bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How to map and ablate atrial scar macroreentrant tachycardia of the right atrium
Authors: Cosio F. G. , Pastor A. , Núñez A. , Montero M. A. 
Published: September 2002

Abstract
A special form of macroreentrant atrial tachycardia (MRAT), due to reentrant activation around surgical scars, can occur in patients after cardiac surgery. Scar MRAT occurs usually after correction of congenital defects, such as atrial or ventricular septal defects, and especially after Mustard, Senning or Fontan procedures, but it can occur also after myxoma, valvular or coronary bypass surgery.
The simplest form of scar MRAT is reentry around a lateral right atrial surgical scar. A basic mapping array with multiple simultaneous recordings from the anterior and septal right atrium is very useful to make the electrophysiological diagnosis. A line of double electrograms can be mapped in the centre of the circuit and a fragmented electrogram usually marks the pivoting point between the inferior end of the scar and the inferior vena cava (IVC). Extension of the scar toward the closest fixed obstacle, usually the IVC, by means of radiofrequency ablation, can interrupt the tachycardia and make it non-inducible. Typical atrial flutter usually coexists with scar MRAT and flutter isthmus ablation is probably indicated in all cases.
In patients having undergone baffle atrial surgery it can be impossible to map the whole circuit and entrainment-mapping is helpful to localize critical isthmuses in the circuit. After the Fontan operation the right atrium can be severely dilated and scarred, and multiple, complex reentry circuits can be found. Left atrial MRAT based on large areas of scar has been described, but there is still too little experience with these to propose general rules for diagnosis and management.
Plasma Leptin Concentrations are Independently Associated with Insulin Sensitivity in Lean and Overweight Cats
Authors: Appleton DJ , Rand JS , Sunvold GD 
Published: September 2002

This study investigated relationships between plasma leptin, insulin concentrations, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in lean and overweight cats. Leptin concentrations were measured in 16 cats during glucose tolerance tests before and after gaining weight, and after feeding a test meal in overweight cats. An important finding of this study is that in both lean (r=-0.79) and overweight (r=-0.89) cats, the higher the leptin concentrations, the more insulin resistant the cat, independent of the degree of adiposity. Leptin concentrations at baseline and after consuming a meal tended to be higher in overweight cats with glucose intolerance, compared to overweight cats with normal glucose tolerance, although the difference was not significant. After feeding the test meal to overweight cats in the early morning, plasma leptin concentrations initially decreased before subsequently rising to peak 15 h later, which coincided with late evening. The leptin peak occurred 9 h after the insulin peak following ingestion of the test meal. Importantly, this study suggests that increased leptin concentrations may contribute to the diminished insulin sensitivity seen in overweight cats. Alternatively, the compensatory hyperinsulinaemia found with insulin resistance in overweight cats could stimulate leptin production.
OscillococcinumR in patients with influenza-like syndromes: A placebo-controlled double-blind evaluation
Authors: Papp Rosemarie , Schuback Gert , Beck Elmar , Burkard Georg , Bengel Jürgen , Lehrl Siegfried , Belon Philippe 
Published: September 2002

AbstractA controlled clinical trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of OscillococcinumR in the treatment of patients with influenza-like syndromes. 188 patients received the test drug and 184 patients were assigned to the placebo. Data were recorded by the participating physicians at the beginning of the treatment, after 48 hours and after 7–10 days. During the first few days, the patients recorded their rectal temperature twice a day (mornings and evenings), 9 symptoms on a rating scale (cough, catarrh, sore throat, muscle pain, etc.), and use of medication. Recovery was defined as follows: ‘rectal temperature < 37.5°C and no headache or muscle pain’. Effectiveness was defined as a statistically significant greater decrease in symptoms after 48 hours in the verum group or a shorter duration of symptoms in comparison to the placebo group. After 48 hours the symptoms of the patients in the verum group were significantly milder (P=0.023) than in the placebo group. The number of patients with no symptoms was significantly higher in the verum group from the second day onwards (verum: 17.4%, placebo: 6.6%) until the end of the patients’ recording (day 5 in the evening: verum: 73.7%, placebo: 67.7%). The biggest group difference was recorded for the time between the evening of the second day (10.6% more patients with no symptoms) and the morning of the fourth day (10.2% more patients with no symptoms). The clinical trial showed that treatment of influenza-like syndromes with OscillococcinumR has a positive effect on the decline of symptoms and on the duration of the disease.
A study of remedies prescribed at Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital
Authors: Kayne Steven , Beattie Neil 
Published: September 2002

