{"title":"Masthead page","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S1550-8307(26)00045-5","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S1550-8307(26)00045-5","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 2","pages":"Article 103358"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147397518","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":"Melatonin in cancer treatment: Summary of a Cochrane Review","authors":"Kavita Kothari","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2026.103315","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2026.103315","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 2","pages":"Article 103315"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979381","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}
Seong-Hyun Lee , Yoo-Jin Lee , Dong-Soo Seol , Kyung-Rae Kang , Seungchul Yeom , Ju-Yeon Kim , In-Hyuk Ha
{"title":"Effectiveness of integrative Korean medicine for traumatic multiple spinal compression fractures: A case report","authors":"Seong-Hyun Lee , Yoo-Jin Lee , Dong-Soo Seol , Kyung-Rae Kang , Seungchul Yeom , Ju-Yeon Kim , In-Hyuk Ha","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2026.103318","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2026.103318","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Vertebral compression fractures, typically caused by trauma or osteoporosis, are generally treated through conservative care, including absolute bed rest and thoracolumbosacral orthosis. However, prolonged bed rest can lead to muscle atrophy, functional impairment, and reduced quality of life. Thus, alternative management approaches for spinal compression fractures are needed. Few reports have examined the effectiveness of integrative Korean medicine treatment in patients with traumatic multiple compression fractures. This case report describes a 51-year-old Korean male patient who presented to our hospital with thoracolumbar pain following a traffic accident. While initial radiographic examinations revealed only a few fractures, subsequent magnetic resonance imaging identified multiple compression fractures at seven vertebral levels: T3, T4, T5, T9, T12, L1, and L2. The patient underwent integrative Korean medicine treatment, consisting of acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and interferential current therapy, across two hospitalizations and outpatient follow-up visits. During the course of treatment, the patient's numeric rating scale score decreased from 7 to 0, the Oswestry Disability Index score improved from 60 to 2, and the EQ-5D score increased from 0.48 to 1.0. Moreover, the lumbar spine range of motion returned to normal levels. This report presents a rare example of a patient with traumatic multiple spinal compression fractures who showed significant analgesia and functional improvement with integrative Korean medicine treatment alone, without the need for absolute bed rest or thoracolumbosacral orthosis. Thus, Korean medicine-based approaches may serve as useful and effective treatment strategies for providing conservative care while minimizing complications associated with prolonged bed rest.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 2","pages":"Article 103318"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928151","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":"From advanced anal squamous cell carcinoma to complete remission: A case report with clinical, radiological, and patient-narrative perspectives","authors":"Leidisiane Ribeiro Marcon","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2026.103317","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2026.103317","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This revised case report presents the clinical course of a 42-year-old woman diagnosed with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (T4N2M1), with radiological evidence of extensive locoregional disease and suspected metastatic involvement, including para-aortic and hepatic lesions. Initially managed with palliative intent, the patient demonstrated an exceptional response to systemic chemotherapy followed by definitive chemoradiotherapy, resulting in complete radiological and clinical remission sustained over two years of follow-up.</div><div>In addition to clinical data, this report uniquely integrates a first-person narrative describing the patient’s psychological, emotional, and spiritual experience throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. This perspective provides insight into the patient’s subjective understanding of illness, resilience, and meaning-making during a life-threatening condition. The combination of objective oncological evidence with a structured patient narrative highlights the potential value of integrating psychosocial and existential dimensions into oncologic care and research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 2","pages":"Article 103317"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979383","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}
Geng-He Chang , Pey-Jium Chang , Yu-Ching Cheng , Ching-Yuan Wu , Yao-Hsu Yang , Yu-Shih Lin , Cheng-Ming Hsu , Ming-Shao Tsai , Yao-Te Tsai , Pei-Rung Yang
{"title":"Efficacy and immunomodulatory effects of licorice nasal spray in allergic rhinitis: A clinical study comparing with conventional steroid treatment","authors":"Geng-He Chang , Pey-Jium Chang , Yu-Ching Cheng , Ching-Yuan Wu , Yao-Hsu Yang , Yu-Shih Lin , Cheng-Ming Hsu , Ming-Shao Tsai , Yao-Te Tsai , Pei-Rung Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2026.103325","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2026.103325","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Licorice (<em>Glycyrrhiza glabra</em>) is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating properties. It has demonstrated potential in managing inflammation associated with various respiratory and inflammatory disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a licorice nasal spray (LNS) compared to a conventional steroid nasal spray (SNS) in treating allergic rhinitis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In a randomized clinical trial, 60 patients with allergic rhinitis were assigned to either LNS or SNS groups. The SNS group received mometasone furoate nasal spray (Nasonex®) administered as one spray per nostril twice daily (total daily dose 200 μg), while the LNS group received licorice nasal spray using the same dosing schedule. Both groups were treated twice daily for one month. Outcomes were assessed through symptom scores (TNSS, SNOT-22), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for various symptoms, acoustic rhinometry, endoscopy, mucociliary transport time (MCTT), and cytokine levels in nasal secretions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Both LNS and SNS significantly reduced nasal blockage and postnasal drip. In addition, LNS was associated with improvements in rhinorrhea, itchy nose, and sleep quality. LNS was associated with significant reductions in IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in nasal secretions, whereas changes in SNS were observed in a more limited subset of cytokines. Additionally, LNS improved MCTT, indicating enhanced mucociliary function.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Licorice nasal spray effectively reduces allergic rhinitis symptoms and demonstrates a meaningful immunomodulatory effect comparable to steroid nasal spray. These results indicate that LNS may be a promising alternative therapy for patients with allergic rhinitis.</div></div><div><h3>Trial registration</h3><div>This study is prospectively registered with ISRCTN under the identifier ISRCTN13188211. Registration was completed on 01/09/2022, ensuring transparency and adherence to clinical trial reporting standards. Full trial details are accessible at <span><span>https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13188211</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 2","pages":"Article 103325"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078184","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}
