Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing最新文献

{"title":"Effects of intentionally-treated water on cell migration of human glioblastoma cells","authors":"Chang-Tze Ricky Yu ,&nbsp;Dean I. Radin ,&nbsp;Chen-Yu Chu ,&nbsp;Yung-Jong Shiah","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103100","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103100","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study investigated if human glioblastoma cancer cells (U87MG cell line) cultured in intentionally treated water could reduce cell migration, a prerequisite for metastasis, as compared to the same cells cultured in untreated (control) water.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>Three Buddhist monks entered a meditative state and directed their awareness to bottles of ultrapure water while holding the intention that the water would cause beneficial changes in U87MG. The study was conducted double-blind whereby all aspects of the study involving cell growth and migration measures, as well as all subsequent statistical evaluations, were performed without knowledge of the type of water being used. Cell cultures were incubated in growth mediums prepared with treated and untreated water, and a wound healing assay was employed to measure cell migration.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>U87MG cells incubated with treated water migrated less efficiently than the same cells in untreated water. A repeated measures ANOVA, spanning four time periods (0, 3, 6, and 9 h), determined that the time × water condition interaction was associated with p &lt; 0.005.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Intentioned awareness appeared to change as-yet unknown properties of ultrapure water, resulting in a reduction of U87MG cells migration activity. Further research is warranted to replicate these results and to investigate the underlying protein expression mechanisms in influencing cell migration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 1","pages":"Article 103100"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142866105","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":"Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for melasma: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials","authors":"Jiayu Su ,&nbsp;Tingwei Quan ,&nbsp;Tianrong Liao ,&nbsp;Yu Luo ,&nbsp;Xin Fan ,&nbsp;Mingfu Pan ,&nbsp;Hongzhen Tang","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103108","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103108","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Treating melasma remains challenging. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture as a treatment option.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We searched three English and four Chinese databases up to January 2, 2024. The primary outcome was the total effective rate, while secondary outcomes included skin lesion area and color scores, total lesion score, and adverse effects. Study quality was assessed using the risk of bias tool, and data were analyzed with Review Manager 5.4. The GRADE approach evaluated evidence certainty.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This study included 22 studies with 1644 participants. Findings indicate that acupuncture significantly outperforms Western medicine and other treatments (risk ratio [RR] = 1.21, 95 % confidence interval [CI] (1.18, 1.30), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.00001, I² = 34 %). Acupuncture effectively reduces the area of skin lesions (mean difference [MD] = −0.35, 95 % CI (−0.52, −0.19), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.0001, I² = 93 %), lightens color (MD = −0.45, 95 % CI (−0.58, −0.31), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.00001, I² = 89 %), and lowers the total score of skin lesions (MD = -1.00, 95 % CI (−1.29, −0.70), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.00001, I² = 79 %). Adverse reactions were infrequent with acupuncture. The most common needling sites were in the facial lesion area, noted in 17 studies. Sanyinjiao (SP6) was the most frequently used acupoint (<em>n</em> = 8), followed by Hegu (LI4) (<em>n</em> = 7) and Xuehai (SP10) (<em>n</em> = 7). Other commonly used acupoints included Tianshu (ST25), Zusanli (ST36), Taichong (LR3), and Zhongwan (RN12). All secondary outcomes, except for the primary outcome, were rated as very low quality.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This review confirms that acupuncture therapy effectively reduces the area and color of melasma lesions and lowers lesion scores. Acupuncture therapy appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for melasma; however, results should be interpreted cautiously due to potential publication and regional biases.</div></div><div><h3>Registration</h3><div>CRD42024503394.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 1","pages":"Article 103108"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142985292","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":"Using What Matters Most to improve health care delivery for individuals and populations of veterans experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders","authors":"Kimberlee Flike ,&nbsp;Elizabeth Naughton ,&nbsp;Rosalie Bouchard-Bihr ,&nbsp;Abigail Tague ,&nbsp;Gretchen Willwerth ,&nbsp;Matthew Nault ,&nbsp;Justeen Hyde","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103109","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103109","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To understand ways in which the Personal Health Inventory (PHI), a tool to prompt reflection on what matters most and status in 8 components of health and well-being, can be used to inform care of homeless veterans entering a Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program, at individual and programmatic levels.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Mixed method study was conducted at one residential treatment program. Quantitative data was collected from the PHI (n=64) and was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data was collected from the PHI and semi-structured staff interviews (n=9) and was analyzed using thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Approximately half of veterans entering the program between January and September, 2023 completed a PHI. Themes for what matters most included: 1) reconnecting with family, 2) improving health, and 3) self-discovery. Structured responses to the 8 areas of health indicated lowest satisfaction with: 1) relationships, 2) personal development, and 3) surroundings. Staff interviews indicated knowing where veterans are most and least satisfied helped inform goal setting and connection to resources. Population-level analysis of information from the PHI prompted reflection on existing programming.