by Jose A. Morillas  and Sherif Beniameen Mossad

Received: 24 October 2019;  Published: 18 November 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1904091

Toxoplasmosis in liver transplantation (LT) is uncommon, especially in the current era of universal prophylaxis with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP). Here we present a case of a 55-year-old woman LT recipient, on dapsone or PJP prophylaxis due to sulfa allergy, who presented on day 25 after LT with fever, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Initially she was diagnosed with cytomegalovirus-associated colitis and was treated with intravenous ganciclovir, with good clinical [...]

by Jean Youngwerth  , Heather Coats  , Amy Jones  , Angela Wibben  , Elizabeth Somes  , Sue Felton  , Ashley Anderson  , Kathleen Flarity  , Kellar Elliot  and Jean Kutner

Received: 17 November 2019;  Published: 14 January 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2001004

The University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) implemented a Creative Arts Therapy (CAT) program offering CAT to hospitalized patients as a component of comprehensive palliative care (PC) services. The objective of this pilot program evaluation study was to evaluate short-term effects of CAT on patient symptoms and patient/family perceptions regarding their experience. The sample included adult patients hospitalized in an academic medical center who were seen by the Palliative Care Consult Service (PCCS) between October [...]

by David C. Gaston  and Marwan M. Azar

Received: 14 November 2018;  Published: 29 December 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1804037

The approach to diagnosing fungal infections following solid organ transplantation (SOT) is patient-specific. An assessment of an individual’s risk for particular infections, also understood as the pre-test probability, should guide appropriate diagnostic testing whereas diagnostic stewardship is needed to produce interpretable, actionable and cost-sensitive results. This review provides a cognitive framework for practitioners aiming to diagnose fungal infections in recipients of SOT, taking into consideration the [...]

by Malcolm Voyce

Received: 22 July 2020;  Published: 16 November 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.2004124

This article aims to describe the relationship between donors and their recipients in the context of organ transplants. This analysis is made in the light of Marcel Mauss’s work, offering an expansion on an analysis of his discussion on the “spirit of the gift” and his idea that gifts require reciprocation. It is argued that some recipients of donated organs receive a personal element from the donor in that there is a transfer or sharing of the donors’ personality and spiritual qualities. The article examines the n [...]

by Lana Isam Abu-Qulbain  and Hanan M. Taleb

Received: 29 October 2024;  Published: 01 April 2025;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2502015

Outdoor school spaces are significant, as they provide great opportunities for outdoor exploration, leading to the overall enhancement of a student’s well-being. This paper analyzes the outdoor school spaces in Dubai to optimize them and ensure their thermal comfort. To achieve this aim, using a mixed methodology approach of survey, field observation, workshops and ENVI-met V5.3 software simulation, the existing outdoor spaces were analyzed and then enhanced using several proposed heat mitigation strategies. The im [...]

by John R. Holmberg

Received: 31 May 2022;  Published: 14 September 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2203041

The perinatal period represents a unique developmental window for families and an opportunity to reach and engage fathers in research and preventive interventions. The distinctiveness of this period stems from the changes and stressors that parents experience which affect their openness to enroll in interventions (e.g., adaptive parenting, physical and mental health, relationship skills, and economic self-sufficiency) and participate in research. While long understudied, paternal research in the perinatal period ha [...]

by Alberto Feletti  , Elena Bianchini  , Anna De Gaetano  , Lara Gibellini  , Sara De Biasi  , Giacomo Pavesi  , Anna Vittoria Mattioli  , Milena Nasi  , Andrea Cossarizza  and Marcello Pinti

Received: 26 November 2018;  Published: 04 March 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.1901021

Hemangioblastomas (HBs) are benign, highly vascularized tumors of the central nervous system. Approximately 75% of HBs are sporadic, while 25% are associated with von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease. HBs consist of two main components: a rich capillary network composed of vascular endothelia and pericytes, within large vacuolated stromal cells, which harbor the genetic defect. The mechanism by which the VHL gene product (pVHL) causes HB is not completely clear. Wild-type pVHL is involved in the response to hypoxia, tar [...]

by E. Papaconstantinou  , V. Quick  , E. Vogel  and S. Coffey

Received: 09 August 2019;  Published: 31 October 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.1904044

Background: Post-secondary students are at increased risk for sleep problems and poor eating behaviours that overtime may lead to negative health outcomes later in life. However, limited research has examined associations of sleep quality with eating behaviours and eating competence (e.g., being positive, flexible, and comfortable with eating and getting enough enjoyable and nutritious foods) among Canadian post-secondary students. Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, participants completed an online surv [...]

by Susan Kane Patton  , Jennifer Vincenzo  , Holly B. Bennett  , Michelle Gray  , Leah Jean Henry  , Alishia Ferguson  , Ro Dibrezzo  , Christopher S. Walter  and Maryalice Kelly

