Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing最新文献

{"title":"Utilization of traditional healing practices from Mexico by U. S. women of Mexican origin: A systematic review","authors":"Caroline E. Ortiz,&nbsp;Suzanne C. Smeltzer","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.04.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Hispanics are 18.7 % of the U.S. population, and people of Mexican origin are 61.4 % of that Hispanic community. National health surveys indicate that utilization of traditional medicine among Hispanics is low compared to non-Hispanic Whites. However, many researchers have described their use in Hispanic populations as commonplace. Objective: This review analyzed studies about traditional healing practices from Mexico (THPM) used by women of Mexican origin in the U.S. for a greater understanding of traditional health practices within U.S. communities of Mexican origin. Data Sources: Journal databases were searched for studies between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 2020. Study Selection: The Whittemore and Knafl and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) methods were used to analyze the studies. Data Extraction: Seven themes emerged: A) foundations, B) medical pluralism, C) non-disclosure and patient satisfaction, D) remedies and rituals, E) healers, F) affinity, and G) what clinicians need to know. Four subthemes were identified: G1) cultural sensitivity, G2) communication skills, G3) leveraging the influence of THPM, and G4) scientific inquiry. Data Synthesis: U.S. women of Mexican origin reported continued use of THPM for health promotion, influenced by their understanding of health and illness, community ties, and personal experiences. Study authors recommended strategies for improving patient-provider communication and understanding patients’ use of traditional health and healing practices. Conclusion: Further explorations of THPM are needed to build awareness of culturally-tied health beliefs and behaviors that improve medical care experiences and quality for Hispanics of Mexican origin.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 5","pages":"Article 102997"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140600204","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":"Development and testing of a new Tibetan medicine constitutional self-assessment tool","authors":"Samdrup Tsomo (Sanzhi Cuomao),&nbsp;Pakmo Tso (Bomao Cuo),&nbsp;Dondrup Namgyal (Dongzhu Nanjia),&nbsp;Rigzin Gyal (Renzeng Jia),&nbsp;Lumo Tsering (Limao Cairang),&nbsp;Druktse Gyal (Zhouze Jia),&nbsp;Ogyan Kyab (Ruojian Jia),&nbsp;Ngodrup Tso (Yezhi Cuo),&nbsp;Kunchok Gyaltsen (Gongque Jianzan)","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.03.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.03.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Previous studies have attempted to develop measurement tools for constitutional identification in Traditional Tibetan Medicine (TTM), but they have limitations. We developed a new constitution self-assessment tool that is more firmly grounded in the <em>Gyüzhi</em>, the foundational text of Tibetan Medicine. This new self-assessment tool takes the form of a questionnaire in which the items represent the diagnostic criteria of the three central elemental dynamics of Tibetan medicine (<em>rLung, Tripa, Béken</em>) and are related to the body, psychology, and diet preferences. We tested versions of the new questionnaire in three samples of Tibetan adults (total <em>n</em> = 973) in Qinghai Province and evaluated its validity in 90 respondents randomly selected from the main samples. These respondents completed the questionnaire and were independently evaluated by Tibetan Medicine experts using traditional methods of constitution identification. A comparison of the results led us to revise the original questionnaire. Based on expert advice, we combined similar and overlapping items to simplify and improve the scale. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess internal consistency and indicated that the final scale is reliable. There was 80–93 % agreement between experts’ identifications and self-assessment responses in the survey when both types of data were available. The Traditional Tibetan Medicine (TTM) constitution scale developed in this paper has a strong basis in theory and TTM practice. It can be used by Tibetan medical practitioners, other health care providers, researchers, and the lay public to identify individual constitution and help determine appropriate treatment.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 4","pages":"Pages 580-587"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550830724000594/pdfft?md5=5a9ccbecffd5674a221e955ef82b1e93&pid=1-s2.0-S1550830724000594-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140616064","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bee venom acupuncture and herbal medicine for hand eczema: Two case reports and an in vivo study","authors":"Soobin Jang ,&nbsp;Hyo In Kim ,&nbsp;Jae Woo Jung ,&nbsp;Mina Boo ,&nbsp;Soo-Hyun Sung ,&nbsp;Jinbong Park ,&nbsp;Sungha Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.03.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.03.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Eczema and contact dermatitis are relatively common, non-life-threatening disease, but can reduce the patient's quality-of-life when it becomes chronic. This study describes two cases of bee venom acupuncture (BVA) and herbal medicine (San Wu Huangqin decoction; SWH) co-treatment for hand eczema and contact dermatitis, then confirms the effect of the combination therapy in an in vivo model of eczema.