European Journal of Integrative Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Comparing moxibustion strategies in rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis","authors":"Jiamin Wen ,&nbsp;Jiatian Ma ,&nbsp;Qiao Xiao ,&nbsp;Tingting Liu ,&nbsp;Zhiling Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102449","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102449","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a highly prevalent chronic autoimmune disease worldwide. Moxibustion has increasingly been used in clinical practice as an effective treatment for RA. However, more comprehensive evidence is needed to determine optimal moxibustion strategies for RA management and guide clinical interventions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This review conducted a literature search across eight databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, VIP, CBM, Wanfang Database, and CNKI. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2 was used to assess the quality of the selected studies. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted using R Studio 4.2.2 and STATA 17.0.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 78 clinical trials with 5896 participants were included. The relative efficacy of nine moxibustion therapies was assessed. NMA data revealed that compared with conventional therapy (CVT, including Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, and glucocorticoids), heat-sensitive moxibustion plus CVT showed promising effects for clinical response (RR = 1.45, 95 % CI: 1.08, 2.06) and disease activity score 28 (DAS-28; mean difference [MD] = −0.98, 95 % CI: −1.81, −0.15). Moxa cone moxibustion (MCM) plus CVT was more effective than suspending moxibustion plus CVT in DAS-28 (MD = −0.48, 95 % CI: −0.83, −0.09). For the visual analog scale, MCM plus CVT was the most effective (MD = −1.59, 95 % CI: −2.08, −1.11), more effective than warm needle moxibustion (WNM) plus CVT (MD = −0.93, 95 % CI: −1.81, −0.05) and direct moxibustion plus CVT (MD = −1.49, 95 % CI: −2.81, −0.19). Indirect moxibustion (IM) plus CVT was most effective in reducing morning stiffness time (MD = −22.76, 95 % CI: −36.31, −7.23). WNM plus CVT and governor vessel moxibustion (GVM) plus CVT showed greater effects in reducing swollen joint count (MD = −2.37, 95 % CI: −3.23, −1.54) and lowering rheumatoid factor (MD = −0.68, 95 % CI: −1.58, 0.22). In reducing C-reactive protein, IM plus CVT was most effective (MD = −6.60, 95 % CI: −9.55, −3.95). GVM plus CVT had the lowest adverse reaction rate (3.33 %).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This NMA provides robust evidence supporting the combination of multiple moxibustion therapies with traditional RA treatments. Moxibustion may alleviate various RA symptoms. However, longer-term, high-quality, reproducible, multicenter randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm these results and establish optimal treatment strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"76 ","pages":"Article 102449"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143873320","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":"Secondary analyses of Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) case report and clinical registry data on pain: A study protocol","authors":"Brigitte Linder ,&nbsp;Nicholas Lowe ,&nbsp;Mike Armour ,&nbsp;Belinda J. Anderson ,&nbsp;Lisa Conboy ,&nbsp;Lisa Taylor-Swanson ,&nbsp;Sandro Graca ,&nbsp;Rodney Dutton ,&nbsp;Kathleen Lumiere","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102437","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102437","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) relies heavily on case reports for clinical decision-making. However, methods for analyzing data from multiple case reports are currently underdeveloped. This protocol will outline novel methods for secondary analyses of TEAM case reports and clinical registry data focused on pain to inform practice-based research.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We will use a concurrent triangulation mixed methods design to analyze data from 12 case reports and 130 clinical registry records, meeting the requirements of the CARE guidelines and focusing on TEAM treatments for pain. Quantitative analysis will include descriptive statistics, pairwise <em>t</em>-tests, and responder analysis. Qualitative analysis will employ thematic analysis with both deductive and inductive approaches. Data will be standardized using ICPC-2 and ICD-11 Traditional Medicine codes. Key focus areas include practitioner diagnosis, clinical reasoning, patient outcomes, and self-care behaviors.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Anticipated outcomes include refined methodologies for case report and clinical registry data analysis, insights into TEAM clinical practice patterns, and identification of complex system phenomena within TEAM frameworks.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This project aims to address research gaps in modelling case data analysis methodologies for TEAM, potentially enhancing the rigor, validity, and applicability of practice-based research, informing clinical trial design, and contributing to better patient-centered care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"75 ","pages":"Article 102437"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143643227","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 of scalp acupuncture therapy combined with training on limb movement disorders after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Yenan Tian ,&nbsp;Peizhen Zhao ,&nbsp;Yongjun Peng","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102432","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102432","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Stroke patients often suffer from different degrees of disability, among which limb movement disorders (LMDs) are the most prevalent. Scalp acupuncture (SA) therapy combined with training has been widely used for LMD treatment after stroke. Whether SA therapy combined with training is superior to monotherapy or other therapies remains unknown. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of SA therapy combined with training for LMDs after stroke.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were thoroughly searched for studies from inception to November 23, 2024. Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) were used to evaluate the effectiveness of SA therapy combined with training in treating LMDs after stroke. