Pub Date : 2025-06-19DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103200
Semra Yilmaz
The concept of temperament, expressed as Temperament in the Unani medical system and Mizaj (Temperament) in Persian medicine, is expressed as something that liquids and similar things mix with. Temperament is an important concept that is innate and plays a role in the formation of personal and physical characteristics with the effect of the qualities of the four elements, namely heat, cold, dryness and wetness, on each other, as well as affecting disease tendencies and health. Temperament allows each individual to be recognized and classified according to their morphological, physiological and psychological characteristics. According to Persian medicine, it is stated that the basis of diseases is the deterioration and imbalance of the person's temperament. In this study, the relationship between women's health in the light of mizaj was examined. Indeed, mizaj (temperament) is an important issue to be considered in individualized treatment for the protection of women's health, and it is thought that it can shed light on practical applications such as health protection and disease prevention.
{"title":"Exploring women's health: The Mizaj (Temperament) perspective","authors":"Semra Yilmaz","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103200","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103200","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The concept of temperament, expressed as Temperament in the Unani medical system and Mizaj (Temperament) in Persian medicine, is expressed as something that liquids and similar things mix with. Temperament is an important concept that is innate and plays a role in the formation of personal and physical characteristics with the effect of the qualities of the four elements, namely heat, cold, dryness and wetness, on each other, as well as affecting disease tendencies and health. Temperament allows each individual to be recognized and classified according to their morphological, physiological and psychological characteristics. According to Persian medicine, it is stated that the basis of diseases is the deterioration and imbalance of the person's temperament. In this study, the relationship between women's health in the light of mizaj was examined. Indeed, mizaj (temperament) is an important issue to be considered in individualized treatment for the protection of women's health, and it is thought that it can shed light on practical applications such as health protection and disease prevention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103200"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144482437","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":"Scholarly Appraisal of“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":"Parth Aphale , Himanshu Shekhar , Shashank Dokania","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103197","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103197","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103197"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144320986","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}
Pub Date : 2025-06-04DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103196
Jenny Moix , Samantha Baldaccini , Marta Isern
Background
Despite the growing body of scientific research on Out of Body Experiences (OBEs), a scoping review has not yet been conducted.
Method
A search was conducted across six databases. Studies published between 1987 and 2024 were included, resulting in the selection of 87 publications. The analyzed factors included deliberate inducing, predisposing, precipitating, consequential, phenomenological, and physiological factors.
Results
OBEs can occur spontaneously, be self-induced, or induced through different methods. Experiences such as sleep paralysis, or lucid dreaming can facilitate OBEs. They can be triggered in various situations. The reactions to OBEs vary widely: some individuals fear their recurrence, while others welcome these experiences. OBEs are highly idiosyncratic, often accompanied by a strong sense of reality. Explanatory hypotheses for the nature of OBEs include psychological, physiological, and non-local consciousness perspectives.
Conclusions
OBEs are a complex phenomenon that requires further understanding to normalize and expand the current conception of consciousness.
{"title":"Out of body experiences: Scoping review","authors":"Jenny Moix , Samantha Baldaccini , Marta Isern","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103196","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103196","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Despite the growing body of scientific research on Out of Body Experiences (OBEs), a scoping review has not yet been conducted.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A search was conducted across six databases. Studies published between 1987 and 2024 were included, resulting in the selection of 87 publications. The analyzed factors included deliberate inducing, predisposing, precipitating, consequential, phenomenological, and physiological factors.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>OBEs can occur spontaneously, be self-induced, or induced through different methods. Experiences such as sleep paralysis, or lucid dreaming can facilitate OBEs. They can be triggered in various situations. The reactions to OBEs vary widely: some individuals fear their recurrence, while others welcome these experiences. OBEs are highly idiosyncratic, often accompanied by a strong sense of reality. Explanatory hypotheses for the nature of OBEs include psychological, physiological, and non-local consciousness perspectives.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>OBEs are a complex phenomenon that requires further understanding to normalize and expand the current conception of consciousness.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103196"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144322398","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}
Pub Date : 2025-06-02DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103195
Hacer Unver Koca , Didem Simsek Kucukkelepce , Osman Kucukkelepce , Aysegul Kocyigit
Aim
We aimed to evaluate the positive effects of laughter yoga on many diseases and postpartum depression.
