Pub Date : 2025-08-18DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2025.101226
Junsuk Kim , Youngseok Kim , Da-Eun Yoon , In-Seon Lee , Younbyoung Chae
Background
The accurate identification of acupoints is an essential task in acupuncture therapy. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have led to the exploration of automated landmark detection systems, which may provide more accurate and reliable acupoint detection. This study investigated the efficiency of an AI model in predicting the shenmen, lung, and mouth auricular acupoints and compared its performance to placements made by a practitioner of traditional Korean medicine.
Methods
Ear images from 39 individuals were captured from three different angles. The mask region-based convolutional neural network (Mask R-CNN) model was utilized to isolate the ear region, followed by landmark detection using a CNN model trained on resized images to predict three auricular acupoints. Model reliability was enhanced by treating each acupoint as a separate prediction coordinate. Acupoint distribution was also estimated using a kernel density estimation method.
Results
Centroids of auricular acupoints predicted by the CNN model showed deviations of < 3 pixels from traditional placements by the practitioner. Kernel density estimation showed that CNN predictions led to narrower acupoint distributions compared with those placed by the practitioner, suggesting higher consistency in CNN model predictions across different images.
Conclusions
The AI-driven approach showed significant potential in improving both the accuracy and consistency of auricular acupoint identification. These findings support the integration of AI into acupuncture practice as a reliable tool for enhancing clinical accuracy and precision of acupoint location.
{"title":"Identification of auricular acupoints using a convolutional neural network","authors":"Junsuk Kim , Youngseok Kim , Da-Eun Yoon , In-Seon Lee , Younbyoung Chae","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101226","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101226","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The accurate identification of acupoints is an essential task in acupuncture therapy. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have led to the exploration of automated landmark detection systems, which may provide more accurate and reliable acupoint detection. This study investigated the efficiency of an AI model in predicting the shenmen, lung, and mouth auricular acupoints and compared its performance to placements made by a practitioner of traditional Korean medicine.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Ear images from 39 individuals were captured from three different angles. The mask region-based convolutional neural network (Mask R-CNN) model was utilized to isolate the ear region, followed by landmark detection using a CNN model trained on resized images to predict three auricular acupoints. Model reliability was enhanced by treating each acupoint as a separate prediction coordinate. Acupoint distribution was also estimated using a kernel density estimation method.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Centroids of auricular acupoints predicted by the CNN model showed deviations of < 3 pixels from traditional placements by the practitioner. Kernel density estimation showed that CNN predictions led to narrower acupoint distributions compared with those placed by the practitioner, suggesting higher consistency in CNN model predictions across different images.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The AI-driven approach showed significant potential in improving both the accuracy and consistency of auricular acupoint identification. These findings support the integration of AI into acupuncture practice as a reliable tool for enhancing clinical accuracy and precision of acupoint location.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"15 1","pages":"Article 101226"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145004864","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}
Pub Date : 2025-08-17DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2025.101228
Yein Heo , Mi-Yeon Kim , Jae Youl Cho
Algae exhibit diverse biological activities, and they are also natural resources with the potential for large-scale production. As a result, research on algae has progressed, and the roles of algae have been revealed. Chlorella vulgaris, one of the species most widely found in East Asian countries such as China, Korea, and Japan, has confirmed diverse functional and pharmacological attributes, leading to extensive consumption of Chlorella vulgaris as a supplement. Seven active compounds extracted from Chlorella vulgaris such as dodecanoic acid and loliolide have been reported to collectively contribute to its overall bioactive and medicinal activities.
{"title":"Chlorella vulgaris, a representative edible algae as integrative and alternative medicine","authors":"Yein Heo , Mi-Yeon Kim , Jae Youl Cho","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101228","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101228","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Algae exhibit diverse biological activities, and they are also natural resources with the potential for large-scale production. As a result, research on algae has progressed, and the roles of algae have been revealed. <em>Chlorella vulgaris</em>, one of the species most widely found in East Asian countries such as China, Korea, and Japan, has confirmed diverse functional and pharmacological attributes, leading to extensive consumption of <em>Chlorella vulgaris</em> as a supplement. Seven active compounds extracted from <em>Chlorella vulgaris</em> such as dodecanoic acid and loliolide have been reported to collectively contribute to its overall bioactive and medicinal activities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"15 1","pages":"Article 101228"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145004865","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}
Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction is a frequent complication after cesarean section (CS), delaying recovery and causing discomfort. This study assessed the effects of chewing gum (CG) and LI4 acupressure—each compared with routine care—on gastrointestinal recovery after elective CS.
