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 Adam K. Morrison  , Robert J. Gajarski  , Ashley Hodge  , Sara Fitzgerald-Butt  , Peter Baker  , Patrick M. McConnell  and Deipanjan Nandi

Received: 21 May 2019;  Published: 26 March 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.2001105

Left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) is a rare form of heritable cardiomyopathy with wide genotypic variability, numerous phenotypic variations, and a wide spectrum of clinical disease from asymptomatic to end stage heart failure. Here, we present a case of a 2-year-old boy who presented to their pediatrician with a cough as a first clinical sign of heart failure, rapidly progressing to severe heart failure. He was found to have mixed LVNC with a restrictive phenotype, a rare phenotype of this form [...]

by Owen Sedej  , Eric Mbonimpa  , Trevor Sleight  and Jeremy Slagley

Received: 18 February 2022;  Published: 18 August 2022;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2203027

Waste-to-Energy technologies have the potential to dramatically improve both the natural and human environment. One type of waste-to-energy technology that has been successful is gasification. There are numerous types of gasification processes and in order to drive understanding and the optimization of these systems, traditional approaches like computational fluid dynamics software have been utilized to model these systems. The modern advent of machine learning models has allowed for accurate and computationally ef [...]

by Christiana Polyzou  , Glykeria Loupa  and Spyridon Rapsomanikis

Received: 25 January 2021;  Published: 04 May 2021;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2102007

Gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) was monitored in the atmosphere of a coastal site situated in the Northern Aegean Sea of Greece from August 2014 to January 2015. The selected sampling site is seldom impacted by human activities. Thus, it was possible to study the processes involved in natural terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric environments. The diurnal and monthly variations in the concentration of GEM as well as the factors influencing these variations were determined. The GEM concentrations were found to be in [...]

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 Sylvia Kirchengast

Received: 23 June 2019;  Published: 08 October 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904077

Background: All over the world we are confronted with an absolute and relative increase in the proportion of older people. In order to develop strategies to keep older people healthy and independent as long as possible, analyses of factors influencing health related quality of life (HRQL) during old age are necessary. The aim of this review is to present the results of three projects carried out in Austria by the author focusing on the impact of social contact and physical activity on HRQL. Methods: The standardize [...]

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 Kwang Poo Chang  , Dennis K.P. Ng  , Chia-Kwung Fan  , Ramesh B. Batchu  and Bala K. Kolli

Received: 29 December 2019;  Published: 24 February 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2001103

The parasitic protozoa in the genus of Leishmania have exceptionally favorable attributes for exploitation as a vehicle for safe and effective delivery of transgenically incorporated vaccines against infectious and malignant diseases. A dual suicidal mechanism was installed in Leishmania via genetic and chemical engineering in vitro for accumulation of photosensitizers, rendering them sensitive to dim light for inactivation. Leishmania so inactivated are non-viable, but immunologically competent to deliver vaccines [...]

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 Ampere A. Tseng

Received: 21 January 2024;  Published: 13 March 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2401019

The aim of this article is to provide a quantitative assessment of the correlation between heightened mindfulness and stress reduction among cancer patients and survivors who engaged in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) interventions. Utilizing data from eight studies, we conducted quantitative analyses to provide the effectiveness scores of MBSR interventions on mindfulness, assessed using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and stress symptoms, evaluated through standardized self-reported questi [...]

by Gilbert Ahamer

Received: 07 December 2023;  Published: 13 May 2024;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2402011

The present need for an energy transition in the wake of a global climate catastrophe led to the “EU green deal” which requires a transition of the energy system in all countries. This study aimis survey aims to identify strategies within such an energy transition based on global trend analyses and reports on available technologies for implementation. Based on a literature analysis of over 300 pieces (of feasibility studies and technology implementation reports with a focus on Central Europe) and a statistical anal [...]

