The September 2024 issue of the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine (YJBM), on Integrative Medicine, was published on PubMed Central (PMC) on September 30th. This focus issue features articles on the integration of alternative healthcare approaches with conventional medicine.

Highlights of the issue include a case report by Luo et al. (Longhua Hospital, Shanghai, China) where they conducted a study on the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western medicine in the treatment of brain abscess. This is possibly the first case of a brain abscess that was successfully managed with both antimicrobial therapy and TCM.

Next, we present a review by Prabakar (Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA) on the role of emotional support in the effectiveness of patient wellness. Prabakar emphasizes the need to integrate mental wellness practices into conventional medical care for successful recovery.

Lastly, Zailani et al. (China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria) explore how major depressive disorder (MDD) disrupts the blood-brain barrier and dysregulates the immune system. Their review evaluates the potential of omega-3 polyunsaturated fats to restore balance to the body’s systems after MDD impact.

Read the entire YJBM archive for free on PMC. The YJBM is open-access for all.

Deputy Editors of this issue: Charlotte Godfrey (Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University) and Isabel Wang (MD Program, Yale School of Medicine)