Method
The study was randomized and controlled with a pretest-posttest control group and was conducted with 104 women. Data were collected with an introductory information form and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale.
Results
It was determined that Laughter Yoga (LY) significantly reduced postpartum depression symptoms (t (102) =-14.007; p=0.000<0,05).
Conclusion
Laughter Yoga has been found effective in alleviating depression symptoms among postpartum women following six sessions of application. Given the sensitivity of the postpartum period and women's reluctance to use medications due to concerns about their newborns, it is advisable to promote the adoption of LY and similar alternative medicine practices.
{"title":"Effectiveness of laughter yoga in reducing postpartum depression symptoms: A randomized controlled study","authors":"Hacer Unver Koca , Didem Simsek Kucukkelepce , Osman Kucukkelepce , Aysegul Kocyigit","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103195","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103195","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>We aimed to evaluate the positive effects of laughter yoga on many diseases and postpartum depression.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>The study was randomized and controlled with a pretest-posttest control group and was conducted with 104 women. Data were collected with an introductory information form and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>It was determined that Laughter Yoga (LY) significantly reduced postpartum depression symptoms (t <sub>(102)</sub> =-14.007; p=0.000<0,05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Laughter Yoga has been found effective in alleviating depression symptoms among postpartum women following six sessions of application. Given the sensitivity of the postpartum period and women's reluctance to use medications due to concerns about their newborns, it is advisable to promote the adoption of LY and similar alternative medicine practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103195"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144241472","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}
Pub Date : 2025-05-26DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103194
Kun Xue , Kuian Qu
Background
Ureteral calculi are a prevalent urological disorder typically managed by surgery or pharmacotherapy, which are associated with risks and patient anxiety. Floating Needle Therapy (FNT), a minimally invasive technique targeting subcutaneous connective tissue, has shown efficacy in pain management and muscle-related conditions. This case report describes the first documented use of FNT for treating a distal ureteral calculus, exploring its potential to facilitate stone passage through myofascial relaxation and improved local circulation.
Methods
A 53-year-old male with right distal ureteral lithiasis (5 × 2 mm) and mucosal edema presented with severe abdominal pain (VAS score 8) and hematuria. Declining surgery, he received FNT targeting myofascial trigger points in the rectus abdominis, oblique, adductor longus, gracilis, and iliocostalis muscles. A 3.5-cm Fu’s needle was inserted subcutaneously, followed by horizontal sweeping manipulation for 5 min daily for three days.
Results
After the first session, pain reduced to VAS 3, and hematuria resolved. The second session led to complete pain resolution and spontaneous stone passage overnight. Follow-up ultrasounds confirmed no residual calculus, with no recurrence at 1-month follow-up.
Conclusions
This case suggests FNT may promote ureteral stone passage by relieving myofascial tension, enhancing microcirculation, and reducing edema. While these findings are promising, large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to validate its efficacy across diverse patient populations and stone characteristics.
