Design Study Research Articles

An Approach to Development and In-vivo Evaluation of Beta Sitosterol Phytosomes by Taguchi Orthogonal Array Design.

The research mainly focused on developing and optimizing beta-sitosterol phytosomes through a systematic Taguchi orthogonal array design and assessment of their performance in both beta-sitosterol phytosomes. The fabrication of phytosomes containing β-sitosterol was carried out using the rotary evaporation technique. An orthogonal array design was employed in the study to precisely optimize the phytosomes. In this two responses and three independent variables were analyzed. The data was analyzed by using statistical modeling. Characterization of these phytosomes involves Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, entrapment efficiency, differential scanning calorimetry compatibility study, zeta potential and particle size. Based on the findings, an optimized phytsome formulation was developed to achieve the best results. The results indicated that beta-sitosterol phytosomes responses are significant. It effectively reduced body weight as well as levels of total cholesterol (126.120 ± 0.98 mg/dl), triglycerides (104.23 ± 2.8 mg/dl), HDL (39.31 ± 0.45 mg/dl), VLDL (21.67 ± 0.34 mg/dl), and LDL (76.43 ± 0.34 mg/dl) in rats compared to the other groups. The orthogonal array design study observed that the anti-hyperlipidemic activity of β-sitosterol was nearly as potent as that achieved with standard drug therapy.

Novel triazine-tyrosine hybrids containing thiyazol or pyridine fragment as anti-multiple sclerosis agents: Design, synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular docking study

In this study novel triazine-tyrosine hybrids containing thiazole or pyridine fragments were introduced as anti- Multiple Sclerosis agents. The compounds were designed according to the structure of the Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor subtype 1 (S1P1) modulator, fingolimode. At first, docking studies was performed using crystal structures of S1P1 and Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor subtype 3 (S1P3) to theoretically identify the selectivity of the compounds towards the S1P1 isoform. The docking results showed better binding energy (lower ΔGb) and therefore higher selectivity for S1P1 receptor than S1P3 receptor. Subsequently the designed compounds were synthesized according to proper chemical reactions and structurally analyzed with FTIR and NMR spectrophotometers. Considering the importance of the S1P1 receptor in release of lymphocytes and therefore inflammation produced in Multiple Sclerosis disease, the synthesized compounds were investigated to study lymphocyte reduction in an animal model. Compound (8e) with 2-mercaptobenzothiazole substitution at doses of 1 and 3 mg/kg showed significant reduction effect on the percentage of lymphocytes (68.80 %, 56.75 %) compared to the fingolimod (65.73 %, 20.66 %), as the positive control group.

A structural equation model of parenting and child's resilience after the earthquake in Türkiye.

This study investigated the relationship between parental psychological wellbeing, parenting, children's psychological difficulties, and prosocial behavior in Kahramanmaraş earthquake-affected families living in Türkiye in 2023. To this end, a mediation model was proposed for parental psychological distress that was hypothesized to exert an indirect effect on a child's psychological difficulties and prosocial behavior through parenting. Participants were 358 preschoolers between 4 and 6 years old and their one parent (father or mother) who completed a set of validated self-report surveys in a cross-sectional design study. Results showed positive associations between parental psychological distress and child's psychological difficulties but negative association with child's prosocial behavior. Furthermore, quality of parenting mediated the association between parental psychological distress and child's psychological difficulties and prosocial behavior. Our findings suggest that positive parenting may serve as a protective mechanism that mediates the association between parental psychological distress and a child's psychological difficulties and prosocial behaviors among families displaced by a natural disaster like an earthquake. These findings point to the need for supporting positive parent-child relationships in addition to decreasing the psychological distress of parents when exposed to potentially traumatizing events like this.

Design and performance study of oscillating hydrofoil-wave energy conversion device

Design and performance study of oscillating hydrofoil-wave energy conversion device

Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Docking Studies of a New Series of Maleimide Derivatives.

