Induction Time Research Articles

The Influence of Feeding Type on Quality and Nutritional Characteristics of Pork Fat

The purpose of the study was to analyze the effect of feeding type on selected quality parameters and the nutritional characteristics of pork fat. Fats were extracted by using the modified Folch method from the groin, jowl and trimming shoulder of pigs fed two types of diets: liquid and dry. The peroxide values and fatty acid profiles, as well as their distribution, in the triacylglycerol molecules were determined. Additionally, nutritional indexes and thermal properties, including the oxidative stability of pork fat, were assessed. Among the tested fats, the groin fat was characterized by the best oxidative stability which did not depend on the diet type used. In the case of jowl and trimming shoulder, a higher share of monounsaturated fatty acids was determined in fats of pigs fed a liquid diet, whereas in the groin, jowl and trimming shoulder fats of pigs fed dry feed, a higher share of polyunsaturated fatty acids was found. Fats extracted from the groin, jowl and trimming shoulder of pigs fed a liquid diet showed a more favorable ratio of n-6 to n-3 acids. Despite the different feeding systems used, tested fats were characterized by a similar distribution of fatty acids in triacylglycerol molecules with a positive effect on fat digestibility. It is worth emphasizing that especially in the case of trimming shoulder fat, the influence of a diet used in pigs’ nutrition on quality parameters was noticeable. The trimming shoulder fat of pigs fed a liquid diet was characterized by a longer induction time of oxidation, contained less saturated fatty acids and presented a more favorable fatty acid profile with a beneficial distribution of fatty acids in triacylglycerol molecules.

Variability in temperature control practices amongst the Influence of Cooling duration on Efficacy in Cardiac Arrest Patients (ICECAP) trial

AimTemperature control is a complex bundled intervention; the synergistic impact of each individual component is ill defined and underreported. Resultantly, the influence of parameter optimization on temperature control’s overall neuroprotective effect remains poorly understood. To characterize variability in temperature control parameters and barriers to short pre-induction and induction times, we surveyed sites enrolling in an ongoing multicenter clinical trial. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, survey study evaluating temperature control practices within the Influence of Cooling duration on Efficacy in Cardiac Arrest Patients (ICECAP) trial (NCT04217551). A 23-question web-based survey (Qualtrics) was distributed to the site principal investigators by email. Respondents were asked about site practices pertaining to the use of temperature control, including the request to upload individual institutional protocols. Open-ended responses were analyzed qualitatively by categorizing responses into identified themes. To complement survey level data, records pertaining to the quality of temperature control were extracted from the ICECAP trial database. ResultsThe survey response rate was 75% (n = 51) including 23.5% (n = 12) survey respondents who uploaded institutional protocols. Most sites reported having institutional protocols for temperature control (n = 41; 80%), including 62.5% (n = 32) who had separate protocols for initiation of temperature control in the emergency department (ED). Fewer sites had protocols specific to sedation or neuromuscular blockade (NMB) management (n = 35, 68.6%). Use of NMB during temperature control induction was variable; 61.7% (n = 29) of sites induced paralysis less than 20% of the time. While most institutional protocols (n = 11, 83.3%) commented on the importance of early initiation of temperature control, this was incongruent with the largest reported barrier, which was clinical nihilism regarding the importance of early temperature control initiation (n = 30, 62.5%). Within the ICECAP trial database, 1 in 2 patients were treated with NMB however, use of NMB and time to initiation of temperature control device varied widely between sites. ConclusionAmongst ICECAP trial sites, there was significant variability in resources, methods, and barriers for early temperature control initiation. Defining and standardizing high-quality temperature control must be prioritized, as it may impact the interpretation of past and current clinical trial findings.