输尿管结石是一种常见的泌尿系统疾病，通常通过手术或药物治疗来治疗，它与风险和患者焦虑有关。漂浮针疗法（FNT）是一种针对皮下结缔组织的微创技术，在疼痛管理和肌肉相关疾病中显示出疗效。本病例报告描述了首次使用FNT治疗输尿管远端结石，探讨其促进结石通过肌筋膜松弛和改善局部循环的潜力。方法男性53岁，右侧输尿管远端结石（5 × 2 mm），黏膜水肿，伴有严重腹痛（VAS评分8分）和血尿。拒绝手术，他接受了针对腹直肌、斜肌、长内收肌、股薄肌和髂肋肌肌筋膜触发点的FNT。皮下插入3.5 cm Fu’s针，随后水平扫手法，每日5 min，连用3天。结果第一次治疗后疼痛降至VAS 3级，血尿缓解。第二次治疗导致疼痛完全缓解，结石在夜间自然排出。随访超声证实无结石残留，随访1个月无复发。结论FNT可能通过缓解肌筋膜紧张、促进微循环、减轻水肿等途径促进输尿管结石通过。虽然这些发现很有希望，但需要大规模的随机对照试验来验证其在不同患者群体和结石特征中的有效性。
{"title":"Floating needle therapy for the treatment of ureteral calculi: A case report","authors":"Kun Xue , Kuian Qu","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103194","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103194","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Ureteral calculi are a prevalent urological disorder typically managed by surgery or pharmacotherapy, which are associated with risks and patient anxiety. Floating Needle Therapy (FNT), a minimally invasive technique targeting subcutaneous connective tissue, has shown efficacy in pain management and muscle-related conditions. This case report describes the first documented use of FNT for treating a distal ureteral calculus, exploring its potential to facilitate stone passage through myofascial relaxation and improved local circulation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A 53-year-old male with right distal ureteral lithiasis (5 × 2 mm) and mucosal edema presented with severe abdominal pain (VAS score 8) and hematuria. Declining surgery, he received FNT targeting myofascial trigger points in the rectus abdominis, oblique, adductor longus, gracilis, and iliocostalis muscles. A 3.5-cm Fu’s needle was inserted subcutaneously, followed by horizontal sweeping manipulation for 5 min daily for three days.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>After the first session, pain reduced to VAS 3, and hematuria resolved. The second session led to complete pain resolution and spontaneous stone passage overnight. Follow-up ultrasounds confirmed no residual calculus, with no recurrence at 1-month follow-up.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This case suggests FNT may promote ureteral stone passage by relieving myofascial tension, enhancing microcirculation, and reducing edema. While these findings are promising, large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to validate its efficacy across diverse patient populations and stone characteristics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103194"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144290477","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}
Cancer patients frequently experience insomnia, adversely affecting their quality of life. This study aimed to systematically review and analyse the effectiveness and safety of acupressure and acupuncture in improving sleep quality among cancer patients suffering from insomnia, providing evidence for non-pharmacological treatment options.
Methods
Several digital databases (Scopus, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Medline, Cochrane library, PsycINFO, CINAHL complete, and Google Scholar) were examined for English-language records. Inclusion criteria involved randomized controlled trials assessing the impact of acupressure or acupuncture on cancer patients with insomnia. The Cochrane Collaboration's instrument was employed to evaluate the quality of the encompassed studies. For meta-analysis, a model that accounts for variability among studies was favoured, and statistical analysis was conducted using Stata software version 17.
Results
This review analysed 13 randomized controlled trials involving 806 cancer patients. The analysis indicated that sleep quality didn’t differ significantly between treatment and control groups. However, sleep efficacy was significantly higher in the treatment group (SMD [95 % CI] = 0.43 [0.21, 0.65]). Additionally, total sleep time showed a significantly higher extent in the treatment group (SMD [95 % CI] = 0.58 [0.24, 0.92]). No significant differences were found for depression or sleep onset latency between groups, while anxiety levels were lower in the treatment group (SMD [95 % CI] = -0.52 [-0.90, -0.15]).
Conclusion
The review suggests that acupressure and acupuncture enhance sleep quality in cancer patients suffering from insomnia, showing notable benefits during follow-up, especially among Asian participants.
