by Joanna E. Witkin  , Ekaterina Denkova  , Anthony P. Zanesco  , Alexandra B. Morrison  , Joshua Rooks  , Jane Carpenter  , Michael Baime  and Amishi P. Jha

Received: 24 August 2021;  Published: 06 April 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2202016

Mindfulness training (MT) has been shown to benefit sustained attention and mind wandering. Yet, few studies have examined whether benefits differ as a function of individual differences in mind wandering. The sustained attention to response task (SART) measured task accuracy (A'), response time variability (response time intraindividual coefficient of variation, ICV), and self-reported mind wandering in participants before (T1) and after (T2) a 1-month MT retreat (n = 56), as well as in a control group (n = 32) wh [...]

by Ezekiel Ijaopo  and Ruth Ijaopo

Received: 26 April 2018;  Published: 27 August 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1803010

With increased life expectancy coupled with falling birth rate, issues concerning population ageing have vital outcomes and effects for all aspects of human life particularly as it relates to older people’s health and health care. Among these issues are oral health diseases which present as major public health concerns and constitute significant burden to all regions of the world. FDI World Dental Federation in 2018, states that 90% of the entire world’s population will be afflicted by oral health problems in their [...]

by Supriya Rattan  , Derek Fawcett  , M. Tennant  , Joanna Granich  and Gerrard Eddy Jai Poinern

Received: 02 November 2020;  Published: 05 March 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2101007

To date, many studies have examined the development and use of novel materials, enhancing the performance of existing dental composites and improving methods for restoring tooth structure. In recent years, nanotechnology-based techniques have been used to develop a variety of nanomaterial-based dental products aimed at conservative dentistry applications. These new nanomaterial-based materials offer improved physicochemical and mechanical properties, combined with enhanced aesthetics that makes them superior restor [...]

by Karolina Bryl  and Jacelyn Biondo

Received: 25 August 2021;  Published: 26 November 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2104052

Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is a strengths-based approach to psychotherapy that uses dance and movement as the primary form of communication, while emphasizing the movement relationship in addition to verbal dialogue. Positive and negative symptomatology of a diagnosis on the schizophrenia spectrum often disrupt organized thinking, orientation to reality, overall functioning, communication, and healthy relationships. Therefore, a body-based psychotherapeutic approach can be a pragmatic way to support, join, and pr [...]

by Leslyn Keith  and Robert Erkstam

Received: 11 January 2023;  Published: 17 March 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2301016

Lymphedema, a chronic incurable condition characterized by edema, inflammation, reactive fibrosis, adipose proliferation, and compromised immune function, affects over 250 million people worldwide [1]. Further, a comorbidity of obesity increases the risk of developing lymphedema and can result in irreversible damage to lymphatic function. Access to appropriate and timely lymphedema treatment, performance of proper self-management strategies, and implementation of healthy lifestyle practices are critical for optimal [...]

by Richard Sarnat

Received: 09 March 2018;  Published: 12 April 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1802003

While “miraculous healings” of various disease states have been scientifically reported previously, the exact mechanism, which allow for these seeming miracles or spontaneous remissions is poorly understood. [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15] By contrast, the mechanism of action underlying the “miraculous healings” in the three case studies reported herein: Sarcoidosis, Chronic Lyme disease and Fibromyalgia seems to be understood with greater clarity, as these case reports are representative of the many hundreds [...]

by Syed Ali Muslim

Received: 05 February 2021;  Published: 19 July 2021;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2103034

This article offers the summary of detailed literature review on the state of the art of simulation tools for building energy and power system research. The fundamental capabilities required for building energy and power system analysis tools are outlined. A comparative review of different energy simulation tools is presented, along with the summary of their strengths and weaknesses. A review of energy simulation tool rankings using evidence-based research is presented. A novel aspect of this article is the investi [...]

by Clare Northover  , Jack Deacon  , John King  and Chris Irons

Received: 21 September 2021;  Published: 21 December 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2104056

The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and feasibility of a newly designed online self-compassion training programme for the general public. Two hundred and forty-nine participants were randomly assigned to have either immediate or delayed access to a four-week online self-compassion training programme. This programme was based on Compassionate Mind Training and was made up of psychoeducational sessions and in-between session practices and readings. Out of the 179 participants who completed the pre-interve [...]

by Methee Phumthum  and Henrik Balslev

Received: 25 April 2018;  Published: 24 September 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1803020

Background: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder and a serious global health problem. Over 400 million people suffer from diabetes and it is estimated that the number will dramatically increase in the future. The cost of diabetes treatment for individual patients is very high. However, traditional knowledge could be used to support conventional diabetes treatments. Here, we identify medicinal plants that have been used as treatments for diabetes based on Thai ethnobotanical knowledge. Methods: We present a literature r [...]

