Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing最新文献

Acupuncture as a complex adaptive system: A theoretical reflection on therapeutic effectiveness and emergent healing. 针刺作为一个复杂的适应系统：对治疗效果和突发性愈合的理论反思。

IF 2.2 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing

Pub Date : 2026-01-29 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2026.103339

Salvador Quiroz-González, Erika Elizabeth Rodríguez-Torres

Scientific understanding of acupuncture has advanced rapidly, yet its therapeutic effectiveness remains only partially explained by linear or reductionist models centered on neural or biochemical pathways. This article offers a theoretical reflection and conceptual proposal framing acupuncture as a complex adaptive system, in which healing emerges from dynamic interactions among practitioner, patient, and context. Drawing on systems theory and complexity science, the therapeutic process is conceptualized through an Input-Process-Output-Feedback (IPOF) model that captures biological, psychological, and relational dimensions of regulation. Within this framework, effectiveness is understood as an emergent property arising from recursive feedback loops that integrate sensory, cognitive, and emotional signals into systemic coherence. Acupuncture's outcomes thus transcend isolated mechanisms, reflecting the co-regulation of two living systems that evolve together across treatment sessions. This perspective encourages a shift from reductionist causality toward emergent functionality, in which effectiveness results from configuration rather than isolation. By reframing acupuncture within a systems-based paradigm, this reflection invites a more integrative understanding of therapeutic emergence, bridging experimental mechanisms with real-world effectiveness and fostering a science of dynamic healing.

对针灸的科学认识迅速发展，但其治疗效果仍然只是部分地解释线性或简化模型集中在神经或生化途径。本文提供了一个理论反思和概念建议，将针灸作为一个复杂的适应系统，在这个系统中，治疗是从从业者、患者和环境之间的动态互动中产生的。利用系统理论和复杂性科学，治疗过程通过输入-过程-输出-反馈（IPOF）模型概念化，该模型捕获了调节的生物，心理和关系维度。在这个框架中，有效性被理解为一种由递归反馈循环产生的紧急属性，该循环将感觉、认知和情感信号整合到系统一致性中。因此，针灸的结果超越了孤立的机制，反映了两个生命系统在治疗过程中共同进化的共同调节。这种观点鼓励从简化的因果关系转向紧急功能，其中有效性来自配置而不是孤立。通过在基于系统的范式中重构针灸，这种反思邀请对治疗出现的更综合的理解，将实验机制与现实世界的有效性联系起来，并促进动态治疗的科学。

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引用次数: 0

From observed improvement to causal inference: Methodological challenges in a self-acupressure trial for multiple sclerosis. 从观察到的改善到因果推理：多发性硬化症自我指压试验的方法学挑战。

IF 2.2 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing

Pub Date : 2026-01-28 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2026.103338

Fei-Yi Zhao, Yan-Mei Wang, Qiang-Qiang Fu, Jia-Yi Zhu, Jie Qian

引用次数: 0

Corrigendum to “Clinical Efficacy of Guishao Shengxue Decoction in the Treatment of Pediatric Immune Thrombocytopenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial” [EXPLORE 21 (2025) 103277] “骨芍生血汤治疗小儿免疫性血小板减少症的临床疗效：一项随机对照试验”的勘误[EXPLORE 21 (2025) 103277]

IF 2.2 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing

Pub Date : 2026-01-22 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2026.103322

Wei Wang , Xiaofei Xie , Shengtao Cui , Lin Xue

引用次数: 0

Herbal decoction with post-surgery for tibiofibular fracture: A systematic review 中药汤剂治疗胫腓骨骨折：系统综述

IF 2.2 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing

Pub Date : 2026-01-21 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2026.103327

Jiho Pyun , Manki Hwang , Taekyu Yang , Sungeun Kwon , Yoonchul Jung , Changsub Yeum , Seung-Hun Cho

