control group - consisting of 116 subjects who consume fast- food occasionally (maximum once / week). A questionnaire on eating behavior was used. The lipid profile of teenagers was determined by quantification of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides values. The prevalence ofpathologic values of lipid parameters was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (p<0.001). Dyslipidemia is one of the main risk factors for hypertension and other diseases. By limiting the fast-food consumption in adolescents, it can be ensured the effective prevention of cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Medica Transilvanica is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Medica Transilvanica is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Medica Transilvanica is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Medica Transilvanica is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Medica Transilvanica is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Medica Transilvanica is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper presents the FEM (finite element method) analysis of the pressingrolling process, a new method for obtaining spur gears. Using symmetries, the 3D geometrical model was created for tools and for the initial blank. The FEM analysis was carried out using Forge 2009, a specialized software for studying the plastic deformation processes. The objective of this study is to describe the evolution of the pressing and rolling forces in the press-rolling process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Medica Transilvanica is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)