Table of Content

Open Access Review

Quadruple Screening in the Age of Cell-Free DNA: What are We Losing?

Received: 16 June 2021;  Published: 27 September 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2103138

Abstract

Cell-free DNA has emerged as the most reliable, non-invasive prenatal screening tool for fetal aneuploidies. It has come to replace the previously widely used quadruple screen offered in the second trimester of pregnancy. This change comes with improved detection for aneuploidy but also presents potential gaps in prenatal diagnosis including detection of open fetal defects and emerging data on prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review article provides a historical summary of the quadruple marker screen [...]

1494 22569

Open Access Project Report

Evaluation of Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) for Passive Rear Projection Screen Application

Received: 24 June 2019;  Published: 07 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.1903002

Abstract

In the past few years, there have been many attempts to commercialize Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) for Rear Projection Screen (RPS) in electrically switchable films and glass products. This application is based on the exceptional image quality of PDLC at a wide viewing angle. However, due to the high price of conventional switchable PDLC privacy glass, the integration of RPS in PDLC failed to attract large multimedia and entertainment markets. An obvious solution to this problem is the independent develo [...]

3024 22497

Open Access Research Article

Evaluating a 3-Week Model for Reducing Symptoms of Stress in Traumatised Youth Using the Trauma Tapping Technique (TTT) for Self-help: A Pilot Trial

Received: 12 September 2018;  Published: 22 December 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1804036

Abstract

Background: This pilot trial investigated whether a 3-week self-help model for stress reduction using the Trauma Tapping Technique (TTT) would impact traumatized youth in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on post-traumatic stress symptoms and general happiness. It also focussed on the acceptability of the program to recipients and implementation in a community with complex trauma and conflict. Methods: The study involved 77 youth who received a TTT 3-week model of intervention (self-applied). Post traumatic stre [...]

2212 22464

Open Access Original Research

Increasing the Omega-3 Index of Endurance Trained Adults: A Pilot Study Comparing Microencapsulated Algae to Fish Powders Provided as Chewable Tablets

Received: 12 November 2024;  Published: 19 March 2025;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2501004

Abstract

Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (LCn-3PUFA), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), support heart function during exercise and recovery by incorporating into the cardiac cell membranes. Traditionally sourced from fish and fish oil, algae-derived LCn-3PUFA have become alternative in supplemental forms. This study evaluated whether 12 weeks supplementation of a microencapsulated algal oil, delivered as chewable tablets, would perform equivalently to fish-derived LCn-3PUFA in boosting the [...]

1521 22355

Open Access Review

Health Benefits of (Mindful) Self-Compassion Meditation and the Potential Complementarity to Mindfulness-Based Interventions: A Review of Randomized-Controlled Trials

Received: 04 July 2018;  Published: 06 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1901002

Abstract

Background: In this study, we performed a systematic review of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) examining the health benefits of (mindful) self-compassion-based interventions (SCBIs) and studies which explicitly combine SCBIs and mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). Based on the compelling evidence supporting the effectiveness of MBIs, we evaluated the potential use of MBIs and SCBIs to complement one another, and whether SCBIs may serve as supplementary, or preliminary interventions for individuals not fully [...]

2881 22336

Open Access Review

Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia: Current Advances in Laboratory Diagnosis

Received: 21 August 2018;  Published: 13 November 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1804049

Abstract

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PcP) remains a major cause of respiratory illness among immunocompromised patients. PcP is difficult to diagnose, in particular in non-HIV-infected patients, due to the lack of associated specific clinical data. Since P. jirovecii could not be cultivated for many years, microscopic visualization of cystic or trophic forms in respiratory specimens based on cytochemical or immunofluorescence staining are the standard procedure to identify this fungus. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)- [...]

2067 22298

Open Access Communication

Mindfulness Based Therapies for Autoimmune Diseases and Related Symptoms

Received: 18 April 2018;  Published: 28 December 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1804039

Abstract

Over the past few decades, there have been minimal advances in effective new behavioral or psychotherapeutic interventions for people living with autoimmune diseases such as systematic lupus erythematosus. This is problematic due to the severe, debilitating and potentially life-threatening nature of these diseases. Mindfulness based interventions, such as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, have demonstrated effectiveness in a wide range of patient populations and we hypothesize such treatment would also benefit pa [...]

2445 22270

Open Access Review

Neurological Manifestations of Celiac Disease and Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity and the Effect of a Gluten Free Diet

Received: 17 May 2020;  Published: 10 July 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2003065

Abstract

Celiac disease (CeD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by gluten ingestion and affects nearly 1% of the population worldwide. CeD has typically been associated with gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain; however, its extra-intestinal manifestations are becoming widely recognized. In particular, CeD patients may present with various neurological manifestations and oftentimes, without evidence of gastrointestinal symptoms. The pathophysiology behind these manifestations is not well k [...]

2158 22222

Open Access Original Research

Feasibility of a Functional Medicine Approach to Slowing Clinical Cognitive Decline in Patients over Age 55: A Multiple Case Study Report

Received: 29 April 2019;  Published: 06 September 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1903054

Abstract

Background: The current study examined a multifaceted anti-neuroinflammatory intervention that included physical exercise, mental exercise, grain-free/sugar-free diet, anti-inflammatory nutritional supplements, sleep optimization, and stress management within the context of a functional medicine practice for five patients with varying levels of cognitive impairment. Methods: In a prospective chart review, we examined impact measures including assessment of (1) cognitive skills, (2) brain connectivity, and (3) daily [...]

2310 22217

Open Access Research Article

The Physical Potential for Dutch Offshore Wind Energy

Received: 04 August 2022;  Published: 10 October 2022;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2204032

Abstract

In the Netherlands, an important way to contribute toward achieving climate goals is the large-scale deployment of wind turbines in the North Sea. The North Sea is a unique location for offshore wind power thanks to its strong winds, shallow waters, and proximity to large energy users. Wind turbines generate electricity by extracting kinetic energy from the atmosphere. This kinetic energy is replenished at a finite rate through the mixing of atmospheric layers. The replenishment rate sets a physical limit to the am [...]

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