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) were calculated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 4345 records were initially identified, and 26 studies were finally included. Compared to simple training, SA therapy combined with training had significant effects in the total score of FMA (WMD= 10.01, 95 %CI= 2.24, 17.78), the upper-extremity score of FMA (WMD= 6.35, 95 %CI=4.11, 8.59), the lower-extremity score of FMA (WMD= 2.69, 95 %CI= 1.49, 3.90), MAS (WMD= -0.47, 95 %CI= -0.72, -0.22), BBS (WMD= 3.52, 95 %CI= 0.55, 6.48), and MBI (WMD= 7.72, 95 %CI= 4.97, 9.56). No significant difference was found in adverse events (RR= 6.97, 95 %CI= 2.10, 23.11, <em>P</em> = 0.33). More significant effects in FMA-L and MAS were revealed after 12 weeks of treatment (all P _interaction&lt;0.01).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>SA therapy combined with training can significantly improve FMA, MAS, BBS, and MBI to enhance limb function, with favorable safety profiles. 12 weeks of SA therapy combined with training often yields better improvements in lower limb motor function and limb spasticity. More RCTs of higher quality are needed to provide reliable support for these conclusions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"74 ","pages":"Article 102432"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143130195","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of obesity-related parameters and dietary habits on Chinese medicine body constitutions: A mediation analysis based on Taiwan Biobank Research Database","authors":"Ping-Ho Chen ,&nbsp;Su-Chen Fang ,&nbsp;Shu-fen Shen ,&nbsp;Chen-Jung Chen ,&nbsp;Wan-Ling Lin ,&nbsp;Sheng-Miauh Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102431","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102431","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory believes that diet is very important in changing body constitution and preventing diseases because food is similar to medicine. This study aimed to explore the effects of obesity-related parameters and dietary habits on TCM body constitution in Taiwanese people.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study applied an observational cross-sectional design. Individuals were selected from the Taiwan Biobank Research Database. The body constitution questionnaire (BCQ) and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) were administered. Yin deficiency, yang deficiency, and stasis in TCM were assessed by BCQ. Obesity-related parameters were defined as body weight, body fat, and body mass index (BMI). Multiple linear regression and mediation analyses were conducted.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 16,790 individuals were enrolled in the study. Individuals with higher FFQ scores and BMI had better yang deficiency, yin deficiency, and stasis patterns. Those with higher body weight and body fat had poor yang deficiency, yin deficiency, and stasis patterns. After adjusting for potential confounders, all obesity-related parameters partially mediated the association between the FFQ and yang deficiency or stasis patterns. Only body weight partially mediated the association between the FFQ and yin deficiency patterns.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Dietary habits and obesity-related parameters have direct effects on TCM body constitutions. Healthy dietary habits have an indirect effect on TCM body constitutions through obesity-related parameters, especially for yang deficiency and stasis patterns. Further studies are needed to confirm and understand the potential mechanisms, including innate physiological and environmental factors, underlying these findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"74 ","pages":"Article 102431"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143130196","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":"Therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese exercise in stroke patients: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of clinical trials","authors":"Bingru Luo ,&nbsp;Lianlian Zhang ,&nbsp;Yan Bai ,&nbsp;Fan Zhang ,&nbsp;Yiwen Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102438","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102438","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Numerous published systematic reviews have examined the effects of traditional Chinese exercise (TCE) on post-stroke rehabilitation. The results of these studies are often contradictory, so there is an urgent need for a hierarchical synthesis of the evidence and a review of the credibility of previous meta-analyses. To determine the robustness of these findings, we conducted an umbrella review to summarize the effects of TCE on stroke patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus for meta-analyses published between inception and June 2023, and subsequently updated the search to February 2024. We included meta-analyses involving the effects of TCE, including Tai Chi, Baduanjin, Liuzijue, and Yijinjing, on at least one outcome of interest in stroke patients. Primary outcomes included balance function and activities of daily living (ADL), and secondary outcomes included depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and walking ability. Meta-analyses were assessed using \"A Measure Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews.\" We recalculated standardized mean difference (SMD), 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI), 95 % prediction intervals, assessment of inconsistency/heterogeneity (<em>I</em>²) based on the \"<em>metaumbrella</em>\" package of <em>R</em> software. Finally, we rated the evidence according to Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There were 17 systematic reviews and meta-analyses, containing 93 randomized controlled trials, included in the umbrella review. TCE had a significant effect on improving balance function (Tai Chi: SMD=1.661; 95 % CI 1.074 to 2.247; Baduanjin: SMD=1.697; 95 % CI 1.223 to 2.172) and ADL (Tai Chi: SMD=1.216; 95 % CI 0.811 to 1.620), and reducing depression (Tai Chi: SMD=-0.327; 95 % CI -0.618 to -0.035) and anxiety (Tai Chi: SMD=-0.592; 95 % CI -0.862 to -0.321) in stroke patients, with a very low certainty of evidence. However, the impact of TCE on walking ability and sleep quality was insignificant.