Shorter Induction Time Research Articles

A novel chronic obstructive pulmonary disease mouse model induced by intubation-mediated intratracheal co-administration of porcine pancreatic elastase and lipopolysaccharide.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant respiratory disorder in humans characterized by persistent airway constriction or obstruction due to chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema. Various methods of inducing COPD in mouse models are frequently used in COPD research; however, these cannot completely reproduce histopathologic lesions. This study aimed to establish a new COPD mouse model that reproduces histopathological lesions closely resembling clinical COPD within a shorter induction time. The new strategy involved the co-administration of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), with PPE intended to induce pulmonary emphysema and LPS intended to induce chronic bronchitis. Male C57BL/6J mice were administered PPE (8 U/kg) on days 0 and 3 and LPS (400µg/kg) on days 6, 9, 12, and 15. Each administration was performed using a noninvasive intubation-mediated intratracheal instillation method with a laryngoscope. Postmortem examination on day 22 revealed that pulmonary emphysema and chronic bronchitis were simultaneously induced in 90.91% of the lung lobes. Molecular studies revealed higher messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression levels of interleukin-6(IL-6) and matrix metalloproteinase-12(MMP-12) associated with the pathogenesis of COPD. A new method was developed to establish a COPD mouse model that displays a more severe representation of the histopathological findings of clinical COPD than previous COPD models. It also reduces the time required for model induction. This newly developed COPD mouse model is expected to be a valuable tool for the pathogenesis and therapeutic research on human COPD.

Callus induction, subculture, and browning inhibition of the anticancer plant Taxus media

In order to obtain more effective cell culture parameters of Taxus anticancer plants, we optimized the callus induction and subculture conditions of the explants (stem segments with buds) of the anticancer medicinal plant Taxus media by using the plant tissue culture technology and orthogonal test. Furthermore, we studied the method to inhibit browning in the culture. The results indicated that the optimal conditions for inducing callus was culture in the medium composed of B5+0.25 mg/L 2, 4-D+1.5 mg/L NAA+0.5 mg/L KT in the dark, which showed short induction time and a high induction rate (86.7%). The formula of the optimal medium for subculture was B5+0.5 mg/L 2, 4-D+2.0 mg/L NAA+1.5 mg/L KT.The proliferation multiple of callus cultured by subculture on the 10th day of callus growth was the highest. Activated carbon inhibited the browning in callus subculture, with the optimal inhibitory concentration of 0.8 g/L. The results of this study lay a foundation for the production of taxol by suspension culture of T. media cells.

Insight into the micro-mechanism of hydrate-based methane storage from active ice

Gas hydrate formation in active ice holds significant potential for solidified natural gas storage, while the deep understanding of its micro-mechanism is required for the futural application of such a technology. In this study, the kinetics and micro-properties of methane hydrate formation enhanced by active ice (porous ice containing an unfrozen solution layer of sodium dodecyl sulfate) were investigated via experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) characterization, and in-situ visual observation confirmed the formation of sI methane hydrate in the active ice system and the occurrence of single-crystal hydrate, and also indicated the occurrence of active water near the surface of porous active ice during the active ice formation. A sensitivity analysis of the hydrate kinetics experiments suggested that temperature is the primary driver of rapid methane hydrate formation in the active ice system. The shortest induction time and t90 for hydrate formation were recorded at 5 s and 5.5 min, respectively. Furthermore, MD simulations indicated that the direct hydrate nucleation and growth in the active water, heat transfer from gas hydrate to ice, and the diffusion of active water (1.24 × 10-9 m2/s) and methane (7.10 × 10-8 m2/s) into the porous ice structure are the primary mechanism that enhances hydrate formation kinetics and methane storage capacity. This work provides an essential microscopic mechanism of the “active ice → active water → gas hydrate” circulation that contributes to the deep understanding and futural application of the efficient hydrate-based solidified methane storage in active ice system.

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.

Comparison between Intramuscular and Intranasal Administration of Sedative Drugs Used for Piglet Castration.

