bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Homeopathy and general practice: an urban perspective
Authors: Perry R , Dowrick C 
Published: September 2002

AbstractComplementary medicine appears to be an increasingly popular option amongst both doctors and patients. General practitioners (GPs) in more affluent parts of Britain have showed considerable interest in its use. Our objectives were to ascertain the use of and attitudes towards homeopathy amongst GPs working in a socio-economically deprived urban area such as Liverpool.A postal questionnaire survey was carried out of all general practice principals in Liverpool, using freepost envelopes and one reminder after three weeks. With respect to eight common complementary therapies in general and homeopathy in particular, respondents were asked whether they treat with, refer to or endorse each therapy; and their views were questioned on NHS funding, effectiveness, adverse reactions, training needs and theoretical validity, for each therapy.The response rate was 131/252 (52%), and was higher amongst women and doctors aged under 40 y. During the previous week 37 (28%) GPs had been involved in homeopathy with their patients: 6.5% had treated directly, 18.5% had referred to, and 7% had endorsed homeopathy. 31% of GPs reported successful outcomes by homeopathic treatment compared with 14% reporting adverse effects. Respondents were generally uncertain about the validity of the theoretical basis of homeopathy; only 23% considered it to have a valid basis.
Madingley, Madding, Mad scenarios: an exercise in futurology
Authors: Eskinazi D 
Published: September 2002

AbstractThe Madingley scenarios were created to suggest potential contrasting futures (around year 2020) that could develop from the same driving forces. Those contrasting futures are named ‘Trust their Guidance’ and ‘Find my Way’, respectively. Trust their Guidance depicts a world where institutions have succeeded in adapting to the changing world and have strengthened their power and control on nations. Find my Way depicts a world where empowered individuals have taken responsibility for optimising their own lives. The discussion of these scenarios raised a number of questions including the purpose and role of governments, differences between societies, fundamental vs superficial change and, applied to the area of homeopathy, the role and responsibility of the homeopathic community in shaping the future of this medical approach.
Using a computer-based clinical management system to improve effectiveness of a homeopathic service in a fundholding general practice
Authors: Peters D , Pinto GJ , Harris G 
Published: September 2002

AbstractProblems which the development attempts to address.This study’s overall objectives were to determine whether:Method: The primary care team (PCT) explored the problems of developing a rational and quality assured complementary therapy service in a series of meetings in an NHS practice where complementary therapists are members of the PCT. This led to the defining of data-collection structures and processes needed. The researchers designed and supervised their implementation and evaluation through a series of action research cycles.A database was designed which allowed the clinicians to track interventions and outcomes using the Measure Your Own Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP). Critical incidents were brought to fortnightly clinical meetings and methods were continually adapted as problems arose and new options emerged at six-weekly audit meetings.Results: GPs tended to refer patients who do not fit easily into biomedical disease categories. Patients referred tend to self-rate themselves as experiencing notably poor wellbeing. MYMOP has to be used skillfully with homeopathic patients, especially where psychological distress is identified as one of their main complaints.Conclusions: It is possible to introduce rigour and reflectiveness when providing a homeopathic service in general practice by assessing the needs of patient and practitioners, agreeing intake guidelines, developing referral processes, implementing audit cycles. Clear lines of communication can be established and a patient-centred outcome measure can be introduced into the treatment cycle.
Effects of acupuncture and homeopathy: prospective documentation. Interim results
Authors: Walach H , Güthlin C 
Published: September 2002

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the overall effectiveness in general practice of homeopathy and acupuncture, and to estimate costs.Method: Prospective documentation of all patients insured with an insurance company who are provided with free treatment of acupuncture and homeopathy. 4000 patients treated by acupuncture and 1000 patients by homeopathy will be enrolled. All patients will be followed up from the beginning of treatment for another 4 years. Doctors will provide data on each visit (diagnosis, treatment, change of symptoms, etc.), patients will fill in questionnaires at the beginning and at the end of treatment, as well as each year after the end of treatment (complaints, current treatment, general health status as measured by the MOS-SF 36). Insurance data on workdays lost will be provided by the insurance company.Results: Data acquisition and entry is continuing. Up to now data from the first questionnaire of 1453 patients have been entered and 951 patients have returned the follow-up questionnaire. Doctors’ ratings of the change of the main diagnosis shows improvement of around 80% with only 2% deteriorated. This impression is vindicated by the patients’ follow-up questionnaire. 36% patients rated the therapy as efficacious, 47% as partially efficacious. Quality of life as measured by the SF 36 questionnaire improved significantly in all dimensions. Data on workdays off will be presented.Conclusion: Homeopathy and acupuncture are clinically effective in a variety of medical problems.
Immunologic changes in healthy probands and HIV infected patients after oral administration of Staphylococcus aureus 12c: a pilot study
Authors: Danninger T , Gallenberger K , Kraeling J 
Published: September 2002

