European Journal of Integrative Medicine最新文献

{"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":"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":"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":"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":"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}

{"title":"Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Jiakun Zhang ,&nbsp;Zhongtong Ma ,&nbsp;Jintong Shi ,&nbsp;Wenjuan Shen ,&nbsp;Jiali Wei ,&nbsp;Mei Han","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102417","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102417","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is an involuntary loss of urine on physical exertion, sneezing, or coughing. Acupuncture, a worldwide accepted traditional and complementary medicine, has been widely used in China to treat SUI. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for women with SUI.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022361059) and this systematic review (SR) was funded by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, SinoMed, Web of Science, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched from their inception to October 2023, for relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the treatment of acupuncture with/without pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). Study screening and data extraction were carried out independently by two authors. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Cochrane's risk of bias (RoB) tool 2.0. Meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3.5.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 31 RCTs with 2885 patients were included in this SR. The results showed that the combination of acupuncture with PFMT had a better effect than PFMT only in decreasing urine leakage (RR = -1.87, 95 % CI [-2.24, -1.49], 13 studies, 956 patients) and Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICI-Q-SF) scores (RR = -2.26, 95 % CI [-2.64, -1.88], 14 studies, 1015 patients) in women with SUI. Acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture demonstrated improvements in urinary leakage (RR = -4.22, 95 % CI [-5.52, -2.93], 5 studies, 286 patients), and ICI-Q-SF scores with MD and 95 % CI of -3.88(-4.59, -3.17), -8.71(-10.85, -6.57), and -3.10(-3.38, -2.82), respectively. Subgroup analyses of manual acupuncture or electroacupuncture and duration of PFMT treatment can appropriately reduce heterogeneity. For the Egger's test of 1-h pad leakage and of ICI-Q-SF scores, suggesting that there was a small possibility of publication bias in this SR (<em>p</em> = 0.1257 and <em>p</em> = 0.8058, respectively). Adverse events appeared in 12 participants in the acupuncture group and 9 in the sham group.(relative risk = 1.33, 95 % CI = [0.56, 3.15], <em>P</em> = 0.70). The quality of RCTs included in this review was generally poor.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Acupuncture has potential in the treatment of SUI in women, and no significant adverse events were reported. However, considering issues with the methodological quality of the included studies, the reliability of this review conclusion may be affected to a certain extent.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 102417"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143179983","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":"Investigating the therapeutic potential of elemene emulsion injection as an adjuvant for chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy: Transcriptome analysis and experimental validation","authors":"Xiuying Liu ,&nbsp;Jingjing Zhu ,&nbsp;Jingjing Liu ,&nbsp;Yichao Feng ,&nbsp;Jiaying Wang ,&nbsp;Jianxun Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102425","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102425","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Elemene emulsion injection (EEI) is prepared from monomers extracted from Chinese medicine. It has been used as an adjuvant anti-tumor medication in clinical settings for over 30 years. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) are a successful immunotherapy strategy for tumor treatment. This study aimed to investigate the role and potential mechanisms of EEI as an adjuvant to CAR-T cells for tumor treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>CCK8 staining was utilized to detect the effect of EEI on tumor cell viability. CD19 CAR-T and Trop2 CAR-T cells were constructed, and EEI was added to the experimental system. Untreated CAR-T cells served as a control group. After co-culture with tumor cells, the effect of EEI on CAR-T cell function was assessed. Flow cytometry, luciferase reporter gene, IncuCyte, and cytokine assays were used to evaluate the effects of the EEI on CAR-T cell cytotoxicity and phenotype <em>in vitro</em>. RNA sequencing was utilized to analyze the effect of EEI on CAR-T cell gene expression. Network pharmacology was applied to predict potential EEI therapeutic targets for CRS, which were verified via a THP-1 macrophage inflammation model.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>EEI enhanced the cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells against tumors. RNA-seq revealed that EEI modulated cytokine activity and Th17 cell differentiation in CAR-T cells. Subsequent experiments confirmed that the proportion of CD4+ <em>T</em> cells in CAR-T cells increased. The secretion of cytokines was greatly reduced under the effect of EEI. In the THP-1 macrophage inflammation model, EEI significantly reduced the levels of cytokines associated with inflammation induced by CAR-T cells.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This research proposed and tested a combination therapy involving EEI and CAR-T cells. The combination of CAR-T cells with EEI for tumor immunotherapy may enhance the clinical efficacy while providing synergistic effects and reducing toxicity.</div></div><div><h3>Funding</h3><div>Scientific Research Startup Funds for High-level Talents from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (Grant No. 9,011,451,310,032)</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 102425"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143180501","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":"The effect of Reiki in the third trimester on breastfeeding self-efficacy, pregnancy-related complaints, and quality of life: Randomized controlled study","authors":"Seda Karaçay Yikar,&nbsp;Dilara Keklik,&nbsp;Evşen Nazik","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102423","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102423","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>This study was carried out to determine the effects of Reiki applied to pregnant women in the last trimester on breastfeeding self-efficacy, complaints during pregnancy, and quality of life.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study was conducted as a two-group randomized controlled trial at a city hospital. A total of 68 pregnant women (34 in the Reiki group and 34 in the control group) receiving antenatal care participated in the study. The Reiki group received eight Reiki sessions, with the first being given face to face on the day they were enrolled in the study and seven remotely. Data were collected in three stages: on the first day of the study, four weeks after the first interview, and six weeks postpartum. Data were collected using a \"Personal Information Form, the ``Scale of Complaints during Pregnancy and Their Effect on Quality of Life (SCPEQL),'' and the ``Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES).''</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The BSES scores of women in the Reiki and control groups yielded a significant difference between the first measurement and the one made after four weeks (MD 5.47, 95 % CIs [1.75 to 9.18]). There was no statistical difference between the BSES post-test scores of the groups (MD 2.92, 95% CIs [−0.65 to 6.48]). No significant difference was found between the mean SCPEQL scores of the groups, either (MD 11.47, 95% CIs [−27.03 to 4.09]). During the study, no adverse events were noted in either groups.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The results of this study showed that Reiki applied during pregnancy was effective in increasing women's breastfeeding self-efficacy, but there was no effect on the improvement of pregnancy-related complaints and quality of life.</div></div><div><h3>The clinical trial registration number</h3><div>NCT05942989.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 102423"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143180500","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}