by David J Tansey  and Carel W Le Roux

Received: 12 October 2020;  Published: 17 May 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2102017

Oesophageal cancer is the ninth most common cancer and the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide [1]. Over the past number of years, due to earlier diagnosis and better treatment, we are seeing improvements in the survival rates of oesophageal cancer, with more patients living longer post-esophagectomy surgery. Unintentional weight loss is a common unintended feature seen in patients post-esophagectomy done with curative intent. Many recent studies have demonstrated the links between the pathophysiolog [...]

by Vidhula R Ahire  , Amit Kumar  , Sushma Bhosle  and Kaushala Prasad Mishra

Received: 22 September 2020;  Published: 14 May 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2102129

Ellagic acid (EA) is a polyphenol found in grapes, pomegranates, walnuts, etc. exhibits anti-cancer properties. The current study was conducted to understand the radiosensitizing role of EA on HeLa cells. Monotherapy of EA and radiation was initially studied on HeLa cells. The addition of EA before the radiation treatment subsequently made DNA more susceptible to damage thereby developing DNA beaks, which are known to be lethal for cell survival. This was evaluated by performing comet and γ-foci formation ass [...]

by Diane B. Paul

Received: 29 March 2021;  Published: 14 May 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2102130

This article explores difficulties encountered by those with no personal experience of a chronic disease or disability in accurately evaluating the quality of life with a condition present from birth. In most countries, cost-effectiveness analysis relies on ratings of health states by members of the general population, who must try to imagine what life for those affected is like based on (usually brief) descriptions of the conditions. That task is challenging for reasons that have been well-discussed in the literat [...]

by Chris R. Lavers

Received: 29 December 2020;  Published: 14 May 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2102019

Advanced optical stealth techniques are of growing importance in the role of manned and unmanned aircraft or ship platforms. We consider here the concept of using passive reflective display elements rather than high power active light projection to achieve a low observable camouflaged ship platform. This paper presents practical consideration towards minimal radiated power user-driven requirements using adaptive liquid crystal electro-optical methods. Optical reflectivity for a multi-layer liquid crystal cell struc [...]

by Kristen W. Carlson  , Jay L. Shils  , Sahil Patel  , Longzhi Mei  and Jeffrey E. Arle

Received: 23 November 2020;  Published: 14 May 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2102095

We review the use of numerical and computational models to explore deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease (DBS PD). It is a review for the modeler and those interested in PD DBS modelling methods and their value. The main model categories of active fiber, mean field, driving force, and volume of tissue activated are described as well as many modelling techniques. We give the basic requirements for a DBS PD model and current theories of DBS mechanism of action, PD etiology, and movement selection. The emphas [...]

by Eric P. Vejerano  , Jeonghyeon Ahn  , Junaid Latif  and Mustafa Mamun

Received: 17 January 2021;  Published: 13 May 2021;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2102010

Environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) are a new class organic pollutant sharing some of the attributes of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). This opinion/short review aims to describe the properties of EPFRs that merit their recognition as an additional and potentially significant source of POPs. EPFRs are ubiquitous in diverse environments because of multiple factors: (1) organic precursors from anthropogenic, biogenic, and other natural emission sources are abundant; multiple mechanisms in PM and so [...]

by Sampo Mäkikouri  , Sirje Vares  , Kirsi Korpijärvi  and Nikolaos Papakonstantinou

Received: 12 January 2021;  Published: 13 May 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2102018

Climate change has been identified as one of the biggest issues plaguing human life at present. Hence, immense attention is being paid to developing methods that can potentially reduce carbon dioxide emission. With the help of carbon-negative concrete, manufactured from alternative binders and cured with waste carbon dioxide, a major part of the manufacturing industries that emit carbon dioxide can be potentially turned into a carbon sink. In this study, the waste material streams in Finland, suitable for disposing [...]

by David Bayo  , Olufunso Adeniyi  , Adebayo Adeniyi  and Oluwole Ariwoola

Received: 27 February 2021;  Published: 12 May 2021;  doi: 10.21926/acr.2102013

The present study investigated the level of heavy metals in selected fruits sold commonly in Jos, Nigeria. The fresh fruits (Avocado pear, Black currant, Egg Plant, Golden melon, and Soursop) were purchased from five major markets (Terminus, Farin Gada, Building materials, Bukuru, and Fobur) in Jos. Each fruit sample was collected in triplicate and analyzed using standard procedures. The concentration of heavy metals (Fe, Cu, As, Cd, Zn, Pb, Mn, and Cr) was determined using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectr [...]

by Pei-Yu Wu  , Kristina Mjörnell  , Claes Sandels  and Mikael Mangold

Received: 22 January 2021;  Published: 11 May 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2102017

Assessment of the presence of hazardous materials in buildings is essential for improving material recyclability, increasing working safety, and lowering the risk of unforeseen cost and delay in demolition. In light of these aspects, machine learning has been viewed as a promising approach to complement environmental investigations and quantify the risk of finding hazardous materials in buildings. In view of the increasing number of related studies, this article aims to review the research status of hazardous mater [...]

by George Z. Voyiadjis  and Peter I. Kattan

Received: 27 October 2020;  Published: 10 May 2021;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2102021

A robust mathematical method for the characterization of damage in carbon nanotubes is presented the presentation here is limited to elasticity. In this regard, the second and third order elastic stiffnesses are employed. All this is based on damage mechanics. The hypotheses of elastic strain equivalence and elastic energy equivalence are utilized. A new damage variable is proposed that is defined in terms of the surface area. This is in contrast to the classical damage variable which is defined in terms of the cro [...]