Induction Time Research Articles

Insight into the nucleation behavior of tiamulin hydrogen fumarate methanol solvate in methanol-ethyl acetate binary mixtures

To investigate the nucleation behavior of tiamulin hydrogen fumarate methanol solvate (THFMS), the solubility, induction time, and metastable zone width (MSZW) of THFMS in methanol-ethyl acetate binary mixtures were measured. The nucleation potential model, which is based on the classical nucleation theory and correlates the induction time and MSZW, has been employed to deal with the experimental data and estimate the interfacial energy and the critical nucleation potential. The estimated values determined from the nucleation potential model are in accordance with the experimental values. The interfacial energy and the critical nucleation potential of THFMS steadily decrease with the increasing saturation temperature, whereas those of THFMS initially decrease and subsequently increase as the ethyl acetate content increases. The results demonstrate that an increase in saturation temperature leads to enhanced nucleation favorability, while the difficulty of nucleation initially decreases and then increases with increasing ethyl acetate content. Furthermore, the critical nucleation parameters, including the critical Gibbs free energy, the critical nucleus size, and the critical number of molecules in a nucleus, exhibit the same trend in alterations regarding both saturation temperature and ethyl acetate content.

Styrene–butadiene–styrene/graphene nanocomposites with improved thermal oxidation stability

Thermoplastic elastomers are rubber‐like in their elasticity, plastic‐like in their ease of processing and recyclable. Styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) block copolymer is the world's most consumed thermoplastic elastomer. However, because of the carbon–carbon double bonds in its molecular structure, SBS exhibits poor thermal oxidation stability, which significantly limits the service lifetime and reliability of SBS. Here, we dramatically improve the thermal oxidation stability of SBS by incorporating graphene (GE) into the layered structure of SBS, which is attributed to GE's capacity to function as a gas barrier and scavenge free radicals. Compared with pure SBS, the oxidation induction time of SBS/GE nanocomposites can be increased by up to 225 times. This thermoplastic elastomer has potential in applications related to medical supplies, sports equipment, home appliances and automated office equipment. © 2024 Society of Industrial Chemistry.

Comparison of remimazolam and propofol combined with low dose esketamine for pediatric same-day painless bidirectional endoscopy: a randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Background: Remimazolam has shown similar or even superior properties to propofol in procedural sedation in adults, but few studies have been conducted in pediatric populations. Thus, we aimed to compare the effect and safety of remimazolam and propofol combined with low dose esketamine for pediatric same-day bidirectional endoscopy (BDE). Methods: Pediatrics <18years scheduled for elective BDE under sedation were included and randomly assigned to remimazolam group (R group) or propofol group (P group). The primary outcome was the success rate of sedation. Secondary outcomes include sedation-related information and adverse events. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and perfusion index (PI) were recorded during sedation. Results: A total of 106 patients were enrolled and analyzed. The success rate of sedation was 100% in both groups. Compared with the P group, the induction time of the R group was significantly prolonged (p < 0.001), and the incidence of injection pain, intraoperative respiratory depression, hypotension and bradycardia was significantly lower (p < 0.001). The changes in MAP, HR and PI were relatively stable in the R group compared with the P group. Additionally, awake time significantly decreased with age by approximately 1.12 index points for each increase in age in the P group (p = 0.002) but not in the R group (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the decline in PI and PI ratio during BDE was related to body movement in the P group. Conclusion: Remimazolam combined with low dose esketamine has a non-inferior sedative effect than propofol for pediatric BDE, with no injection pain, less respiratory depression, more stable hemodynamics. Moreover, early detection of the decline in PI may avoid harmful stimulation under light anesthesia. Clinical trial registration: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05686863?id=NCT05686863&rank=1, NCT05686863.

