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Clinical presentation and outcomes of children hospitalized with sickle cell anemia at Gulu regional referral hospital, Uganda: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Preparation of magnetic decorated polyacrylonitrile-grafted chitosan as a new bio-inspired nanocatalyst for the synthesis of dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole and 2-amino-3-cyano-4H-pyran derivatives
Multimodal machine learning for 5-year mortality prediction after percutaneous coronary intervention
Synthesis of an enhanced nanobiocatalyst system from Aspergillus niger as single green source
Abstract The development of sustainable nanobiocatalysts is a focal challenge in green chemistry, requiring robust and eco-friendly production methods. This study introduces a single-source strategy that addresses this challenge. By utilizing the fungus Aspergillus niger as a single biological factory to simultaneously produce a lipase enzyme and biosynthesize the iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) that serve as lipase matrix support. This integrated approach ensures a high degree of compatibility between the enzyme and its nanoparticle support, which was confirmed during the immobilization step by an 81.73% yield and a remarkable 97.4% activity retention. The resulting nanobiocatalyst demonstrated a distinct operational stability, broad pH tolerance, and maintained over 80% of its activity after eight consecutive reuse cycles. In practical applications, the catalyst showed powerful bioremediation capabilities, achieving near-complete (> 95%) removal of industrial dyes and effective oil-stain removal from fabric. Our findings could establish that using a single biological source for both the enzyme and its immobilization matrix offers a new benchmark for future enzyme immobilization technologies.
Pattern and structural detection in grayscale images through the application of quantile graphs in higher-dimensional spaces
Introducing the fusion innovation test as a new paradigm for studying realworld creative problem solving
Abstract Studying creative problem-solving requires tasks with real-world relevance and minimal domain-specific knowledge. The widely used alternative uses test (AUT) meets these criteria but primarily measures divergent thinking—generating many ideas without immediate judgment. However, creative problem-solving also requires convergent thinking to narrow down options and select the most effective solution. We introduce the fusion innovation test (FIT), a task that integrates both divergent and convergent thinking. In the FIT, participants combine two randomly assigned elements (e.g., objects or technologies) to achieve either a self-improvement goal or a sustainable development goal. Each FIT solution is evaluated based on the novelty and feasibility of combining the elements, and the effectiveness in achieving the intended goal. We collected behavioral data from 144 participants and used ratings from 122 human evaluators to train an automated scoring system based on a large language model. Participants also completed the AUT and two real-life creativity questionnaires. Results show that the FIT captures a unique aspect of creativity—goal-directed innovation—not assessed by the AUT. Moreover, FIT performance correlates with scientific creativity, whereas AUT performance aligns more with artistic creativity. These findings suggest that the FIT is an initially promising and complementary tool for studying real-world creative problem-solving.
Potent surface antimicrobial activity of hydrolyzable tannins from Aleppo oak galls
Influence of edge Notch geometry with and without presence of ice filling on dynamic behavior of rock
A role for Fis1 in dendritic development
Health risk assessment of Sudan dyes, toxic elements, and pesticide residues in Egyptian spices
Abstract Sudan dyes, toxic elements, and pesticide residues in spices pose potential health risks through long-term exposure, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring. This study evaluated their occurrence and toxicological impact in 80 spice samples collected from Cairo, Giza, Qalyubia, Faiyum, and Alexandria governorates in Egypt. Advanced analytical techniques including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) were used for detection. Several metals: antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) were found in nearly all samples, except As, which appeared in 75%. Mercury (Hg) and tin (Sn) were below quantification limits. Lead exceeded permissible limits in 5% of hot chili, paprika, and cumin samples. Despite being banned, Sudan I and IV dyes were detected in all tested commodities, reaching 52.3 mg/kg in curry and 6.5 mg/kg in hot chili, while Para Red and Sudan 7B were absent. Although metals and pesticides were within safe exposure limits, the detection of Sudan dyes indicates potential health concerns and the need for continued regulatory control.
Progressive applications of synthesized isatin-based reactive dye: fabrics dyeing, corrosion inhibition, and antimicrobial activity
Abstract A new heterobis-reactive dye, monochlorotriazine/sulphatoethylsulphone bearing an isatin moiety (MCT-SES dye), was synthesized and identified using NMR, mass spectra, and elemental analysis. The prepared reactive dye showed an absorption band at 543 nm. The dyeing properties on cotton and wool fabrics were investigated at different concentrations and pH levels, showing excellent dye affinity toward both fabrics. The dyed fabrics exhibited excellent wash fastness, rubbing fastness, perspiration fastness, and good light stability. In 1.0 M hydrochloric acid solution, the isatin-based MCT-SES dye exhibited unique corrosion inhibition performance for carbon steel (CS). Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) were the methods used to assess the inhibitory efficacy and development of a protective film on the steel surface. With increasing dye concentration, the corrosion inhibition efficiency increased, reaching a maximum of 98.64% at 500 ppm. The excellent performance was attributed to strong adsorption and the formation of a dense, protective barrier film on the steel surface. The MCT-SES dye demonstrated strong antibacterial action against P. aeruginosa (23 ± 0.23 mm) and E. coli (20 ± 0.34 mm). The inhibition of the bacteria growing on the surface of the dyed fabrics was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), which proves the high affinity of the dyed fabric against bacteria growth. Molecular docking simulations and the binding interaction of the dye structure with the bacteria protein were investigated.