{"title":"Effect of acupressure and acupuncture on sleep quality in cancer patients with insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Yasamin Khosravaninezhad , Reza Moshfeghinia , Leila Liaghat , Hamid Ghazipoor , Yasamin Kaheni , Amin Javidan , Yeganeh Mirzaee , Adib Azadmehr , Yussef Hashemi , Mehdi Pasalar","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103192","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103192","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Cancer patients frequently experience insomnia, adversely affecting their quality of life. This study aimed to systematically review and analyse the effectiveness and safety of acupressure and acupuncture in improving sleep quality among cancer patients suffering from insomnia, providing evidence for non-pharmacological treatment options.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Several digital databases (Scopus, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Medline, Cochrane library, PsycINFO, CINAHL complete, and Google Scholar) were examined for English-language records. Inclusion criteria involved randomized controlled trials assessing the impact of acupressure or acupuncture on cancer patients with insomnia. The Cochrane Collaboration's instrument was employed to evaluate the quality of the encompassed studies. For meta-analysis, a model that accounts for variability among studies was favoured, and statistical analysis was conducted using Stata software version 17.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This review analysed 13 randomized controlled trials involving 806 cancer patients. The analysis indicated that sleep quality didn’t differ significantly between treatment and control groups. However, sleep efficacy was significantly higher in the treatment group (SMD [95 % CI] = 0.43 [0.21, 0.65]). Additionally, total sleep time showed a significantly higher extent in the treatment group (SMD [95 % CI] = 0.58 [0.24, 0.92]). No significant differences were found for depression or sleep onset latency between groups, while anxiety levels were lower in the treatment group (SMD [95 % CI] = -0.52 [-0.90, -0.15]).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The review suggests that acupressure and acupuncture enhance sleep quality in cancer patients suffering from insomnia, showing notable benefits during follow-up, especially among Asian participants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103192"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144178764","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}
Pub Date : 2025-05-21DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103193
Derya Tülüce , Zehra Bayram , Songül Karadağ
Objective
This study aimed to assess the effect of acupressure application to hemodialysis patients on fatigue and to provide guidance to future studies.
Methods
Between 2004 and May 2022, the PubMed, EBSCO (Medline, CINAHL), EMBASE (OVID) Web of Science, Türkiye Clinics (Turkey citation index), and TR Index were searched considering the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. It included randomized and non-randomized controlled trials. It also covered meta-analysis-related studies in Turkish and English and evaluated them based on the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. The study used ('hemodialysis' OR 'dialysis' OR 'renal dialysis') AND ('fatigue' OR 'tiredness' OR 'weariness' OR 'exhaustion') AND ('acupressure') as the keywords and utilized RewMan5 and CMA programs for analysis. Heterogeneity was expressed through I2 and Q statistics. Random effect model was used, and Kendall’s Tau were used for publication bias.
Results
The meta-analysis that covered five (5) research articles published between 2004 and 2022 consisted of 475 study samples (intervention: control: placebo). Two independent researchers evaluated the full texts of these articles for quality purposes. Considering the hemodialysis patients, there was no significant difference between their average scores in studies that utilized the fatigue VAS scale (Z = 1.28; 95 % CI = –1.69, 0.36; p = 0.20), whereas there was a positive change in average PFS scores of the acupressure applied group in studies that performed the Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS) (Z = 3.58; 95 % CI = –1.15, –0.34; p = 0.0003).
Conclusion
The systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that the acupressure applied to hemodialysis patients revealed an effective outcome on fatigue.
