CAM Research Research Articles

Literature review of complementary and alternative therapies: using text mining and analysis of trends in nursing research

PurposeThis study aimed to review the literature on complementary and alternative therapies, utilizing text mining and trend analysis in nursing research. As CAM becomes increasingly prevalent in healthcare settings, a comprehensive understanding of the current research landscape is essential to guide evidence-based practice, inform clinical decision-making, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.MethodThis study aimed to identify CAM-related literature published from 2018 to 2023. Using the search terms 'complementary therap*', 'complementary medicine', 'alternative therap*', and 'alternative medicine', we performed a comprehensive search in eight databases, including EMBASE, Cochrane Central, PubMed Central, Korea Education and Research Information Service (RISS), Web of Science, KMbase, KISS, and CINAHL. From the text network and topic modeling analysis of 66,490 documents, 15 topics were identified. These topics were classified into two nursing-related topics through an academic classification process involving three doctors with doctoral degrees, three nurses, and three pharmacists. Based on the classified topics, research trends were comparatively analyzed by re-searching the database for 12 nursing and 22 non-nursing literature.ResultThis study found that in nursing literature, yoga is used to improve mental symptoms such as stress and anxiety. In non-nursing literature, most of the experimental studies on complementary and alternative therapies were conducted in a randomized manner, confirming that a variety of physiological and objective indicators were used. Additionally, it was discovered that there were differences in the diversity of research subjects and research design methods for the same intervention method. Therefore, future research should focus on broadening the scope of subjects and measurement tools in nursing studies. Additionally, such studies should be conducted with randomization and generalizability in the experimental design in mind.ConclusionThis study employed text network analysis and text mining to identify domestic and international CAM research trends. Our novel approach combined big data-derived keywords with a systematic classification method, proposing a new methodological strategy for trend analysis. Future nursing research should focus on broadening the scope of subjects, diversifying measurement tools, and emphasizing randomization and generalizability in experimental designs.

Nurse-led shared decision-making on complementary therapy use by patients with diabetes: An participatory action research.

The aim of this study was to develop, implement and evaluate a nurse-led shared decision-making model of care for discussing the use of complementary and alternative medicine with diabetic patients and to explore to what extent the risk-benefit assessment of using complementary and alternative medicine can provide a framework for facilitating nurse-patient dialogue and strengthening patient involvement in their disease management. Participatory action research with pre-post intervention. A two-run cycle of action and spirals from participatory action research was undertaken using a purposive sampling method to involve healthcare professionals and diabetic patients from September 2021 to June 2022. The nurse-led shared decision-making model of care was designed and implemented congruent with participatory action research principles. Quantitative measures were collected about patients' perceived involvement in shared decision-making and their understanding of the risks and benefits of using complementary and alternative medicine. Patients' outcomes of disease control (fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c) were also collected. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS software (version 28). Interviews were summarized using thematic analysis. An EQUATOR Network guideline for participatory action research supported the preparation of this paper. Comparison of pre-post intervention outcomes showed that patients' scale scores on shared decision-making involvement and understanding of the risk-benefit of using complementary and alternative medicine improved significantly after implementing the model. Fasting plasma glucose improved only slightly after a 3-month follow-up. The care model strengthens patient involvement in their disease management and makes appropriate decisions about CAM use that should reduce potentially harmful side effects or interactions between CAM and conventional medicine. The shared decision-making model of care incorporates evidence-based CAM research into practice, facilitates the standardization of CAM management in diabetes, improves care options for patients and educates nurses about CAM use in managing diabetes. No Patient or Public Contribution.

Research of influence of errors of cam manufacturing on the law of motion of output element

Insignificant error in the moment of manufacturing the mechanism can influence significantly on its’ work. Research of influence of manufacturing error with manufactured mechanism usually is irrational, that’s why necessity of evaluation at the stage of design occurs. Methods of evaluation of this influence are investigated in this paper. The research is implemented by developed algorithm, which also was realized in MATLAB and Python as well. Due this fact process of math simulation doesn’t occupy a lot of time and doesn’t need large calculating abilities. We research same data by independent ways by using 2 different programs and we compare results in order to check and improve model. Also, it’s interesting that technology of computer vision was applied in this work. So, presented paper will be interesting for everybody who practice design of cam mechanisms or research them.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted mutagenesis for functional genomics research of crassulacean acid metabolism plants.

