Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing最新文献

{"title":"Integrative pain management in orthopedic postoperative care","authors":"Margaret O’Connor , Mary Koithan","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103211","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103211","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 5","pages":"Article 103211"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144597402","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":"Misleading summary of the Cochrane review on zinc for the common cold (2024)","authors":"Harri Hemilä , Elizabeth Chalker","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103215","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103215","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 5","pages":"Article 103215"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144656208","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":"Protective effect of energized structured water on bioenergetic function and oxidative stress in H9c2 cells","authors":"Sachithra S. Ranaweera ,&nbsp;Juan P. Zuniga-Hertz ,&nbsp;Ramamurthy Chitteti ,&nbsp;Andrei V. Chernov ,&nbsp;Hemal H. Patel","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103232","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103232","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The energized structured water (ESW) concept supposes water can be imbued with energetic frequencies or vibrations, improving its quality and providing various health benefits. While some studies claim benefits, the mechanisms and effects of ESW are not well understood. This study investigates the impact of ESW on cellular bioenergetic function and oxidative stress in H9c2 cells. H9c2 cells were pretreated with ESW or control water (CW) at equivalent dilutions. Mitochondrial function was assessed using the Agilent Seahorse XF Pro Analyzer. Cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were evaluated under H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress conditions. Differential gene expression analysis and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment were conducted to identify significantly affected genes and biological processes in ESW-treated H9c2 cells. Results demonstrated that ESW pretreatment significantly increased maximal and spare respiratory capacity in H9c2 cells. In addition, ESW treatment increased the glycolytic ATP production without affecting mitochondrial and total ATP production. ESW treatment enhanced cell viability and reduced ROS production in cells exposed to H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. Based on differential gene expression analysis, 717 genes including <em>Myh1, Akr1b8, Hmox1, Kcng1, Ugt1a6, Clu, Gaa, Ftl1, Hspb7</em>, and Gba1 were up-regulated and 422 genes including <em>Hist1h2an, Slfn4, Rpl22l1, Polr2k, Il1rl1, Ndufb1, Atp5mkl1</em> were down-regulated by ESW compared to the controls. GO analysis indicated that ESW treatment significantly affects biological processes related to cellular stress response pathways. These findings suggest that ESW treatment may enhance cellular bioenergetics and stress resistance in H9c2 cells, potentially through modulation of gene expression related to stress responses and energy metabolism.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 5","pages":"Article 103232"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144779609","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 of Internet-based and mobile device-based cognitive behavioral therapy on tinnitus intervention: a systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Qinan Xian ,&nbsp;Juan Zhou ,&nbsp;Xin Li ,&nbsp;Yiwen Xu ,&nbsp;Yan Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103238","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103238","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Tinnitus is a common auditory disorder that seriously affects the quality of life and is often accompanied by psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. Existing therapies have problems such as side effects or high costs. Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (i-CBT), due to its low cost and flexibility, has become a new option. This study uses a meta-analysis to systematically assess the potential intervention effects of i-CBT on patients with tinnitus, supporting its potential value in clinical application.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The study protocol was registered in Prospero (ID: CRD42025646698). Four databases were searched from their inception to January 2025.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 9 studies were included. The results indicated that i-CBT significantly improved the symptom distress, insomnia, anxiety and depression of tinnitus patients: Tinnitus Functional Index(MD = -12.48, 95 % CI -16.43, -8.54), Tinnitus Questionnaire(MD = -5.52, 95 % CI -8.15, -2.88), Insomnia Severity Index (MD = -2.65, 95 % CI -3.64, -1.67), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (MD = -1.33, 95 % CI -2.37, -0.30), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale – Anxiety(MD = -1.92, 95 % CI -2.72, -1.12), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Depression (MD = -1.40, 95 % CI -2.18, -0.61), Patient Health Questionnaire (MD = -1.46, 95 % CI -2.87, -0.06); however, there was no significant improvement in the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory(MD = -2.98, 95 % CI -12.03, 6.07) and the tinnitus cognition questionnaire(MD = -9.09, 95 % CI -23.46, 5.28).