by Maria Alonso-González  , José Fernando Rubio-Valle  , Victor Perez-Puyana  , Mercedes Jiménez-Rosado  and Alberto Romero

Received: 01 November 2019;  Published: 26 February 2020;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2001004

The present study deals with the development of scaffolds based on gelatin (G) and/or chitosan (CH) through modifications in the central processing method. This process consists of the fabrication of a hydrogel which is, then submitted to a freeze-drying stage. To compare the effects of the different modifications, the mechanical properties of the various systems were characterized, employing both dynamic compressive strain and frequency sweep tests. In addition, their porosity as well as the structure and fiber di [...]

by Siera Sylvester  , Jalaycia Hughes  and Clayton Clark II

Received: 23 March 2022;  Published: 07 June 2022;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2202023

Building performance is often expressed according to primary energy use; however studies should also include environmental load. To mitigate the effects of increased CO2 emissions, green building designs are now increasingly popular options for stakeholders. In contrast, impacts of green design parameters, building performance assessment, and design optimization objectives are not addressed sufficiently for American infrastructure. Designing low-energy architecture to minimize carbon emissions requires thoughtful a [...]

by Shili Lin  and Hengrui Luo

Received: 23 May 2018;  Published: 10 December 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.1804053

DNA methylation is an epigenetic change that is not only important in normal cell development, but also plays a significant role in human health and disease. Therefore, studies of DNA methylation have been actively pursued to clarify the precise role of this modification in disease etiology and its potential as a biomarker of disease. One key issue in analyzing DNA methylation data is the detection of significant differences in methylation levels between diseased individuals and healthy controls. In recent years, m [...]

by Ethan Fitzgerald  , Dorian Mateusz Kusyk  and Nestor D Tomycz

Received: 02 December 2020;  Published: 30 April 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2102170

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide, and represents a significant cause of cognitive decline, disability, and mortality. Ongoing clinical trials continue to investigate β-amyloid targeted therapy with unclear benefit, and we are currently limited to symptomatic treatment. Therefore, there is a salient need for the development of novel, potentially disease-modifying therapeutic strategies such as deep brain stimulation. This manuscript reviews Deep Brain Stimulation in Alzheimer’s Dis [...]

by Jane Anastassopoulou  , Ioannis Mamarelis  and Theophile Theophanides

Received: 07 March 2021;  Published: 12 October 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2104180

In the present study, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to investigate the formation and development of carotid artery atherosclerosis. The FTIR spectra showed that with the progression of atheromatic plaque formation, the collagen changed its native structure from ɑ-helix to random coil, amyloid, and cross-links. The infrared spectra and SEM analysis of carotid arteries showed that higher than 65% of the atheromatic plaque in patients with stenosis cons [...]

by Holly Hazlett-Stevens

Received: 12 April 2022;  Published: 07 June 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2202022

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) teaches mindfulness meditation to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and related forms of distress among a variety of patients. Much research has documented statistically significant reductions across a variety of self-report measures following MBSR, but researchers rarely assessed and reported the clinical significance of MBSR symptom reduction in accordance with specific criteria famously established by Jacobson and Truax [1]. Patients reporting symptoms of anxiety, depr [...]

by Jozélio Freire de Carvalho

Received: 10 September 2025;  Published: 10 October 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2504043

Transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a non-invasive method that regulates the autonomic nervous system via electrical stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. Recent literature demonstrates that taVNS can decrease systemic inflammation, attenuate emotional disorders, modulate autonomic functions, and facilitate neural plasticity. This review examines the neurophysiological mechanisms of taVNS, including stimulation paradigms (short- and intensive, prolonged), and clinical findi [...]

by T V Ramachandra  , Bharath Setturu  , Karthik R. Naik  and Jagadessha B Pai

Received: 29 December 2021;  Published: 22 April 2022;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2202014

Ecologically susceptible zones (ESZs) are endowed with the distinct bio, geo, climatic, hydrological, and ecological integrity that sustain natural resources to support the livelihood of dependent populations. However, globalization and consequent anthropogenic activities have led to the erosion of the natural resource base and enhanced the levels of pollutants, triggering global environmental change, evident from changes in the climate. Alterations in the structure and the ecological integrity of ESZs may lead to [...]

by Lynne Uhl  , Taye H. Hamza  , Terry Gernsheimer  and Sherrill J. Slichter

Received: 30 December 2021;  Published: 26 April 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.2202158