Introduction

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of Taohong Siwu decoction (THSWD) as an adjunct to the usual therapy after surgery for tibiofibular fractures.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive literature search across seven databases (MEDLINE [via PubMed], Embase, CENTRAL, CNKI, Wanfang, Sinomed, and CiNii) for relevant articles published from database inception through July 9, 2025. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. Depending on the outcome types, the results are reported as risk ratios (RRs), odds ratios (ORs), or mean differences (MDs), each with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

We included 24 randomized controlled trials involving 2,048 participants. Compared to treatment as usual (TAU) alone, combined THSWD and TAU was associated with improvements in pain (MD -1.34; 95% CI -1.79 to -0.88, I² = 97%), time to fracture healing (MD -3.68; 95% CI -5.37 to -1.99, I² = 95%), the Hospital for Special Surgery Knee-Rating Scale score (MD 9.00; 95% CI 5.61 to 12.40), and the clinical response (RR = 1.16; 95% CI 1.12 to 1.21). The OR for adverse events was also significantly lower (OR 0.13; 95% CI 0.07 to 0.26) with THSWD combined with TAU. However, the included trials generally had low methodological quality, as assessed by RoB 2.0.

Conclusion

THSWD may serve as an effective adjunctive therapy to TAU to enhance recovery after tibiofibular fracture surgery, although the certainty of the evidence remains low, while potentially reducing adverse events.

Systematic Review Registration

www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero (CRD420251107355)

前言：我们评价桃红四物汤作为胫腓骨骨折术后常规治疗的辅助治疗的有效性和安全性。方法我们对7个数据库（MEDLINE [via PubMed]、Embase、CENTRAL、CNKI、Wanfang、Sinomed和CiNii）进行了全面的文献检索，检索从数据库建立到2025年7月9日发表的相关文章。采用随机效应模型进行meta分析。根据结果类型，以风险比（rr）、优势比（ORs）或平均差异（MDs）报告结果，每个结果都有相应的95%置信区间（ci）。结果纳入24项随机对照试验，涉及2048名受试者。与单独常规治疗（TAU）相比，THSWD和TAU联合治疗与疼痛（MD -1.34; 95% CI -1.79至-0.88,I²= 97%）、骨折愈合时间（MD -3.68; 95% CI -5.37至-1.99,I²= 95%）、特殊外科医院膝关节评定量表评分（MD 9.00; 95% CI 5.61至12.40）和临床反应（RR = 1.16; 95% CI 1.12至1.21）的改善相关。THSWD联合TAU的不良事件OR也显著降低（OR 0.13; 95% CI 0.07 ~ 0.26）。然而，纳入的试验通常具有较低的方法学质量，如RoB 2.0评估。结论thswd可作为一种有效的辅助治疗来增强胫腓骨骨折手术后的恢复，尽管证据的确定性仍然很低，同时可能减少不良事件。系统评价注册www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero （CRD420251107355）

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引用次数: 0

Effects of acupressure on dyspnea and anxiety in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized controlled trial 穴位按压对慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者呼吸困难和焦虑的影响：一项随机对照试验

IF 2.2 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing

Pub Date : 2026-01-20 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2026.103326

Çiğdem Ergin , Songül Karadağ

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of acupressure on dyspnea and anxiety levels in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Design and Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 patients diagnosed with COPD. Acupressure was applied to the LI4, HT7, LU1, and ST36 points in the intervention group. Data were collected using the Modified Borg Scale (MBS), Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (MRC), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Findings

Acupressure significantly reduced both dyspnoea and anxiety in the intervention group (p < 0.001). A moderate positive correlation was observed between dyspnea and anxiety scores.

Practice Implications

Acupressure may serve as a nurse-led, non-pharmacological intervention to manage symptoms in patients with COPD. Further studies are recommended to examine its broader clinical utility.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Acupressure has the potential to enhance patient comfort and contribute to holistic symptom management in patients with COPD.

Patient or Public Contribution

While patients did not participate in the study design, data analysis, or manuscript writing, they actively engaged in the intervention by voluntarily accepting acupressure and consistently applying it at home. Their adherence provided insight into the feasibility of acupressure in real-world settings.

