by Preeti Chhabra  and Kenneth L. Brayman

Received: 02 April 2018;  Published: 05 June 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1802010

Pancreas or islet transplantation is the only reliable cure for Type 1 Diabetes. However, shortage of donor tissue supply, longitudinal graft attrition due to innate and adaptive immunity and the recurrence of autoimmunity, as well as the harmful side-effects of chronic immunosuppressive therapy limit the wide-spread acceptance of islet transplantation as a mainstream cure for autoimmune diabetes. Herein, preclinical and clinical stem-cells based research approaches aimed at obtaining large quantities of islets for [...]

by Frank M. Mezzacappa  , Caroline Davidson  and Michele R. Aizenberg

Received: 22 February 2022;  Published: 03 March 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2301160

Glioblastoma (GBM) is malignant, primary intracranial neoplasm associated with poor outcomes. Maximal, safe cytoreduction remains an important component of effective treatment for patients with this disease; however, some patients are not candidates for resection due to comorbid status, tumor location, or other factors. In this review, we aimed to describe minimally invasive surgical techniques that are emerging as important tools for improving safety and efficiency in GBM cytoreduction, including for patients with [...]

by Ajay Kumar  and Juveriya Israr

Received: 03 August 2024;  Published: 12 March 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.2501241

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) improves the treatment of hematopoietic cancer and non-malignant disease. In this case, stem cells from a genetically similar but not identical donor may stimulate immune-mediated tumor cell destruction. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation, or allo-SCT, has significantly extended the life expectancy of numerous people. Nevertheless, complications such as infections, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and recurrence continue. This paper provides a thorough analysis of [...]

by Laura Roche  , Traci Flynn  and Linda Campbell

Received: 26 September 2023;  Published: 28 February 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2401217

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a complex and widely variable genetic syndrome involving multisystem physical health problems, significant cognitive and psychosocial challenges, all of which may impact upon learning and academic achievement. In the current study, we explored mothers’ perceptions of their child’s learning within early and primary educational contexts. We conducted 3 online focus groups and 1 online semi-structured interview with a total of 9 mothers of children diagnosed with 22q11.2DS. Mot [...]

by Giuseppe Cocco  and Philipp Amiet

Received: 23 March 2021;  Published: 30 July 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2103133

“Epigenetics is the study of how your behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work. Unlike genetic changes, epigenetic changes are reversible and do not change your DNA sequence, but they can change how your body reads a DNA sequence” (https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/disease/epigenetics.htm). Epigenetic interactions, along with the genetic expression in innate cells, change the structure and function of chromatin, and thus, turn the genes on and off. Epigenetic changes influence dise [...]

by Max Oberste  , Sophia Sharma  and Philipp Zimmer

Received: 24 April 2019;  Published: 28 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1903052

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated whether acute aerobic exercise improves subsequent set shifting performance in healthy young individuals. Potential moderation of studies’ methodological quality and exercise intensity, as well as the presence of small-study effect was also examined. Studies were identified using electronic databases Medline, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus, as well as references of recent meta-analyses and references of included studies. In total, 12 studies were included into [...]

by Jacob G. Monroe  , Elizabeth Ramsey Bolton  and Emily Zechman Berglund

Received: 14 June 2022;  Published: 02 February 2023;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2301017

The diffusion of distributed energy resources can overcome some challenges associated with the historical centralized model of electric power distribution. Decentralized generation by residential solar photovoltaic cells creates the potential for peer-to-peer (P2P) electricity trading, where households can act as consumers and prosumers to buy and sell renewable electricity. P2P energy markets are emerging at locations across the globe, and market performance is affected by various social, economic, and environment [...]

by Catarina F. Martins  , Jorge Soares  and Maria Paula Mota

Received: 20 March 2024;  Published: 01 August 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2403235

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative condition that impacts an individual's physical, cognitive, and social well-being, ultimately resulting in a decline in independence and functionality. This case report explores how a program combining multimodal physical exercise and psychomotor rehabilitation can improve outcomes in interventions for Alzheimer's disease patients. This approach can enhance treatment effectiveness and provide researchers and practitioners with additional therapeutic options. The participan [...]

by Rolf Teschke  , Nguyen Xuan Chien  and Tran Dang Xuan

Received: 10 June 2025;  Published: 21 October 2025;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2504023

Heavy metals are integral parts of our environment, originating initially from the universe and used in the industry, which may contribute to pollution. This book chapter aims to address the impact of heavy metals on the ecosystem and human health. Among the 32 heavy metals, eight belong to the group of essential ones: cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, and zinc. They were necessary in physiological amounts for the evolution of flora and fauna, including humans on earth, and are still ne [...]