by Ala'a A. AI-yyan  , Ayat A. ELayan  and Mohammad Saleh

Received: 28 February 2024;  Published: 16 June 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2402226

The progressive muscle relaxation technique (PMRT) is an active method that is defined as a technique through which individuals gradually cause a feeling of quietness and coolness by actively contracting and loosening specific muscle groups. The purpose of this study was to review the effectiveness of using progressive muscle relaxation techniques on quality of life, stress, and anxiety levels among Acute Myocardial Infarction patients. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (2013-2023). Databases of P [...]

by Robert L. Conder  , Christopher Friesen  and Alanna A. Conder

Received: 30 November 2018;  Published: 20 March 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901039

Background: While the percent of persons 65 and older is expected to increase to 17% of the world’s population by 2050, this increase in longevity does not necessarily suggest a parallel increase in health status. While aging is an inevitable aspect of living, there are factors which can accelerate morbidity and mortality, as well as factors likely to promote a healthy transition into longevity. This paper addresses behavioural and complementary interventions for healthy neurocognitive aging. Specific evidence-base [...]

by Kazandra Lopez Hernandez  and John V. Rider

Received: 26 July 2023;  Published: 20 November 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2304053

Chronic pain imposes significant personal and societal challenges. The concerning impact across all population levels has led to several federal agencies dedicating considerable efforts to developing clinically guiding recommendations to improve how chronic pain is addressed, specifically in primary care practice. These guidelines recognize and emphasize the importance of comprehensive evaluation, appropriate diagnosis, and treatment interventions that target multifactorial influences of pain for improved quality o [...]

by Martin Igbokwe  , Olalekan Olatise  , Thelma Olatise  , Abu Sadiq  , Abayomi Aremu  , Uzodinma Onwuasoanya  , Ahmad Lawal  , Ikechukwu Anosike  , Adegboyega Faponle  , Adam Ochigbo  , Chukwunonso Epundu  , Stephen Asaolu  , Sani Al Hassan  and Rashad Hazem

Received: 19 March 2023;  Published: 19 June 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.transplant.2302189

With the rise in the population of patients with End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in Nigeria, there is an increased demand for Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) including kidney transplantation (KT). We present our initial surgical experience and early outcomes with KT at a Nigerian transplant center over 2 years. A 2-year retrospective review of patients who underwent KT was done. Data of both kidney donors and recipients were recorded in designed proformas. Extracted information included demographic characteristics, [...]

by Olga Zichnali  , Despina Moraitou  , Christos Pezirkianidis  and Anastasios Stalikas

Received: 30 October 2018;  Published: 03 April 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902044

Background: Interventions that facilitate positive actions and attitudes seem to play an important role in enhancing psychological health. This study examines the effectiveness of two self-guided interventions with the aim to enhance adults’ well-being through the cultivation of forgiveness skills. Methods: A total of 11 men and 31 women aged 34-80 years were involved (M = 56.57, S.D. = 13.44). All participants were Orthodox Christians, as the average Greeks are, without belonging to a closed religious community. T [...]

by Thierry Provencher  , Jonathan Charest  and Celyne H. Bastien

Received: 09 October 2019;  Published: 02 January 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2001001

Neuroimaging evidences point to the role of hyperarousal in the pathophysiology of insomnia. While actual treatments fail to directly target brain hyperarousal, emergent complementary therapies known as neuromodulation techniques aim to improve sleep in people with insomnia by targeting irregularities in their brain activity. In this paper, we narratively review the most relevant studies reporting the application of neuromodulation techniques to improve sleep in individuals with insomnia. Using a non-systematic app [...]

by Will P Gates  , Alastair JN MacLeod  , Andras Fehervari  , Abdelmalek Bouazza  , Daniel Gibbs  , Ryan Hackney  , Damien L Callahan  and Mathew Watts

Received: 16 September 2020;  Published: 31 December 2020;  doi: 10.21926/aeer.2004007

This review synthesises the available published research on interactions of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with landfill liners, with the view to inform on the expected behaviour of these persistent environmental pollutants in landfills. The review addresses the nature and significant types of PFAS compounds that are destined for landfills, as well as their by-product. It discusses the known and anticipated interactions with separate landfill liner components, namely geomembranes, geosynthetic clay line [...]

by Paola Stabile  , Francesco Radica  , Luigi Ranza  , Michael R. Carroll  , Carlo Santulli  and Eleonora Paris

Received: 12 December 2020;  Published: 02 March 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2101006

In this work, two types of wastes were introduced, namely, glass from municipal waste and Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW). The latter, which was obtained from rubble generated by the seismic events occurred in Central Italy in 2016, was introduced in two configurations, the single-layer and the double-layer of the cement-based Terrazzo tiles. A maximum of 77% of waste introduction was proven to be possible, therefore creating the possibility of obtaining construction products including high quantities of se [...]

