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Summary: We undertook a Cochrane review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of light‐based interventions for acne vulgaris. We searched the Cochrane Skin Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, ISI Web of Science and grey literature sources (September 2015). We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Working Group approach to assess the quality of evidence (QoE). We included 71 RCTs (4211 participants, median sample size 31). Results from a single study (n = 266, low QoE) showed little or no difference in effectiveness on participants' assessment of improvement between 20% aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) photodynamic therapy (PDT), activated by blue light, vs. vehicle plus blue light, whereas another study (n = 180) comparing ALA‐PDT (red light) concentrations showed that 20% ALA‐PDT was no more effective than 15% ALA‐PDT but better than 10% and 5% ALA‐PDT. Pooled data from three studies (n = 360, moderate QoE) showed that methyl aminolaevulinate PDT, activated by red light, had a similar effect on changes in lesion counts vs. placebo cream with red light. Several studies compared yellow light with placebo or no treatment, infrared light with no treatment, gold microparticle suspension with vehicle and clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide (C/BPO) combined with pulsed dye laser with C/BPO alone. None of these showed any clinically significant effects. Most studies reported adverse effects, but inadequately, with scarring reported as absent, and blistering only in studies on intense pulsed light, infrared light and PDT (very low QoE). Carefully planned studies, using standardized outcome measures and common acne treatments as comparators, are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased prevalence of obesity has made the use of dietary supplements as weight reducing agents highly popular, but their efficacy has not been proven. One such supplement is chromium. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the evidence for or against the efficacy of chromium supplementation in overweight and obese individuals. Electronic searches were conducted in Medline, Embase, Amed and The Cochrane Library. The bibliographies of located articles were also searched. No age, gender or language restrictions were imposed. The reporting quality of identified randomized clinical trials ( RCTs) was assessed using a methodological checklist adapted from the Consolidated Standard of Reporting Trials Statement and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses guidelines. Thirty-nine trials were identified and 20 were included. There were variations in reporting quality of included studies. A meta-analysis of 11 studies showed a statistically significant difference in weight loss favouring chromium over placebo (mean difference ( MD): −0.50 kg; 95% confidence interval ( CI): −0.97, −0.03). There was a high statistical heterogeneity. Adverse events included watery stools, vertigo, headaches and urticaria. The evidence from available RCTs shows that chromium supplementation generates statistically significant reductions in body weight. The magnitude of the effect is small, and the clinical relevance is uncertain. Future trials should last at least 16 weeks and greater uniformity in the measuring and assessment tools for body composition is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims This systematic review is aimed at assessing surveys which monitor the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by climacteric women living in the UK. Method Five databases were searched for English-language, peer-reviewed surveys published between 1 January 2000 and 7 October 2011. In addition, the bibliographies of key articles, relevant book chapters and our own departmental files were hand-searched. Results Three surveys were found and they included a total of 3742 climacteric women. All of these surveys were of poor methodological quality. The average prevalence of CAM use was 57.25%. Based on two surveys, 56% of women mentioned they were regular CAM users. The average perceived effectiveness of CAM was 72%. Conclusions There is a paucity of high-quality surveys monitoring the prevalence of CAM use by UK climacteric women. The available evidence suggests that the prevalence of CAM use amongst climacteric women is high. Due to the low methodological quality and paucity of the primary data, these results should be interpreted with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this systematic review was to critically evaluate the evidence regarding the adverse effects (AEs) of homeopathy. Method: Five electronic databases were searched to identify all relevant case reports and case series. Results: In total, 38 primary reports met our inclusion criteria. Of those, 30 pertained to direct AEs of homeopathic remedies; and eight were related to AEs caused by the substitution of conventional medicine with homeopathy. The total number of patients who experienced AEs of homeopathy amounted to 1159. Overall, AEs ranged from mild-to-severe and included four fatalities. The most common AEs were allergic reactions and intoxications. Rhus toxidendron was the most frequently implicated homeopathic remedy. Conclusion: Homeopathy has the potential to harm patients and consumers in both direct and indirect ways. Clinicians should be aware of its risks and advise their patients accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to review the literature on Tai Chi and meditation. A coherent construct is developed that includes a comparative analysis and conceptual synthesis of existing theories. The authors discuss a set of assumptions that justify this synthesis; they also argue that this construct would facilitate greater understanding of Tai Chi from the perspective of meditation. Such synthesis may bring 'additional' benefits to Tai Chi practitioners as they could recognize that this mind-body technique holds the essence of meditation. Within the scope of this article, the evidence shows a majority of common features when concerning Tai Chi and meditation. These mutual similarities should be taken into account when performing this type of mind-body medicine by patients and/or therapists. Finally, the authors suggest that this inspiring compilation of movements and mindfulness can be used for practical purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a study conducted for measuring efficacy of Tai Chi for treating chronic neck pain and presents commentary over the same. Topics discussed include observation of no difference between the impact of neck exercise and Tai Chi over chronic neck pain; determination of Tai Chi as an effective method for reducing chronic neck pain; and observation of lack of standardization in the study.