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>i-CBT may have beneficial effects in reducing tinnitus severity and alleviating related symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and depression. As an expandable and low-cost treatment approach, i-CBT offers a new direction for tinnitus management, especially in regions with limited medical resources. However, future research still needs to optimize the intervention design, standardize measurement criteria, and conduct large-scale, multi-center, and long-term follow-up studies to verify its sustained efficacy and clarify its mechanism of action.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 5","pages":"Article 103238"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144842624","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":"Successful treatment of poliosis associated with vitiligo using unani medications: A case report.","authors":"Saba Ansari, Shaikh Mohammad Aatif Afzal, Mohd Arshad Jamal, Malik Itrat","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103230","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103230","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Poliosis, characterized by localized white hair patches due to the absence of melanin, often presents with vitiligo, a chronic depigmenting disorder. Conventional treatments show limited efficacy in managing poliosis, particularly when associated with vitiligo. This case report highlights a successful Unani treatment in a pediatric patient, demonstrating significant clinical improvement.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 7-year-old female presented with a five-year history of a well-demarcated depigmented skin patch and white hair on the forehead. Following an unsuccessful course of allopathic treatment, the patient underwent Unani therapy comprising oral Zulal Safoofe Bars and topical Roghan (herbal oil). The oil was applied daily and followed by sun exposure.</p><p><strong>Outcome: </strong>After two months, visible repigmentation of the skin and proximal hair shafts was observed. The patient tolerated the therapy well, and no adverse effects were reported.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This case suggests Unani therapy may be a promising, safe, and culturally acceptable alternative for treating poliosis associated with vitiligo. Further studies are needed to confirm its broader efficacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 5","pages":"103230"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144805210","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 online mindfulness intervention on anxiety, depression, and stress in patients with chronic diseases","authors":"Ying-Ju Chen ,&nbsp;Chiu-Hsiang Lee ,&nbsp;Chia-Jung Hsieh ,&nbsp;Pei-Hung Liao ,&nbsp;Yu-Da Chen ,&nbsp;Kuei-Ru Chou ,&nbsp;Shu-Liu Guo ,&nbsp;Li-Fang Chang ,&nbsp;Tso-Ying Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103214","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103214","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Online mindfulness may be an effective non-pharmacological mental health intervention.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To evaluate the effectiveness of an online mindfulness platform in ameliorating anxiety, depression, and stress in patients with chronic diseases.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this randomized controlled study, 97 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the online intervention group (<em>N</em> = 47) or the control group (<em>N</em> = 50). Anxiety, depression, and stress levels were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after the intervention.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The baseline scores of anxiety, depression, and stress between the control and experiment groups were comparable. Online mindfulness intervention significantly reduced anxiety scores at Week 4 and Week 8 (both <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). In addition, online mindfulness intervention significantly lowered both depression scores and stress levels at Week 8 (both <em>P</em> ≤ 0.002), but not at Week 4.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Online mindfulness interventions effectively alleviate anxiety, depression, and stress in patients with chronic diseases. Future qualitative research is recommended to further explore the mechanisms of change at the psychological level.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 5","pages":"Article 103214"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144656209","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":"Consciousness, the decline of American healthcare and its dramatic effect on women","authors":"Stephan A. Schwartz","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103206","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103206","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 5","pages":"Article 103206"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144696513","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":"Evaluating the relevance of Bawl Ghusālī in the diagnosis of Ḍu‘f al-Kabid (hepatic insufficiency): A case-based correlation between unani medicine and modern pathology","authors":"Shabina Khatoon ,&nbsp;Azizur Rahman","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103225","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103225","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Ḍu‘f al-Kabid</em> (hepatic insufficiency) is a condition extensively described in classical Unani medicine, where impaired hepatic function arises due to structural or temperamental changes in the liver. One of the classical diagnostic markers of this condition is <em>Bawl Ghusālī</em>, a distinctive urinary appearance resembling the washings of raw meat, attributed to a failure of the liver’s discriminative faculty <em>(Quwwat Mumaiyyaza).