by Xuepeng Zhao

Received: 21 August 2020;  Published: 23 November 2020;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2004003

Nearly 40 years of aerosol optical thickness (AOT) climate data record (CDR) from AVHRR satellite observations over the global ocean is used to study the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns and Australian bushfires on aerosol loading over downwind oceanic regions. Recent similar impact studies, by contrast, were mainly focused on the urban and suburban areas near the emission sources. AOT is used as a proxy for aerosol loading in our study. We found that AOT variations due to anthropogenic emission reduction during the lo [...]

by Mary J. Lotesto  and Stacey L. Raimondi

Received: 26 June 2020;  Published: 07 October 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2004117

Estrogen-based cancers affect a substantial portion of the female population in the United States. While multiple studies have examined the effect of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα/ESR1) in cancer, the effects of ERβ/ESR2 are not as well understood in tumor tissues. Furthermore, there are few studies examining the role of specific binding partners of the estrogen receptors, such as early B-cell factor 1 (EBF1). EBF1 has been shown to have a role in B cell development and differentiation and is also know [...]

by Deborah A. Sharpe  and Lisa D. Hinz

Received: 30 May 2023;  Published: 19 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2303029

This study explored how the global COVID-19 pandemic changed the ways in which art therapists use art in their therapeutic practice. Art has repeatedly been linked to healing in a variety of settings, but generally art therapists have been accustomed to conducting therapy sessions in person. Prior to the pandemic most art therapists preferred in-person sessions for a variety of therapeutic reasons. Although there are clearly downsides to meeting remotely, there have been unforeseen advantages, as well. The present [...]

by Kara B. Dassel  , Eli Iacob  , Rebecca L. Utz  , Katherine P. Supiano  and Hollie Furhmann

Received: 01 September 2022;  Published: 06 January 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2301004

Due to the insidious progression of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), surrogate decision-makers typically make medical and long-term-care decisions for a care recipient, most often a family care partner. Unfortunately, many care recipient/care partner dyads have failed to engage in advance care planning or have lost the opportunity to do so due to the cognitive decline of the care recipient. To address this need, our team created a validated dementia-focused advance care planning tool known as t [...]

by Benjamin Bwadi. Ezekiel  , Temitope G. Adelalu  , James N. Christopher  and Tijjani Alhassan

Received: 06 November 2022;  Published: 17 January 2023;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2301008

Water bodies have been severely degraded in recent years due to the indiscriminate use of agro-allied chemicals. The study assesses the agro-allied chemical pollution on the surface water quality in River Lamurde and Mayo Gwoi. Water samples were collected from twenty-one (21) sample locations along the River Lamurde and Mayo-Gwoi to determine the seasonal variation during the wet and dry seasons through field determination of water quality and laboratory-based analysis at Taraba State Rural Water Supply and Sanita [...]

by Haile Bikila  , Solomon Shiferaw  and Tariku Tesfaye Bekuma

Received: 24 July 2024;  Published: 24 December 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2404021

Human milk is not static; it is an invariant fluid that fluctuates in micro and macronutrient composition during feeding. The fat in human milk contributes above half the energy the infant demands. Moreover, fat is one of the most essential nutrients for brain tissue development during infancy. However, the effect of maternal nutritional status, including dietary intake, on human milk fat levels is not well investigated, particularly in developing nations. This study aimed to assess the level of human milk fat and [...]

by Unni Santhosh  and Jalees Ahmad

Received: 06 September 2023;  Published: 01 December 2023;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2304035

The results of stress analysis of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) vane using a physics-based model developed for two-dimensional woven CMCs are presented. The model considers the inherent defects and micromechanical damage in woven CMCs along with time-dependent deformation of the constituents. Predictions include damage state under general load conditions and the global deformation response of the vane. Strain-gage data from burst tests are compared to strain predictions obtained using the model. Results from tim [...]

by Melania Formisano  and Giandomenico Corrado

Received: 11 June 2019;  Published: 23 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1903086

Background: DNA typing has revolutionized not only diagnostics and forensics but also how we can analyze food. A number of techniques have been successfully applied for DNA analysis of plant-derived food. However, unlike forensics, a universally employed method has not yet emerged. Methods: A keyword-based search was performed using the ISI-Web of Science database to look for research articles on DNA testing in agri-food chain. After screening and eligibility check, a Systematic Review was compiled focusing on the [...]

