3. Scientific combination originates from evidence-based studies
In fact, there are a series of clinical combinations for improvement of efficacy. For example, there is common single-pill combination (SPC) therapy or free-equivalent combination (FEC) therapy in hypertension [10], and there is often TB-HIV coinfection, which definitely needs combinatorial treatment. To date, since faecal microbiota transplants are effective for infection and recurrent infections, biotherapies by combinations of vital gut microbiota are a promising choice [11]. Studies in recent years found that antivirulence-antibiotic combinatorial treatments [12] are effective strategies in treating infections and limiting the spread of antibiotic resistance, and the combination of PBT2 + polymyxin (colistin or FADDI-287) may improve survival and reduce bacterial dissemination to other organs [13]. With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning, their applications to the self-help prescription of “TCM Hot Pot” and deep development will surely usher in a brand-new development of TCM. As a typical example of combinatorial biomedicine, “TCM Hot Pot” will bring more benefits to human beings. Indeed, in current field of translational medicine, there is an arising need for combining and integrating computational or AI technologies with experimental and clinical medicine across academia, industry, and healthcare settings [14].
However, only scientific and evidence-based combinations are vital and beneficial in clinical practice. For example, the use of high-flow nasal oxygen with noninvasive ventilation immediately after extubation significantly decreased the risk of reintubation compared with high-flow nasal oxygen alone [15]. A combination of medications with intensive weight management using a low-carbohydrate diet showed better outcomes and advantages [16]. Higher adherence to the Plant-Based Portfolio Diet was associated with a reduction in CVD risk due to lower LDL-C [17,18]. However, clinical trials may also help to confirm that some combinations did not improve, and sometime likely worsened, clinical outcomes [19]. A combination of electronic reminders, lottery-based incentives, and social support did not significantly improve medication adherence or outcomes for acute myocardial infarction survivors [20].