</p></div><div><h3>Case presentation</h3><p>A 56-year-old female (case 1) and a 33-year-old male (case 2) presented to the clinic with symptoms of itching and erythema (case 1), and scaliness (case 2) on both hands. Both were diagnosed with hand eczema and contact dermatitis based on examination of the erythema and scaliness. They were treated with BVA and SWH for three months. The lesions were healed and had not recurred after 1 and 3 years of follow-up. A mouse study was conducted by repeated application of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) to induce eczema-like contact dermatitis in Balb/c mice. In a DNCB-induced eczema-like contact dermatitis model, BVA and SWH co-administration synergistically improved clinical symptoms seen in eczema. Also, they improved histological changes of the skin, suppressed immune cell infiltration, and decreased inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulin E in the serum.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study suggests BVA and SWH could be an alternative treatment for eczema and contact dermatitis.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 5","pages":"Article 102994"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550830724000570/pdfft?md5=312f4d2e4f2b0b6e8252d9a1c6184943&pid=1-s2.0-S1550830724000570-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140276881","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of reiki application on menopausal symptoms","authors":"Fatma Hikmet Yeşil ,&nbsp;Diğdem Lafcı Bakar","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.03.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.03.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>The present study was conducted in order to determine the effects of Reiki on the menopausal symptoms of women.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>This study having a randomized controlled experimental design was carried out involving 48 individuals (24 in Reiki, 24 in control). Study data were collected between November 2018 and February 2019 by using a personal information form, The Menopause Rating Scale.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The mean menopausal symptoms score of women decreased after Reiki intervention and the difference was found to be statistically significant (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). Reiki reduced the menopausal symptoms levels of women having menopause.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>It has been found that distant Reiki application is effective in reducing somatic, psychological and urogenital complaints in women during menopause.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 5","pages":"Article 102993"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140137466","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 effects of Bacopa monnieri on cognitive performance and sleep quality of patients with mild cognitive impairment: A triple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial","authors":"Maryam Delfan ,&nbsp;Parastou Kordestani-Moghaddam ,&nbsp;Mohammad Gholami ,&nbsp;Khadije Kazemi ,&nbsp;Rasool Mohammadi","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Mild cognitive impairment is the middle level of natural cognitive impairment during primary steps of dementia. There are a few studies about improving the cognitive performance and sleep quality in patients with a limited dementia. So, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of <em>Bacopa monnieri</em> on cognitive performance and sleep quality of patients with mild cognitive impairment.</p></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><p>In this study, 62 patients with mild cognitive impairment were categorized into two groups of control and intervention. The intervention group received one pill of 160 mg <em>Bacopa monnieri</em> extract in 2 months, and the control group received a pill containing starch powder. The cognitive impairment and sleep quality was assessed using a questionnaire containing demographic information, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index in three time-points of before the study, one months after the intervention and 2 months after the intervention (the end of study).</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The results showed no statistically significant difference between two groups in all three time-points in overall cognitive performance score and its 6 parameters (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.05). While in the field of attention at the end of the first month (<em>P</em> = 0.033) and the end of the second month (<em>P</em> = 0.004), it was significant difference between the study groups. Also, in the field of verbal fluency at the end of the second month, this difference was significant (<em>P</em> = 0.003). The cognitive performance overall score showed no significant difference between two groups in first (<em>P</em> = 0.939) and second time-points (<em>P</em> = 0.661), although it was significant at third time-point (<em>P</em> = 0.029). There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in all time-points for sleep quality overall score (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.05).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The results showed that <em>Bacopa monnieri</em> can improve the cognitive performance overall score and some of its parameters, but it had no effect on sleep quality.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 5","pages":"Article 102990"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140046993","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":"Efficacy and safety of Tongxin formula after stent implantation for acute coronary syndrome: A multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial","authors":"Wen Zhu ,&nbsp;Su Wang ,&nbsp;Lei Zhang ,&nbsp;Feng-Qun Xie ,&nbsp;Jie Cheng ,&nbsp;Xian-Kai Li ,&nbsp;Wei Chen ,&nbsp;Shi-Yun Yan ,&nbsp;Qi-Mao Feng","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>The aim of this study is to comprehensively evaluate both the efficacy and safety profile of integrating the Tongxin formula with optimal medical therapy (OMT) for patients experiencing acute coronary syndromes subsequent to coronary stenting, over the course of one year.