by Vladimir Bashkin  , Andrey Alekseev  , Boris Levin  and Evgenia Mescherova

Received: 17 October 2022;  Published: 28 January 2023;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2301012

The review article discusses the application of biogeochemical technologies aimed at restoring biogeochemical cycles in agroecosystems, primarily in the microbial link regulating CO2 flows. The factors of management this microbial link when applying mineral and organic fertilizers are shown. The processes of mineralization of soil organic matter and methods of controlling soil's conjugate carbon- and nitrogen-mineralizing ability are considered. The changes in the productivity of agricultural ecosystems under c [...]

by Valérie Morin-Alain  , Eddy Larouche  , Anne-Marie Chouinard  , Marie-Claude Audet  , Sonia Goulet  , Louis-Simon Rousseau  and Carol Hudon

Received: 23 November 2019;  Published: 17 April 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2002022

Peripheral inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dysregulations in circulating levels of different inflammatory mediators are detectable as early as the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) stage towards AD. Depressive symptoms, another risk factor of AD, are often found in individuals with MCI and associated with heightened levels of peripheral inflammatory mediators. Diminution in depressive symptoms and alterations of peripheral inflammation profiles have been obs [...]

by Ashley Schumaker  , Rachel Klauber  , Margaret Aasen  , Michael Padua  and Edwin Meresh

Received: 07 December 2021;  Published: 24 April 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2202121

Catatonia and malignant catatonia may result in devastating and life-threatening complications like pulmonary embolisms, pneumonia, deep venous thrombosis, rhabdomyolysis, and even death. There have been documented cases implicating alcohol withdrawal as a significant culprit in catatonia. Here, we provide a unique case report of a patient with a complicated medical course, who subsequently developed malignant catatonia secondary to severe alcohol withdrawal, and was successfully treated using both first line treat [...]

by Sydney Rudowski  , Cornelius F. Boerkoel  , Miao He  and Shibani Kanungo

Received: 20 April 2023;  Published: 05 October 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2304195

After the completion of the human genome project, there have been many advances in the field of genetics. With next generation sequencing, patients can undergo genomic analysis through whole exome or whole genome testing. These comprehensive tests can shorten the diagnostic odyssey and guide medical management and thereby potentially reduce mortality and morbidity. To date, parents and physicians have reported positive perceptions of using these genomic testing even when a diagnosis is not made. Remaining challenge [...]

by Spinello Antinori  and Laura Milazzo

Received: 28 October 2018;  Published: 15 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1901039

Solid organ transplantation (SOT) is increasingly employed worldwide to treat several diseases causing both acute and chronic organ failure. Recipients of SOT are at an increased risk to develop infections as a consequence of immunosuppressive therapy. Sometimes such infections may be acquired by the transplanted organ or by reactivation of a previously acquired latent infection. The globalization and the increase of international travel poses a risk for exposure to infections such as Chagas disease (CD), leishmani [...]

by Elizabeth F. Wallin  , Michelle A. Linterman  and Kathryn J. Wood

Received: 02 June 2019;  Published: 19 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1903079

Background: T follicular helper (Tfh) and regulatory (Tfr) cells are key players in the formation of long-lived antibody responses. Their circulating counterparts, cTfh and cTfr, are often used as biomarkers because longitudinal sampling of secondary lymphoid tissues is unfeasible in clinical studies. This is the first study to track cTfh and cTfr cells following therapeutic lymphocyte depletion with alemtuzumab, an anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody, to infer the influence of this treatment on the germinal centre respo [...]

by Jamie A. Chin  and Wilson C. Chin

Received: 12 February 2022;  Published: 23 May 2022;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2202018

Flows in multi-branch piping systems are modeled for linear Newtonian and nonlinear Power Law, Bingham Plastic and Herschel-Bulkley fluids. The nonlinear models are often used to describe multiphase fluids consisting of liquid and solid phases, including cement slurries and drilling muds in petroleum engineering. Rheological and heterogeneous multiphase effects are important to blood flows in single and bifurcated arteries, capillaries and veins – biological applications are also emphasized to highlight their incre [...]

by Jazael Ballina  and Yun Ii Go

Received: 15 September 2024;  Published: 02 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2501001

Performance degradation, including system deterioration, corrosion, and energy loss in solar PV systems, can be caused by environmental conditions such as high humidity, frequent rainfall, and temperature swings in tropical nations. Over the years, photovoltaic energy has been successfully developed to have low production costs and high efficiency. It has been the main reason that solar energy is one of the fastest-growing renewable energies in the world, with a generation of 821 TWh of electricity since 2021, repr [...]