The article examines the literature on research about the effects of whole-body vibration therapy in patients with fibromyalgia. Topics covered include the improvement in health-related quality of life, balance and fatigue, the conclusion that whole-body vibration could be an adequate treatment of fibromyalgia and peer comment on the findings and conclusion of the study.

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Summary: Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition causing blackheads and whiteheads and red spots. Acne often leads to scarring, which is extremely difficult to treat. Acne can produce significant psychological and social problems, including lower self‐esteem, anxiety, depression and low mood. Many light‐based therapies have been tried for acne vulgaris, but their effectiveness and safety are unclear. Light therapies use light with different properties, such as wavelength and intensity. The exact mechanisms are still not fully understood, but three factors are considered crucial: light, photosensitizers (i.e. molecules that absorb and are then activated by light) and oxidative stress resulting from their activation. It is thought this oxidative stress helps to damage acne causing bacteria and prevent pores blocking. This study is a review looking at trials into light treatments for acne. The researchers found that high‐quality evidence on the use of light therapies for acne is lacking. There is moderate quality evidence of the usefulness of methyl aminolaevulinate photodynamic therapy (red light) and low quality evidence on the usefulness of aminolaevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (blue light) as standard treatments for moderate to severe acne. This review reinforces the need for standardized outcome measures (ways to define if a treatment is successful), larger studies of better quality and adequate reporting of future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linked Comment: Jackson. Int J Clin Pract 2013; 67: 385. Linked Comment: Walach et al. Int J Clin Pract 2013; 67: 385–6. Linked Comment: Grimes. Int J Clin Pract 2013; 67: 387. Linked Comment: Tournier et al. Int J Clin Pract 2013; 67: 388–9. Linked Comment: Posadzki and Ernst. Int J Clin Pract 2013; 67: 389. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses addition of Tai Chi Chih (TCC) to escitalopram that will augment the treatment of geriatric depression designed for achieving symptomatic remission. It also states the study performed that showed greater reduction in depressive symptoms and to achieve depression remission than controls, which preferred the use of TCC. It also contains further commentary on the study.

Tousignant M, Corriveau H, Roy PM, Desrosiers J, Dubuc N, Hébert R, Tremblay-Boudreault V, Beaudoin AJ. The effect of supervised tai chi intervention compared to a physiotherapy program on fall-related clinical outcomes: a randomized clinical trial. Disabil Rehabil 2012; 34: 196-201. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streeter CC, Whitfield TH, Owen L, Rein T, Karri SK, Yakhkind A, Perlmutter R, Prescot A, Renshaw PF, Ciraulo DA, Jensen JE. Effects of yoga versus walking on mood, anxiety, and brain GABA levels: a randomized controlled MRS study. J Altern Complement Med 2010; 16: 1145-52. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liu X, Miller YD, Burton NW, Brown WJ. A preliminary study of the effects of Tai Chi and Qigong medical exercise on indicators of metabolic syndrome, glycaemic control, health-related quality of life, and psychological health in adults with elevated blood glucose. Br J Sports Med 2010; 44: 704-9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which examined the effect of Hatha yoga as add-on treatment to quetiapine fumarate extended release or escitalopram on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity of depressed patients. It references a study by N. Sarubin et al, published in a 2014 issue of the "Journal of Psychiatric Research." Topics include the long term cortisol reduction seen in both medication groups, and the ability of antidepressant agents in down regulating HPA axis function.

Linked Comment: Jackson. Int J Clin Pract 2013; 67: 385. Linked Comment: Walach et al. Int J Clin Pract 2013; 67: 385–6. Linked Comment: Posadzki and Ernst. Int J Clin Pract 2013; 67: 386–7. Linked Comment: Grimes. Int J Clin Pract 2013; 67: 387. Linked Comment: Tournier et al. Int J Clin Pract 2013; 67: 388–9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews the book "Kundalini Yoga Meditation for Complex Psychiatric Disorders," edited by David Shannahoff-Khalsa.