A hydro-thermo-chemo-mechanical model for slag-blended cementitious systems at early ages

A comprehensive hydro-thermo-chemo-mechanical model for predicting the early-age properties development of slag-blended cementitious systems is presented in this study. A new kinetic evolution for slag reaction that takes into account the heterogeneous nucleation effect and induction time of slag was proposed, with which the model effectively quantifies the contributions of slag to the hydration, energy exchange and mass conversation within blended systems. This paper provides a thorough documentation of input parameters, fundamental equations, and constitutive laws associated with the model. The hydro-thermo-chemo-mechanical model successfully predicts the heat release, hydration degrees of cement and slag, self-desiccation, basic creep and autogenous shrinkage in slag-blended cementitious systems. The predictions align well with the experimental observation obtained from this work and reported works in the literature, validating the accuracy and reliability of the proposed model in capturing and explaining the complex early-age behaviors of slag-blended cementitious systems.

An Integrated Experimental and Modeling Approach for Assessing High-Temperature Decomposition Kinetics of Explosives.

We present a new integrated experimental and modeling effort that assesses the intrinsic sensitivity of energetic materials based on their reaction rates. The High Explosive Initiation Time (HEIT) experiment has been developed to provide a rapid assessment of the high-temperature reaction kinetics for the chemical decomposition of explosive materials. This effort is supported theoretically by quantum molecular dynamics (QMD) simulations that depict how different explosives can have vastly different adiabatic induction times at the same temperature. In this work, the ranking of explosive initiation properties between the HEIT experiment and QMD simulations is identical for six different energetic materials, even though they contain a variety of functional groups. We have also determined that the Arrhenius kinetics obtained by QMD simulations for homogeneous explosions connect remarkably well with those obtained from much longer duration one-dimensional time-to-explosion (ODTX) measurements. Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations have been developed to model the coupled heat transport and chemistry of the HEIT experiment to explicitly connect the experimental results with the Arrhenius rates for homogeneous explosions. These results confirm that ignition in the HEIT experiment is heterogeneous, where reactions start at the needle wall and propagate inward at a rate controlled by the thermal diffusivity and energy release. Overall, this work provides the first cohesive experimental and first-principles modeling effort to assess reaction kinetics of explosive chemical decomposition in the subshock regime and will be useful in predictive models needed for safety assessments.

Investigating the potential of aqueous enzymatic extraction of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seed oil: Process optimization and oil characterization

Safflower seed oil was extracted by aqueous enzymatic extraction (AEE) with a combination of three enzymes: hemicellulase, pectinase, and protease. A Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was performed to optimize the operating conditions: Temperature, pH, and incubation time. Analysis of variance allowed studying the variables' linear, quadratic, and interaction effects. The optimized extraction conditions resulted in 85% oil recovery referring to the conventional Soxhlet extraction (SE). Subsequently, a comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate the quality and composition of oils obtained by SE and AEE. The results revealed that the two oils had similar values of peroxide index, conjugated dienes and trienes, and fatty acid composition. AEE-oil had a lighter yellow color (L* = 31.8 Vs. 24.7) and was richer in polyphenols (147 Vs. 101 mg GAE/Kg of oil), but it was more acidic (2.75% Vs. 1.56% linoleic acid) and less stable (2.86h Vs. 5.66h induction time) with less tocopherol (302 Vs. 409 mg/kg oil) and carotenoid content (0.42 Vs. 0.57 mg/kg oil) than SE-oil. Our findings demonstrated that RSM-based optimization is an efficient and time-saving approach, which significantly improved oil extraction. Finally, we suggested several solutions to further improve the quality and quantity of the obtained AEE-safflower seed oil, paving the path for other future research possibilities.

Comparative efficacy and safety of ciprofol, propofol, and propofol and etomidate mixture, and ciprofol and etomidate mixture in patients undergoing painless gastroscopy: A randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial.