Received: 15 August 2019;  Published: 29 October 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904084

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate faculty and student perceptions of a fall risk assessment and prevention activity for older adults offered in multiple community settings by health professional faculty and students. Background: In the US, the percentage of adults 65 and older who fell was more than 29% in 2018. Among states, Arkansas ranks 48th with 35.2% of older adults reporting a fall (CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2018). Methods: Four senior centers in Northwest Arkansas hosted a [...]

by Michael Y. Shino  , Ariss Derhovanessian  , David M. Sayah  , Rajan Saggar  , Ying Ying Xue  , Abbas Ardehali  , Barry R. Stripp  , David J. Ross  , Joseph P. Lynch  , Robert M. Elashoff  , S. Samuel Weigt  and John A. Belperio

Received: 11 September 2018;  Published: 30 November 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1804029

Background: The long term clinical significance of respiratory infections after lung transplantation remains uncertain. Methods: In this retrospective single-center cohort study of 441 lung transplant recipients, we formally evaluate the association between respiratory infection and chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). We furthermore hypothesized that bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) CXCL9 concentrations are augmented during respiratory infections, and that episodes of infection with elevated BALF CXCL9 ar [...]

by Karla Caillouet  , Joshua Wludyga  and Elgin Andrews

Received: 06 May 2020;  Published: 16 November 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2004138

Research has indicated that older adult participation in resistance training provides foundational strength for performance of activities of daily living. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a six-week progressive resistance training intervention on functional fitness among community-dwelling older adults. From 2010–2015, twelve sessions of a six-week resistance training intervention included 95 community-dwelling older adult participants (37 male, 58 female; Mage=73.5+7.2). Resistance [...]

by Nevin J. Harper  and Will W. Dobud

Received: 21 June 2024;  Published: 07 November 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2404065

Humans are integrally connected to, yet in many ways disconnected from, nature. Across cultures, nature has been celebrated and revered in religion, traditions, rituals and community connectedness. While unfavorable conditions in nature can cause harm, closer contact with nature has been shown to reduce stress, strengthen immune systems, and improve mental health and physical wellbeing. This paper briefly describes outdoor therapies and a range of nature-based interventions assisting practitioners in serving their [...]

by Florence Naillat

Received: 25 August 2021;  Published: 26 April 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2202153

In the last four decades, transgenic and knockout mouse models have helped to understand the mechanisms of mammalian sex determination, germ cell development, and adult gonad functions. We have gained crucial insights into molecular factors and pathways of the cells generating either the supporting gonadal cells or germ cells of both sexes. In this review, we highlighted some of the main gene networks and regulatory mechanisms involved in the plasticity of sex-determining pathways that help to establish a functiona [...]

by Shira Peleg  and Howard Litwin

Received: 23 March 2019;  Published: 12 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903067

Background: Differential effects of the characteristics of social network on limitations with activities (LWA) and the quality of life (QOL) among older adults, and the moderating role of depression were studied. Methods: The data obtained from two consecutive waves of the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) was examined. Results: Emotional closeness, satisfaction with the social network, and contact frequency were able to predict the QOL and not LWA. Moreover, depression was observed to moder [...]

by Clara L.e Silva  , Bárbara H.S. Miranda  , Maria L. Vilela  , Jair F. Rodrigues  , Thainá G. Cunha  , Jhonatan A. Dias  , Gabriela A. Soares  , Vinicius Freitas  , Rodrigo de Q. Vilaça  , Luana Wouk  and Diego Bagnis

Received: 07 March 2022;  Published: 04 July 2022;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2203023

The lifetime and stability of organic photovoltaics (OPVs) are the key factors that influence the technology used to scale up and commercialize OPVs. High-performing and reliable devices are used to fabricate the devices of choice. Materials and methods that can be used to prevent the degradation of organic materials, enabling better OPV applications, are being increasingly researched in recent years. Herein, we present the surface modification process of a commercial, flexible barrier film based on polyethylene te [...]

by Charlotte V. Farewell  , Jessica Walls  , Jamie N. Powers  , Joanne Whalen  , Meredith Shefferman  and Jenn A. Leiferman

Received: 30 June 2021;  Published: 09 September 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2103028

Mind-body interventions have shown promise for improving prenatal mental health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a prenatal mind-body intervention delivered remotely due to COVID-19 and preliminary efficacy with respect to mental health outcomes. This study used a simultaneous mixed methods approach (n = 27). Mixed methods data were collected to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the remotely delivered program (I.e., acceptability, practicality, demand, sustainabili [...]

by Laurence Pougnet  , Gilles Nevez  and Solène Le Gal

Received: 17 December 2018;  Published: 22 May 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1902080