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is an important photosynthetic pathway in diverse lineages of plants featuring high water-use efficiency and drought tolerance. A big challenge facing the CAM research community is to understand the function of the annotated genes in CAM plant genomes. Recently, a new genome editing technology using CRISPR/Cas9 has become a more precise and powerful tool than traditional approaches for functional genomics research in C3 and C4 plants. In this study, we explore the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 to characterize the function of CAM-related genes in the model CAM species Kalanchoë fedtschenkoi. We demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9 is effective in creating biallelic indel mutagenesis to reveal previously unknown roles of blue light receptor phototropin 2 (KfePHOT2) in the CAM pathway. Knocking out KfePHOT2 reduced stomatal conductance and CO2 fixation in late afternoon and increased stomatal conductance and CO2 fixation during the night, indicating that blue light signaling plays an important role in the CAM pathway. Lastly, we provide a genome-wide guide RNA database targeting 45 183 protein-coding transcripts annotated in the K. fedtschenkoi genome.

The Contribution of Complementary and Alternative Medicine to Reduce Antibiotic Use: A Narrative Review of Health Concepts, Prevention, and Treatment Strategies.

Aim The aim of this narrative review was to explore the potential contributions of CAM to reduce antibiotic use. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews with a specific, limited set of search terms and collected input from a group of expert CAM researchers to answer the question: What is known about the contribution of CAM health and health promotion concepts, infection prevention, and infection treatment strategies to reduce antibiotic use? Results. The worldview-related CAM health concepts enable health promotion oriented infection prevention and treatment aimed at strengthening or supporting the self-regulating ability of the human organism to cope with diseases. There is some evidence that the CAM concepts of health (promotion) are in agreement with current conceptualization of health and that doctors who practice both CAM and conventional medicine prescribe less antibiotics, although selection bias of the presented studies cannot be ruled out. There is some evidence that prevention and some treatment strategies are effective and safe. Many CAM treatment strategies are promising but overall lack high quality evidence. Conclusions CAM prevention and treatment strategies may contribute to reducing antibiotic use, but more rigorous research is necessary to provide high quality evidence of (cost-)effectiveness.

Naturopathy Special Interest Group Research Capacity and Needs Assessment Survey.

Objectives: Despite recent shifts in regulation and recognition of the role that naturopathy plays in health care delivery in Canada, comparatively little research has been conducted regarding individuals who conduct naturopathy-related research. A survey was undertaken to better understand the needs and capacity of these individuals to conduct more research.Design, Setting, and Subjects: The Naturopathy Special Interest Group (N-SIG) of the Interdisciplinary Network of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (INCAM) Researchers created and distributed a survey of individuals interested in naturopathy-related research to assess gaps between current and desired research activity and needs for further participation.Outcome measures: Results from a previous pilot study (2014; n = 58) were used to inform the design and distribution. This study received approval and oversight from the Research Ethics Board of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.Results: The survey was completed by 201 individuals (∼5%–10% of all naturopathic doctors and naturopathy researchers in Canada). The majority (70%) had no peer-reviewed publication experience; however, 63% reported having published in a nonpeer-reviewed medium. Respondents reported differing levels of confidence in completing various components of a research project. Frequently selected obstacles included lack of time due to professional and personal obligations, as well as insufficient training, funding, and mentorship. The greatest identified needs for participation in research were mentorship/support, access to a wider degree of scientific journals, and targeted funding opportunities for CAM research. Overall, the results of this survey suggest that there is interest in further conducting naturopathy-related research in Canada. There are individuals who are already involved and have expressed skills in the area of evidence-based medicine. Mentorship, research training, resources, and critical appraisal and writing skills may be important leverage points.Conclusion: Findings from this investigation will be used to inform an agenda for naturopathy-related research and activities of the N-SIG with respect to enhancing research capacity. Other CAM groups or geographic regions could consider using similar methodology to assess capacity and needs for research participation.

A brief summary of pilot and feasibility studies: Exploring terminology, aims, and methods

IntroductionThere is limited guidance on methods for pilot and feasibility studies and, as a result, they are often poorly conducted or poorly reported.All CAM/IM modalities can be considered to be complex interventions; as such, the research on this topic faces additional challenges when compared to pharmaceutical studies. Pilot and feasibility studies should take account of intervention complexity, implementation, and acceptability; this focus suits the wider needs of CAM research and potentially contributes to improved study quality.This opinion paper provides a narrative summary of the literature relating to terminology & conceptual clarity, aims & objectives, epistemology, and research methods. Terminology & conceptual clarityDefinitions and conceptualisations of pilot and feasibility studies vary; attempts are made here to identify commonality. Recommended aims & objectives for pilot & feasibility studiesThe main purpose of pilot and feasibility studies is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of new interventions or interventions in new contexts. Where a pilot trial is conducted, the feasibility of trial processes should also be evaluated. Epistemology, methods & research frameworksMixed methods is the most valuable data collection strategy for pilot and feasibility studies and their use can be successfully underpinned by a pragmatic epistemological stance. Several frameworks relevant to pilot and feasibility testing are explored. ConclusionRigorous feasibility testing is necessary to underpin high quality CAM/IM research. Employing mixed methods within an appropriate framework will generate vital data for optimising CAM/IM research and intervention delivery.