</em> While traditional Unani texts emphasize this sign, its correlation with modern hepatic pathology remains underexplored in clinical literature.</div></div><div><h3>Case Presentation</h3><div>We report two cases of adult male patients with a history of chronic alcohol use who presented to the National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, with classical symptoms of hepatic insufficiency, including jaundice, anorexia, and right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Both patients exhibited dark-coloured urine without haematuria, corresponding to the Unani description of <em>Bawl Ghusālī</em>. Diagnostic evaluations revealed significantly elevated serum bilirubin, abnormal liver function tests, and ultrasound findings consistent with chronic liver parenchymal disease.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>These cases underscore a notable convergence between traditional Unani clinical observation and modern hepatological diagnostics. The description of <em>Bawl Ghusālī</em> may reflect underlying conjugated hyperbilirubinemia or urobilinogen excess, highlighting the relevance of traditional urine analysis in identifying hepatic dysfunction. The failure of <em>Quwwat Mumaiyyaza</em>, as described in Unani pathology, aligns conceptually with impaired hepatic clearance and altered bile metabolism seen in hepatic insufficiency.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The classical sign of <em>Bawl Ghusālī</em> remains a valuable diagnostic indicator within the Unani framework and may offer clinically meaningful insights even in contemporary medical practice. These cases advocate for the integration of traditional diagnostic principles into modern hepatology, particularly in resource-limited settings, and encourage further interdisciplinary research to validate such correlations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 5","pages":"Article 103225"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144665797","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":"Ultrasound-guided acupotomy for post-stroke equinovarus foot beyond the rehabilitation golden period: Two CARE-compliant case reports","authors":"Jiwoo Kim ,&nbsp;Taeseok Ahn ,&nbsp;Jihyun Moon ,&nbsp;Youngjo So ,&nbsp;Hyeon-gyu Cho ,&nbsp;Sangho Ji ,&nbsp;Sunny Kang ,&nbsp;Myungjin Oh ,&nbsp;Sangkwan Lee ,&nbsp;Cheol-Hyun Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103234","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103234","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Post-stroke equinovarus foot (EVF) is a common and disabling complication of stroke, characterized by ankle plantarflexion and inversion due to muscle spasticity. It often results in abnormal gait patterns, increased risk of falls, and diminished quality of life. Although various interventions have been proposed, targeted and effective treatments remain limited.</div></div><div><h3>Case Presentation</h3><div>We report two patients with post-stroke EVF: a 54-year-old male 10 months after ischemic stroke, and a 37-year-old female 2 years after hemorrhagic stroke. Both exhibited spasticity of the gastrocnemius and tibialis posterior muscles, leading to asymmetrical gait and impaired mobility.</div></div><div><h3>Intervention and Outcomes</h3><div>Each patient underwent four sessions of ultrasound-guided acupotomy over two weeks, targeting the affected spastic muscles under real-time imaging. Quantitative gait analysis demonstrated significant improvements in the step length ratio (Case 1: 0.67 <span>→</span> 0.87; Case 2: 0.68 <span>→</span> 0.85). Secondary improvements were also observed in gait velocity, lateral symmetry, balance parameters, and Modified Ashworth Scale scores. No adverse events were reported during or after treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Lessons and Implications</h3><div>These cases suggest that ultrasound-guided acupotomy may serve as a precise and minimally invasive treatment for post-stroke EVF by selectively releasing spastic muscles while preserving surrounding structures. Further research is warranted to validate these findings in larger cohorts and through controlled study designs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 5","pages":"Article 103234"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144842451","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":"Vitamin D supplementation for women during pregnancy: summary of a Cochrane review","authors":"Heba Hussein ,&nbsp;L. Susan Wieland","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103209","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103209","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 5","pages":"Article 103209"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144587403","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}