by Felicity Saunders  , Jane Vosper  , Stuart Gibson  , Rhiann Jamieson  , Jill Zelin  and Janet Barter

Received: 16 October 2021;  Published: 14 April 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2202017

Genito-Pelvic Pain Penetration Disorder (GPPPD) affects between eight and twenty percent of women. There is recent evidence that compassion focused therapy (CFT) can help those with general health conditions and persistent pain. This study aims to investigate application of CFT techniques to an existing psychosexual therapy group of women with GPPPD and establish an effect size that could be used in a fully powered trial in future. The study took place within a routine clinical setting. Women who attended a group w [...]

by Phillip Aouad  , Nerissa Soh  and Kristin Stedal

Received: 05 May 2020;  Published: 18 August 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2003070

Consensus for where along the eating disorder spectrum the pathological eating behaviour of Chew and Spit (CHSP) falls has been a point of contention in academic literature. Using the case of Mary1, a 30 year old female from Australia who has engaged in excessive restrictive behaviour, was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN) and has been engaging in Chew and Spit (CHSP) behaviour for over 10 years, the current paper examines the similarities from a neurobiological perspective between restrictive behaviours (akin w [...]

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 Anthony J. Berdis

Received: 09 February 2021;  Published: 18 May 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2102096

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an extremely malignant type of primary brain tumor that exhibits a high mortality rate. Current standard therapy involves surgery followed by radiation and treatment with the DNA-alkylating agent, temozolomide (TMZ). While TMZ treatment can extend post-operative survival, most patients develop resistance to TMZ which leads to a significant increase in mortality. At the molecular level, TMZ produces a variety of different DNA lesions including N7-methylguanine, N3-methyladenine, and [...]

by Matthew Adah Onu  , Olusola Olaitan Ayeleru  , Helen Uchenna Modekwe  and Peter Apata Olubambi

Received: 28 August 2023;  Published: 29 December 2023;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2304055

Plastic waste accrual in the environment has been identified as the topmost significant global issue related to modern civilization. Traditional waste disposal methods, such as open burning, landfilling, and incineration, have increased greenhouse gas emissions in economic and material losses. Unless immediate action is made to curtail demand, prolong product lifespans, enhance waste management, and encourage recyclability, plastic pollution will increase due to an almost threefold increase in plastic use spurred b [...]

by Sri Desfita  , Denai Wahyuni  , Yusmarini Yusmarini  , Usman Pato  and Grazyna Budryn

Received: 09 April 2024;  Published: 23 August 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2403012

This systematic review aimed to analyze the in vivo study of the anti-osteoporotic activity of chickpeas. A comprehensive search for English language papers published between January 2013 and December 2023 using the keywords chickpea or Cicer arietinum, anti-osteoporotic activity or anti-osteoporotic effect, chickpeas and anti-osteoporotic activity, Cicer arietinum and antiosteoporotic activity and their synonyms yielded 3566 results from PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink and Google Scholar. Articles were screene [...]

by Aaryan Gupta  , Arpita Roy  , Kirtanjot Kaur  , Sarvesh Rustagi  , Sumira Malik  and Soumya Pandit

Received: 08 November 2023;  Published: 11 January 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2401208

In the last decade, development in nanotechnology has been used intensively. By studying nanotechnology and nanomaterials, we can generate excellent responses in healthcare related to neurological disorders. It also includes easy diagnosis of diseases in their early stages, delivery of genes, and many more. Neurological disorders are one of the most sensitive topics. Therefore, nanomaterials promise to treat neurological disorders as they are highly efficient. Nanomaterials will significantly expand our knowledge o [...]

by Vincenza Rita Lo Vasco

Received: 01 October 2019;  Published: 18 May 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2002058

Mechanisms leading to neuronal cell death in human pathology are far from being fully delineated. Understanding the molecules involved in neuronal death and the timing of their recruitment might help to explain the natural history of degenerative processes, including the morphological abnormalities observed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Moreover, it might help refine the diagnosis by defining new molecular markers as well as find effective therapies, especially for slow cognitive deficits, often associated wit [...]

