by Niklas Gudowsky  , Ulrike Bechtold  , Leo Capari  and Mahshid Sotoudeh

Received: 31 January 2019;  Published: 27 June 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902058

Background: Quality or healthy aging refers to well-being in an older age. In the light of recent changes in the discourse on approaches on positive aging, we aimed to study the way “quality aging” is understood, expressed, and dealt with as a part of contemporary technology assessment (TA), since the nexus between demographic and technological changes has remained a staple topic in TA for at least three decades. Methods: A bottom-up qualitative content analysis was performed to identify the concepts of [...]

by Soo Liang Ooi  and Sokcheon Pak

Received: 29 May 2019;  Published: 31 May 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1902033

The Landscape of Current Meditation Research: An Overview to the Special Issue on “Health Benefits of Meditation”

by Stamatia Spyrou  , Alexandra V. Chatzikonstantinou  , Archontoula Giannakopoulou  , Renia Fotiadou  , Silvia Priska  , Yannis V. Simos  , Aliki Tsakni  , Dimitrios Peschos  , Dimitra Houhoula  , Epaminondas Voutsas  and Haralambos Stamatis

Received: 01 December 2022;  Published: 19 January 2023;  doi: 10.21926/cr.2301004

Biomass derived from green marine macroalgae Ulva sp. is considered a rich source of bioactive compounds. In the present study, we demonstrate the increased bioactivity of a phenolic-rich extract derived from green marine macroalgae Ulva intestinalis after its treatment with fungal laccases from Trametes versicolor and Agaricus bisporus. The phenolic composition of the extract, before and after its enzymatic treatment, was determined through several analytical methods. Furthermore, the antioxidant, enzyme-inhibitor [...]

by Joep Geraedts

Received: 02 May 2020;  Published: 23 June 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2002111

This article reviews the genetic testing of infertility disorders. Genetic abnormalities can lead to disturbances of sexual development and hamper reproduction by influencing gamete production and maturation, fertilization, and embryonic development. Until now, the vast majority of detectable genetic abnormalities causing infertility were chromosomal abnormalities in both males and females. However, the number of monogenetic disorders, which play a role in disturbing fertility, such as single gene defects or comple [...]

by Ashley M. Carter  , Emma R. Dioso  , Bethsabe Romero  , Christopher E. Clinker  and Brandon Lucke-Wold

Received: 12 October 2022;  Published: 17 January 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2301007

Art as a way of healing is primordial in many cultures. Expressive Arts Therapy (ExAT) uses art, music, dance, and writing to help individuals navigate their healing journey. Patient self-expression as a mode of recovery has been observed in patients with Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and cancer. Complementary medical approaches such as acupuncture and mindfulness have also demonstrated benefits in patients suffering from neurological injury. Complementary medicine and ExAT are [...]

by G. Kevin Randall  and Alex J. Bishop

Received: 24 August 2018;  Published: 06 November 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1804018

Background: This study investigated the influence of positive psychological predictors, religiosity and forgiveness, on subjective and objective successful aging outcomes among incarcerated males. Methods: Male prison inmates (N=261), aged 45 to 82 and incarcerated in eight state-managed correctional facilities, were sampled from the prison census database (Oklahoma Department of Corrections or DOC). Exclusion criteria, per the Oklahoma DOC, were those housed in medical or psychiatric units, currently in solitary c [...]

by Ashwini M. Namasivayam-MacDonald  , Luis F. Riquelme  and Sonja M. Molfenter

Received: 02 June 2020;  Published: 29 July 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2003129

The Cobb angle is traditionally used for quantifying the degree of spinal curvature through evaluation of the full spinal cord. When conducting measurements on videofluoroscopy swallowing studies (VFSS), the Cobb angle can measure degree of cervical vertebrae curvature, which may have implications for swallowing. Given that this measure may have utility in dysphagia research, the reliability of this measure taken from C2-C4 and establishing the presence of changes with age were the focus of the current, proof-of-pr [...]

by Kazushige Kimura  , James F. Reichert  , Omid Ranjbar Pouya  , Ahmad Byagowi  , Xikui Wang  , Debbie M. Kelly  and Zahra Moussavi

Received: 25 May 2018;  Published: 09 August 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1803007

Background: In this paper, we describe the design of a virtual environment (VE) using Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) to scan and replicate a real environment (RE) in a virtual domain. Compared to using a CAD software, SLAM allows for the replication of an RE quite easily and quickly. Methods: To test the user’s performance in a SLAM-based VE, we developed an immersive virtual reality setup using a specialized wheelchair (VRNChair) and a head mounted display (Oculus Rift DK2), and employed a knowledge [...]

by Elisabeth M. Sebesta  and Roger R. Dmochowski

Received: 17 May 2023;  Published: 05 October 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2304251

The evaluation and treatment of mixed urinary incontinence receives relatively little attention as compared to other forms of incontinence. Mixed incontinence, however, defined as the combination of stress and urgency incontinence, accounts for the largest proportion of incontinence, with an increased incidence in older women. The condition can be very challenging to manage due to the coexistence of multiple pathologies. Treating either component can worsen the other, which means careful discussion of the risks and [...]

by James S. Powers  , Barbara Clinton  , Kayse Martin  , Margaret A. Genendlis  and Grace S. Smith

Received: 26 October 2018;  Published: 13 December 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1804024

Background: The majority of long-term care provided to older adults and persons with disabilities is provided by unpaid family caregivers and friends. Employers have a stake in long-term care services as well since 60% of caregivers are employed outside the home, 49% have gone in late, left early, or taken time off during the day to deal with caregiving issues, and 15% have taken a prolonged leave of absence. Additionally, 87% of employed caregivers make telephone calls for caregiving from work. Presenteeism, the s [...]