European Journal of Integrative Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Revealing the anti-inflammatory mechanism and effective constituents of Hosta plantaginea flowers by a strategy integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification","authors":"Bowei Xia ,&nbsp;Xiaomei Li ,&nbsp;Qingcui Zhang ,&nbsp;Zhongwei He ,&nbsp;Jian Liang ,&nbsp;Junwei He ,&nbsp;Wanchun Wang ,&nbsp;Degang Dong ,&nbsp;Li Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102400","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102400","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Inflammation is a common cause of illness among outpatients, but effective drugs are extremely scarce. <em>Hosta plantaginea</em> flower is an important herbal medicine in China that treats inflammation-related diseases, but its anti-inflammatory mechanism remains unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Systematic network pharmacology was employed to decipher <em>H. plantaginea</em> flower's anti-inflammatory hub targets and candidate phytochemicals. Furthermore, molecular docking was used to elucidate the interaction of constituents and targets. Afterward, the anti-inflammatory activity of <em>H. plantaginea</em> flower and its mechanism were validated in RAW264.7 cells activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><em>H. plantaginea</em> flower contains 153 phytochemicals, of which 85 were potential effective constituents. 949 <em>H. plantaginea</em> flower targets and 814 inflammation-related targets were predicted, of which 211 intersecting targets were acquired. Six major constituents, including corvitin, phytyldiol, agapanthagenin, 5,7-dimethoxy-8-methyl-4′-hydroxyflavan, (3<em>R</em>)-2,3-dihydro-7-hydroxy-3-[(4-methoxyphenyl)methyl]-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, and phenol, 4-[(2<em>S</em>)-3,4-dihydro-5,7-dimethoxy-2H-1-benzopyran-2-yl] were picked out. Furthermore, 6 hub targets such as C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC1B), toll-like receptor (TLR), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), recombinant V-Rel reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A (RELA), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and protein kinase B α (AKT1) were obtained using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional analyses. Molecular docking indicated that these 6 constituents had strong binding abilities with these 6 hub targets. Finally, the anti-inflammatory effect of <em>H. plantaginea</em> flower and its mechanism were verified in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells by the inhibition of CLEC1B, TLR-4, TNF-α, STAT3, and Akt1 proteins, thereby suppressing the overproduction of nitric oxide.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>H. plantaginea</em> flower exerted a significant anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing TLR-4 and CLEC1B signaling pathways, which was elucidated and validated by an integrated strategy based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification. Collectively, this study provides a novel insight into the pharmacodynamics and mechanisms of <em>H. plantaginea</em> flower as a promising agent in treating inflammation-related disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"71 ","pages":"Article 102400"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142311468","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":"Methodological quality evaluation of animal experiments on traditional Chinese medicine formulas for glaucoma: A systematic review","authors":"Jiaxian Li ,&nbsp;Xuqi Bi ,&nbsp;Chengzhi Hou ,&nbsp;Yu Jin ,&nbsp;Mengqiu Shang ,&nbsp;Xiaoyu Wu ,&nbsp;Lina Liang","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102399","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102399","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>This review aimed to evaluate the methodology and reporting quality of preclinical studies on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervention for glaucoma, and explore areas for improvement.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Eight Chinese and English databases were searched for animal experiment articles on TCM formulas for glaucoma. The risk of bias was evaluated using the SYRCLE's tool, the reporting quality using the ARRIVE 2.0 guidelines and the GSPC checklist.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Seventy-two articles met the inclusion/exclusion criteria for full-text review. According to the SYRCLE's tool, 7 (70%) of the 10 items had a low-risk rate of less than 50%, high-risk items were focused on selectivity bias, implementation bias, and measurement bias. Results of the ARRIVE 2.0 guidelines showed that 20 (53%) of the 38 sub-items had a high-agreement rate of less than 50%. Using the GSPC checklist, it was determined that 10 (53%) of the 19 sub-items had high-agreement rates of less than 50%. Randomization, blinding, ethical statements, housing and husbandry, animal care and monitoring, and protocol registration were low-agreement rate aspects of study reporting.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The methodology and reporting quality of animal studies on TCM formulas for glaucoma is generally low. It is advised to further refer to the SYRCLE's tool and reporting guidelines, to enhance the design, performance, and reporting of animal experiments to ensure the reproducibility and reliability of results.