by Peta Stapleton  , Craig Buchan  , Ian MItchell  , Yasmin McGrath  , Paul Gorton  and Brett Carter

Received: 11 December 2018;  Published: 15 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1901010

Background: This pilot randomised clinical trial investigated the effect of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) on brain activation in response to food craving stimuli using functional magnetic resonance imaging. EFT is a brief stress reduction technique which involves stating a cognitive statement with stimulation of acupressure points with a tapping technique. Method: Fifteen overweight/obese adults were allocated to a four-week group EFT treatment or control condition and completed a measure of food crav [...]

by Marco Barale  , Ruth Rossetto Giaccherino  , Ezio Ghigo  and Massimo Procopio

Received: 31 October 2018;  Published: 14 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901033

Background: It is well known that hypovitaminosis D has been associated with various cardio-metabolic disorders, though the pathogenetic link, if any, still remains unclear. Our aim was to evaluate in elderly uncontrolled non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetic patients with hypovitaminosis D, whether six-months vitamin D supplementation was able to improve glycemic control, lipid profile and blood pressure levels. Methods: In an open-label pilot study, thirty type 2 diabetic patients (age 71.5 ± 3.2 years, BMI [...]

by Jessica Lum  and Sherif B. Mossad

Received: 26 October 2018;  Published: 14 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1901050

Despite the advances that have been made in the field of solid organ transplant (SOT), organ shortage remains a persistent problem. In addition, the donor pool has been changing with the ongoing opioid epidemic and increase in deaths related to drug overdose each year. More donors are meeting the 2013 United States (U.S.) Public Health Service criteria for increased risk donors (IRDs), or donors who are at higher risk for transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and other multidr [...]

by Maria Simonenko  and Petr Fedotov

Received: 01 February 2019;  Published: 13 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1901049

Sex and gender issues in heart transplantation

by David J. Epstein  and Aruna K. Subramanian

Received: 18 November 2018;  Published: 12 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1901048

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a common infection with challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Management of TB in solid organ transplant (SOT) candidates and recipients poses unique challenges not seen in other populations. Questions and Recommendations: Latent TB infection (LTBI) is important to diagnose pre-transplant through history, physical examination, imaging, and laboratory tests. Tuberculin skin tests and interferon-gamma release assays are important tools but not sufficiently sensitive nor specific to d [...]

by Rachel Mills  , Louisa Jackman  , Mithila Mahesh  and Ian James

Received: 12 December 2018;  Published: 11 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901032

Background: Research suggests that the use of lies and deception is prevalent within dementia care settings, despite ongoing debates raised about the ethics of this approach. There has been increasing exploration of when and why deceptive practices should be used, but the lack of clarity as to what constitutes a lie has caused difficulty in ensuring that lies are used ethically. The aim of this study was to widen our understanding of the key dimensions that underpin the use of lies, and further to use this informat [...]

by Robert Marx  and Lisa Burroughes

Received: 13 October 2018;  Published: 02 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1901009

Background: Training is generally not available for those wishing to deliver non 8 week Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBIs) adapted for specific contexts and populations. A new model for training in MBIs is developed with the following principle components: teaching on theory, participation in a practice, followed by teaching the practice and receiving feedback, and consultation and discussion of live mindfulness-based work. Methods: A quantitative and qualitative evaluation is presented of the experience of the [...]

by Rosaria Ferreri  , Simonetta Bernardini  , Franco Cracolici  and Francesca Bechini

Received: 29 September 2018;  Published: 01 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1901008

Background: Complementary medicines (CM), including homeopathy, acupuncture, and traditional Chinese medicine, have been introduced for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment in the Pitigliano Hospital Centre of Integrated Medicine in order to minimize the side effects of these treatments, which improves quality of life and adherence to conventional therapies. Methods: Cancer patients (240) were enrolled in an integrated care model offering a comprehensive protocol including homeopathy a [...]

by Marion Hemmersbach-Miller  , Cameron R. Wolfe  and Kenneth E. Schmader

Received: 30 November 2018;  Published: 01 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1901046

In the U.S., older adults aged 65 or above comprise nearly one quarter of the solid organ transplant (SOT) waitlists, and the number of transplants performed in this age group continues to increase. There are no specific guidelines for the assessment and follow up of the older SOT candidate or recipient. Older adults are at increased risk of infectious complications after SOT. Despite these complications and even with the use of suboptimal donors, overall outcomes are favorable. We provide an overview to specific c [...]