Methods
In this three-arm randomized controlled trial, 105 women undergoing elective CS were randomly allocated to CG plus routine care, acupressure plus routine care, or routine care alone (n = 35 each). Interventions were applied three times daily for two days. Primary outcomes were time to first gas passage and defecation; secondary outcomes included time to mobilization, postoperative abdominal pain (measured at six time points), and nausea/vomiting incidence. Analyses employed Kaplan–Meier survival curves, repeated-measures ANOVA, and chi-square tests.
Results
Both CG and acupressure groups showed significantly faster recovery than routine care, with shorter times to first gas passage, defecation, and mobilization (all p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between CG and acupressure for these measures. A significant time × group interaction for pain (p = 0.025) indicated greater and more sustained relief in the acupressure group (all p < 0.05 vs. other groups). Nausea and vomiting rates were lower in intervention groups, though differences were not statistically significant.
Conclusions
Chewing gum and LI4 acupressure each significantly enhanced postoperative gastrointestinal recovery after CS compared with routine care, while acupressure provided superior pain control. These simple, non-pharmacological methods may improve maternal recovery and comfort.
Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials,
{"title":"Effects of chewing gum and LI4 acupressure on gastrointestinal recovery after cesarean section: A randomized controlled trial","authors":"Hossein Bagheri , Seyedeh Solmaz Talebi , Bahar Shahri , Mobin Mottahedi","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101227","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101227","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction is a frequent complication after cesarean section (CS), delaying recovery and causing discomfort. This study assessed the effects of chewing gum (CG) and LI4 acupressure—each compared with routine care—on gastrointestinal recovery after elective CS.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this three-arm randomized controlled trial, 105 women undergoing elective CS were randomly allocated to CG plus routine care, acupressure plus routine care, or routine care alone (n = 35 each). Interventions were applied three times daily for two days. Primary outcomes were time to first gas passage and defecation; secondary outcomes included time to mobilization, postoperative abdominal pain (measured at six time points), and nausea/vomiting incidence. Analyses employed Kaplan–Meier survival curves, repeated-measures ANOVA, and chi-square tests.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Both CG and acupressure groups showed significantly faster recovery than routine care, with shorter times to first gas passage, defecation, and mobilization (all p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between CG and acupressure for these measures. A significant time × group interaction for pain (p = 0.025) indicated greater and more sustained relief in the acupressure group (all p < 0.05 vs. other groups). Nausea and vomiting rates were lower in intervention groups, though differences were not statistically significant.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Chewing gum and LI4 acupressure each significantly enhanced postoperative gastrointestinal recovery after CS compared with routine care, while acupressure provided superior pain control. These simple, non-pharmacological methods may improve maternal recovery and comfort.</div><div><strong><em>Trial registration</em>:</strong> Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials,</div><div>IRCT20200206046395N3 (<span><span>https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"15 1","pages":"Article 101227"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144921992","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}
Pub Date : 2025-08-12DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2025.101225
Zining Guo , Liying Wang , Yuting Wang , Wenhao Liu , Yi Zhao , Xiaorong Tang , Run Lin , Zhennan Wu , Shaoyang Cui , Nenggui Xu
Background
Acupuncture shows promise in treating cancer-related insomnia (CRI); however, the evidence level for its effectiveness remains low. This study systematically examined research quality and used evidence mapping (EM) to map and present evidence information to identify gaps and inform future research.
Methods
Two reviewers searched eight databases from inception to May 2024, screened eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and extracted key characteristics from included studies. The quality of studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 (RoB 2.0) tool, and key characteristics visualized EM. Finally, Acupoint data were systematically summarized.
Results
37 RCTs were included in this study. RoB 2.0 results showed only three studies at "low risk," while most had notable quality issues. EM indicated that common comparisons involved manual acupuncture (MA), alone or combined, versus sleep medications. Measures involved six assessment tools, with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) most frequently used. Meanwhile, EM revealed considerable uncertainty regarding acupuncture for CRI efficacy. Acupoint analysis identified Yintang (GV24+), Shenting (GV24), Baihui (GV20), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Neiguan (PC6), and Shenmen (HT7) as core acupoints. Analysis identified five key gaps: study reliability, participant selection, placebo effect, outcome measurement, and acupoint selection.