by Steve Liebich

Received: 02 February 2019;  Published: 04 April 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902045

Telomere shortening in the somatic cells is one of the most well-documented factors of cellular ageing. Telomeres are composed of tandem hexanucleotide repeats that protect cells from unwanted recombination mechanisms, secure the ends of chromosomes and their stability, and are responsible for limited division capacity. Telomerase is an enzymatic ribonucleoprotein complex, present in embryonic cells, adult stem cells, and germinal progenitors, whose function is to extend the telomeres length by adding the lost tand [...]

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 [...]

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 Sonia Baccetti  , Elisabetta Barbara Cortesi  , Maria Valeria Monechi  , Mariella Di Stefano  , Barbara Cucca  , Tommaso Conti  , Antonella Traversi  , Filippa Terranova  , Sylvie Yvonne Barberousse  , Roberto Montelatici  , Federica Sabatini  , Catia Vuono  , Christian Bini  , Elio Rossi  and Francesca Martella

Received: 27 September 2018;  Published: 25 October 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1904061

Background: Pain and vasomotor symptoms are the common side effects experienced by breast cancer patients undergoing conventional oncology treatments. Traditional Chinese Medicine might represent a key treatment option for these side effects in a multidisciplinary pathway. Aim: The present study with a retrospective design was aimed at confirming the effectiveness of acupuncture, plum blossom, and auriculotherapy in reducing hot flashes and the intensity and frequency of pain in women with breast cancer. Materials [...]

by Natalia Sylvia Ramos Díaz

Received: 23 August 2018;  Published: 14 March 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1901017

One of the objectives of psychological intervention is to help patients manage their emotions effectively by providing them with the necessary skills to accompany their own emotional states. To this regard, there seems to be a current lack of therapeutic resources aimed at helping patients assimilate and regulate emotions. This article proposes the application of a new technique which incorporates mindfulness, building on the premises of the model of psychological flexibility which defines "mindfulness" as a practi [...]

by Ahalapitiya H Jayatissa  , Omer Ahmed  , Bodhi R Manu  and Adam M Schroeder

Received: 13 August 2020;  Published: 22 January 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2101003

The tribological properties of ZnO thin film coated on an aluminium work piece by RF magnetron sputtering were studied as a function of deposition power, substrate coating temperature, heat treatment and rotation speed. The variation in the coefficient of friction of ZnO films produced under various levels of coating parameters and conditions were experimentally determined using a pin-on-disk tribometer. The results showed that with change in deposition conditions and heat treatment, there are significant microstru [...]

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 Georgianne L. Arnold

Received: 14 June 2023;  Published: 18 October 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2304197

Newborn screening can now detect more than 50 disorders, providing early and often life-saving treatment. Inborn errors of metabolism account for the majority of these disorders. This review will consider the more common metabolic disorders identified on newborn screening, including history, technique and management of these disorders.

by Taofiq O. Mohammed  , Mohammad Zunaied Bin Harun  , Jian Liu  and Ebenezer O. Fanijo

Received: 04 June 2025;  Published: 04 September 2025;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2503013

The high carbon footprint of cement production and the cost and environmental impact of steel reinforcement make conventional concrete unsustainable for long-term use. Reducing cement consumption and identifying sustainable, cost-effective alternatives to steel are critical for lowering construction’s ecological and economic burden. Bio-based supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), such as rice husk ash (RHA), and natural plant fibers show promise, but prior studies have mostly tested them separately or with v [...]