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"71 ","pages":"Article 102399"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876382024000684/pdfft?md5=590f7d812de03664a14a5a0669e3915f&pid=1-s2.0-S1876382024000684-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142314881","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":"The efficacy of Chinese patent medicine Xiaojin capsule in the treatment of Hashimoto's thyroiditis: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Aijing Chu ,&nbsp;Shouyao Liu ,&nbsp;Ying Chen ,&nbsp;Zhongyuan Xia","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102395","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102395","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is a common autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland and the main cause of hypothyroidism. Currently, Chinese medicine is widely used in clinical treatment, and Chinese patent medicine is more convenient for application. We conducted a meta-analysis of previously published literature to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Xiaojin capsule combined with levothyroxine (LT4) or selenium yeast in the treatment of HT, which also provided evidence-based medical evidence for traditional Chinese medicine in HT treatment.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effect of Xiaojin capsule on HT. The study was funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81973855), and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023412656). We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), WanFang Database, China National Knowledge Information Database (CNKI), and SinoMed from inception to August 15, 2023. Two independent authors reviewed and coded the identified literature. Data analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. We synthesized the results as standardized mean differences (SMD), mean difference (MD) 95 % confidence interval (CI) or relative risk (RR) 95 % CI. The Cochrane Systematic Risk of Bias Assessment Tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Thirteen RCTs with 1414 participants were included. The meta-analysis showed that compared with LT4 or selenium yeast alone, oral Xiaojin capsule combined with LT4 significantly reduced serum antibody levels against thyroid peroxidase (TPOAb) (SMD= −3.4, 95 % CI: −4.52 to −2.27, P&lt;0.00001), oral Xiaojin capsule combined with selenium yeast reduced serum TPOAb (MD= −39.13, 95 % CI: −49.97 to −28.3, P&lt;0.00001); oral Xiaojin capsule combined with LT4 significantly reduced serum antibody levels against thyroglobulin (TGAb) (SMD= −3.06, 95 % CI: −4.12 to −1.99, P&lt;0.00001); increased clinical efficiency rate (RR=1.16, 95 % CI: 1.10 to 1.21, P&lt;0.00001) and serum free thyroxine (FT4; SMD=1.18, 95 % CI: 0.47 to 1.88, <em>P</em> &lt;0.00001) levels, and reduced thyroid volume (SMD =−0.59, 95 % CI: −0.87 to −0.32, P&lt;0.0001). The effect on serum free triiodothyronine levels in two groups was not significant, and Xiaojin capsules did not increase the incidence of adverse events.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Xiaojin capsule combined with LT4 for treating HT significantly reduced serum TPOAb and TGAb levels, increased serum FT4 levels, and improved goiter. However, the strength of the evidence needs to be improved because of the poor quality of the included studies, and further validation by multiple high-quality randomized controlled trials with comprehensive outcome reporting is needed in the future.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 102395"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876382024000647/pdfft?md5=aa43ef532fbb53130259aea95ac251ce&pid=1-s2.0-S1876382024000647-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142088495","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":"Thinking style preferences of Chinese and Western physicians: A mixed-methods study","authors":"Wenhui Zhu ,&nbsp;Kangle Shi ,&nbsp;Ying Hu ,&nbsp;Ruikun Wang ,&nbsp;Xiaocong Wang ,&nbsp;Shiyao Wang ,&nbsp;Xinping Yu ,&nbsp;Fangyan Yang ,&nbsp;Zhijun Wang ,&nbsp;Juan Wang ,&nbsp;Cong Lei ,&nbsp;Yuefan Yu ,&nbsp;Xiaoyu Liu ,&nbsp;Qian Liu ,&nbsp;Qinggang Meng","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102383","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102383","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine (WM) stem from distinct cultural and regional contexts, with the primary difference in their approaches to clinical reasoning. This study aims to investigate the cognitive preferences of TCM and WM physicians in clinical diagnosis and treatment, providing valuable insights for the advancement of TCM.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>We implemented a two-phase mixed methods approach comprising questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The Thinking Style Inventory (TSI) was used to evaluate the thinking styles of physicians through convenience sampling. Additionally, a total of six physicians (three practicing TCM and three WM) were selected by purposive sampling and open-ended responses regarding self-cognition and influencing factors were analyzed using thematic analysis.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>A total of 150 surveys and six interviews consistently indicated a preference among both TCM and WM physicians for Legislative, Executive, Hierarchical, Liberal, and External styles. In contrast, TCM physicians exhibited a tendency towards Legislative and Liberal styles, whereas WM physicians leaned towards Executive and Judicial styles. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed four themes: self-understanding, thinking characteristics, influencing factors, and style changes.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Our study identified that within TCM and WM, a blend of shared characteristics and distinct individuality in thinking styles existed, exhibiting variations in the growth processes of physicians. Both TCM and WM physicians attributed the formation of their thinking styles to factors such as education, internship experience, Chinese social culture and personal disposition. Furthermore, empirical research methods emerged as effective tools for studying clinical reasoning in healthcare contexts.