bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anticonvulsants in neuropathic pain: rationale and clinical evidence
Authors: Jensen Troels S. 
Published: September 2002

Neuropathic pain, whether of peripheral or central origin, is characterized by a neuronal hyperexcitability in damaged areas of the nervous system. In peripheral neuropathic pain, damaged nerve endings exhibit abnormal spontaneous and increased evoked activity, partly due to an increased and novel expression of sodium channels. In central pain, although not explored in detail, the spontaneous pain and evoked allodynia are also best explained by a neuronal hyperexcitability. The peripheral hyperexcitability is due to a series of molecular changes at the level of the peripheral nociceptor, in dorsal root ganglia, in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, and in the brain. These changes include abnormal expression of sodium channels, increased activity at glutamate receptor sites, changes in γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA‐ergic) inhibition, and an alteration of calcium influx into cells. The neuronal hyperexcitability and corresponding molecular changes in neuropathic pain have many features in common with the cellular changes in certain forms of epilepsy. This has led to the use of anticonvulsant drugs for the treatment of neuropathic pain.Carbamazepine and phenytoin were the first anticonvulsants to be used in controlled clinical trials. Studies have shown these agents to relieve painful diabetic neuropathy and paroxysmal attacks in trigeminal neuralgia.Subsequent studies have shown the anticonvulsant gabapentin to be effective in painful diabetic neuropathy, mixed neuropathies, and postherpetic neuralgia. Lamotrigine, a new anticonvulsant, is effective in trigeminal neuralgia, painful peripheral neuropathy, and post‐stroke pain. Other anticonvulsants, both new and old, are currently undergoing controlled clinical testing. The most common adverse effects of anticonvulsants are sedation and cerebellar symptoms (nystagmus, tremor and incoordination). Less common side‐effects include haematological changes and cardiac arrhythmia with phenytoin and carbamazepine. The introduction of a mechanism‐based classification of neuropathic pain, together with new anticonvulsants with a more specific pharmacological action, may lead to more rational treatment for the individual patient with neuropathic pain. © 2002 European Federation of Chapters of the International Association for the Study of Pain
Pain‐related fear in acute low back pain: the first two weeks of a new episode
Authors: Sieben Judith M. , Vlaeyen Johan W. S. , Tuerlinckx Sandrine , Portegijs Piet J. M. 
Published: September 2002

The overall aim of this study was to explore the natural course of pain‐related fear during the early stage of a new low back pain episode, using a prospective case series design. Specific research questions addressed the existence of typical patterns in individual time series of pain‐related fear and sequential relationships between the occurrence of pain‐related fear, pain and pain catastrophizing. Forty‐four general practice patients who consulted their physician with a new episode of non‐specific low back pain were recruited. They completed diaries on pain‐related fear, pain and pain catastrophizing for 14 days following the consultation. Follow‐up questionnaires on disability were completed at 3 months and 12 months. Time series analyses produced subgroups of patients with descending, stable and rising levels of pain‐related fear over the 2‐week period. These groups differed on baseline characteristics and outcome at follow‐up. A time‐shift between the occurrence of pain‐events and pain‐related fear or pain catastrophizing could not be demonstrated.In summary, these results fit in with previous findings in chronic patients. A relevant subgroup of patients who might benefit from early intervention could be identified. These findings support the need for further research into fear mechanisms in acute low back pain. © 2002 European Federation of Chapters of the International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Food Intake and Blood Glucose in Normal and Diabetic Cats Fed Ad Libitum
Authors: Martin G J W , Rand J S 
Published: September 2002