A series of novel maleimide derivatives were synthesized, with various heterocyclic compounds serving as side chains in the synthesis process. The structural characteristics of these compounds were elucidated through the application of 1H-NMR spectroscopy, 13C-NMR (APT) spectroscopy, and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The anti-cancer potential of these compounds was subsequently assessed in vitro, utilizing two distinct breast cancer cell lines, namely MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, via MTT assay. Among the 12 newly synthesized compounds, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d, 5 a, 5 b, 5 c and 5 d were determined to show the most promising anti-cancer activity against both breast cancer cell lines. Moreover, the morphological changes induced in the cells following a 24-hour incubation period with these compounds were observed using light microscopy. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to assess the stability of the bound conformations of the compounds to the target protein GSK-3β as obtained through molecular docking calculations.

Fluidization behavior of stirred gas–solid fluidized beds: A combined X-ray and CFD–DEM–IBM study

Stirred gas–solid fluidized bed reactors are commercially employed in polyolefin manufacturing, but the complex gas–solid contacting dynamics pose challenges in design, scale-up, and operation. In this study, the influence of agitation on the fluidization performance of Geldart B particles was investigated experimentally by X-ray imaging and pressure drop measurements and numerically by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) - Discrete Element Method (DEM) - Immersed Boundary Method (IBM). The experimentally obtained minimum fluidization curve and time-averaged pressure drop show good qualitative agreement with the simulation results. Visual observations underscore that an increase in the angular velocity of the agitator results in reduced bubble size and improved bed homogeneity, as further evidenced by reduced pressure fluctuations. Furthermore, the simulations reveal that while the impeller enhances solids agitation, a proper design study is imperative, considering that static immersed bodies, such as the stirrer shaft, can adversely impact solids motion.

Projections of Extreme Temperature–Related Deaths in the US

ImportanceExtreme heat in the US is increasing due to climate change, while extreme cold is projected to decline. Understanding how extreme temperature along with demographic changes will affect population health is important for devising policies to mitigate the health outcome of climate change.ObjectiveTo assess the burden of extreme temperature–related deaths in the contiguous US currently (2008-2019) and estimate the burden in the mid–21st century (2036-2065).Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cross-sectional study used historical (1979-2000) daily mean temperatures to calculate monthly extreme heat (>97.5th percentile value) and extreme cold days (<2.5th percentile value) for all contiguous US counties for 2008 to 2019 (current period). Temperature projections from 20 climate models and county population projections were used to estimate extreme temperature–related deaths for 2036 to 2065 (mid–21st century period). Data were analyzed from November 2023 to July 2024.ExposureCurrent monthly frequency of extreme heat days and projected mid–21st century frequency using 2 greenhouse gas emissions scenarios: Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP)2-4.5, representing socioeconomic development with a lower emissions increase, and SSP5-8.5, representing higher emissions increase.Main Outcomes and MeasuresMean annual estimated number of extreme temperature–related excess deaths. Poisson regression model with county, month, and year fixed effects was used to estimate the association between extreme temperature and monthly all-cause mortality for older adults (aged ≥65 years) and younger adults (aged 18-64 years).ResultsAcross the contiguous US, extreme temperature days were associated with 8248.6 (95% CI, 4242.6-12 254.6) deaths annually in the current period and with 19 348.7 (95% CI, 11 388.7-27 308.6) projected deaths in the SSP2-4.5 scenario and 26 574.0 (95% CI, 15 408.0-37 740.1) in the SSP5-8.5 scenario. The mortality data included 30 924 133 decedents, of whom 15 573 699 were males (50.4%), with 6.3% of Hispanic ethnicity, 11.5% of non-Hispanic Black race, and 79.3% of non-Hispanic White race. Non-Hispanic Black adults (278.2%; 95% CI, 158.9%-397.5%) and Hispanic adults (537.5%; 95% CI, 261.6%-813.4%) were projected to have greater increases in extreme temperature–related deaths from the current period to the mid–21st century period compared with non-Hispanic White adults (70.8%; 95% CI, −5.8% to 147.3%).Conclusions and RelevanceThis cross-sectional study found that extreme temperature–related deaths in the contiguous US were projected to increase substantially by mid–21st century, with certain populations, such as non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic adults, projected to disproportionately experience this increase. The results point to the need to mitigate the adverse outcome of extreme temperatures for population health.

