Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing最新文献

{"title":"Efficacy of a traditional persian fruit infusion (Naqu Fawakeh) versus silymarin in reducing chemotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity in pediatric ALL: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial","authors":"Fariba Ettehadi ,&nbsp;Omid Reza Zekavat ,&nbsp;Ali Tavakkoli ,&nbsp;Foroogh Namjoyan ,&nbsp;Mehrab Sayadi ,&nbsp;Yasaman Vazani","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103265","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103265","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Maintenance-phase Chemotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity is concerned in pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) recommends <em>Naqu Fawakeh</em>, a fruit-based infusion, for liver inflammation. This study compare the effect of <em>Naqu Fawakeh</em> and silymarin on Chemotherapy side effects.</div><div>In this triple-blind, randomized clinical trial, 82 children aged 5–17 years received either <em>Naqu Fawakeh</em> (<em>n</em> = 44) or silymarin (<em>n</em> = 38) for eight weeks. Both groups were administered by 5 mL (&lt;30 kg body weight) and 10 mL (≥30 kg), three times daily after meals. Liver enzymes (AST, ALT) and chemotherapy-related symptoms (nausea, vomiting, constipation, thirst) were assessed before and after the intervention. No placebo group was included due to ethical considerations.</div><div>Both interventions significantly reduced liver enzyme levels, with a greater effect in the <em>Naqu Fawakeh</em> group. The mean difference between groups was significant for ALT (<em>P</em> = 0.029). ALT decreased significantly in the <em>Naqu Fawakeh</em> group (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) and in the silymarin group (<em>P</em> = 0.005); AST also decreased in both groups (<em>Naqu Fawakeh: P</em> = 0.005; silymarin: <em>P</em> = 0.011). Both treatments reduced nausea and vomiting within and after 24 h, as well as thirst, though the between-group mean difference was significant only for thirst (<em>P</em> = 0.001). Reductions in nausea and thirst were consistently greater in the <em>Naqu Fawakeh</em> group. No adverse renal or hematologic effects were observed.</div><div>Therfore <em>Naqu Fawakeh,</em> as a safe and supportive therapy, is more effective than silymarin in reducing liver enzyme. Further studies are confirmed findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103265"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145266360","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 effect of acupressure on polyneuropathy-related pain and sleep quality in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomised controlled trial","authors":"Fatma Gündüz-Oruç ,&nbsp;Elanur Yilmaz-Karabulutlu","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103262","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103262","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study aimed to determine the effect of acupressure on polyneuropathy-related pain and sleep quality in patients with type 2 diabetes.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>A randomized controlled experimental design was employed in the study.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study sample consisted of 86 patients with type 2 diabetes (44 in the acupressure group and 42 in the control group) who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The experimental group received six sessions of acupressure over six consecutive days, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Pain Quality Assessment Scale (PQAS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS for Windows 22.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the acupressure group, post-test mean scores of the PQAS subscales—Paroxysmal Pain (t=-8.636; p&lt;0.001), Surface Pain (t=-7.649; p&lt;0.001), and Deep Pain (t=-10.349; p&lt;0.001)—significantly decreased compared to the control group. Additionally, the acupressure group demonstrated a significant improvement in post-test PSQI total scores (U=70.000; p&lt;0.001) and sleep quality subscale scores compared to the control group, except for the Sleep Medication Use subscale (U=831.000; p=0.149), which showed no significant difference.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Acupressure was found to reduce polyneuropathy-related pain and enhance sleep quality in patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, acupressure may be considered an alternative nursing intervention for individuals with type 2 diabetes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103262"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158100","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":"Effects on plasma oxytocin and dopamine levels through a five-minute audiovisual stimulus of Greek Syrtaki: An intervention-control primary care study","authors":"Panagiotis Volkos ,&nbsp;Panagiotis Stachteas ,&nbsp;Manolis Linardakis ,&nbsp;Evangelia Skouradaki ,&nbsp;Stavroula Baritaki ,&nbsp;Sirja Koutonen ,&nbsp;Niki Malliaraki ,&nbsp;Marilena Kampa ,&nbsp;Emmanouil K Symvoulakis","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103263","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103263","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Culturally familiar or preferred music has been found to impact levels of neurotransmitters and hormones. The study aimed to explore the potential influence of an audiovisual stimulus, featuring Greek Syrtaki music, on plasma oxytocin and dopamine levels among primary care attendees and the associations between their variations, socio-demographic factors, and baseline levels of loneliness.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Eighty primary care attendees participated in the study (40 in the intervention group and 40 in the control group). Early morning blood sample collection took place between December 2023 and June 2024. Commercial ELISA kits from Abcam (Cambridge, UK) were used to measure oxytocin and dopamine levels. Syrtaki music by M. Theodorakis was provided in audiovisual format. The University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (Version 3) was used and correlated with oxytocin and dopamine levels.