Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim最新文献

{"title":"Iridoids in liver diseases: Mechanistic insights and molecular mechanism.","authors":"Shagun Sanjivv Dogra, Vikram Patial","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2026.01.008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joim.2026.01.008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Over the past decade, the prevalence of hepatic disorders has shown a steady upsurge, raising serious public health concerns. Alcohol consumption, indiscriminate use of medications, a high-calorie diet and exposure to viral infections are all thought to be the primary risk factors for developing hepatic diseases. Due to the lack of effective treatments for hepatic disorders, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancers, and the numerous side effects of existing therapies, medicinal plants are receiving increased attention as an alternative treatment for hepatic disorders. Iridoids are bitter-tasting secondary metabolites found in many medicinal plants. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that iridoids or extracts containing iridoids produce hepatoprotective effects by targeting inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction. This comprehensive review discusses scientific research on the hepatoprotective effects of various iridoids and the targeted pathways involved in liver disorders. Research data on iridoids as hepatoprotective molecules were obtained through multiple databases such as ScienceDirect, Web of Science, PubMed, Wiley Online Library and Scopus using relevant keywords such as iridoids and hepatoprotective. Based on the available information, further research is required for the optimization of the targeted delivery of iridoids in therapeutic and toxicity studies and randomized clinical trials in humans. Please cite this article as: Dogra S, Patial V. Iridoids in liver diseases: Mechanistic insights and molecular mechanism. J Integr Med. 2026; Epub ahead of print.</p>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146214690","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acupuncture alleviates inflammatory pain by regulating microglial polarization through α7nAchR-mediated autophagy.","authors":"Guo-Qi Dong, Hui Gao, Yi-Jun Sun, Qiu-Hong Yang, Yong Yao, Hua-Yuan Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2026.01.006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joim.2026.01.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to identify the optimal frequency of acupuncture for alleviating inflammatory pain and to explore the specific mechanisms through which it regulated microglial polarization.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We first measured the frequency and angle of acupuncture manipulation using an acupuncture manipulation parameter sensor. An inflammatory pain model was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats via injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) to the hind paw. Using the previously developed acupuncture manipulation simulator, we delivered precisely controlled stimulation with three frequencies (1, 2 and 4 Hz) to the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint. The optimal frequency for relieving inflammatory pain was determined by assessing paw withdrawal threshold, withdrawal latency and oedema. The autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA) were intrathecally injected to inhibit microglial autophagy and α7nAChR activation, respectively. Western blotting was used to measure autophagy-related protein levels. Spinal microglial polarization was evaluated using immunofluorescence analysis. The levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The changes of mitochondrial morphology of spinal microglia were observed with transmission electron microscopy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The acupuncture manipulation simulator was used to precisely deliver treatments to CFA rats at three different frequencies with a rotation of 180°. Acupuncture manipulation at all three frequencies can effectively alleviate inflammatory pain and promote M2 polarization of the microglia, with 4 Hz acupuncture producing the best analgesic effect. The administration of 3-MA inhibited autophagy in spinal microglia, thereby reversing both the analgesic effect of acupuncture and its modulatory effect on microglial polarization. MLA markedly downregulated α7nAChR expression, inhibited autophagy, promoted M1 microglial polarization, and attenuated the analgesic effects of acupuncture. Moreover, acupuncture significantly decreased the expression of acetylcholinesterase.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Frequency of needle stimulation may be a critical factor influencing the analgesic efficacy of acupuncture. Acupuncture may mitigate inflammatory pain by promoting microglial polarization through α7nAChR-mediated autophagy. Please cite this article as: Dong GQ, Gao H, Sun YJ, Yang QH, Yao Y, Yang HY. Acupuncture alleviates inflammatory pain by regulating microglial polarization through α7nAchR-mediated autophagy. J Integr Med. 2026; Epub ahead of print.