Optimization of the extracellular secretion of black goat rumen metagenome-derived KG42 xylanase by Bacillus subtilis

Xylanase (E.C. 3.2.1.8) is the enzyme that breaks down β-1,4 xylan by cleaving β-1,4 glycosidic linkages. Production of xylanases is important for various industrial applications. Here, we aimed to determine the optimal incubation conditions for expression and secretion of KG42 xylanase in Bacillus subtilis using response surface methodology based on Box-Behnken design in preparation for industrial applications. Among nine broth media tested in this study, Power Broth was chosen as a basal medium. In addition to the basal medium, the four other independent variables of extra carbon sources (glucose, lactose, mannose, fructose, and sucrose), extra nitrogen sources (beef extract, yeast extract, tryptone, urea, NaNO3, and (NH4)2SO4), isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside concentrations, and induction times were individually tested using one factor at a time in an optimization experiment. Next, a Box-Behnken design-based response surface methodology approach was used to identify and validate the optimized incubation conditions with the four variables in batch culture. The statistically optimized incubation conditions obtained from this study yielded a maximum of approximately 3- to 4-fold increases in the expression and secretion of KG42 xylanase by B. subtilis in comparison with unoptimized medium and incubation conditions.

Validated Calculators Predicting Cesarean Delivery After Induction: Accuracy in an External Population

(Abstracted from Obstet Gynecol 2023;142:99–107) A variety of pregnancy conditions result in induction of labor; usually this method is used when the risks of continuing pregnancy outweigh the risks of delivery and to alleviate risk of perinatal death or other adverse outcomes. A significant proportion of labor inductions end in cesarean delivery due to a myriad of factors, but predicting these factors or the likelihood of cesarean delivery at the time of induction is difficult.

Unraveling the concomitant polymorphism phenomenon in crystallization process: A case study on risperidone in ethyl acetate

Concomitant polymorphism is a widespread occurrence in industrial crystallization processes. A thorough understanding of this phenomenon is essential to prevent the emergence of undesirable polymorphs and ensure the production of high-quality products. In this study, the induction time method was employed to investigate the concomitant polymorphism phenomenon of risperidone in ethyl acetate. The impact of crystallization temperature and stirring rate on the concomitant polymorphism region was explored. Additionally, an analysis of the nucleation tendencies of risperidone form I and form II was conducted from both thermodynamic and kinetic perspectives. Based on the induction time theory, the nucleation parameters of form I and form II were calculated. Through an examination of the change in these nucleation parameters with supersaturation, a comprehensive explanation was provided for the reasons behind the occurrence of concomitant polymorphism and the nucleation behavior of form I and form II under varying degrees of supersaturation. Moreover, the concomitant polymorphism phenomenon during the slow-cooling crystallization process was investigated, and the relationship between operational conditions and the concomitant polymorphism region was discussed.

Utilization of Silybum marianum extract as a high-performance natural antioxidant for polyethylene

In this study, Silybum marianum extract powder was introduced into low density polyethylene (LDPE) as a primary polyphenolic antioxidant via melt blending method. Two synthetic and commercial polyphenol- and phosphite-based antioxidants (Irganox® 1010 and Irgafos® 168) were also used for comparing the antioxidant efficiency and performance of Silybum marianum extract with commercial ones. A systematic formulation study was achieved by varying the amount of Silybum marianum extract in the range of 0.1–1.0 wt% and the primary:secondary antioxidant ratio. Antioxidant efficiency of Silybum marianum extract was quantified with the oxygen induction time (OIT) and oxidation onset temperature values determined by thermal analysis in a differential scanning calorimeter depending on the compositional variations. Some physical properties of specimens such as transparency, color coordinates, contact angle, and degree of crystallinity values were also examined. It was found that 0.2 wt% of Silybum marianum extract and 0.2 wt% of Irgafos® 168 loaded sample showed an OIT value of 22 min. at 210 °C that could be regarded as a very successful commercial potential. Increasing amount of Silybum marianum extract and Irgafos® 168 significantly improved the oxidation stability of polyethylene under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions. It was also found that introducing Silybum marianum extract, even the loading content of 1.0 wt%, did not alter the transparency and physical properties of LDPE. It has been concluded that Silybum marianum extract can be successfully used as a natural antioxidant in polyolefins and these samples could be used in packaging film applications.Graphical

Ignition Delay and Reaction Time Measurements of Hydrogen–Air Mixtures at High Temperatures