目的探讨穴位按压对血液透析患者疲劳的影响，为后续研究提供指导。方法选取2004年至2022年5月PubMed、EBSCO （Medline， CINAHL）、EMBASE (OVID) Web of Science、t rkiye Clinics（土耳其引文索引）和TR index，根据系统评价和meta分析清单的首选报告项目进行检索。它包括随机和非随机对照试验。它还涵盖了土耳其语和英语的元分析相关研究，并根据乔安娜布里格斯研究所的清单对它们进行了评估。本研究使用（“血液透析”或“透析”或“肾透析”）、（“疲劳”或“疲劳”或“疲倦”或“疲劳”或“疲劳”）和（“穴位按压”）作为关键词，并利用RewMan5和CMA程序进行分析。异质性通过I2和Q统计量表示。采用随机效应模型，发表偏倚采用Kendall’s Tau。荟萃分析涵盖了2004年至2022年间发表的5篇研究论文，包括475个研究样本（干预：对照组：安慰剂）。两位独立研究人员对这些文章的全文进行了质量评估。考虑到血液透析患者，使用疲劳VAS量表的研究中，他们的平均得分没有显著差异(Z = 1.28；95% ci = -1.69, 0.36；p = 0.20)，而在进行Piper疲劳量表（PFS）的研究中，穴位按压组的平均PFS评分有正变化(Z = 3.58；95% ci = -1.15, -0.34；P = 0.0003)。结论系统评价和荟萃分析表明，穴位按压对血液透析患者疲劳有较好的治疗效果。
{"title":"Effect of acupressure applied to hemodialysis patients on fatigue: a systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Derya Tülüce , Zehra Bayram , Songül Karadağ","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103193","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103193","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to assess the effect of acupressure application to hemodialysis patients on fatigue and to provide guidance to future studies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Between 2004 and May 2022, the PubMed, EBSCO (Medline, CINAHL), EMBASE (OVID) Web of Science, Türkiye Clinics (Turkey citation index), and TR Index were searched considering the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. It included randomized and non-randomized controlled trials. It also covered meta-analysis-related studies in Turkish and English and evaluated them based on the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. The study used ('hemodialysis' OR 'dialysis' OR 'renal dialysis') AND ('fatigue' OR 'tiredness' OR 'weariness' OR 'exhaustion') AND ('acupressure') as the keywords and utilized RewMan5 and CMA programs for analysis. Heterogeneity was expressed through I<sup>2</sup> and Q statistics. Random effect model was used, and Kendall’s Tau were used for publication bias.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The meta-analysis that covered five (5) research articles published between 2004 and 2022 consisted of 475 study samples (intervention: control: placebo). Two independent researchers evaluated the full texts of these articles for quality purposes. Considering the hemodialysis patients, there was no significant difference between their average scores in studies that utilized the fatigue VAS scale (<em>Z</em> = 1.28; 95 % CI = –1.69, 0.36; <em>p</em> = 0.20), whereas there was a positive change in average PFS scores of the acupressure applied group in studies that performed the Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS) (<em>Z</em> = 3.58; 95 % CI = –1.15, –0.34; <em>p</em> = 0.0003).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that the acupressure applied to hemodialysis patients revealed an effective outcome on fatigue.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103193"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144185729","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}
Pub Date : 2025-05-19DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103188
Chunping Zhang , Yiwen Zhang , Tongyun Li , Chuanzhu Yan , Hong Guan
Background
Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are prone to experiencing sleep disturbances. Research has shown that auricular acupressure may be beneficial in relieving these symptoms, but high-quality evidence is lacking. This study was designed to systematically evaluate the efficacy of auricular acupressure for relieving chemotherapy-related insomnia.
Methods
This review was reported in accordance with the PRISMA framework. A total of 4 English databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library) and 4 Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM) were searched from inception to October 31, 2024 to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) examining the use of auricular acupressure for the treatment of chemotherapy-related insomnia. The methods recommended by the Cochrane collaboration group were applied to evaluate the quality of the methodology. Cochrane Review Manager 5.4 was used for the meta-analysis.
Results
This meta-analysis included 1073 patients from 14 randomized controlled trials. We mainly compared auricular acupressure with routine nursing or sham auricular acupressure. The results showed that auricular acupressure could alleviate chemotherapy-related insomnia(MD(PSQI)=-3.68, 95 %CI [-4.74,-2.62], P < 0.00001), anxiety(SMD=-1.07, 95 %CI [-1.57,-0.57], P < 0.0001), depression (SMD=-1.14, 95 %CI [-1.78–0.50], P = 0.0005<0.05) and fatigue (SMD = -1.14, 95 % CI [-1.78 to 0.50], P = 0.0005) more effectively than sham auricular acupressure and routine nursing.
Conclusion
This meta-analysis found that auricular acupressure can relieve chemotherapy-related insomnia, anxiety, depression and fatigue, and improve the quality of life of patients. However, the current relevant literature has low quality and is highly heterogeneous, which reduces the credibility of the research results. Therefore, more rigorously designed randomized controlled trials are needed to verify these conclusions.
