Ab initio insight into the physical properties of MgXH3 (X = Co, Cu, Ni) lead-free perovskite for hydrogen storage application.

Renewable energy systems are vital for a sustainable future, where solid-state hydrogen storage can play a crucial role. Perovskite hydride materials have attracted the scientific community for hydrogen storage applications. The current work focuses on the theoretical study using density functional theory (DFT) to evaluate the characteristics of MgXH3 (X = Co, Cu, Ni) hydrides. The structural, vibrational, electronic, mechanical, thermodynamic, and hydrogen storage properties of these hydrides were investigated. The equilibrium lattice parameters were calculated using the Birch-Murnaghan equation of state-to-energy volume curves. The elastic constants (Cij) and relevant parameters, such as Born criteria, were calculated to confirm the mechanical stability of the hydrides. The Cauchy pressure (Cp) revealed brittle or ductile behavior. The outcomes of the Pugh ratio, Poisson ratio, and anisotropy were also calculated and discussed. The absence of negative lattice vibrational frequencies in phonon dispersion confirmed the lattice's dynamic stability. The heat capacity curves of thermodynamic properties revealed that hydrides can conduct thermal energy. The metallic character and ample interatomic distances of hydrides were confirmed by the band structure and population analysis, which confirmed that hydrides can conduct electrical energy and adsorb hydrogen. The density of state (DOS) and partial DOS unveiled the role of specific atoms in the DOS of the crystal. The calculated gravimetric hydrogen storage capacity of MgCoH3, MgCuH3, and MgNiH3 hydrides was 3.64, 3.32, and 3.49wt%, respectively. Our results provide a deeper understanding of its potential for hydrogen storage applications through a detailed analysis of MgXH3 (X = Co, Cu, Ni) perovskite hydride material.

Nematicidal Characterization of Newly Synthesized Thiazine Derivatives Using Caenorhabditis elegans as the Model Organism.

In humans, animals, and agriculture, parasitic nematode infection is a very serious issue. Many drugs are being used to control nematode infections. Owing to toxicity and nematodes' resistance to the available drugs, special attention is required to synthesize new drugs that are environmentally friendly with high-level efficacy. In the present study, various substituted thiazine derivatives (1 to 15) were synthesized, and the structures were confirmed by infrared, proton (1H), and 13C NMR spectroscopies. The nematicidal potential of the synthesized derivatives was characterized using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as a model organism. Among all synthesized compounds, 13 (LD50 = 38.95 µg/mL) and 15 (LD50 = 38.21 µg/mL) were considered the most potent compounds. Most compounds showed excellent anti-egg-hatching activity. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed that compounds 4, 8, 9, 13, and 15 displayed a high apoptotic effect. The expressions of gst-4, hsp-4, hsp16.2, and gpdh-1 genes were high in affected (treated with thiazine derivatives) C. elegans in comparison with normal C. elegans. The present research revealed that modified compounds are highly effective as they showed the gene level changes in the selected nematode. Due to structural modification in thiazine analogues, the compounds showed various modes of action. The most effective thiazine derivatives could be excellent candidates for novel broad-scale nematicidal drugs.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial and Nematicidal Activities of Chitosan-Based Silver-Doped Titanium Dioxide.

Chitosan (Cs)-based silver-doped titanium dioxide (Cs-AgTiO2) films were synthesized intending their end-use application in food packaging. AgTiO2 NPs were successfully prepared by using electrochemical synthesis. Cs-AgTiO2 films were synthesized by using the solution casting technique. Various advanced instrumental techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used for the characterization of Cs-AgTiO2 films. Intending their food packaging applications, samples were further investigated to obtain varied biological results including antibacterial (Escherichia coli), antifungal (Candida albicans), and nematicidal activities. Ampicillin (E. coli) and fluconazole (C. albicans) were used as models. FT-IR and XRD confirm the structural modification of Cs. IR peak shifting was observed, which confirmed that AgTiO2 interacted with chitosan via amide I and amide II groups. This confirmed the stability of the filler in the polymer matrix. SEM also confirmed the successful incorporation of AgTiO2 NPs. Cs-AgTiO2 (3%) shows excellent antibacterial (16.51 ± 2.10 µg/mL) and antifungal (15.67 ± 2.14 µg/mL) activities. Nematicidal assays were also done, and Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was used as a model organism. Cs-AgTiO2 NPs (3%) exhibited excellent nematicidal potential (64.20 ± 1.23 µg/mL), which could make these films a suitable novel material to control nematode spread in food.