The aim of this study was to test the intranasal administration of different anaesthetics in piglets less than seven days of age undergoing castration for their suitability for providing good-quality sedation and short induction and recovery time with minimal stress. Azaperone alone at a high (5 mg/kg), medium (3 mg/kg) and low dosage (2 mg/kg) and in two combinations with either alfaxalone or midazolam were applied intramuscularly (i.m.) or intranasally (i.n.) to 120 healthy piglets. Compared to intramuscular application, intranasal application showed longer induction times, shorter recovery times and higher scores for defence and vocalisation. In conclusion, the intranasal protocols did not meet the requirements in all groups and their use can therefore not be recommended. A rapid induction phase and good quality of sedation could not be guaranteed.

Physicochemical properties, profile of volatiles, fatty acids, lipids and concomitants from four Kadsura coccinea seed oils

The Kadsura coccinea fruit is a wild fruit that may be eaten and used medicinally. Its seeds are rich in nutrients but are typically thrown away without processing.The physicochemical characterization, volatiles, fatty acids, lipids and concomitants of cold-processed seed oils from four kinds of K. coccinea were evaluated. The average kernel yield and oil yield of K. coccinea seeds were 68.21 % and 30.44 %, respectively. The seed oil contains a moderate level of total phenolics (368.99–503.99 mgGAE/100 g), total flavonoids (95.01–126.18 mg RE/100 g), and β-sitosterol (1498.8–1712.7 mg/kg) with higher iodine value, lower acid value, saponification value and shorter induction time. GC analysis reveals appreciable amounts of linoleic acid (64.91–68.05 %) and squalene in seed oil. GC–MS analysis showed that the major volatile compounds were γ-muurolene (27.25–31.7 %), β-himachalene (19.51–20.37 %) and β-curcumene (15.78–16.78 %). Moreover, 16 terpenoids, 14 phenolics were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. These results suggest that K. coccinea seed seems an promising alternative oilseed with biological ingredients for food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

Development of a two‐dimensional bipolar electrochemistry technique for high throughput corrosion screening

AbstractBipolar electrochemistry allows testing and analysing the crevice corrosion, pitting corrosion, passivation, general corrosion, and cathodic deposition reactions on one sample after a single experiment. A novel two‐dimensional bipolar electrochemistry setup is designed using two orthogonal feeder electrode arrangements, allowing corrosion screening tests across a far wider potential range with a smooth potential gradient to be assessed. This two‐dimensional bipolar electrochemistry setup was applied here to simultaneously measure for the simultaneous measurement of the nucleation and propagation of pitting and crevice corrosion under a broad range of applied potential on type 420 stainless steel, which has a very short localised corrosion induction time. It reduces the error from corrosion induction to corrosion competition, and all pits and crevice corrosion have no lacy cover. Results show crevice corrosion can gain current density and easier to support its nucleation and propagation at different potential regions more easily than pitting corrosion.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of ciprofol and propofol in sedating patients in the operating room and outside the operating room: a meta-analysis and systematic review

BackgroundAs a new type of intravenous anesthetic, ciprofol has the advantages of fast onset of action, fast recovery and high clearance rate. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of ciprofol versus traditional propofol for anesthesia and sedation in and out of the operating room.MethodsWe searched the literature in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases from January 2021 to December 2023. All clinical studies comparing the sedative effects of propofol and ciprofol, both inside and outside the operating room, were included in our trial. The main outcome measures were induction time and incidence of injection-site pain. Data are merged using risk ratio and standardized mean difference with 95% confidence interval. Subgroup analysis, meta-regression, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were performed. The study protocol was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023447747).ResultsA total of 15 randomized, controlled trials involving 2002 patients were included in this study. Compared with propofol, ciprofol has a longer induction time in the operating room but a shorter induction time in non-operating room settings. Ciprofol can effectively reduce the risk of injection-site pain and respiratory depression both inside and outside the operating room. In addition, the risk of drug-related hypotension induced with ciprofol in the operating room is lower, but the awakening time is also longer. Meta-regression analysis showed that neither age nor BMI were potential sources of heterogeneity. Funnel plot, egger and begg tests showed no significant publication bias. Sensitivity analyzes indicate that our results are robust and reliable.ConclusionCiprofol has absolute advantages in reducing the risk of injection-site pain and respiratory depression, both in and outside operating room. Intraoperative use of ciprofol reduces the risk of drug-related hypotension and may also reduce the risk of intraoperative physical movements. However, ciprofol may have longer induction and awakening time than propofol.

