by BAGOT Jean-Lionel

Received: 31 May 2018;  Published: 15 September 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1803019

Background: After fatigue, pain is one of the major complaints from cancer patients. Regular use of Class 1 analgesics may cause side effects and is not always sufficient to relieve pain. Homeopathy is the complementary and integrative medicine most frequently used in France in supportive care in oncology (SCO). What is its place in the treatment of pain? Method: Extraction and analysis of results concerning pain from three surveys, two of which were carried out in France, on the main indications of homeopathy in S [...]

by Ute Moog  and Domenico Coviello

Received: 14 August 2018;  Published: 13 September 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1803034

he publication of the double helix DNA structure in 1953 [1] was the kick-off of numerous efforts to understand and unravel the complexity of the human genome. It took 50 years until the human genome project, based on Sanger sequencing, was completed in 2003 [2]. This was followed by what may be considered a revolution in the field of DNA analysis: the introduction of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in 2005 consisting of massively parallel sequencing of DNA fragments which allows the high throughput analysis of la [...]

by Dayu Lv  , Jose Garcia-Tirado  and Chiara Fabris

Received: 17 May 2018;  Published: 11 September 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1803019

Background: Human pancreatic islet transplantation is a minimally-invasive procedure that is gaining recognition for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Selected patients with unstable T1D, hypoglycemia unawareness, history of severe hypoglycemia, and glycemic lability, not successfully stabilized with intensive insulin treatment, can be offered this alternative therapy that has been shown to provide long-term glycemic control with near-normalization of hemoglobin A1c in the absence of severe hypoglycemia. Toda [...]

by Amale Laouar

Received: 22 July 2018;  Published: 09 September 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.hg.1803010

Gut microbes and pathophysiology of sepsis: Spillage of gut microbial products, rather than systemic dissemination of gut microbes, is the potential initiator of septic morbidity

by Frenny Sheth  , Thomas Liehr  , Kristin Mrasek  , Joris Andrieux  , Stuti Tewari  , Naznin Lubna  and Jayesh Sheth

Received: 23 March 2018;  Published: 07 September 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1803033

Background: Small supernumerary marker chromosomes (sSMC) are rare cytogenetic findings in general, but especially in Turner syndrome so called sSMCT in a karyotype 46, X, +mar are even more scarce. According to the literature, sSMCT are derived from one of the Y-chromosomes in ~70% of the cases. Thus, to identify the presence of Y-chromosomal material is imperative, since these cases have an increased risk of gonadoblastoma deriving from the streak gonads. Methods: A 24-year-old short statured male presented with [...]

by Stamatia Stai

Received: 27 May 2018;  Published: 06 September 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1803032

Immunoglobin A Nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide. Its development is characterized by the deposition of immune complexes that consist of abnormally galactosylated IgA1 molecules and IgG or IgA autoantibodies in the mesangium and the subsequent induction of renal injury. Recent research has shed light to many aspects of the pathogenesis of the disease, including the contribution of epigenetic modifications in its onset and progression. This review aims to present some of the [...]

by Alexandra Koulouris  , Kathleen Dorado  , Christina McDonnell  , Robert R. Edwards  and Asimina Lazaridou

Received: 27 June 2018;  Published: 05 September 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1803018

Background: This paper presents a review of the evidence regarding the efficacy and impact of Yoga and mindfulness with meditation among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients who suffer from RA express a variety of symptoms that negatively impact their physical functioning and performance in social roles. Yoga and meditation-based therapies have been previously used to manage chronic pain conditions and other persisting disorders in affected populations. The suitability and effectiveness of these practi [...]

by Rene J. Duquesnoy

Received: 11 July 2018;  Published: 05 September 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1803018

The Holy Grail to Clinical Transplant Tolerance is Paved with HLA Epitopes

by Kevin T Ong

Received: 15 May 2018;  Published: 03 September 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1803011

Amyloid positron emission tomography (PET), fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are three modalities in the imaging of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This article reviews the experience and data obtained from AD research using these techniques to understand the natural history of AD and to enhance therapeutic trials. It is now realised that their use can improve early detection of AD, and has opened a new corridor which may lead toward successful treatment.

by Elio Rossi  , Cristina Noberasco  , Marco Picchi  , Mariella Di Stefano  , Linda Nurra  , Antonella Rossi  and Leonardo Ventura

Received: 28 March 2018;  Published: 03 September 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1803017