AbstractThe tumoricidal and antiviral effects of Staphylococcal toxins are well documented. In a preliminary study we investigated the immune modulating properties of these toxins by administering single oral doses of a 12c potency of a lysate of Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I, to 4 healthy probands and 12 HIV infected patients with clinical symptoms. We observed a decrease of circulating immune complexes in the healthy probands as well as in the HIV positive patients, accompanied in the latter by a significant increase of CD4 lymphocytes, CD4/CD8-ratio and an improvement of the HIV related symptoms. None of the dose dependent toxic effects commonly found in Staphylococcal sepsis were noticed. Further research on the immune modulating effects of potencies of bacterial superantigens is suggested, especially in view of a possible treatment for HIV infected and other immune compromised patients.
An evaluation of Coffea cruda effect on rats
Authors: Ruiz-Vega G , Pérez-Ordaz L , Proa-Flores P , Aguilar-Díaz Y 
Published: September 2002

AbstractTo investigate the effect of the homeopathic medicine Coffea cruda on sleep pattern, it was orally administered to rats at the beginning of their waking period. EEG from the parietal region was recorded during their next sleep cycle. Applying an FFT algorithm, spectral in the band, 0.5–2.5 Hz, was chosen as a marker parameter, evaluated for control and verum groups using a double-blind protocol. Power in the verum group was statistically higher than baseline value, it was not statistically different in the control group. The results indicate that an enhancement in EEG slow delta activity is associated with Coffea cruda.
The widow spider Latrodectus tredecimguttatus: source of the remedy Tarentula hispanica?
Authors: Richardson-Boedler C 
Published: September 2002

AbstractThe European wolf spider, Lycosa tarentula, said to have caused the historical phenomenon of ‘tarantism’, is the official medicinal source of the homeopathic remedy Tarentula hispanica. Yet, scientific evidence links the spider's venomous effects with mild necrotic and minor systemic effects that contrast with the proving symptoms of Tarentula hispanica which show a cerebral and neural component. A comparative investigation by use of toxicological, clinical findings, supported by modern and antique biological texts, as well as homeopathic materia medica, traces the source of the remedy Tarentula hispanica to the Mediterranean widow spider Latrodectus tredecimguttatus, thus warranting a re-evaluation of pharmacological preparation.
The efficacy and safety of a homeopathic gel in the treatment of acute low back pain: a multi-centre, randomised, double-blind comparative clinical trial
Authors: Stam C , Bonnet MS , van Haselen RA 
Published: September 2002

AbstractAcute low back pain is a very common condition in Western industrialised countries. In most cases analgesics or topical medications are prescribed at first encounter with the general practitioner (GP).The aim of this study was to investigate whether the homeopathic gel Spiroflor SRL® gel (SRL) is equally effective and better tolerated than Cremor Capsici Compositus FNA (CCC) in patients with acute low back pain.A multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted in the practices of 19 GPs in the districts of Bristol and Manchester, UK. One hundred and sixty-one subjects suffering from acute low back pain were treated for one week either with SRL or with CCC. Pain was scored on a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS). Main efficacy parameter VAS reduction was compared between treatments. Evaluation of safety was primarily based on the number of subjects with adverse events (AEs), withdrawals due to an AE and adverse drug reactions (ADRs).The mean difference between the VAS reduction in the SRL group and the CCC group adjusted for VAS at baseline and age was −0.6 mm (90%CI=−6.5–5.3 mm). Fewer subjects in the SRL group (11%) experienced an AE than in the CCC group (26%). The same applies to the number of subjects with an ADR (3/81=4% vs 18/74=24%) and the number of subjects withdrawn due to an ADR (0/81=0% vs 8/74=11%).In conclusion, SRL and CCC are equally effective in the treatment of acute low back pain, however, SRL has a better safety profile. Spiroflor SRL® gel is preferable to Capsicum-based products for the topical treatment of low back pain, because of the lower risk of adverse effects.
Homeopathy in Cuban epidemic neuropathy: an open clinical trial
Authors: Cairo J , Elliot BE , Barnouin J , Fleites P , Araoz A , Morales M , Verdura T , Sanchez M , Serrano C , Alvarez JL , Veillard J-J 
Published: September 2002