Induction and reaction times of hydrogen–air mixtures (ϕ = 0.5–2) have been measured behind reflected shock waves at temperatures of 1000–1600 K, pressures of 0.1, 0.3, 0.6 MPa in the domain of the extended second explosion limit. The measurements were performed in the shock tube with a completely transparent test section of 0.5 m long, which provides pressure, ion current, OH and high-speed chemiluminescence observations. The experimental induction time plots demonstrate a clear increasing of the global activation energy from high- to low temperature post-shock conditions. This trend is strongly pronounced at higher post-shock pressures. For a high-temperature range of T &gt; 1200 K, induction time measurements show an activation energy for the global reaction rate of hydrogen oxidation of 64–83 kJ/mole. Detected reaction times exhibit a big scatter and a weak temperature dependence. The minimum reaction time value was nearly 2 µs. Obtained induction time data were compared with calculations carried out in accordance with the known kinetic mechanisms. For current and former shock-tube experiments within a pressure range of 0.1–2 MPa, critical temperatures required for strong (1000–1100 K), transient and weak auto-ignition modes behind reflected shock waves were identified by means of the pressure and ion-probe measurements in stoichiometric hydrogen-air mixture. The transfer from the strong volumetric self-ignition near the reflecting wall to the hot spot ignition (transient) was established and visualized below &lt;1200 K with a post-shock temperature decreasing.

New insights on phytocannabinoids role in antioxidant activity of hemp inflorescences extract in high-oleic sunflower oil

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) inflorescences contain bioactive compounds potentially able to counteract lipid oxidation in vegetable oils. In this study, two hemp inflorescences extracts with (E) and without (wE) phytocannabinoids were tested at 0.02, 1.0, and 2.0 g/100 g of high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) exposed to thermo-oxidative conditions (90 °C; pO2, 600 KPa). Immediately at the end of induction time, the oxidative stability index (OSI), peroxide value (PV), main lipid classes, phytosterols, phytosterols oxidation products (POPs) content, and volatile organic compounds were determined. E extract added at 2.0 g/100 g proved to be more effective than wE extract, extending the OSI by almost 30 % with respect to control. The lowest PV (p < 0.01) was observed in the oil containing E (2.0 g/100 g), which also proved to significantly reduce the POPs content (p < 0.05). Both extracts had no effect on lipolysis during the entire experiment. The principal component analysis highlighted different antioxidant activity related to both type of extract and their concentration. These results suggest that hemp inflorescences could be a source of natural preservatives for vegetable oils even under severe oxidative conditions and confirm that phytocannabinoids play a key role in the modulation of antioxidant activity.

Induksi Kalus dari Hipokotil Belimbing Merah (Baccaurea angulata) dengan Penambahan 2,4-D (Dichlorophenoxy Acetic Acid) dan BAP (6-Benzyl Amino Purin)

Red starfruit is one of the endemic plants of Kalimantan which produces secondary metabolites which has been empirically used as antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer. This plant has a long reproductive period and seedless fruit is often found during the fruiting season, which is a problem for the sustainability of the red starfruit in nature. Conservation of red star fruit for propagation and production of secondary metabolites can be done in vitro through callus culture. This research aims to determine the effect of adding the growth regulators dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP) on callus induction time, percentage of callus forming explants, callus color and texture, and callus growth. This research used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a factorial pattern consisting of two treatment factors, namely 2,4-D (0; 0.25; 0.5; 0.75; 1 ppm) and BAP (0; 0.25; 0.5; 0.75; 1 ppm). The percentage of explants forming callus (%), the time the callus appeared (days after planting), the color and texture of the callus, the wet weight and dry weight of the callus (g) were research observation parameters.The results showed that the single factor 2,4-D, single factor BAP, and the interaction of 2,4-D and BAP had a significant effect to callus appearance time. Single administration of 2,4-D and BAP had a significant effect on callus dry weight. The color variations of the callus produced are white, green and brown with a compact texture. The fastest callus emergence time was at 11.00 days after planting (DAP), namely in the combination treatment of 1 ppm 2,4-D and 0.75 ppm BAP, single treatment 0.75 ppm and 1 ppm 2,4- D. The highest average dry weight of 0.024 g was obtained in the single treatment of 0.75 ppm BAP.