Nematicidal Characterization of Solanum nigrum and Mentha arvensis Leaf Extracts Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model Organism.

Considering foremost global issues instigated by parasitic nematodes, Solanum nigrum (S. nigrum) and Mentha arvensis (M. arvensis) nematicidal potential at the gene level has been explored herein. Methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, n-hexane, and distilled water were used for extract preparation. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was used as the model organism. Nematicidal and anti-egg hatching assays, fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative real-time PCR were done. S. nigrum chloroform (LD50 = 1.21 mg/mL) and M. arvensis methanol (LD50 = 2.47 mg/mL) extracts exhibited excellent nematicidal potential. Both plants showed potent anti-egg hatching activity (1 mg/mL). S. nigrum methanol and M. arvensis ethyl acetate extracts showed high apoptotic effect in muscles, gonads, and uterus (eggs). Stress genes, that is, gst-4, hsp-16.2, and gpdh-1 were highly expressed in affected C. elegans (treated with S. nigrum and M. arvensis leaf extracts) when compared with normal C. elegans. Phytochemicals and bioactive compounds present in plants may be the major cause of their excellent nematicidal potential, which further confirmed that both plants could be an alternative candidate(s) for novel broad-scale anthelmintic drug(s).

Evaluating humidity sensing response of graphene quantum dots synthesized by hydrothermal treatment of glucose.

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were prepared using a single-step hydrothermal treatment of glucose (C6H12O6) powder. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the random stacking or amorphous character of GQDs. Additionally, the UV-vis spectra confirmed the formation of GQDs with evident absorption peaks at 237 and 305 nm, which is attributed toπ-π* andn-π* transitions correspondingly. The average size and surface roughness of graphene quantum dots were estimated by atomic force microscopy images and found to be 27.0 ± 1.0 and 2.3 nm, respectively. Afterwards, the effect of increasing relative humidity (RH) from 0%-95%, and frequency, was analyzed using the capacitive and resistive responses of synthesized GQDs. The capacitive output at 0.1 kHz revealed that initially capacitance remains constant (15.0 ± 1.0 pF) up to a humidity level ranging between 0%-50%. Likewise, capacitance also displayed stabilized behavior after frequency levels were increased i.e., 1.0 and 10 kHz, at a humidity ranging from 0%-55%. Moreover, capacitance showed a 115,455, 22,480 and 3,620% improvement from their stable values at each respective frequency level i.e., 0.1, 1.0 and 10 kHz. The capacitive sensitivity decreased to 84.20 and 96.83% at greater frequencies (1.0 and 10 kHz) in comparison to the sensitivity at 0.1 kHz facing similar variations in a humid environment. In contrast, resistance displayed an exponential decline by 99.9900, 99.9796 and 99.9925%, accordingly, when RH increases from 0 to 95% at 0.1, 1.0 and 10 kHz, respectively. However, with the rise in frequency level from 0.1 to 1.0 kHz, resistive sensitivity increased considerably to 69 and 158.5%, respectively, in two prominent humidity ranges i.e., 0 ≤ RH ≤ 25% and 25% ≤ RH ≤ 50%. A further increase in testing frequency to 10 kHz enhances the resistive sensitivity by 598.5 and 178.5% when compared with the lowest sensitivity values at two noticeable humidity levels, 0%-25% and 25%-50%. The response and recovery times of our specimen were better than most of previously fabricated GQDs and other carbon-derived nanomaterials, which makes the nano-GQDs of our study more suitable for RH sensor application.

Morphological characteristics of native chicken of village Chhajjian, Haripur Pakistan.

The present study was conducted to describe the variations in morphological characteristics of different selected populations of indigenous chickens. Five populations of chickens in different (localities) of Chhajjian, KP, Pakistan, were studied based on qualitative traits recorded for a total of 100 chickens. Each of the study populations contains multiple variants of plumage colors and other physical features. The average flock size was observed to be 38. Predominant plumage color was grayish and other mixtures along with different percentages in different localities. Pea comb was the dominant comb type in all localities. Most of the chickens were yellow skinned. Males in all populations were heavier and taller than the females. This recorded variation in morphological traits will help in the conservation of these chickens.

