In this work, we have attempted to improve electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and mechanical behavior of epoxy/carbon fiber (CF) composite, simultaneously, in the presence of functionalized carbon nanotubes. It is well understood that properties of composite depend on the interface between the filler and matrix. Considering this basic understanding, functionalized carbon nanotubes/epoxy nanocomposites were impregnated into a bidirectional carbon fiber (CF) mat and, further, various mechanical and EMI shielding behaviors were studied. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes were functionalized with branched poly(ethyleneimine) (b-MWNT) to tailor the interface of epoxy/CF composites. Laminates with two layers of CF were fabricated with functional MWNT modified epoxy. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the microstructure of epoxy/CF laminates. Lap shear test was performed to analyze adhesion between the modified epoxy and carbon fiber. Further dynamic mechanical analysis in the temperature range of 30–160 °C was performed. Thermal degradation of composites was studied using a thermogravimetric analyzer. Electrical conductivity of laminates was measured using a four-point method on an Agilent probe station. EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) was measured for 0.5 mm-thin laminates in the Ku band. The b-MWNT modified epoxy/CF composites showed excellent SE T of ca. −60 dB and SE A of ca. −50 dB, which are of commercial importance. Compared to unmodified epoxy/CF, b-MWNTs/epoxy/CF exhibited 200% increment in EMI SE T and 35% enhancement in storage modulus due to the improved interface between the epoxy matrix and carbon fiber.

Background and Aims:Effective post-operative analgesia after caesarean section (CS) is important because it facilitates early amelioration, ambulation and expedites breastfeeding. Quadratus lumborum (QL) block is an interfascial block providing effective visceral and somatic analgesia. We conducted this study to compare the analgesic efficacy of QL block and transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block after CS.Methods:In this single hospital-based, prospective double-blind study, 60 patients scheduled for an elective CS between December 2018 and January 2019 were randomised to receive ultrasound-guided TAP block (n = 30) or QL block (n = 30) bilaterally with 0.2% ropivacaine postoperatively. The primary objective was to measure the time for rescue analgesic requirement and secondary objectives included the total number of analgesic dose required over a period of 72 hours and severity of post-operative pain assessment via visual analogue scale (VAS) score at rest and with movement. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21. Data were compared using the Chi-square test and students' t-test.Results:Time for rescue analgesic requirement was higher in the QL group than the TAP group (mean ± SD: 68.77 ± 1.74 h vs. 13.3 ± 1.21 h) (P < 0.001). The QL group had significantly less analgesic demand (P < 0.001) at 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h post-CS. The VAS at rest and movement was significantly reduced in the QL group at all times.Conclusion:The QL block provided prolonged and effective analgesia in comparison to TAP block up to 72 hours post-CS.

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Background and Aims: Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is an interfascial plane block given at the paraspinal region and provides effective visceral and somatic analgesia. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is also an interfascial block that provides adequate somatic pain control. We conducted this study to compare the analgesic efficacy of ESP and TAP blocks with ropivacaine for 48 h after the cesarean section. Material and Methods: Sixty patients scheduled for elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia, randomly divided into ESP block ( n = 30) or TAP block ( n = 30) groups. After completion of surgery, ultrasound-guided ESP or TAP block was given using 0.2% ropivacaine (0.2 ml/kg on either side). Postoperatively visual analogue scale (VAS) score and analgesic requirement of each patient was assessed at regular interval for 48 h by a blinded investigator. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21. Student's t -test and Chi-square test were used for demographic and other data. Results: ESP block provided prolonged analgesia compared to the TAP block, andthe mean time to first rescue analgesia was 43.53 h and 12.07 h, respectively ( P < 0.001). The requirement for total analgesic was also significantly less in the ESP group compared to the TAP group ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: ESP block provided prolonged analgesia with a significant decrease in analgesic requirement compared to TAP block and can be used as a standard technique for post-cesarean analgesia.

An efficient and environmentally sustainable domino protocol has been presented for the synthesis of structurally diverse spiroannulated pyrimidophenazines involving a four component reaction of 2hydroxynaphthalene-1,4-dione, benzene-1,2-diamine, cyclic ketones and amino derivatives in the presence of erbium doped TiO 2 nanoparticles as a recyclable and reusable heterogeneous acid catalyst.The present synthetic protocol features mild reaction conditions with operational simplicity, excellent yield with high purity, short reaction time and high atom economy with the use of a recoverable and reusable environmentally sustainable heterogeneous catalyst.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a potentially life-threatening complication, usually iatrogenic after ovulation induction. OHSS is a very rare event in spontaneously conceived pregnancies. Only few cases have been reported in literature to the best of our knowledge. We report a very rare case of spontaneous critical OHSS (according to classification of severity of OHSS as mentioned in Greentop guidelines no. 5, 2006) associated with triplet pregnancy in a 26-year-old woman suffering from severe abdominal pain, distension, and dyspnea. Our case highlights the importance of a strong suspicion for OHSS when a clinical presentation could not be explained by common medical conditions.

An efficient and diversity oriented synthetic protocol has been presented to synthesize spirooxindoles using isocyanide based multicomponent reaction in the presence of surface modified TiO2 nanoparticles as recyclable and reusable heterogeneous acid catalyst. This convergent synthetic protocol incorporates structural complexity and molecular diversity in molecular structures with atom economy, synthetic efficiency and operational simplicity in a time and cost‐effective manner. The recyclability and reusability of the catalyst make the present synthetic protocol economically viable for industrial processes.