Pub Date : 2025-11-13DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103289
Girum Melkamu Tadesse
Mental health in Ethiopia is still highly misunderstood and culturally embedded issue that is often unpacked at the spiritual level and addressed outside the formal healthcare regimes. This qualitative study examines how people with mental health conditions, their families and community members conceive mental illness in a world of religious worldviews, poverty and stigma. Interview and group discussions were carried out within urban and rural community contexts to explore local perspectives and lived experiences. Participants tended to consider the mental distress as a non-medical issue, a spiritual or a moral disruption that was often associated with phenomena, such as spirit intrusion, curses or divine punishment. Such beliefs influenced care-seeking behavior in a great way as patients resorted to Orthodox Christian healing rituals, holy water practices, and native spiritual mediators prior to the idea of seeking clinical services. The economic hardship, distance to facilities and perception of public health facilities as unwelcoming/insufficient further limited the access to biomedical care. Stigma arose as a frequent theme that expressed itself in labeling, marginalizing, and hiding the condition of affected persons – especially women, who are subject to further criticism based on the social norms of morality and family roles. In spite of these setbacks, meaningful psychosocial support and inclusive practices were observed in some community actors such as the faith-based organizations and local initiatives. There was also a hybrid model of healing in the cities wherein some of the participants engaged in both spiritual and psychiatric interventions while moving back and forth between the two to create culturally palatable routes to recovery. The findings highlight the pitfalls of bringing in canned mental health models without regard to local knowledge systems and social reality. Any mental health plan in Ethiopia has to be multi-dimensional, accepting the traditional beliefs, addressing the gendered and economic disparity, and partnering with the religious institutions. This research highlights the importance of designing community-based, culturally resonant interventions that reflect Ethiopia’s unique moral landscapes and collective values.
{"title":"Sacred suffering and stigma: Cultural pathways to mental health in Ethiopia","authors":"Girum Melkamu Tadesse","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103289","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103289","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mental health in Ethiopia is still highly misunderstood and culturally embedded issue that is often unpacked at the spiritual level and addressed outside the formal healthcare regimes. This qualitative study examines how people with mental health conditions, their families and community members conceive mental illness in a world of religious worldviews, poverty and stigma. Interview and group discussions were carried out within urban and rural community contexts to explore local perspectives and lived experiences. Participants tended to consider the mental distress as a non-medical issue, a spiritual or a moral disruption that was often associated with phenomena, such as spirit intrusion, curses or divine punishment. Such beliefs influenced care-seeking behavior in a great way as patients resorted to Orthodox Christian healing rituals, holy water practices, and native spiritual mediators prior to the idea of seeking clinical services. The economic hardship, distance to facilities and perception of public health facilities as unwelcoming/insufficient further limited the access to biomedical care. Stigma arose as a frequent theme that expressed itself in labeling, marginalizing, and hiding the condition of affected persons – especially women, who are subject to further criticism based on the social norms of morality and family roles. In spite of these setbacks, meaningful psychosocial support and inclusive practices were observed in some community actors such as the faith-based organizations and local initiatives. There was also a hybrid model of healing in the cities wherein some of the participants engaged in both spiritual and psychiatric interventions while moving back and forth between the two to create culturally palatable routes to recovery. The findings highlight the pitfalls of bringing in canned mental health models without regard to local knowledge systems and social reality. Any mental health plan in Ethiopia has to be multi-dimensional, accepting the traditional beliefs, addressing the gendered and economic disparity, and partnering with the religious institutions. This research highlights the importance of designing community-based, culturally resonant interventions that reflect Ethiopia’s unique moral landscapes and collective values.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 103289"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145566123","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 : 2025-11-10DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103283
Donna M. Thomas , Elaine Rycroft , Kirsty Allan , Saima Sharif
Past life memories in children have been studied extensively through standard qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Research to date has produced valuable data to support how we understand children’s past life memories. Children are the primary source for data collection in past life research, as the producers/facilitators of memories. Despite this, children tend to be researched on rather than with, through adult-centric approaches. In this article, we include a case study example of spontaneous past life and in-utero memories of a 6-year old child. The case study example is taken from a parent study, ‘Investigating Extra Sensory Experiences of Children from Various Cultural Backgrounds’. Through the article, we demonstrate how using creative research methods and sensory ethnography can generate important knowledge from children about their own past life memories. We include results from the parent study that show past life memory data from children, parents and professionals. We propose involving children as active agents in past life memory research and argue for new directions in the field of PLM through creative and child-friendly research.