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 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 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 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 Marzouk lajili

Received: 05 November 2021;  Published: 19 January 2022;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2201005

The emission of greenhouse gases, specifically CO2, has reached non-acceptable levels causing global warming with adverse effects. Owing to rigorous ongoing research, these harmful substances might be converted to beneficial sources. The main objective of this study was to review the most effective processes that might utilize carbon dioxide to produce various substances, chemicals, and energy. For this, different existing and projected short-term and long-term strategies have been presented and discussed. Specific [...]

by Roy G Beran

Received: 30 November 2022;  Published: 13 February 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2301223

This paper reviews the relationship between RBD and PD and the pathophysiology. Most RBD patients develop PD within 14 years. PD pathophysiology is α-synucleinopathy with dopamine degeneration in nigrostriatal pathways. RBD pathology is poorly understood. Anomalies suggest RBD and PD are different, evidenced by smoking. RBD and PD are associated with glucocerebrosidase gene mutations (GBA gene), suggesting RDB with GBA gene mutation predicts PD. PET imaging, assessing vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), inde [...]

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 Joep Geraedts

Received: 05 June 2018;  Published: 23 July 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1803024

Both preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and prenatal diagnosis (PND) are powerful tools to tackle the transmission of inherited disorders carried by families from generation to generation. Here, we present an overview of the current landscape of both methods and identify the pros and cons of each of these reproductive options. In prenatal testing, non-invasive diagnostic methods have become available as an alternative for invasive diagnosis. Different genome sequencing strategies have now been introduced that en [...]

by Ting-fen Lin  , Deanna Linville  , Rhonda N T Nese  , John Seeley  and Samantha Shune

Received: 21 June 2023;  Published: 19 December 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2304059

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) impacts the physiological and psycho-emotional aspects of life. COPD-related secondary sequelae also synergistically interact with each other. For example, dyspnea affects the severity of breath, body functions, and the mind (e.g., anxiety, panic, fear). Such negative psycho-emotional states can further negatively impact the breath and the body (e.g., increased dyspnea). Given the breadth of the impact of COPD on multiple facets of health and well-being, it is essential [...]

by Danielle Graham  , Takahiro Ito  , Ronald Busuttil  and Fady Kaldas

Received: 05 May 2019;  Published: 29 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.hg.1903029

Acute pancreatitis is a highly morbid condition widely recognized and well-defined in the general population. In this article, we summarize the current literature on acute pancreatitis in the setting of solid organ transplant axiom, including patients who are listed for or have undergone transplantation. The literature is summarized by organ transplant type, including cardiac, lung, pancreas, kidney, intestine, and liver. Our review suggests that providers should have a high index of suspicion for acute pancreatiti [...]

by Gidon Eshel

Received: 03 August 2020;  Published: 25 December 2020;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2004005

Environmentally motivated voluntary diet modifications are the focus of much research and public discourse. Yet the nuanced multi-faceted, multi-dimensional nature of agriculture-earth interactions, and limited public environmental knowledge likely combine to undermine the efficacy of environmentally motivated dietary shifts, squandering limited good will. To counter this, here I devise two related indices for crudely estimating importance of various environmental impacts of alternative dietary choices. Based on th [...]

by Ioannis Syros  , Panagiota Pervanidou  , Charis Liapi  , Filia Apostolakou  , George P Chrousos  and Gerasimos Kolaitis

Received: 01 March 2020;  Published: 11 June 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2002060

Data available on possible associations of lipids, steroid levels, and depression are conflicting. This study investigated their possible associations in a sample of youth with depression. Ninety-eight youth with depression and individually matched healthy volunteers on the basis of age and sex were enrolled for the study. The two groups had nearly similar body mass index. After fasting overnight, they underwent blood sampling for triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprot [...]

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 Anita Verma  , Katharina Sophia Weigel  , Sim You Kuan Dexter  and Anil Dhawan

Received: 26 March 2018;  Published: 29 May 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.1802009

Invasive fungal infections (IFI) remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in hospitalized and immunocompromised or critically ill patients. The incidence of IFIs has been declining in liver transplant recipients (LTR). This is likely due to the evolving immunosuppressive drug regimens, improved surgical techniques and targeted antifungal prophylaxis. However, IFI still contribute to high mortality and are associated with high economic burden due to consumption of costly newer antifungal agen [...]