Conclusions
Research on acupuncture for CRI has various gaps, and more high-quality evidence is still needed. This study comprehensively mapped the current evidence on acupuncture for CRI and identified five key gaps, providing directions and references for future research.
{"title":"Acupuncture for cancer-related insomnia: An evidence mapping","authors":"Zining Guo , Liying Wang , Yuting Wang , Wenhao Liu , Yi Zhao , Xiaorong Tang , Run Lin , Zhennan Wu , Shaoyang Cui , Nenggui Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101225","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101225","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Acupuncture shows promise in treating cancer-related insomnia (CRI); however, the evidence level for its effectiveness remains low. This study systematically examined research quality and used evidence mapping (EM) to map and present evidence information to identify gaps and inform future research.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Two reviewers searched eight databases from inception to May 2024, screened eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and extracted key characteristics from included studies. The quality of studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 (RoB 2.0) tool, and key characteristics visualized EM. Finally, Acupoint data were systematically summarized.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>37 RCTs were included in this study. RoB 2.0 results showed only three studies at \"low risk,\" while most had notable quality issues. EM indicated that common comparisons involved manual acupuncture (MA), alone or combined, versus sleep medications. Measures involved six assessment tools, with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) most frequently used. Meanwhile, EM revealed considerable uncertainty regarding acupuncture for CRI efficacy. Acupoint analysis identified Yintang (GV24+), Shenting (GV24), Baihui (GV20), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Neiguan (PC6), and Shenmen (HT7) as core acupoints. Analysis identified five key gaps: study reliability, participant selection, placebo effect, outcome measurement, and acupoint selection.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Research on acupuncture for CRI has various gaps, and more high-quality evidence is still needed. This study comprehensively mapped the current evidence on acupuncture for CRI and identified five key gaps, providing directions and references for future research.</div></div><div><h3>Protocol registration</h3><div>INPLASY, INPLASY202460052.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 4","pages":"Article 101225"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144886926","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}
Pub Date : 2025-08-11DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2025.101224
Chan-Young Kwon , Kyoung-Eun Lee , Min-Jae Kim , Ji-Won Kim , Ji-Won Oh , Hye-Li Jeon , Boram Lee , Pyung-Wha Kim , Yujin Choi
Background
Depression is a common comorbidity of schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSDs) that affects functional outcomes and quality of life. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of herbal medicine as an adjunct therapy to antipsychotics in patients with SSDs and comorbid depression.
Methods
Eight databases were searched from inception to January 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating herbal medicine combined with antipsychotics vs antipsychotics alone in patients with SSDs and comorbid depression. The primary outcome measure was a depression-specific assessment instrument. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool, and evidence certainty was assessed using GRADE.
Results
Overall, of 12 RCTs, 884 participants were included. Compared to antipsychotics, combination therapy significantly improved depressive symptoms (standardized mean difference [SMD] –0.91, 95 % confidence interval (CI) –1.05 to -0.76, p<0.00001, N=10, n=768, moderate certainty), enhanced efficacy for schizophrenia symptoms (SMD –0.60, 95 % CI –0.89 to -0.31, p=0.0014, N=9, n=666, moderate certainty), and showed higher response rates (relative risk [RR] 1.26, 95 % CI 1.04 to 1.52, p=0.0277, N=5, n=372, low certainty). Adverse event rates showed no significant difference between groups (RR 1.18, 95 % CI 0.69 to 2.01, p=0.1609, N=2, n=136, low certainty).
Conclusions
This review provides evidence that herbal medicine, as an adjunct to antipsychotics, may improve both depressive and psychotic symptoms in patients with SSDs and comorbid depression. Although promising, methodological limitations and the exclusive Chinese origin of the studies indicate the need for more rigorous and diverse trials to establish definitive clinical recommendations.
