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The design and synthesis of four twisted donor‐acceptor (D‐A) thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecules CBZ‐IQ, CBZ‐2FIQ, DI‐IQ and DI‐2FIQ is reported in this work based on diindolocarbazole (DI) and phenyl carbazole as donor and indoloquinoxalines as acceptor. These compounds serve as photocatalysts for organic transformations. Theoretical calculations and experimental data showed reasonable singlet and triplet energy gaps of 0.17‐0.26 eV for all compounds. All molecules showed increase in fluorescence quantum yields after degassing the solution and the transient photoluminescence decay showed two components: shorter prompt components (11.4 ns to 31 ns) and longer delayed components (36.4 ns to 1.5 μs) which further indicate the occurrence of TADF process. Cyclic voltammetry studies indicated well‐suited excited state redox potentials of all compounds to catalyze organic transformations such as heteroarene arylation. Accordingly, photocatalytic C−H arylation of heteroarenes were performed using these compounds with excellent isolated yields of upto 80 %. Due to their suitable efficient triplet energy levels, all the emitters were also employed as energy transfer photocatalysts in E to Z isomerization of stilbene with the excellent conversion of ~90 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Cohort studies have shown that both overweight and obesity have their impact by increasing hospitalization with COVID‐19. We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, Google Scholar, and MedRxiv databases following the PRISMA guidelines. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA software version 16 MP (Stata Corp, College Station, TX, USA) and Med Calc software version 22.009(Med Calc software Ltd, Ostend, Belgium). The primary outcome was to measure the prevalence of overweight and obesity and their impact on the risk of hospitalization among COVID‐19 patients under and above 50 years of age. In total, 184 studies involving 2,365,377 patients were included. The prevalence of overweight was highest among those younger than 50 years of age over those older than 50 years of age, (26.33% vs. 30.46%), but there was no difference in obesity (36.30% vs. 36.02%). Overall, the pooled prevalence of overweight and obesity among hospitalized COVID‐19 patients was 31.0% and 36.26%, respectively. Compared with normal weight, the odds of hospitalization with overweight (odds ratio [OR] 2.186, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.19, 3.99], p < 0.01) and obesity (OR 3.069, 95% CI [1.67, 5.61], p < 0.001) in those younger than 50 years and obesity (OR 3.977, 95% CI [2.75, 5.73], p < 0.001) in the older than 50 years age group were significantly high. The increased prevalence of overweight and obesity among the under 50 years age group and obesity among the older than 50 years age group significantly increased the rate of COVID‐19 infections, severity and hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim- To compare the outcome of placing graft, medial or lateral to handle of malleus in Inlay technique of myringoplasty in terms of graft take-up rate, hearing improvement and complications. Material method- Prospective randomized single blind study on a total of 52 patients (age 18-40 years) who had dry central, medium sized perforation secondary to Chronic Otitis Media(mucosal disease) were included in our study. These patients were divided into two groups. Group A had 23 patients, in which graft was placed medial to handle of malleus and group B had 29 patients in which graft was placed lateral to handle of malleus in modified inlay technique of myringoplasty. The results of two techniques were compared in terms of graft take- up rate, hearing improvement and complications at the end of 6 months of follow up. Result- The graft take-up rate and post operative gain in air conduction in group A was 91.30% and 3.57+/-6.61 dB ( mean+/-SD) respectively whereas 96.55% and 6.62+/-6.86 Db (mean+/-SD) respectively in group B (p value is >0.05). Results was statistically analysed by Chi-square and T-test. Conclusion- We can conclude here that although there is no difference in graft take-up rate, gain in hearing and complications in both the technique, but in consideration of the duration of surgery, technicality, healing and lateral placement of graft was found better than medial placement in modified inlay technique of myringoplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is one of the major challenges for cultivation of crops in a sustainable way because it severely affects plant growth and yield. Keeping this challenge in view, in the current study, a salt-tolerant Halomonas MV-19 was isolated from an extreme niche of mud volcano of Andaman Nicobar Island, India and identified on the basis of standard morphological, biochemical, and physiological tests and identified as Halomonas sulfidaeris strain MV-19 by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The bacterium can grow on nutrient agar and nutrient broth supplemented with 3.5 M (≥ 20%) sodium chloride (NaCl). Sugar utilization assay revealed that H. sulfidaeris MV-19 utilizes only three sugars (dextrose, fructose, and mannose) from among twenty four tested sugars. The best growth of H. sulfidaeris MV-19 was observed in nutrient broth supplemented with 8% NaCl. When the broth was supplemented with dextrose, fructose, and mannose, the H. sulfidaeris MV-19 grew maximally in nutrient broth supplemented with 8% NaCl and 5% fructose. This strain produced exopolysaccharides (EPS) in nutrient broth supplemented with 8% NaCl and sugars (dextrose, fructose, and mannose). The EPS production was increased by 350% (three and half time) after addition of 5% fructose in nutrient broth compare with the EPS production in nutrient broth without supplemented with sugars. H. sulfidaeris MV-19 strain can produce EPS, which can help aggregate soil particle and reduced osmotic potential in soil, thus, be useful in alleviation of salinity stress in different crops cultivated in saline soils. The findings of the current investigation are expected to contribute towards effective abiotic stress management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the mental health impact of having a family member or friend infected with COVID-19. Thus, the purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive national assessment of the psychological impact of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, or death among family members and friends. A multi-item valid and reliable questionnaire was deployed online to recruit adults in the U.S. A total of 2797 adult Americans without a history of COVID-19 infection participated in the study and reported that they had a family member or friend infected with (54%), hospitalized due to (48%), or die (36%) of COVID-19 infection. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, or both (i.e., psychological distress) were statistically significantly higher among those who had family members/friends infected, hospitalized, or die due to COVID-19. Also, this study found that the greater the number of family members/friends affected by COVID-19, or the more severe the COVID-19 infection outcome (i.e., hospitalization vs. death), the higher the odds of symptoms of depression, anxiety, or both. There is an urgent need to develop educational interventions and implement policy measures that address the growing mental health needs of this subgroup of the population that was not infected but indirectly affected by COVID-19 infections among social networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing ecological awareness and stringent environmental regulations has resulted in development of green and sustainable strategies for prevention of corrosion. One such attractive strategy involves ionic liquids due to their interesting properties such as low volatility, non‐flammability, nontoxic nature, high thermal and chemical stability, and their ability to adsorb on the metallic surface. In the past few years, pyridazinium‐based ionic liquids have been studied for corrosion inhibition. This review gives an update of the research work carried with these ionic liquids toward corrosion inhibition in the past 5 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advent of a new decade and the paradigm shift of every sphere of urban life to virtual platforms, it has become imperative for the global researcher community to channelize efforts into upgradation of the existing display‐technology. In this context, discotic liquid crystals (DLCs) are a class of self‐assembling organic materials that are recently being explored in fabricating the emissive layers of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). With their unique inherent structural and functional properties, they have the potential to challenge the currently prevailing OLED‐emitters. Yet the applications of this promising class of materials in OLEDs have not been comprehensively reviewed in literature till now. In this account, we present an overview of the developments in the field of luminescent DLC‐based emitters, supported by their associated photophysical phenomena and their performance parameters as emitters in fabricated OLED devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the microwave irradiation approach was used to synthesize two methylimidazolium-based ionic liquids (MImILs), specifically 1-Heptyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide [HMImBr] and 1-Benzyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide [BzMImBr]. Several spectroscopic methods have been used to characterize the produced compounds. Gravimetric and electrochemical techniques were employed to examine their ability to prevent corrosion of the mild steel in a 0.5 M sulfuric acid solution. Amongst all the evaluated ionic liquids, [BzMImBr] having an aromatic ring instead of hexyl ((–CH 2) 5 –CH 3) hydrocarbon of [HMImBr] manifests better inhibition efficiency of 95.49 % at 1000 ppm concentration. The experimental ionic liquids negatively impact both the anodic and cathodic Tafel reactions, exhibiting mixed-type inhibition properties, as demonstrated by the findings of the potentiodynamic polarization investigations. Through their adsorption employing their electron-rich centres, the examined ionic liquids create a corrosion-protective covering, and their adsorption follows the Langmuir isotherm model. Negative values of ΔG ads indicate the spontaneous nature of [HMImBr] and [BzMImBr] adsorption, whereas values between −20 and −40 KJ mol−1 indicate the physio-chemisorption mode of adsorption. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) techniques were used to assess and evaluate surface morphology. The DFT-based analysis indicates that aromatic rings played a significant role in the charge sharing (donation and acceptance) in [BzMImBr]. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has engulfed the whole world with millions getting infected and losing their lives. Health care professionals (HCPs) who are in the front line of fighting with COVID-19 are particularly vulnerable and it is crucial to protect them from COVID-19. In this regard, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recommended hydroxychloroquine (HCQS) chemoprophylaxis in HCPs. However, considering the lack of sufficient evidence the HCP are in a dilemma about this aspect. Moreover, there is a paucity of data on use of HCQS as a chemoprophylaxis among Indian HCP. Hence, this study was carried out to study the extent of use and also the perception of Indian HCP toward use of HCQS as a chemoprophylaxis for COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study done on 205 HCPs working across India. The responses were collected electronically using a prevalidated semi-structured questionnaire. Results: 62.9% (129/205) respondents reported having taken HCQS chemo-prophylaxis for COVID-19 while 34.7% (76/205) did not take it. Among HCP, who did not take the prophylaxis, the main reasons cited were concern about adverse effects (61.5%) and lack of robust evidence (24%). Only 14% of respondents felt that there was sufficient evidence to justify use of HCQS for prophylaxis while an overwhelming majority (86%) felt otherwise or were uncertain. Conclusion: The majority of participants felt that despite a lack of proven efficacy, ICMR guidelines on HCQS prophylaxis in COVID-19 are justified considering the pandemic situation. Our study also found that HCQS is well tolerated by participants and there was no reported serious adverse effect and cardiac-related side effects among them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potatoes, a cornerstone of Indian agriculture, hold immense nutritional value, contributing significantly to vitamin-rich, low-cost carbohydrates. The efficiency of potato harvesting is paramount, requiring a timely and well-coordinated process. This review encapsulates the historical progression in potato harvesting, from manual approaches to the adoption of various potato diggers—animal-drawn, power tiller-operated, engine-operated, tractor-drawn, and self-propelled, categorized by their power sources. The study emphasizes key design parameters influencing digger performance, such as forward speed, rake angle, digging depth, sieve oscillation, and digging share types. This comprehensive exploration aims to enhance our understanding of potato diggers’ diverse landscape, fostering informed decisions for sustainable and efficient harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drug promotional literature (DPL) forms a major marketing technique of pharmaceutical companies for propagating information regarding a drug. Many a times, it is the only source on which treating physicians depend for updating their knowledge about the existing and novel drugs. Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to understand the clinicians' perceptions about DPL and its critical appraisal so that relevant interventions can be made. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional questionnaire based study. A self-administered validated questionnaire was administered to 125 clinicians working in a medical college, which sought responses on their perception of various aspects including interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference and decision making based on the DPL which they encounter in their day-to-day practices. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 100 clinicians reciprocated with complete questionnaire. 