by Amanda Pong  and Pavel Klein

Received: 15 February 2024;  Published: 08 May 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2402234

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is caused by mutations of hamartin (TSC1) or tuberin (TSC2) resulting in disinhibition of the mTOR pathway of cellular proliferation and differentiation and severe neurocognitive impairment, intractable epilepsy and tumors. Epilepsy develops in ~90% folllowed by drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Recently, prevention of DRE and developmental encephalopathy was shown to be possible in TSC using early administration of vigabatrin. For the first time, medical treatment successfully prevent [...]

by Justin Cole  , Eugene Golts  , Michael Bernales  , Dina Shirazi  , Deepa Kurup  , Sarah Golts  , Gordon Yung  , Aarya Kafi  , Christine M. Lin  , Travis Pollema  and Kamyar Afshar

Received: 19 October 2023;  Published: 08 May 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.2402214

Despite the concerted efforts by lung transplant recipients (LTR) and their medical teams, hospital readmissions are common in the first year following transplantation. Reasons for unplanned readmissions include allograft rejection, infections, and respiratory failure before the SARS-COV-2 pandemic. Clinical predictors of readmissions have changed over time with the higher risk factors of acceptable criteria for recipients and donors. We aimed to assess more recent readmission rates based on group classifications t [...]

by Shisir Ruwali  , Bharana Ashen Fernando  , Shawhin Talebi  , Lakitha Wijeratne  , John Waczak  , Prabuddha M. H. Madusanka  , David J. Lary  , John Sadler  , Tatiana Lary  , Matthew Lary  and Adam Aker

Received: 19 December 2023;  Published: 08 May 2024;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2402011

Breathing clean air is crucial for maintaining good human health. The air we inhale can significantly impact our physical and mental well-being, influenced by parameters such as particulate matter and gases (e.g. carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide). Building on previous research that explored the effects of particulate matter (PM) in specific environments, analyzed using biometric indicators and machine learning models; this work focuses on the effects and estimation of inhaled nitrogen dioxide ( [...]

by Nadia A. Abdelmegeed Abdelwahed

Received: 08 January 2024;  Published: 06 May 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2402222

In the present era, a healthy life is a challenge for everyone. Therefore, diverting individuals' minds towards physical activity and exercise is necessary for the day. This paper proposes to inspect the impact of physical activity on the development of intention to exercise (ITE) among entrepreneurs. The quantitative study collected data from 383 Egyptian entrepreneurs through a survey questionnaire. Most respondents were males (n = 257 or 67.10%) against females (n = 126 or 32.90%). The range of age of the respon [...]

by Jihyun Cho  , Hojun Lee  , Sang Hee Park  , Myoung Haw Kim  and Seunghee Won

Received: 25 February 2024;  Published: 06 May 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2402221

This study conducted an in-depth analysis of the psychological states of teachers during the first outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using data on school mental health projects related to COVID-19 in Daegu from May to June 2020. The participants comprised 811 (34.9%) male and 1,511 (65.1%) female teachers in 1,041 (44.8%) middle and 1,281 (55.2%) high schools. After schools reopened, the most common causes of unbearable stress were unusual experiences, fear of infection, and negative emotions. Moreove [...]

by Kianoush Hatami Dehnou  and Mohammad Jafar Hadianfard

Received: 14 December 2023;  Published: 03 May 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2402011

The use of silicone rubber as an implant is limited due to its weak properties. In this study, the impact of various reinforcements, such as TiO2 or SiO2 nanoparticles, carbon, or polypropylene fiber micro reinforcements, on the mechanical, thermal, and viscoelastic properties of silicone rubber composites with RTV-4125 matrix was investigated. The composites were evaluated through several tests, including tensile, compression, FTIR, TGA, DMTA, and water adsorption tests. It was found that the composites' tensi [...]

by Alyssa M. Krueger  , Kelsey Smith  , Arielle Pollock  , Christine Dunkel Schetter  and Nicole E. Mahrer

Received: 24 December 2023;  Published: 30 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2402025

Residential and nonresidential fathers are taking an increasingly greater role in their children’s lives, and father involvement predicts positive child outcomes across development. This study utilized data from a large sample of racially and ethnically diverse fathers of low to middle income (n = 1,112) to test if paternal stress is associated with lower father involvement in early infancy and whether perceived social support is protective. Exploratory analyses examined whether the effects of stress on father invo [...]

by Reddy A Bharat  , Shetgaonkar Pundalik Prathmesh  , Fatma Sarsu  and Penna Suprasanna

Received: 24 December 2023;  Published: 29 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2402233

