Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing最新文献

{"title":"Improving cognitive function in older adults through mind-body Qigong exercise at senior daycare centers: The role of sleep as a moderator and mediator","authors":"Jianghong Liu ,&nbsp;Yi Yang ,&nbsp;Haoer Shi ,&nbsp;Adriana Perez ,&nbsp;Adrian Raine ,&nbsp;Hengyi Rao ,&nbsp;Rui Feng ,&nbsp;Clara Li","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103167","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103167","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Mind-body Qigong Baduanjin exercises benefit cognition in community-dwelling older adults, yet mechanisms are poorly understood. We aimed to examine the moderation and mediation roles of sleep on intervention effects in cognition.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This 10-week trial included 78 (intervention: n = 47, control: n = 31) older Chinese adults at a daycare center. We measured the sleep quality, both subjective and objective cognition pre- and post-intervention. The intervention served as the independent variable and the post-pre changes in cognition were used as outcomes. Baseline sleep quality was examined as a moderator, while post-pre changes in sleep quality were considered as a mediator. We tested the interaction between intervention and the moderator using a linear regression model, with relevant covariates adjusted. Subgroup analyses were conducted for any potential interaction (p &lt; 0.20). Mediation effects were analyzed through first modeling the effect of the independent variable on the mediator, and then modeling the effect of independent variable and the mediator on the outcome.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Compared to control, Qigong intervention significantly predicted improvements in subjective and objective cognition among older adults, particularly for poor sleepers but not good sleepers. Sleep improvements significantly mediated intervention effects on subjective cognition in participants with less daily exercise (indirect effect: <em>β</em> <em>=</em> -0.412, 95 % CI: [-0.910, -0.066]).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Qigong improved cognition in older Chinese, particularly those with sleep problems prior to the intervention. Sleep quality changes played a mediating role, especially in individuals with less exercise. Results shed light on future interventions in identifying targeted mediating/moderating factors of Qigong.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103167"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143901889","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":"Acupuncture combined with Guizhi Fuling Wan decoction for adenomyosis-associated dysmenorrhea: A case report","authors":"Tongtong Liu ,&nbsp;SiWen Ma ,&nbsp;XuePing Si","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103169","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103169","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Adenomyosis (AM) is a common gynecological disorder frequently observed in women of reproductive age. It is characterized by the invasion of endometrial glands and stroma into the myometrium, often manifesting as secondary dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, and infertility. Although hormonal therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain the mainstream treatments, their long-term efficacy and side effects pose significant clinical challenges. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), particularly herbal medicine and acupuncture, has emerged as a safer alternative therapy.</div></div><div><h3>Case summary</h3><div>A 39-year-old Asian woman presented to our hospital with a 10-year history of progressively worsening menstrual pain, accompanied by menstrual hypermenorrhea over the past 2 years. She was diagnosed with adenomyosis. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, the diagnosis was dysmenorrhea associated with the Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome. Notably, despite treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, her dysmenorrhea remained unresponsive. The patient was treated with a modified herbal formula, Guizhi Fuling Wan (GZFLW), and acupuncture. After three menstrual cycles of treatment, her dysmenorrhea and other systemic symptoms significantly improved. At the time of writing this report, no recurrence had been observed during follow-up, and no adverse reactions occurred throughout the entire treatment period.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The success of this case indicates that traditional Chinese medicine can serve as an independent treatment option for secondary dysmenorrhea caused by adenomyosis, offering a viable alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It holds unique value and significant clinical importance for patients who are unresponsive to NSAIDs and refuse hormone-based therapies. However, further rigorous clinical trials are needed to validate these findings<strong>.</strong></div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103169"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143874856","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":"Therapeutic evaluation of Munzij regimen and Nusqa-e-Majoosi in the management of Irq al-Nasa (Radicular pain): A case series","authors":"Ruksar Ayesha ,&nbsp;Muzafar Din Ahmad Bhat ,&nbsp;Rabia Malik ,&nbsp;Mehjabeen Fatimah","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103168","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103168","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Radicular pain, characterized by radiating neuropathic pain in the lower extremities, often arises due to inflammation or compression of the sciatic nerve. Despite advancements in conventional medicine, many patients experience incomplete relief or adverse effects, prompting interest in alternative therapies. This case series evaluates the efficacy of Unani treatment, focusing on the <em>Munzij</em> regimen (concoction) therapy followed by <em>Nusqa e Majoosi</em> (Unani formulation).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Three cases of diagnosed radicular pain were treated with Unani drugs—the <em>Munzij</em> regimen (concoction) followed by <em>Nusqa e Majoosi</em>. The primary outcome measures included improvements in pain intensity (VAS), functional mobility (SLRT), and quality of life (RMDQ).