AbstractIn an outbreak of epidemic neuropathy (EN) in Cuba (1992–1993), most patients were improved by vitamin therapy. In subjects with residual symptoms, alternative treatments including homeopathy were suggested to ameliorate optic and peripheral signs of the disease. An open clinical pilot trial was conducted on 31 patients with long standing symptoms of optic (OPTI group, n=15) or peripheral EN (PERI group, n=16). During the trial, OPTI and PERI patients continued the same treatment that they received before. Carboneum sulphuratum and Tabacum in homeopathic dilutions were administered for 30 days. These medicines are specific to optic EN, but not closely linked with peripheral EN. Clinical status was evaluated by neurological and ophthalmologic tests at diagnosis (Ddiag), 7 days before homeopathic treatment (D0) and 90 days after (D90). From D0 to D90, the percentages of improvement were 73.3% for the OPTI form and 12.5% for the PERI form. The percentage of improved OPTI patients was significantly higher after the homeopathic treatment vs the period between Ddiag and D0 for optical EN (P<0.01), but not for PERI subjects (P>0.05). In the OPTI group, colour vision, visual acuity and visual field improved after homeopathic treatment (P<0.001), these parameters did not change between Ddiag and D90 (P>0.05). Carboneum sulphuratum and Tabacum showed a reasonable effectiveness in optical EN, but were not effective in PERI EN.
Do constitutional types really exist? A further study using grade of membership analysis
Authors: Davidson J , Fisher P , van Haselen R , Woodbury M , Connor K 
Published: September 2002

Abstract‘Constitutional types’ are a feature of homeopathy. Constitutions are constellations of mental, physical and general features. We present results of a 152-item ‘Constitutional Type Questionnaire’ (CTQ), relating to 19 major constitutional remedies. Patients referred to the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital (RLHH) were recruited from outpatient clinics. Each remedy was assigned eight associated features. Each item is rated as it applies to the subject most of the time on a five-point scale. Grade of Membership analysis (GOM) was used for evaluation of remedy profiles. Four hundred and forty-seven individuals provided useable data. Demographic data were collected. A nine pure type solution provided the best fit to the data. Few subjects had exclusive ‘membership’ of one pure type. There are some difficulties in interpretation; for instance some groups were characterised by the absence of ‘constitutional’ features. Some pure types are coherent, recognisable types.The results give some support to the homeopathic concept of constitution. CTQ results correlate quite well with the actual prescribing of homeopaths. Further validation with other cohorts is required and with refinement it might become a useful screening method. It cannot simulate complex information processing performed by homeopathic practitioners.
The Constitutional Type Questionnaire: validation in the patient population of the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital
Authors: van Haselen RA , Cinar S , Fisher P , Davidson J 
Published: September 2002