Upcycling sugar beet waste into sustainable organo-nanocatalysis for carbon dioxide fixation and cyclic carbonate synthesis: a research design study

Environmental pollution is a major global issue due to the increase of various pollutants all over the world. Enhancing pollutant remediation strategies for environmental sustainability necessitates increasing the efficiency of conventional methods or introducing innovative approaches. Nanotechnology, particularly carbon-based nanomaterials, offers substantial promise due to their high surface area and absorption potential. Concurrently, organocatalysts have emerged as sustainable and versatile alternatives to traditional metal-based catalysts in modern chemical research. This study highlights the synthesis and application of organo-nanocatalysts derived from biomass, specifically a spherical carbon nanocatalyst synthesized from sugar beet pulp. This novel green catalyst, characterized by high selectivity and efficiency, successfully converts epoxides and CO2 into valuable cyclic carbonates under solvent-free conditions. The hydroxyl groups on the Sugar Beet-derived Carbon NanoSphere (SCNS) surface act as Bronsted acid sites, facilitating epoxide activation via hydrogen bonding. The integration of carbon-based nanomaterials and organocatalysis represents a promising, sustainable solution for pollutant remediation and green chemistry advancements.Graphical

A mixed design study on challenges and experiences with gender diversity management in Ethiopian public higher education institutions

A mixed design study on challenges and experiences with gender diversity management in Ethiopian public higher education institutions

The study of design and optimisation for CFRP combined pier anti-collision device

A CFRP honeycomb combination anti-collision device with a larger anti-collision level, greater crashworthiness, and longer service life was designed to safeguard the ship and piers in the event of an unintentional collision. Taking large-tonnage cargo ships and common bridge piers in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River as the research objects, the energy conversion response, impact force response and impact depth response of the collision were studied considering the collision conditions between the ship and the bare pier and the collision avoidance device. On this basis, the response surface method, variance analysis method and efficacy coefficient method were further used to take the shell thickness of the collision avoidance device and the thickness of the internal steel structure as the design parameters. The multi-objective optimisation design of the CFRP composite anti-collision device is carried out by selecting the ship impact force, the total internal energy absorbed by the anti-collision device, the total mass, and the inner diameter of the honeycomb steel structure as the optimisation objectives. The results show that the impact force reduction rate reaches 82.7%, the overall mass is greatly reduced, the maximum deformation is within a reasonable range, and the collision resistance is optimised.

Application Research of Image-based Methods in Aby Walburg's Emotive Formula

This paper centers around Aby Walburg's theory of 'motive Formula' and applies the image-based research method known as the 'Good Neighbor Principle' to analyze two case studies, aiming to validate the interdisciplinary applicability of the 'Good Neighbor Principle.' Firstly, the method is employed to analyze and interpret Plate 30 from Walburg's work, 'The Goddess of Memory Atlas,' to validate the theories related to Walburg's image-based emotive formula. Subsequently, the same research method is applied to analyze a case study in design, revealing that the design genes of Apple products originated from the German classical functionalism of Braun. This further confirms the effectiveness of the 'Good Neighbor Principle' and demonstrates how Walburg's concepts of memory and emotion are given new interpretations within the current social context. Drawing conclusions from these two case studies, it is evident that the power of memory and emotion has long been present, not only in artistic works but also in various other fields and different eras. Walburg's image-based re-search method, the 'Good Neighbor Principle,' can be applied across multiple disciplines and establish energetic connections among research sub-jects in different fields.