Comparative effects of intravenous esmolol and lidocaine on bispectral index during propofol-fentanyl induction in patients scheduled for elective surgeries under general anaesthesia

INTRODUCTION: Laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation at induction of anaesthesia have been associated with awareness and haemodynamic fluctuations. Agents that can mitigate these effects should create better anaesthetic conditions. This study aimed to compare the effects of intravenous esmolol and lidocaine on the bispectral index (BIS) and haemodynamic responses during induction of general anaesthesia with propofol/fentanyl in adult patients scheduled for elective surgical procedures.&#x0D; METHODS: This was a prospective randomized controlled study in ninety patients aged 18-65 years who were randomized into three groups to receive either IV esmolol 0.5 mg/kg, IV lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg or normal saline prior to induction of general anaesthesia.&#x0D; RESULTS: The esmolol group had a significantly shorter induction time (p&lt;0.0001) and a lower dose of propofol consumed (p&lt;0.0001) than the lidocaine group. The mean pulse rate was significantly lower at the 1st min to 4th min post-intubation in esmolol and lidocaine groups compared to the control group (p values; 1 min= 0.005, 2 min= 0.008, 3 min= 0.023, 4 min= 0.018). There was a significant difference in the systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the three groups at 2 min post-intubation.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Pre-induction intravenous esmolol 0.5 mg/kg was more effective than intravenous lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg in reducing the induction dose of propofol and the induction time. Esmolol also prevented increases in BIS better than lidocaine following endotracheal intubation but both agents were equally effective in attenuating the haemodynamic changes associated with laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation.

P363 Multimodal dynamic ultrasound approach as predictor of response in patients with Crohn’s disease treated with ustekinumab

Abstract Background Early prediction of the response to biological drugs in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) is of utmost importance to allow prompt optimization of therapeutic strategies. Ustekinumab (UST) is nowadays a milestone in the treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD), but potential markers predicting its long-term efficacy are still lacking. Multimodal ultrasound (US), encompassing B-mode US, color-Doppler and contrast-enhanced US (CEUS), is a promising non-invasive technique, providing complementary information to endoscopy, due to its ability to both assess transmural healing and quantify changes in bowel microvascularization over time. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the role of multimodal US in predicting endoscopic response to UST in patients with CD. The secondary aim was to develop an US score that allows an early detection of treatment response. Methods We conducted a prospective monocentric study in the IBD outpatient clinic of Policlinico Agostino Gemelli in Rome, enrolling consecutive patients with moderate to severe ileal CD, who were scheduled to begin UST therapy as per clinical practice. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected. Clinical activity was defined according to Harvey-Bradshaw Index. A complete US evaluation including B mode, Doppler, dynamic CEUS and elastography was perfomed at the time of induction (T0) and after 8 (T1), 16 (T2), 24 (T3) and 48 (T4) weeks of therapy. Each US parameter and their variations from baseline were correlated with endoscopic response (SES-CD reduction of at least 50% from baseline) and mucosal healing (SES-CD &amp;lt; 3) after 1 year. Results A total of 52 patients were included, 29 (55.8%) of which reached endoscopic response at T4. Median values of US parameters at the various time points were significantly different in the group who achieved endoscopic response from non reponders’ group (Figure 1). The univariate analysis showed that the percentage changes between T3 and T0 of bowel wall thickness, Limberg score (LS), mean signal intensity, rise time, wash-in rate (WiR), C reactive protein and Harvey-Bradshaw Index were associated with long-term therapeutic outcome (table 1). At the multivariate logistic regression analysis, three independent predictors of endoscopic response were selected: male sex, ∆%LS, and ∆%WiR. Based on the above parameters, we developed an US score that showed a good performance in predicting 1 year-endoscopic response (area under the curve: 0.91). Conclusion Multimodal ultrasound provides early predictors of the long-term therapeutic outcome in patients with CD treated with UST.