To compare the efficacy and safety of ciprofol, propofol, propofol and etomidate mixture or ciprofol and etomidate mixture in patients undergoing painless gastroscopic anesthesia, and to explore the optimal plan to relieve the patient's discomfort. A total of 120 patients scheduled for painless gastroscopy were randomly assigned to 4 groups: propofol (Group P), ciprofol (Group C), propofol-etomidate mixture (Group P-E), and ciprofol-etomidate mixture (Group C-E). The success rate of gastroscopy examination, patient satisfaction, incidence of injection pain, hemodynamic parameters, induction time, procedure time, the consumption of drugs, awakening time, and incidence of adverse events were evaluated. All patients in the study successfully completed the gastroscopy. The satisfaction of patients in Group C-E was significantly higher than that in Group P (P < .05), but there was no statistical significance in the patient satisfaction among the other groups. Compared with Group P, the incidence of injection pain in Groups C and C-E significantly decreased (P < .05). There were no significant differences in the SBP, diastolic blood pressure, HR, and SpO2 among the 4 groups (P > .05). The awakening time of Group C was significantly longer than that of Groups P and P-E (P < .05), but there was no statistically significant difference in the awakening time of other groups. Ciprofol demonstrated efficacy in inducing sedation or anesthesia during painless gastroscopy that was similar to propofol, while exhibiting a comparable safety profile. Moreover, the combination of propofol and etomidate, as well as the combination of ciprofol and etomidate, were both shown to be equally safe and effective for this clinical application. These findings suggest that ciprofol can be considered as a safe and effective alternative for painless gastroscopy, and the ciprofol-etomidate mixture may be a better choice.

Interactions of clathrate hydrate promoters sodium dodecyl sulfate and tetrahydrofuran investigated using 1H diffusion nuclear magnetic resonance at hydrate-forming conditions.

Thermodynamic hydrate promoters and kinetic hydrate promoters can be used to reduce the P-T conditions for clathrate hydrate synthesis to decrease the nucleation induction time while increasing growth rates. Two commonly used promoters for hydrate research are tetrahydrofuran (THF) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), which can increase the overall hydrate promotion when used in tandem as compared to individually. There are several molecular theories regarding how SDS promotes hydrate growth. This study explores the micellular theory, for which hydrate formation depends on surfactant aggregates (micelles) at a critical micelle concentration (CMC) to increase the interfacial surface area. The micellular theory is the most investigated and criticized surfactant hydrate promotion theory. To address questions related to micellar behavior, this study investigates the intermolecular behavior between SDS and THF for the identification of micelles at hydrate-forming conditions. The systems explored contained THF at 3 and 5 wt. % with varying concentrations of SDS below and above the CMC. Several methods including a qualitative visual method, conductivity, interfacial tensiometry, 13C Liquid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and 1H diffusion NMR spectroscopy were evaluated at temperatures below the Krafft point of SDS and above 0 °C. The presence of THF at low concentrations decreased the critical temperature for the formation of SDS micelles, where SDS is solubilized in THF/water solution at hydrate-forming temperatures without precipitation. The CMC of SDS was decreased significantly even at hydrate-forming conditions. Mixed surfactant-cosolvent micellular behavior of SDS in the presence of low concentrations of THF was confirmed at hydrate-forming conditions above 0 °C.

Nalbuphine, medetomidine, and azaperone use in free‐ranging American black bears and mountain lions in Wyoming

AbstractSafe and effective chemical immobilization is a necessary component of large carnivore management and research, but laws regulating controlled substances can limit the use of many drugs by non‐veterinary personnel. NalMed‐A (40 mg/mL nalbuphine HCl, 10 mg/mL medetomidine HCl, 10 mg/mL azaperone tartrate) is a non‐controlled drug combination used to immobilize a number of free‐ranging species, but there are limited published reports of its usage by non‐veterinary personnel when immobilizing American black bears (Ursus americanus) and mountain lions (Puma concolor). Additionally, there are some safety concerns regarding anecdotal reports of spontaneous arousals occurring in large carnivores immobilized with NalMed‐A. We performed a retrospective analysis of capture forms for free‐ranging black bears (n = 34) and mountain lions (n = 7) immobilized with NalMed‐A by non‐veterinary personnel across Wyoming, USA, in 2017 and 2019–2024. Induction (x̅ ± SE) was 10.74 ± 1.16 minutes for black bears (n = 34) and 7.14 ± 1.60 for mountain lions (n = 7). Reversal was 14.21 ± 1.51 minutes for black bears (n = 28) and 10.00 ± 1.26 minutes for mountain lions (n = 5). We used non‐parametric tests (Kruskal‐Wallis, Wilcoxon rank sum) and odds ratios to examine the effect of certain parameters on induction times, redoses, and spontaneous arousals in black bears. Median induction time for black bears injected in their hind leg or rump was greater than for black bears injected in their shoulder (n = 34, W = 79.5, P = 0.045). Six black bears (18%) experienced spontaneous arousals. We recommend avoiding the hind leg and rump for dart placement in bears, and using hobbles and a muzzle for large carnivores when using NalMed‐A in a free‐ranging setting because of the risk of spontaneous arousals.