99% of the clinicians were exposed to pharmaceutical promotional activities and around 79% clinicians accepted that drug promotion has a considerable bearing on their prescribing practices. Majority (79%) of the clinicians felt that the accuracy of the claims in the various forms of DPL was between 50-75%. Amongst the various forms of DPL, brochures were adjudged as the most useful followed by interactions with medical representatives, advertisements in medical journals and direct mailers. a majority of the clinicians (69%) felt that, though the claims in the DPL are balanced but are supported by poor evidence. Around 75% clinicians perceived the primary intention of drug promotional literature was to boost company sales. Around 84% clinicians felt that doctors' integrity can be compromised by accepting gifts from medical representatives. Over 75% of clinicians believed that training in interacting with medical representatives and assessing other forms of drug promotional literature should be imparted to undergraduates in medical colleges. Conclusion: Physicians need to be aware that the pharmaceutical industry may use drug advertisements to influence prescription patterns even when this results in distortion of scientific facts. The pharmaceutical industry should be more responsible and more meticulous in making sure that pharmaceutical claims referring to scientific studies are quoted accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyurethane (PU) based foams/composites shows versatile utility and are designed as per the end use by varying Index ratio (IR; NCO/OH), or the filler functionalities or its concentration thereof. The present research work focuses on the study of extent of polymerization of PU system by varying the weight ratios of binary components of cross linking agents (Tepanol and castor oil) in their homogenous mixture and is found to be independent of their weight ratios but depends on the weight of homogenous mixture of cross linking agents, as revealed by the SEM images of fly ash reinforced polyurethane composites. Variations in mechanical properties of PU foam/composites can be studied by varying IR. In present study, fly ash reinforced polyurethane composites designed at IR 1.1 keeping higher concentration of curing agent (2,4- Toluene diisocyanate) shows better mechanical properties (TS;26MPa & YM;13GPa) compared to, when binder (polyethylene glycol-600,) concentration was decreased at constant IR i.e 1.1 (TS;13MPa & YM;6.5GPa) or lowering the concentration of cross linking agents (TS;11MPa & YM5.5GPa) at same IR i.e 1.1. The study also reveals that composites designed at IR0.9 shows better mechanical properties (TS;22MPa & YM;11GPa) at higher concentration of cross linking agents as compared to composites designed at same IR but with higher concentration of binder (TS;10MPa & YM;5GPa) or lower concentration of curing agent (TS;8MPa & YM;4GPa). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the results from early trials, COVID-19 vaccines will be available by 2021. However, little is known about what Americans think of getting immunized with a COVID-19 vaccine. Thus, the purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive and systematic national assessment of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in a community-based sample of the American adult population. A multi‐item valid and reliable questionnaire was deployed online via mTurk and social media sites to recruit U.S. adults from the general population. A total of 1878 individuals participated in the study where the majority were: females (52%), Whites (74%), non-Hispanic (81%), married (56%), employed full time (68%), and with a bachelor's degree or higher (77%). The likelihood of getting a COVID-19 immunization in the study population was: very likely (52%), somewhat likely (27%), not likely (15%), definitely not (7%), with individuals who had lower education, income, or perceived threat of getting infected being more likely to report that they were not likely/definitely not going to get COVID-19 vaccine (i.e., vaccine hesitancy). In unadjusted group comparisons, compared to their counterparts, vaccine hesitancy was higher among African-Americans (34%), Hispanics (29%), those who had children at home (25%), rural dwellers (29%), people in the northeastern U.S. (25%), and those who identified as Republicans (29%). In multiple regression analyses, vaccine hesitancy was predicted significantly by sex, education, employment, income, having children at home, political affiliation, and the perceived threat of getting infected with COVID-19 in the next 1 year. Given the high prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, evidence-based communication, mass media strategies, and policy measures will have to be implemented across the U.S. to convert vaccines into vaccinations and mass immunization with special attention to the groups identified in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Prescribing drugs during pregnancy needs careful consideration of benefit to the mother and risk to the fetus. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the appropriateness of medications among pregnant women with coexisting illness in a tertiary care hospital, Western India. Materials and Methods: It was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted in the obstetrics and gynecology department of a tertiary care hospital. The study was conducted over a period of 12 months wherein data from 800 pregnant women suffering from any co-existing illness and being prescribed any medication apart from routine supplementation were analyzed. The Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI) was used to assess the appropriateness of medications. Higher MAI scores indicate more inappropriate prescribing. Results: Drugs which were most inappropriately prescribed with the highest average MAI scores were albendazole, itraconazole, injection amikacin, oxcarbazepine, warfarin, domperidone, propylthiouracil, and combiflam (ibuprofen + paracetamol). Diseases with the highest average MAI scores were anemia, Grave's disease, umbilical hernia, urinary tract infection, urticaria, allergic rhinitis, and preeclampsia. The MAI criteria which had the highest percentage of inappropriately prescribed medications were "cost of drugs," "duration of therapy," and "indication." Conclusion: Potentially inappropriate prescribing was seen in the study with some of the common coexisting illness being treated with drugs which fared poorly on the MAI. The study has also highlighted areas in drug prescribing where scope for improvement exists. Further, it can act as a benchmark for comparison of future studies to evaluate medication appropriateness in pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores how can thymosin β4 and soluble CD163 be used as biomarkers of the prognosis in acute on chronic liver failure. Topics include Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a deleterious complication of chronic liver disease characterized by a rapidly progressive course, multi-organ failure and high short-term mortality without liver transplantation; and previous studies showed that systemic inflammation characterized by strong proinflammatory cytokine response.

