Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Challenge to eCAM.

摘要: Our new journal eCAM, Evidenced-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine has just celebrated a major milestone since its birth in 2004. Conceived incubated Kanazawa, Japan born at UCLA, Los Angeles with assistance from Oxford University Press. With this editorial, we enter our third volume; eCAM is 2 years old, i.e. two volumes that are hard copy. Electronic submission peer reviewing hasten publication by advance access before the appearance of copy issue. Although these points may be old news to some, international travels have taught us many potential authors readers unaware policies mechanisms. Moreover, it seems not universally understood because young still waiting for an impact factor. Happily relief, on positive path, having been monitored PubMed volume 1 recently listed ISI retroactive 1. To follow infant analogy, rather than being usual assertive 2-year-old whose response emphatic ‘no’, adopted more broad yet cautious view published what considered best available papers were scientific evidence based; among those, some distinctly clinical. An equally early direction toward rigor due preponderance editorial board members who biologists various specializations, e.g. immunologists, neuroscientists, endocrinologists along others bona fide classical community complementary alternative care givers. Yet, turn New Year 3, grappling dearth CAM solidly evidenced based. From conception, I pondered solution unfocused melange would compromise mission publish strong initiated quest my very first (1) several others—emphasizing need rigor, science. Like all growing creatures, learn, advance, learn further ad infinitum. Of course level extent growth any will depend upon contacts, interested readers, cooperative diligent referees unselfishly contribute their valuable time review process order high quality papers. We set about directions across wide field medicine. One most enthusiastic forays opened up untapped resource natural products, especially those derived animals (e.g. sponges, mollusks earthworms). This area gained such considerable attention term bioprospecting. seem far clinical work implied title journal, as biologist see laying foundation exciting products eventually make way into arena. At same time, though, kept commitment orientation medicine included true theoretical (2–5), practical even based readily applicable easily recognized animal models (6,7). Now deems essential embark rigorous concerted tact broadening year attempts recruit, clinical. was urged last 2005 (8). Will strategy 3 2006 different which generated 2? How shall define acceptable quality? We focused concern while Daegu, Korea International Congress Oriental October 2005—after administrative meetings Tokyo later lectures Editorial Board meeting Beijing. Administrator, Patty Willis, called report sent shortly thereafter November. In note she mentioned: ‘Our ground-breaking reflect accomplished well look ahead’. As already mentioned, there always how broaden search find open work. During gathering Korean Japanese members, agreed important future. decided actively encourage four forms: (i) brief case reports; (ii) developed reports detailed, illustrative documentation; (iii) expanded hypotheses; (iv) studies base possible absolutely essential. clinician, you choose categories suits data deem worthy present. As clinicians dealing each day patients, your naturally ‘if’ something works, ‘why’ works. expressed asking brave, take can, ask difficult questions develop hypotheses (Option iii). world knowledge, scientists moment other parts questions. Perhaps experience contains vital piece puzzle needed halfway or hospital town. Just paintings show much brush strokes artist left blank, clear writing feel missing, remain unanswered. Once submit paper, go through publication. Do discouraged process, duty guide farther path. If accord comments, expand reasons why disagree. Your paper strengthened inclusion concerns rebuttal. In 1998, National Center (NCCAM) established US Institutes Health (Bethesda, MD, USA) rigorously investigate modalities determine beneficial consideration mainstream practice. Introduced editorials delineation comprises work, pyramid Goldrosen Strauss (9) gives array articles. Beginning least desirable approaches anecdotes reaches sky large-scale Phase III trials. How implement thrust? now offices eCAM's rules publishing described earlier. The can quite varied numbers words, figures, etc. Infusing concept basic biology, could move observation full-fledged study. Let happens 2006—our Year's challenge. strive relevant clearly succeed, support board. Clearly achieve singular goal requires active collaboration help attract areas influence over world.