High-performance static formation of methane hydrate in fixed bed constructed by incorporating expanded graphite into polyimide foam

Hydrate has been endowed with great potential in energy storage and transportation. However, the kinetics of its formation process has been a challenge, often requiring dynamic mechanical processes that are energy-intensive and cumbersome to operate. Herein, a well-designed expanded graphite (EG)/polyimide (PI) foam was first explored as fixed bed for the formation of methane hydrate. The results demonstrate that the EG/PI fixed bed exhibits a remarkable performance in hydrate formation under static conditions, with a high gas storage capacity of 149 V/V, a short induction time and a rapid formation rate of 13.1 V·V−1·min−1 at 6 MPa and −2 °C, and excellent recyclability, which are attributed to its stable micro/macro structures. Thereinto, the pores of EG serves as gas adsorption and reaction sites, initialing the formation with extremely short induction time. The three-dimensional framework of PI foam supports the uniform dispersion of EG particles and enables the efficient formation of hydrate under static condition. The EG/PI fixed bed decreases the water freezing point and leads to a high supercooling that facilitates the rapid nucleation of hydrate. Meanwhile, the fixed bed provides extensive mass-transfer channels, sufficient growing space, and superior heat conductivity, which contribute to the hydrate growth under static condition. This work not only offers a novel strategy for fabricating high-performance fixed bed, but also provides an insight into its promotion mechanism in hydrate formation.

A Rabbit Clinical Trial of Xylazine-Ketamine vs. Fentanyl-Ketamine for General Anesthesia

The Aim of Study: The current investigation was designed to compare the anesthetic and physiological effects of ketamine with different pre-anesthetics protocol. Methods: A total of twelve healthy male rabbits were chosen for the clinical anesthetic trial. Animals were presented to the faculty of veterinary medicine at Kerbala University for skin wound procedures and separated into two equal groups 6 rabbits each (group A and group B). Rabbits in group A were administered an intramuscular injection of xylazine (10mg/kg BW) followed by ketamine (50 mg/kg I.M) after 10 minutes. while those in group B were injected with fentanyl (0.04 mg/kg BW, I.M) first plus ketamine (50 mg/kg I.M) after 10 minutes. The physiological and anesthetic parameters to assess the complications that associated with anesthetic, were recorded and analyzed. Results: The level of induction and recovery varied significantly (P<0.05) among the groups. Compared to group B, group A had a considerably (P<0.05) shorter induction time. Furthermore, group A's mean time for losing pedal reflex revealed a substantial (P<0.05) decrease. Between-group differences in the responses to the pain test and muscular relaxation were statistically significant (P<0.05). Group A experienced a substantially longer (P<0.05) induction period, surgical anesthetic duration, and recovery period than group B. No rabbits died as a result of the anesthetic or the recuperation. Conclusion: Compared to Fentanyl-ketamine (FK) combination anesthesia, administration of Xylazine with ketamine (XK) apparently does not influence the physiological parameters. Additionally, this method provides a very successful anesthetic procedure for a flawless induction, suitable muscle relaxation, extended anesthesia, and a painless recovery.

Implementation and Clinical Impact of a Guideline for Standardized, Evidence-Based Induction of Labor.

This study aimed to assess the impact of implementation of an induction of labor (IOL) guideline on IOL length and utilization of evidence-based practices. We conducted a quality improvement project to increase utilization of three evidence-based IOL practices: combined agent ripening, vaginal misoprostol, and early amniotomy. Singletons with intact membranes and cervical dilation ≤2 cm admitted for IOL were included. Primary outcome was IOL length. Secondary outcomes included cesarean delivery and practice utilization. We compared preimplementation (PRE; November 1, 2021 through January 31, 2022) to postimplementation (POST; March 1, 2022 through April 30, 2022) with sensitivity analyses by self-reported race and ethnicity. Cox proportional hazards models and logistic regression were used to test the association between period and outcomes. Among 495 birthing people (PRE, n = 293; POST, n = 202), IOL length was shorter POST (22.0 vs. 18.3 h, p = 0.003), with faster time to delivery (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.38, 95% CI 1.15-1.66), more birthing people delivered within 24 hours (57 vs. 68.8%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.90 [95% CI 1.25-2.89]), and no difference in cesarean. Utilization of combined agent ripening (31.1 vs. 42.6%, p = 0.009), vaginal misoprostol (34.5 vs. 68.3%, p < 0.001), and early amniotomy (19.1 vs. 31.7%, p = 0.001) increased POST. Implementation of an evidence-based IOL guideline is associated with shorter induction time. Additional implementation efforts to increase adoption of practices are needed to optimize outcomes after IOL. · Implementation of an IOL guideline is associated with faster time to delivery.. · Evidence-based induction practices were used more often after guideline implementation.. · Adoption of evidence-based induction practices is variable even with a guideline..