by Sergey B. Yurchenko

Received: 25 May 2021;  Published: 14 July 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2103103

This article reviews the modern approaches to the quantum brain hypothesis. The aim is to consider the hypothesis and its classical brain-machine alternative from a broad perspective, including physics, biology, computer science, cosmology, and metaphysics. My starting point is that asking whether consciousness can or cannot have free will is fundamentally incorrect. This aspect is challenged by both physics and neuroscience. The paper argues that the search for conscious free will, as it is typically tested in Lib [...]

by Naireeta Deb  and Rajendra Singh

Received: 15 November 2022;  Published: 08 February 2023;  doi: 10.21926/jept.2301007

Widespread adoption of electric vehicles has presented the challenges of short range and prolonged charging time. Going forward, extremely fast charging is the only solution to these problems. However, the typical Silicon power electronics supported 400 V electric vehicle powertrain cannot live up to this challenge. Limitations include the huge cable size, heating of equipment due to high current and user safety, to name a few. In this paper, we have analyzed an 800 V EV powertrain using power electronics based on [...]

by Divya Taneja  , Madhumita Sadhukhan  , Padmalaya Rath  , Manas R Sarangi  , Renu Mittal  , Akshaya Kumar Prusty  , Deepthi Gilla  , Ashish Shivadikar  , Birendra Rawat  , Ravi Kumar Sadarla  , Gurudev Choubey  , Nidhi Mahajan  , Renu Bala  , Neha Kalra  , Anupam Mukherjee  , Anil Khurana  and Raj K. Manchanda

Received: 12 August 2022;  Published: 21 September 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2203044

Patients with psoriasis commonly opt for homeopathic treatment. However, no study has assessed the response to homeopathic treatment by using standardized disease-specific scales, and the findings are based on clinical assessments only. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response to the individualized homeopathic treatment of psoriasis with respect to changes in disease severity and quality of life based on Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI) scales, respective [...]

by Diana Veneri  and Mary Gannotti

Received: 07 October 2021;  Published: 16 May 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2202197

Chair yoga is a specific form of yoga practiced while seated on a chair, or standing using a chair for support; this adaptation allows those with impaired standing ability to practice safely. The purpose of this scoping review was to analyze the published literature regarding the use of chair/adapted yoga with older adults. Two researchers performed the review. Data sources: PubMed Central, CINAHL, Medline Full Text, Nursing and Allied Health, SPORT discus and TRIP were accessed. Study selection: Inclusion criteria [...]

by Anna Blázovics  , Botond Csorba  and Andrea Ferencz

Received: 19 May 2022;  Published: 08 August 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2203034

The most well-known phytoestrogens (flavonoids, isoflavonoids, lignans, coumestans, stilbenes, and prenylflavonoids) are isoflavonoids, which are important active ingredients in medicinal and food plants. They are highly abundant in the Fabaceae family. More than 1,000 types of isoflavonoids have been isolated from nearly 300 kinds of plants, and more are being discovered through modern analytical methods. Glycosides O and C of isoflavonoids are poorly absorbed in the intestine. They are converted by bacterial este [...]

by Xinying Hong  and Miao He

Received: 04 May 2022;  Published: 02 August 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.genet.2203161

Galactosemia is a group of hereditary disorders of galactose metabolism. Newborn screening for galactosemia type I is mandatory in all states in the US since timely intervention can prevent life-threatening sequela. The biochemical basis, clinical presentation, and potential treatment options for different types of galactosemia are described. This review has a focus on the screening methodologies, including the principle of the assay, the transition from the initial bacteria inhibition test to the modern fluorometr [...]

by Adam Spandorfer  , Katelyn Stuart  , Judy Daboul  , Gavisha Waidyaratne  and Subhankar Chakraborty

Received: 12 December 2024;  Published: 28 April 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2502309

Dysphagia in the geriatric population, age 65 or older, is increasingly common and a growing concern among healthcare providers. Not only can it critically impact quality of life, but it can also lead to clinically significant malnutrition, hospitalizations, increased length of stays, and has been shown to impact mortality. A multi-disciplinary approach to assess oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal etiologies is key to guiding targeted management, which can include behavioral modifications, medications, and endoscopic [...]

by Sana Sandhu  , Anindita Arpa  , Xi Chen  , Rahul Kumar  and Justyn Jaworski

Received: 15 September 2019;  Published: 25 November 2019;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.1904006

Increasing interest in bacterial cellulose due to the huge potential which exists for the development of this new biomaterial for medical applications has been met with recent growth in research in engineering this unique microbial manufactured material. The mechanical properties, porosity, and biocompatibility of bacterial cellulose derived biomaterials are particularly attractive for use in wound healing, tissue engineering, and drug delivery applications. Advances in synthetic biology and soft materials engineer [...]