by Sarah Kölling  and Annika Hof zum Berge

Received: 22 November 2019;  Published: 11 March 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2001052

Self-reports and actigraphy are common methods of sleep monitoring. Portable polysomnography (p-PSG) may serve as a screening tool in natural environments. Common concerns with its use are that sleep and compliance might be affected. Further, dysfunctional beliefs of the subjects may contribute to sleep disturbances, which might manifest throughout sleep monitoring. This study examined the effect of monitoring sleep patterns and attitudes among healthy individuals. Sixty-eight physically active university students [...]

by Anikka M. Swaby  and Luis B. Agellon

Received: 20 December 2021;  Published: 26 May 2022;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2202014

Microbes have been part of the diet throughout human history. In the evolution of food preservation practices, some techniques inadvertently leveraged microbial activity not only to extend the storage life but also to enhance the properties and nutritive value of foods. In the last century, a variety of bacterial species (referred to as probiotics) were found to confer health benefits to the host. The advent of high-throughput sequencing methods facilitated improved surveillance of conventional probiotics within gu [...]

by Carmelo Guido  , Valentina Selmi  , Cosimo Chelazzi  , Giulia Borsotti  , Rita Giachetti  , Vittorio Limatola  , Martina Sicurani  and Angelo Raffaele De Gaudio

Received: 29 September 2018;  Published: 28 March 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1901020

Background: In recent years, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) techniques have become very widespread; among these, acupuncture can play an important role in the treatment of adverse effects related to chemotherapy. This role has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health after many clinical studies, thus allowing the official introduction of acupuncture in supportive therapy for oncological diseases, particularly to prevent nausea and vomiting. The aim of this paper is to describe the activity [...]

by Zeynep Biringen  , Anna Fuchs  , Sabine C. Herpertz  and Erin K. Biringen

Received: 13 March 2019;  Published: 25 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1903048

Most research on compassion utilizes self-report measures. Subjective report of the individual can provide an authentic window about compassion toward the self. Compassionate behavior toward another person, on the other hand, can and should be measured more objectively than self-report allows. Compassionate behavior toward another can best be measured by how that individual actually interacts with others. In this essay, we will describe how behavior that is compassionate can be objectively measured, and one that ha [...]

by Koh Iwasaki

Received: 24 August 2020;  Published: 27 October 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2004136

Aspiration pneumonia is one of the most common reasons for death in stroke patients. Recently, a traditional herbal medicine banxia houpu tang is remarked to prevent the aspiration pneumonia. This review tells the history of study of banxia houpu tang for prevent aspiration pneumonia.

by C. Lange-Küttner  and Donna S. Martinez-Claras

Received: 21 August 2019;  Published: 26 February 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2001050

We investigated whether healthy older adults who live in female-dominated old age care homes can identify the gender of male and female faces of people from different ethnicities in the same way as young adults. We hypothesized that this mainly female environment would lead by exposure to a female-gender bias. A sample of 40 participants aged 20-30 and 70-80 years identified the sex-of-face of 120 images of young and old adults, male and female faces, black and white faces, presented in a randomized sequence in a s [...]

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 C. Shah Kabir

Received: 28 March 2023;  Published: 12 June 2023;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2302019

Investigations on two-phase gas/liquid flow in pipes have been under study for nearly six decades. These studies have significantly assisted in managing fluid flow in the wellbore and surface networks, leading to the separation of phases and transmission of oil and gas into the market. This study summarizes some of the main lessons learned in flow through wellbores. Besides understanding some of the fundamental principles, we focused on the practical items of interest: Conventional production scenarios for oil and [...]

by Anna Castaldo  , Emilia Gambale  and Giuseppe Vitiello

Received: 19 January 2021;  Published: 02 April 2021;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2102015

This study deals with the production of zinc silicate thin films employing a solid-state reaction at temperatures ranging from 300 °C to 560 °C, to develop new inorganic, n-type materials with seemingly incompatible properties as low work function, high mobility, and high visible transmittance. Depending on a careful reaction control, zinc silicates can preserve reagents (silicon and/or ZnO) as nanoaggregate guests, exhibiting tunable light absorption and emission properties that make them useful for differ [...]

by Meshari A. Alzahrani  , Mohammad A. Alghafees  , Lama H. Aldosari  , Abdulaziz K. Almaymuni  , Abdulltaif M. Altalhah  , Mohammed M. Abualgasem  and Basel O. Hakami

Received: 19 April 2024;  Published: 30 September 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2403265