Age‐Related Loss of Mitochondrial Glutathione Exacerbates Vulnerability to Redox‐Cycling Challenge

In order to determine the role of mitochondrial GSH (mGSH) loss in increased susceptibility to xenobiotic insult with age, markers of mitochondrial function were measured in intact and digitonin‐permeabilized hepatocytes from young and old F344 rats under a redox cycling (300 μM menadione) challenge. While the rate of mGSH loss under menadione challenge was similar in both age groups, a 47% decline in initial mGSH levels with age resulted in a 50% loss of mGSH in old rat hepatoctyes versus 28% in young within 10 minutes of exposure. Examination of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), which is acutely regulated by mGSH content, showed a 21% basal loss with age. Additionally, within five minutes of menadione challenge, Δψm in young was not markedly reduced but had collapsed in old rat hepatocytes. Further characterization demonstrated that basal respiration and respiratory reserve capacity, indicators of cellular bioenergetic capacity, were both significantly reduced upon menadione treatment in old rat hepatocytes but not in young. Examination of proton leak, complex I, and complex II contributions to mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates under menadione challenge revealed no marked effect in young rat hepatocytes, while old rat hepatocytes demonstrated a significant loss in complex I activity as well as increases in proton leak and a compensatory increase in complex II activity. These data clearly demonstrate an age‐related increase in mitochondrial susceptibility to a redox‐cycling challenge, particularly in complex I, and provide a plausible mechanism that links this vulnerability to mGSH perturbations.Support or Funding InformationN.T. is supported by an NIH grant. Title: CAM RESEARCH TRAINING IN NEUROSCIENCE & STRESS; number: 2T32AT002688.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Reconstruction in Reverse Engineering Based on Geomagic

In the process of reverse engineering, the most important and most complex step is the reconstruction of the three-dimensional model, because the follow-up product design or manufacturing are based on this. The existing problems and advantages of Nurbs method are analyzed. A part is reconstructed using Geomagic and Pro/E softwaves. The proposed technique can provide a unique tool in reverse engineering, as well as in CAD and CAE and CAM research.

Management of Cognitive Dysfunctions through Ayurveda – Challenges and Opportunities for CAM researchers

Management of Cognitive Dysfunctions through Ayurveda – Challenges and Opportunities for CAM researchers

The current state of CAM research

The current state of CAM research

Researching CAM: our Herculean task

CAM researchers are in the position of having people outside the academic world take a great interest in their work and results. In this paper, I give an account of what I observe as our strengths and our extended relevance: to other researchers and research areas, to democratic processes and policy-makers, to parents and other adults, and to children. In this lies the need to tackle research dissemination challenges in a field where layman experiences and perceptions, especially related to media risk and harm, are plentiful. It also entails vigilance if and when children become the useful excuse when attempting to restrict the central democratic values of free speech, access to information and privacy, or more prosaically, when pursuing financial gain.

Should acupuncture play a greater role in healthcare?