Genus Micrococcus is considered a high IAA producer. However, interestingly, there is no report on the tryptophan- independent pathway operation in this genus. Consequently, the present study was undertaken to evaluate high IAA production by Micrococcus aloeverae DCB-20 and generate reasonable evidence for the occurrence of the tryptophan-independent pathway. Strain DCB-20 produced a high quantity of 880.51 µM or 154.3 µg/mL IAA in LB broth supplemented with L-tryptophan. The tryptophan-independent pathway operation was supported by IAA production in Tris-minimal broth (TM broth) medium supplemented with acid hydrolyzed casein hydrolysate (casein acid hydolysate), which lacks tryptophan. The HPLC analysis showed the absence of tryptophan either from exogenous or endogenous sources in TM broth in the presence of casein acid hydrolysate inoculated with M. aloeverae DCB-20. The absence of tryptophan was further confirmed by the appearance of non-pigmented colonies of Chromobacterium violaceum strain TRFM-24 on Tris-minimal agar (TM agar) containing acid-hydrolyzed casein. This is probably the first report on IAA biosynthesis by M. aloeverae DCB-20 employing tryptophan-independent pathway. This simple technique can also be adapted to detect operation of the tryptophan-independent pathway in other bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regioisomeric acceptor‐donor (AD) molecular rotors (p‐AD, m‐AD and m‐ADA) were synthesized and characterized, wherein dyads p‐AD and m‐AD, and triad m‐ADA contained 4,4‐difluoro‐4‐bora‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene (BODIPY) and benzodithiophene (BDT) as electron‐acceptor and electron‐donor, respectively. In all the compounds, the donor and acceptor moieties are electronically decoupled by a phenyl spacer, either through a para coupling or through a meta coupling. The dyad counterparts p‐AD and m‐AD showed distinct photophysical characteristics in which dyad p‐AD showed TICT band at ca. 654 nm characterized by a Stokes shift of ca. 150 nm and prominent solvatochromism. However, meta regioisomeric triad m‐ADA showed well‐defined aggregation in solution. Notably, because of the temperature‐tunable and solvent‐viscosity‐dependent emission, efficient ratiometric temperature sensing with positive and negative temperature coefficients and viscosity sensing was observed for all compounds. Interestingly, the fluorescence of dyad m‐AD (in 10/90 v/v THF/water) revealed a near‐white light emission with CIE chromaticity coordinates (x, y) of (0.32, 0.29). Furthermore, the fluorescence emission of p‐AD in THF at 0 °C also showed a near‐white light emission with chromaticity coordinates (x, y) of (0.34, 0.27). Such multifunctional rotors with readily tunable emission in the red region and prominent temperature‐ and viscosity‐sensing abilities are promising for sensing and bioimaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Study entitled "the study of the aetiological factors of failures of myringoplasty" was planned to find the various aetiological factors causing failure of myringoplasty and suggests remedial steps to improve the results in future. This observational study was carried in the Department of E.N.T, on patients who had undergone myringoplasty from Jan 2013 to June 2016. Total 905 patients operated in the above mentioned duration. 685 patients were operated during Jan 2013 to June 2015, who were studied retrospectively (only 540 came for follow up), and 220 patients were operated during June 2015 to June 2016 were studied prospectively. The patients who came to the OPD for follow up, were thoroughly reviewed and the re-perforation was seen in 53 patients. Total nine factors causing myringoplasty failure were studied, 4 factors i.e. size of perforation, site of perforation, eustachian tube function, and surgeons experience significantly affects the surgical outcome of myringoplasty while age, tympanosclerotic patch, type of anaesthesia, wet or dry graft placement, and deviated nasal septum does not affects the myringoplasty failure. For improvement of result in future, Eustachian tube dysfunction, symptomatic deviated nasal septum should be corrected before the surgery. Anterior and larger perforation should be operated by experienced surgeon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of (IT)-commutativity and property (E.A) between set-valued mappings and single-valued mappings are used to prove some common fixed point theorems on metric spaces without taking condition of continuity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of many dermatological conditions. The study was planned to monitor and analyze the pattern of prescribing topical corticosteroids among outpatients attending dermatology clinics in a rural tertiary care and teaching hospital. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in the dermatology department of a tertiary care teaching Hospital over a period of 4 months. A total of 350 (Three hundred and fifty) random prescriptions were studied from patients attending skin OPD. Out of these, prescriptions containing topical corticosteroids were identified and considered for the study. The data were collected prospectively by direct observation in a specially designed pro forma containing relevant detail such as demographic, disease, and drug data. Results: A total of 169 (48.3%) of randomly studied 350 prescriptions contained a topical corticosteroid, with Mometasone furoate (34%) and Betamethasone valerate (33%) being the most commonly prescribed. Further, a majority of the topical corticosteroids prescribed were of low potency (47%) followed by highly potent (33%) and ultra-high potent (20%) drugs. 39% of the topical steroids were given in a fixed dose combination with salicylic acid being the most common combination drug. Only 63% of the drugs were prescribed using generic names. Moreover, none of the prescriptions, specified the quantity of the drug which needs to be used while only 25% specified the area of application. Conclusions: Topical corticosteroids are one of the most used and abused drugs in dermatology OPD. Hence, it is important that drug utilisation and prescription studies of these drugs are conducted periodically not only to generate baseline data but also to help health care professionals make appropriate changes if needed to ensure that the drugs are prescribed rationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the geotechnical characterization of flyash-redmud mix stabilized with lime sludge. Compaction tests were carried out on flyash-redmud and flyash-redmud-lime sludge mixes. The results of this study revealed that maximum dry unit weight increased with the increase in percentage of redmud in flyash. The optimum moisture content decreased with the increase in the content of redmud upto 20% in flyash. Beyond a content of 20% of redmud in flyash, the optimum moisture content increased. A mix containing 30% flyash and 70% redmud was identified and used for studying the compaction behaviour by varying the content of lime sludge. The maximum dry unit weight of the mix increased up to a lime sludge content of 2%. Beyond a lime sludge content of 2%, the dry unit weight decreased. A reference mix containing 30% flyash and 70% redmud, with 2% lime sludge was identified and used for studying the unconfined compressive strength, split tensile strength, bearing ratio, unconsolidated undrained triaxial behaviour and durability of the