Parametric Analysis of the Compact and Long-Term-Operable Passive Residual Heat Removal System

Differing from land-based systems, conventional passive residual heat removal systems (PRHRSs) in nuclear-powered ships encounter challenges for use as safety systems due to limited space and difficulties in adopting safety aids. To resolve this problem, the authors have previously suggested a compact and long-term-operable PRHRS that uses air cooling and seawater cooling in tandem, and its feasibility was confirmed through a design study and transient analysis. Nevertheless, the system performance depends on various parameters, and their sensitivities have yet to be analyzed. The purpose of the current study is to conduct a parametric analysis of the system focusing on four parameters: filling ratio, thermal center difference between heat source and sink, heeling angle, and heat source temperature. The Multi-dimensional Analysis of Reactor Safety (MARS-KS) code was used for the parametric analysis. The results show that the parameters are highly interrelated with each other, and consequently, the system exhibits significantly different behavior depending on the parameter conditions. In particular, the filling ratio determines the overall trends of the system. It was also found that the presence of two heat sinks with a single heat source in the natural circulation loop of the system complicate the natural circulation behavior. Based on the results, we conclude that a thorough examination and careful control of the parameters are necessary to implement the proposed system. The highlights are as follows: 1. Parametric analysis of compact and long-term-operable PRHRS is conducted. 2. Analysis reveals that the filling ratio is the most dominant parameter for system performance. 3. The unique behavior of the natural circulation loop with two heat sinks and a single heat source is analyzed.

From Hit to Lead: Discovery of First-In-Class Furanone Glycoside D228 Derived from Chimonanthus salicifolius for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

TNFα and related inflammatory factor antibody drugs have been orchestrated for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, antibody drugs elicited inevitable disadvantages and small molecule drugs are in an urgent need. Herein, we described the discovery, design, synthesis, and SAR studies from furanone glycoside compound Phoenicein (hit) isolated from Chimonanthus salicifolius to D228 (lead). Remarkably, D228 exhibited good inhibitory activity on B and T lymphocyte and excellent anti-IBD efficacy in vivo. Mechanistically, D228 alleviated the inflammation response by downregulating the MyD88/TRAF6/p38 signaling. Importantly, the relationship of D228, Phoenicein, and their aglycone 7a was deduced: D228 could be considered as a prodrug and metabolized to intermediate Phoenicein. In turn, Phoenicein released their shared active aglycone 7a. Additionally, D228 demonstrated good and balanced profiles of safety and efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. These results suggested that D228 could be used as an ideal lead and potentially utilized for IBD chemotherapy.

Incidence, Prevalence, and Survival of Prostate Cancer in the UK

ImportanceIncidence, prevalence, and survival are pertinent measures to inform the management and provision of prostate cancer care.ObjectiveTo calculate the incidence, prevalence, and survival rates for prostate cancer in the UK from 2000 to 2021.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis population-based cohort study uses routinely collected primary care data from the UK. Male patients aged 18 years or older with at least 1 year of history registered in Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD or Aurum were included. Data were analyzed from January 2023 to March 2024.Main Outcomes and MeasuresProstate cancer incidence rates (IR), period prevalence (PP), and 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival after diagnosis between 2000 and 2021, stratified by age and calendar years.ResultsThis study included 64 925 and 133 200 patients with prostate cancer in CPRD GOLD and Aurum, respectively, with a median age of 72 (65-78) years. The overall IR of prostate cancer was 151.7 (95% CI, 150.6 to 152.9) per 100 000 person-years in GOLD to 153.1 (95% CI, 152.3 to 153.9) per 100 000 person-years for Aurum and increased with age. The incidence of prostate cancer increased from 109 per 100 000 person-years in 2000 to 159 per 100 000 person-years in 2021. Peaks of incidence occurred in 2004 and 2018, before a decline in 2020. PP increased 3.5 times over the study period for both databases, from 0.4% in 2000 to 1.4% in 2021. IR and PP were highest in those aged 80 to 89 years. Median (95% CI) survival was similar in both databases (GOLD: 10.9 [95% CI, 10.7-11.1] years and Aurum: 11.1 [95% CI, 11.0-11.2] years). Survival at 1, 5, and 10 years after diagnosis were 93.4% (95% CI, 93.2%-93.6%), 71.8% (95% CI, 71.4%-72.2%), 53.2% (95% CI, 52.6%-53.7%) in GOLD and 93.9% (95% CI, 93.7%-94.0%), 72.7% (95% CI, 72.5%-73.0%), 53.7% (95% CI, 53.3%-54.1%) in AURUM, respectively. Survival increased over time: 1-year survival was 94.8% (95% CI, 94.5%-95.2%) in those diagnosed between 2015 to 2019 compared with 90.8% (95% CI, 90.2%-91.3%) from 2000 to 2004; 5-year survival improved from 65.3% (95% CI, 64.4%-66.3%) from 2000 to 2004 to 75.3% (95% CI, 74.4%-76.3%) in 2015 to 2019.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this population-based cohort study, incidence and prevalence increased with older age, with high survival rates reflecting a high burden of disease, particularly in the management of cancer survivorship in an aging population. Health care systems should consider this when managing the increasing numbers of people with prevalent prostate cancer.