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 Sylvie Langlois  and R Douglas Wilson

Received: 01 August 2017;  Published: 26 September 2017;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1703007

Prenatal genetic aneuploidy screening approaches are designed to identify pregnant patients at increased risk of having a fetus affected. Conventional prenatal screening has consisted in providing women a risk estimate of having a pregnancy affected with trisomy 21 or trisomy 18 based on maternal age and analysis of serum markers and ultrasound nuchal translucency (NT) measurement. In 2011, the introduction of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) based screening into clinical practice has provided new options for aneuploidy scree [...]

by Joel J. Lee  , Hyunho Song  , Jaeyoung Park  and S. Joon Lee

Received: 14 August 2023;  Published: 03 October 2023;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2304046

Decomposition of spent coffee grounds (SCGs), a byproduct of brewing coffee, in disposed landfill sites releases significant amounts of potent greenhouse gases. This study aims to investigate the maximum recycling proportions of SCGs, a nonconventional filler material, for permeable interlocking concrete paving (PICP) blocks. These blocks have a porous structure that helps mitigate surface ponding while maintaining sound structural performance. Using Scanning Electron Microscope image analysis, the water absorbency [...]

by Rui Wang  , Dong Lin  , Minghuan Gao  , Linna Guo  , Tiesheng Li  and Minghua Liu

Received: 29 January 2022;  Published: 07 April 2022;  doi: 10.21926/cr.2202008

A series of novel Bi2MoO6/Ag/Ag2CrO4 heterostructure photocatalysts (denoted as BA-X, X = 1, 3, 5, 10) were synthesized using a coprecipitation method. These photocatalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and their photocatalytic properties were investigated. Compared with pure Bi2MoO6 or Ag2CrO4, BA-5 exhibited a higher photocatalytic property and broader light absorption. In addition, the surface pla [...]

by Sana Parveen  , Suroor Fatima Rizvi  , Adria Hasan  , Uzma Afaq  and Snober S. Mir

Received: 28 June 2022;  Published: 08 November 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2204170

The autophagy mechanism recycles the damaged and long-standing macromolecular substrates and thus maintains cellular homeostatic and proteostatic conditions. Autophagy can be an unavoidable target in cancer therapy because its deregulation leads to cancer formation and progression. Cancer can be controlled by regulating autophagy at different genetic, epigenetic, and post-translational levels. Epigenetics refers to the heritable phenotypic changes that affect gene activity without changing the sequence. Modern biol [...]

by Abdul Al-Toma  and Harry R. Koene

Received: 16 December 2019;  Published: 18 February 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.2001101

Refractory celiac disease (RCD) is a rare condition in which a known celiac patient, usually an adult, suffers from persistence or recurrence of gluten-related symptomatology, laboratory abnormalities, and inflammatory enteropathy despite following an optimal dietary therapy with gluten-free diet (GFD). Arbitrarily, a duration of at least 12 months of GFD has been recommended prior to establishing such a diagnosis. Furthermore, exclusion of the other possible causes of non-celiac villous atrophy, particularly enter [...]

by F.A Hamad  , E. Emenike  , Abbas Mohammed  , S. Gooneratne  and P. Russell

Received: 01 December 2020;  Published: 31 January 2021;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2101009

In this paper, the primary aim is to look at the fundamental melting/solidification processes of polyethylene glycol 1500 (PEG 1500) for energy storage - insulation to prolong the cooling time of pipelines in unexpected shut-down conditions, prevent/minimize the wax deposition, and hydrate formation. Polyethylene glycol 1500 was selected because its melting temperature is >317 K making it a suitable candidate as lagging material to prevent wax deposition and hydrate formation in subsea oil pipelines. Experim [...]

by Jih-Huah Wu

Received: 04 March 2019;  Published: 15 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1903046

Sleep has played a critical role in maintaining the physical and psychological health of humans, especially for women. Many studies reveal that sleep disturbance can cause more inflammation, coagulation, insulin resistance, and psychosocial distress in women than in men. A lot of medications are used to treat sleep disorders, but they can cause various adverse effects. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has been proved as a safe and easy-to-use therapy. We propose two methods of affecting the autonomic nervous syste [...]