Ten diabetic cats were studied at intervals for up to 12 months with twice-daily insulin injections. Ten clinically healthy cats were also studied. Diets fed were based on the individual cat's performance, using mainly commercial dry or canned cat foods and fresh meat. In most cases more than one food was offered. Food was given fresh twice daily, and the cats allowed to eat ad libitum. The food intake and blood glucose were measured every 2 h in diabetic cats after insulin injection and in diabetic and normal cats without insulin injections. Food was quantified by the energy consumed (kJ ME), crude protein (g), crude fat (g), and carbohydrate (g). The blood glucose in 10 diabetic cats was measured for 2 h following a 20-min meal. Both diabetic cats and normal cats showed similar patterns of eating, with a higher food intake in the 2 h after fresh food was placed. Both groups of cats ate multiple small meals spread through the day and night. There was little or no correlation between the blood glucose and the amount of food consumed over the previous 2-h period, in insulin- or non-insulin-treated diabetic cats, or in normal cats. An overnight fast did not significantly alter morning blood glucose in diabetic cats. No demonstrable appetite stimulation occurred following an occurrence of low blood glucose; however, recorded incidences were few. No post-prandial hyperglycaemia was seen in the 10 diabetic cats during a 2-h period following the ingestion of typical cat foods.
Pharmacology of a 40 IU/ml Porcine Lente Insulin Preparation in Diabetic Cats: Findings during the First Week and after 5 or 9 Weeks of Therapy
Authors: Martin GJ , Rand JS 
Published: September 2002

The aim of this study was to measure the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of subcutaneously injected 40 IU/ml porcine lente insulin preparation (Caninsulin, Intervet BV, The Netherlands) in diabetic cats. The pharmacological properties of the insulin in poorly controlled or untreated cats were compared with those after several weeks of treatment, to determine if improved diabetic stability altered the pharmacology of this insulin. In addition, the pharmacological properties of intravenously injected 100 IU/ml regular porcine insulin (Actrapid MC, NovoNordisk, Denmark) were measured. Serial plasma samples were collected after subcutaneous injection of porcine lente insulin from 25 diabetic cats in the first week of admission to a 12-month diabetic treatment trial. Samples were also collected after 4 or 8 weeks of treatment, in those cats which had not achieved diabetic remission by this time. At this time, serial plasma samples were also collected from these cats after intravenous injection of porcine regular insulin. Plasma samples were assayed for glucose, anti-insulin antibodies were extracted using a PEG technique, and samples were assayed for insulin using an RIA kit with low sensitivity for endogenous feline insulin, but high sensitivity for exogenous porcine insulin in feline plasma. Caninsulin injected subcutaneously in diabetic cats led to a peak insulin concentration in plasma after 1.7 ± 0.1 h, and a nadir of blood glucose after 4.1 ± 0.3 h. Insulin and glucose concentrations returned to baseline within 12 h. There was no significant change in the onset or duration of Caninsulin action between the first week of treatment and 5 or 9 weeks of treatment. Actrapid MC injected intravenously had a peak insulin at 0.36 ± 0.03 h, and a nadir of blood glucose at 1.9 ± 0.3 h. Insulin and glucose returned to baseline within 6 h. It was concluded that Caninsulin injected subcutaneously has suitable pharmacological properties for the twice-daily treatment of diabetes mellitus in cats. In addition, Actrapid MC insulin injected intravenously has suitable pharmacological properties for injection every 4–6 h in diabetic cats.
Diabetes Mellitus and Bilateral Cataracts in a Kitten
Authors: Thoresen SI , Bjerkås E , Aleksandersen M , Peiffer RL 
Published: September 2002

An 18-week-old male domestic long-hair kitten was presented with a history of polyuria and polydipsia for several weeks. The general condition was unremarkable, but the kitten was considerably smaller than expected for the age and showed cataracts in both eyes. Serum glucose concentrations were persistently elevated and based on clinical findings and an elevated serum fructosamine concentration, a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was established. Diabetes mellitus is not commonly diagnosed in young kittens, nor are cataracts recognised as a frequent feature of this disease in cats. The cataracts progressed in spite of the insulin therapy and the kitten was euthanised 10 weeks after referral. Histopathological examination of the pancreas revealed few and small islets of Langerhans compared to the examination of pancreas from a healthy kitten of the same age. Histopathological changes in the eyes included cataracts affecting both cortex and nucleus.
Double blind placebo controlled clinical trial of homoeopathic medicines in HIV infection
Authors: Rastogi DP , Singh VP , Singh Vikram , Dey SK , Rao K 
Published: September 2002