cured specimens. The curing period was varied from 7 days to 90 days. The results revealed that unconfined compressive strength, split tensile strength, bearing ratio and deviator stress of the reference mix increased with the increase in curing period. The durability of the reference mix improved after the wetting and drying cycles. The trend is the same at all curing periods. The improved behaviour of the flyash-redmud-lime sludge mix will boost the construction of subgrade in roads. Further, its use will also provide environmental motivation for providing a means of consuming large quantities of flyash, redmud and lime sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production cross sections of isotopically identified residual nuclei of spallation reactions induced by Xe projectiles at 500AMeV on hydrogen target were analyzed in a two-step model. The first stage of the reaction was described by the INCL4.6 model of an intranuclear cascade of nucleon-nucleon and pion-nucleon collisions whereas the second stage was analyzed by means of four different models; ABLA07, GEM2, GEMINI++ and SMM. The quality of the data description was judged quantitatively using two statistical deviation factors; the H-factor and the M-factor. It was found that the present analysis leads to a different ranking of models as compared to that obtained from the qualitative inspection of the data reproduction. The disagreement was caused by sensitivity of the deviation factors to large statistical errors present in some of the data. A new deviation factor, the A factor, was proposed, that is not sensitive to the statistical errors of the cross sections. The quantitative ranking of models performed using the A-factor agreed well with the qualitative analysis of the data. It was concluded that using the deviation factors weighted by statistical errors may lead to erroneous conclusions in the case when the data cover a large range of values. The quality of data reproduction by the theoretical models is discussed. Some systematic deviations of the theoretical predictions from the experimental results are observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major work-related problem affecting employees' well-being worldwide. Employee well-being is also associated with high organisational financial and social costs. Most working adults spend a considerable amount of time at their workplace, thus making workplace conditions a critical factor affecting their physical and mental health. This study addresses the role of work-related factors on WMSDs and psychological stress. For this purpose, 210 managers working in middle-level management in an Indian telecom organisation participated in the study. Data for the study was collected using a self-reported questionnaire. 64% of employees reported WMSDs, and 60% psychological stress. Structural equation modelling was used to study the effect of work-related factors on WMSDs and psychological stress. The study reported neck and lower back pain being the most frequently reported WMSD. Job control had a significant negative effect on WMSDs, and psychological stress, while workload did not affect either. Age was significantly associated with pain in the upper back and knees. The results suggested that increasing job control will result in employees' better physical and psychological well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Bawal (Rewari), Haryana during Kharif seasons of 2011 and 2012. Fifteen treatments including three insecticides, one fungicide, three antagonists, one amendment and one neem formulation were evaluated in sole and combination treatments as seed dresser where as chlorpyriphos 20 EC and poultry manure were incorporated in soil to find out effective combination for control of collar rot and white grub of groundnut. Minimum disease incidence 0.3 and 0.7 per cent and white grub infestation 1.2 and 1.5 per cent was recorded during 2011 and 2012 with seed treatment of chlorpyriphos 20 EC @ 25 ml/kg seed + PM 4 @ 10 ml/kg seed + captan 3g/kg seed followed by imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 7 ml/kg seed and chlorpyriphos 20 EC @ 25 ml /kg seed + Bacillus thuriengensis @ 10 ml/ kg seed + captan 3 g/kg seed. The yield was significantly (at 5% level) low (7.10 q/ha during 2011 and 6.8 q/ha during 2012) in control as compared to chlorpyriphos 20 EC + PM-4 + captan treatment (20.20 q/ha during 2011 and 19.80 q/ha during 2012) which ranked at first place. The seed treated with imidacloprid 17.8 SL 7 ml /kg seed also produced good yield in both the years and was rated as second best treatment followed by chlorpyriphos + Bacillus thurengiensis + captan. The results obtained herein provide the foundation for an effective and sustainable programme of management for groundnut white grub and collar rot. Integrated approach having chlorpyriphos 20 EC @ 25 ml/ kg seed, Pseudomonas maltophilia (PM4) @ 10 ml/kg seed and captan 3 g/kg seed was found to be most effective for control of collar rot and white grub infestation in ground nut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study is aimed at evaluating the antifungal potential of plant parts of Momordica charantia against the Fusarium oxysporum. During investigation ethanolic extracts of stem showed maximum inhibition in both, spore germination (at 50mg/mL) and mycelial growth (at 50% concentration) with 86.10±4.80 and 79.04±1.06 % inhibition respectively. This was followed by root (with 64.81±3.20 and 62.78±2.85%), leaves (64.28±0.00 and 59.55±0.99%), and fruit (50.97±3.40 and 43.99±1.85%). Aqueous extracts of all plant parts showed a comparatively less significant amount of inhibition in spore germination and mycelial growth. Aqueous extracts (at 50 mg/mL concentration) of root showed 48.88±3.85% inhibition in spore germination followed by fruit (39.39±5.24), leaves (37.03±3.20%) and stem (33.32±3.04%). Even at 50% concentration, aqueous extracts of leaves (14.86±1.00%), root (13.11±1.23%), stem (7.04±0.98%), and fruit (4.05±2.01%) was not found effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth of F. oxysporum. Ethanolic extracts of fruit showed 0.625 mg/mL MIC value against F. oxysporum while ethanolic extracts of the leaves and root exhibited 2.5 mg/mL and stems 1.25 mg/mL MIC for F. oxysporum. The plant parts of Momordica charantia were also found rich in phenolics, tannins, flavonoids and saponins. These compounds may be responsible for the antifungal activity of respective plant part. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To assess the diagnostic value of CEA and CYFRA 211 (cytokeratin 19 fragments) in serum and pleural fluid in non small cell lung cancer with malignant pleural effusion (MPE). Settings and Design: Two subsets of patients were recruited with lymphocytic exudative effusion, one subset constituted diagnosed patients of NSCLC with malignant pleural effusion and the other subset of constituted with Tubercular pleural effusion. Materials and Methods: CYFRA 211 and CEA levels were measured using Electrochemilumiscence Immunoassay (ECLIA). The test principle used the Sandwich method. For both the tests, results are determined via a calibration curve which is instrument specifically generated by 2 point calibration and a master curve provided via reagent barcode. Statistical Analysis Used: All data are expressed as means ± SD and percentage. All the parametric variables were analysed by studentt test where as non parametric variables were compared by MannWhitney Utest Statistical significance was accepted for P values < 0.05. Software used were SPSS 11.5, and MS excel 2007. In order to compare the performance of the tumor markers, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed and compared with area under the curve (AUC). The threshold for each marker was selected based on the best diagnostic efficacy having achieved equilibrium between sensitivity and specificity. Results: In cases serum CYFRA211 levels had mean value of 34.1 ± 29.9 with a range of 1.6128.3 where as in controls serum CYFRA211 levels had mean value of 1.9 ± 1.0 with a range of 0.5-4.7. In cases serum CEA levels had mean value of 24.9 ± 47.3 with a range of 1.0, 267.9 where as in controls serum CEA levels had mean value of 1.9 ± 1.4 with a range of 0.26.8. The difference in the means of serum CYFRA 21l (P = 0.000) and CEA (P = 0.046) were statistically significant. In cases pleural fluid CYFRA211 levels had mean value of 160.1 ± 177.1 with a range of 5.4-517.2 where as in controls pleural fluid CYFRA211 levels had mean value of 15.9 ± 5.7 with a range of 7.229.6. In cases CEA pleural fluid levels had mean value of 89.8 ± 207.4 with a range of 1.0-861.2 where as in controls CEA levels had mean value of 2.5 ± 2.3 with a range of 1-8.9. The difference in the means of CYERA 211 (P = 0.001) between cases and controls is statistically significant. Conclusions: CYFRA211 (serum pleural fluid) is a sensitive marker for NSCLC with sensitivity of 96.7%, highest of any combination [Serum (CYFRA 211 CEA). CEA (Serum + Pleural Fluid), Pleural Fluid (CYFRA 211 + CEA)] and specificity of 77.8%. Levels of CYFRA21l (serum + pleural fluid) are increased in malignant pleural effusion, so it is better to be used in suspicious malignant pleural effusion showing negative cytology, particularly in the absence of a visible tumor and or unsuitability for invasive procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is one of the most troublesome and the most common effects of opioid use leading to deterioration in quality of life of the patients and also has potentially deleterious repercussions on adherence and compliance to opioid therapy. With the current guidelines advocating liberal use of opioids by physicians even for non-cancer chronic pain, the situation is further complicated as these individuals are not undergoing palliative care and hence there cannot be any justification to subject these patients to the severe constipation brought on by opioid therapy which is no less debilitating than the chronic pain. The aim in these patients is to prevent the opioid-induced constipation but at the same time allow the analgesic activity of opioids. Many drugs have been used with limited success but the most specific among them were the peripherally acting mu opioid receptor antagonists (PAMORA). Methylnaltrexone and alvimopan were the early drugs in this group but were not approved for oral use in OIC. However naloxegol, the latest PAMORA has been very recently approved as the first oral drug for OIC. This article gives an overview of OIC, its current management and more specifically the development and approval of naloxegol, including pharmacokinetics, details of various clinical trials, adverse effects and its current status for the management of OIC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of fruits ofSyzygium cumini, against the mycelial growth ofAlternaria alternataandFusarium oxysporum. The results showed that ethanolic extract at the concentrations of 7.5 and 9 mg/ml completely inhibited the mycelial growth ofA. alternataandF. oxysporum,respectively. While the aqueous extract at a highest tested concentration (37.5 mg/ml) exhibited only 27.86 and 37.23% inhibition of mycelial growth ofA. alternataandF. oxysporum,respectively. The spore germination assay also showed the complete inhibition of spore germination ofA. alternataandF. oxysporumby ethanolic extract at 50 and 60 mg/ml concentrations, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentration was recorded as 0.039 and 0.156 mg/ml in ethanolic extract and 20 and 6.25 mg/ml in aqueous extract againstA. alternataandF. oxysporum,respectively. Phytochemical analysis also showed the presence of high amount of phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) continues to be a global problem but with the arrival of new drugs it is expected to move towards exile. The health care community has finally woken up to the need to tackle this infection especially because HCV-induced hepatitis in combination with HIV has turned out to be a formidable foe. So far the management of HCV has concentrated mainly on interferon-based therapies. The focus is now increasingly on drugs targeting various other components of hepatitis C, which are essential for its survival in the host like HCV non-structural (NS) 3/4A serine protease inhibitors: Boceprevir, telaprevir, simeprevir; NS5A inhibitors (daclatasvir, ledipasvir); NS5B polymerase inhibitors (sofosbuvir), cyclophilin inhibitors and many others in the pipeline like the NS4B inhibitors and the micro-RNA122 inhibitors. These new drugs have shown excellent sustained virological response (SVR) compared to the presently available drugs and their combinations. Adding to this is the new HCV vaccine which although facing various hurdles is making good inroads and expected to meet its endpoints in the near future. This review gives a brief overview of epidemiology, pathogenesis, followed by the description of current regimens in the treatment of hepatitis C and the much eagerly awaited future all new oral anti-hepatitis C regimen, which can potentially eliminate the use of painful injections of interferon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various observables measured at Iow beam energy of 180 MeV for proton induced reactions on 27A1 targets have been compared with theoretical predictions of different spallation models. These models assume that the reactions proceed in two stages: the intranuclear cascade of nucleon-nucleon collisions followed by the de-excitation of equilibrated, excited remnants of the cascade. The calculations of the intranuclear cascade were performed by means of the INCL4.6 code, whereas the second stage of the reactions was realized using four different models: ABLA07, GEMINI++, GEM2, and SMM. It was found that the main properties of the experimental isobaric total production cross sections are reasonably well reproduced by all these spallation models. The shape of the energy averaged angular distributions of ejectiles with A = 7, 12, 16, 22, 24, and 25 was also well described by the models listed above, however the absolute magnitude of A = 7 and A = 25 data is strongly underestimated and overestimated, respectively. The theoretical energy spectra for A = 7, A = 16, and A = 22 are very similar for all the models and reproduce well the data for heavier ejectiles, whereas the A = 7 data deviate from the model cross sections for energies smaller than ≈ 10 MeV what may indicate the presence of a reaction mechanism not included in the spallation models. The following ranking of the four used models -- all of them being coupled