{"title":"Effectiveness of herbal medicine as an add-on to antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders accompanied by depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Chan-Young Kwon , Kyoung-Eun Lee , Min-Jae Kim , Ji-Won Kim , Ji-Won Oh , Hye-Li Jeon , Boram Lee , Pyung-Wha Kim , Yujin Choi","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101224","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101224","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Depression is a common comorbidity of schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSDs) that affects functional outcomes and quality of life. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of herbal medicine as an adjunct therapy to antipsychotics in patients with SSDs and comorbid depression.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Eight databases were searched from inception to January 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating herbal medicine combined with antipsychotics vs antipsychotics alone in patients with SSDs and comorbid depression. The primary outcome measure was a depression-specific assessment instrument. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool, and evidence certainty was assessed using GRADE.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Overall, of 12 RCTs, 884 participants were included. Compared to antipsychotics, combination therapy significantly improved depressive symptoms (standardized mean difference [SMD] –0.91, 95 % confidence interval (CI) –1.05 to -0.76, p<0.00001, N=10, n=768, moderate certainty), enhanced efficacy for schizophrenia symptoms (SMD –0.60, 95 % CI –0.89 to -0.31, p=0.0014, N=9, n=666, moderate certainty), and showed higher response rates (relative risk [RR] 1.26, 95 % CI 1.04 to 1.52, p=0.0277, N=5, n=372, low certainty). Adverse event rates showed no significant difference between groups (RR 1.18, 95 % CI 0.69 to 2.01, p=0.1609, N=2, n=136, low certainty).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This review provides evidence that herbal medicine, as an adjunct to antipsychotics, may improve both depressive and psychotic symptoms in patients with SSDs and comorbid depression. Although promising, methodological limitations and the exclusive Chinese origin of the studies indicate the need for more rigorous and diverse trials to establish definitive clinical recommendations.</div></div><div><h3>Protocol registration</h3><div>PROSPERO, CRD42025643148.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"15 1","pages":"Article 101224"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144903994","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}
Pub Date : 2025-08-10DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2025.101223
Chen Shen , Xue-Feng Wang , Xiao-Ti Wu , Xin-Xin Liu , Nicola Robinson , Jian-Ping Liu
Background
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) lacks optimal treatments. This systematic review assessed Asparagus officinalis, a natural product with anti-inflammatory/antioxidant properties, for managing this chronic pain disorder.
Methods
PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and four Chinese databases were searched until February, 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults with BMS. Asparagus officinalis products alone or in combination with conventional medications were included. Outcomes included pain, symptoms, psychological outcomes and salivary function. The GRADE approach was used to assess evidence certainty.
Results
Six RCTs with 336 participants were included. Compared to vitamin B complex alone, Asparagus officinalis capsules alone significantly improved the pain-intensity-based effective rate (RR 6.00, 95 % CI [1.61, 22.34]). Compared to conventional medicines, Asparagus officinalis capsules with conventional medicines significantly increased subjective pain scores (MD 1.51, 95 % CI [1.19, 1.83]), symptom-based effective rate (RR 1.27, 95 % CI [1.14, 1.42]), daily water intake score (MD 1.32, 95 % CI [1.00, 1.64]), sleep duration score (MD 1.88, 95 % CI [1.61, 2.15]), and decreased anxiety and depression scores, while Asparagus officinalis oral liquid combined with mecobalamin significantly reduced 10-point VAS (MD -1.40, 95 % CI [-2.19, -0.61]) and increased the unstimulated salivary flow rate (USFR).The certainty of evidence was all graded as low.
Conclusions
Asparagus officinalis products may improve pain intensity, symptoms, psychological outcomes, and salivary function in patients with BMS. However, the low certainty of evidence due to study limitations and small sample sizes suggests the need for well-designed, large-scale real-world studies to confirm these findings and establish their clinical applicability.