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"69 ","pages":"Article 102383"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876382024000532/pdfft?md5=7d0fa68cd1bb7fbdcf71eb547c871c89&pid=1-s2.0-S1876382024000532-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141700698","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":"Rationale and design of aromatic and warming-up management in coronary microvascular disease (AWARD): A study protocol for a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial","authors":"Mingwang Liu ,&nbsp;Yangfang Zhang ,&nbsp;Beili Xie ,&nbsp;Lulian Jiang ,&nbsp;Haohao Li ,&nbsp;Jianpeng Du ,&nbsp;Dawu Zhang ,&nbsp;Zikai Yu ,&nbsp;Yuxin Yan ,&nbsp;Keji Chen ,&nbsp;Fuhai Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102393","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102393","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Current treatments for coronary microvascular disease (CMVD) have limited efficacy. Kuanxiong Aerosol (KXA), a representative preparation used for aromatic and warming-up management, is a typical Chinese proprietary medicine that relieves the symptoms of angina pectoris and contributes to improving coronary microcirculation disorders, which may provide an option for the treatment of CMVD.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>This is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 120 eligible patients will be randomized 1:1 to KXA or placebo groups and receive 30-day interventions and follow-up. The primary outcome will be the Seattle Angina Scale score. Secondary outcomes will be the TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) syndrome score, self-rated anxiety scale score, self-rated depression scale, microcirculation function, and laboratory index for coronary microvascular.</p></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><p>This trial will evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of KXA in the treatment of CMVD. The results of this study may provide clinical evidence for the use of Chinese patent medicine in CMVD.</p></div><div><h3>Trial registration</h3><p>Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200057494</p></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 102393"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876382024000623/pdfft?md5=d0728c05a1ac5bcd2aa665b3bc7a3466&pid=1-s2.0-S1876382024000623-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142084295","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":"A global comparative analysis of guidelines for herbal medicines Pharmacopoeia and Good Manufacturing Practice, with a case study of Panax ginseng C.A Meyer","authors":"Minghui Xu ,&nbsp;Dung Thuy Nguyen ,&nbsp;Sujata Purja ,&nbsp;Eunyoung Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102394","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102394","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>The use of herbal medicines is widespread, and ensuring their quality control, as guaranteed by pharmacopoeia and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines, has garnered significant attention. Discrepancies in quality standards across different regulatory agencies challenge the global marketing of herbal medicines and hinder public access to these products. Therefore, this research aims to compare pharmacopeia on <em>Panax ginseng</em> C.A. Meyer (<em>P. ginseng</em>) and GMP guidelines for herbal medicines to provide an evidence-based understanding of quality control standards.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Definitions of herbal medicines across regulatory authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S), European Union (EU), China, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam, were collected. Additionally, pharmacopeial standards on <em>Panax ginseng</em> case study were analysed, focusing on aspects such as origin, identification, testing methods, extractives, assay, purity, and drug information. The study also compared GMP requirements for herbal medicines, which included personnel, premises and equipment, documentation, production, quality control, contract manufacturing and analysis, complaints and product recall, and self-inspection.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Definitions of herbal medicines are similar among the WHO, PIC/S, and the EU, while distinct definitions based on scientific evidence and traditional practices were presented in China, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam. Pharmacopeia standards varied across regulatory agencies, as evidenced by the <em>P. ginseng</em> case study. However, testing methods closely resembled each other between China and Vietnam, as well as between Japan and South Korea. Among pharmacopoeias, the WHO monographs offered the most comprehensive drug information on <em>P. ginseng</em>. In contrast, the European Pharmacopoeia lists such details separately in a <em>P. ginseng</em> assessment report. Regarding GMP requirements, although examined components varied among regulatory agencies, significant resemblances exist between the GMP guidelines of PIC/S, the EU, and South Korea, and between those of the WHO and Vietnam.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Disparities in quality standards across jurisdictions highlight the necessity for international collaboration to achieve harmonization. Harmonizing these standards aims to promote the global availability of standardized herbal medicinal products, benefiting public health.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 102394"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142088496","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 benchmark for the quality of reflexology intervention reporting using the template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) checklist: A systematic review","authors":"Jacqueline James ,&nbsp;Joseph T Costello ,&nbsp;Amy K Drahota","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102391","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102391","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Reflexology is a complementary therapy based on the theory that different points on the feet, hands, face, and ears correspond with areas of the body, each being represented as a reflex. Different reflexology practises exist, and there is not one ‘standard’ approach. Not all reflexology studies are documented to a sufficiently high standard to allow research studies to be replicated and their data combined within meta-analysis, which would support a move to evidence-based practice for this complementary therapy. To identify specific shortfalls within reflexology intervention reporting, and to provide a benchmark which could be used to measure any future changes in the detail included in reflexology intervention reporting, the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist has been used to assess the current situation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic review was carried out on studies published in 2021 and each study scored using the 12 TIDieR elements for compliance.