to the very same INCL4.6 INC model -- was determined using the statistical H-test in a quantitative analysis: (1) GEM IN I-I--1-, (2) SMM, (3) ABLA07, and (4) GEM2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study indicates that there is increase in area, production and productivity of major food crops in Jammu & Kashmir State of India over the years but the rate of increase has been slow. Jammu region of the State has maximum cropping intensity (176.8%) followed by Kashmir (123%) and Ladakh (106%). The average land holding in the State is very low (0.66 ha) in comparison to National Average (1.68 ha). The unit farm power availability on gross cropped area basis is 0.78 kW contributed 51.2% by animated (human and animal power) sources and 48.8% from rest of the sources. The present agricultural production is insufficient to mitigate the requirement of growing population due to the limited scope of increase in cultivable area and low level of mechanization. The bottleneck in mechanization are due to non availability of improved equipment, small and scattered land holding, low investing capacity of the farmers and lack of awareness among farmers. Despite these, there is a great need and effort to increase the productivity and reduce the drudgery through mechanization inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxonomic and functional characterization of a total of 90 bacterial isolates representing bulk and rhizosphere soils of diverse niches of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India were carried out. Twelve bacterial isolates were found promising for the biological suppression of agriculturally important fungal and bacterial plant pathogens such as Ralstonia solanacearum, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed their identity as belonging to Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and Lysinibacillus sphaericus. The isolates were positive for plant growth promotion (PGP) traits including siderophore production, and nutrient solubilization especially phosphorous, zinc, and potassium. Interestingly, the PCR test confirmed the presence of 62 antimicrobial peptides (AMP) biosynthesis genes specific to the genus Bacillus. Whilst all tested species of Bacillus harboured the bacD biosynthesis gene, the B. subtilis (Ba_Abi), and B. amyloliquefaciens (Ba_Abi) harboured the maximum AMP biosynthesis genes analysed in the study. Upon in planta evaluation, the biocontrol potential of the bacterial isolates against leaf spot disease of chilli was observed. The study culminated in the isolation and identification of diverse Bacillus species for exploitation as bioinoculants for plant health management programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Metallothioneins (MTs) serve as potent free radical scavengers. [•] MTs inhibit neurodegenerative α-synucleinopathies. [•] MTs inhibit Charnoly body (CB) formation. [•] Charnoly body (CB) formation triggers apoptosis and neurodegeneration. [•] Physiological and/or pharmacological induction of MTs may enhance longevity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Isolation of Bacillus aryabhattai-related bacterial isolates with zinc-solubilizing abilities. [•] Bacterial isolates produced organic acids and solubilized insoluble zinc compounds. [•] Rhizosphere inoculation of two crops mobilized native soil zinc from unavailable forms. [•] Improved growth, yield and zinc content in soybean and wheat crops upon inoculation. [•] First report of B. aryabhattai-related isolates from rhizosphere of soybean cultivated in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] In vivo as well as in vitro diagnostic biomarkers have been developed. [•] Biomarkers facilitate early, non-invasive, and effective treatment of PD. [•] Both genetic and nongenetic biomarkers facilitate clinical management of PD. [•] α-Synculein index and Charnoly body may be used as sensitive biomarkers of PD. [•] A novel discovery of diagnostic biomarker of PD is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silsakho wetland located in South-east direction of greater Guwahati, Assam, is a natural wetland and performs as a water storage basin, holding storm water and flood water. Silsakho wetland has the potential to be developed into a site of tourist interest and can also serve in controlling artificial floods in rapidly developing Guwahati city. There is also a great prospect for ornamental fishery in this wetland which in recent years has become the second most popular hobby of the world. The Silsakho wetland has been a viable abode for a variety of ornamental fishes. Circa 24 ornamental fish species have been estimated in the wetland during the study. The wetland also harbours a great variety of aquatic plants and provides food, shelter and breeding ground for a large number of aquatic fauna. But, recently the existence of many such valuable ornamental fish species has depleted due to considerable changes in the wetland ecosystem. The two most important aspects of degradation of Silsakho wetland are recorded, one being the shrinkage of the wetland due to natural and anthropogenic activities, and the other being degradation of the quality of the wetland environment thereby bringing change among the biotic components of the wetland. It is observed that there is a tremendous anthropogenic influence, particularly in changing the land use pattern and increased built up land within the wetland area, which play a pivotal role in transforming and degrading the wetland, thereby threatening the physicochemical and biological conditions for spawning of these aquatic denizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Jammu and Kashmir State of India is one of the energy starved states despite of having tremendous potential for utilization of renewable energy. The natural energy sources like sunshine, wind, vegetation, water flow, biomass and other biological wastes are abundantly available in the state yet are not being potentially harnessed resulting in very low per capita energy availability forcing peoples to use wood resulting into deforestation. The fossils fuels, which pollute the environment, are extensively utilized even though they are not sustainable. Developing and properly implementing renewable energy technologies in this state can provide secure energy supply for rapid domestic and industrial development which will attract new investments, thereby creates additional employment. It shall also generate additional state income by allowing the state to sell renewable energy trading certificates to other states. Therefore, it is important that the region moves to clear and sustainable energy. This paper presents an overview of the present status of renewable energy development and summarizes key issues in each of the major industrial segments. It also examines crucial gaps in the renewable energy market, describes the goals set out by various government programs, and estimates the resources and effort required to meet these goals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The fungus Macrophomina phaseolina is a causative agent of diseases in more than 500 plant species. The fungus is primarily soil-inhabiting but is also seed-borne in many crops including soybean. It survives in the soil mainly as microsclerotia that germinate repeatedly during