背景：接受化疗的癌症患者容易出现睡眠障碍。研究表明，耳穴按压可能有助于缓解这些症状，但缺乏高质量的证据。本研究旨在系统评价耳穴按压缓解化疗相关性失眠的疗效。方法按照PRISMA框架进行综述。我们检索了4个英文数据库（PubMed、Embase、Web of Science、The Cochrane Library）和4个中文数据库（CNKI、万方、VIP、CBM），检索了从成立到2024年10月31日的随机临床试验（RCTs），以确定使用耳穴按压治疗化疗相关性失眠的疗效。采用Cochrane协作组推荐的方法评价方法的质量。采用Cochrane Review Manager 5.4进行meta分析。结果本荟萃分析纳入了来自14项随机对照试验的1073例患者。我们主要将耳穴按压与常规护理或假耳穴按压进行比较。结果显示，耳穴按压可缓解化疗相关性失眠(MD(PSQI)=-3.68, 95% CI [-4.74,-2.62], P <；0.00001)、焦虑(SMD = -1.07, 95% CI [-1.57, -0.57], P & lt;0.0001)、抑郁（SMD=-1.14, 95% CI [-1.78 ~ 0.50], P = 0.0005<0.05）和疲劳（SMD=-1.14, 95% CI [-1.78 ~ 0.50], P = 0.0005）比假耳穴按压和常规护理更有效。结论本荟萃分析发现，耳穴按压可缓解化疗相关的失眠、焦虑、抑郁和疲劳，改善患者的生活质量。然而，目前的相关文献质量低，异质性强，降低了研究结果的可信度。因此，需要更严格设计的随机对照试验来验证这些结论。
{"title":"Auricular acupressure for chemotherapy-related insomnia in cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Chunping Zhang , Yiwen Zhang , Tongyun Li , Chuanzhu Yan , Hong Guan","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103188","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103188","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are prone to experiencing sleep disturbances. Research has shown that auricular acupressure may be beneficial in relieving these symptoms, but high-quality evidence is lacking. This study was designed to systematically evaluate the efficacy of auricular acupressure for relieving chemotherapy-related insomnia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This review was reported in accordance with the PRISMA framework. A total of 4 English databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library) and 4 Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM) were searched from inception to October 31, 2024 to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) examining the use of auricular acupressure for the treatment of chemotherapy-related insomnia. The methods recommended by the Cochrane collaboration group were applied to evaluate the quality of the methodology. Cochrane Review Manager 5.4 was used for the meta-analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This meta-analysis included 1073 patients from 14 randomized controlled trials. We mainly compared auricular acupressure with routine nursing or sham auricular acupressure. The results showed that auricular acupressure could alleviate chemotherapy-related insomnia(MD<strong>(</strong>PSQI<strong>)</strong>=-3.68, 95 %CI [-4.74,-2.62], <em>P</em> < 0.00001), anxiety(SMD=-1.07, 95 %CI [-1.57,-0.57], <em>P</em> < 0.0001), depression (SMD=-1.14, 95 %CI [-1.78–0.50], <em>P</em> = 0.0005<0.05) and fatigue (SMD = -1.14, 95 % CI [-1.78 to 0.50], <em>P</em> = 0.0005) more effectively than sham auricular acupressure and routine nursing.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This meta-analysis found that auricular acupressure can relieve chemotherapy-related insomnia, anxiety, depression and fatigue, and improve the quality of life of patients. However, the current relevant literature has low quality and is highly heterogeneous, which reduces the credibility of the research results. Therefore, more rigorously designed randomized controlled trials are needed to verify these conclusions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103188"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144212463","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}
Pub Date : 2025-05-17DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103190
Hsin Tan , Shi-Chen Ou , Tung-Ti Chang
Introduction
Treating children with chronic, refractory immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) remains a challenging issue. Conventional treatments, such as glucocorticoids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), are commonly used; however, some patients exhibit a poor response to these interventions. Throughout the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), numerous texts have documented the use of herbal decoctions to treat hematologic diseases; thereby offering an alternative management strategy for children with chronic ITP.