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is the most frequent AIDS-defining disease among HIV-infected individuals in developed countries, and also affects immunocompromised non-HIV patients. Experimental studies on rodent models carried out in the early eighties have shown that Pneumocystis spp. can be transmitted via the airborne route. Unfortunately, this mode of acquisition and transmission has long been overlooked by physicians because PCP in immunosuppressed patients was considered to result from reactivation of a latent [...]

by Anne-Marie Laberge  and Wylie Burke

Received: 30 July 2017;  Published: 21 September 2017;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1703006

Genetic screening is the process of systematically evaluating a defined population for genetic conditions or predispositions, in the hope of providing benefit to those with a positive result. With advances in sequencing technology, genetic screening is moving from phenotype-based to genotype-based testing. Although sequencing technology offers expanded opportunities for early identification of disease, the availability of a suitable and acceptable test is not a sufficient justification to proceed: established crite [...]

by Francesco Calvani  , Emanuele Bartoletti  , Giancarlo Folchitto  , Stefania Santini  , Michele Fontevecchia  and Alessandra Alhadeff

Received: 06 April 2020;  Published: 11 May 2020;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2002011

Skin regeneration is a multidisciplinary topic that involves plastic surgery, aesthetics, and dermatology. In the last few years, several molecules have been used to prevent or delay the skin aging process. Recently, promising investigations on novel β-1,3/1,6-glucan-based treatments, associated with sodium hyaluronate, have demonstrated the induction of a naïve biological stimulus in soft tissues. Serum Revitalizing Face (Lot 00118a0051 of 11/19/2018 approved by the Italian Ministry of Health as a Medical Device-C [...]

by Yi-Chun Hsu  , Min-Ze Lu  and Chang-Ming Liaw

Received: 18 December 2020;  Published: 28 April 2021;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2102018

This paper proposes a Wind Turbine Emulator (WTE) using an Indirect Field Oriented (IFO) Induction Motor (IM). The IM drive can be controlled as a conventional prime mover in speed mode, or a wind turbine in torque-speed mode via robust observed torque control. This paper presents key issues for establishing a high-performance IFO IM drive. Further, this study develops a wind turbine load Interior Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Generator (IPMSG) followed by a three-phase Vienna Switch-Mode Rectifier (SMR). It receive [...]

by Poppy L.A. Schoenberg  and Katlyn M. Gonzalez

Received: 13 October 2022;  Published: 12 January 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2301005

Chronic inflammatory diseases are the most significant cause of death in the world and entail severe impairment to quality of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks chronic inflammatory diseases as the greatest threat to human health and wellbeing. Inflammation is epicentral to many clinical conditions and symptoms, and it is anticipated that the health, economic, and mortality burdens associated with chronic inflammation will steadily increase in the United States over the next 30 years. An inflammatory m [...]

by Yoram Barak  and Paul Glue

Received: 04 October 2018;  Published: 26 November 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1804021

Patients with AD have shortened life expectancy than the general older population is well established. Loneliness may be another risk factor to consider if we wish to understand and improve the premature mortality of AD.

by Pavel Ustin  , Fail Gafarov  and Andrey Berdnikov

Received: 27 April 2023;  Published: 24 August 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2303180

The emergence of the social networking phenomenon and the sudden spread of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) around the world have significantly affected the transformation of the system of interpersonal relations, partly shifting them towards virtual reality. Online social networks have greatly expanded the boundaries of human interpersonal interaction and initiated processes of integration of different cultures. As a result, research into the possibilities of predicting human behavior through the characteristic [...]

by Mamta Saxena  , Anne F. Farrell  and Kari Adamsons

Received: 25 February 2019;  Published: 20 May 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902054

Background: Most individuals with disabilities in the US live in family settings; in some families, siblings are default long-term support providers. Although researchers have explored the roles of parent caregivers, the roles of sibling caregivers need attention. Methods: In this study, we examined caregiving processes and outcomes among 322 adult sibling support providers (SSPs) with a range of support roles. Adapting a model of caregiving outcomes, we used structural equation modeling to assess relationships amo [...]

by Alvin Ho Kwan Cheung  , Nancy Bo-Yin Tsui  , William Chi Shing Cho  , Xiao-Meng Pei  , Yin-Kwan Evelyn Wong  , Hin-Fung Andy Tsang  , Gilberto Ka-Kit Leung  and Sze-Chuen Cesar Wong

Received: 02 May 2020;  Published: 28 June 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2002112

Background: Vestibular schwannoma is an intracranial tumor which can lead to devastating neurological deficit and is prone to recurrence after surgery. Patients with inherited neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) syndrome are particularly susceptible to bilateral and aggressive schwannomas. However, the genome of vestibular schwannomas is not well known. There is an imminent need of developing effective chemotherapeutic agents either as a primary treatment modality or as adjuvant therapy for these patients. Methods: Here [...]