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>All three patients showed notable improvement in symptoms. VAS scores reduced from 8/10 to 2/10, 8/10 to 4/10, and 7/10 to 2/10, indicating pain relief. SLRT angles improved in all cases, and RMDQ scores showed more than a 50 % reduction, reflecting better mobility and daily function.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Unani treatment using the <em>Munzij</em> regimen and <em>Nusqa e Majoosi</em> demonstrated effective symptom relief in radicular pain. Larger studies with comparative designs are required for further validation and potential integration into mainstream healthcare.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103168"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143886277","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":"Integrating traditional Chinese medicine in managing neutropenic fever during chemotherapy for pediatric lymphoma: A case report","authors":"Szu-Yu Pan ,&nbsp;Shi-Chen Ou ,&nbsp;Tung-Ti Chang","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103166","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103166","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Neutropenic fever (NF) is a critical complication in pediatric oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy. While Western medicine provides standardized management, the role of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as an adjunctive therapy in pediatric cases remains underexplored.</div></div><div><h3>Case Presentation</h3><div>We report the case of a 14-year-old female diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who developed persistent NF following chemotherapy. Despite broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy, her fever remained high, reaching 42.2 °C with a WBC count of 70/µL. Given concerns over liver function abnormalities (AST/ALT = 70/229 IU/L) and chemotherapy-related side effects, adjunctive TCM treatment was initiated. The treatment strategy evolved through different therapeutic phases, including resolving dampness and supporting gastrointestinal and hepatic functions, followed by alleviating heat with Sweet-Warm Approach—a TCM method aimed at dispelling Yin Fire—and later a strategy transitioned to a treatment strategy focusing on regulating lung Qi to relieve respiratory symptoms. Clinical improvements were observed, with liver function normalization on July 12^th (AST/ALT = 23/26 IU/L) and eventual resolution of fever.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This case highlights the potential role of TCM as a complementary approach in managing chemotherapy-related complications in pediatric patients. The tailored use of TCM strategies may offer additional benefits in supporting immune function and alleviating systemic imbalances in NF. Further studies are warranted to explore its broader application in pediatric oncology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103166"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143859995","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 remaining spiritual wounds of the warriors after the war: A call for action","authors":"Bayram Nejati-Zarnaqi ,&nbsp;Jamilah Hanum Abdul Khaiyom","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103165","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103165","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103165"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143850561","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":"Academic ageism: Marginalizing experienced researchers","authors":"Lucindo J. Quintans-Júnior ,&nbsp;Davi Pereira de Santana","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103164","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103164","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103164"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143865068","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 aromatherapy on pain, comfort, and anxiety in post-cesarean women: A randomized controlled study","authors":"Gülnihal ARTUĞ CANSIZLAR ,&nbsp;Nevin HOTUN ŞAHİN","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103161","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103161","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the effects of aromatherapy on acute pain, anxiety, and comfort levels in primiparous women who underwent cesarean delivery.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>A randomized controlled experimental design was employed.</div></div><div><h3>Setting</h3><div>The study was conducted between March 2022 and March 2023 in a public hospital in Istanbul with 120 women who met the inclusion criteria and participated voluntarily.</div></div><div><h3>Sample</h3><div>The sample consisted of 120 women divided into three groups: Intervention 1 (Inhaler) Group (<em>n</em> = 30), Intervention 2 (Massage) Group (<em>n</em> = 30), and Control Group (<em>n</em> = 60).</div></div><div><h3>Interventions</h3><div>Participants were assigned to groups using a simple random number table. Pre-test assessments included the Descriptive Information Form, State Anxiety Inventory, and Trait Anxiety Inventory. In the Massage Group, participants received a 10-minute essential oil massage starting at the 8th postoperative hour on Day 0 and twice daily for 10 min on Days 1 and 2. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). In the Inhaler Group, aromatherapy with essential oil inhaler sticks was administered four times daily for 5 min on postoperative Days 0, 1, and 2, followed by VAS evaluation. The Control Group received standard clinical care. On Day 2, all participants were reassessed using the State Anxiety Inventory, Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Postpartum Comfort Scale (PCS).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Pre-test scores showed no significant differences in anxiety levels between the groups (<em>p</em> &gt; 0.05). In the final evaluation, the Massage and Inhaler Groups had significantly lower VAS scores (1.670±0.922; 1.730±1.081) and State Anxiety Inventory scores (42.270±3.162; 44.530±3.181), and higher PCS scores (4.010±0.150; 3.819±0.245) compared to the Control Group. The Control Group exhibited higher VAS and anxiety scores and lower PCS scores.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Aromatherapy, particularly when applied via massage, is an effective non pharmacological method for reducing pain and anxiety and enhancing comfort in the postpartum period following cesarean delivery. Incorporating this approach into clinical protocols is recommended.