by Joanna K. Nelson  and Aruna Subramanian

Received: 30 November 2018;  Published: 01 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1901047

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections are relatively rare but carry significant morbidity in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Given the rarity of disease and diagnostic limitations, a high index of suspicion is required for accurate diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment. We discuss the challenges in diagnosis and management of NTM infections specific to the SOT population.

by Sharon Freeman Clevenger

Received: 25 November 2018;  Published: 31 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1901007

The cornerstone of health care practice is the provision of competent, compassionate care. Compassion is generally considered an important component in the provision of health care; however, self-compassion may be of equal importance for health care practitioners (HCP) to observe and develop. Self-compassion promotes well-being and overall mental health and may reduce fatigue and “burn-out” for HCPs [1]. Estimates of burn out in physicians and nurses range from 35-50% and is associated with emotional exhaustion, hi [...]

by Anouk A. J. Hamers  , Sunil K. Joshi  and Asha B. Pillai

Received: 29 September 2018;  Published: 31 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1901044

The success of tissue transplantation from a healthy donor to a diseased individual (allo-transplantation) is regulated by the immune systems of both donor and recipient. Developing a state of specific non‐reactivity between donor and recipient, while maintaining the salutary effects of immune function in the recipient, is called “immune (transplantation) tolerance”. In the classic early post‐transplant period, minimizing bidirectional donor ←→ recipient reactivity requires the administration [...]

by Michael Czapka  , Carlos A.Q. Santos  and Laurie A. Proia

Received: 08 October 2018;  Published: 31 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1901045

Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection associated with high morbidity and mortality that typically afflicts immunocompromised hosts. We present a case of isolated hepatic mucormycosis with Rhizopus spp. that developed in the early post-transplant period. Initial presentation was concerning for allograft rejection, but definitive diagnosis was made with histopathology and fungal culture. The patient had a favourable outcome with surgical resection, a course of liposomal amphotericin B combined with micafungin, and [...]

by Michael Fossel

Received: 29 January 2019;  Published: 30 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901031

Telomere Editorial-Perspectives on Telomeres and Aging

by Franco Cracolici  , Simonetta Bernardini  and Rosaria Ferreri

Received: 14 October 2018;  Published: 30 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1901006

Background: Acupuncture is an innovative and scientifically supported treatment for oncologic patients, as well as an effective palliative care option. At the Palliative Care Department of "Misericordia" Grosseto Hospital in Tuscany, real integration of acupuncture in palliative medicine has been possible. The objective of this work is to retrospectively evaluate patient treatment outcomes obtained using an integrated medical care approach administered within a palliative care unit. Methods: Medical records of onco [...]

by Nuria Arias-Ramos  , Jesús Pacheco-Torres  and Pilar López-Larrubia

Received: 11 November 2018;  Published: 30 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.1901020

Background: Despite important advances in multimodal therapeutic options, glioblastoma (GBM), the most frequent and aggressive form of all astrocytomas, remains with a median overall survival period of 15 months. A direct correlation between GBM hypoxia and higher aggressiveness, poor prognosis and greater resistance to different treatments has been established. However, because of intratumoral and interindividual heterogeneity, it has not been possible to assess accurately the hypoxia degree from physiopathologica [...]

by Carly M. Darden  , Srividya Vasu  , Kenjiro Kumano  , Bashoo Naziruddin  and Michael C. Lawrence

Received: 21 November 2018;  Published: 29 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1901043

Islet transplantation is a minimally invasive cell based replacement therapy to prevent or reverse diabetes or hypoglycemia through natural hormonal responses to regulate blood glucose. However, extending the islet graft functional lifespan remains a challenge that prevents long-term success and widespread use of the procedure. Islets are subject to stress and damage and undergo immunological assault during transplantation procedures. Current treatments to prevent immune reactivity toward the graft come with toxic [...]

by Elena Sala  , Donatella Conconi  , Francesca Crosti  , Nicoletta Villa  , Serena Redaelli  and Gaia Roversi

Received: 01 October 2018;  Published: 28 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1901063