the crop-growing season. Low C : N ratio in the soil and high bulk density as well as high soil moisture content adversely affect the survival of sclerotia. The disease can be managed to some extent by cultural practices, organic amendments, seed treatment and genetic host resistance. The scattered literature on these aspects is reviewed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to prove common fixed point theorems for four mappings under the condition of weak compatible mappings in Quasi-gauge space. We point out that the continuity of any mapping for the existence of the fixed point is not required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Related fixed point theorems on two or three metric spaces have been proved in different ways. However, so for the related fixed point theorem on fuzzy metric spaces have not been proved. Sharma, Deshpande and Thakur were the first who have established related fixed point theorem for four mappings on two complete fuzzy metric spaces. Their work was maiden in this line. In this paper we obtain a related fixed point theorem for six mappings on three complete fuzzy metric spaces. Of course this is a new result on this line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we prove coincidence and fixed point theorems for hybrid pairs of single and multivalued mappings without assuming compatibility and continuity of any mappings on non-complete metric spaces. We also give an example to validate our result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: IL-10 reduces pro-inflammatory responses after ischemic stroke primarily by acting on glia and endothelium, but relatively little is known about the direct effects of IL-10 on cortical neurons, which are often damaged in stroke. We found by PCR and immunohistochemistry that cortical neurons express IL-10 receptor. Treatment of primary cortical neurons in culture with IL-10 increased neuronal survival after exposure to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) or glutamate toxicity. IL-10 also induced phosphorylation of AKT in cortical neurons. Pretreatment with the specific PI-3K inhibitor, wortmannin, attenuated IL-10 mediated neuroprotection against OGD and glutamate. In addition, IL-10 induced STAT-3 phosphorylation. Pre-treatment with a functional blocking antibody to the IL-10 receptor reduced both Stat-3 and AKT phosphorylation and blocked IL-10 mediated protection of cortical neurons. These data suggest that IL-10 provides neuroprotection by acting via IL-10 receptor and PI3K/AKT and STAT-3 signal transduction pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency of different Bacillus isolates on rhizosphere soil enzyme activities and P-nutrition of soybean was carried out under microcosm conditions. Significant increase in enzyme activities viz ., fluorescein diacetate activity, phosphatase and phytase activity and consequent effects on P-nutrition were observed with the inoculation of Bacillus isolates over uninoculated control. Among the isolates, BD-3-1B, KHBD-6, BDKH-3, Bacillus amyloliquefacians, and Bacillus cereus were found to be promising. The phytic acid-P as a percentage of total P content in soybean seeds decreased with the inoculation of Bacillus isolates as compared to un-inoculated control. A decrease in phytic-P in soybean seeds not only results in better digestibility and increased feed efficiency. Pearson correlation studies revealed a significant positive association between acid, alkaline phosphatases, phytase activity on available P content in soil and P content in seeds with the inoculation of Bacillus isolates, indicating role of these enzymes in P mobilization and acquisition by soybean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated intra-arterially administered autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNCs) in rats with acute ischemic stroke. Long Evans rats (2 to 3 months or 12 months old) underwent tandem reversible common carotid artery (CCA)/middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion (CCAo/MCAo) for 3 h and then 24 h later underwent tibial bone marrow harvest. Ten million or 4 million cells were re-injected by an intra-carotid infusion. Control animals underwent marrow needle insertion and then saline injection into the carotid artery. Animals were assessed on a battery of neurological tests. MNCs in the ischemic brain were tracked using Q-dot nanocrystal labeling. Infarct volume and cytokines in the ischemia-affected brain were analyzed. Cell-treated animals in the younger and older groups showed improvement from 7 to 30 days after stroke compared with vehicle-treated animals. MNCs significantly reduced infarct volume compared with saline. There was a significant reduction in tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1α (IL-1α), IL-β, IL-6, and a significant increase in IL-10 in injured brains harvested from the cell-treated groups compared with saline controls. Labeled MNCs were found in the peri-infarcted area at 1 h and exponentially decreased over the ensuing week after injection. Autologous bone marrow MNCs can be safely harvested from rodents after stroke, migrate to the peri-infarct area, enhance recovery, and modulate the post-ischemic inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, we introduce the concepts of compatible maps of type (P-1) and type (P-2), and prove common fixed point theorems for such maps without appeal to continuity in Menger spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: High resolution SPECT imaging is an emerging field and there are only limited studies as yet available in this direction. Still there is continuous effort to achieve better spatial and temporal resolution in order to obtain detailed structural and functional information of different brain regions in small experimental animals. Recently, SPECT imaging system has been used to perform in vivo imaging using specific radioligands to further elucidate the role of dopaminergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic neurotransmission in relation to regional cerebral blood flow in various human CNS disorders and in gene-manipulated mouse models of neurodegeneration. Although in vivo and non-invasive translational research can be performed by high-resolution microPET imaging system, its limited spatial resolution restricts detailed anatomical and functional information of different brain regions involved in disease process. Recently developed NanoSPECT/CT imaging system has a better spatial resolution hence can be used to correlate and confirm microPET imaging data and determine the precise structural and functional anatomy of CNS disorders and their remission. Moreover SPECT imaging system reduces the cost and number of animals and provides detailed information of CNS disorders at the cellular, molecular and genetic level. Furthermore, SPECT system is economical, provides less radiation burden, and can be used to study bio-distribution of newly synthesized radioligands with increased target to non-target ratios, quality control, and clinical applications. It is envisaged that high-resolution SPECT imaging system will further improve in vivo non-invasive translational research on CNS disorders of unknown etiopathogenesis and their treatment in future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]