Development of a simple amino-modified silica-based colorimetric sensor for the detection of copper (II) ions in aqueous samples

Research projects form an important part of learning and preparing students for graduate training. While most cutting edge research requires highly sophisticated instruments, there is no such luxury in the Least Developed Countries, least of all, being accessible to undergraduate students. Consequently, undergraduate research projects require some level of improvisation and innovation to use easily available materials to carry out research, without compromising the quality of science. This paper reports the development of a simple amino-modified colorimetric sensor using silica gel modified with (3-aminopropyl)-triethoxysilane (APS) for the qualitative detection of Cu2+ ions in aqueous solutions in an effort to demonstrate the concept of ligand field strength and imbue interest in research in the undergraduate students. The sensor was immobilized on a glass stirring rod for simulated field applications. It responded considerably well at concentrations above 200 parts per million and neutral pH (7-8) giving response under 60 minutes of exposure with the increase in detection times as the concentration of the ions decreased. Modification of the APS with different substrates reduced its efficiency, demonstrating the necessity for primary amines. The binding of the Cu2+ ions seemed considerably stable for the sensor to be applied as a passive sampling device. This experiment has demonstrated that indeed, science does not only depend on sophisticated instrumentation but also simple ideas can generate interest in students while also achieving credible research results. It further demonstrates the importance of encouraging independent thinking to arouse interest as a way of improving the learning process

Prevalence of Frailty in European Emergency Departments (FEED): an international flash mob study

Introduction Current emergency care systems are not optimized to respond to multiple and complex problems associated with frailty. Services may require reconfiguration to effectively deliver comprehensive frailty care, yet its prevalence and variation are poorly understood. This study primarily determined the prevalence of frailty among older people attending emergency care. Methods This cross-sectional study used a flash mob approach to collect observational European emergency care data over a 24-h period (04 July 2023). Sites were identified through the European Task Force for Geriatric Emergency Medicine collaboration and social media. Data were collected for all individuals aged 65 + who attended emergency care, and for all adults aged 18 + at a subset of sites. Variables included demographics, Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), vital signs, and disposition. European and national frailty prevalence was determined with proportions with each CFS level and with dichotomized CFS 5 + (mild or more severe frailty). Results Sixty-two sites in fourteen European countries recruited five thousand seven hundred eighty-five individuals. 40% of 3479 older people had at least mild frailty, with countries ranging from 26 to 51%. They had median age 77 (IQR, 13) years and 53% were female. Across 22 sites observing all adult attenders, older people living with frailty comprised 14%. Conclusion 40% of older people using European emergency care had CFS 5 + . Frailty prevalence varied widely among European care systems. These differences likely reflected entrance selection and provide windows of opportunity for system configuration and workforce planning