Shungite is a Precambrian carbon-rich metamorphic rock from the Lake Onega region (Karelia, Russia), consisting of fullerene-like polyhedral carbon within a silicate matrix. Its high carbon content and extended conjugation confer notable sorptive and catalytic behavior. We evaluated its multifunctional potential for water purification targeting organic, inorganic, and microbial contaminants. Two grades (Type I, Type III) were...

In a lyophilized protein/disaccharide system, the ability of the disaccharide to form a homogeneous mixture with the protein and to slow the protein mobility dictates the stabilization potential of the formulation. Human serum albumin was lyophilized with sucrose or trehalose in histidine, phosphate, or citrate buffer. 1 H T 1 relaxation times were measured by solid-state NMR spectroscopy and were used to assess the homogeneit...

Rationale There is interest in employing N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in the treatment of schizophrenia, but investigations of the functional signatures of its pharmacological action are scarce. Objectives The aim of this study was to identify the changes in resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) that occur following administration of a single dose of NAC in patients with schizophrenia. A secondary aim was to examine whether...

The giant hogweed ( Heracleum mantegazzianum ) has successfully invaded 19 European countries as well as parts of North America. It has become a problematic species due to its ability to displace native flora and to cause public health hazards. Applying population genetics to species invasion can help reconstruct invasion history and may promote more efficient management practice. We thus analysed levels of genetic variation a...