Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing最新文献

{"title":"Effect of acupressure and acupuncture on sleep quality in cancer patients with insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Yasamin Khosravaninezhad ,&nbsp;Reza Moshfeghinia ,&nbsp;Leila Liaghat ,&nbsp;Hamid Ghazipoor ,&nbsp;Yasamin Kaheni ,&nbsp;Amin Javidan ,&nbsp;Yeganeh Mirzaee ,&nbsp;Adib Azadmehr ,&nbsp;Yussef Hashemi ,&nbsp;Mehdi Pasalar","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103192","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103192","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Cancer patients frequently experience insomnia, adversely affecting their quality of life. This study aimed to systematically review and analyse the effectiveness and safety of acupressure and acupuncture in improving sleep quality among cancer patients suffering from insomnia, providing evidence for non-pharmacological treatment options.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Several digital databases (Scopus, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Medline, Cochrane library, PsycINFO, CINAHL complete, and Google Scholar) were examined for English-language records. Inclusion criteria involved randomized controlled trials assessing the impact of acupressure or acupuncture on cancer patients with insomnia. The Cochrane Collaboration's instrument was employed to evaluate the quality of the encompassed studies. For meta-analysis, a model that accounts for variability among studies was favoured, and statistical analysis was conducted using Stata software version 17.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This review analysed 13 randomized controlled trials involving 806 cancer patients. The analysis indicated that sleep quality didn’t differ significantly between treatment and control groups. However, sleep efficacy was significantly higher in the treatment group (SMD [95 % CI] = 0.43 [0.21, 0.65]). Additionally, total sleep time showed a significantly higher extent in the treatment group (SMD [95 % CI] = 0.58 [0.24, 0.92]). No significant differences were found for depression or sleep onset latency between groups, while anxiety levels were lower in the treatment group (SMD [95 % CI] = -0.52 [-0.90, -0.15]).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The review suggests that acupressure and acupuncture enhance sleep quality in cancer patients suffering from insomnia, showing notable benefits during follow-up, especially among Asian participants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103192"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144178764","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Traditional Chinese medicine as an alternative therapy for chronic immune thrombocytopenia in children: A case report","authors":"Hsin Tan ,&nbsp;Shi-Chen Ou ,&nbsp;Tung-Ti Chang","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103190","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103190","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Treating children with chronic, refractory immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) remains a challenging issue. Conventional treatments, such as glucocorticoids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), are commonly used; however, some patients exhibit a poor response to these interventions. Throughout the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), numerous texts have documented the use of herbal decoctions to treat hematologic diseases; thereby offering an alternative management strategy for children with chronic ITP.</div></div><div><h3>Case presentation</h3><div>This report describes a 6-year-and-1-month-old girl with chronic ITP who showed limited response to glucocorticoids and IVIG. Following complementary therapy with a traditional Chinese medicine formula, she achieved a sustained platelet response that was maintained within a safe range, averaging 50,000/μL, over the subsequent three years, with no signs of bleeding.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The pathophysiology of ITP is linked to antiplatelet antibodies and a lack of immune suppression. Scientific studies have shown that TCM formulations, such as Guipi Decoction, Ziyin Jianghou Decoction, and Shengxuexiaoban Capsules, possess immunoregulatory effects that help restore platelet production while exerting anti-inflammatory and hematopoietic properties. For pediatric patients with chronic or refractory ITP, integrative approaches, including TCM, may offer additional therapeutic benefits by enhancing platelet counts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103190"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144125393","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Herbal hazards: Unveiling the dark side of unknown botanical remedies","authors":"Agnelo Lucamba ,&nbsp;Ricardo Grillo ,&nbsp;Luzolo Filipe ,&nbsp;Mariana Aparecida Brozoski","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103191","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103191","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>In some areas, patients often turn to traditional remedies, including local herbs, due to the lack of medical resources. However, the flora in many regions remains largely uncataloged, posing significant risks due to the unknown properties and potential toxicities of these plants.