{"title":"Effects of Asparagus officinalis for burning mouth syndrome: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials","authors":"Chen Shen , Xue-Feng Wang , Xiao-Ti Wu , Xin-Xin Liu , Nicola Robinson , Jian-Ping Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101223","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101223","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) lacks optimal treatments. This systematic review assessed <em>Asparagus officinalis</em>, a natural product with anti-inflammatory/antioxidant properties, for managing this chronic pain disorder.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and four Chinese databases were searched until February, 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults with BMS. <em>Asparagus officinalis</em> products alone or in combination with conventional medications were included. Outcomes included pain, symptoms, psychological outcomes and salivary function. The GRADE approach was used to assess evidence certainty.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Six RCTs with 336 participants were included. Compared to vitamin B complex alone, <em>Asparagus officinalis</em> capsules alone significantly improved the pain-intensity-based effective rate (RR 6.00, 95 % CI [1.61, 22.34]). Compared to conventional medicines, <em>Asparagus officinalis</em> capsules with conventional medicines significantly increased subjective pain scores (MD 1.51, 95 % CI [1.19, 1.83]), symptom-based effective rate (RR 1.27, 95 % CI [1.14, 1.42]), daily water intake score (MD 1.32, 95 % CI [1.00, 1.64]), sleep duration score (MD 1.88, 95 % CI [1.61, 2.15]), and decreased anxiety and depression scores, while <em>Asparagus officinalis</em> oral liquid combined with mecobalamin significantly reduced 10-point VAS (MD -1.40, 95 % CI [-2.19, -0.61]) and increased the unstimulated salivary flow rate (USFR).The certainty of evidence was all graded as low.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div><em>Asparagus officinalis</em> products may improve pain intensity, symptoms, psychological outcomes, and salivary function in patients with BMS. However, the low certainty of evidence due to study limitations and small sample sizes suggests the need for well-designed, large-scale real-world studies to confirm these findings and establish their clinical applicability.</div></div><div><h3>Protocol registration</h3><div>PROSPERO (CRD420250651920).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"15 1","pages":"Article 101223"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144926315","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}
Pub Date : 2025-08-09DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2025.101222
Jeremy Y. Ng
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) chatbots powered by large language models (LLMs) are increasingly used in health research to support a range of academic and clinical activities. While increasingly adopted in biomedical research, their application in traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) remains underexplored. TCIM presents unique challenges, including complex interventions, culturally embedded practices, and variable terminology. This article provides a practical, evidence-informed guide to help TCIM researchers engage responsibly with GenAI chatbots through prompt engineering, the design of clear, structured, and purposeful prompts to improve output relevance and accuracy. The guide outlines strategies to tailor GenAI chatbot interactions to the methodological and epistemological diversity of TCIM. It presents use cases across the research process, including research question development, study design, literature searches, selection of reporting guidelines and appraisal tools, quantitative and qualitative analysis, writing and dissemination, and implementation planning. For each stage, the guide offers examples and best practices while emphasizing that AI-generated content should always serve as a starting point, not a final product, and must be reviewed and verified using credible sources. Potential risks such as hallucinated outputs, embedded bias, and ethical challenges are discussed, particularly in culturally sensitive contexts. Transparency in GenAI chatbot use and researcher accountability are emphasized as essential principles. While GenAI chatbots can expand access to research support and foster innovation in TCIM, they cannot substitute for critical thinking, methodological rigour, or domain-specific expertise. Used responsibly, GenAI chatbots can augment human judgment and contribute meaningfully to the evolution of TCIM scholarship.
{"title":"Prompt engineering for generative artificial intelligence chatbots in health research: A practical guide for traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine researchers","authors":"Jeremy Y. Ng","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101222","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101222","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) chatbots powered by large language models (LLMs) are increasingly used in health research to support a range of academic and clinical activities. While increasingly adopted in biomedical research, their application in traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) remains underexplored. TCIM presents unique challenges, including complex interventions, culturally embedded practices, and variable terminology. This article provides a practical, evidence-informed guide to help TCIM researchers engage responsibly with GenAI chatbots through prompt engineering, the design of clear, structured, and purposeful prompts to improve output relevance and accuracy. The guide outlines strategies to tailor GenAI chatbot interactions to the methodological and epistemological diversity of TCIM. It presents use cases across the research process, including research question development, study design, literature searches, selection of reporting guidelines and appraisal tools, quantitative and qualitative analysis, writing and dissemination, and implementation planning. For each stage, the guide offers examples and best practices while emphasizing that AI-generated content should always serve as a starting point, not a final product, and must be reviewed and verified using credible sources. Potential risks such as hallucinated outputs, embedded bias, and ethical challenges are discussed, particularly in culturally sensitive contexts. Transparency in GenAI chatbot use and researcher accountability are emphasized as essential principles. While GenAI chatbots can expand access to research support and foster innovation in TCIM, they cannot substitute for critical thinking, methodological rigour, or domain-specific expertise. Used responsibly, GenAI chatbots can augment human judgment and contribute meaningfully to the evolution of TCIM scholarship.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 4","pages":"Article 101222"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144866466","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}
Pub Date : 2025-08-08DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2025.101221
Fan Qu , Rong Zhang
{"title":"Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation: a potential bridge linking traditional Chinese medicine and AI-driven transformation in modern healthcare","authors":"Fan Qu , Rong Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101221","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101221","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 3","pages":"Article 101221"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144860872","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}
Pub Date : 2025-08-07DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2025.101213
Eunbin Kwag , Xiaotong Li , Sheila Garland , Karolina Bryl , Lauren Taylor , Qing S. Li , Lindsay Amann , Jun J. Mao , Kelly M. McConnell
Background
Anxiety and insomnia frequently co-occur among cancer survivors and are strongly interconnected, yet no widely accepted intervention simultaneously targets both symptoms.