CARDIORESPIRATORY EFFECTS OF VATINOXAN IN BLESBOK (DAMALISCUS PYGARGUS PHILLIPSI) IMMOBILIZED WITH THIAFENTANIL-MEDETOMIDINE.

Combinations of a low dose of opioid, such as thiafentanil, and a high dose of medetomidine, are increasingly being used for immobilization of African ungulates. Both drugs can have undesirable cardiorespiratory effects. In this study we assessed whether vatinoxan, a peripherally acting alpha2-adrenergic receptor antagonist, can be used to alleviate some of these effects without affecting the immobilization quality. Eight healthy, female, boma-confined blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi), weighing a mean (SDtion) of 56.8 (4.4) kg, were immobilized twice in a randomized cross-over study with a 2-wk washout period using (1) 0.5 mg thiafentanil + 1.5 mg medetomidine (TM), (2) TM + vatinoxan: 0.5 mg thiafentanil + 1.5 mg medetomidine + 15 mg vatinoxan per milligram medetomidine (total of 22.5 mg, administered intramuscularly at 10 min post recumbency). Heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, oxygen saturation (SpO2), arterial blood pressure, and sedation scores from 1 to 5 (1 = limited effect; 5 = excessively deep) were measured every 5 min. Arterial blood gases (PaO2 and PaCO2) were measured at 10, 15, 25, and 35 min postrecumbency and the alveolar--arterial oxygen gradient (P[A-a]O2) was calculated. Induction times and immobilization quality did not differ between groups. The heart rate was significantly higher and the mean arterial pressure significantly lower in blesbok after receiving vatinoxan. All animals were hypoxemic and there were no significant differences in the respiratory rates, PaO2, PaCO2, SpO2, or P(A-a)O2 gradients at any time point. Although vatinoxan did not improve respiratory variables and blood oxygenation in these animals, the change in cardiovascular variables may suggest that it improves tissue perfusion, a positive outcome that requires further investigation.

Use of hyoscine as an adjuvant treatment on shortening the time of abortion induction in second trimester: randomized controlled clinical trialy

Use of hyoscine as an adjuvant treatment on shortening the time of abortion induction in second trimester: randomized controlled clinical trialy

Cook’s balloon versus dinoprostone for Labour induction of term pregnancies with fetal GROWth restriction: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial in tertiary maternity hospitals in Spain (COLIGROW study)

IntroductionFetal growth restriction (FGR) affects about 3%–5% of term pregnancies. If prenatally detected and anterograde umbilical artery flow is preserved (stage I), it is recommended to deliver at term (≥...

A hypothalamus-lateral periaqueductal gray GABAergic neural projection facilitates arousal following sevoflurane anesthesia in mice.

The lateral hypothalamus (LHA) is an evolutionarily conserved structure that regulates basic functions of an organism, particularly wakefulness. To clarify the function of LHAGABA neurons and their projections on regulating general anesthesia is crucial for understanding the excitatory and inhibitory effects of anesthetics on the brain. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether LHAGABA neurons play either an inhibitory or a facilitatory role in sevoflurane-induced anesthetic arousal regulation. We used fiber photometry and immunofluorescence staining to monitor changes in neuronal activity during sevoflurane anesthesia. Opto-/chemogenetic modulations were employed to study the effect of neurocircuit modulations during the anesthesia. Anterograde tracing was used to identify a GABAergic projection from the LHA to a periaqueductal gray (PAG) subregion. c-Fos staining showed that LHAGABA activity was inhibited by induction of sevoflurane anesthesia. Anterograde tracing revealed that LHAGABA neurons project to multiple arousal-associated brain areas, with the lateral periaqueductal gray (LPAG) being one of the dense projection areas. Optogenetic experiments showed that activation of LHAGABA neurons and their downstream target LPAG reduced the burst suppression ratio (BSR) during continuous sevoflurane anesthesia. Chemogenetic experiments showed that activation of LHAGABA and its projection to LPAG neurons prolonged the anesthetic induction time and promoted wakefulness. In summary, we show that an inhibitory projection from LHAGABA to LPAGGABA neurons promotes arousal from sevoflurane-induced loss of consciousness, suggesting a complex control of wakefulness through intimate interactions between long-range connections.