Nicholas Lorenz , Misha Mathur , Nawfal Saleem, Amanda Penn, David Boesler, Anupam Bishayee
{"title":"Osteopathic manipulative treatment as a complementary and integrative approach to mitigate stress, anxiety, and depression: A systematic review","authors":"Nicholas Lorenz , Misha Mathur , Nawfal Saleem, Amanda Penn, David Boesler, Anupam Bishayee","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103290","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103290","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Stress, anxiety, and depression are prevalent mental health conditions that have the ability to significantly impact individuals' daily lives and overall well-being. These disorders can lead to physical symptoms, impaired functioning, and a reduced quality of life. In light of these challenges, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) has emerged as a promising complementary therapy. The purpose of this study is to determine if OMT techniques, such as myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, and lymphatic drainage, can modulate this balance by reducing sympathetic nervous system dominance and enhancing parasympathetic activity, leading to improved relaxation and stress resilience.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>This systematic review, conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, identified 16 peer-reviewed studies examining the use of OMT for managing stress, anxiety, and depression through a comprehensive literature search and screening process spanning multiple scholarly databases.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Studies have demonstrated both immediate and long-term benefits of OMT, as measured by patient-reported outcomes and physiological markers like heart rate variability. Control groups receiving sham treatments or no intervention further support the idea that the benefits of OMT are specific and not due to placebo effects. While traditional treatments, such as medication and psychotherapy, are commonly used as management modalities, they have limitations in terms of side effects, accessibility, and long-term effectiveness.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This review highlights the potential of OMT as a complementary and adjunctive therapy to address mental health disorders, offering a holistic, non-invasive approach to enhance patients' well-being.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 103290"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145679322","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}
Donna M. Thomas , Elaine Rycroft , Kirsty Allan , Saima Sharif
{"title":"New methodological directions for involving children in past life memories research","authors":"Donna M. Thomas , Elaine Rycroft , Kirsty Allan , Saima Sharif","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103283","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103283","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Past life memories in children have been studied extensively through standard qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Research to date has produced valuable data to support how we understand children’s past life memories. Children are the primary source for data collection in past life research, as the producers/facilitators of memories. Despite this, children tend to be researched <em>on</em> rather than <em>with</em>, through adult-centric approaches. In this article, we include a case study example of spontaneous past life and in-utero memories of a 6-year old child. The case study example is taken from a parent study, ‘Investigating Extra Sensory Experiences of Children from Various Cultural Backgrounds’. Through the article, we demonstrate how using creative research methods and sensory ethnography can generate important knowledge from children about their own past life memories. We include results from the parent study that show past life memory data from children, parents and professionals. We propose involving children as active agents in past life memory research and argue for new directions in the field of PLM through creative and child-friendly research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 103283"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145566088","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(26)00018-2","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S1550-8307(26)00018-2","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 103331"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146022444","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 theory of bioresonant energy transduction: Bridging quantum physics and traditional medicine","authors":"Sanowber Khan","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103306","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103306","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Conventional biomedical models, focused primarily on biochemistry and genetics, often struggle to account for certain complex biological phenomena. In parallel, interest in traditional and alternative medical approaches, long marginalized by Western scientific medicine, is growing. These approaches emphasize the energetic and vibratory dimensions of living systems. Recent advances in quantum physics and biophysics now offer a conceptual framework for revisiting such practices through the lens of contemporary science.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To present the theory of bioresonant energy transduction (TEBR), an integrative framework uniting knowledge from traditional medicines with recent discoveries in physics, biology, and neuroscience, with a focus on the phenomena of tuning, resonance, and biological coherence.</div></div><div><h3>Theoretical framework</h3><div>TEBR posits that living organisms are organized systems composed of internally tuned resonators capable of receiving, transforming, and emitting vibrational information signals through various carriers (bioelectric, mechanical, electromagnetic, photonic). These processes operate across all levels of organization, from the subcellular to global interactions with the environment.</div></div><div><h3>Key propositions</h3><div>The TEBR model offers a unifying explanatory framework for understanding:</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 103306"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145829116","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}
Elia Firda Mufidah , Mudhar Mudhar , Rury Muslifar , Jessica Ong Hai Liaw
{"title":"Revisiting virtual nature through social cognitive theory and Javanese idiographic experience: a commentary on Kotze et al. (2025)","authors":"Elia Firda Mufidah , Mudhar Mudhar , Rury Muslifar , Jessica Ong Hai Liaw","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103305","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103305","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 103305"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145829081","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}