The Emerging Role of SPECT Functional Neuroimaging in Schizophrenia and Depression

Over the last three decades, the brain's functional and structural imaging has become more prevalent in psychiatric research and clinical application. A substantial amount of psychiatric research is based on neuroimaging studies that aim to illuminate neural mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is one of those developing brain imaging techniques among various neuroimaging technologies. Compared to PET, SPECT imaging is easy, less expensive, and practical for radioligand use. Current technologies increased the spatial accuracy of SPECT findings by combining the functional SPECT images with CT images. The radioligands bind to receptors such as 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A, and dopamine transporters can help us comprehend neural mechanisms of psychiatric disorders based on neurochemicals. This mini-review focuses on the SPECT-based neuroimaging approach to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (MDD). Research-based SPECT findings of psychiatric disorders indicate that there are notable changes in biochemical components in certain disorders. Even though many studies support that SPECT can be used in psychiatric clinical practice, we still only use subjective diagnostic criteria such as the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Glimpsing into the brain's biochemical world via SPECT in psychiatric disorders provides more information about the pathophysiology and future implication of neuroimaging techniques.

Spatial Distribution of SDGs Accomplished Under MGNREGA Beyond SDG1

Nations across the world share common responsibility towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To monitor the progress of individual goals and their global-level comparisons, a set of targets and indicators are developed by the experts. However, systematic methods for assessing spatio-temporal progress towards achieving the SDGs are lacking. This study demonstrates the use of geographically referenced information (GIS) analysis in mapping the SDGs as achieved under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Generation Act (MGNREGA) programme in India, taking Uttarakhand state as a case study. Geotagged data of assets representing various work categories permissible under MGNREGA are linked to the targets and indicators of various SDGs. Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) function is used to derive spatially explicit maps. Sub-national-level composite analysis of overall contribution of the MGNREGA to SDGs is carried out district wise for better understanding. Results obtained show significant spatial variation in the distribution of works across the districts, reflecting their varying priorities as MGNREGA is a demand-driven scheme. The future implication of the study is a vastly improved ability to derive latent information based on geographical indicators for targeting interventions and developing informed strategies towards SDGs.

Food Numeracy: Definition and Application Across the Australian Secondary School Curriculum

Introduction: The poor dietary intake among adolescents and the consequential health, economic and environmental concerns associated with poor intakes have been established in the literature. This calls for strengthening of school-based food and nutrition education interventions as recommended in the Australian National Action Plan for the Health of Children and Young People (2020-2030). One researched intervention, by the authors, is the integration of food literacy and food numeracy (FL&FN) across Australian secondary school curriculum. Aim: Food numeracy is a newly introduced term by the authors; this paper provides its substantiated definition, key elements, and an example pedagogy as an approach for integration and application across the curriculum. Methods: Methodologically, a review of scholarly peer-reviewed and grey litearture, and thematic analysis of all secondary school curriculum documents (years 7-10) have been conducted. Results: Food numeracy is defined as the ability to use mathematical skills effectively to partake of daily requirements and be aware of its value from farm to fork. Additionally, two food numeracy key elements of food production and food consumption with several sub-elements with their corresponding curriculum descriptors have been deduced from the curriculum documents. Finally, practical application and integration of food numeracy across all subjects has been demonstrated using deduced food numeracy and relevant numeracy elements from the Australian curriculum. Conclusion/future implication: It is anticipated that integration of food numeracy across the curriculum can strengthen adolescents’ knowledge and skills in both food and nutrition, and numeracy which has a direct correlation with enhanced health status. Introduction and application of food numeracy aligns with contemporary teaching practices which aim to inspire students to use analytical thinking to solve food-related problems and become conscientious global citizens.

A review of Tumor Treating Fields and their future implication in treatment of platinum resistant ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality amongst gynecologic malignancies. Due to the lack of screening tests and early detection, most cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in advanced stages. Treatment of patients includes multidisciplinary approaches that include surgical debulking and chemoradiation therapy. Recently, there have been emerging clinical trials that are investigating the use of Tumor treating fields (TTFields) in the treatment of patients with ovarian cancer. Tumor treating fields (TTFields) are a novel, non-invasive cancer treatment modality targeted towards inhibition of solid tumor growth.1,2 The use of TTFields was initially approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme. In this article, we will be providing an overview of TTFields, including its mechanism of action, burgeoning application in the management of solid tumors, and promising potential in the treatment of patients with platinum resistant ovarian cancer.

Features of an analytical solution in Eddington inspired Born–Infeld (EiBI) gravity

Recently, Harko et al. [Phys. Rev. D 88, 044032 (2013)] have derived an exact solution of the spherically symmetric field equations in EiBI gravity, describing a compact star with decreasing pressure but increasing energy density. We have explored some features of this solution by restricting the range of the parameter [Formula: see text] which satisfies four energy conditions for 10 equation of states (EOSs). Viability and deviations of these features in the light of updated observed properties of neutron stars (NS) have been explored completely. A comparison of those features with recent observations may uncover the future implication of this paper. Analysis of our results indicates that this solution may be used as an alternative EOS.

Biodegradable Nanoparticles: A Recent Approach and Applications

Biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) are the novel carriers for the administration of drug molecules. Biodegradable nanoparticles have become popular recently because of their special features such as targeted delivery of drugs, improved bioavailability, and better therapeutic effectiveness to administer the drug at a constant rate. Polymeric NPs are very small-sized polymeric colloidal elements in which a drug of interest may be encapsulated or incorporated in their polymeric network or conjugated or adsorbed on the layer. Various polymers are employed in the manufacturing of nanoparticles, some of the frequently employed polymers are agents, chitosan, cellulose, gelatin, gliadin, polylactic acid, polylactic-co-glycolic acid, and pullulan. Nanoparticles have been progressively explored for the delivery of targeted ARVs to cells of HIV-infected and have performed the prolonged kinetic release. Drug embedded in this system can give better effectiveness, diminished resistance of drugs, reduction in systemic toxicity and symptoms, and also enhanced patient compliance. The present review highlights the frequently employed manufacturing methods for biodegradable nanoparticles, various polymers used, and its application in anti-retroviral therapy. Also, common evaluation parameters to check the purity of nanoparticles, ongoing and recently concluded clinical trials and patents filled by the various researchers, and the future implication of biodegradable NPs in an innovative drug delivery system are described. The biodegradable NPs are promising systems for the administration of a broad variety of drugs including anti-retroviral drugs, and hence biodegradable nanoparticles can be employed in the future for the treatment of several diseases and disorders.

Force Majeure in Post COVID-19: The Implication for Future Energy Law Contracts

The global uproar of coronavirus disease, codenamed COVID-19, remains one greatest challenge at least in our present time. The energy sector, in particular, has faced economic doom, as prices of crude oil dipped flatly below $0 on Monday, 20 April 2020, due to low demand amid containment lockdown measures of various governments worldwide. More-so, the performance of existing energy contracts, especially time-bound oil and gas supply, has become impracticable. This has resulted in contracting parties invoking force majeure clauses as an excuse. There have arisen divergent views as to whether COVID-19 is an acceptable force majeure, and such unsettled views could arguably impact energy law contracts. This study analytically considers the future implication of force majeure in post-COVID-19 on energy law contracts. The study lends a forward-thinking approach to crafting future energy law contracts.