Effects of leucine on hydrate formation: A combined experimental and molecular dynamics study

Compared to conventional natural gas storage and transportation methods, hydrates offer a safer, more compact alternative with broad future potential. To enhance hydrate formation, there has been considerable interest in environmentally friendly and cost-effective amino acid promoters, such as leucine. This study utilized a transparent vessel for CH4 hydrate formation experiments, identifying the optimal 0.5–0.6 wt% leucine concentration, which led to enhanced gas consumption, shorter induction time, and maximum gas storage density. In the leucine system, hydrates exhibited distinctive branching growth on container walls, both upward and downward. The formation of numerous microchannels amplified capillary effects, enhancing gas–liquid contact and fostering hydrate formation. Simultaneously, isobaric-isothermal molecular dynamics (MD) simulations integrated system growth configurations, structural parameters, radial distribution functions, energy barriers and mean square displacements, unveiling leucine’s microscopic impact on hydrate formation. Simulation results unequivocally show that leucine significantly accelerates CH4 hydrate growth by momentarily adsorbing at the solid–liquid interface, expediting water molecule ordering into cage-like structures. Leucine also enhances water molecule structural order around the mobile leucine molecule. Moreover, leucine lowers the energy barrier for methane transitioning from gas to liquid, facilitating gas molecule diffusion into the liquid phase and affording plenty interaction time for water and methane molecules, thereby providing favorable conditions for hydrate formation. These findings provide crucial perspectives for future research in the field of eco-friendly hydrate promoters, paving the way for innovative solutions in natural gas storage and transportation.

Structure and Properties of Polylactide Composites with TiO2-Lignin Hybrid Fillers.

The research presented in this article focuses on the use of inorganic-organic material, based on titanium dioxide and lignin, as a filler for polylactide (PLA) biocomposites. To date, no research has been conducted to understand the impact of hybrid fillers consisting of TiO2 and lignin on the supermolecular structure and crystallization abilities of polylactide. Polymer composites containing 1, 3 or 5 wt.% of hybrid filler or TiO2 were assessed in terms of their structure, morphology, and thermal properties. Mechanical properties, including tensile testing, bending, impact strength, and hardness, were discussed. The hybrid filler is characterized by a very good electrokinetic stability at pH greater than 3-4. The addition of all fillers led to a small decrease in the glass transition temperature but, most importantly, the addition of 1% of the hybrid filler to the PLA matrix increased the degree of crystallinity of the material by up to 20%. Microscopic studies revealed differences in the crystallization behavior and nucleation ability of fillers. The use of hybrid filler resulted in higher nucleation density and shorter induction time than in unfilled PLA or PLA with only TiO2. The introduction of small amounts of hybrid filler also affected the mechanical properties of the composites, causing an increase in bending strength and hardness. This information may be useful from a technological process standpoint and may also help to increase the range of applicability of biobased materials.

Methane hydrate formation enhanced by thermally expanded graphite with multi-sized pores

Methane hydrate has been endowed with great potential in energy storage and transportation, but the sluggish formation kinetics restrict its industrial application. Herein the thermally expanded graphite (EG), with multi-sized pore structure that can be effectively controlled by expanding and grinding processes, is used to promote the nucleation and growth of methane hydrates. The results demonstrate that the EG exhibits a remarkable promotion in the formation of methane hydrate from water, with high gas storage capacity of 143 V/V, short induction time of 10 min, and rapid gas storage rate of 1 V·V·min−1, which are attributed to its well-designed multi-sized pore structure. Thereinto, the nano-sized pores can effectively adsorb guest molecules, increasing the guest–host contact area; meanwhile, the micron-sized pores with moderate scale not only provide abundant channels for mass transfer of reactants but also enable good thermal conductivity for heat transfer to soundings. This work provides an insight into the promotion effect of multi-sized porous medium in hydrate formation, and offers an effective strategy for fabricating high-performance promotors through pore designing.