</p>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147460684","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Honokiol protects against acute pancreatitis by activating SIRT3 to restore mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and alleviate hyperacetylation.","authors":"Yi-Fan Miao, Jia-Qi Yao, Yang Peng, Ding Bai, Shu-Han Fan, Hong-Ying Li, Wei Jin, Yun Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2026.01.007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joim.2026.01.007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a potentially life-threatening inflammatory disease with limited therapeutic options. Although honokiol has shown beneficial effects in animal models of AP, the mitochondrial mechanisms underlying these effects remain poorly understood. This study investigated whether honokiol protects against AP by activating the mitochondrial deacetylase sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) and regulating oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) function.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mouse model of caerulein-induced AP was established to assess the temporal expression of SIRT3 and the effects of its pharmacological inhibition. The efficacy of honokiol was evaluated in vivo using an AP mouse model and in vitro using 266-6 cells and primary pancreatic acinar cells. Proteomic analysis was performed to identify SIRT3-regulated mitochondrial proteins and pathways. Protein-protein docking and immunoprecipitation were used to validate the interaction and acetylation of the respiratory complex subunits.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>SIRT3 expression was markedly reduced in AP, while its inhibition exacerbated disease severity, confirming a protective role. Honokiol treatment restored SIRT3 expression, alleviated inflammation and mitochondrial damage, and partially rescued OXPHOS protein expression. The proteomic profiling identified three candidate OXPHOS subunits-adenosine triphosphate synthase membrane subunit K, cytochrome c1 (CYC1) and ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase hinge protein-that were restored by honokiol treatment. The protein-protein docking analysis revealed strong binding affinity between SIRT3 and CYC1. The immunoprecipitation assay further confirmed that honokiol reduced the acetylation of CYC1, indicating that this effect is mediated by SIRT3 activity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Honokiol activates SIRT3 and promotes deacetylation of the respiratory complex Ⅲ subunit CYC1, contributing to OXPHOS restoration and mitochondrial protection in AP. These findings suggest a previously unrecognized SIRT3-CYC1 signaling axis underlying honokiol's mitochondrial protective effects in AP. Please cite this article as: Miao YF, Yao JQ, Peng Y, Bai D, Fan SH, Li HY, Jin W, Lu Y. Honokiol protects against acute pancreatitis by activating SIRT3 to restore mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and alleviate hyperacetylation. J Integr Med. 2026; Epub ahead of print.</p>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146144245","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Corrigendum to \"International clinical practice guideline on the use of traditional Chinese medicine for functional dyspepsia (2025)\". [J. Integrat. Med. 23 (2025) 502-518].","authors":"Sheng-Sheng Zhang, Lu-Qing Zhao, Xiao-Hua Hou, Zhao-Xiang Bian, Jian-Hua Zheng, Hai-He Tian, Guan-Hu Yang, Won-Sook Hong, Yu-Ying He, Li Liu, Hong Shen, Yan-Ping Li, Sheng Xie, Jin Shu, Bin-Fang Zeng, Jun-Xiang Li, Zhen Liu, Zheng-Hua Xiao, Jing-Dong Xiao, Pei-Yong Zheng, Shao-Gang Huang, Sheng-Liang Chen, Gui-Jun Fei","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2026.01.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joim.2026.01.004","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146137643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A hierarchical and interpretable machine learning model for acupoint determination.","authors":"Hang Yang, Ren Wu, Mitsuru Nakata, Qi-Wei Ge","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2026.01.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joim.2026.01.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study used machine learning methods to develop a model that can offer personalized acupoint prescriptions for patients based on their symptoms, enhancing both the efficiency and effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy (AMT).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We first preprocessed textual AMT data to build an acupoint prescription database designed for machine learning applications. Then, based on data analysis, we selected the hierarchical classification model hierarchical attention-based recurrent neural network (HARNN) to determine acupoint prescriptions based on symptoms. Computational experiments were conducted using 5-fold cross-validation to evaluate the model's performance, with intersection over union (IoU) as the primary evaluation metric. Finally, to enhance model interpretability, the local interpretable model-agnostic explanation (LIME) method was applied to visualize prediction results and improve its clinical applicability.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>On the original dataset of 5000 samples, HARNN achieved an IoU of 0.883 in predicting acupoint prescriptions. After data augmentation, the IoU reached 0.954 in 5-fold cross-validation, and 0.932 on a test set of 1000 original samples. The use of LIME enabled intuitive visualization of the model's prediction rationale, thereby enhancing the model's reliability.