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Residential treatment programs may benefit from incorporating brief instruments like the PHI to inform individual care and overall program offerings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 1","pages":"Article 103109"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142933370","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 acupressure on pain and first mobilisation distance after caesarean section: A double-blind randomised controlled study","authors":"Aslıhan Aksu ,&nbsp;Tuğba Çam-Yanık ,&nbsp;Filiz Değirmenci ,&nbsp;Duygu Vefikuluçay-Yılmaz ,&nbsp;Gülay Altun-Uğraş ,&nbsp;Mürşide Çevikoğlu-Kıllı","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103102","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103102","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Postoperative pain is one of the most common problems after caesarean section (CS). Pain reduction and effective mobilisation after CS positively affect maternal and infant health.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study aimed to determine the effects of acupressure applied to women after CS on pain intensity and first mobilisation distance.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The sample of this prospective, two-armed (1:1), double-blind randomised controlled clinical trial consisted of 64 women undergoing CS (32 acupressure and 32 placebo acupressure group). The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, independent-groups <em>t</em>-test, Mann–Whitney U test, repeated-measures two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and simple main-effects analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Findings showed statistically significant group effects (<em>F</em> = 19.32, <em>p</em>&lt;.001), time effects (<em>F</em> = 27.67, <em>p</em>&lt;.001), and group- and time-interaction effects (<em>F</em> = 26.60, <em>p</em>&lt;.001) on postoperative pain after CS. In the acupressure group, the VAS scores were lower at 1 min, 2 h and 4 h after the intervention compared to before the intervention (<em>p</em>&lt;.001; <em>p</em>&lt;.001; <em>p</em>=.001, respectively). In the placebo group, the VAS score at 1 min after the application decreased, increasing at 2 h and 4 h, but these changes were not significant (<em>p</em>&gt;.05). The first mobilisation distance of the acupressure group was significantly longer than that of the placebo group (<em>p</em>&lt;.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Acupressure applied to the SP6, P6 and LI4 points was an effective nursing intervention for pain control and mobilisation after CS. Considering the significant impact of pain after CS on maternal and infant health, nurses should include acupressure, which is easy to apply, cost-effective, and efficacious, in postpartum care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 1","pages":"Article 103102"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142899417","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":"Humanity's precognition: Climate change and the decline of democracy","authors":"Stephan A. Schwartz","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103104","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103104","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 1","pages":"Article 103104"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142899716","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":"You….. And Me…..and a Cup of Tea: Eight insights we've gleaned from enlightened masters","authors":"Jeb Barton ,&nbsp;Marjorie Woollacott","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103096","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103096","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This Reflection piece offers eight insights that have been gleaned from enlightened masters related to the nature of consciousness, awareness and experience. These insights are elucidated in ways that can help in the evaluation of the usefulness of our values and beliefs, and how these dictate the way we respond to our life experiences. In this way the essay points to the importance of cultivating and refining one's own awareness because it is the level of our awareness that controls the flow of creativity and experience, both into and out of our lives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 1","pages":"Article 103096"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142848270","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":"Summary of a Cochrane review: Meditation for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease","authors":"Getrude Mphwanthe","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103105","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103105","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 1","pages":"Article 103105"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142903883","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 acupuncture and foot reflexology on sleep quality in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A clinical trial","authors":"Behnam Babamiri ,&nbsp;Raheleh Pourbahram ,&nbsp;Mohsen Sayahi ,&nbsp;Milad Ahangarzadeh ,&nbsp;Rasoul Goli ,&nbsp;Navid Faraji ,&nbsp;Mohammad Reza Faramarzi","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103101","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103101","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Sleep disturbances are common among individuals with leukemia, and they can significantly impact their overall well-being. Acupuncture and foot reflexology, two alternative therapies rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, have gained recognition for their potential to address sleep issues and alleviate associated symptoms.