Safety of the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine in 2 Successive Pregnancies

ImportanceAlthough influenza vaccination has been found to be safe in pregnancy, few studies have assessed repeated influenza vaccination over successive pregnancies, including 2 vaccinations in a year, in terms of adverse perinatal outcomes.ObjectiveTo examine the association of seasonal influenza vaccination across successive pregnancies with adverse perinatal outcomes and whether the association varies by interpregnancy interval (IPI) and vaccine type (quadrivalent or trivalent).Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis retrospective cohort study included individuals with at least 2 successive singleton live-birth pregnancies between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2018. Data were collected from the Vaccine Safety Datalink, a collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and integrated health care organizations. Data analysis was performed between January 8, 2021, and July 17, 2024.ExposuresInfluenza vaccination was identified using vaccine administration codes. The vaccinated cohort consisted of people who received influenza vaccines during the influenza season (August 1 through April 30) in 2 successive pregnancies. The comparator cohort consisted of people identified as unvaccinated during both pregnancies.Main Outcomes and MeasuresMain outcomes were risk of preeclampsia or eclampsia, placental abruption, fever, preterm birth, preterm premature rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis, and small for gestational age among individuals with and without vaccination in both pregnancies. Adjusted relative risks (RRs) from Poisson regression were used to assess the magnitude of associations. The associations with adverse outcomes by IPI and vaccine type were evaluated.ResultsOf 82 055 people with 2 singleton pregnancies between 2004 and 2018, 44 879 (54.7%) had influenza vaccination in successive pregnancies. Mean (SD) age at the start of the second pregnancy was 32.2 (4.6) years for vaccinated individuals and 31.2 (5.0) years for unvaccinated individuals. Compared with individuals not vaccinated in both pregnancies, vaccination in successive pregnancies was not associated with increased risk of preeclampsia or eclampsia (adjusted RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.99-1.21), placental abruption (adjusted RR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.84-1.21), fever (adjusted RR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.47-1.59), preterm birth (adjusted RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.78-0.89), preterm premature rupture of membranes (RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.94-1.06), chorioamnionitis (adjusted RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.90-1.18), or small for gestational age birth (adjusted RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.93-1.05). IPI and vaccine type did not modify the observed associations.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this large cohort study of successive pregnancies, influenza vaccination was not associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, irrespective of IPI and vaccine type. Findings support recommendations to vaccinate pregnant people or those who might be pregnant during the influenza season.