AbstractA 6 month study comprising of a Double-blind Placebo-controlled trial of homoeopathic medicines in HIV/AIDS under 2 separate schemes (I) Asymptomatic HIV infection and (II) Persistent generalised lymphadenopathy (50 subjects each) was undertaken from June 1995 to February 1997. As soon as a subject had undergone 6 months of study, they were put on an indicated medicine. Unblinding of the schemes was done only when the last subject had undergone 6 months of study. Changes in the CD4+ T cell numbers in each case before, during and after completion of the study, was taken as the main criterion to assess the outcome of the treatment. Preliminary studies in Scheme I after unblinding, show practically no significant difference in changes in number of CD4+ T cells in subjects of both the placebo and the medicine group. Studies in Scheme II after unblinding, show a significant improvement in CD4+ cell numbers (Upward trend) in the subjects of the medicine group compared to the placebo group. Significantly, after 6 months of study, 5 subjects of the placebo group under Scheme II and 4 from Scheme I with an initial downward trend of CD4+ T cell, have shown an increase in CD4+ T cell count after administration of the indicated homoeopathic medicine in a period of 15–30 days. The study confirms a positive role of homoeopathic medicines in improving immune status of HIV/AIDS patients.
The esoteric and exoteric view of homoeopathy: Two sides of the same coin?
Authors: Schmidt Josef M 
Published: September 2002

AbstractThe terms ‘esoteric’ and ‘exoteric’ are used in German idealistic philosophy for the view from the inside (of the thinking process) and from the outside (on the thoughts that result). They can also be used to present new perspectives of homoeopathy.Homoeopathic literature generally explains homoeopathy esoterically, i.e. as seen through the eyes of devoted practitioners, in terms of faithful obedience to universal laws, eternal truth, divine revelation, etc. In contrast to this, critical medical colleagues usually look at homoeopathy exoterically as a system based on speculation and dogmatism with no clear evidence of efficacy. The reaction to the critics’ exoteric view has divided homoeopaths into those who adopt the critics’ way of reasoning and try to prove their own claims scientifically, and those who ignore external criticism and just go on with their medical work. Both positions are one-sided and have severe shortcomings. Nevertheless, they have decisive practical impacts.Faithful adherence to the doctrine of homoeopathy is likely to help physicians get a maximum effect out of it that would probably not be possible to achieve with a sceptical attitude towards its principles.Limiting one’s horizon to a strictly esoteric view, however, may also be detrimental to the patient, if not balanced by a realistic exoteric view of one’s own limitations. A self-critical attitude may curtail otherwise possible clinical results, but in the long run a mixed position will be safer for patients, and is the only way of communicating and collaborating with mainstream medicine and legislators. Keeping the balance between an esoteric and an exoteric view of homoeopathy is an art, dependent on virtues and bound to ethics. Homoeopathy is therefore not merely a medical method. Its wise application also involves spiritual, artistic and ethical dimensions on the part of the practitioner.
The constitution: views from homoeopathy and psychiatry
Authors: Gaylord SA , Davidson J 
Published: September 2002

AbstractThe notion that individuals differ in their physical and psychical makeup, and that these differences predispose them to various illnesses, is found throughout medical history in various healing traditions. In this paper, the authors address the use of the concept of constitution and constitutional type in homoeopathy, as well as in psychiatry, and describe an approach toward validating the existence of such types in the population.
Community Hospital Homeopathy Clinic: Audit of the first 12 months activity
Authors: Neville-Smith R 
Published: September 2002

AbstractThe aim of the study was to examine the activity of a new service providing a homeopathy clinic at a community hospital. This was initiated in a limited way and was served by a relatively inexperienced practitioner. A range of presenting complaints, treatments and outcomes are described. Funding has been maintained by the Health Authority and referrals have continued to be made by the local eligible General Practitioners. The outcomes have been quite good but the default rate has been disappointingly high.
LM potencies: one of the hidden treasures of the sixth edition of the Organon
Authors: De Schepper L 
Published: September 2002