Novel vermiculite/tannic acid composite aerogels with outstanding CO2 storage via enhanced gas hydrate formation

Gas hydrate-based CO2 storage, using only water cages, provides an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the sluggish formation kinetics of gas hydrate is hindered by the limited reaction interfaces, thereby impeding the practical utilization of hydrate-based greenhouse gas storage. Herein, we reported a novel strategy to fabricate natural vermiculite and tannic acid composite aerogels as the effective substrates for boosting CO2 hydrate formation. The results show that the formation kinetics of CO2 hydrate in the aerogels exhibits composition dependence and an outstanding CO2 storage capacity of 130.1 v/v (corresponding to 0.114 mol CO2/mol water). Inverse gas chromatography was used to analyze the surface energy and its components of the aerogels. Raman spectra and nuclear magnetic resonance were used to unravel the water molecule assembly and states. The CO2 uptake capacity can be further improved by compressing the aerogel to 75 % of the original volume, showing an impressive storage capacity of 146.8 v/v. The as-made aerogels demonstrated outstanding cycle stability and short induction time for CO2 hydrate formation. The results of this study pave the way for designing effective CO2 hydrate promoters and facilitating promising CO2 capture and storage technologies via gas hydrate.

Early detection of acrolein precursors in vegetable oils by using proton transfer reaction – mass spectrometry

Acrolein is a toxic volatile compound derived from oxidative processes, that can be formed in foods during storage and cooking. This study employs proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) to detect acrolein precursors in vegetable oils by focusing on the m/z (mass-to-charge ratio) 57. To this purpose, hempseed, sesame, walnut, olive and linseed oils were stored for 168 h at 60 °C in presence of 2,2′-azobis(2-metilpropionitrile) (3 mM) radicals initiator. The evolution of m/z 57 by PTR-MS was also compared with traditional lipid oxidation indicators such as peroxide value, conjugated diene, oxygen consumption and, isothermal calorimetry. The obtained results were explained by the fatty acid composition and antioxidant capacity of the oils. Hempseed fresh oil presented a very low total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) intensity (5.6 kncps). Nonetheless, after storage the intensity increased ∼70 times. A principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed the potential of m/z 57 to differentiate fresh versus rancid hempseed oil sample. During an autoxidation experiment oils high in linolenic and linoleic acids showed higher m/z 57 emissions and shorter induction times: linseed oil (38 h) > walnut oil (47 h) > hempseed oil (80 h). The m/z 57 emission presented a high correlation coefficient with the total VOC signal (r > 0.95), conjugated dienes and headspace oxygen consumption. A PCA analysis showed a complete separation of the fresh oils on the first component (most significant) with the exception of olive oil. Walnut, hempseed and linseed oil were placed on the extreme right nearby total VOCs and m/z 57. The results obtained highlight the potential of PTR-MS for the early detection of oil autoxidation, serving as a quality control tool for potential acrolein precursor emissions, thereby enhancing food safety in the industry.

Tips for efficiently maintaining pET expression plasmids

pET expression plasmids are widely used for producing recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli. Selection and maintenance of cells harboring a pET plasmid are possible using either a Tn3.1-type genetic fragment (which encodes a ß-lactamase and confers resistance to ß-lactam antibiotics) or a Tn903.1-type genetic fragment (which encodes an aminoglycoside-3’-phosphotransferase and confers resistance aminoglycoside antibiotics). Herein we have investigated how efficiently pET plasmids are maintained using these two fragments. The study reveals that pET plasmids are efficiently maintained with both Tn3.1 and Tn903.1 genetic fragments prior to the induction of recombinant protein production, and over short induction times (i.e., 2 h). However, over longer induction times (i.e., 20 h), the efficiency of plasmid maintenance depends on the host strain used, and the type of antibiotic selection cassette used. Based on our collective observations, we have 2 general tips for efficiently maintaining pET plasmids during recombinant production experiments.Tip #1: Use a strain with lowered levels of the T7 RNA polymerase, such as C41(DE3). pET plasmids will be efficiently maintained over long induction times with both the Tn3.1 and Tn903.1 genetic fragments, regardless of whether antibiotics are present during cultivation.Tip #2: If a strain with higher levels of T7 RNA polymerase strain is necessary, such as BL21(DE3)), keep induction times short or use a plasmid containing a Tn903.1-type fragment and select with kanamycin.