s / European Journal of Integrative Medicine 7 (2015) 432–438 437 back pain. Available evidence may not facilitate guideline development for integration into best clinical practice. Practitioner perception of the evidence base is equally important. TCM practitioners in the EU and China vary in their perceived need for research evidence, and the evidence gaps. The complexity and plurality of traditional Chinese medicine theory and practice, informed by comparative effectiveness studies, personalized medicine and TCM pattern differentiation should be incorporated into future research if it is to be effectively integrated into health care provision. Steps are needed to promote the development and implementation of academic training and research programs that support progress in this direction. It is vitally important that competent professionals, both clinically skilled and trained in research are involved in the development of the evidence base to ensure that it is appropriate and ongoing. Otherwise studies will be designed and conducted by researchers who do not understand traditional systems of medicine or by practitioners who do not fully understand research practices. If this persists, good quality effectiveness data will continue to be lacking and compromise integration into any healthcare system. With advances in biomedical, chemical and computational technology, plenty of opportunities exist to provide multidisciplinary approaches to investigate evidence-based aspects of TCM practice. An integrative approach is crucial to connect the multiplicity of expertise, scientific innovation and investigations. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2015.07.039 Acupuncture as part of the health care system: Some key facts from European and a national point of view Wolfgang Weidenhammer 1,∗, Dieter Melchart 1,2 1 Competence Centre for Complementary Medicine and Naturopathy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitat Munchen, Munich, Germany 2 Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland E-mail address:wolfgang.weidenhammer@lrz.tu-muenchen.de (W. Weidenhammer). The presentation will follow two approaches to give some insight into the situation of medical acupuncture as applied by doctors in Europe and specifically in Germany. The current status as well as the development over the previous years will be demonstrated. Between 2001 and 2006, three groups of German statutory sickness organizations funded three large reimbursement and research programs on acupuncture. One of them was conceptualized and conducted by the Competence Centre for Complementary Medicine and Naturopathy at TU Munich. Apart from the well-known controlled trials to investigate the specific effects of acupuncture the program also includes a description of routine care and therapeutic safety. Between June 2001 and November 2005, approximately one million patients insured by the participating sickness funds received acupuncture with systematic documentation. Data of about 450,000 patients were analyzed complemented by a more detailed longitudinal dataset from a subsample of about 5000 patients. Moreover, a survey on the participating acupuncturists enabled the analysis of relations between indicators of therapist’s qualification and the outcome of the treatment. As a result of the acupuncture research programs the German health authorities decided in 2006 to restrict the reimbursement by social health insurance funds to low back pain and osteoarthritis of the knee. Additionally, the conditions for certified physicians changed. The consequences of these decisions for the routine medical care with acupuncture were far-reaching. Although not focused on any specific CAM modality, the EU-funded project CAMbrella (2010–2012) could reveal some key points for acupuncture. In Europe, acupuncture is mostly regulated as a treatment that may or may not be provided by regulated health professionals or other CAM practitioners. 25 countries have acupuncture treatment regulations while 12 have no specific acupuncture regulations. A systematic analysis of the provision of CAM in Europe showed that approx. 305,000 registered CAM providers (47% are medical practitioners) can be identified in the EU. Acupuncture is reported as the most available therapeutic method for both, medical (80,000) and nonmedical providers (16,380). Beyond acupuncture, the presentation will end with a brief detour on research in CAM in Europe, with the focus on research promotion by the European Commission. Possibilities for the field of CAM and issues will be demonstrated, exemplified by the Horizon 2020 program. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2015.07.040 The cost-effectiveness of acupuncture

Translational research in complementary and alternative medicine 2014.

Translational research in complementary and alternative medicine 2014.

Using a randomised controlled trial (RCT) methodology in CAM research with gynaecological cancer patients: A commentary on the perks and pitfalls

This paper provides a commentary on several challenges faced by researchers when conducting randomised controlled trials (RCTs) utilising complementary therapies with cancer patients. Several factors, such as research design and recruitment to the intervention are discussed. Examples are drawn from an RCT conducted by the lead author regarding the use of yoga to improve the quality of life of gynaecological cancer patients undergoing treatment for their cancer. This paper gives methodological insights into some of the difficulties experienced when conducting research with cancer patients, and provides a number of recommendations based on the available evidence and practical application of these methods.

Response to commentary on: A systematic review investigating complementary and alternative medicine in the management of low back and/or pelvic pain in pregnancy.