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Post-intervention oxytocin levels increased on average by 0.72 pg/ml (p &lt; 0.001) in 85.0 % of intervention group participants, while dopamine levels increased by 0.21 ng/ml (p = 0.001) in 67.5 % of intervention group participants. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that, for each unit increase in the loneliness scale, the odds of post-intervention elevated oxytocin and dopamine levels significantly decreased (OR=0.88, p = 0.039).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Decoding hormonal response to a well-known culturally based music element and its associations with baseline loneliness offers new knowledge on the interrelation between proactive behaviors of bonding, social connection, and personal well-being.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103263"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145118329","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":"Effect of auricular acupressure on neuropathy symptoms and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial","authors":"Ali Mohammadalinia ,&nbsp;Hosein Ajamzibad ,&nbsp;Seyed Javad Mojtabavi ,&nbsp;Tahereh Baloochi Beydokhti","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103264","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103264","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes, often leading to pain, disability, and reduced quality of life (QoL). Complementary medicine practices, such as acupressure, are increasingly used by patients with diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of auricular acupressure (AA) on neuropathic symptoms and QoL in patients with type 2 diabetes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 41 participants with type 2 diabetic neuropathy meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (<em>n</em> = 20) or the sham group (<em>n</em> = 21). The intervention group received auriculotherapy by applying pressure to labels containing five plant seeds placed on the foot reflex area of the external ear three times daily for six weeks. The sham group received pressure on labels containing five plant seeds placed on the cardiac reflex area of the external ear for the same duration. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire, the Neuropathy Symptom Score (NSS) questionnaire, and the Neuropathy-Specific Quality of Life (Neuro-QoL) questionnaire, administered before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, employing independent <em>t</em>-tests, paired <em>t</em>-tests, Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon, and chi-square tests, with a significance level set at <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Before the intervention, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of neuropathy symptom severity. After the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in neuropathy symptoms (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), while the reduction in the sham group was not statistically significant (<em>p</em> = 0.17). Additionally, QoL scores improved significantly in the intervention group post-intervention (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Auriculotherapy appears to be a cost-effective, non-invasive, and practical approach for reducing neuropathic symptoms and improving QoL in individuals with type 2 diabetes.</div></div><div><h3>Trial Registration</h3><div>This study was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20220413054530N1), Registration date: 2022–05–02.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103264"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145208260","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":"Comparison of the effect of ice sucking containing peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) with cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) extract on nausea, vomiting, and drug request after laparoscopic cholecystectomy","authors":"Nahid Kamalvand ,&nbsp;Morteza Shamsizadeh ,&nbsp;Leili Tapak ,&nbsp;Azim Azizi","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103261","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103261","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common and distressing complications following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study evaluated the efficacy of sublingual peppermint (Mentha piperita L., <em>M. piperita</em>) and cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum<em>, E. cardamomum</em>) extract ice cubes in alleviating these symptoms and reducing the requirement for rescue antiemetics.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this triple-blinded randomized controlled trial, 105 patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups: <em>M. piperita, E. cardamomum</em>, or placebo. Following baseline assessment, the intervention consisted of four sublingual administrations (every 15 min) of a 1-cm ice cube. For the active groups, each ice cube was impregnated with six drops of 10 % essential oil extract. The primary outcome was nausea severity, measured by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at baseline, 1 hour, and 3 h post-intervention. Secondary outcomes included the frequency of vomiting episodes and requests for antiemetic medication, recorded over a 4-hour postoperative period.