AbstractIn order to determine prescribing trends, data on the numbers of homoeopathic prescriptions in a winter month in four years were collected at the Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital. The level of experience of prescribing doctors were also calculated. The most commonly prescribed medicine was Natrum muriaticum, the most frequently used dilution was 200 c.
Similitude in modern pharmacology
Authors: Teixeira MZ 
Published: September 2002

AbstractThe principle of the similitude, the basis of homeopathy, has correspondences in the clinical studies of secondary effects of many modern pharmaceutical agents through the observation of the rebound effects of these drugs. Through clinical pharmacology, I proposed a model on which to base the scientificism of the homeopathic model. We have studied the effects of the drugs in the human body using pharmacological compendia and recent scientific works, confirming the mechanism of the homeopathic medicines’ action through the verification of the primary action of the drugs and the consequent secondary reaction of the organism in hundreds of pharmaceutical agents. Treatment exploiting the “rebound” effect (curative vital reaction) may also be observed. This work suggests a research methodology to scientifically base the therapeutic principle of similitude.
Dual effects of a homeopathic mineral complex on carrageenan-induced oedema in rats
Authors: Bertani S , Lussignoli S , Andrioli G , Bellavite P , Conforti A 
Published: September 2002

AbstractCarrageenan oedema, a classical experimental model commonly used to test activity of anti-inflammatory drugs, was used to evaluate the therapeutic activity of a low-potency mineral complex (MC). The MC was administered in the right plantar surface of albino rats 60 min before, simultaneously and 30 min after injection of carrageenan, an irritant which causes a local, transitory increase of fluid volume. The administration of the MC 60 min before the injection of carrageenan primed the animal to enhanced inflammatory response to the irritant. The administration of MC contemporarily to carrageenan did not modify the kinetic and the extent of the oedema, while the administration of the MC 30 min after the induction of the oedema significantly reduced the early phase of the inflammatory reaction. This indicated that the therapeutic action of this MC is not due to conventional anti-inflammatory effect but to activation of endogenous regulatory mechanisms, a phenomenon which may be regarded as a simple application of the ‘similia rule’.
Homeopathic treatment of migraine: A double blind, placebo controlled trial of 68 patients
Authors: Straumsheim P , Borchgrevink C , Mowinckel P , Kierulf H , Hafslund O 
Published: September 2002

AbstractTo evaluate the efficacy of homeopathy in preventing migraine attacks and accompanying symptoms, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. There was a one-month registration period without treatment, followed by four months individualised homeopathic treatment or identical placebo. Patients were stratified for common or classical migraine.Seventy-three patients were randomised, 68 completed the trial. Baseline values were similar in the two groups. Both the homeopathy and placebo groups had reduction in attack frequency, pain intensity and drug consumption, with a statistically non-significant difference favouring homeopathy. Migraine diaries showed no difference between groups. The neurologists’ trial evaluation showed a statistically significant reduction in attack frequency in the homeopathy group (P=0.04) and non-statistically significant trends in favour of homeopathy for pain intensity and overall evaluation.Further research, with improved trial design, on the possible role of homeopathy in migraine prophylaxis is justified.
A new homeopathic approach to neoplastic diseases: from cell destruction to carcinogen-induced apoptosis
Authors: Montfort H 
Published: September 2002