{"title":"New methodological directions for involving children in past life memories research","authors":"Donna M. Thomas , Elaine Rycroft , Kirsty Allan , Saima Sharif","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103283","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103283","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Past life memories in children have been studied extensively through standard qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Research to date has produced valuable data to support how we understand children’s past life memories. Children are the primary source for data collection in past life research, as the producers/facilitators of memories. Despite this, children tend to be researched <em>on</em> rather than <em>with</em>, through adult-centric approaches. In this article, we include a case study example of spontaneous past life and in-utero memories of a 6-year old child. The case study example is taken from a parent study, ‘Investigating Extra Sensory Experiences of Children from Various Cultural Backgrounds’. Through the article, we demonstrate how using creative research methods and sensory ethnography can generate important knowledge from children about their own past life memories. We include results from the parent study that show past life memory data from children, parents and professionals. We propose involving children as active agents in past life memory research and argue for new directions in the field of PLM through creative and child-friendly research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 103283"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145566088","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 : 2025-11-07DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103278
Hang Shi , Yichen Zhao , Xiaoyu Shi , Yimin Hao , Dongxu Ren , Yitong Liu , Gang Zhao
Background
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common and severe complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA). It significantly impacts patient recovery and quality of life. In recent years, certain traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) decoctions have shown potential in the prevention and treatment of DVT. However, a systematic evaluation of their efficacy and safety remains limited. This study aims to comprehensively assess the clinical effects and safety profile of TCM decoctions in managing DVT after THA via a network meta-analysis (NMA).
Methods
The China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP Database, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of TCM decoctions for treating post-THA DVT from 2020 to July 17, 2024. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was employed to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Data were analyzed through NMA with Stata 17 and R 4.3.2. A Bayesian random-effects model was employed for the analysis, and the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values for each intervention were calculated across different outcome measures. Publication bias was assessed through funnel plots.
Results
64 studies involving 5,603 patients were included. The results demonstrated that Huoxue Tongmai Decoction (SUCRA = 74.95%, RR = 0.178, 95% credible interval (95% CrI) = 0.043, 0.521) was the most effective intervention for reducing DVT incidence rate (IR). Huoxue Xiaoshuan Decoction (SUCRA = 94.18%, weighted mean difference (WMD) = -6.42, 95% CrI: -13.7 to 0.941) was the most effective in lowering activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), while Tongmai Decoction (SUCRA = 98.84%, WMD = -2.74, 95% CrI: -4.71 to -0.733) showed the greatest efficacy in lowering d-dimer (D-D) levels. Qingyu Decoction (SUCRA = 85.34%, WMD = -1.41, 95% CrI: -2.49 to -0.330) was the most effective intervention for fibrinogen (FIB) reduction. Huoxue Xiaoshuan Decoction (SUCRA = 80.53%, WMD = -1.93, 95% CrI: -7.32 to 3.49) was the most effective in prolonging prothrombin time (PT). Additionally, Huoxue Shujin Decoction (SUCRA = 76.38%, WMD = -2.49, 95% CrI: -14.0 to 9.07) demonstrated the highest efficacy in prolonging thrombin time (TT). In terms of DVT IR, d-D, and FIB, TCM decoctions exhibited superior efficacy in comparison to conventional treatment.
Conclusion
This study presents evidence that TCM decoctions can improve coagulation parameters to varying degrees and significantly reduce the incidence of DVT following THA. Among the interventions analyzed, Huoxue Tongmai Decoction exhibited the most pronounced effect in reducing DVT incidence.