Since its introduction around the end of the 1970s, interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) supports both classical and recent techniques for determining fetal karyotypes during prenatal diagnosis, quickly providing relevant information for the management of pregnancy. Interphase FISH plays an important role in the study of pregnancies with malformations, in mosaicism conditions, in confirming or excluding aneuploidy detected by non-invasive prenatal testing, and in the diagnosis of contiguous gene syn [...]

by Patrick Weber  , Cathia Rausch  , Annina Scholl  and M. Cristina Cardoso

Received: 22 July 2018;  Published: 25 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1901062

Background: Genetic repeat elements (interspersed or tandem repeats) have diverse functions within cells and at different phases of the cell cycle. However, their investigation at a genome-wide scale is challenging due to their repetitive nature. Here, we describe a method to study the DNA replication kinetics of different repeat elements in single cells throughout the S-phase of the cell cycle. Methods: Mouse major satellite, minor satellite and telomere repeat elements as well as human LINE-1 and Alu repeats were [...]

by Anya Ahmed  , Paula Ormandy  and Maaike L. Seekles

Received: 15 November 2018;  Published: 24 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901030

Background: Promoting a good quality of life for the oldest members of society has become a top priority as evidenced in UK policy. The ‘household’ model is a departure from traditional approaches to care provision since it offers person-centred support - combing health and social care - to older people in specially-designed, small, homelike environments. Having gained increasing popularity in care homes across developed countries, the impact of this model of service delivery on residents’ quality of life and its c [...]

by Alexandria J Coughlan  , Kendall R. McEachron  , Mariya E. Skube  , Sydne Muratore  , Melena D. Bellin  and Greg J Beilman

Received: 29 October 2018;  Published: 24 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1901042

The current predominant location for allo- and auto-transplantation of islets is the liver. Despite the historical success of this site, recent studies have revealed multiple disadvantages. Portal hypertension, portal vein thrombosis, bleeding, low oxygen tension, instant blood mediated inflammatory reaction, inadequate alpha cell function, and delays in neovascularization are factors that continue to drive researchers to explore alternative sites for islet transplantation. Factors of an optimal site include: capac [...]

by Suzie Jokic  , Nicole Jacqueline Albrecht  and Sue Erica Smith

Received: 15 July 2018;  Published: 23 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1901004

Background: Adult learners often engage in formal education because they want to create changes in their lives and are determined to succeed in their chosen field. However, they also come with emotional "baggage" of early educational experiences, frequently have to deal with a multitude of competing demands, have financial strain, may face a lack of support, illness and/or injury. In addition, they are often dealing with the challenges of unfamiliar academic work, competing deadlines and initially lack basic academ [...]

by Naoki Ohkura  , Gen-ichi Atsumi  , Seima Uehara  , Mitsuhiro Ohta  and Masahiko Taniguchi

Received: 18 July 2018;  Published: 23 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1901005

Metabolic syndrome is a serious health condition comprising a combination of glucose metabolism disorder, high blood pressure and obesity. The main underlying risk factors for metabolic syndrome are abdominal obesity and insulin resistance. Various studies have shown that herbal medicines can effectively reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Angelica keiskei Koidzumi (ashitaba), a large perennial herb native to the Southeast Pacific coast of Japan, has recently become a popular herbal medicine, dietary [...]

by Paul Scriven

Received: 29 October 2018;  Published: 22 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1901061

United Kingdom guidelines recommend single embryo transfer (fresh or cryopreserved) in the first full assisted conception cycle for women under 40 years most at risk of having twins. Based on a recent randomized clinical trial for women aged 36 to 40 years, the hypothetical effect of preimplantation genetic testing for chromosome aneuploidy was extrapolated to single transfer of every morphologically transferable embryo available from a full cycle. Offering testing to every woman seems likely to result in fewer cli [...]

by Darren E. Stewart  , Amber R. Wilk  and David K. Klassen

Received: 14 December 2018;  Published: 22 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1901041

Background: This study examines very recent trends in deceased donor kidney transplantation to assess the performance of the kidney allocation system (KAS), implemented December 4, 2014, and whether bolus effects associated with KAS have stabilized nearly four years after implementation. Methods: The overall number of deceased donor kidney transplants, as well as the proportion of transplants by recipient and transplant characteristics, were calculated monthly from December 2013 through September 2018 and examined [...]