Solvation Environment and Interface Dynamics of LiBH and LiBF Electrolytes Uncovered by Theory and Operando Optical and FTIR Spectroelectrochemistry.

In this work, we evaluated two closo-borate salts (LiBH and LiBF) in propylene carbonate from theoretical and experimental perspectives to understand how the coordination environment influences their spectroscopic and electrochemical properties. The coordination environments of the closo-borate salts were modeled via density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD). Vibrational spectra calculated from the predicted coordination environments are in agreement with experimentally measured steady-state FTIR data.

Managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus via the Regulation of Gut Microbiota: A Chinese Medicine Perspective.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and inadequate insulin production. Given the increased frequency of T2DM and the health issues it can cause, there is an increasing need to develop alternative T2DM management strategies. One such approach is Chinese Medicine (CM), a complementary therapy widely used in T2DM treatment.

Bridging the Gap: A Comprehensive Study on Traditional Chinese Medicine Strategies for Managing Adult Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Recent studies have witnessed the incorporation of herbal medicine into the management of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interactions (DGBIs), reflecting a paradigm shift toward holistic healing modalities. However, there still exists a substantial gap in comprehending the utilization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), particularly beyond the confines of China. This study endeavors to bridge this knowledge gap by meticulously identifying existing guidelines, critically reviewing TCM practices, and crafting contemporary treatment recommendations.

Traditional Chinese medicine interventions based on meridian theory for pain relief in patients with primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Objective: To determine the comparative effects and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions based on meridian theory for pain relief in patients with primary dysmenorrhea (PD).

Methods: This is a systematic review with network meta-analysis. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing meridian-based TCM interventions with waitlist, placebo, western medicine, and conventional therapies for PD pain.

Long-Term Clinical, Radiological, and Mortality Outcomes Following Pneumonitis in Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Retrospective Analysis.

Aims: Despite known short-term mortality risk of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) pneumonitis, its impact on 1-year mortality, long-term pulmonary function, symptom persistence, and radiological resolution remains unclear.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 71 nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with anti-PD(L)1 monoclonal antibodies between 2018-2021, who developed pneumonitis. Clinical and demographic covariates were collected from electronic medical record.

Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine to prevent and treat COVID-19 household close contacts in Hong Kong: an open-label, randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of CHM in the prevention of COVID-19 infection and treatment for COVID-19 related symptoms.

Design: Prospective open-label randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Participants' home in Hong Kong.

A multi-center cross-sectional study of Chinese Herbal Medicine-Drug adverse reactions using active surveillance in Singapore's Traditional Chinese Medicine clinics.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the rates and causality of patient-reported adverse events (AEs) associated with concomitant Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) and Western Medicine prescription drug (WMPD) consumption through active surveillance in Singapore's Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinics.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at five TCM clinics across Singapore from 8th May till 8th July 2023. Patients were screened to determine rates of CHM and WMPD consumption, and then interviewed if an AE was reported.

Are Tai Chi and Qigong effective in the treatment of traumatic brain injury? A systematic review.

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) adversely affects both young and old and is a growing public health concern. The common functional, psychological, and cognitive changes associated with TBI and recent trends in its management, such as recommending sub-threshold aerobic activity, and multi-modal treatment strategies including vestibular rehabilitation, suggest that Tai Chi/Qigong could be beneficial for TBI. Tai Chi and Qigong are aerobic mind-body practices with known benefits for maintaining health and mitigating chronic disease.

Electro-acupuncture for central obesity: a patient-assessor blinded, randomized sham-controlled clinical trial.

Background: Central obesity is considered as a significant health threat to individuals. Scientific research has demonstrated that intra-abdominal fat accumulation is associated with higher metabolic and cardiovascular disease risks independent of Body Mass Index (BMI). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of electro-acupuncture in treating central obesity compared with sham acupuncture.

Chemical structures, extraction and analysis technologies, and bioactivities of edible fungal polysaccharides from Poria cocos: An updated review.

Poria cocos is a popular medicinal food. Polysaccharides are the key component of Poria cocos, forming 70-90 % of the dry sclerotia mass. Recent studies indicate that Poria cocos polysaccharides (PCP-Cs) have multiple beneficial functions and applications.

Management of chronic pain secondary to temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised trials.

Objective: We explored the comparative effectiveness of available therapies for chronic pain associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Design: Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials (RCTs).

Data Sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and SCOPUS were searched to May 2021, and again in January 2023.