P509 Upadacitinib improves symptomatic responses in patients with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease

Abstract Background Upadacitinib (UPA), an oral Janus kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease (CD), has demonstrated the ability to provide rapid symptom relief within the first week of induction treatment in patients with CD.1 As symptomatic remission is critical for patients, this phase 3 post hoc analysis evaluated the impact of UPA on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of abdominal pain score (APS) and stool frequency (SF) over the full induction and maintenance time periods. Methods Data were pooled from the U-EXCEL (NCT03345849) and U-EXCEED (NCT03345836) induction studies evaluating patients with moderately to severely active CD with an average daily APS ≥ 2 and/or SF ≥ 4 and received UPA 45 mg (UPA45) once daily (QD) or PBO for 12 weeks. Patients who achieved clinical response to 12 weeks of UPA45 induction were re-randomised in a maintenance study (U-ENDURE, NCT03345823) to receive UPA 15 mg (UPA15) QD, UPA 30 mg (UPA30) QD, or PBO for 52 weeks. APS and SF were recorded in a daily diary and evaluated over time. Results The average daily APS (mean: PBO 1.9, UPA45 1.9) and SF (mean: PBO 5.6, UPA45 5.4), were similar between the treatment groups at induction baseline (BL). Of patients reporting BL APS ≥ 1 (PBO 91.6%, UPA45 92.4%) or BL SF ≥ 2.8 (PBO 85.6%, UPA45 85.2%), higher proportions of patients receiving UPA vs PBO achieved APS = 0 or SF ≤ 1, or complete resolution of symptoms (APS = 0 and SF ≤ 1) at week 12 of induction, as well as at week 52 of maintenance (all P ≤ .001; Figure 1A). During induction, the mean change from BL in APS and SF was improved with UPA45 vs PBO starting at week 2 through to week 12 (all P &amp;lt; .001; Figure 1B-C). Throughout the 52-week maintenance period, a higher proportion of patients receiving UPA15 or UPA30 achieved APS ≤ 1 or SF ≤2.8 vs PBO (Figure 1B-C). Patients treated with UPA30 demonstrated a numerically higher rate of symptomatic response vs UPA15. In patients who met the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) criteria per US labeling (CDAI ≥ 220 at induction BL; clinical response [CR-100] at week 12 with UPA45),2 comparable symptom improvements were observed over time compared to the overall study population. Conclusion Patients with moderately to severely active CD demonstrated improvements in APS and SF as early as 2 weeks after UPA induction treatment. A greater proportion of patients achieved PRO-defined remission within 12 weeks of UPA induction treatment compared with PBO, which were sustained through week 52 of UPA maintenance treatment.

The influence of ionic liquids with heterocyclic cations on CO2 hydrates formation

Kinetic characteristics of CO2 hydrates formation in the presence of eight ionic liquids with heterocyclic cations and [PF6]- anion were experimentally investigated here. It is found that the imidazolium ionic liquids with short substituted alkyl chains can inhibit CO2 hydrates formation. Increasing the alkyl chain length can alleviate the nucleation inhibition effect, and 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate([C16mim][PF6]) with a concentration of 10 wt% even shows a slight promotion effect comparing to the pure water. In contrast, adding pyrrolidinium, piperidinium and pyridinium ionic liquids increases the nucleation temperatures, shortens the induction times and enhances the CO2 consumption. Based on DFT calculations and MD simulations, it is inferred that the strong binding energy between H2O and 1-ethyl-imidazolium hexafluorophosphate([Emim][PF6]) plays a main role on its inhibition behavior during CO2 hydrates formation. The H2O-H2O RDF curves of N-butyl pyridinium hexafluorophosphate([OPy][PF6]), N-butyl-N-methylpiperidinium hexafluorophosphate([PP14][PF6]) and N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium hexafluorophosphate([PY14][PF6]) aqueous systems exhibit three peaks which become intensified and narrow with time, while [Emim][PF6]-containing system only has a single peak due to its strong interaction with water and thus inhibits the water-water attraction. In addition, RDF peaks of H2O–[PF6]- become weak gradually with time, implying that the anion [PF6]- does not engage in the structures of water cages.

A case study on the rotomolding behavior of black tea waste and bio-based high-density polyethylene composites: Do active compounds in the filler degrade during processing?