Uterine prostaglandin DP receptor-induced upon implantation contributes to decidualization together with EP4 receptor

To investigate the yet-unknown roles of prostaglandins (PGs) in the uterus, we analyzed the expression of various PG receptors in the uterus. We found that three types of Gs-coupled PG receptors, DP, EP2, and EP4, were expressed in luminal epithelial cells from the peri-implantation period to late pregnancy. DP expression was also induced in stromal cells within the mesometrial region, whereas EP4 was expressed in stromal cells within the anti-mesometrial region during the peri-implantation period. The timing of DP induction after embryo attachment correlated well with that of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2); however, COX-2-expressing stromal cells were located in the vicinity of the embryo, whereas DP-expressing stromal cells surrounded these cells on the mesometrial side. Specific [3H]PGD2-binding activity was detected in the decidua of uteri, with PGD2 synthesis comparable to that of PGE2 detected in the uteri during the peri-implantation period. Administration of the COX-2-specific inhibitor celecoxib caused adverse effects on decidualization, as demonstrated by the attenuated weight of the implantation sites, which was recovered by the simultaneous administration of a DP agonist. Such a rescuing effect of the DP agonist was mimicked by an EP4 agonist, but not an EP2 agonist. While the importance of DP signaling was shown pharmacologically, DP/EP2 double deficiency did not affect implantation and decidualization, suggesting the contribution of EP4 to these processes. Indeed, administration of an EP4 antagonist substantially affected decidualization in DP/EP2-deficient mice. These results suggest that COX-2-derived PGD2 and PGE2 contribute to decidualization via a coordinated pathway of DP and EP4 receptors.

Using the potential of Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) as a functional filler with antioxidant activity of low-density polyethylene composites as an example of sustainable development of an invasive plant

Novel bio-based low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composites have been manufactured using different Canadian goldenrod (CG) invasive plant parts. Fragmented and ground blossoms (CGB) and mixed leaves and stems (CGSL) were used as fillers introduced by melt mixing into an LDPE matrix at various concentrations (2, 5, 10, 20, 40 wt%). Moreover, the influence of a series of modified fillers based on stems and leaves saturated with an extract made of blossoms (CGSL+E) on LDPE has been verified. The oxidation resistance of composites was enhanced based on the oxidation induction time (OIT) assessment, which increased from 0.5 min for LDPE to 178 min (CGB), 231 min (CGSL), and 140 min (CGSL+E). All composite series formed by compression molding were exposed to UV-light radiation using Xenon lamps and subjected to spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis, color assessment, and mechanical testing. LDPE/CGSL+E composites demonstrated the most favorable mechanical properties after UV-light exposure. In their case, an increase in Young modulus of 360 MPa was observed for the 40 wt% sample (PE ∼ 180 MPa) and an acceptable decrease in tensile strength of 6.5 MPa compared to the reference LDPE of 9.8 MPa. The study consists of a screening for future research on the use and simultaneous valorization of the invasive plant into functional composite fillers with increased oxidation resistance.