AbstractNeoplastic diseases are now among the most commonly seen conditions. Orthodox, non-surgical approaches, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, have variable results, but many adverse affects that limit their use. These are sometimes the direct cause of death. More patients are choosing alternative treatments, mainly the homeopathic and herbal-nutrition approach.Homeopathy does not have highly effective remedies for cancer in its literature, and has been limited to palliating the adverse effects of chemo/radiotherapy. Research into substances that can produce neoplastic diseases (carcinogens), may lead to them being used to treat the cancer they cause, according to the principle of similarity. I have used ultra-low doses (1×10−10 to 10−12 molar) of chemical carcinogens for 3–24 months, which have been given to cancer patients, usually in conjunction with conventional treatment. Using this procedure, complete remission or life extension has been achieved for some cancer cases. Three clinical cases are presented: a man with undifferentiated lung cancer; a child with an astrocytoma and a woman with leiomyosarcoma.
What research is needed to show the effectiveness of homeopathy?
Authors: Kleijnen J 
Published: September 2002

AbstractUsing the similia principle, the classical homeopath tries to find a substance that fits the patients complaints as closely as possible. Unusual symptoms that do not fit the symptom complexes recognised by conventional medicine may be considered even more important than the regular symptoms. This is why homeopathy is a highly individualised treatment, resulting in different treatments for patients who would receive an identical treatment in conventional medicine.
International integrative primary care outcomes study (IIPCOS-2): an international research project of homeopathy in primary care
Authors: Heger M , Riley DS , Haidvogl M 
Published: September 2002

AbstractObjective: The primary objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment compared to conventional treatment for respiratory and ear complaints commonly seen in the primary care setting: runny nose, sore throat, ear pain, sinus pain, and cough.Method: This study is an international, multi-center, prospective, outcomes study on the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment compared to conventional treatment. The participating investigators will be divided into three groups:A total of 2400 patients will be recruited. Consecutive patients, age one month or older, presenting with one of the five chief complaints, and onset of symptoms less than seven days will be included into the study. Prior to enrolment into the trial each patient must provide written informed consent. Patient outcome will be measured using the Integrative Medicine Outcomes Scale (IMOS) at 7-, 14- and 28-d telephone follow-up. In addition, covariate data related to the following will be collected: patient demographics and medical history, patient preference for treatment and willingness to be randomized, health-related quality of life, primary treatment and adjunctive therapies prescribed, adverse events, type and length of consultation, follow-up recommendation, patient compliance, patient satisfaction with treatment, and patient willingness to choose therapy and health care provider again. The main outcome criterion will be the response rate according to the IMOS after 14 days of treatment.Results: Preliminary interim results will be presented.Conclusions: Lessons learned from the study will be discussed.
The economic evaluation of complementary medicine: a staged approach at the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital
Authors: van Haselen R 
Published: September 2002

AbstractObjective: The practical implementation of a staged, multifaceted research agenda for the economic evaluation of complementary medicine (CM) at the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital (RLHH).Method: The relative importance of economic evaluation as an evidence base of CM was assessed via a survey conducted with purchasers (n=481). The marginal costs of providing complementary care for patients with rheumatoid arthritis were calculated. The use, and changes in the use, of conventional medicines for patients’ main complaints were established retrospectively (n=499) and prospectively (n=70). Health-related quality of life (patient utility) of newly referred patients was assessed with the EQ-5D (EuroQol) instrument (n=70) on a 100 mm (0=worst, 100=best) scale.Results: Economic evaluation was rated ‘important’ as an evidence base, after safety and RCT data (‘very important’). Consultation time (doctors and dietician) contributed 29% of the total costs of treating rheumatoid arthritis. The retrospective survey showed that many patients on conventional medication were able to stop (29%) or reduce (32%) intake in the course of treatment. The median (quartiles) health state of newly referred patients was 70 mm (50,78) in men and 60 mm (36,73) in women. Some results of an interim analysis of 6 months follow-up data are reported.Conclusions: Economic evaluation of CM is becoming increasingly important and should take place by using a multifaceted, staged approach. Before embarking on randomised trials, observational data on cost, effectiveness and utility should be collected. The cost-effectiveness of CM appears to be most sensitive to the duration of the consultation.
Improving the evaluation of homeopathy: economic considerations and impact on health
Authors: Chaufferin G 
Published: September 2002