This study verified the possibility of using waste material from the food industry (black tea) as functional filler of rotomolded biobased high-density polyethylene-based composites. As part of the experimental work, the influence of the materials preparation, i.e., dry blending versus twin-screw extrusion, on the effectiveness of the stabilizing antioxidant effect of the black tea was analyzed. The aim of the work was to verify whether, despite the initial degradation of the structure of the lignocellulosic filler, it would be possible to keep its antioxidant capacity and the stabilizing effect on the polyethylene matrix. The research showed that the filler allowed to stabilize the polymeric matrix during the rotomolding process, despite the appearance of numerous defects in the form of pores and a reduction in mechanical properties, more significant for composites prepared by dry blending, obtaining elastic modulus drops of about 50 %. Furthermore, the pre-processing step by melt mixing results in a significant improvement of the composite's thermo-oxidation stability, with increases in the oxidation induction time (OIT), from 25 min for the HDPE to over 70 min for composites with 5 % black tea, and improved rheological behavior, preventing the crosslinking of the matrix, indicative of its thermo-oxidative degradation. The tea brewing process caused the decrease of antioxidant activity of the filler; however, it did not significantly affect the antioxidant behavior, maintaining its influence on the polymeric matrix when the material is prepared via twin-screw compounding, which was proved to provide better stability, increasing OIT by approximately 20 min later when compared to dry blending.

Enhanced CO2 hydrate formation using hydrogen-rich stones, L-Methionine and SDS: Insights from kinetic and morphological studies

One promising proposal for CO2 capture and storage is based on hydrate technology, which grapples with challenges related to stringent formation conditions and slow formation rates. In this study, the induction time, gas uptake and the rate of CO2 hydrate formation were measured with varying concentrations (ranging from 0.05 wt% to 0.2 wt%) of L-Methionine (L-Met) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Remarkably, the novel additive hydrogen-rich stone significantly reduced the induction time by 89.74 % and 85.16 %, even under static conditions. The morphology analysis reveals that L-Met foster the creeping growth of hydrates, resulting in an approximate 41.89 % increase in the initial 1 h gas uptake. The efficient heat diffusion further enables the rapid formation of hydrates, resulting in a high gas uptake in a short period. L-Met outperforms SDS in terms of induction time and gas uptake, with the optimal choice for CO2 hydrate formation being 0.1 wt% L-Met. This study briefly describes the mechanisms of three different kinetic promoters for hydrate formation, which provides new ideas for subsequent studies on CO2 capture and storage via hydrate technology.

Parameter Identification of a PV Source Dynamic Model with Piecewise-Linear Circuit-Based Approach

This paper deals with a method for the parameter identification of an improved dynamic model of a photovoltaic (PV) source, which encompasses a capacitor and an inductor. The method is based on piecewise-linear (PWL) circuit approximation and step load responses. Considering the PV I-V characteristic as a PWL function, if a transient occurs in a linear region, the PV source can be approximated according to Thévenin’s theorem. The cases referred to either capacitive or inductive dominant time constant are explained. The identification of the circuit parameters by least squares regression (LSR) applied to experimental data is discussed and finally a case study is presented.

Laryngeal mask airway versus endotracheal intubation as general anesthesia airway managements for atrial fibrillation catheter ablation: a comparative analysis based on propensity score matching.

The current evidence on the use of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) as an airway management technique for general anesthesia (GA) during atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation (CA) is insufficient. This study aims to compare the feasibility, safety, and clinical benefits of LMA and endotracheal intubation (ETI) for airway management in AF CA. One hundred fifty-two consecutive patients with AF who underwent CA under GA were included and divided into two groups based on different airway management methods (66 in the LMA group, 86 in the ETI group). After propensity score matching, a final analysis cohort of 132 patients was obtained to compare procedural parameters, adverse events, and prognosis between the two groups. The LMA group exhibited significantly shorter total procedural time (p = 0.039), anesthesia induction time (p = 0.015), and recovery time (p = 0.006) compared to the ETI group. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate were significantly lower in the LMA group during extubation and 1-min post-extubation (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the LMA group demonstrated lower MAP levels during intubation (p = 0.029). The incidences of intraoperative hypotension (p = 0.017) and bradycardia (p = 0.032) were significantly lower in the LMA group. The incidences of delayed recovery or delirium (p = 0.027), laryngeal or airway injury (p = 0.016), cough or bucking (p = 0.001), and sore throat (p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the LMA group. There were no statistically significant differences in catheter stability parameters and sinus rhythm maintenance rates between the two groups (p > 0.05). LMA is feasible, safe, and effective in AF CA as an optimized airway management technique for GA.

