Bibliometrics and altmetrics in the context of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine.

This educational article explores the utility of bibliometrics and altmetrics in evaluating traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) research. We introduce the concept of bibliometrics and altmetrics, provide an overview of the opportunities and challenges in using these analytical techniques, and highlight their future potential in TCIM research. Bibliometrics, based on publication and citation information, offer insights into TCIM research activity, output, scholarly influence, field structure, and collaboration practices.

Therapeutic effects of singing bowls: A systematic review of clinical studies.

Background: Singing bowl has traditionally been utilized to promote healing and relaxation. This systematic review aimed to analyze all available clinical evidence, and determine any beneficial or adverse effects of singing bowl in any population.

Methods: Databases searched included PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, PsyINFO, CINAHL, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, Sinomed from database inception to July 2024.

Non-pharmacological interventions involving traditional Chinese medicine for assisted reproductive technology: A group consensus.

Background: Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are being increasingly utilized for mitigating fertility problems. Nonpharmacological interventions of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are widely used as an adjunct to ART, which may improve the rate of pregnancy. Currently, no standard treatment guidelines or consensus are available for non-pharmacological interventions of TCM for patients undergoing ART.

Effect of acupressure on smoking cessation in young smokers with nicotine dependence: A mixed methods study.

Background: Acupressure has been widely used to help people quit for a long time in China. This study explores the feasibility and effects of acupressure on smoking cessation in young smokers with nicotine dependence to inform policy and decision-making.

Methods: This was a single-group study with a pre/posttest design.

Chinese herbal formula Tongxie Yaofang granules for diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II trial.

Objectives: To assess the therapeutic effects and safety of Tongxie Yaofang (TXYF) granules vs placebo as an alternative treatment for diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). We hypothesised that TXYF would improve clinical responses among patients with IBS-D.

Design: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II, superiority trial.

Chinese patent medicine tongxinluo capsule as a supplement to treat chronic coronary syndromes: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) is a common clinical condition that increases the risk of cardiovascular events at any time. Tongxinluo capsules (TXL) are widely used in China for treating CCS.

Objectives: To systematically evaluate the therapeutic effects and safety of adding TXL to Western medical treatment (WM) for CCS.

Effectiveness and Safety of Shengmai San for Viral Myocarditis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Shengmai San (SMS) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula used for supplementing and and can mitigate symptoms related to malignant arrhythmia and heart failure. This systematic review aimed at exploring the effectiveness and safety of SMS for viral myocarditis (VMC). Eight databases from their inception to June 2023 were searched to identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on SMS for VMC.

Unveiling the therapeutic role of Dachaihu decoction in acute cholecystitis: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of its efficacy and safety.

Background: Dachaihu decoction (Dachaihu tang) plays a crucial role in treating acute illnesses. Recently, a significant number of clinical studies on Dachaihu decoction for acute cholecystitis (AC) have been published. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of Dachaihu decoction in patients with this condition.

Perspectives, Experiences, and Practices of Healthcare Professionals and Patients Towards Herb-Drug Interaction: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies.

The aim of the study was to understand healthcare professionals, pharmacists, and patients perspectives and experiences on clinical practice of herb-drug interactions (HDIs). A systematic review of qualitative studies was conduct. 10 electronic databases were searched from inception through September 2023.

Impact of antiretroviral therapy during primary HIV infection on T-cell immunity after treatment interruption.

This study aims to understand the impact of early antiretroviral therapy (ART) on HIV-specific T-cell responses measured after treatment interruption, which may inform strategies to deliver ART-free immune-mediated viral suppression. HIV-specific T-cell immunity was analysed using gamma interferon enzyme-linked immunospot assays in two studies. SPARTAC included individuals with primary HIV infection randomised to 48 weeks of ART (n = 24) or no immediate therapy (n = 37).

Corrigendum: Trends in acupuncture for infertility: a scoping review with bibliometric and visual analysis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.

SERS Microsensors for the Study of pH Regulation in Cystic Fibrosis Patient-Derived Airway Cultures.

Acidification of the airway surface liquid in the respiratory system could play a role in the pathology of Cystic Fibrosis, but its low volume and proximity to the airway epithelium make it a challenging biological environment in which to noninvasively collect pH measurements. To address this challenge, we explored surface enhanced Raman scattering microsensors (SERS-MS), with a 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA) pH reporter molecule, as pH sensors for the airway surface liquid of patient-derived in vitro models of the human airway. Using air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures to model the respiratory epithelium, we show that SERS-MS facilitates the optical measurement of trans-epithelial pH gradients between the airway surface liquid and the basolateral culture medium.

Prevalence of resistance-associated viral variants to the HIV-specific broadly neutralising antibody 10-1074 in a UK bNAb-naïve population.

Broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs) targeting HIV show promise for both prevention of infection and treatment. Among these, 10-1074 has shown potential in neutralising a wide range of HIV strains. However, resistant viruses may limit the clinical efficacy of 10-1074.

Rapid antiretroviral therapy in primary HIV-1 infection enhances immune recovery.

Objective: We present findings from a large cohort of individuals treated during primary HIV infection (PHI) and examine the impact of time from HIV-1 acquisition to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation on clinical outcomes. We also examine the temporal changes in the demographics of individuals presenting with PHI to inform HIV-1 prevention strategies.

Methods: Individuals who fulfilled the criteria of PHI and started ART within 3 months of confirmed HIV-1 diagnosis were enrolled between 2009 and 2020.

Chinese herbal injections in combination with radiotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Background: Advanced pancreatic cancer (APC) is a fatal disease with limited treatment options. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of different Chinese herbal injections (CHIs) as adjuvants for radiotherapy (RT) in APC and compare their treatment potentials using network meta-analysis.

Methods: We systematically searched three English and four Chinese databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to July 25, 2023.

CAGE sequencing reveals CFTR-dependent dysregulation of type I IFN signaling in activated cystic fibrosis macrophages.

An intense, nonresolving airway inflammatory response leads to destructive lung disease in cystic fibrosis (CF). Dysregulation of macrophage immune function may be a key facet governing the progression of CF lung disease, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We used 5' end centered transcriptome sequencing to profile LPS-activated human CF macrophages, showing that CF and non-CF macrophages deploy substantially distinct transcriptional programs at baseline and following activation.

SERS microsensors for pH measurements in the lumen and ECM of stem cell derived human airway organoids.

Patient derived organoids have the potential to improve the physiological relevance of disease models. However, the 3D architecture of these self-assembled cellular structures makes probing their biochemistry more complex than in traditional 2D culture. We explore the application of surface enhanced Raman scattering microsensors (SERS-MS) to probe local pH gradients within patient derived airway organoid cultures.

Approach to Assess Adequacy of Acupuncture in Randomized Controlled Trials: A Systematic Review.

Objective: To summarize and identify the available instruments/methods assessing the adequacy of acupuncture in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for proposing a new improved instrument.

Methods: A systematic literature search was carried out in 7 electronic databases from inception until 21st November 2022. Any study evaluating the adequacy or quality of acupuncture, specifying specific acupuncture treatment-related factors as criteria of subgroup analysis, or developing an instrument/tool to assess the adequacy or quality of acupuncture in an RCT was included.

Chinese herbal medicine for drug-induced liver injury in patients with HIV/AIDS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Background: To explore the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for drug-induced liver injury (DILI) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Methods: A systematic search was made of eight databases (Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, Sinomed) and two trial registries (WHO ICTRP, ClinicalTrials.gov) from inception to September 2022.