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study developed a hierarchical and interpretable machine learning model that predicts acupoint prescriptions based on symptoms, integrating HARNN for hierarchical classification and LIME for interpretability, which provides an effective technical approach and methodology for the intellectualization of AMT. Please cite this article as: Yang H, Wu R, Nakata M, Ge QW. A hierarchical and interpretable machine learning model for acupoint determination. J Integr Med. 2026; Epub ahead of print.</p>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146097434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A progression risk assessment model for pulmonary ground-glass nodules based on traditional Chinese medicine clinical symptoms combined with imaging.","authors":"Ayidana Maolan, Le-Hua Yu, Yue Li, Zhao-Shuai Yan, Xing-Hua Xiang, Lin-Feng Wang, Qiu-Jun Guo, Jia-Qi Hu, Guang-Hui Zhang, Xiao-Ling Ren, Juan Li, Tian-Heng Sun, Wei Yang, Rui Liu, Bao-Jin Hua","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2026.01.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joim.2026.01.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Progressive ground-glass nodules (GGNs) are associated with a risk of malignancy. Early identification and intervention are crucial for lung cancer prevention. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has advantages of syndrome differentiation, holistic adjustment, and whole-process management. In this study, we built a risk assessment model based on the integration of TCM symptoms and imaging features to identify risks of GGN progression and to guide personalized TCM management and treatment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study enrolled 864 patients with GGNs from January 2015 to December 2023. Assessment factors included general demographic information, TCM symptoms, and imaging features. Machine learning algorithms were used to screen risk factors, regression models were used to establish GGN progression risk assessment models, and a nomogram was used to assess the risk of progression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Age, second-hand smoke exposure, acid reflux, breast or abdominal pain, chest tightness, depression, heartburn, tongue with little coating, and the diameter of the largest pulmonary nodule were significant risk factors for GGN progression. In the nomogram model, the TCM symptom of acid reflux made the highest contribution. The constructed model using these key factors was used to assess the risk of GGN progression. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the area under the curve (AUC) in the training set was 0.70 (95% CI [0.65, 0.75]), and the AUC in the test set was 0.74 (95% CI [0.65, 0.82]).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study was the first to establish a GGN progression risk assessment model using TCM clinical symptoms and imaging features. The model can help individuals and doctors better understand the health status and take timely preventive measures. Please cite this article as: Maolan A, Yu LH, Li Y, Yan ZS, Xiang XH, Wang LF, Guo QJ, Hu JQ, Zhang GH, Ren XL, Li J, Sun TH, Yang W, Liu R, Hua BJ. A progression risk assessment model for pulmonary ground-glass nodules based on traditional Chinese medicine clinical symptoms combined with imaging. J Integr Med. 2026; Epub ahead of print.</p>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146126975","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The roles of traditional Chinese medicine within an interdisciplinary team in predominantly Western medical settings: A scoping review","authors":"Arkers Kwan Ching Wong,&nbsp;Nuo Shi,&nbsp;Annie Ho,&nbsp;Janice Yuen Shan Ho","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.11.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.11.004","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is increasingly recognized for its holistic approach and effectiveness. Integrated medicine, emphasizing collaboration between TCM and Western medicine (WM), is promoted globally to enhance healthcare delivery. However, the roles and responsibilities of TCM practitioners in predominantly Western medical settings are underexplored, potentially hindering their engagement in interprofessional collaboration.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Objective&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This scoping review investigated the roles and responsibilities of TCM practitioners and identified facilitators and barriers to TCM integration in Western medical contexts.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Search strategy&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;We conducted a scoping review using data from eleven Chinese and English databases, including Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health, MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Wanfang, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and the Chinese Science Citation Database.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Inclusion criteria&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Eligibility was limited to studies on TCM practitioners in interdisciplinary teams with Western professionals, published in Chinese or English, while excluding articles that lacked documentation of TCM involvement, or focused exclusively on TCM practices.