Understanding copper corrosion in bentonite-enriched environments: Insights from the point defect model

The study simulated copper corrosion in a bentonite/groundwater solution, analyzing the kinetics of metal passivation through potentiodynamic polarization, potentiostatic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy experiments. Morphological characterization provided insights into corrosion development patterns, and the mechanisms by which bentonite affects copper corrosion were comprehensively elucidated based on the point defect model. The findings revealed that bentonite affects copper corrosion resistance through Donnan exclusion, cation adsorption, and hydrolysis salt effects. At lower potentials, bentonite aids in inhibiting anodic dissolution, reducing the polarization current by approximately 75 % under certain conditions. With increasing bentonite content, the induction time for stable pitting corrosion shortens significantly, down to 10 %, the current surge before breakdown intensifies, and the breakdown potential decreases. When the bentonite volume ratio exceeds 0.5/0.1, the breakdown potential of OFP-Cu/OF-Cu markedly decreases and stabilizes at 0.1/0 VSCE. The microscopic mechanism of pitting corrosion induced by bentonite hydrolysis salts was elucidated using the point defect model, calculating the polarizability of the passive layer/outer layer interface as α = 0.1. The reliability of the cation adsorption and adsorption-desorption mechanisms was confirmed through experimental data fitting, point defect model fitting, and theoretical analysis.

Effect of polyoxyethylene laurate series surfactants on HCFC-141b hydrate formation

To address the problems of slow crystallization and nucleation in two-phase miscibility in the application of refrigerant hydrates, adding surfactants can be taken as an effective way to promote hydrate formation. Three kinds of polyoxyethylene laurate (LAE) surfactant with different hydrophilic chain lengths (LAE-4, LAE-9 and LAE-24) were selected as accelerators to study their effects on hydrate formation. LAE series surfactants significantly reduce hydrate nucleation induction time. The hydrate induction time of the system with 4.0 wt% LAE-9 is shortest (98 min). The hydrate formation with 4.0 wt% LAE-9 has small randomness and is more stable. Micelles formed by LAE surfactants provide more nucleation sites and accelerate hydrate growth. The hydrate cold storage density is related to the hydrophilic chain length of surfactant. The system with 4.0 wt% LAE-9, which has a suitable hydrophilic chain length, achieves the largest hydrate cold storage density (246.10 kJ·kg−1). Hydrate has the fastest growth rate of 4.80 kJ·kg−1·min−1 in the system with 2.0 wt% LAE-24. There is a “memory” effect during hydrate formation and dissociation cycle, eliminating the need for induction time during hydrate re-formation. Hydrate can be re-formed quickly.

Novel twisted hexagonal tubular crystallizer used for thiourea cooling crystallization: Improving crystal qualities

The stirred-tank crystallizer (STC) is the widely used apparatus in industrial crystallization. However, it presents notable challenges, including a broad crystal size distribution (CSD) and fouling. Herein, the twisted hexagonal tube (THT) was employed for thiourea cooling crystallization. The THT exhibited superior heat transfer performance compared to the circular tube (CT) under identical conditions. Furthermore, the THT exhibited longer induction times and wider metastable zone width compared to STC and CT, indicating that the THT can effectively mitigate the nucleation rate. Crystals formed in the THT exhibited elliptical shapes, with a purity of 99.3 % and a target-product (425 μm) proportion of 78 wt%. Thiourea crystallized using the THT met the first-class in China standard HG/T 3454–2013, whereas those crystallized using STC and CT met the second-class standard. Consequently, the THT, as a novel tubular crystallizer, demonstrated considerable potential.

Study of the effect of glycine on the growth and mobility of CO2 hydrate slurries in the loop

The stability of CO2 hydrate slurry mobility is essential for the progression of diverse potential Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) applications, while also playing a critical role in maintaining the safety of gas–liquid two-phase flow transportation pipelines. In this study, the effect of glycine on the growth and flowing characteristics of CO2 hydrate slurry was investigated for the first time using a high-pressure recirculating flow loop. A comprehensive analysis of the hydrate growth, morphology, and rheological behavior was performed. The results show that the induction time of CO2 hydrate formation could be effectively prolonged by the presence of glycine in the loop, but it cannot inhibit its rapid formation in the rapid growth period. Meanwhile, agglomeration of the slurry and adsorption on the pipe wall during the flow process were observed with the presence of glycine. The flow pattern of pure CO2 hydrate slurry was gradually transitioned from expansion flow to pseudoplastic flow with the increase of hydrate amount, and shear thinning was observed when the slurry content was not less than 7.6%. The addition of glycine significantly increases the viscosity of the slurry, which makes the slurry behave as an expanding fluid in a wider range. The tendency of shear thickening and the range of shear thickening of the slurry were enlarged. This study raises mobility security concerns for the potential application value of glycine as an LDHI. It also serves as a valuable reference for furthering the advancement of CO2 slurry as a potential application for CCUS.