Epidemiological study of dengue fever in District Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan / Estudo epidemiológico da dengue no distrito Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão

Dengue is a viral disease which is serious health concern from last few decades and the infection transmitted through mosquito bite into human. This study was conducted to carry out prevalence of dengue fever in District Swabi. A total of 196 blood sample were collected from patients with age ranges (0-80 years) having dengue fever on the basis of physical symptoms from Bacha Khan Medical Complex Swabi during August to October 2017. Serological test were performed for detection of IgM, IgG and NS1 (Non structural protein antigen of virus) against dengue. Out of total 196 confirmed dengue cases the most prone gender was male 123(62%) while 73(38%) were female. Among the age groups; 21-30 years group 62 (31.6%) was found the most predominated age group. The higly affected areas in district Swabi were Topi (40.8%) followed by Main Swabi (27%), Maneri (8.2%), Marghuz (6%), Shawa Ada (5.1%), Shah Mansoor (5.1%), Gohati (4.1%), and Chota Lahore (3.6%). Therefore, the health department should take actions by educating the public about basic cleanliness of the environment. The community should be encouraged to participate in the control of such vector based diseases/infections.

A dengue é uma doença viral que é um sério problema de saúde das últimas décadas e a infecção transmitida através da picada de mosquito em humanos. Este estudo foi realizado para realizar a prevalência da dengue no distrito de Swabi. Foram coletadas 196 amostras de sangue de pacientes com faixa etária (0 a 80 anos) com dengue com base nos sintomas físicos do Complexo Médico Bacha Khan de Swabi, no período de agosto a outubro de 2017. Foram realizados testes sorológicos para detecção de IgM, IgG e NS1 (antígeno proteico não estrutural do vírus) contra a dengue. Do total de 196 casos confirmados de dengue, o sexo mais propenso foi o masculino 123 (62%), enquanto 73 (38%) eram do sexo feminino. Entre as faixas etárias; A faixa etária de 21 a 30 anos 62 (31,6%) foi a faixa etária mais predominante. As áreas altamente afetadas no distrito de Swabi foram Topi (40,8%), seguidas por Main Swabi (27%), Maneri (8,2%), Marghuz (6%), Shawa Ada (5,1%), Shah Mansoor (5,1%), Gohati (4,1%) e Chota Lahore (3,6%). Portanto, o departamento de saúde deve tomar ações educando o público sobre a limpeza básica do meio ambiente. A comunidade deve ser incentivada a participar do controle de tais doenças / infecções baseadas em vetores.

The complete mitochondrial genome of blue pansy, Junonia orithya (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Nymphalinae) from Pakistan.

Junonia orithya's complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) is determined to be 14,214 bp in length, including 37 typical mitochondrial genes and an AT-rich region. Its gene order and orientation are identical to those of other butterfly species. All PCGs are initiated by typical ATN codons, except for cox1 gene which is started by CGA codon. Nine genes use complete termination codon (TAA), whereas the COX1, COX2, NADH1 and NAH4 genes end with single T. Except for trnS1(AGN), all tRNA genes display typical secondary cloverleaf structures as those of other insects. The 331 bp long AT-rich region contains several features common to the other lepidopterans, such as the ATAGA motif followed by a 18 bp poly-T stretch, two microsatellite-like (TA) 9 elements, a 5 bp poly-A stretch immediately upstream of trNAM gene from Pakistan.

Phylogenetic association of Cyprinid (Schizothorax) inferred from complete mitochondrial genome.

Whole mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of S.esocinusand S. plagiostomus was found to be 16,591 and 16,564 bp respectively with 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNAs genes, 22 tRNA genes and 2 non-coding region. For valuing the phylogenetic relationship of a species on the basis of whole mitogenome are considered to be a great importance. In this study, we sequenced whole mitogenome of S.esocinusand S. plagiostomus and compared with the whole mitogenome sequences of members of other families (Balitoridae, Nemanchillidae and Cobatidae). The monophyly of the family Cyprinidae and a clade comprising Balitoridae and Nemanchillidae while Cobatidae with paraphyletic origin was strongly supported by the resultant phylogenies, recognized that Cyprinidae was closely related with the family Cobatidae than other ones. The results indicated that whole mitochondrial genome has a great importance in studying variation in genes and phylogenetic relationship in the subfamily Schizothoracinae. This data offering the molecular phylogenetic frame work of important Schizothorax species found in Swat.

Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized Nanosilica for Zinc Ion Mitigation; Experimental and Computational Investigations.