In the multi-institutional platelet dose trial (PLADO Trial), there were 1,077 hematology/oncology patients ≥18 years of age who received at least one platelet transfusion. These patients were analyzed for types and severity of organ system bleeding based on baseline patient characteristics, laboratory assays, primary diagnosis, and type of treatment. Patients were randomly assigned to receive one of three different prophylactic platelet doses for morning platelet counts of ≤10 × 109 /L. Daily assessmen [...]

by Junhyeong T. Park  , Junseong A. Park  , Igor F. Tsigelny  and Valentina L. Kouznetsova

Received: 07 December 2021;  Published: 13 February 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2201147

The occurrence of various mutation patterns, such as changes in the DNA sequence and the loss of some sequences, is called a “mutational signature,” and they represent the molecular fingerprints that exist for the type of mutation occurring in a specific gene. Our study elucidates the correlations of mutational signatures in frequently mutated cancer genes with general mutational signatures previously found for different cancers. We hypothesized that the top twenty most frequently mutated genes (MFMG) of a cancer t [...]

by Thaninee Prasoppokakorn  , Supachaya Sriphoosanaphan  , Nutbordee Nalinthassanai  , Thitaporn Roongrawee  , Pongtorn Hanboonkunupakarn  , Pisit Tangkijvanich  and Rungsun Rerknimitr

Received: 08 December 2023;  Published: 02 February 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2401013

Reports indicate that Andrographolide inhibits viral replication and reduces COVID-19 symptoms. This study aimed to determine Andrographolide's additional effect and safety in mild COVID-19 patients treated with favipiravir. A multicenter, open-labeled, randomized controlled trial was conducted from October 2021 to February 2022. The patients were randomized to receive a combination of Andrographolide and favipiravir or favipiravir monotherapy. The primary outcome was the occurrence rate of severe pneumonia. The se [...]

by Jigar Jogia  , Fatma Anwahi  , Shaikha Aburehaima  , Alia Sharif  and Veena Kumari

Received: 09 November 2023;  Published: 28 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2402220

The prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and stress range between 5% to 70% globally. Many students experience these mental health conditions as they go through transitional periods in life, such as starting higher education. This study aimed to explore mental health concerns, specifically depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of sleep, in Emirati female university students, a topic that has been understudied in the Middle East. We used the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-21) and the Pittsburgh [...]

by Tina Huang  , Tony Hung  , S. Irene Kim  and Ka Kit Hui

Received: 07 October 2019;  Published: 02 March 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2001011

Acupuncture has increasingly been used to address a variety of symptoms in patients with cancer. Here we present a case to illustrate the use of acupuncture in a 35-year-old female with metastatic breast cancer who presented to the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine (CEWM) with physical and psychological symptom clusters of insomnia, anxiety, and joint pain.

by Masahiro Sato  , Yuki Kiyokawa  , Emi Inada  , Eri Akasaka  , Satoshi Watanabe  and Issei Saitoh

Received: 15 March 2021;  Published: 04 November 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.2104155

Although the aging process expands the adipose tissue habitation in mice and due to its close association with the female reproductive system, it can be easily exposed surgically under anesthesia when reproductive organs (including ovary, oviduct, and part of the uterus) are pulled and exposed onto the dorsal skin. This study aimed to consider the suitability of adipose tissue as a target for manipulation, particularly for the grafting of cells or small-sized tissue sections due to its ease of handling. Subsequentl [...]

by Andre Cardim de Aguiar  and Soraya Giovanetti El-Deir

Received: 09 May 2022;  Published: 20 September 2022;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2203034

The presence of shopping malls causes a social, economic, and environmental impact. The bibliometric analysis is a valuable method used to dentify published research papers, and understand historic information published in scientific journals. This method can be used to carry out qualitative and quantitative analyses of scientific production on a specific subject. This analytical method primarily focuses on analyzing the bibliometric study of the solid waste management method used in shopping malls. A small number [...]

by Scott A. Trudeau  and Megan E. Gately

Received: 08 February 2021;  Published: 30 April 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2102169

The Reading Buddies Program was developed as a service-learning component of an Occupational Therapy Practice with Older Adults course as a collaboration between Tufts University and the VA Bedford Health Care System. The purpose of this service-learning program was to challenge graduate students’ implicit biases and improve communication skills when working with older adults with significant cognitive impairments. Through this collaboration, occupational therapy students provided individualized, activity-based car [...]

by Michael Frass

Received: 07 April 2018;  Published: 20 April 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1802004

