Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing最新文献

{"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":null,"pages":null},"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":null,"pages":null},"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":null,"pages":null},"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":null,"pages":null},"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":null,"pages":null},"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}

{"title":"Plastic related chemicals: Disease burden and costs in the United States","authors":"Angie Lillehei","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.004","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140061146","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(24)00035-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/S1550-8307(24)00035-1","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139942504","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":"Youth response to climate change: Learning from Indigenous land-based camp at the Northern Saskatchewan Indigenous Communities, Canada","authors":"Prarthona Datta ,&nbsp;Ranjan Datta ,&nbsp;Kevin Lewis ,&nbsp;Margot Hurlbert","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This paper represents Youth's involvement in land-based learning in Indigenous culture camps (LLICP) in a powerful and innovative approach to addressing the pressing global issue of climate change. Following Indigenist and relational approaches, we (Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth and educators) explore the critical aspects of this initiative, highlighting its significance and potential impact. Indigenous communities have long held a deep connection with the land and possess traditional knowledge that is invaluable in combating climate change. The LLICP initiative involves organizing cultural camps designed for youth from diverse backgrounds to learn from Indigenous elders and community leaders about the vital relationship between the environment and Indigenous cultures. The LLICP provides a unique opportunity for young people to engage with Indigenous wisdom, traditional practices, and land-based teachings. Through Indigenous elders and knowledge-keepers guidelines, we learned a holistic understanding of sustainable living, biodiversity conservation, and the importance of preserving ecosystems. Our learning helped us, particularly our youths, to become proactive stewards of the environment and advocates for climate action. The LLICP fosters cross-cultural understanding and collaboration, encouraging a sense of unity among youths. The LLICP inspires innovative solutions to climate-related challenges and empowers youth to take leadership roles in their communities, advocating for sustainable policies and practices. The LLICP offers a powerful means of engaging young people in the fight against climate change while respecting and honoring Indigenous knowledge and heritage. It is a promising step towards a more sustainable and resilient future for all.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550830724000314/pdfft?md5=b7573c9e700dc3194da0ae2941196031&pid=1-s2.0-S1550830724000314-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139947128","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":"Effectiveness and safety of Jiejing Runmu decoction in treatment of dry eye disease","authors":"Jiang Xiaodan ,&nbsp;Li Yuanting ,&nbsp;Li Xiaodan ,&nbsp;Lv Huibin ,&nbsp;Zhao Nana ,&nbsp;Lv Shuxuan ,&nbsp;Wang Yiren ,&nbsp;Li Xuemin","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To investigate the effectiveness and safety of Jiejing Runmu decoction in relieving the clinical manifestations of dry eye disease (DED).</p></div><div><h3>Design and interventions</h3><p>This single-arm prospective intervention study was conducted at the Peking University Third Hospital and People's Hospital of Yongqing<strong>.</strong> Of the 211 patients recruited, 200 completing the follow-up were included in the analysis. Patients received Jiejing Runmu decoction once a day for 4 weeks continuously, without any change in eye care habits. Individuals were evaluated at four time points: pretreatment (baseline), 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months (2 months after completion of treatment), using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear film breakup time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining, Schirmer test I and meibomian gland assessments. Adverse effects were evaluated at each follow-up visit and systematic examinations were performed during the first and last visits.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>OSDI, TBUT, corneal fluorescein staining, Schirmer test I, meibomian gland expressibility, and quality of secretions improved at 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months compared to baseline (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.0001). No significant differences were found between the sexes. Patients above 45 years showed worse subjective symptoms and objective signs, and greater improvements in corneal fluorescein staining, meibomian gland expressibility, and quality of secretions were observed in this group. No obvious adverse effects were detected during any follow-up visit.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Jiejing Runmu decoction significantly improved both the subjective symptoms and objective signs of DED, with favorable tolerance.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139889472","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 evaluation of standardized Boswellia serrata extract (AflapinⓇ) in osteoarthritis: A systematic review and sub-group meta-analysis study","authors":"Vishal Dubey,&nbsp;Dharmeshkumar Kheni,&nbsp;Varun Sureja","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and purpose</h3><p>Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease characterized by pain, inflammation, and physical disability. <em>Boswellia serrata</em> (BS) is widely studied for its effectiveness in OA condition. Our systematic review and meta-analysis study was aimed to evaluate BS extract efficacy in OA. A sub-group analysis was performed to compare the efficacy of a standardized BS extract (Aflapin^Ⓡ) with other BS extracts.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Randomized controlled trials, identified from three online databases, evaluating the effect of BS extracts in OA were included. Quality of studies was assessed using PEDro scale and risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Pooled effect was reported as mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval. Study was conducted as per the Cochrane guidelines (PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42023411356).</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Nine RCTs with 712 participants were included. All studies (except one) were good quality studies. BS supplementation significantly reduced VAS (MD: -10.71; p&lt;0.00001), LFI (MD: -2.99; p&lt;0.00001), WOMAC-pain (MD: -10.69; p&lt;0.0001), WOMAC-stiffness (MD: -5.49; p&lt;0.00001), and WOMAC-function (MD: -10.69; p&lt;0.00001) scores compared to control therapy. By sub-group analysis, Aflapin^Ⓡ supplementation showed greater reduction in VAS (MD: -16.09 vs -4.68), LFI (MD: -3.81 vs -2.01), WOMAC-pain (MD: -18.68 vs -7.07), WOMAC-stiffness (MD: -14.25 vs -3.78), and WOMAC-function (MD: -14.99 vs -8.41) scores as compared to other BS therapies.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>BS supplementation is effective OA symptomatic management. Sub-group analysis revealed that Aflapin^Ⓡ supplementation may be better in improving the symptoms of OA which needs to be confirmed by more comparative clinical studies.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139747729","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}