{"title":"Effects of traditional Chinese medicine decoctions on coagulation and deep vein thrombosis after total hip arthroplasty: Network meta-analysis","authors":"Hang Shi , Yichen Zhao , Xiaoyu Shi , Yimin Hao , Dongxu Ren , Yitong Liu , Gang Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103278","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103278","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common and severe complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA). It significantly impacts patient recovery and quality of life. In recent years, certain traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) decoctions have shown potential in the prevention and treatment of DVT. However, a systematic evaluation of their efficacy and safety remains limited. This study aims to comprehensively assess the clinical effects and safety profile of TCM decoctions in managing DVT after THA via a network meta-analysis (NMA).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP Database, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of TCM decoctions for treating post-THA DVT from 2020 to July 17, 2024. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was employed to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Data were analyzed through NMA with Stata 17 and R 4.3.2. A Bayesian random-effects model was employed for the analysis, and the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values for each intervention were calculated across different outcome measures. Publication bias was assessed through funnel plots.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>64 studies involving 5,603 patients were included. The results demonstrated that Huoxue Tongmai Decoction (SUCRA = 74.95%, RR = 0.178, 95% credible interval (95% CrI) = 0.043, 0.521) was the most effective intervention for reducing DVT incidence rate (IR). Huoxue Xiaoshuan Decoction (SUCRA = 94.18%, weighted mean difference (WMD) = -6.42, 95% CrI: -13.7 to 0.941) was the most effective in lowering activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), while Tongmai Decoction (SUCRA = 98.84%, WMD = -2.74, 95% CrI: -4.71 to -0.733) showed the greatest efficacy in lowering <span>d</span>-dimer (D-D) levels. Qingyu Decoction (SUCRA = 85.34%, WMD = -1.41, 95% CrI: -2.49 to -0.330) was the most effective intervention for fibrinogen (FIB) reduction. Huoxue Xiaoshuan Decoction (SUCRA = 80.53%, WMD = -1.93, 95% CrI: -7.32 to 3.49) was the most effective in prolonging prothrombin time (PT). Additionally, Huoxue Shujin Decoction (SUCRA = 76.38%, WMD = -2.49, 95% CrI: -14.0 to 9.07) demonstrated the highest efficacy in prolonging thrombin time (TT). In terms of DVT IR, <span>d</span>-D, and FIB, TCM decoctions exhibited superior efficacy in comparison to conventional treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study presents evidence that TCM decoctions can improve coagulation parameters to varying degrees and significantly reduce the incidence of DVT following THA. Among the interventions analyzed, Huoxue Tongmai Decoction exhibited the most pronounced effect in reducing DVT incidence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 103278"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145493022","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}
This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of the rebozo technique on labor duration, pain, and satisfaction in primiparous women.
Methods
The study was conducted between November 2022 and June 2023 in primiparous pregnant women who applied to a public hospital in Ankara for vaginal delivery. Pregnant women in the active phase were randomized, and 146 pregnant women, 73 in the Rebozo and 73 in the control group were included. Mother-infants were evaluated during labor and the postpartum period. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, State Anxiety Scale, Birth Follow-up Form, Visual Analog Scale, and Birth Satisfaction Scale. Pregnant women in the rebozo group underwent rebozo techniques for an average of 10-15 minutes from the active phase to delivery with a rebozo shawl during contraction, according to the pregnant woman's preference.
Results
In the rebozo group, the second stage of labor and placenta expulsion time was significantly shorter; episiotomy, laceration, the need to change pads in the first 2 hours postpartum, and the decrease in blood HTC value were found to be less. In the Rebozo group, Postpartum Maternal State Anxiety Scale and Visual Analog Scale Pain measurements were significantly lower, birth satisfaction was higher, and they preferred vaginal delivery in their subsequent births.
Conclusions
The use of Rebozo techniques in the labor process had many benefits for the labor and postpartum period and had no negative effects on maternal, fetal, and neonatal health.