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>We enrolled 150 patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndromes who had received stent placement within one month and exhibited a TCM syndrome characterized by Qi deficiency and blood stasis. This group comprised patients with unstable angina, non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The participants were divided equally, allocating 75 to the Tongxin formula group and 75 to a placebo-controlled group. After undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) surgery, both groups received conventional Western medical care, including dual antiplatelet therapy and lipid-lowering medications. The placebo-controlled group received a placebo, while the Tongxin formula group were administered Tongxin formula granules orally. Both study cohorts were monitored for a duration of 6 months. The primary endpoints included the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events and the rate of lumen diameter reduction post-treatment in both groups, with the Seattle Angina Scale serving as a secondary assessment tool. Safety evaluations encompassed the measurement of liver and kidney function, coagulation parameters, and other relevant indicators.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The rate of adverse cardiovascular events in the placebo-controlled group was 42.46 % within a year of surgery, whereas it was 16.90 % in the Tongxin formula group (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Comparing the Tongxin formula group to the placebo-controlled group, there was a decrease in the frequency of unstable angina and readmission due to cardiovascular events (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Coronary angiography performed 6 months after surgery revealed that the Tongxin formula group had considerably less lumen loss than the placebo-controlled group in a number of segments, including the entire segment, within the stent, at the proximal end, and at the distal end (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Six months after surgery, the Seattle angina score was higher in the Tongxin formula group than in the placebo-controlled group (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). There were no significant changes in indicators such as liver and renal function as well as coagulation indexes in both groups within the first 12 months after surgery (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.05).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Tongxin formula has been shown to lower the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events, minimize narrowing of blood vessel lumen, enhance clinical symptoms, and enhance the quality of life of patients following PCI surgery, all while maintaining a good safety profile.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 5","pages":"Article 102992"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140085428","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 lavender and bergamot oil applied via inhalation on the anxiety level and sleep quality of surgical intensive care unit patients","authors":"Çağla Toprak ,&nbsp;Perihan Ergin Ozcan ,&nbsp;İlker Demirbolat ,&nbsp;Ahmet Kalaycioglu ,&nbsp;Nuray Akyuz","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>Due to numerous stressors in intensive care, common psychosocial problems arise in patients. Among these, decreased anxiety and sleep quality are observed. This study aims to determine the effect of lavender and bergamot oil applied by inhalation on anxiety and sleep quality in surgical intensive care unit patients.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Fifty-four patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit of a hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, were included in this study. They were randomly divided into three groups (Lavender, Bergamot, Control). Intervention groups were exposed to 3 drops of lavender oil or bergamot oil on pillows for 20 min, which were then placed 10 cm away from the patient's head. This intervention was applied for two nights. The patients' sleep quality and anxiety level were evaluated using the “State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)” and “Richard-Campbell Sleep Scale (RCSS).” Data were analyzed using Chi-square, independent <em>t</em>-test, One-way ANOVA tests.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>According to our results, anxiety scores significantly decreased in the lavender and bergamot groups. Sleep quality scores significantly increased (<em>p</em> = &lt;0.001). The control group showed lower sleep quality scores.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Lavender and bergamot oil inhalation appeared effective in reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality in surgical intensive care unit patients.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 5","pages":"Article 102991"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-02-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140047107","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 assault on America's libraries designed to foster ignorance and damage social and individual wellbeing","authors":"Stephan A. Schwartz","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.005","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 3","pages":"Pages 279-284"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140470412","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":"Reproductive effects associated with phthalate mixture exposure","authors":"Florence Opoku ,&nbsp;Jodi A. Flaws ,&nbsp;Judith T. Zelikoff","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.006","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 3","pages":"Pages 460-461"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139998140","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":"Synbiotics, prebiotics and probiotics for people with chronic kidney disease: Summary of a Cochrane review","authors":"Gus Rasich ,&nbsp;L. Susan Wieland","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.007","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 3","pages":"Pages 462-463"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140068911","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}