AbstractObjectives: The financial crisis of health insurance systems sometimes drives public policy-makers to take precipitate action dominated by economic imperatives. The question addressed here consists in defining homeopathy’s scope of intervention, its place in health care strategies, recourse to treatment, and especially economic data appraising homeopathy’s impact on expenditures and outlay covered by health insurance in France.Method: We used the General Evaluation Model to define the study (to whom is the evaluation made, situations, criteria, measurement of these criteria, quality and precision).Results: The main results are in terms of costs, as follows:The differences observed cannot be explained by the patient profile or the diseases treated. Furthermore, a study carried out in France showed that 87% of patients whose physicians had prescribed homeopathic treatment did not see another physician for the same problem.Conclusions: Once basic analysis has been done, so that the economic and epidemiological impact of a certain health strategy can be determined, it is necessary to proceed further, helping healthcare providers and public authorities to make decisions. Various possibilities exist and should be investigated.
Inter-rater reliability of symptom repertorisation: a pragmatic empirical study
Authors: Vickers AJ , van Haselen RA , Pang L , Berkovitz S 
Published: September 2002

AbstractObjective: To determine the extent to which two homeopaths agree on whether symptoms reported by patients in a proving are possibly associated with Mercurius solubilis.Design: Blinded, inter-rater reliability study.Participants: 104 subjects in a randomised, double-blind mercury proving.Outcome measures: 557 symptom episodes spontaneously reported by subjects were classified as ‘mercury’ or ‘not mercury’ by two homeopaths working blind to each other's conclusions and to patient allocation.Results: Initial agreement between homeopaths was 70.2%, a kappa of 0.39, (95% CI 0.31, 0.47). Some disagreements appear to have resulted from differing interpretations of the study instructions. After suitable correction, agreement was 76.5% and kappa 0.56 (95% CI 0.49, 0.63).Conclusions: The study homeopaths had only a moderate level degree of agreement greater than that expected by chance. The main factor seems to have been differences between data from different sources. There is an urgent need for more research on the methods of choosing homoeopathic medicines in order to improve the reliability and validity of homoeopathic diagnoses.
No beneficial effect of isopathic prophylactic treatment for birch pollen allergy during a low-pollen season: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of homeopathic Betula 30c
Authors: Aabel S 
Published: September 2002

AbstractThe objective of this research was to determine if the homeopathic medicine Betula 30c is more effective than placebo at reducing symptoms of pollen allergy in patients sensitive to birch pollen. It was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Tablets were given both as a prophylactic agent, once a week four weeks before the pollen season and as an acute remedy during the pollen season. The study was done in Oslo, Norway, in May 1996 and involved 73 children, adolescents and young adults from 7 to 25 y of age. Allergy-symptoms were assessed on a visual analogue scale (VAS) by patients or parents. Main outcome measure was the median (with its 95% confidence interval) of the symptom scores for all the treated patients, each day during a 10-day period. The pollen count was very low in 1996, only three days were high enough to provoke allergic symptoms. Surprisingly, the verum treated patients fared worse than the placebo group; they used more rescue medication and had higher symptom scores during these three days. Homeopaths might attribute the findings to a putative aggravation response, but the results certainly do not lend support to the usefulness of the tested prophylactic approach, under conditions of low allergen exposure.
Cushing's Disease: a new approach to therapy in equine and canine patients
Authors: Elliott M 
Published: September 2002