Induced mutagenesis has emerged as an essential field of plant breeding to address global food security challenges, offering tools to enhance crop productivity, resistance, and nutritional value. Among the mutation induction tools, the physical mutagen such as gamma rays holds promise for efficient mutation induction. Gamma rays, a type of high-energy electromagnetic radiation, possess unique characteristics that enable them to penetrate plant tissues and induce genetic mutations. The biological effects are influen [...]

by Mohammad Sohidul Islam  , Md.Rafiqul Islam  , Md.Kamrul Hasan  , ASM Golam Hafeez  , Md Kaium Chowdhury  , Moaz Hosen Pramanik  , Muhammad Aamir Iqbal  , Murat Erman  , Celaleddin Barutcular  , Ömer Konuşkan  , Anamika Dubey  , Ashwani Kumar  and Ayman El Sabagh

Received: 04 December 2023;  Published: 29 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2402232

Maize, along with rice and wheat, is a popular staple food crop worldwide, and the most widely produced cereal crop. It is a versatile crop that may be utilized as a source of raw materials for human and animal fodders. Low agricultural yield and rapid population expansion significantly threaten future food security. Maize production is hampered by biotic and abiotic causes, with abiotic factors being the most critical limitation to agricultural output worldwide. Soil salinity is a key abiotic factor that reduces a [...]

by Rahul F. Gomez  , Aarya Kafi  , Gordon Yung  , Saima Aslam  , Christine M. Lin  , Travis Pollema  , Eugene Golts  and Kamyar Afshar

Received: 15 October 2023;  Published: 28 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.2402213

Lung Transplant Recipients (LTR) are particularly vulnerable to severe infection, hospitalization, and death due to community acquired respiratory viruses. As a result, the global SARS-Cov-2 pandemic poses a higher risk to this population. We aim to study the lung function, severity of infection and mortality among LTR at a single center. A retrospective chart review was performed on all LTR at the University of San Diego, California Medical Center between June 2020 and September 2022. Spirometry was performed at 1 [...]

by Jigar Jogia  , Fatma Anwahi  , Shaikha Aburehaima  , Alia Sharif  and Veena Kumari

Received: 09 November 2023;  Published: 28 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2402220

The prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and stress range between 5% to 70% globally. Many students experience these mental health conditions as they go through transitional periods in life, such as starting higher education. This study aimed to explore mental health concerns, specifically depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of sleep, in Emirati female university students, a topic that has been understudied in the Middle East. We used the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-21) and the Pittsburgh [...]

by Somayeh Alimoradi Askari  , Mehdi Nasr Esfahani  , Kowsar Shirazi  , Arman Nasr Esfahani  , Hossein Zeinalzadeh-Tabrizi  and Mojtaba Mohammadi

Received: 23 January 2024;  Published: 28 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2402231

Garlic (Allium sativum), cultivated worldwide for its medicinal and nutritional value, faces challenges due to diseases caused by various pathogens. In this study, eleven garlic genotypes from Iran and one from China were selected and sown under natural infection rendered by the rust fungus (Puccinia alli) over two consecutive years. Subsequently, disease distribution and severity, percentage of infection and susceptibility of different garlic genotypes to rust disease were investigated. The results showed that gen [...]

by A. Maya Kaye

Received: 14 October 2023;  Published: 27 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2402024

Fueled by decreased state support, economic pressures, and a growing emphasis on academic capitalism, higher education in the United States faces significant challenges. These shifts have fostered fast-paced, competitive environments, impacting the quality and equity of faculty-student mentoring in graduate programs, particularly for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and first-generation students. This article proposes a novel framework, the compassion-focused mentoring conceptual model (CFM-CM), to addre [...]

by Tara Hickey  , Sarah Strohmaier  , Ellie Fossey  and Charlie Heriot-Maitland

Received: 21 December 2023;  Published: 25 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2402023

In the compassion focused therapy (CFT) model of voice-hearing, a distressing relationship with voices is thought to be influenced by evolved threat-protection patterns, which are activated and attuned by socially threatening experiences, such as being harmed by others, as well being shamed, stigmatised, invalidated, and excluded. Therefore, the CFT approach is particularly interested in the role of voice-hearers’ relationships with others and self, as well as their social context of family/friends, professio [...]

by Liana Spytska

Received: 20 December 2023;  Published: 25 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2402219

The research aims to study the mechanisms and factors contributing to brain neuroplasticity. To achieve this goal, the following methods were used: analysis and synthesis, hermeneutic method, psychological testing, and comparative and generalization methods. The research results revealed the nature of the concept of brain neuroplasticity and types of neuroplasticity, analyzed the process of redistribution of brain functions, determined the role of compensatory plasticity, revealed methods of studying brain neuropla [...]

by Babak Sokouti

Received: 23 December 2023;  Published: 24 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2402230