In response to the insightful commentary on our review (Close et al.2014), this commentary further highlights many of the major issues in CAM research, particularly the reporting of adverse effects in CAM trials. The lack of clarity in many of the trials discussed in our review does raise some concerns about the safety of CAM for managing LBPP in pregnancy. However, it is important to note the limitations of published research and the fact that we were not able to ascertain whether the lack of reporting of adverse effects was due to them being ‘minor & transient’ or that authors failed to report adverse effects. Either way, we acknowledge that this lack of important information makes it difficult to determine the safety of CAM when compared with conventional therapies, such as exercise. In addition, the comment relating to the conflicting nature of the findings in our review on acupuncture for LBPP in pregnancy is a valid point. The evidence demonstrates the contradiction and reporting the benefit of a sham treatment raises questions about CAM being an elaborate placebo. From the findings of our review, we cannot make any firm conclusions one way or another. However, as an increasing number of pregnant women are choosing to use CAM therapies during pregnancy for a range of pregnancy complaints including LBPP, we have a duty of care to investigate the effectiveness of such therapies for the management of this condition, particularly given pregnant women’s preferences for non-pharmacological treatments and the evidence of women’s general dissatisfaction with standard care for managing LBPP in pregnancy (Skaggset al.2007, Nordeng et al.2010, Kalderet al.2011). We have acknowledged that the evidence in this area is, at times, conflicting, but we believe it would be unfair to disregard its potential for effectiveness based on such a small number of studies of limited quality. Therefore, rather than throwing the ‘baby out with the bathwater’, we would strongly recommend that decisions about the effectiveness of CAM for the management of LBPP in pregnancy need to be based on evidence from clinically relevant, well-designed, cost-effective studies. To address some of the issues identified from our review, and to enhance the area of CAM research in pregnancy, we have recently completed a three-armed feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigating reflexology for the management of LBPP in pregnancy (clinical trial reference number: ISRCTN26607527). This RCT consists of a reflexology intervention group, sham group and control group. The inclusion of three arms was specifically to determine if, in fact, the benefits of CAM are simply due to the placebo effect. We chose to investigate reflexology for managing LBPP in pregnancy because our review did not identify any RCTs on the topic in spite of evidence reporting reflexology’s effectiveness for managing low back pain in the general population (Quinnet al.2008). Further to this, reflexology is used frequently by pregnant women and is available in maternity settings, with many midwives trained in the therapy (Mitchellet al.2006). We hope our RCT will make a small, but valuable, contribution to the research area of CAM and LBPP in pregnancy.

Mixed Methods in CAM Research: A Systematic Review of Studies Published in 2012

<b>Mixed Methods in CAM Research: A Systematic Review of Studies Published in 2012</b>

Are the CAM professions engaging in high-level health and medical research? Trends in publicly funded complementary medicine research grants in Australia

Developing research capacity is an essential part of professional development in the health professions, as well as essential to improving health care delivery. CAM is one area in which the importance of research capacity has been previously highlighted. To determine whether academic and research CAM practitioners were actively engaged in high-level CAM research in Australia successful National Health and Medical Research Council grants data for projects starting between 2000 to present (2013) were collated and analyzed. CAM practitioners are not involved in most NHMRC-funded research, with non-clinical academics leading nearly half of all NHMRC-funded CAM grants. Conventional medical practitioners led the majority of CAM grants headed by clinicians. Only Chinese medicine and naturopathy practitioners appear to be building capacity, with NHMRC-funded CAM grants led by these practitioner groups increasing. University CAM faculties are for the most part not engaging in high level research, with most NHMRC-funded CAM projects being led by groups outside these faculties. Even the majority NHMRC-funded research led by CAM clinicians is administered outside university CAM faculties. The CAM professions have a low level of engagement with high-level health and medical research in Australia. Current levels of engagement appear to be dependent more on individual clinician involvement rather than professional strategy. Failure to engage with high-level health and medical research may pose challenges for the CAM professions, unless research engagement is improved. This requires an active and concerted effort from within CAM ranks to build research capacity in the CAM professions.

Based on VERICUT Software Simulation of Multi-Axis Processing Cylindrical Cam Research

This paper of simulation studying is mainly aiming for the typical part of multi-axis processing cylindrical cam by analyzing design drawings and technical requirements of processing, planning NC processing technology, creating cylindrical cam model and importing NC program to VERICUT simulation software. In this way, simulation of the entire machining process could be observed clearly.

What cancer care providers need to know about CAM: the CAM‐Cancer project

Abstract‘CAM‐Cancer’ is the name of a project entitled ‘Concerted Action for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Assessment in the Cancer Field’ (CAM‐Cancer). The CAM‐Cancer website (&lt;http://www.cam‐cancer.org&gt;) is an open‐access information resource on CAM for cancer. It provides synthesised evidence‐based information for healthcare professionals drawing on the current research status of the efficacy/effectiveness and safety of CAM for cancer. The information is presented as ‘CAM‐summaries’, which are short and concise documents presenting background information as well as an appraisal of the evidence of efficacy and safety. CAM‐summaries are peer‐reviewed and annually updated. The fully documented and published methodology ensures that CAM‐summaries are written in an independent and non‐judgemental way to maximise their use amongst health professionals. The project is led by an international panel of experts in cancer care and/or CAM research, and supported by a wide network of professionals and cancer organisations. Originally funded by the European Commission within the Fifth Framework Programme, it is now managed by the National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM) at the University of Tromsø, Norway. The project is entirely non‐profit and receives no commercial funding.