Validation of the Cantonese version of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Body constitution Questionnaire in elderly people.

Background: The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Body Constitution Questionnaire (For Elderly People) (TCMECQ) is a patient-reported outcome questionnaire developed in Mandarin in 2013 to differentiate the body constitutions of the elderly aged 65 and above. Considering the cultural and linguistic differences between Mainland China and Hong Kong (HK) Special Administrative Region, the TCMECQ was translated into Cantonese following "back translation" policy and validated in proper process.

Methods: Ten Chinese Medicine Practitioners (CMPs) and 30 senior citizens aged 65 or above were recruited to evaluate the first version of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Body Constitution Questionnaire (For Elderly People) (Cantonese version) (TCMECQ-C).

Persistent clinical symptoms and their association with CM syndromes in post-COVID-19 rehabilitation patients in Hong Kong.

Background: Heterogeneous clinical conditions were observed in individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 and some symptoms were found to persist for an extended period post-COVID. Given the non-specific nature of the symptoms, Chinese medicine (CM) is advantageous in providing holistic medical assessment for individuals experiencing persisting problems. Chinese medicine is a type of treatment that involves prescribing regimens based on CM Syndromes diagnosed by CM practitioners.

TCM "medicine and food homology" in the management of post-COVID disorders.

Background: The World Health Organization declared that COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency of global concern on May 5, 2023. Post-COVID disorders are, however, becoming more common. Hence, there lies a growing need to develop safe and effective treatment measures to manage post-COVID disorders.

Altered gut microbiota-host bile acid metabolism in IBS-D patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency pattern.

Background: Dysregulation of gut microbiota-host bile acid (BA) co-metabolism is a critical pathogenic factor of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), instructed by pattern differentiation, is effective in treating IBS-D, in which liver depression and spleen deficiency (LDSD) is the most prevalent pattern. Still, it is unclear the linkage between the LDSD pattern and the BA metabolic phenotype.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Pneumonitis Associated With Checkpoint Inhibitors in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Single Center Experience.

Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) pneumonitis causes substantial morbidity and mortality. Estimates of real-world incidence and reported risk factors vary substantially.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 419 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who were treated with anti-PD-(L)1 with or without anti-CTLA-4 therapy.

Acupuncture for post-stroke depression: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Background: Patients with post-stroke depression (PSD) usually experience anxiety, hopelessness, and insomnia, which have a negative impact on their daily activities and post-stroke rehabilitation. Acupuncture (AC), as a minimally invasive technique, has become a popular choice for improving depression symptoms. However, it is still unclear which therapy is associated with the best outcomes for PSD.

Are tai chi and qigong effective in the treatment of TBI? A systematic review protocol.

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) adversely affects both young and old and is a growing public health issue. A number of recent trends in managing TBI, such as recommending sub-threshold aerobic activity, tailoring multi-modal treatment strategies, and studying the possible role of low-grade inflammation in those with persistent symptoms, all suggest that the physical and cognitive exercise of tai chi/qigong could have benefit.

Method: Designed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, the following databases will be searched: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wanfang Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database.

STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials Of Tuina/Massage (STRICTOTM): Extending the CONSORT statement.

Objectives: Massage is a common therapy of nonpharmacological treatments, particularly in Tuina (Chinese massage) as its most common style, detailed guidance in reporting the intervention is warranted for its evaluation and replication. Based on the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials), we aimed to develop an Extension for Tuina/Massage, namely "The STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials Of Tuina/Massage (STRICTOTM)."

Methods: A group of professional clinicians, trialists, methodologists, developers of reporting guidelines, epidemiologists, statisticians, and editors has developed this STRICTOTM checklist through a standard methodology process recommended by the EQUATOR (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency of Health Research) Network, including prospective registration, literature review, draft of the initial items, three rounds of the Delphi survey, consensus meeting, pilot test, and finalization of the guideline.

Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness and Safety of Shugan Jieyu Capsules for the Treatment of Insomnia.

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of Shugan Jieyu capsules for treating insomnia by searching seven databases up to February 21, 2022. The study was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The quality of the studies was assessed using the risk of bias assessment tool.

Propensity score analysis with missing data using a multi-task neural network.

Background: Propensity score analysis is increasingly used to control for confounding factors in observational studies. Unfortunately, unavoidable missing values make estimating propensity scores extremely challenging. We propose a new method for estimating propensity scores in data with missing values.