{"title":"Effects of the Rebozo technique on labor outcomes in primiparous women: A randomized controlled trial","authors":"Zeynep Tuncay , Gulsen Cayir , Halime Sule Selman , Aysu Yldz Karaahmet","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103282","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103282","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of the rebozo technique on labor duration, pain, and satisfaction in primiparous women.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study was conducted between November 2022 and June 2023 in primiparous pregnant women who applied to a public hospital in Ankara for vaginal delivery. Pregnant women in the active phase were randomized, and 146 pregnant women, 73 in the Rebozo and 73 in the control group were included. Mother-infants were evaluated during labor and the postpartum period. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, State Anxiety Scale, Birth Follow-up Form, Visual Analog Scale, and Birth Satisfaction Scale. Pregnant women in the rebozo group underwent rebozo techniques for an average of 10-15 minutes from the active phase to delivery with a rebozo shawl during contraction, according to the pregnant woman's preference.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the rebozo group, the second stage of labor and placenta expulsion time was significantly shorter; episiotomy, laceration, the need to change pads in the first 2 hours postpartum, and the decrease in blood HTC value were found to be less. In the Rebozo group, Postpartum Maternal State Anxiety Scale and Visual Analog Scale Pain measurements were significantly lower, birth satisfaction was higher, and they preferred vaginal delivery in their subsequent births.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The use of Rebozo techniques in the labor process had many benefits for the labor and postpartum period and had no negative effects on maternal, fetal, and neonatal health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103282"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145519738","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 : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103275
Xu Sun , Jielin Song , Xuelian Zhao , Zhaohui Zhang , Junchao Sun
Background
Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) of the lower leg is a severe, potentially fatal aggressive infection. Untimely treatment frequently leads to amputation or even life-threatening outcomes.
Case Presentation
This case report presents a limb-salvage and life-saving strategy integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western medicine in a 93-year-old male patient with lower extremity necrotizing fasciitis who refused amputation. The integrated treatment plan included: early surgical incision with debridement, nose ring drainage, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and symptomatic supportive therapy. Local wound irrigation was performed with rhubarb-licorice decoction, supplemented by topical galla chinensis paste application and oral administration of Si-Miao-Yong-An Decoction and Siwu Decoction. During the intermediate phase, limited additional debridement was performed, followed by local chymotrypsin and lithospermum gauze application. After optimal wound bed preparation, split-thickness stamp skin grafting was performed. Postoperatively, Vaseline gauze and lithospermum gauze were applied alternately with intermittent closed drainage. The oral TCM regimen was subsequently adjusted to Buzhong Yiqi Decoction.
Conclusion
This integrative approach effectively addressed infection control, systemic inflammation, and tissue regeneration, demonstrating its potential as a limb-preserving alternative for NF patients when standard surgery is contraindicated or declined. Further studies are warranted to validate these findings.