Design, synthesis, in-vitro, in-silico, DFT and POM studies of a novel family of sulfonamides as potent anti-triple-negative breast cancer agents

In this study, a new family of ethacrynic acid-sulfonamides and indazole-sulfonamides was synthesized and tested in vitro against MDA-MB-468 triple-negative breast cancer cells and PBMCs human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, using the MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. The aim of this research is to discover novel compounds with potential therapeutic effects on breast cancer. The antiproliferative activity of these compounds showed a significant dose-dependent activity, with IC50 values ranging between 2.83 and 7.52 µM. The lead compounds 8 and 9 displayed similar IC50 values to paclitaxel with 2.83, 3.84 and 2.72 µM, respectively. This highlights the novelty and potential of these compounds as alternatives to current treatments. The binding properties of 8, 9, and paclitaxel with the active sites of the PARP1(Poly(ADP-ribose) polymérase 1) and EGFR (Epidermal growth factor receptor) proteins were analyzed by molecular docking methods showing, for PARP1 protein, binding affinities of −9.8 Kcal /mol, −10 Kcal /mol, and −9.4 Kcal /mol, respectively. While their binding affinities for EGFR protein are −7.5 Kcal/mol, −7.2 Kcal/mol and −6.9 Kcal/mol, respectively. Moreover, drug-likeness and ADMET (Absorption–distribution–metabolism–excretion–toxicity) analyses demonstrated that both molecules are orally bioavailable and have good pharmacokinetic and non-toxic profiles. DFT (Density functional theory) was also carried out on both compounds 8 and 9 additionally to POM (Petra/Osiris/Molinspiration) studies on all compounds. The outcomes of this study suggest that compounds 8 and 9 are promising candidates for further development as therapeutic agents against triple-negative breast cancer

Design, synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking study of thiadiazole-isatin hybrid analogues as potential anti-diabetic and anti-bacterial agents

We have synthesized thiadiazole-isatin hybrid analogues (1–20), characterized through different spectroscopic techniques such as 1HNMR, 13CNMR, HREI-MS, and evaluated against α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes. All analogues showed potent inhibitory potentials, having an IC50 values ranged from 22.08 ± 0.09 to 54.03 ± 0.07 μM (against α-amylase) and 19.03 ± 0.04 to 50.03 ± 0.02 μM (α-glucosidase) when compared with the standard drug acarbose (IC50 = 22.07 ± 0.02 μM for α-amylase and IC50 = 18.01 ± 0.06 μM for α-glucosidase respectively). Among the series, analogues 13 (IC50 = 19.03 ± 0.04 and 22.08 ± 0.09 μM), 12 (IC50 = 21.03 ± 0.07 and 24.03 ± 0.07 μM), and 5 (IC50 = 22.02 ± 0.03 and 26.02 ± 0.04 μM) were identified as the most active inhibitors. The structure–activity relationship was carried out, mainly associated with the nature, number, position, and electron-donating and electron-withdrawing effects of the substituent (s) on the phenyl ring. With the help of molecular docking, the binding interaction of the most active analogues within the active site of enzymes was confirmed. Almost twelve compounds were also screened for antibacterial potential, and few were found to be effective against Bacillus subtilis. All compounds were verified for cytotoxicity against the 3 T3 mouse fibroblast cell line and detected non-toxic.

Evaluating the feasibility of inverted T foundation on expansive soils

This paper presents a comprehensive design study conducted in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the performance evaluation of an inverted T foundation system in a building constructed on expansive soils. The study aimed to investigate the causes of damage and evaluate the performance of a proposed inverted T foundation. A single story market building in a semi-arid region with expansive soil was constructed utilizing a 40 cm-thick mat foundation as a precautionary measure against soil swelling. However, the building experienced instability and damage shortly after completion. This study explored the replacement of the existing mat foundation with an inverted T foundation. The research involved assessing the ability of the inverted T foundation to withstand swelling pressures and its impact on the structural members of the building. Design guidelines and tools were developed to support the design and analysis of the inverted T foundation. Economic feasibility was also evaluated. The study compared the effects of swelling pressure on two types of foundations: a mat foundation and a rigid strip foundation. The results showed that the inverted T foundation demonstrated less upward movement and was found more effective in mitigating the detrimental effects of soil expansion compared to the mat foundation. Design guidelines and tools, including schedules, and charts were developed to support the design and analysis of the inverted T foundation. The findings have significant implications for the design and construction of buildings on expansive soils, offering insights into the effectiveness of the inverted T foundation as an alternative solution. The research contributes to the knowledge of foundation design on expansive soils in general and provides practical guidance for engineers and practitioners in similar geological contexts.