Effect of surface pore on bubble–solid surface collisional interaction and adhesion process

ABSTRACT In low-rank and oxidized coal flotation, the pore structure on particle surfaces can significantly affect the bubble-particle collisional adhesion process, which in turn affects the flotation performance. In this study, to understand its mechanism, the collisional interaction process between bubbles and substrates with a single pore was observed throjugh a self-made system, and the interaction force was measured during the adhesion and detachment process. The results proved that the pore accelerated the kinetic energy dissipation of the bubbles after collision and largely shortened the induction time during the adhhesion process. The induction time on the perforated substrate was an order of magnitude shorter than that on the smooth surface. The interaction force measurement results showed that bubble interaction behavior on smooth and perforated surfaces was essentially the same, which suggests that the single pore on hydrophobic surface can accelerate bubble adhesion without affecting adhesion stability, thus strengthening bubble – particle adhesion.

Association between timing of labor induction and neonatal and maternal outcomes: an observational study from China

Growing evidence suggests that elective induction of labor at 39 weeks' gestation may lead to more favorable perinatal outcomes than expectant management, however, how to weigh the pros and cons of elective labor induction at 39 weeks, the expectation of spontaneous delivery at 40 or 41 weeks, or delayed labor induction at 40 or 41 weeks on neonatal and maternal outcomes remains a practical challenge in clinical decision-making. We compared the neonatal and maternal outcomes between elective induction of labor at 39 weeks' gestation and expectant management in a real-world setting. We also divided the expectantly managed group and compared outcomes of the spontaneous delivery at 40 or 41 weeks' gestation group and the induced group at 40 or 41 weeks' gestation with those of the elective induction at 39 weeks' gestation group. This retrospective cohort study included 21,282 participants who delivered between January 1, 2019, and June 30, 2022. Participants were initially categorized into 3 groups at 39 weeks' gestation, namely elective induction of labor, spontaneous delivery, and expectant management, for the primary analysis in which elective induction was compared with expectant management. Subsequently, the expectant management group at 39 weeks' gestation was divided into 3 groups at 40 weeks, and participants who underwent expectant management at 40 weeks were then divided into 2 groups at 41 weeks' gestation, namely elective induction and spontaneous delivery. In total, 6 groups were compared in the secondary analysis with the elective induction at 39 weeks' gestation group serving as the reference group. At 39 weeks' gestational age, participants who underwent elective induction of labor had a significantly lower risk for the primary composite outcomes than participants who were managed expectantly (adjusted odds ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.95), and there was no significant difference in the risk for cesarean delivery between the 2 groups. After further dividing the expectantly managed group and comparing them with participants who underwent elective induction of labor at 39 weeks' gestation, those who underwent spontaneous delivery at 40 weeks' gestation had significantly lower risks for cesarean delivery (0.61; 0.52-0.71) and chorioamnionitis (0.78; 0.61-1.00) but a higher risk for fetal distress (1.39; 1.22-1.57); those with spontaneous delivery at 41 weeks' gestation had a significantly higher risk for fetal distress (1.44; 1.16-1.79), postpartum hemorrhage (1.83; 1.26-2.66), and prolonged or arrested labor (1.61; 1.02-2.54). Moreover, when compared with participants who underwent elective induction of labor at 39 weeks' gestation, participants who were induced later in gestation had significantly higher risks for adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes, especially at 40 weeks' gestation. Our findings indicate that elective induction of labor at 39 weeks' gestation was significantly associated with lower risks for adverse short-term neonatal and maternal outcomes when compared with expectant management. Moreover, our study highlights the nuanced trade-offs in risks and benefits between elective induction at 39 weeks' gestation and waiting for spontaneous labor or delayed induction at 40 or 41 weeks' gestation, thus providing valuable insights for clinical decision-making in practice.