目的探讨穴位按压对慢性阻塞性肺疾病（COPD）患者呼吸困难和焦虑水平的影响。设计与方法对60例慢性阻塞性肺病患者进行随机对照试验。干预组采用穴位按压LI4、HT7、LU1、ST36穴位。采用改良博格量表（MBS）、医学研究委员会呼吸困难量表（MRC）和贝克焦虑量表（BAI）收集数据。p值为<；0.05被认为具有统计学意义。研究发现，干预组患者呼吸困难和焦虑均明显减轻（p < 0.001）。呼吸困难与焦虑评分呈中度正相关。实践意义：按压可作为护士主导的非药物干预措施来控制COPD患者的症状。建议进一步研究以检验其更广泛的临床应用。与临床实践的相关性穴位按压有可能提高患者的舒适度，有助于慢性阻塞性肺病患者的整体症状管理。患者或公众贡献虽然患者没有参与研究设计、数据分析或手稿撰写，但他们通过自愿接受指压并在家中持续应用，积极参与干预。他们的坚持提供了深入了解穴位按压在现实世界设置的可行性。

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引用次数: 0

Efficacy and immunomodulatory effects of licorice nasal spray in allergic rhinitis: A clinical study comparing with conventional steroid treatment 甘草鼻喷雾剂治疗变应性鼻炎的疗效及免疫调节作用：与常规类固醇治疗的临床比较

IF 2.2 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing

Pub Date : 2026-01-20 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2026.103325

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

Background

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) 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.

Methods

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.

Results

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.

Conclusion

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.

Trial registration

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 https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13188211.

甘草（glycyrhiza glabra）因其抗炎和免疫调节特性而被公认。它在管理与各种呼吸系统和炎症性疾病相关的炎症方面已显示出潜力。本研究旨在评价甘草鼻喷雾剂（LNS）与常规类固醇鼻喷雾剂（SNS）治疗变应性鼻炎的有效性和安全性。方法将60例变应性鼻炎患者随机分为LNS组和SNS组。SNS组给予糠酸莫米松鼻喷雾剂（Nasonex®），每鼻孔一次，每日两次（每日总剂量200 μg）， LNS组给予甘草鼻喷雾剂，使用相同的给药方案。两组均每日治疗2次，疗程1个月。通过症状评分（TNSS, SNOT-22），各种症状的视觉模拟量表（VAS），声学鼻测量，内窥镜检查，粘膜纤毛运输时间（MCTT）和鼻分泌物细胞因子水平来评估结果。结果LNS和SNS均能显著减少鼻阻塞和鼻后滴涕。此外，LNS与鼻漏、鼻痒和睡眠质量的改善有关。LNS与鼻腔分泌物中IL-4、IL-6、IL-10、TNF-α和IFN-γ的显著降低有关，而SNS的变化在更有限的细胞因子亚群中被观察到。此外，LNS改善了MCTT，表明纤毛粘膜功能增强。结论甘草鼻喷雾剂可有效减轻变应性鼻炎症状，具有与类固醇鼻喷雾剂相当的免疫调节作用。这些结果表明，LNS可能是变应性鼻炎患者的一种有希望的替代治疗方法。试验注册本研究在ISRCTN前瞻性注册，识别码为ISRCTN13188211。注册于2022年9月1日完成，确保了透明度和遵守临床试验报告标准。完整的试验细节可访问https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13188211。

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引用次数: 0

Hegu point acupressure for cannulation pain across fistula sites: Randomized controlled trial 合谷穴穴位按压治疗瘘管部位插管疼痛：随机对照试验。

IF 2.2 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing

Pub Date : 2026-01-14 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2026.103324

Gülay TURGAY , Banu ÇEVİK , Yasemin ESKİGÜLEK , Işılay İNANOĞLU , Semiha KAYA

Background

Cannulation-related pain is a common problem in hemodialysis patients with arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs). Identifying effective non-pharmacological strategies, such as Hegu (LI4) point acupressure, may help improve patient comfort. This study examined the effect of Hegu point acupressure on cannulation-related pain in hemodialysis patients with AVFs located in different anatomical regions.