The total lack of spermatozoa in the ejaculate is known as Azoospermia. It is the most severe and significant contributor to male infertility. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the status of Azoospermia and its etiologic factors that contribute to male infertility in Saudi Arabia. This study included all published studies written in English that were published in Saudi Arabia. Online searches via PubMed and Google Scholar were conducted from their inception to 15 January 2023. A total of 624 studies [...]

by Gabrielle M Mey  and Jacob T Mey

Received: 24 August 2022;  Published: 16 November 2022;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2204022

This narrative review highlights recent advances and ongoing trials using nutrition approaches for healthy aging. Focus will be placed on nutrition therapies that target cognition (“the mind”) and mobility (“the muscle”), both critical components to maintaining a high quality of life for older adults. For “the mind,” two seemingly incongruent therapies are being investigated to improve cognition–the MIND diet (high in carbohydrates and anti-oxidant fruits and vegetables) and the ketogenic diet (low in carbohydrates [...]

by Ibrahim Fathi  , Takehiro Imura  , Kozue Imura  , Megumi Goto  , Yasuhiro Igarashi  , Akiko Inagaki  , Makiko Kikkawa  , Fumiko Ono  , Hiroo Iwata  , Yohichi Yasunami  and Masafumi Goto

Received: 27 March 2019;  Published: 09 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1903071

Background: The existing non-human primate diabetic models, particularly those induced by total pancreatectomy or streptozotocin (STZ) injection, have several disadvantages, including a lengthy surgical procedure, the need for continual supplementation of digestive enzymes, and delayed oral intake after total pancreatectomy, and severe hypoglycemia and hepatic/renal toxicity following injection of high-dose STZ. This study aimed to develop and optimize a non-human primate diabetic model that would avoid the disadva [...]

by Noah J. Webster  , Kristine J. Ajrouch  and Toni C. Antonucci

Received: 05 December 2018;  Published: 12 May 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2002118

Forgiveness may serve as an essential positive resource to help individuals cope emotionally with stressful events, ultimately influencing health. Examination of how individuals forgive within the context of close relationships can provide useful information about positive aging. In this study, we examine how the severity of a recent transgression committed by a spouse/partner or other close social relationship is associated with self-reported physical health among older adults. We also examine how state forgivenes [...]

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 Masayuki Shimoda  and Shinichi Matsumoto

Received: 25 February 2018;  Published: 25 April 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1802008

More than 10 million people worldwide suffer from type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Allogeneic islet transplantation has been established to prevent severe hypoglycemia in unstable T1DM patients although there is a serious shortage of donors. Islet xenotransplantation using porcine islets is a promising solution to this issue. Porcine islets offer several advantages over human islets, including unlimited and on-demand supplies, a higher quality of islets from healthy donors, greater safety with designated pathogen-f [...]

by Samuel Cruz-Manzo

Received: 31 July 2020;  Published: 24 November 2020;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2004017

In this study, uncertainties during the assessment of the electrochemical impedance spectrum of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) attributed to inductive artefacts at high frequencies and inductive loops at low frequencies as well as oxygen diffusion time constant are discussed. A validated impedance model represented as an equivalent electrical circuit of a PEFC allowed the simulation of the effect of inductive artefacts, inductive loops and oxygen diffusion time constant on electrochemical impedance spectr [...]

by Lisa M. Manderino  , Mary Beth Spitznagel  , Divya Yogi-Morren  , John P. Kirwan  , Sangeeta Kashyap  and John Gunstad

Received: 01 August 2018;  Published: 05 December 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1804023

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome are linked to pathological changes in the brain and increased likelihood of cognitive impairment. 25-hydroxyvitamin D insufficiency is commonly found in this population and is associated with cognitive dysfunction in other patient groups. This preliminary study sought to examine whether 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are is associated with cognitive deficits in this population. Methods: Twenty individuals with T2DM and metabolic syndrome (n = 20, aged 45 to 72) [...]

by Martine S. Bosma  , Monique A.A. Caljouw  , Jacqueline K. Benfield  , Laura Edwards  , Tanja C.W. Nijboer  and Wilco P. Achterberg

Received: 07 December 2020;  Published: 19 March 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2101163

Visuospatial neglect (VSN) adversely impacts both the length of rehabilitation and activities of daily living (ADL) of patients after stroke and can reduce their participation in community activities. Therefore, it is important to assess VSN after stroke in neurorehabilitation facilities. The process of assessing VSN comprehensively in current geriatric rehabilitation remains unclear. This study examined the process of VSN in post-stroke assessment emphasizing the details of the (systematic) routines and structure [...]

by Mario F. Tecce  , Walter Milano  and Anna Capasso

Received: 26 June 2020;  Published: 31 August 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2003038