Extreme temperatures, drought, and high soil salinity are some of the significant abiotic stresses that can severely impact crop yields, posing a threat to global food production. Comprehensive studies on model plant species are crucial for understanding their biochemical, physiological, and molecular responses to abiotic stresses. Identifying stress response mechanisms and potential targets can aid in developing stress-tolerant crop varieties. Additionally, elucidating the functions of reactive oxygen species is e [...]

by Sathish Thirunavukkarasu

Received: 15 April 2024;  Published: 23 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2402008

by Tatsuya Kin  , Doug O'Gorman  , Wendy Zhai  , Jennifer Moriarty  , Kyle Park  , Advaita Ganguly  , Shawn Rosichuk  and AM James Shapiro

Received: 23 February 2024;  Published: 23 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.2402212

There has been a steady expansion in islet isolation and transplantation activity worldwide. In addition to preparing human islets for transplantation, we have been providing human islets to basic researchers. The aim of this study was to review the activity of distribution of human islets to basic researchers in North America, Europe, and Asia, and to investigate if there are any differences in utilization rate of islets among three continents. We reviewed our islet isolation batch files, donor records, and docume [...]

by Faezeh Kouhakan  , Sepideh Ganjalikhan  , Alireza Sarhadizadeh  , Khadijeh Esmaeilpour  , Khatereh Akbari  , Leila Jafaripour  and Majid Asadi-Shekaari

Received: 26 December 2023;  Published: 23 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2402218

Oleuropein (OP) is a phenolic compound in olives. OP possesses potent antioxidant activity and an extensive spectrum of other pharmacological properties, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. This study investigated the effects of OP on neural injuries caused by bile duct ligation (BDL) in male mice. The mice were randomly allocated to three groups: sham, BDL, and BDL + OP. Neurobehavioral tests histological and biochemical evaluations were accomplished to assess cerebral damage. The [...]

by Yohanes Ridora  , Niken Trisnowati  and Retno Danarti

Received: 05 February 2024;  Published: 19 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2402229

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare genodermatosis characterized by increased sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, leading to severe skin manifestations and a higher risk of early-onset malignancies. Previous studies from temperate climate countries with sound economic levels showed adequate photoprotection compliance among pediatric XP patients. However, no studies have assessed photoprotection compliance among children with XP living in tropical and low-economic settings. This article reports a low photoprotect [...]

by Yenlajai JaneFrances Banseka  and Suiven John Paul Tume

Received: 03 March 2024;  Published: 19 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2402010

Bacteriological contamination of water sources, often due to improper handling of human waste, poses significant public health risks. This study investigates coliform bacteria contamination in water sources across the Fako Division of Cameroon. Twenty water samples were collected from various sources, including streams, community water, springs, boreholes, and wells, and analyzed for total coliforms using Violet-Red-Bile-Lactose (VRBL) Agar. Additionally, 352 household questionnaires were administered in four towns [...]

by Lisa Grentz  , Kristin Furfari  and Rebekah Keifer

Received: 13 January 2024;  Published: 19 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2402007

Infants with a critical congenital heart defect are at high-risk for feeding difficulties, often necessitating feeding tube placement. Enteral nutrition (EN) support is initiated to meet nutritional requirements and promote growth pre- and post-operatively. Tube-fed infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) who achieve stable health status post-operatively are at risk of becoming feeding tube dependent (FTD). We report a clinical observation for infants with CHD based on survey results from Growing Independent Ea [...]

by Corrado Angelini

Received: 08 February 2024;  Published: 18 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2402228

Newborn screening for neuromuscular disorders and glycogen or fatty acid oxidation disorders aims to identify infants at risk for these conditions, allowing for early intervention and management. While not all neuromuscular disorders currently have established newborn screening programs, there are various disorders for which screening is available or under investigation. Neuromuscular disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that affect the nerve, muscle, or the connection between them. Examples include spina [...]

by Gloria Gutman  , Mojgan Karbakhsh  and Heather Stewart

Received: 20 December 2023;  Published: 16 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2402278

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) older adults may be more vulnerable to elder abuse (EA) due to prior marginalization and trauma, lifelong discrimination, and health disparities. While characteristics of both victims and perpetrators can modify the risk for EA, few studies have focused on perpetrators. This study examined the number and type of perpetrator-victim relationships and perpetrator profiles for EA experienced in the prior year, by abuse type and sexual orientation and gender identity of the abused. Data [...]

by Tahere Mohammadpour  and Reza Mohammadzadeh

Received: 20 December 2023;  Published: 15 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2402227

Epilepsy, a prevalent neurological disorder, affects more than 50 million individuals worldwide and is characterized by recurring seizures. Nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) found within coding regions of epilepsy-related genes are believed to have significant impacts on protein function. This is due to their tendency to cause mutations in the encoded amino acids, which can subsequently lead to pathogenic alterations in protein structure and function. Consequently, nsSNPs have the potential to [...]