Material and Methods

This randomized controlled study included 131 hemodialysis patients at a university dialysis center between October 2022 and February 2023. Patients had AVFs in antecubital, Brescia-Cimino, or snuff-box regions and were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. The intervention consisted of three minutes of Hegu acupressure before cannulation, applied across three consecutive dialysis sessions. Pain intensity during needle insertion was assessed with the Numerical Rating Scale. Control patients received routine care. Data were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA, and effect sizes were calculated with Cohen’s d.

Results

Pain scores in intervention groups decreased significantly across all fistula sites, with the most pronounced reduction in the Brescia-Cimino site (from 2.18 ± 0.95 to 0.81 ± 0.20). Decreases were also observed in the antecubital (from 2.14 ± 1.08 to 1.13 ± 0.46) and snuff-box sites (from 1.82 ± 0.13 to 1.09 ± 0.86). In contrast, pain scores in control groups remained stable or increased. Group and time interaction effects were significant across all sites (p < 0.05), with large effect sizes favoring acupressure.

Conclusion

Hegu point acupressure reduced cannulation pain in patients with AVFs at different anatomical sites, with the strongest effect in the Brescia-Cimino region.

背景：导管相关疼痛是血液透析患者动静脉瘘（AVFs）的常见问题。确定有效的非药物策略，如合谷（LI4）穴位按压，可能有助于改善患者的舒适度。本研究探讨合谷穴穴位按压对不同解剖区avf血透患者插管相关疼痛的影响。材料和方法：这项随机对照研究纳入了2022年10月至2023年2月期间在一所大学透析中心接受血液透析的131名患者。在肘前区、布雷西亚-西米诺区或鼻烟盒区发生avf的患者被随机分配到干预组或对照组。干预包括插管前三分钟的合谷指压，连续三次透析。针刺时疼痛强度采用数值评定量表进行评定。对照组患者接受常规护理。使用混合设计方差分析分析数据，并使用Cohen's d计算效应量。结果：干预组的疼痛评分在所有瘘管部位均显著下降，其中Brescia-Cimino部位下降最明显（从2.18±0.95降至0.81±0.20）。前肘部（2.14±1.08）和鼻烟壶部位（1.82±0.13）下降（1.09±0.86）。相比之下，对照组的疼痛评分保持稳定或增加。组间和时间间的交互效应在所有部位均显著（p < 0.05），且大效应量有利于指压。结论：合谷穴可减轻avf患者不同解剖部位的穿刺疼痛，其中以Brescia-Cimino区效果最强。

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引用次数: 0

Integrative nursing: A whole health perspective. 综合护理：整体健康视角。

IF 2.2 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing

Pub Date : 2026-01-14 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2026.103316

Mary Jo Kreitzer, Mary Koithan

引用次数: 0

Evaluating the sound magnetic balance intervention in a randomized controlled trial: Effects on psychological distress, somatic pain, and physiological arousal 在一项随机对照试验中评估声磁平衡干预：对心理困扰、躯体疼痛和生理觉醒的影响

IF 2.2 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing

Pub Date : 2026-01-14 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2026.103323

Chun Yiu Lam , Lap Kwan Leung Cyrus , Kin Kit Li Ben

The Sound Magnetic Balance Intervention (SMBI) is a novel integrated therapy that combines sound healing using Tibetan singing bowls, tuning forks, with magnetic meridian massage based on principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was the first to evaluate the combined effects of these modalities on psychological, physiological, and somatic outcomes. Forty-six university students (mean age = 20.65, SD = 2.24) with mild psychological distress were randomly assigned to receive SMBI as the intervention condition or one of two active controls, either calming music or an audio story. Compared to both control groups, SMBI significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and stress (p < .001, η² = 0.31–0.55), stagnation (p < .001, η² = 0.37), acupoint pain (p < .001, η² = 0.63–0.82), heart rate, and systolic blood pressure (p < .001, η² = 0.50–0.58), and also improved life satisfaction and spiritual well-being (p < .001, η² = 0.14–0.37). Delivered in three 30–35 min sessions and requiring only 10–15 h of practitioner training, SMBI is a non-invasive, cost-effective intervention with potential for use in clinical and community settings. Future research should investigate physiological and neurobiological mechanisms (e.g., cortisol, EEG) and examine integration with other TCM modalities. These findings position SMBI as a promising multisensory approach within the field of integrative mental health care.