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 420 references were identified, resulting in 41 eligible studies. Amongst the 12 TIDieR elements assessed, four elements (2: Why, 6: How, 7: Where, and 8: When and how much) were consistently addressed satisfactorily by the majority of the studies. Two elements (9: Tailoring and 12: How well actual) exhibited moderate levels of compliance, four TIDieR elements (1: Brief name, 3: What materials, 4: What procedures, and 5: Who) were predominantly addressed inadequately across the studies and two elements (10: Modifications and 11: How well planned) were rarely included in the studies analysed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Many studies did not adequately report the reflexology intervention, which inhibits implementation (and discontinuation), replication, and research synthesis. This systematic review has identified the specific areas of the intervention which are not being documented with sufficient detail in order to highlight areas requiring improvement and produce a benchmark against which the quality of the intervention reporting can be measured in future studies. Data collected as part of this review have been used as input into a follow-up study which has produced reflexology specific guidance to be used with the TIDieR checklist.</div></div><div><h3>Funding</h3><div>No funding was received for this project.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"71 ","pages":"Article 102391"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187638202400060X/pdfft?md5=51ce1557fe5527f0ebaa6284cdbdda2b&pid=1-s2.0-S187638202400060X-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142311467","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":"Auricular acupressure for patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing intradialytic hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis","authors":"Yufang Zou,&nbsp;Hongfang Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102389","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102389","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Introduction&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chronic kidney disease is a condition with high morbidity and mortality, and long-term renal replacement therapy also increases the risks of intradialytic hypertension. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of auricular acupressure in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing intradialytic hypertension, regarding hypertension and reduction of complications of hemodialysis.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Three English and four Chinese databases were searched until September 21st, 2022. Inclusion criteria were auricular acupressure as the only complementary adjuvant in the experimental group and control intervention of blank control. Primary outcomes included systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure. Risk of bias of the included trials was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The review and meta-analyses were conducted using the Cochrane systematic review method, and trial sequential analyses were performed using TSA 0.9. Meta-influence analyses, subgroup analyses, meta-regression, and evaluation of publication bias were performed to explore the heterogeneity. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE-pro GDT.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;A total of 17 trials involving 1,288 participants were included. The results showed that auricular acupressure, as a complementary intervention, yielded significantly (&lt;em&gt;p&lt;/em&gt; &lt; 0.05) greater reductions in systolic blood pressure (WMD 10.84 mmHg, 95 %CI:9.37–12.32, &lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt; &lt; 0.001, &lt;em&gt;I&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/em&gt;=33 %, low certainty), diastolic blood pressure (WMD 8.20 mmHg, 95 %CI:6.36–10.04, &lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt; &lt; 0.001, &lt;em&gt;I&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/em&gt;=57 %, very low certainty), and mean arterial pressure (WMD 7.87 mmHg, 95 %CI:5.00–10.74, &lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt; &lt; 0.001, &lt;em&gt;I&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/em&gt; = 0 %, very low certainty) when performed with conventional interventions compared with conventional interventions alone. Results also revealed better relief from hemodialysis complications in the experimental group, including arrhythmias (RR 0.27, 95 %CI:0.16–0.45, &lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt; &lt; 0.001, &lt;em&gt;I&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/em&gt;=0 %, very low certainty), heart failure (RR 0.38, 95 %CI:0.25–0.59, &lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt; &lt; 0.001, &lt;em&gt;I&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/em&gt; = 0 %, very low certainty), nausea and dizziness (RR 0.51, 95 %CI:0.33–0.77, &lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt; = 0.001, &lt;em&gt;I&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/em&gt; = 0 %, very low certainty), and dizziness alone (RR 0.16, 95 %CI:0.05–0.50, &lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt; = 0.002, &lt;em&gt;I&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/em&gt; = 0 %, low certainty).