Oncology patients often suffer from the side-effects of conventional therapy, such as chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgery. Additive complementary medicine, such as homeopathy might be beneficial in the support of these patients. Several case reports as well as some studies have suggested the beneficial effects of homeopathy in cancer patients. Furthermore, homeopathy may also be helpful in improving quality of life (QoL). Homeopathic remedies also offer the advantage that they can be combined with a variety of c [...]

by Siva Mahendran  , Paramit Chowdhury  , Ronan Breen  , Grainne d’Ancona  and Heather J. Milburn

Received: 14 August 2020;  Published: 08 March 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.2101137

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have an increased risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) compared to those with normal renal function. The reasons for this are well described, but include impaired cellular immunity, a high incidence of co-morbid conditions as well as the concomitant use of immunosuppressive medications. Ethnicity as well as socio-economic factors also prevail. Expert guidelines recommend TB chemoprophylaxis in renal transplant recipients deemed at high risk – invariably those from ethnic m [...]

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 Lennaert Zwart  , Tjeerd Germans  , Suat Simsek  , Jaap Ruiter  and René Jansen

Received: 22 May 2019;  Published: 26 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903071

Background: Geriatric patients are at risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke, and the risk of oral anticoagulation (OAC) related bleeding is also presumed to be higher. Detailed knowledge about the prevalence of AF and bleeding pattern in this population is scarce. This study sought to assess the prevalence of AF, use of OAC, and the rate of major bleeding in geriatric patients who are prone to frequent falls. We expect to find a higher prevalence of AF among geriatric patients compared to elderly people of co [...]

by Daniela Milagros Rivas Aybar  , Wahidul Biswas  and Michele John

Received: 18 December 2024;  Published: 27 February 2025;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2501014

The construction industry, a cornerstone of global economic and social progress, is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices due to its significant environmental footprint. Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has gained attention as a renewable material for building applications, offering potential reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption. However, its broader sustainability performance remains underexplored. This study develops a comprehensive Life Cycle Sustainability Asses [...]

by Danilo Donati  , Giacomo Farì  , Federica Giorgi  , Vincenza Amoruso  , Valentina Boetto  , Riccardo Marvulli  , Laura Dell'Anna  , Andrea Bernetti  and Roberto Tedeschi

Received: 31 May 2024;  Published: 10 October 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2404248

This review examines the effectiveness of integrating botulinum toxin type A (BONT-A) with various rehabilitative strategies in treating spastic diplegia in children. The studies analyzed consistently demonstrate significant reductions in spasticity and improvements in gait when BONT-A is combined with interventions such as intensive physical therapy, serial casting, electrical stimulation, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and robotic-assisted gait training. The findings underscore the importance of personalize [...]

by Karen E. Atler  , Deana Muñoz  , Carly Knowles  , Angie Noe  , Christine A. Fruhauf  , Kathryn McGirr  , Tracy L. Nelson  and Arlene A. Schmid

Received: 18 May 2021;  Published: 05 November 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2104043

If proper self-management behaviors are not maintained, diabetes may lead to reduced quality of life (QoL), decreased engagement in everyday activities, disabling health complications, and even death. Less advantaged adults with limited income, lower education, and fewer resources find diabetes self-management (DSM) particularly challenging due to healthcare and social inequalities. DSM education is important to understanding diabetes-related behaviors and improving QoL. There are few evidence informed DSM educatio [...]

by Lauren Curry  , Meghan Pike  , Mary Lynch  , Dana Marcon  and Jana Sawynok

Received: 01 April 2019;  Published: 28 June 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1902040

Background: Qigong, traditional Chinese mind-body practices, is currently receiving increasing attention with exploration of what it is and what it does. Common elements include postures and movement, attention to breathing, and mental instructions. There is a growing literature on the health benefits of qigong in chronic pain and other conditions, and an intervention that provides benefit in multiple domains is particularly important for clinical practice. In this report, we present a case series of six individual [...]

by Vineela Nagamalla  , Jay Patel  and Mir Saleem

Received: 20 December 2020;  Published: 21 July 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2103104

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition which consists of stages of mental, memory, and cognitive decline. As it continues to stand as the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., 44 million people worldwide are affected. The objective of this paper is to explore the risk factors for AD in an attempt to examine potential causes for the incidence of AD. We examined genetics, lifestyle, and pre-existing conditions as risk factors for AD. We found that there are various alleles, such as APP, P [...]