Evaluation of a Novel Needle Decompression Device Against Standard of Care: A Cadaveric Model

ABSTRACT Introduction Pneumothorax (PTX) incidence in patients arriving to a trauma center can be as high as 20%. The severity of PTX can range from insignificant to life-threatening. Five percent of combat casualties sustaining thoracic trauma have tension PTX (tPTX) at the time of death. Rapid diagnosis and decompression, traditionally with a needle decompression in the prehospital setting, is essential. However, high iatrogenic injury rates reveal a need for a device with the potential to decrease injury rate without compromising decompression success. The Donaldson Decompression Needle (DDN) is a 10-gauge × 3.25 inch needle with a locking mechanism designed to prevent over-insertion. During insertion, a spring-loaded blunt tip retracts, releasing the lock. After penetration of the parietal pleura, the blunt tip projects forward, which in turn locks the device in place on the chest. The device also contains an integrated 1-way valve (OWV) to prevent causing iatrogenic PTX, if placed into a healthy lung cavity. Materials and Methods We compared the DDN against a standard-of-care (SOC) needle (E-ARS 10 gauge × 3.25”) in a cadaveric randomized crossover design study. Tension pneumothorax was created by inserting a needle adjacent to the sternum and insufflating to 15 mmHg. Data collected included participant demographics/experience, cadaver measurements, and procedure data such as intrathoracic pressures and decompression time. Participants also completed a postprocedure survey. A secondary objective was evaluation of decompression rate with the OWV on vs. off. Results Twenty participants were enrolled in the study. Five participants required exclusion. While there were no differences in set-up times for the 2 procedures (DDN vs. SOC, 33 seconds vs. 28 seconds, P = .63), the decompression times were significantly different between the 2 groups (DDN vs. SOC, 2:06 vs. 1:06, P = .019). Evaluation of the secondary outcome resulted in 18 repetitions. The average decompression time for the OWV on group (n = 9) vs. OWV off group (n = 9) was 44 seconds vs. 10 seconds (P=<.05). Conclusions Despite the similar length and gauge of the DDN compared to the standard of care (SOC), the success rate of thoracic decompression was lower for the DDN when compared to the SOC (46% vs. 87%, P = .077) although statistical noninferiority was not established. Additionally, intradevice comparisons indicated decompression with the OWV on significantly prolonged decompression time when compared to when it was removed. It could be appropriate to consider removing the OWV after placement to decrease the decompression time, followed by reattachment for transport. Further research into the ability of the DDN to decrease iatrogenic injury will follow validation of decompression capabilities.

The modulation of social and non-social behavior by arginine vasotocin in the common waxbill, Estrilda astrild

The influence of the neuropeptide arginine vasotocin (AVT) has been demonstrated across various species, on an ample range of behaviors, yet the results appear to be highly species-specific. In this study, we aimed to test how AVT influences both social and non-social behaviors in the common waxbill Estrilda astrild, a highly social estrildid finch. Through a within-subject design study, we experimentally manipulated AVT pathways through muscular injections of both an agonist and an antagonist of AVT at different dosages, and performed competition over food tests to assess behavioral changes. Our observations reveal a decrease in birds' movements with both low and high dosages of AVT. Additionally, the higher AVT dosage led to a significant decrease in birds' feeding, aggressive behavior, and allopreening. Conversely, the lower AVT dosage increased the duration of allopreening, which is a proxy for affiliation. The use of Manning Compound, a V1a antagonist, did not produce any changes in behavior, however, the absence of affinity studies for this compound in birds makes it difficult to interpret these results. It is plausible that in common waxbills, AVT V1b or V1a receptors may be involved in regulating movement, feeding, aggressive behavior, and allopreening, rather than V2 AVT receptors.