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;In general, auricular acupressure is safe and efficacious in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing intradialytic hypertension, considering reduction in blood pressure and hemodialysis-induced complications. However, limitations of this review include risk of bias (including publication bias) in included studies, and a need for more inclusive studies with longer intervention and follow-up periods, and better global re","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 102389"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141841269","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":"Herb couplet medicines (Erxian) protect osteoblasts from high glucose-induced damage by reducing cell apoptosis in diabetic osteoporosis: A network pharmacology and experimental verification-based study","authors":"Xuan Zhou ,&nbsp;Mengying Li ,&nbsp;Minjie Zhang ,&nbsp;Yang Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102392","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102392","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages in treating diabetic osteoporosis (DOP). This study aimed to explore the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of herb couplet medicines (Erxian) on DOP using network pharmacology and verify these mechanisms using cell experiments.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>We used chromatography to analyze the bioactive components of serum containing Erxian couplet medicines (ECMs) and searched for possible targets of the active ingredients in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database. The target proteins of DOP were retrieved from the GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man databases. A component-target network diagram was then constructed using the screened drug components and target information for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. <em>In vitro</em>, cell morphological changes were observed using alkaline phosphatase staining, and the effect of the ECMs on osteoblast viability was assessed using a cell counting kit-8 assay. Finally, the pathway information predicted by network pharmacology was validated using flow cytometry, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blot experiments.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Twelve types of active ingredients in serum containing ECMs were obtained via chromatography, and 96 potential targets were identified using network pharmacology analysis. Furthermore, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the ECMs might participate in the apoptosis signaling pathway in the treatment of DOP. <em>In vitro</em> tests showed that treatment with ECM serum increased osteoblasts’ survival rate and improved the HG group's cell morphology (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). BCL2-associated X protein (BAX) expression increased in the HG group but decreased after ECM serum addition (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). The expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) was found to be reduced in the HG group but increased after ECM serum addition (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>ECMs can treat DOP via multiple targets and multiple signaling pathways. Moreover, the mechanism underlying the effects of ECMs on osteoblasts was verified by inhibiting apoptotic. The complete signaling pathway requires future study.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 102392"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876382024000611/pdfft?md5=b4332bcaf453e13a8fb5f86481d20f8f&pid=1-s2.0-S1876382024000611-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141849589","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":"Client experiences and perceptions of naturopathic treatment in New Zealand: A qualitative study","authors":"Asmita Patel,&nbsp;Robyn Carruthers,&nbsp;Karen Wesseling,&nbsp;Karen Mees,&nbsp;Wayne Hill","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102390","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102390","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Naturopathy is a well-known and utilised form of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM). Limited New Zealand research exists that has examined the utilisation of naturopathy from the perspective of users. The present study was designed to identify and explore individual's experiences and perceptions of naturopathic care.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Twenty clients (18 female and two male) who attended a student naturopathy and herbal medicine teaching clinic in Auckland, New Zealand were individually interviewed via Zoom video conferencing using open-ended questions. Interview transcripts were anlysed using an inductive thematic approach, focusing on similarities in participants' experiences and perceptions of their naturopathic treatment.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Six main themes were identified regarding individual's experiences and perceptions of naturopathic care (1) feeling heard, (2) perceived attributes of the student practitioner and feeling looked after, (3) perceived knowledge of student practitioners, (4) high degree of client education, (5) partnership, empowerment and ownership, and (6) recommending naturopathy based on own experiences.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Participants reported positive experiences and perceptions of their naturopathic treatment. Participants felt heard and looked after and indicated that their student naturopaths were caring, supportive and knowledgeable. Client education enhanced health literacy and participants felt empowered and in control of their health and healing. Client education was perceived to be important for individuals with chronic health conditions, as the information imparted was not always covered by their other healthcare practitioners.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 102390"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141841627","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}