Background: To manage the adverse effects of anti-cancer treatment, the Homeopathic Clinic of Lucca collaborated with the oncology department of the the Health Unit Toscana North West Lucca and set up an Integrative Oncology Outpatient Unit in the Public Hospital Campo di Marte. Aim: The purpose of this study was to present the results of the homeopathic and complementary integrative medicine treatment targeted at reducing the adverse effects of anti-cancer therapy and cancer symptoms, and to give dietary and lifes [...]

by Shechter Yonat  , Dagan Amir  , Ben-Haim Menachem  , Bar-Ziv Yaakov  , Brazovsky Eliyau  , Shteingart Shimon  , Dancour Alian  , Paz Kalman  and Lurie Yoav

Received: 17 February 2018;  Published: 01 September 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.hg.1803009

Cholangiocarcinoma is an uncommon adenocarcinoma with poor prognosis. Signet ring cell cholangiocarcinoma is an extremely rare disease, with only 11 cases reported to date. However, its incidence is increasing. Similarly, there is an increasing incidence of other SRC tumors (colon, gastric etc.) as well. Most cases have described a localized mass of signet ring cells, mostly in the common bile duct. A 69-year-old Caucasian man admitted for jaundice and abdominal pain that began 3 days prior to his hospitalization. [...]

by Thomas Eggermann  , Deborah J.G. Mackay  and Zeynep Tümer

Received: 28 June 2018;  Published: 30 August 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1803031

Uniparental disomy (UPD), the inheritance of both homologues of a chromosome from only one parent, has been reported for nearly all human chromosomes. Depending on its mode of formation and time of occurrence, UPD can be present in all cells of an organism, or restricted to some cell lines as a mosaic UPD. Though its general frequency is unknown, it becomes clinically relevant when it produces homozygosity for recessive pathogenic variations or is associated with chromosomal imbalances. UPDs are well-known for thei [...]

by Ezekiel Ijaopo  and Ruth Ijaopo

Received: 26 April 2018;  Published: 27 August 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1803010

With increased life expectancy coupled with falling birth rate, issues concerning population ageing have vital outcomes and effects for all aspects of human life particularly as it relates to older people’s health and health care. Among these issues are oral health diseases which present as major public health concerns and constitute significant burden to all regions of the world. FDI World Dental Federation in 2018, states that 90% of the entire world’s population will be afflicted by oral health problems in their [...]

by Peter Morrell

Received: 06 June 2018;  Published: 23 August 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1803016

This paper explores some of the conceptual issues that arise when comparing homeopathy with the mainstream medical system, both in terms of their underpinning philosophies and in their treatment methods, and especially when applied to the problem of cancer. A review is under-taken of the key concepts that underpin both medical approaches: the holistic approach of homeopathy and the reductionist approach of mainstream medicine. The article closes with a discussion of the emerging conflicts between classical homeopat [...]

by Michelle A. Camarata  , Uyen To  and Michael L. Schilsky

Received: 18 July 2018;  Published: 22 August 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1803030

Wilson Disease is a monogenetic disorder of copper metabolism affecting the ATP7B gene. Treatment is lifelong and focuses on removal of copper to arrest disease progression and improve the clinical manifestations of copper toxicity. Currently the only cure is liver transplantation, however, lifelong monitoring and immunosuppressive medications are still needed afterwards. The possibility of introducing functional ATP7B gene through gene therapy provides an exciting potential option for achieving a more permanent cu [...]

by Fraser L.E. Fisher  and Aileen M. Pidgeon

Received: 10 July 2018;  Published: 21 August 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1803015

Elevated levels of psychological distress in university students is a growing area of concern as it is associated with a variety of consequences including mental illness symptoms, absenteeism, and poor academic performance. A growing body of research has indicated that resilience in university students is associated with reduced psychological distress and perceived stress. The construct of resilience and the factors that contribute to its development are not well understood, hampering the development of effective i [...]

by Melita Vidakovic  , Jessica Marinello  , Maija Lahtela-Kakkonen  , Daumantas Matulis  , Vaida Linkuvienė  , Benoît Y. Michel  , Ruta Navakauskiene  , Michael S. Christodoulou  , Danielle Passarella  , Saulius Klimasauskas  , Christophe Blanquart  , Muriel Cuendet  , Judit Ovadi  , Stéphane Poulain  , Fabien Fontaine-Vive  , Alain Burger  and Nadine Martinet

Received: 30 May 2018;  Published: 16 August 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1803029