Zinc is an essential trace metal and its concentration above 4ppm reduces the aesthetic value of water. This study explores the possibility of using functionalized nanohybrids as Zn(II) ion scavengers from aqueous solution. Functionalized nanohybrids were synthesized by the attachment of thiosemicarbazide to silica. The material was characterized by TGA, SEM, FTIR, EDX, and BET analysis, which revealed ligand bonding to silica. The functionalized silica was employed as Zn(II) ion extractant in batch experiments and removed about 94.5% of the Zn(II) ions at pH 7, near zero point charge (6.5) in 30 min. Kinetics investigations revealed that zinc adsorption follows an intra particle diffusion mechanism and first-order kinetics (K = 0.1020 min-1). The data were fitted to Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Langmuir models and useful ion exchange parameters were determined. The impact of co-existing ions on Zn(II) ion sequestration was also studied and it was found that the adsorbent can be used for selective removal of zinc with various ions in the matrix. Quantum mechanical investigations revealed that the Zn(II) ion adsorption on ZnBS1 is more favorable, having higher binding energy (BE) (-178.1 kcal/mol) and ∆H (-169.8), and making tridentate complex with the N and S sites of the chelating ligand. The negative ∆G and BE values suggest highly spontaneous Zn(II) adsorption on the modified silica even at low temperatures.

Management of appendicitis during COVID-19 pandemic; short-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: COVID-19 pandemic has predisposed patients undergoing surgery to post-operative infection and resultant complications. Appendicitis is frequently managed by appendicectomy. After the onset of the pandemic, selected cases of appendicitis were managed with antibiotics which is a recognised treatment option. Our objective was to compare the management of appendicitis and post-operative outcomes between pre- and post-COVID-19. METHODS: Ninety-six patients were identified from before the onset of the pandemic (November 2019) to after the onset of the pandemic (May 2020). Data were collected retrospectively from electronic records including demographics, investigations, treatment, duration of inpatient stay, complications, readmissions and compared between pre- and post-COVID-19 groups. RESULTS: One hundred percent underwent surgical treatment before the onset of pandemic, compared with 56.3% from the onset of the pandemic. A greater percentage of patients were investigated with imaging post-COVID-19 (100% versus 60.9%; p < 0.00001). There was no significant difference in the outcomes between the two groups. CONCLUSION: CT/MRI scan was preferred to laparoscopy in diagnosing appendicitis and conservative management of uncomplicated appendicitis was common practice after the onset of pandemic. Health boards can adapt their management of surgical conditions during pandemics without adverse short-term consequences. Long term follow-up of this cohort will identify patients suitable for conservative management.

Insight into monsoon for shaping the air quality of Islamabad, Pakistan: Comparing the magnitude of health risk associated with PM10 and PM2.5 exposure.

Monsoon plays a determinant role in defining the air quality of many Asian countries. Filter-based 24 h ambient PM10 and PM2.5 sampling was performed by using two paralleled medium volume air samplers during pre-and post-monsoon periods. A negligible change in PM2.5 mass concentration from 45.77 to 44.46 µg/m3 compared to PM10 from 74.34 to 142.49 µg/m3 was observed after the monsoon season. The air quality index (AQI) results showed that the air quality of the city retained from good to slightly polluted in both periods, where PM2.5 remained as the main detrimental to air quality in 95% of the total days. The NOAA HYSPLIT model analysis and wind rose patterns showed air trajectories, especially in post-monsoon originated from relatively polluted areas transported higher PM10. Meteorological attributes indicated a more conducive atmospheric condition for secondary pollution in the pre-monsoon. Evidence showed post-monsoon as a more polluted period, compared to the pre-monsoon and would pose an extra 1.07 × 10-3 lifetime risk to the local population. Similarly, a higher level of PM10 in the post-monsoon caused 43% more premature mortality and 41% more deaths from all-cause mortality compare to the pre-monsoon period, respectively. Implications: Pakistan is an under-developing country where pollution monitoring studies are decidedly limited. Notably, studies, concise PM2.5 and health assessment are deficient. The present study may contribute to evaluating the air quality in special events such as monsoon and can also provide scientific and technical support for subsequent air pollution research. Moreover, the results help to develop adequate prevention and pollution control strategies and offer policy suggestions for monsoon observing countries in general and in particular, in Islamabad, Pakistan. These findings provide essential arguments in favor of educating people and raising awareness about the detrimental health effects of air pollution. Improving the quality of life of people with cardiovascular and respiratory disorders requires an immediate and substantial reduction of air pollution.

Comparative phylogenetic analysis of Schizothorax plagiostomus and Schizothorax esocinus with other members of subfamilies of cyprinidae on the basis of complete mitochondrial genome and 12S, 16S ribosomal RNA from Northren areas of Pakistan.