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Data extraction and analysis&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework was used to summarize data on the roles of TCM and TCM practitioners, and factors that facilitate and hinder the integration of TCM and WM.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Our systematic search yielded 31 relevant papers. We identified eight key roles of TCM practitioners: mitigating WM-induced side effects, facilitating WM tapering and prevention, attenuating disease progression, improving mental health, providing pain relief, supporting stroke rehabilitation, managing symptoms, and regulating the immune system. TCM practitioners fulfill these roles through accurate diagnosis, prescription, and collaborative care while also serving as educators. Five facilitators for TCM integration were identified: safety, recognition, policy support, accessibility, and treatment guidelines. Barriers included: safety concerns, lack of research, insufficient TCM knowledge among WM practitioners, attitudinal barriers, limited access, and inconvenience.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Our review highlights the potential of TCM to enrich interdisciplinary teams in Western medical settings. Although there are successful integration models, significant barriers persist, including cost disparities and insufficient research. To achieve seamless integration, a multi-faceted approach that includes research collaboration, equitable policies, enhanced interprofessional education, and efforts to shift societal perceptions is essential.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;Please cite this article as: Wong AKC, Shi ","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"24 1","pages":"Pages 65-80"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145534650","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acteoside as a rising star for clinical treatment: Current fundamental research and future outlooks","authors":"Fu-kun Zhang ,&nbsp;Ke-xin Jia ,&nbsp;Hong Wang ,&nbsp;Run-ping Liu ,&nbsp;Xiao-yong Xue ,&nbsp;Zi-xuan Huo ,&nbsp;Xiao-jiao-yang Li","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.08.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.08.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Natural compounds are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential in disease treatment, and they make a significant contribution to modern pharmaceutical research. Among these compounds, acteoside (ACT), also known as verbascoside and kusaginin, is a phenylethanoid glycoside derived from sources like <em>Rehmannia glutinosa</em> Libosch. and <em>Cistanche deserticola</em> Ma. This natural compound exhibits a range of therapeutic properties, including neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-tumor effects, thereby underscoring its potential value in addressing various clinical conditions. However, the unstable physicochemical properties and low bioavailability of ACT have greatly limited its clinical application. This review summarizes the latest advancements in pharmaceutical plant resources, conducts bibliometric analysis and explores the pharmacokinetics, pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of ACT, providing a deeper understanding of its medicinal value and current research trends. Furthermore, we utilize network pharmacology strategies and molecular docking techniques to identify additional potential therapeutic targets for ACT. We posit that ACT holds considerable promise as a treatment for atherosclerosis, diabetes with complications, hepatic and respiratory diseases as well as common malignant tumors. This review enhances our understanding of the mechanisms by which ACT treats various diseases and establishes a theoretical foundation for further drug development and research on medicinal plants.</div><div><br>Please cite this article as: Zhang FK, Jia KX, Wang H, Liu RP, Xue XY, Huo ZX, Li XJY. Acteoside as a rising star for clinical treatment: Current fundamental research and future outlooks. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2026; 24(1):7–23.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"24 1","pages":"Pages 7-23"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145055979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of Xuanbai Shengmai Decoction, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, on disease progress and viral RNA shedding in COVID-19 patients: A retrospective study of medical chart in China","authors":"Teng-wen Liu ,&nbsp;Shu-wen Zhang ,&nbsp;Hui Jiang ,&nbsp;Si-wen Yang ,&nbsp;Yi-jia Guo ,&nbsp;Mao-yu Ding ,&nbsp;Xu-cheng Li ,&nbsp;Jia Xu ,&nbsp;Hai-tian Lu ,&nbsp;Hao-ran Ye ,&nbsp;Ya-hui Hu ,&nbsp;Rui Li ,&nbsp;Yi-ming Wei ,&nbsp;Mai-fen Song ,&nbsp;Shuo Wang ,&nbsp;Jun Zhang ,&nbsp;Quan-sheng Feng ,&nbsp;Xiao-long Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.10.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.10.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To describe the clinical features and effectiveness of Xuanbai Shengmai Decoction (XB, a compound Chinese herbal medicine) on disease progression, clinical effect and viral RNA shedding in COVID-19 cases.