AbstractForty-one cases of Cushing's Disease affecting both equine and canine patients were treated with an identical mixture of two homeopathically prepared remedies (ACTH 30c and Quercus robur 30c), and the clinical improvements seen in the cases assessed. Homeopathy has been described as a medicine that can only be prescribed on the basis of individual symptoms shown, fitting the remedy to the patient, not the disease. The aim of this study was to define whether a standardised approach, using homeopathically prepared remedies, was a valid system of therapy for this disease, and if so, whether results were repeatable between species. The overall success rate for the therapy was 80% and results were broadly similar between the two species, indicating that homeopathy lends itself to the treatment of Cushing's Disease, and also to both cohort studies and group medicine.
On the scientific status of homeopathy
Authors: Chibeni SS 
Published: September 2002

AbstractCritics of homeopathy often claim that it is non-scientific. By offering adequate tools for the analysis of the foundations, structure and implications of scientific theories, philosophy of science can help to clarify this medical controversy. However, homeopathy has not yet attracted the attention of philosophers of science to any noticeable extent. Among the many topics to which philosophy of science could contribute, this paper selects two, not only for their intrinsic importance, but also because they are essential for any fruitful discussion of the rest. It is shown, first, that in homeopathy, as developed by Hahnemann, two related, but distinct theoretical levels can be identified. Then it is indicated that at least one of them—the phenomenological level—can be seen as embodying a largely autonomous research programme, on which homeopathic medical practice can rest. Finally, it is argued that this programme displays the basic theoretical and methodological traits of a genuine science, according to an influential contemporary approach in philosophy of science. Some misunderstandings involved in the debate are pointed out.
Effects of homeopathic treatment in women with premenstrual syndrome: a pilot study
Authors: Yakir M , Kreitler S , Brzezinski A , Vithoulkas G , Oberbaum M , Bentwich Z 
Published: September 2002

AbstractAlternative therapies in general, and homeopathy in particular, lack clear scientific evaluation of efficacy. Controlled clinical trials are urgently needed, especially for conditions that are not helped by conventional methods. The objective of this work was to assess the efficacy of homeopathic treatment in relieving symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It was a randomised controlled double-blind clinical trial. Two months baseline assessment with post-intervention follow-up for 3 months was conducted at Hadassah Hospital outpatient gynaecology clinic in Jerusalem in Israel 1992–1994. The subjects were 20 women, aged 20–48, suffering from PMS. Homeopathic intervention was chosen individually for each patient, according to a model of symptom clusters. Recruited volunteers with PMS were treated randomly with one oral dose of a homeopathic medication or placebo. The main outcome measure was scores of a daily menstrual distress questionnaire (MDQ) before and after treatment. Psychological tests for suggestibility were used to examine the possible effects of suggestion. Mean MDQ scores fell from 0.44 to 0.13 (P<0.05) with active treatment, and from 0.38 to 0.34 with placebo (NS). (Between group P=0.057). Improvement >30% was observed in 90% of patients receiving active treatment and 37.5% receiving placebo (P=0.048). Homeopathic treatment was found to be effective in alleviating the symptoms of PMS in comparison to placebo. The use of symptom clusters in this trial may offer a novel approach that will facilitate clinical trials in homeopathy. Further research is in progress.
Homeopathy: progress and promise, a critical perspective
Authors: Borneman JP 
Published: September 2002

AbstractThis lecture attempts to analyse the progress made by homeopathy in recent years, by analysing consumer awareness, sales and distribution trends of homeopathic products, and research publications. Sales of homeopathic medicines are growing rapidly, but remain a very small fraction of the total pharmaceutical market. The proportion of combination to single medicines varies widely between countries. The market is concentrated in a relatively small number of the available medicines; many available homeopathic medicines are never used. Regulation of homeopathic practitioners and medicines is problematic, the legal position varies between countries. The volume of research is growing steadily. A series of recommendations is made, including modernisation of the terminology of homeopathy, training of more practitioners, a defined research agenda and integration into the medical system.