Methods
Data were drawn from a dual-center, parallel-group, randomized, comparative effectiveness trial evaluating acupuncture versus CBT-I for insomnia. Seventy-six participants with baseline Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety (HADS-A) scores of ≥8 were included. Both interventions were administered over eight weeks, with follow-up until 20 weeks. Anxiety was assessed at baseline, week 8, and week 20 using HADS-A. A linear mixed-effects model was used to examine mean change in HADS-A scores. Additionally, responder analyses were conducted, with insomnia and anxiety responders defined as patients demonstrating clinically meaningful improvements in either outcome by week 8.
Results
Both CBT-I and acupuncture significantly reduced HADS-A scores at week 8 (CBT-I: -3.75; acupuncture: -3.14) and week 20 (CBT-I: -3.05; acupuncture: -2.66) compared to baseline (all p < 0.001). There was no between-group difference (p=0.85). In responder analyses, CBT-I showed greater anxiety reduction in insomnia responders (-4.62) than non-responders (-0.45), at both time points (week 8: p=0.0046; week 20: p=0.038). In the acupuncture group, the difference in anxiety reduction between insomnia responders (-3.96) and non-responders (-1.58) was not statistically significant.
Conclusion
Both acupuncture and CBT-I effectively manage comorbid anxiety and insomnia in cancer survivors. Acupuncture may address these symptoms independently, while CBT-I may improve them in an interconnected manner.
{"title":"Acupuncture versus cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety among cancer survivors with insomnia: An exploratory analysis of a randomized clinical trial","authors":"Eunbin Kwag , Xiaotong Li , Sheila Garland , Karolina Bryl , Lauren Taylor , Qing S. Li , Lindsay Amann , Jun J. Mao , Kelly M. McConnell","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101213","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101213","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Anxiety and insomnia frequently co-occur among cancer survivors and are strongly interconnected, yet no widely accepted intervention simultaneously targets both symptoms.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data were drawn from a dual-center, parallel-group, randomized, comparative effectiveness trial evaluating acupuncture versus CBT-I for insomnia. Seventy-six participants with baseline Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety (HADS-A) scores of ≥8 were included. Both interventions were administered over eight weeks, with follow-up until 20 weeks. Anxiety was assessed at baseline, week 8, and week 20 using HADS-A. A linear mixed-effects model was used to examine mean change in HADS-A scores. Additionally, responder analyses were conducted, with insomnia and anxiety responders defined as patients demonstrating clinically meaningful improvements in either outcome by week 8.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Both CBT-I and acupuncture significantly reduced HADS-A scores at week 8 (CBT-I: -3.75; acupuncture: -3.14) and week 20 (CBT-I: -3.05; acupuncture: -2.66) compared to baseline (all p < 0.001). There was no between-group difference (p=0.85). In responder analyses, CBT-I showed greater anxiety reduction in insomnia responders (-4.62) than non-responders (-0.45), at both time points (week 8: <em>p</em>=0.0046; week 20: <em>p</em>=0.038). In the acupuncture group, the difference in anxiety reduction between insomnia responders (-3.96) and non-responders (-1.58) was not statistically significant.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Both acupuncture and CBT-I effectively manage comorbid anxiety and insomnia in cancer survivors. Acupuncture may address these symptoms independently, while CBT-I may improve them in an interconnected manner.</div></div><div><h3>Trial registration</h3><div>ClinicalTrials.gov registration (NCT02356575).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 4","pages":"Article 101213"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144866399","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}
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