Adipocytes play a central role in maintaining lipid homeostasis and energy balance by storing triacylglycerols (TAGs) or releasing free fatty acids in response to changes in energy requirements. Obesity is a major risk factor for many diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Besides, morbidity and mortality associated with being overweight and obese are on the rise. The development of obesity is characterized by an increase in lipid cells due to mitogenesis and differentiation, which [...]

by Kesiena Owebor  , Smith Orode Otuagoma  , Ogheneakpobo Jonathan Eyenubo  , Arthur Gogo Uranta  , Friday Erhimudia Ukrakpor  , Kesiena Ezewu  and Ebimene Ezekiel Ebisine

Received: 01 August 2023;  Published: 08 November 2023;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2304033

The proper management of sawdust is critical to socioeconomic development. In this research, waste-to-energy has been proposed to utilize sawdust in selected timber markets in Port Harcourt, namely, Illoabuchi Timber Market, Marine Base Timber Market, and Mile 3 Timber Market. A quantitative approach has been taken to estimate the sawdust generation, energy potential, power generation capacities, and pollutant reduction of indiscriminate combustion of sawdust. The findings suggest that, annually, 171 ktons, 42 kton [...]

by Irina L. Puppo  , Ziravard N. Tonyan  , Alisa N. Panina  , Ksenia V. Shunkina  , Alsu F. Saifitdinova  , Yulia A. Loginova  , Anna A. Kinunen  , Julia R. Pastuhova  , Olga A. Leonteva  , Olga G. Chiryaeva  , Olga V. Malysheva  , Elena M. Fedorova  , Tatyana V. Vavilova  and Natalia K. Bichevaya

Received: 28 March 2022;  Published: 22 June 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2202157

Robertsonian translocations (RTs) are very common balanced structural chromosome rearrangements in humans. Due to alterations in the chromosome segregation pattern and the formation of unbalanced gametes and embryos, the carriers of RTs have a significant risk of reproductive failure. For over 30 years, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) has been used for preimplantation genetic testing for chromosomal structural rearrangement (PGT-SR) in carriers of RTs. The data obtained by performing FISH for PGT-SR can be [...]

by Abdullah S. Binsaeedu  , Moustafa Khalifa  and Jocelyn Tan-Shalaby

Received: 30 December 2021;  Published: 19 April 2023;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2302007

The ketogenic diet (KD) is currently well known in the lay media as a quick way to lose weight. However, the KD is not a new medical concept. The KD was used in the early 1900s to control seizures. However, as we developed more effective pharmacological agents, we used the KD less until it became practically obscure by the 1980s. Similar to the effects of fasting, the KD leads to the production of ketones as an alternative energy source to glucose. Therefore, the KD has many beneficial metabolic effects, such as an [...]

by Sveva Pepe  , Simone Tedeschi  , Nicolo' Brandizzi  , Samuele Russo  , Luca Iocchi  and Christian Napoli

Received: 27 May 2022;  Published: 04 October 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2204139

Human–robot interactions require the ability of the system to determine if the user is paying attention. However, to train such systems, massive amounts of data are required. In this study, we addressed the issue of data scarcity by constructing a large dataset (containing ~120,000 photographs) for the attention detection task. Then, by using this dataset, we established a powerful baseline system. In addition, we extended the proposed system by adding an auxiliary face detection module and introducing a unique GAN [...]

by Aditi Gupta  , Bor-Jang Hwang  , Daniel Benyamien-Roufaeil  , Sara Jain  , Sophie Liu  , Rex Gonzales  , Robert A. Brown  , Michal Zalzman  and A-Lien Lu

Received: 22 July 2021;  Published: 02 April 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2202196

Telomeres consist of special features and proteins to protect the ends of each chromosome from deterioration and fusion. The telomeric DNA repeats are highly susceptible to oxidative damage that can accelerate telomere shortening and affect telomere integrity. Several DNA repair factors including MYH/MUTYH DNA glycosylase, its interacting partners Rad9/Rad1/Hus1 checkpoint clamp, and SIRT6 aging regulator, are associated with the telomeres. MYH prevents C:G to A:T mutation by removing adenine mispaired with a frequ [...]

by Ali Al-Ragawi  , Sergey Zyryanov  , Elena Ushkalova  , Olga Butranova  and Anton Pereverzev

Received: 10 October 2018;  Published: 05 March 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901038

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are common in the elderly and often have serious clinical and economic consequences. Prediction of ADRs is a valuable tool to improve pharmacotherapy and outcomes in this category of patients. Objective: Prediction of ADRs in patients ≥ 65 years old, based on GerontoNet risk score with emphasis on polypharmacy. Methods: Pharmacoepidemiological retrospective study of medical records of patients admitted to the Russian Gerontology Clinical Research Center (RGCRC) between 1 [...]