Abstract50 millesimal (LM) potencies have great advantages for all patients, not just those who are hypersensitive because of their great power to heal without major aggravations. Before discussing their advantages this paper describes what LM potencies are, and how they are administered, then addresses two questions: why do we want to avoid aggravations if most homeopaths look for aggravation to know if the remedy is working? And if LM potencies are indeed superior, why are they still relatively unknown and unused?
Efficacy of homeopathic treatment of skin reactions during radiotherapy for breast cancer: a randomised, double-blind clinical trial
Authors: Balzarini A , Felisi E , Martini A , De Conno F 
Published: September 2002

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the effects of Belladonna 7cH and X-ray 15cH associated in the treatment of acute radiodermatitis. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 66 patients who had been operated on for breast cancer and were undergoing radiotherapy was conducted. The following parameters were assessed over ten weeks: breast skin colour, warmth, swelling and pigmentation.The efficacy of the treatment was assessed by the comparison of these parameters taken individually and by calculating an Index of Total Severity (sum of the scores of the four parameters) during radiotherapy, and during recovery, 15 and 30 d after the end of the radiotherapy.The differences of the scores of the Index of Total Severity during Radiotherapy were not statistically significant, but showed a trend towards a better activity of the homoeopathic medicine compared to placebo. Analysis of the data on Total Severity during recovery, showed a statistically significant benefit of the active medicines over placebo. The homeopathic medicines had particular effectiveness on the heat of the skin.The limited number of patients observed and the posology employed could have interfered with the significance of the results. Chemotherapy and hormonotherapy do not seem to affect the results.
The Doctrine of Signatures: a historical, philosophical, scientific view (II)
Authors: Richardson-Boedler C 
Published: September 2002

AbstractThe first part of this article discussed the history of the Doctrine of Signatures. Bach developed a series of Flower Remedies for emotional states. On the basis of the Doctrine of Signatures, these can liberate the vital force from an alien disease process or ‘archeus’. An understanding of the role of the active principle of a homeopathic medicine, in the physiology of its source, may aid understanding of a curative action.
Magic of signs: a non-local interpretation of homeopathy
Authors: Walach H 
Published: September 2002

AbstractAmong homeopaths the common idea about a working hypothesis for homeopathic effects seems to be that, during the potentization process, ‘information’ or ‘energy’ is being preserved or even enhanced in homeopathic remedies. The organism is said to be able to pick up this information, which in turn will stimulate the organism into a self-healing response. According to this view the decisive element of homeopathic therapy is the remedy which locally contains and conveys this information. I question this view for empirical and theoretical reasons. Empirical research has shown a repetitive pattern, in fundamental and clinical research alike: there are many anomalies in high-dilution research and clinical homeopathic trials which will set any observing researcher thinking. But no single paradigm has proved stable enough in order to produce repeatable results independent of the researcher. I conclude that the database is too weak and contradictory to substantiate a local interpretation of homeopathy, in which the remedy is endowed with causal-informational content irrespective of the circumstances. I propose a non-local interpretation to understand the anomalies along the lines of Jung's notion of synchronicity and make some predictions following this analysis.
More trials, fewer placebos, please
Authors: Dean ME 
Published: September 2002

AbstractThe argument that randomized placebo-controlled trials of homeopathy might usefully be replaced by observational studies, audit and quality-of life assessment is considered. Randomized equivalence and patient-preference trials are proposed as more informative alternatives. They have the merit of providing hard information for health services on the comparative value of treatments, and can facilitate internal comparisons of competing homeopathic methods. The pragmatic approach also allows clinical change during the homeopathic treatment of chronic disease to be assessed without the time constraints usually imposed by placebo controls.
Audit of outcome in 829 consecutive patients treated with homeopathic medicines
Authors: Sevar R 
Published: September 2002

AbstractAn audit was conducted of 829 consecutive patients presenting for homeopathic treatment of a chronic illness, conventional treatment had either failed, plateaued in effect, or was contraindicated by adverse effects, age or condition of the patient.Of the 829 patients, 503 (61%) had a sustained improvement from homeopathic treatment, of these:
Prophylactic and acute treatment with the homeopathic medicine Betula 30c for birch pollen allergy: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of consistency of VAS responses
Authors: Aabel S 
Published: September 2002