Improvement of rat hepatocellular carcinoma model induced by diethylnitrosamine

ObjectiveTo construct a new diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced rat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model with short induction time, high incidence, and survival rate. Methods60 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the control group, the model A (MA) group, the model B (MB) group, and the model C (MC) group. The control group was intraperitoneally injected with 0.9% saline for 6 weeks. The MA group was injected with the DEN solution at 30 mg/kg three times a week for 6 weeks. The MB group was injected with the DEN solution at 30 mg/kg three times a week for 6 weeks, and discontinued the induction for 2 weeks. The MC group was injected with the DEN solution at 30 mg/kg three times a week for 8 weeks. The levels of albumin (ALB), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum were assayed. Meanwhile, the pathological conditions, apoptosis of hepatocytes, expression of NF-κBp65, and the reactive oxygen species level were detected. ResultsAll rats in the control group and the MA group survived, and none of the rats occurred HCC. HCC occurred in rats of the MB group and the MC group. The serum ALB level in the MB group was higher than that in the MC group. The serum ALT and AST levels and the number of proliferating and apoptotic hepatocyte cells in the MB group were lower than those in the MC group. The expression of ROS- and NF-κBp6- positive cells in the MA group, MB group, and MC group were significantly higher than that of the control group. ConclusionThis study developed a new DEN-induced rat HCC model with short induction time, high incidence, and survival rate. NF-κB pathway may be one of the main pathways involved in the development of this model.

Study on the effect of flocculation morphology on the floatability of talc flocs and the adhesion mechanism with air bubbles

This study investigates the impact of floc morphology on flotation by preparing two types of flocs with similar apparent particle sizes but different aggregation degrees through varying the stirring speed. Flotation tests were conducted on the two flocs, revealing that flocs with higher aggregation degrees demonstrated superior floatability and higher flotation rate constants. Fractal dimension and AFM analysis indicated that flocs with higher aggregation degrees exhibited higher fractal dimensions, displaying a more circular and compact overall morphology, as well as a more regular and uniform surface morphology. XPS and contact angle tests showed that, for flocs with comparable particle sizes, an increase in fractal dimension led to increased adsorption of flocculant (PEO) on the surface, accompanied by enhanced hydrophobicity. Further analysis of the induction time for particle-bubble attachment and coverage angle demonstrated that flocs with higher fractal dimensions had shorter induction times and larger coverage angles, indicating faster attachment between flocs and bubbles. These findings suggest that flocs with higher fractal dimensions can acquire greater kinetic energy in a flow field, enabling them to more effectively disrupt the hydration film on the bubble surface and adhere to the bubble surface, thereby enhancing floatability.

COMPARISON OF KETAMINE-MIDAZOLAM AND KETAMINE-MIDAZOLAM-BUTORPHANOL PREMEDICATION PRIOR TO SEVOFLURANE ANESTHESIA IN WOODCHUCKS (MARMOTA MONAX).

Cardiovascular disease is a frequent cause of death in the critically endangered Vancouver Island marmots (Marmota vancouverensis). This warrants the use of anesthetic protocols with minimal cardiovascular adverse effects. In this study, 12 adult male woodchucks (Marmota monax) were used as models for Vancouver Island marmots. The objective was to compare the physiological effects of two premedication protocols during induction and maintenance of anesthesia with sevoflurane. The two premedications were ketamine 10 mg/kg and midazolam 0.5 mg/kg (KM) or ketamine 10 mg/kg, midazolam 0.5 mg/kg, and butorphanol 1.0 mg/kg (KMB), administered intramuscularly prior to mask induction. Each marmot underwent three anesthetic events and protocols were assigned using a blinded randomized crossover design. Heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature were recorded throughout, and blood gases were assessed following induction. Resistance to induction was scored and time to induction was recorded. Although mask induction with sevoflurane was successful in all events (mean induction time of 2.1 min), KMB premedication resulted in a faster induction (mean induction time reduced by 1.2 ± 0.3 min) and lower resistance scores. Both protocols resulted in significant cardiovascular and respiratory depression; however, animals that received KMB were more hypercapnic than KM by 8.8 ± 2.8 mm Hg (P = 0.03) (mean venous partial pressure of carbon dioxide [PvCO2] for all: 79.9 mm Hg). In conclusion, if shorter induction times are desired, KMB premedication is preferred. However, cardiorespiratory variables including blood pressure should be monitored, and endotracheal intubation is recommended to allow for ETCO2 monitoring and provision of intermittent positive pressure ventilation.