Comparison of Ketamine-Xylazine, Butorphanol-Azaperone-Medetomidine, and Nalbuphine-Medetomidine-Azaperone for Raccoon (Procyon lotor) Immobilization.

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are frequently handled using chemical immobilization in North America for management and research. In a controlled environment, we compared three drug combinations: ketamine-xylazine (KX), butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine (BAM), and nalbuphine-medetomidine-azaperone (NalMed-A) for raccoon immobilization. In crossover comparisons, raccoons received a mean of the following: 8.66 mg/kg ketamine and 1.74 mg/kg xylazine (0.104 mL/kg KX); 0.464 mg/kg butorphanol, 0.155 mg/kg azaperone, and 0.185 mg/kg medetomidine (0.017 mL/kg BAM); and 0.800 mg/kg nalbuphine, 0.200 mg/kg azaperone, and 0.200 mg/kg medetomidine (0.020 mL/kg NalMed-A). Induction time was shortest with KX (mean±SE, 10.0±0.7 min) and longest with NalMed-A (13.0±1.3 min). A sampling procedure was completed on 89% (16/18), 72% (13/18), and 89% (16/18) of the raccoons administered KX, BAM, and NalMed-A, respectively. Reasons for incomplete sampling included inadequate immobilization (one KX and one NalMed-A), responsive behaviors (one each with KX, BAM, NalMed-A), or animal safety (four BAM). Mean recovery time for KX was 32.8±7.1 min without antagonizing and 28.6±5.2 min following delivery of an antagonist. Mean recovery time was 6.2±0.8 min for BAM and 5.1±0.5 min for NalMed-A after antagonizing. Only with KX were raccoons observed to recover without use of an antagonist. Supplemental oxygen was provided to 23% (3/13), 72% (13/18), and 71% (12/17) of raccoons immobilized with KX, BAM, and NalMed-A, respectively. Hypoxemia at <80% oxygen saturation occurred in 0% (0/17), 27% (4/15), and 6% (1/16) of the raccoons administered KX, BAM, and NalMed-A, respectively; all raccoons fully recovered from chemical immobilization. All combinations could be used for raccoon immobilization; however, the need for delivery of supplemental oxygen to a majority of raccoons immobilized with BAM and NalMed-A may limit broader use of these agents for certain field studies involving capture, sample, and release of free-ranging animals from a practical standpoint.

Butorphanol-Azaperone-Medetomidine Is as Safe and Effective as Nalbuphine-Azaperone-Medetomidine for Immobilization of Juvenile American Black Bears (Ursus americanus).

Immobilization kits including butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine (BAM) and nalbuphine-azaperone-medetomidine can provide effective, safe, and easy-to-use protocols in bears. Nalbuphine-azaperone-medetomidine is not commercially available but may be useful for wildlife agencies because it does not contain controlled substances. This study directly compared BAM to nalbuphine-azaperone-medetomidine immobilization in 10 juvenile healthy black bears (10 mo old; four females, six males) undergoing prerelease examinations after rehabilitation. Bears were immobilized via remote delivery of 1 mL of BAM (n=5) or nalbuphine-azaperone-medetomidine (n=5) intramuscularly in the shoulder during December (randomized, blinded trial). Bears were intubated, monitored with an electrocardiogram, pulse oximeter, capnograph, noninvasive blood pressure cuff, and rectal thermometer, and underwent physical examination, sample collection, morphometrics, and ear-tag placement. Induction, physiologic, and recovery parameters were recorded, including arterial blood gas analysis. The anesthetic agents were antagonized with atipamezole and naltrexone. There were no differences between protocols in induction or recovery times. There were no differences between protocols in heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, oxygen saturation, end-tidal CO2, mean arterial pressure, or blood gas analysis or any differences between male and female bears in any parameters. Bears were hypertensive and normoxemic with low oxygen saturation via pulse oximeter, but all recovered smoothly and were released within 2 h of recovery. This study supports that nalbuphine-azaperone-medetomidine is clini-cally as safe and effective as BAM in American black bears.