声磁平衡干预（SMBI）是一种新颖的综合疗法，结合了藏族唱碗、音叉的声音治疗和基于中医原理的磁经络按摩。这项随机对照试验（RCT）首次评估了这些治疗方式对心理、生理和躯体结果的综合影响。46名轻度心理困扰的大学生（平均年龄20.65岁，SD = 2.24）被随机分为两组，一组接受SMBI作为干预条件，另一组接受镇静音乐或音频故事作为主动对照。与对照组相比，SMBI显著减轻了抑郁、焦虑和压力（p < 0.001, η²= 0.31-0.55）、停滞（p < 0.001, η²= 0.37）、穴位疼痛（p < 0.001, η²= 0.63-0.82）、心率和收缩压（p < 0.001, η²= 0.50-0.58），并改善了生活满意度和精神幸福感（p < 0.001, η²= 0.14-0.37）。SMBI是一种非侵入性的、具有成本效益的干预措施，有可能在临床和社区环境中使用，每次30-35分钟，仅需10-15小时的从业人员培训。未来的研究应探讨生理和神经生物学机制（如皮质醇、脑电图），并检查与其他中医方法的结合。这些发现表明SMBI在综合精神卫生保健领域是一种很有前途的多感官方法。

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引用次数: 0

Effect of inhaled peppermint essential oil aromatherapy on postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecologic surgery 吸入薄荷精油芳香疗法对腹腔镜妇科手术患者术后恶心呕吐的影响

IF 2.2 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing

Pub Date : 2026-01-13 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2026.103321

Hai Tang , Mengyu Liu , Zijian Zhou , Hui Liu , Zhijie Ji , Min Yang , Jinfeng Shen , Maoyin Zhang

Background

This study evaluated the effect of inhaled peppermint essential oil (PEO) aromatherapy on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, 106 patients were assigned to either the PEO group or normal saline (NS) group. The PEO group received inhalational aromatherapy with 2% peppermint oil before induction, preoperatively, and immediately after extubation. The NS group received an identical intervention using 2 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride solution.

Results

Compared with the NS group, the PEO group had a significantly lower incidence of PONV within 24 h (52.8% vs. 73.6%; p = 0.043). The reduction was most notable during the first hour (45.3% vs. 73.6%; p = 0.047). The PEO group also demonstrated significantly improved anxiety scores at 0–24 h and 24–48 h, reduced pain catastrophizing, and decreased abdominal distension.

Conclusion

Inhaled peppermint aromatherapy reduced the incidence of PONV, improved anxiety, decreased pain catastrophizing, and alleviated abdominal distension in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery.

Clinical Trial Registration

This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. (Registration number: ChiCTR2400093289 Registration Date:2024–12–02)

本研究评估了吸入薄荷精油（PEO）芳香疗法对腹腔镜妇科手术患者术后恶心呕吐（PONV）的影响。方法将106例患者随机分为生理盐水组和PEO组。PEO组在诱导前、术前和拔管后立即接受2%薄荷油的吸入芳香疗法。NS组接受相同的干预，使用2ml 0.9%氯化钠溶液。结果与NS组相比，PEO组24 h内PONV发生率显著降低（52.8% vs. 73.6%; p = 0.043）。在第1小时减少最为显著（45.3% vs. 73.6%; p = 0.047）。PEO组在0-24 h和24-48 h的焦虑评分也有显著改善，疼痛灾难性减轻，腹胀减轻。结论吸入性薄荷香薰治疗可降低腹腔镜妇科手术患者PONV的发生率，改善患者的焦虑感，减轻疼痛的发生，减轻腹胀。临床试验注册本研究已在中国临床试验注册中心注册。（注册号：ChiCTR2400093289注册日期：2024-12-02）

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引用次数: 0