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>While trends indicated a greater reduction in nausea severity, vomiting frequency, and antiemetic demand in the <em>M. piperita</em> group compared to the <em>E. cardamomum</em> group, the intergroup differences were not statistically significant (<em>p</em> &gt; 0.05). Both intervention groups reported improved outcomes over the placebo group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The sublingual application of <em>M. piperita</em> or <em>E. cardamomum</em> extract ice cubes presents a simple, safe, and effective non-pharmacological adjunct for managing PONV in patients recovering from laparoscopic cholecystectomy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103261"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145087814","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":"Integrative medicine consults in a pediatric hospital: A case series","authors":"Ila Kaul ,&nbsp;Ken Busby ,&nbsp;Ann Ming Yeh","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103259","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103259","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pediatric integrative medicine (PIM) is a holistic approach to health care that combines conventional pediatric treatments with evidence-based complementary therapies to support the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of children and their caretakers. It encompasses a wide range of modalities, including acupuncture, massage therapy, mindfulness, guided imagery, and nutritional counseling, tailored to meet the developmental and medical needs of pediatric patients. The goal of PIM is to support treatment by integrating family values, lifestyle, and stress management into care plans through different therapies. In this report, the existing literature of pediatric inpatient integrative medicine interventions is reviewed, and three patient case studies illustrate the impact of a pilot integrative medicine consultation service in a tertiary care children’s hospital. These cases will reflect integrative medicine modalities to provide non-pharmacologic symptom management through approaches such as massage, acupressure, clinical hypnosis, guided imagery, and breathing techniques.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103259"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145049006","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 combined with biologic therapy for refractory severe ulcerative colitis: A case report","authors":"Pengfei Tian,&nbsp;Mingdian Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103260","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103260","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Acute severe ulcerative colitis (UC) may show suboptimal early response to corticosteroids and biologics, with ongoing hematochezia and anemia increasing the risk of rescue failure and surgery. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is used adjunctively in East Asia and may aid hemostasis, barrier repair, and symptom control; however, evidence for timing and integration with biologic induction remains limited.</div></div><div><h3>Case summary</h3><div>An 18-year-old man with extensive, severe UC (Mayo 12; endoscopic Mayo 3) had only partial improvement after intravenous steroids and two infliximab (IFX) infusions, with persistent hematochezia and a hemoglobin nadir of 59 g/L. A modified TCM regimen (Shen-Ling-Bai-Zhu San plus Ge-Gen-Qin-Lian Tang) was started, achieving a hemostatic “inflection” within 3–4 days; Huangtu Tang–intent herbs were added for recurrent bleeding. IFX was then accelerated with a third infusion at week 2. By discharge, symptoms remitted (Mayo 2; Lichtiger 2), and by day-14 endoscopy the mucosa improved (endoscopic Mayo 1). At two months, clinical indices were 0 with normalized C-reactive protein and sustained remission thereafter. No new serious adverse events occurred during combination therapy.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In steroid-refractory severe UC with inadequate early bleeding control during IFX induction, adjunctive TCM—combined with accelerated IFX—was temporally associated with rapid hemostasis, clinical improvement, and endoscopic healing without new safety signals. This case supports the feasibility of an integrative, treat-to-target strategy and highlights the need for standardized protocols and prospective trials to validate efficacy and clarify mechanisms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103260"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145049004","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":"A journey within: Reflections on sleep apnea, evolution, and the mind-body axis in sleep medicine","authors":"Nimit Khara","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103255","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103255","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This reflective travelogue explores obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as more than a physiological disorder, framing it within evolutionary, psychosomatic, and cultural dimensions. It examines how human bipedalism and sleep posture may predispose to OSA, while drawing parallels with animal observations and ancient traditions. Symbolic interpretations of sleeping positions highlight the interplay of mind, body, and consciousness. The essay critiques CPAP therapy as effective yet mechanistic, envisioning integrative approaches combining modern science with mindfulness, yoga, and chronobiological practices. Ultimately, it calls for a holistic vision of sleep medicine that harmonizes evidence-based interventions with timeless wisdom.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103255"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145049005","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 spiraling decline of American healthcare, its politicization, and the failure of the illness profit system","authors":"Stephan A. Schwartz","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103246","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103246","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103246"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145049003","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":"Uncatalogued flora and patient harm: Reassessing the use of traditional herbs in clinical contexts","authors":"Adeeba Bilquees ,&nbsp;Mohd Aamir ,&nbsp;Daood Saleem","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103256","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103256","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103256"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145060203","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}