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103161"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143823439","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 treatment of primary immune thrombocytopenia from the perspective of spleen blood deficiency: a case report","authors":"Qiao Liu,&nbsp;Yong Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103163","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103163","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Primary immune thrombocytopenia (pITP) is caused by the increase of platelet destruction and decrease of platelet production mediated by immune disorders. The specific pathogenesis of ITP is complicated and unclear, so the treatment of ITP is still under exploration in both Chinese and Western medicine.</div></div><div><h3>Case presentation</h3><div>A 56-year-old female patient with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) achieved normalization of platelet levels following a 4-month course of combined Chinese and Western medical treatment. During the gradual reduction of both Chinese and Western medications over these 4 months, the patient's condition remained stable, with the goal of eventually discontinuing treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our case demonstrates that TCM therapy targeting spleen blood deficiency can achieve favorable therapeutic outcomes in ITP, thereby providing a novel treatment alternative for this condition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103163"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143814818","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":"Investigation of the effect of emotional freedom technique (EFT) on sleep quality and fatigue in young people with sleep problems: Randomized controlled study","authors":"Handan Özcan ,&nbsp;Merve Meşedüzü ,&nbsp;Esma Gülen ,&nbsp;Beyza Çopur","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103162","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103162","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Insomnia is a condition that negatively affects the quality of life, daily functioning, and academic success of university students.This study aims to investigate the effect of the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) on sleep quality and fatigue in young people with sleep problems.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>This study is a randomized controlled trial. A total of 64 students were included in the study and divided into two groups. There were 32 participants in the intervention group and 32 in the control group. The intervention group received two EFT sessions with a four-week interval, while no interventions were applied to the control group. Data were collected using a questionnaire form that included socio-demographic characteristics, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Fatigue Severity Scale. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the intervention group that received EFT, significant differences were found compared to the control group in terms of Insomnia Severity (t= 6.732, p= 0.001), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (t= 2.16, p= 0.034), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (t= 3.934, p= 0.001) scores. However, no significant difference was found in Fatigue Severity Scale scores (t= 0.910, p= 0.366). Nevertheless, the expected fatigue levels were maintained.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>According to the results, the application of EFT to young individuals with insomnia reduces insomnia and sleepiness issues and improves sleep quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103162"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143843275","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":"Treatment of iatrogenic brachial plexopathy persisting for 3 years due to cervical foraminotomy using Korean medicine: A case report (CARE-compliant)","authors":"Siyun Sung ,&nbsp;Han-Gyul Lee ,&nbsp;Seungwon Kwon ,&nbsp;Woo-Sang Jung ,&nbsp;Sang-Kwan Moon","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103160","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103160","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Extrinsic or iatrogenic brachial plexopathy often resolves spontaneously within six months. Although steroid therapy and rehabilitation interventions are employed in the management of brachial plexopathy, their efficacy remains limited with insufficient supporting evidence. Moreover, therapeutic options to improve symptoms after the natural recovery period are limited.</div></div><div><h3>Case presentation</h3><div>A 49-year-old Asian woman was admitted with a three-year history of right upper extremity weakness and pain. The patient was diagnosed with sequelae of iatrogenic right brachial plexus injury due to cervical foraminotomy based on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the right brachial plexus and medical history. The patient was treated with a comprehensive treatment regimen, including the herbal prescription Bojungikgi-tang, bee venom pharmaco-acupuncture, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and electro-moxibustion. After 62 days of treatment, her motor strength, assessed using the modified Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, improved significantly from Grade 2.5 to Grade 4.5. The tolerated weight for dumbbells increased from 0.5 kg to 2 kg, and that for the weight bar increased from 0 kg to 2.07 kg. Pain intensity, measured using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), decreased from 5 to 1. The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) score markedly reduced from 81 to 23, and her performance in the Box and Block Test (BBT) improved from -6.24 to -2.82. Additionally, all domains of the Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) reflected significant enhancement in the patient's physical and mental health.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This case suggests that combined treatment with Korean medicine might be an effective tool for treating brachial plexopathy symptoms. However, further studies are required to confirm the efficacy of this treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103160"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143814817","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}