We assessed the relationship of Schizothoracinae species with other subfamilies Alburninae, Xenocyprinae, Cultrinae and Squaliobarbinae of family Cyprinidae by creating the phylogenetic trees using complete mitogenome and 12S and 16S RNA. Our representative species show the great affiliation with other but separated from a group composed of Metzia mesembrinum, Metzia longinasus, Metzia lineata and Metzia formosae of subfamily Alburninae while other subfamilies formed distinct group. The members of subfamily Schizothoracinae shows separate line of evolution from subfamily Barbinae.

Comparative phylogeny of (Schizothorax esocinus) with reference to 12s and 16 sribosomal RNA from River Swat, Pakistan.

Schizothorax esocinus is one of the important cold water delicious fish belonging to family Cyprinidae and found in River Swat which is one of the main river flowing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.The complete mitochondrial genomes of the S. esocinus species was found to be 16,591bp. Phylogenetic analysis of S. esocinus based on 12 s ribosomal RNA and 16S rRNA confirmed that, the phylogenetic position of S. esocinus was slightly different, but clustered closed to S. plagiostomus, S. labiatus, S. richardsonii, S. nepalensis, and S. progastus predicting a close homology in genome and hence a monophyletic line of evolution also this specie showed close relationship and homologs to the Aspiorhynchus laticeps, Spinibarbus sinensis, Aspiorhynchus laticeps, and Percocypris respectively. This study provided phylogenetic relationship between Schizothoracinae fishes and with the other fishes of family cyprinidae even at the subfamily level.

Comparison of the effects of gamma or sonochemical irradiation of carbon nanotubes and the influence on the mechanical and dielectric properties of chitosan nanocomposites.

Chitosan-carbon nanotube (Chi-CNT) composite materials have been prepared with CNTs that were surface treated using either dilute acid combined with 20 kHz ultrasound or gamma-irradiation in air. The mechanical and dielectric properties have been measured and compared. Both modification methods gave nanocomposites with much improved tensile properties over native chitosan. The sonochemically treated samples were stronger with higher tensile strength but at the expense of lower elasticity and extensibility than found when γ-irradiation was used. Impedance spectra showed differences in the polymer chain transitions and in the conduction mechanisms within the nanocomposites. The results correlated well with previous work suggesting that the two modification techniques result in CNT surfaces with higher polarity. This enhances interfacial interactions with the chitosan matrix although the extent of functionalisation was greater in the sonochemical case. This work demonstrates that sonochemical modification under mild conditions is a useful method for modifying CNTs for inclusion in nanocomposite materials. However, the resulting material properties depend on the level of treatment so that the sonochemical conditions need to be carefully evaluated and controlled if the effects are to be optimised.

Brachychiton populneus (Schott & Endl.) R.Br. ameliorate carbon tetrachloride induced oxidative stress through regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers and inflammatory mediators in Sprague-Dawley male rats.

In this study hepatoprotective aptitude of Brachychiton populneus against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) instigated liver injuries in rats was investigated. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a diode array detector (DAD) analysis of methanol extract of B. populneus (BPM) indicated existence of rutin, catechin and myricetin. Administration of CCl4 to rat decreased (p < 0.01) the level of catalase (CAT), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), soluble protein and reduced glutathione (GSH) whereas elevated the concentration of H2O2, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and nitrite in hepatic samples. In serum the level of hepatic markers; aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin increased with CCl4 treatment against control animals. In hepatic samples the expression level of endoplasmic reticulum stress associated genes like glucose regulated protein (GRP78), x-box binding protein- 1 total (XBP-1 t), x-box binding protein- 1 spliced (XBP-1 s), x-box binding protein- 1 unspliced (XBP-1 u), glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) and pro-inflammatory cytokines; tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was elevated many fold with CCl4 administration to rat. Co-administration of BPM along with CCl4 to rats decreased (p < 0.05) the expression of above genes except GCLC where expression level was enhanced as compared to CCl4 treatment. Histopathology of liver showed injuries of hepatocytes, infiltration of leukocytes and damaged central lobule in CCl4 treated rats. However, BPM administration to CCl4 intoxicated rats restored the altered parameters towards the control rats. These results suggested the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory constituents in methanol extract of B. populneus.

Body mass index & low CIR in colonoscopy!