{"title":"Limb-saving integrative Chinese-western therapy for necrotizing fasciitis: A case report and literature review","authors":"Xu Sun , Jielin Song , Xuelian Zhao , Zhaohui Zhang , Junchao Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103275","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103275","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) of the lower leg is a severe, potentially fatal aggressive infection. Untimely treatment frequently leads to amputation or even life-threatening outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Case Presentation</h3><div>This case report presents a limb-salvage and life-saving strategy integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western medicine in a 93-year-old male patient with lower extremity necrotizing fasciitis who refused amputation. The integrated treatment plan included: early surgical incision with debridement, nose ring drainage, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and symptomatic supportive therapy. Local wound irrigation was performed with rhubarb-licorice decoction, supplemented by topical galla chinensis paste application and oral administration of Si-Miao-Yong-An Decoction and Siwu Decoction. During the intermediate phase, limited additional debridement was performed, followed by local chymotrypsin and lithospermum gauze application. After optimal wound bed preparation, split-thickness stamp skin grafting was performed. Postoperatively, Vaseline gauze and lithospermum gauze were applied alternately with intermittent closed drainage. The oral TCM regimen was subsequently adjusted to Buzhong Yiqi Decoction.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This integrative approach effectively addressed infection control, systemic inflammation, and tissue regeneration, demonstrating its potential as a limb-preserving alternative for NF patients when standard surgery is contraindicated or declined. Further studies are warranted to validate these findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103275"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145416169","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 : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103276
Fei-Yi Zhao , Yan-Mei Wang , Qiang-Qiang Fu , Jia-Yi Zhu , Jie Qian
{"title":"Management of the seasonal mood-sleep-fatigue symptom cluster in Parkinson's disease: Methodological insights from a cassia oil aromatherapy trial","authors":"Fei-Yi Zhao , Yan-Mei Wang , Qiang-Qiang Fu , Jia-Yi Zhu , Jie Qian","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103276","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103276","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103276"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145416171","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 : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103271
Marina Weiler , Marjorie Woollacott
In late 2024, The Telepathy Tapes podcast ignited global debate by spotlighting nonspeaking autistic individuals who appeared to convey knowledge beyond ordinary sensory channels. For some, the series offered overdue recognition of nonspeakers’ intelligence and agency; for others, it represented a revival of the discredited practice of Facilitated Communication. This controversy reflects deeper cultural and scientific assumptions: nonspeakers have long been misclassified as profoundly intellectually disabled, with their lack of speech equated with a lack of thought. Yet emerging evidence increasingly challenges this deficit model, with recent empirical findings supporting authorship and intentionality. At the same time, anecdotal reports of anomalous—potentially telepathic—communication, though contentious, warrant consideration in light of prior parapsychological research. We contend that The Telepathy Tapes marks a cultural turning point, compelling a reassessment of entrenched scientific frameworks and ethical stances toward nonspeakers. We advocate that the podcast should be considered a filmmaker’s curious exploration of the phenomenon, which will engender the curiosity of scientists to move forward with carefully controlled experiments. Moving forward, a less stigmatized and more open-minded approach is needed—one that recognizes carefully documented anecdotes as valuable starting points for rigorous empirical inquiry.
{"title":"Rethinking communication and consciousness: Lessons from the telepathy tapes podcast","authors":"Marina Weiler , Marjorie Woollacott","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103271","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103271","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In late 2024, The Telepathy Tapes podcast ignited global debate by spotlighting nonspeaking autistic individuals who appeared to convey knowledge beyond ordinary sensory channels. For some, the series offered overdue recognition of nonspeakers’ intelligence and agency; for others, it represented a revival of the discredited practice of Facilitated Communication. This controversy reflects deeper cultural and scientific assumptions: nonspeakers have long been misclassified as profoundly intellectually disabled, with their lack of speech equated with a lack of thought. Yet emerging evidence increasingly challenges this deficit model, with recent empirical findings supporting authorship and intentionality. At the same time, anecdotal reports of anomalous—potentially telepathic—communication, though contentious, warrant consideration in light of prior parapsychological research. We contend that The Telepathy Tapes marks a cultural turning point, compelling a reassessment of entrenched scientific frameworks and ethical stances toward nonspeakers. We advocate that the podcast should be considered a filmmaker’s curious exploration of the phenomenon, which will engender the curiosity of scientists to move forward with carefully controlled experiments. Moving forward, a less stigmatized and more open-minded approach is needed—one that recognizes carefully documented anecdotes as valuable starting points for rigorous empirical inquiry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103271"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145490826","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 : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/S1550-8307(25)00187-9
{"title":"Masthead page","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S1550-8307(25)00187-9","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S1550-8307(25)00187-9","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103296"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145736565","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 : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103266
Gülden Atan
Objective
This study aimed to assess the efficacy of self-acupressure in alleviating fatigue and enhancing sleep quality among individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Methods
In our randomized controlled study, participants in the intervention group were instructed to administer self-acupressure on two specific sites. Patients were directed to administer the therapy to the specified two sites biweekly in the morning, at least one hour after breakfast, for a duration of 4 weeks, culminating in a total of 8 sessions. No intervention occurred in the control group during this study. Data were gathered utilizing the Patient Introductory Information Form, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ).