Case presentation
This report describes a 6-year-and-1-month-old girl with chronic ITP who showed limited response to glucocorticoids and IVIG. Following complementary therapy with a traditional Chinese medicine formula, she achieved a sustained platelet response that was maintained within a safe range, averaging 50,000/μL, over the subsequent three years, with no signs of bleeding.
Discussion
The pathophysiology of ITP is linked to antiplatelet antibodies and a lack of immune suppression. Scientific studies have shown that TCM formulations, such as Guipi Decoction, Ziyin Jianghou Decoction, and Shengxuexiaoban Capsules, possess immunoregulatory effects that help restore platelet production while exerting anti-inflammatory and hematopoietic properties. For pediatric patients with chronic or refractory ITP, integrative approaches, including TCM, may offer additional therapeutic benefits by enhancing platelet counts.
{"title":"Traditional Chinese medicine as an alternative therapy for chronic immune thrombocytopenia in children: A case report","authors":"Hsin Tan , Shi-Chen Ou , Tung-Ti Chang","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103190","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103190","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Treating children with chronic, refractory immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) remains a challenging issue. Conventional treatments, such as glucocorticoids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), are commonly used; however, some patients exhibit a poor response to these interventions. Throughout the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), numerous texts have documented the use of herbal decoctions to treat hematologic diseases; thereby offering an alternative management strategy for children with chronic ITP.</div></div><div><h3>Case presentation</h3><div>This report describes a 6-year-and-1-month-old girl with chronic ITP who showed limited response to glucocorticoids and IVIG. Following complementary therapy with a traditional Chinese medicine formula, she achieved a sustained platelet response that was maintained within a safe range, averaging 50,000/μL, over the subsequent three years, with no signs of bleeding.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The pathophysiology of ITP is linked to antiplatelet antibodies and a lack of immune suppression. Scientific studies have shown that TCM formulations, such as Guipi Decoction, Ziyin Jianghou Decoction, and Shengxuexiaoban Capsules, possess immunoregulatory effects that help restore platelet production while exerting anti-inflammatory and hematopoietic properties. For pediatric patients with chronic or refractory ITP, integrative approaches, including TCM, may offer additional therapeutic benefits by enhancing platelet counts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103190"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144125393","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}
In some areas, patients often turn to traditional remedies, including local herbs, due to the lack of medical resources. However, the flora in many regions remains largely uncataloged, posing significant risks due to the unknown properties and potential toxicities of these plants.
Case report
The case report presented describes a female patient from Angola who suffered severe facial disfigurement and visual impairment after using filanganga to treat an odontogenic abscess. The herb's corrosive effects underscore the dangers of unverified traditional remedies. This case highlights the critical need for healthcare professionals to be aware of the potential risks associated with unclassified herbs, particularly in regions where traditional medicine is prevalent.
Conclusion
The article advocates for comprehensive research to catalog local flora and for public health campaigns to educate patients on the risks of using unverified herbal treatments. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of balancing respect for cultural practices with the need for scientific validation to ensure patient safety.
{"title":"Herbal hazards: Unveiling the dark side of unknown botanical remedies","authors":"Agnelo Lucamba , Ricardo Grillo , Luzolo Filipe , Mariana Aparecida Brozoski","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103191","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103191","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>In some areas, patients often turn to traditional remedies, including local herbs, due to the lack of medical resources. However, the flora in many regions remains largely uncataloged, posing significant risks due to the unknown properties and potential toxicities of these plants.</div></div><div><h3>Case report</h3><div>The case report presented describes a female patient from Angola who suffered severe facial disfigurement and visual impairment after using <em>filanganga</em> to treat an odontogenic abscess. The herb's corrosive effects underscore the dangers of unverified traditional remedies. This case highlights the critical need for healthcare professionals to be aware of the potential risks associated with unclassified herbs, particularly in regions where traditional medicine is prevalent.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The article advocates for comprehensive research to catalog local flora and for public health campaigns to educate patients on the risks of using unverified herbal treatments. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of balancing respect for cultural practices with the need for scientific validation to ensure patient safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103191"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144107103","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}
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