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We collected demographic and clinical information of 212 COVID-19 cases from December 2022 to January 2023, and divided these cases into two groups based on whether XB was used or not. Survival curves in the two groups were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. A smoothing approximation of time-to-event distributions was created based on a log-rank test and a restricted mean survival time model, and the Gaussian density estimation method. In addition, the effect of XB treatment on survival time was assessed using a series of Cox proportional hazards models.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of all 212 COVID-19 cases, there were respectively 63 and 149 cases reported in XB group and non-XB group. Of those, 128 (60.4%) were male, with median age of 75.00 years, and 72.6% had one or more underlying medical conditions. The most common symptoms on admission were cough (64.6%), fever (39.6%), wheezing (27.8%) and sputum (13.2%). In addition, the gender, age group distribution, smoking, and drinking between two groups were of no significant difference (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.05). However, the clinical characteristics and CT findings in XB group were more serious than those in non-XB group. Nevertheless, the hazard of death in XB group was lower than that in non-XB group, especially on severe cases. Treatment with XB significantly protected against adverse outcomes, shorten the time of viral RNA shedding. Moreover, interventional therapy of XB within 1–2 days after hospital admission is confirmed with particularly effectiveness.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Treatment of XB is effective for COVID-19 cases, particularly in reducing the mortality rate of severe cases, suggesting that XB may be used as an alternative treatment of SARS-COV-2 infection.</div><div>Please cite this article as: Liu TW, Zhang SW, Jiang H, Yang SW, Guo YJ, Ding MY, Li XC, Xu J, Lu HT, Ye HR, Hu YH, Li R, Wei YM, Song MF, Wang S, Zhang J, Feng QS, Xu XL. Effectiveness of Xuanbai Shengmai Decoction, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, on disease progress and viral RNA shedding in COVID-19 patients: A retrospective study of medical chart in China. <em>J Integr Med.</em> 2026; 24(1):115–124.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"24 1","pages":"Pages 115-124"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145432817","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cutoff value for Pediatric Weakness Scale for diagnosis of pediatric weakness","authors":"Tae Hwan Kim ,&nbsp;Han Chae ,&nbsp;Juhui Han ,&nbsp;Miran Bang ,&nbsp;Gyu Tae Chang ,&nbsp;Jin Yong Lee ,&nbsp;Sun Haeng Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.11.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.11.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>In integrative traditional Korean medicine, children without abnormalities on medical examination but who frequently experience minor illnesses, fatigue and poor appetite are diagnosed as children with weakness. The Pediatric Weakness Scale (PWS) is a validated questionnaire for assessing pediatric weakness, but no standardized cutoff value exists. This study aimed to develop a validated cutoff value for PWS.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Parents of children aged 6–9 years were administered a survey to measure PWS, PedsQL™ Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (MFS), Korean Child Behavior Checklist (K-CBCL), Korean version of the Children’s Eating Behavior Questionnaire (K-CEBQ), child growth indices, frequency of respiratory infections, and average duration of respiratory infections. The correlation between PWS and the results of each survey was analyzed using Pearson’s or Spearman’s correlation. The differences between the weak and normal groups were compared using independent sample <em>t</em>-tests or Mann-Whitney <em>U</em> tests. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the PWS subscale were generated based on five visceral theories (liver, heart, spleen, lung and kidney). The cutoff value was determined at the point that maximized Youden’s index on the ROC curve.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 326 parents participated in the study. In PWS, the liver weakness index was significantly correlated with the MFS, heart weakness index with the K-CBCL, spleen weakness index with the K-CEBQ, lung weakness index with the frequency of respiratory infections, average duration of respiratory infections in the past year, and kidney weakness index with birth weight, height percentile, and weight percentile. Significant differences in each PWS subscale were observed between the weak and normal children. The cutoff values for diagnosing weakness in the liver, heart, spleen, lung and kidney were 4.50, 7.50, 4.50, 4.50 and 4.50, respectively, with sensitivity and specificity reaching up to 84.6% and 82.5%.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The cutoff values for PWS derived from this survey will be a useful tool for diagnosing and assessing pediatric weakness.</div><div><br>Please cite this article as: Kim TH, Chae H, Han JH, Bang MR, Chang GT, Lee JY, Lee SH. Cutoff value for Pediatric Weakness Scale for diagnosis of pediatric weakness. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2026; 24(1):105–114.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"24 1","pages":"Pages 105-114"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145588404","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}