AbstractA study of the consistency of responses by allergic patients in repeated studies of the homeopathic remedy Betula 30c or placebo against birch pollen allergy, was made. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed including participants with a known allergy to birch pollen. Allergy symptoms were assessed on a visual analogue scale (VAS) by patients or parents each day during a 20-day period during two different pollen seasons. The work was carried out in Oslo, Norway during May 1995, 1996 and 1997. There were 51 patients ranging in age from 7 to 50 y. The homeopathic remedy Betula 30c or placebo was given as tablets, both as a prophylactic agent, once a week for 4 weeks before the pollen season started, and as an acute remedy during the pollen season. The mean value of the symptom scores on the visual analogue scale, for all registration days from each patient was the main outcome. The patient groups that received either placebo or Betula 30c for two successive years showed a consistent response (r=0.75, P=0.01 and r=0.70, P=0.003, respectively). No such correlation was found in the two groups that changed remedy from one year to another (either from placebo to Betula or vice versa). Subjective assessment of allergic symptoms to birch pollen differed more from one year to another when different regimens (placebo or homeopathic) had been administered these two seasons, than when the same treatment had been given.
Homeopathic pathogenetic trials of Acidum malicum and Acidum ascorbicum
Authors: Fisher P , Dantas F 
Published: September 2002

AbstractTwo homeopathic pathogenetic trials (HPTs, provings), of identical design were conducted: of Acidum malicum 12 cH and Acidum ascorbicum 12 cH. Each trial included 20 healthy volunteers. Both were of double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised, four period crossover design, with two sequences. ‘Healthy’ was defined in terms of SF-36 scores, medical judgement and blood tests. All volunteers had regular interviews with the same supervisor. No serious adverse reactions occurred. The causal relationship of each symptom with treatment was judged, blind, by the volunteer, the supervisor and a 9-item pathogenetic index. For Acidum malicum 79 symptoms were identified by the supervisor, 57 were included in the final analysis, 22 occurred in verum treatment periods. For Acidum ascorbicum, of 55 symptoms, 39 were included in the analysis. 16 occurred in verum treatment periods.
Very high dilutions of dexamethasone inhibit its pharmacological effects in vivo
Authors: Bonamin LV , Martinho KS , Nina AL , Caviglia F , Do Rio RGW 
Published: September 2002

AbstractWe evaluated the interaction of dexamethasone 10−17 and 10−33 M (equivalent to 7cH and 15cH) with dexamethasone in pharmacological concentrations, using as experimental models: acute inflammation induced by carrageenan, Ehrlich ascitic tumour, and migration of tumour infiltrating leukocytes (TIL). Male adult BALB/c mice (n=7 per group) were used in all experiments. Carrageenan (1%) was injected into the footpad for oedema evaluation and into the peritoneal cavity (i.p.), for differential counting of inflammatory cells. Ehrlich ascitic tumour cells (107 viable cells/ml) were injected i.p. and tumour cells were counted after 6 days, by the Trypan blue exclusion method. The differential TIL was counted using smears stained by hematoxylin–eosin. Treatments were made immediately after carrageenan inoculation or once a day, during Ehrlich tumour development, until the animals were killed. Animals were treated with the following preparations: (1) phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution; (2) dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg for inflammation model or 4 mg/kg for tumour model) mixed with dexamethasone 7cH or 15cH; (3) dexamethasone (same doses) mixed in PBS. Homeopathic dexamethasone partially blocked the anti-inflammatory effect of pharmacological dexamethasone with regard to paw oedema (two-way ANOVA, P≤0.0008) and polymorphonuclear cell migration (χ2, P=0.0001). No important differences were observed between experimental and control groups, in relation to Ehrlich tumour cells viability or count, or bodyweight, but potentised dexamethasone restored control levels of TIL viability, compared to mice treated with pharmacological doses of dexamethasone (χ2, P≤0.001). The results demonstrate that a potentised substance may change its own pharmacological effects and suggest that ultradilutions effects act mostly on host response.