Results
The study comprised twenty-four individuals with multiple sclerosis in each group, comprising fourteen women in the intervention group and thirteen women in the control group. Subsequent to the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in total FSS scores compared to the control group (p < 0.001; d = 1.68), although total RCSQ scores revealed a substantial gain (p < 0.001; d = 1.65).
Conclusion
Self-acupressure was proven to reduce fatigue levels and improve sleep quality in adults with multiple sclerosis. In conclusion, self-acupressure is an accessible, cost-effective, and efficacious technique for alleviating fatigue and enhancing sleep quality in patients with multiple sclerosis.
目的探讨自我穴位按压对多发性硬化症患者缓解疲劳、提高睡眠质量的作用。方法在随机对照研究中，干预组受试者被指示在两个特定部位进行自我穴位按压。指导患者每两周在早餐后至少一小时的早晨对指定的两个部位进行治疗，持续4周，总共8次。在本研究中，对照组未进行干预。使用患者介绍信息表、疲劳严重程度量表（FSS）和Richards-Campbell睡眠问卷（RCSQ）收集数据。结果每组24例多发性硬化症患者，干预组14例，对照组13例。干预后，干预组的FSS总分与对照组相比有统计学意义上的显著下降（p < 0.001; d = 1.68），尽管RCSQ总分有显著提高（p < 0.001; d = 1.65）。结论自我穴位按摩可减轻成人多发性硬化症患者的疲劳程度，改善睡眠质量。综上所述，自我穴位按压对于缓解多发性硬化症患者的疲劳和提高睡眠质量是一种方便、经济、有效的技术。
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Pub Date : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103277
Wei Wang , Xiaofei Xie , Shengtao Cui , Lin Xue
Background
Current treatments for pediatric immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) are effective but often associated with significant side effects, highlighting the need for safer and more sustainable alternatives. The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Guishao Shengxue Decoction (GSD) as a complementary therapy for ITP, aiming to provide a safer and more sustainable alternative to conventional treatments.
Methods
In this randomized, double-blind study, 42 children with persistent or chronic ITP were enrolled and allocated equally to treatment or control groups. The treatment group received GSD combined with conventional therapy, while the control group received a placebo combined with conventional therapy for six months. Efficacy outcomes included platelet parameters, immune and hematological markers, and safety evaluations.
Results
The treatment group demonstrated higher complete response (33.33% vs. 14.29%), overall response rate (95.24% vs. 71.43%), and durable response (95.24% vs. 80.95%) compared to the control group. Platelet indices and hematological parameters improved significantly in the treatment group, along with reduced platelet-associated immunoglobulins and better immune modulation.
Conclusions
GSD enhances clinical outcomes, supports platelet recovery, and modulates immune function in pediatric ITP, offering a safe and effective adjunct to conventional therapy.
背景：目前儿童免疫性血小板减少症（ITP）的治疗是有效的，但往往伴有显著的副作用，这突出了对更安全、更可持续的替代方案的需求。本研究旨在评价桂芍生血汤（GSD）作为ITP补充治疗的临床疗效和安全性，以期提供一种更安全、更可持续的替代常规治疗方法。方法：在这项随机双盲研究中，42名患有持续性或慢性ITP的儿童被纳入研究，并被平均分配到治疗组和对照组。治疗组采用GSD联合常规治疗，对照组采用安慰剂联合常规治疗，疗程6个月。疗效指标包括血小板参数、免疫和血液学指标以及安全性评价。结果：治疗组完全缓解率（33.33% vs. 14.29%）、总缓解率（95.24% vs. 71.43%）、持续缓解率（95.24% vs. 80.95%）均高于对照组。治疗组血小板指数和血液学参数明显改善，血小板相关免疫球蛋白降低，免疫调节改善。结论：GSD可改善儿童ITP的临床结果，支持血小板恢复，调节免疫功能，为常规治疗提供安全有效的辅助。
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