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Among 93 study estimates covering six different outcomes in stroke patients, while some findings suggest potential benefits of TCE (especially Tai Chi) on depression, anxiety, and balance function, all evidence was rated as very low certainty according to GRADE assessment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"74 ","pages":"Article 102438"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143549025","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":"Applications of machine learning in cannabis research: A scoping review","authors":"Jeremy Y. Ng ,&nbsp;Mrinal M. Lad ,&nbsp;Dhruv Patel ,&nbsp;Angela Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102434","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102434","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Over the past decade, research about cannabis and its associated compounds has increased substantially. Machine learning (ML) is increasingly used in cannabis-related research to improve data analysis and modeling. The present scoping review aimed to identify how ML is used in the context of cannabis research.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage scoping review framework. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL were systematically searched, and CADTH was searched using keywords. Studies utilizing ML in the context of cannabis research were deemed eligible. Title and abstract and full text screening, data extraction, thematic coding, and analysis were performed independently and in duplicate for all included studies.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Forty-six studies were included. Four themes emerged: 1) the sampling methodologies utilized in studies investigating cannabis and ML introduce bias in results, 2) ML algorithms can predict characteristics associated with cannabis use, including predictive factors, risk of usage, and impact on users, 3) ML algorithms are an effective tool for monitoring and extracting information about cannabis; and 4) various ML algorithms were most suitable for different tasks.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This scoping review highlights two major uses of ML algorithms in cannabis research—for predicting risks of and factors contributing to cannabis use, and for extracting information about cannabis. Challenges associated with ML in cannabis research included the introduction of bias in results from the use of cross-sectional and non-representative data, and recall bias which may have led to biased training of ML models. <em>Re</em>-evaluating study methodology suitability and externally validating ML models may increase the viability/applicability of ML in cannabis research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"74 ","pages":"Article 102434"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143549810","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":"Acupuncture therapy for vasomotor symptoms in breast cancer: Protocol for a prospective, multicenter, case registry study","authors":"Jia-Shan Li ,&nbsp;Zi-Yan Li ,&nbsp;Xing-Fang Pan ,&nbsp;Zhuo-Xin Yang ,&nbsp;Jia Liu ,&nbsp;Xin Wang ,&nbsp;Hong-Jiao Li ,&nbsp;Lin Luo ,&nbsp;Bo Chen ,&nbsp;Bao-Yan Liu ,&nbsp;Yi Guo ,&nbsp;Li-Yun He ,&nbsp;Tian-Yi Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102429","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102429","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Adjuvant endocrine therapy for breast cancer has advantages such as reducing the incidence of recurrence. However, adjuvant endocrine therapy may cause adverse vasomotor symptoms. Although randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that acupuncture therapy is an effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms in patients with breast cancer, a practical real-world acupuncture regimen has yet to be established. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a case registry study that provides real-world evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy in treating vasomotor symptoms. This article presents the protocol for a case registry study that aims to provide an overview of the acupuncture therapy for managing vasomotor symptoms in patients with breast cancer.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study cohort will comprise patients with breast cancer with vasomotor symptoms who are aged between 18 and 70 years and are undergoing adjuvant endocrine therapy. Patients will be recommended to receive acupuncture therapy, without excluding other treatments. The primary outcome is the patient-reported change in the hot flashes score. Electronic case report forms will be used to record patient demographic characteristics, information about interventions, and information about medical personnel from week 1 to 8, with a subsequent follow-up period of 24 weeks. At least 250 patients will be recruited from six medical hospitals. Adverse events will be monitored and recorded. An appropriate mixed model will be used to analyze the factors potentially influencing the effects of acupuncture therapy.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>This multicenter, prospective, observational, case registry study will bridge the gap between the clinical practices of acupuncture therapy and the evidence established through RCTs and systematic reviews. The findings will provide knowledge to better inform regulatory decision-making.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings of this case registry study will identify subgroups of patients with breast cancer that will benefit from acupuncture therapy for vasomotor symptoms.</div></div><div><h3>Registration</h3><div>This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400081274)</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"74 ","pages":"Article 102429"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143130194","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":"Socioeconomic and cultural factors influencing traditional medicine (TM) use in Nigeria: A systematic mixed method review","authors":"Abel Onolunosen Abhadionmhen ,&nbsp;Edobor Peter Kenneth Imarenezor ,&nbsp;Alloysius Chibuike Ogodo ,&nbsp;Ahamefula Anslem Ahuchaogu","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102436","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102436","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Nigeria, with its diverse population and rich cultural heritage, presents a unique landscape for healthcare. Traditional medicine (TM) plays a significant role, particularly in rural areas with limited access to modern healthcare. This systematic mixed-methods review examines how socioeconomic and cultural factors influence the use of TM in Nigeria, addressing gaps in understanding how these factors affect healthcare choices and integration with modern systems.