The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the available evidence, from randomized clinical trials (RCTs), of acupuncture for treating patients with RA. Systematic searches were conducted on 17 databases up to April 2008 without the language restriction. All RCTs of acupuncture, with or without electrical stimulation or moxibustion, for patients with RA were considered for inclusion. A to...

Importance Though there have been significant shifts in US demographic data over the past 50 years, research cohorts lack full racial and ethnic representation. There is little data available regarding the diversity of dermatology research cohorts with respect to sex, race, and ethnicity. Objective To characterize and assess the representation of racial and ethnic minorities and women in rand...

BACKGROUND Many Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) have been authorized by the Chinese State of Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of the common cold. A number of clinical trials have been conducted and published. However, there is no systematic review or meta-analysis on their efficacy and safety for the common cold to justify their clinical use. METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE...

5. What were the conclusions and implications of the study? The results of well-performed randomized clinical trials (RCT) are considered the highest-quality evidence for altering or supporting clinical practice. Therapeutic options for the treatment of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) have evolved over the 50 years since the initial dramatic results with corticosteroids. Experts have no consensus for t...

BACKGROUND Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has frequently been used to treat tinnitus, and acupuncture is a particularly popular option. The objective of this review was to assess the evidence concerning the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for tinnitus. METHODS Fourteen databases were searched from the dates of their creation to July 4th, 2012. Randomized clinical tri...

Background: Meta-analysis studies have documented that palm olein (PALM) predominant formulas reduce calcium and fat absorption, and bone mineralization in infants, but none have been documented for stool consistency and frequency. Objective: The study objective was to conduct a meta-analysis of published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on the effect of PALM-based formulas on stool consistenc...

OBJECTIVE To systematically review the evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for the effectiveness of the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E or selenium or their combination in the treatment of arthritis. METHODSL: A systematic search of computerized databases from inception to September 2006 for relevant RCTs, application of pre-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria and independent data ext...

OBJECTIVES To assess systematically the clinical evidence of qigong for hypertension. METHODS Databases were searched up to August 2006. All randomized clinical trials (RCTs) testing qigong in patients with hypertension of any origin and assessing clinically relevant outcomes were considered. Trials using any type of control intervention were included. The selection of studies, data extractio...