Background: With their varied pharmacophores, natural products are interesting tools to open the drug discovery pipeline. Several plant secondary metabolites are components of the human diet and have reported epigenetic activities. In this study, we screened a small natural compound library for epigenetic activities. Methods: Seventy-one different natural products plus 17 controls collected from all collaborating laboratories were screened. Localized DNA methylation (DNAm) was studied on a stretch of the retinoic a [...]

by Ivan Y. Iourov  , Svetlana G. Vorsanova  and Yuri B. Yurov

Received: 29 May 2018;  Published: 15 August 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1803028

Runs of homozygosity (ROH) are uninterrupted contiguous regions within the genome exhibiting allelic homozygosity (alleles are inherited from the same parent). Genome-wide analyses consistently demonstrate that megabase-scale ROH are ubiquitous in humans, reflecting individual demographic history. The number and length of ROH correlate increasingly with the degree of consanguinity and can be associated with genetic diseases in both inbred and outbred individuals. Genomic imprinting and uniparental disomy (UPD) are [...]

by Karine Sénécal  , Brigid Unim  and Bartha Maria Knoppers

Received: 19 October 2017;  Published: 14 August 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1803027

The benefits of neonatal screening programs are undeniable: children’s lives are saved, and disease burden and morbidity alleviated. Without a doubt, « classical » neonatal screening programs are in the best interests of newborns. Indeed, those screening programs are recognized among the ten most important public health achievements. However, newborn screening programs raise ethical, legal and social challenges. For example, which criteria should govern whether or not to include a disease in the list of screened co [...]

by Loren Pickart  and Anna Margolina

Received: 08 June 2018;  Published: 14 August 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1803009

Background: Stem cell technology is a promising research area with a potential to create effective therapies for many degenerative diseases. However, to apply stem cell technology, we need to be able to identify and understand mechanisms that distinguish healthy regeneration processes from processes, which may result in chronic inflammation, scarring, fibrosis or cancer. GHK-Cu (glycine-L-histidine-lysine) is a small copper-binding peptide, which has a remarkable and well-documented ability to improve wound healing [...]

by Sean A. Hebert  , Aleksandra M. De Golovine  , Rita D. Swinford  , Cynthia S. Bell  , Karen J. Vigil  and Sonal Bhatnagar

Received: 30 June 2018;  Published: 14 August 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1803017

Background: Human Papilloma virus (HPV) infections are an increasingly concerning etiology for post-transplantation viral-related malignancies. The nonavalent HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) affords transplant recipients the best opportunity for malignancy prevention, but vaccine uptake remains low. Not previously reported for solid organ transplant recipients, we studied influential factors for HPV vaccine non-initiation. Methods: This survey, conducted from May to December 2017, examined influential factors for HPV vacc [...]

by James S. Powers  , Michelle Moseley  , Lovely Abraham  , Jennifer Buckner  , Nkechi Azubike  and Catherine Xie

Received: 21 May 2018;  Published: 13 August 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1803008

Background: A Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patient centered medical home, the Geriatric Patient- Aligned Care Team (GeriPACT). Methods: Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles regarding strategy, resource development, patient and caregiver experience of care, and clinical care process improvement. Stakeholder engagement for half-time operation with initial grant support for personnel who also had collateral duties. Tracking of operations data. Results: The clinic population grew from 200 to 627 over a 7-year period [...]

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 Katsuhisa Omagari  , Ayumi Fukuda  , Machiko Suga  , Ayumi Ogata  , Shinta Nishioka  , Kazuhito Suruga  , Mayuko Ichimura  and Koichi Tsuneyama

Received: 09 April 2018;  Published: 03 August 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.hg.1803008

Background: The pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is thought to be multifactorial, and oxidative stress may play an important role in the development of NASH. Peptides obtained by enzymatic decomposition of mackerel (EMP) including selenoneine were recently reported to possess antioxidative activity. Thus, EMP can be a candidate dietary strategy for the prevention of NASH. [...]

by Masahiro Sato  , Emi Inada  , Shingo Nakamura  and Issei Saitoh

Received: 28 March 2018;  Published: 02 August 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1803016

Background: Transplantation of isolated islets is one of the most powerful approaches to cure insulin-dependent (type I) diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Currently, the most widely used transplantation strategy is percutaneous perfusion into the liver via the portal vein. However, this approach has several drawbacks and is often limited by the large number of islets required and hypoxic damage to the grafts. Methods: In this article, we posit intrapancreatic parenchymal cell transplantation (IPPCT) as a promisin [...]