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and African Journals Online (AJOL), covering studies from January 2013 to the present. Keywords included \"herbal medicine,\" \"traditional medicine,\" \"socioeconomic factors,\" and \"Nigeria.\" Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed studies in English addressing socioeconomic and cultural factors in Nigeria. Quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tool. Data were extracted and synthesized through narrative synthesis and thematic analysis. The protocol for this systematic mixed-methods review was registered under the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with number - CRD42024585769.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 4,701 records, 20 studies met inclusion criteria. Socioeconomic factors like income and education significantly influenced TM use, with affordability driving preference among lower-income groups. Cultural factors, including traditional beliefs and social norms, also played a crucial role. Findings suggest that gaps in formal healthcare and cultural adherence contribute to the continued use of TM remedies.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Socioeconomic constraints and cultural beliefs heavily influence herbal medicine use in Nigeria. Understanding these factors can inform public health strategies, improve regulatory frameworks, and enhance the integration of traditional and modern healthcare systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"74 ","pages":"Article 102436"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143510754","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":"A mixed-methods systematic review of the effectiveness, acceptability and safety of self-acupuncture studies","authors":"Catrina Davy ,&nbsp;Michael Loughlin ,&nbsp;John Hughes","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102433","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102433","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Ongoing acupuncture is not recommended by the National Institute for Heath and Care Excellence for managing long-term conditions. Self-acupuncture (SA) may offer a solution. This mixed-methods systematic review aims to identify and appraise the quality of SA studies and evaluate the acceptability, effectiveness, and safety of SA.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>CINAHL, Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane library databases were searched. We included studies evaluating SA for any condition, performed by a patient or their carer, written in any language and conducted at any time. We excluded studies where acupuncture needles were not inserted and where participants were not trained in SA. The methodological quality was appraised using the Mixed-Methods Assessment Tool. Data were extracted, categorised and synthesised.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Twelve SA studies were identified, including 1 randomised, controlled trial; 1 mixed-methods feasibility study; 1 pilot of a randomised crossover study; 3 quantitative service reviews; 2 qualitative studies; 1 survey report; and 3 case reports, with a total of 378 participants. Four studies were of a high methodological quality. All studies assessing it found SA acceptable (<em>n</em> = 9) and effective (<em>n</em> = 9). Only one serious adverse effect was reported.</div><div>A strength of the review is that it is the first systematic review focused solely on SA. Limitations include the small number of studies and the lack of high-quality evidence.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>There is a significant gap in high-quality SA research. Although SA appears acceptable and safe, more robust studies are needed to determine its effectiveness. If proven effective, SA could help patients manage long-term symptoms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"74 ","pages":"Article 102433"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143438287","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":"Phytochemical composition and antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-quorum sensing, and antibiofilm activities of essential oil blends used in aromatherapy","authors":"Elif Burcu Bali","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102435","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102435","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The present study aimed to investigate the chemical compositions of two commercial EO blends (EOBls: A and B) used in aromatherapy, named “Abundance oil”, by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS–) and to compare their antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anti-quorum sensing (QS) potentials.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The radical scavenging activities of EOBls were performed by DPPH and ABTS^●+assays. Agar well diffusion and broth microdilution assays were also performed to evaluate their antimicrobial activity. Quorum sensing (QS) inhibition of EOBls was assessed by the biosensor strains <em>Chromobacterium violaceum</em> ATCC 12,472 and <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> PAO1. Biofilm inhibition assay was also performed using crystal violet.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The GC–MS analysis of EOBl-A and EOBl-B presented the main constituents of limonene (53.18 %) and α-phellandrene (71.49 %), respectively. In antioxidant assays, EOBl-A, with high phenolic content, exhibited higher DPPH and ABTS^●+ radical scavenging effects than EOBl-B and the standard BHT. In antimicrobial activity, EOBls inhibited the growth of all strains in the range of 0.390 %-0.012 % (v/v), and the MIC values of EOBls were the lowest for <em>Candida</em> species (0.048 %-0.012 %v/v). In addition, EOBl-A and EOBl-B at MIC/2-MIC/32 significantly inhibited (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) the violacein production, and EOBls at MIC, MIC/2, and MIC/4 exhibited concentration-dependent antibiofilm activity on all the strains.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The results revealed that EOBls could be candidates for antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-QS agents. Despite their remarkable pharmacological activities, further studies of EOBls should investigate their therapeutic benefits and the mechanism of action on QS and biofilm.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"74 ","pages":"Article 102435"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143549024","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}