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine common factors leading to incomplete colonoscopy with a special interest in patient body mass index (BMI), and also to determine most common second line investigation, its pick up rates for cancer and the success rate of re-scoping. BACKGROUND: Wide availability of scope guide in all procedures may decrease failure rate. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 2891 colonoscopies performed at our institution from August 2015 to July 2016. The cohort was composed of all incomplete procedures (148) during this time period and a second cohort (148) of complete examinations which were randomly selected for relation of BMI only. The data in incomplete colonoscopy group included age, gender, BMI, causes of failure, mode of referral, second line investigation. The success of re-scope to pick up a cancer was compared to other modalities i.e. CT Colonography etc. RESULTS: Male to female ratio was 1:4.8. High incomplete colonoscopy rate was noted in females (81%). Mean age in failure group was 64 ±15. Average BMI was 28± 15.Most common mode of referral was urgent or suspected cancer (74%). Common cause of failure was patient intolerance (30%). Most common anatomical site of failure was sigmoid colon (35%). Completion rate of re-scoping in experienced hands was 95%. A lower BMI is related with higher chances of failure or vice versa. CONCLUSION: Lower BMI has higher chance of failure, possibly due to less extra colonic fat leading to tortuous colon. Female sex is second most common cause of failure due to low intolerance to pain. Using stronger pain relief and equal distribution of these characteristics on different list will have least implications in busy cancer screening unit.

Sonochemical modification of carbon nanotubes for enhanced nanocomposite performance.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been treated using 20kHz ultrasound in combination with dilute nitric and sulfuric acids at much lower concentrations than previously reported. The measurements revealed an optimum set of sonication conditions (in this case 30min at 12Wcm-2) exists to overcome aggregation of the nanotubes and to allow efficient dispersion in ethanol or in chitosan. Transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy suggested the removal of amorphous material and reduction of the CNT diameter as well as modifications to their defect structures. The surface oxidation was determined by FTIR spectroscopy. At longer times or higher ultrasound intensities, degradation such as nanotube shortening and additional defect generation in the graphitic network occurred and the benefits of using ultrasound decreased. The modified CNTs were used as fillers for chitosan films and gave a tenfold increase in tensile strength and integrity of the films. The methodology was combined with sonochemical generation of gold or iron oxide nanoparticles to produce a range of functional membranes for catalytic reductive hydrogenation or dye degradation under conditions that are more environmentally benign than those previously used. Our results further add to the usefulness of sonochemistry as a valuable tool in preparative materials chemistry but also illustrate the crucial importance of careful control over the experimental conditions if optimum results are to be obtained.

The Future of Emergency Surgery.

Introduction: Over the past three decades, there has been a recognised need for emergency surgery (ES). Studies of ES have demonstrated variation in patient outcomes depending on admission time or day. ES as a subspecialty is still under consideration in Europe despite being recognised as such in the US. This article reviews this need and addresses the issues required to develop ES as a separate surgical subspecialty in Europe. METHOD: A survey on ES was developed by the Educational Committee of the European Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery (ESTES) and sent to all ESTES members with 102 responses received. Results: Of the responses, 93.1% had completed training. 75.3% of respondents report that ES should be a recognised subspecialty and 79% report that ES is capable of offering a rewarding career. 90% report that ES should have dedicated post-graduate training programme with 69.8% in agreement that dedicated emergency surgeons have improved outcomes following ES. CONCLUSION: Developing ES as a subspecialty in Europe would improve patient outcomes and facilitate resource allocation. This advancement is, however, still in its infancy and its evolution would require overhaul of our current European system, training methods and understanding of the role of emergency surgeons in ES.

Apps in Trauma and Emergency Surgery.

Background: As physicians, Mobile smartphones, laptops and tablets are now an integral part of our day to day activities including personal communications as well as our routine clinical practice. Methods: A digital survey was designed to explore the usage of mobile smartphones and the associated apps among surgeons in Trauma and Emergency departments. It was sent to 850 members of the European Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery. Results: A total of 91 responses were received with 60.4% aged between 35 and 54 years. Only 24.1%of respondents found the available apps extremely useful in their practice, however 75.9% of participants agreed on not being able to identify a certain good application to rely on. CONCLUSION: Despite the widespread use of smartphones among doctors of different grades and specialties, there is a preference shown towards the use of instant messenger apps and the use of the camera for clinical photos. The usefulness of current available apps appears to be limited due to the absence of a regulating body to check the validity of data and peer review the contents of apps leaving a huge responsibility on the individual doctor using the app to rely on its results.