</div></div><div><h3>Case report</h3><div>The case report presented describes a female patient from Angola who suffered severe facial disfigurement and visual impairment after using <em>filanganga</em> to treat an odontogenic abscess. The herb's corrosive effects underscore the dangers of unverified traditional remedies. This case highlights the critical need for healthcare professionals to be aware of the potential risks associated with unclassified herbs, particularly in regions where traditional medicine is prevalent.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The article advocates for comprehensive research to catalog local flora and for public health campaigns to educate patients on the risks of using unverified herbal treatments. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of balancing respect for cultural practices with the need for scientific validation to ensure patient safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103191"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144107103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Topical chamomile oil as a novel therapeutic intervention for diabetic neuropathy: A randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial","authors":"Mohammad Amiri ,&nbsp;Mohammad Hossein Imani ,&nbsp;Amir Hossein Imani ,&nbsp;Hanieh Bazrafshan ,&nbsp;Mehdi Bazrafshan ,&nbsp;Hossein Molavi Vardanjani ,&nbsp;Mohammad Ebrahim Zohalinezhad","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103189","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103189","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Diabetic neuropathy, a prevalent complication of diabetes mellitus, significantly impairs quality of life due to chronic pain and sensory deficits. Conventional pharmacotherapies, while effective, are often limited by systemic adverse effects. Chamomile (<em>Matricaria chamomilla L</em>.) oil, renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties, presents a promising topical alternative for mitigating neuropathic symptoms.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of topical chamomile oil in improving neuropathy indices among patients with controlled diabetes, as measured by validated clinical tools.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted involving 72 participants with diabetic neuropathy. Participants were allocated to either the intervention group (chamomile oil) or the control group (placebo), with both groups continuing standard gabapentin therapy. Neuropathy outcomes were assessed using Neurothesiometer scores, the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), and the DN4 questionnaire at baseline and post-intervention. ANCOVA was employed to analyze intergroup differences, adjusting for baseline covariates.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The chamomile oil group exhibited statistically significant improvements in neuropathy indices compared to the placebo group (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). Post-intervention, reductions in Neurothesiometer scores (mean difference: −1.14 ± 0.42), MNSI (−1.89 ± 0.31), and DN4 (−1.97 ± 0.28) were observed in the intervention group, with no comparable changes in controls. ANCOVA confirmed the robustness of these findings (<em>F</em> = 6.72, <em>p</em> = 0.012).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Topical chamomile oil significantly alleviates neuropathic symptoms in diabetic patients, offering a safe and adjunctive therapeutic option. Its mechanism may involve modulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, warranting further investigation into long-term benefits and molecular targets.</div></div><div><h3>Trial registration</h3><div>This trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT), registration number <strong>IRCT20240611062090N1</strong>. The full protocol is available at <span><span>www.irct.ir</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103189"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144147430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of Baduanjin exercise on pulmonary function, quality of life, psychological well-being and exercise tolerance in postoperative patients with non-small cell lung cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials","authors":"Zhenlong Yan,&nbsp;Meng Chen,&nbsp;Junjie Tao,&nbsp;Yuchuan Wang,&nbsp;Ping Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103186","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103186","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To evaluate the influence of engaging in Baduanjin exercise on pulmonary function, quality of life (QoL), mental well-being and exercise tolerance among postoperative individuals diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in eleven different electronic databases, spanning from their inception up until July 3, 2024, was conducted. Following this exhaustive search, the literature was thoroughly screened, relevant information was carefully extracted, and the potential for bias within the selected studies was critically evaluated by two independent researchers. Employing Revman 5.4 software, statistical analyses were then carried out.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A comprehensive compilation of 6 RCTs, involving a collective 540 patients diagnosed with NSCLC, was analyzed. The pooled findings revealed that engaging in Baduanjin exercise leads to a significant enhancement in forced vital capacity (FVC) (WMD=0.23, 95% CI=0.06 ∼ 0.41, <em>P</em> = 0.009), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) (WMD=0.16, 95% CI=0.00 ∼ 0.32, <em>P</em> = 0.05) in NSCLC patients, as well as QoL (WMD=24.09, 95% CI=20.68 ∼ 27.51, P&lt;0.00001) and functional well-being (WMD=6.70, 95% CI=5.50 ∼ 7.90, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.00001). Meanwhile, Baduanjin exercise reduced Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) (WMD=-9.58, 95% CI=-10.58 ∼ -8.58, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.00001) scores in patients with NSCLC. However, sensitivity analyses revealed that the results for physical well-being, social/family well-being, emotional well-being, lung cancer subscales, Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores, and 6 min walk distance (6MWD) lacked robustness. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on the intervention frequency, revealed that both 3 and 10 weekly training sessions improved 6MWD in NSCLC patients. Notably, 10 weekly training sessions (WMD=54.72, 95% CI=28.76 ∼ 80.69, P&lt;0.0001) were found to be twice as effective as 3 weekly training sessions (WMD=26.96, 95% CI=17.31 ∼ 36.61, P&lt;0.00001) in enhancing 6MWD . However, no improvement in 6MWD was observed in the 8 weekly training sessions (WMD=-18.34, 95%CI=-41.55 ∼ 4.87, P&lt;0.00001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The meta-analysis revealed that for individuals diagnosed with NSCLC, Baduanjin exercise demonstrated significant effectiveness in terms of pulmonary function enhancement, QoL elevation, anxiety alleviation and exercise endurance improvement. However, the methodological limitations significantly constrain the strength of clinical evidence. Meanwhile, the lack of robustness in some outcomes as indicated by sensitivity analyses, suggest significant constraints in the external validity and generalizability of the findings to broader populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103186"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144072585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Constructive appraisal of “retrospective case control study of microcurrent therapy in autism spectrum disorder: Behavioral outcomes and dose-response analysis”","authors":"Himanshu Shekhar,&nbsp;Parth Aphale,&nbsp;Shashank Dokania","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103185","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103185","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103185"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143931450","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Juicing: Harm to gut and oral health?","authors":"Angie Lillehei","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103171","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103171","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103171"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143928052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Masthead page","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S1550-8307(25)00071-0","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S1550-8307(25)00071-0","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103180"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143928942","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"These are four things you can do to save America","authors":"Stephan A. Schwartz","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103172","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103172","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103172"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143935968","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of Zataria multiflora on oxidative stress biomarkers and ulcerative colitis symptoms: A multicenter, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial","authors":"Mehrnaz Morvaridi ,&nbsp;Naheed Aryaeian ,&nbsp;Pezhman Alavinejad ,&nbsp;Seyed Saeed Seyedian ,&nbsp;Mehri Ghafourian ,&nbsp;Nima Bakhtiari ,&nbsp;Maryam Seyedtabib","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103170","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103170","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC), contributing to mucosal damage and inflammation. <em>Zataria multiflora</em> possesses antioxidant properties, yet clinical evidence regarding its effects in UC remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of <em>Z. multiflora</em> extract on oxidative stress markers and disease severity in UC patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 92 patients with mild-to-moderate UC were randomly assigned to receive either <em>Z. multiflora</em> extract (6 mg/kg/day) or a placebo for two months. Oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and thiol groups (SH), were measured before and after treatment. Disease severity was assessed using the Partial Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (P-SCCAI).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><em>Z. multiflora</em> supplementation significantly increased TAC (p = 0.01), SOD (p = 0.02), and SH (p = 0.01) levels, indicating enhanced antioxidant defenses. However, MDA levels did not significantly decrease (p = 0.06). Clinically, the <em>Z. multiflora</em> group exhibited significant improvements in bowel frequency (p &lt; 0.001), urgency of defecation (p &lt; 0.001), general well-being (p &lt; 0.001), and final P-SCCAI scores (p &lt; 0.001) compared to the placebo group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>Z. multiflora</em> supplementation improved antioxidant markers and alleviated UC symptoms, though MDA levels remained unchanged. These findings suggest its potential as a complementary therapy for UC. Further large-scale, long-term studies are warranted to confirm its efficacy and optimize dosing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103170"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143901888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}