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This single blinded, three-groups randomized controlled trial was navigated at Tohid Hospital, involving 132 leukemia patients divided into acupuncture (<em>n</em> = 44), foot reflexology (<em>n</em> = 44), and control (<em>n</em> = 44) groups via random card selection. All patients completed a demographic questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) before the intervention. The acupuncture group received routine care along with twice-daily acupuncture at the SP6 point for four successive weeks. Reflexology group had daily ten-minute sittings for the same weeks using sweet almond oil on their feet. Control group continued by only routine cares. Post-intervention assessments were conducted using the same instruments after four weeks.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study analyzed patient demographics, finding no significant gender differences and a majority of high school graduates. All groups had similar proportions of singles, high employment rates, and urban residency. Average ages were comparable, with no significant pre-intervention sleep quality differences found. However, both acupuncture and reflexology groups showed significant improvements post-intervention, unlike the control group. While both interventions resulted in lower sleep quality scores compared to the control, no significant difference was observed between the acupuncture and reflexology groups. Trends indicated slight reductions in fatigue for the intervention groups, suggesting both therapies effectively improved sleep quality.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Acupuncture and foot reflexology are suggested as simple and budget-friendly complementary methods that may improve sleep quality for those with leukemia. These therapies provide non-invasive methods to address sleep disturbances and improve overall well-being in leukemia patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 1","pages":"Article 103101"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142928556","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 therapeutic effect of two different massages on the sleep quality of orthopedic surgery patients: A randomized controlled study","authors":"Morteza Hojat Ansari ,&nbsp;Seyedeh Zahra Aemmi ,&nbsp;Abbas Farhadi Faruji ,&nbsp;Habibollah Esmaily","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103084","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103084","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Poor sleep quality due to pain, anxiety, and other surgical complications is a common challenge in postoperative patients. The present study aims to investigate the effect of postoperative slow-stroke back and hot stone massage therapy on the sleep quality of orthopedic surgery patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This randomized and controlled clinical trial was conducted on 99 patients in the postoperative period of orthopedic surgery. The participants were randomly distributed into three groups (slow-stroke back massage, hot stone massage, and routine care). On the first or second day after the surgery, one group received a slow-stroke back massage, and another received a hot stone massage in the morning and afternoon for 10-15 minutes. Demographic surveys and the Richard-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ) were used for data collection. Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and Wilcoxon tests were used for analysis, and the desired significance level was considered &lt; 0.05.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There was a significant improvement in sleep quality scores of patients in the slow-stroke back or hot stone massage groups compared with the routine care group (p &lt; 0.001) and also before intervention (p &lt; 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The results suggest that slow-stroke back and hot stone massages can improve sleep quality in patients with orthopedic surgery in the postoperative period.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 1","pages":"Article 103084"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142704861","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":"Impact of Rosa damascena extract capsule on the sexual function of menopausal women: A randomized clinical trial","authors":"Zohreh Gholinezhad ,&nbsp;Fatemeh Zahra Karimi ,&nbsp;Hassan Rakhshandeh ,&nbsp;Seyed Reza Mazloum","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103082","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103082","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Although the prevalence of sexual dysfunction is high in menopausal women and it can cause many problems for them, it has been largely overlooked. The present study aimed to determine the effect of <em>Rosa damascena</em> extract capsules on the sexual function of menopausal women.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>This randomized, triple blinded clinical trial was conducted on 82 menopausal women who were randomly divided into two groups. In the intervention group, women took a capsule of <em>Rosa damascena</em> extract every 12 h for 8 weeks, while women in the placebo group took similar capsules without medicinal effects. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was evaluated before and after the intervention (4 and 8 weeks). The data were analyzed by SPSS software and statistical tests such as independent <em>t</em>-test, Mann‒Whitney U test, and Chi-square, with a significance level of 0.05.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The use of <em>Rosa damascena</em> extract capsules significantly improved the total FSFI score four (<em>P</em> = 0.016) and eight weeks after the intervention (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). The positive changes in FSFI domains in the intervention group were as follows: arousal, lubrication, satisfaction, and pain during intercourse four and eight weeks after the intervention. Additionally, desire and orgasm significantly increased eight weeks after the intervention (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The results of this study indicate that <em>Rosa damascena</em> can improve sexual function in menopausal women. However, further studies are needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 1","pages":"Article 103082"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142704860","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}