AbstractIn homeopathy the choice of a medicine is based on the total ‘picture’ presented by the patient. This picture includes ‘constitutional type’ which comprises personality, and general physical features. The Constitutional Type Questionnaire (CTQ) is designed to systematically assess constitutional types. This study examines the reliability and validity of the CTQ. Four hundred and seventy-two outpatients attending clinics at the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital completed the CTQ, a 152-item scale rating features traditionally considered typical of 19 constitutional homeopathic medicine ‘pictures’ on 5-point frequency or severity scales. A subsample was retested after 1 week to measure the test–retest reliability. Another subsample was prescribed a medicine by a homeopathic doctor. Prescriptions were compared with the CTQ, to assess the content validity of the scale. The construct validity was measured by Grade of Membership (GOM) analysis. The scale demonstrated good test–retest reliability (r=0.73), internal consistency (r=0.95). The correlation between CTQ results and the medicine prescribed by the homeopathic doctor was 75.8%. The GOM analyses are reported by Davidson et al elsewhere in this issue of the journal. Although the CTQ could be improved, the scale displays good reliability and validity.
Nerve Transfer to the Median Nerve Using Parts of the Ulnar and Radial Nerves in the Rabbit – Effects on Motor Recovery of the Median Nerve and Donor Nerve Morbidity
Authors: LUTZ B. S. , CHUANG D. C. C. , CHUANG S. S. , HSU J. C. , MA S. F. , WEI F. C. 
Published: September 2002

In this study, motor re-innervation of the median nerve by transfer of one-third, one-half, and two-thirds of either the agonistic ulnar nerve or the antagonistic radial nerve was investigated in both extremities of 20 rabbits. Recipient median nerve: Muscle contraction force of the flexor digitorum sublimus muscle after a one-third and a one-half of the ulnar nerve transfer achieved an average of 75 and 97% muscle power respectively as compared to conventional end-to-end neurorrhaphy. Muscle contraction force after one-third or one-half of the radial nerve transfer was significantly lower (36%). Donor nerves: Extensor carpi radialis muscle or flexor carpi ulnaris muscle contraction force 6 months postoperatively demonstrated a significant decrease after a one-half ulnar nerve and a two-thirds ulnar or radial nerve transfer, but not after a one-third transfer of either radial or ulnar nerves. Histologically, the number of axons in the re-innervated median nerve and both donor nerves distal to the coaptation site seemed to follow variable patterns. It was concluded that in the rabbit use of one-third of the agonistic ulnar nerve for re-innervation of the median nerve results in useful motor recovery with negligible donor site morbidity. Clinically, this technique may offer an alternative option for proximal nerve injuries or for free functioning muscle transplantations.
Mallet Deformity in Sport
Authors: SIMPSON D. , McQUEEN M. M. , KUMAR P. 
Published: September 2002

During a four month period 851 patients presented to the Edinburgh Orthopaedic Trauma Unit with an acute sporting injury. Eighteen (2%) patients had either a soft tissue or bony mallet deformity. Six different sports were identified with rugby accounting for eight of the 18 mallet deformities. All patients were treated with splintage. Fourteen patients returned questionnaires regarding subjective digit function following treatment and nine patients claimed excellent function. The average splinting time for this group was 6 weeks and sports were avoided for an average of 5 weeks. Mallet deformity accounts for a minority of sporting injuries, but excellent functional outcome can be achieved with splintage and avoidance of the causative sport while splinted.
Streptococcus Milleri Infection
Authors: LUNN J. V. , RAHMAN K. J. , MACEY A. C. 
Published: September 2002

We report three cases of flexor sheath infection due to Streptococcus milleri in two patients. Soft tissue damage was extensive despite surgical debridement and appropriate antibiotic therapy. One patient had two digits amputated and the other had the affected digit amputated at the level of the proximal interphalangeal joint. These cases illustrate the potential pathogenicity of a bacterium which is often regarded as a commensal.
Using Demonstrations during Lectures
Authors: Fierro Julieta 
Published: September 2002

AbstractI shall present a series of easy demonstrations that can be carried out during formal astronomy lectures. Since astronomy is physics we have developed on Earth applied to celestial objects, there are many useful experiments that can be carried out with relative ease by physics teachers in order to help pupils grasp the workings of the universe and to relate them with every day experiences. One of the difficulties in teaching science is that we use two-dimensional pictures to explain a three-dimensional reality. Using models helps students understand some of the properties of celestial objects. Although it is important to have pupils experiment on their own, some demonstrations are so simple that it is enough to have the teacher carry them out during the lecture to have pupils grasp their importance or at least keep their attention focused on the topic at hand. The demonstrations can be used in elementary education as well as in introductory astronomy courses and teacher workshops.
On the Gas Surrounding High-Redshift Galaxy Clusters
Authors: Francis Paul J. , Wilson Greg M. , Woodgate Bruce E. 
Published: September 2002

AbstractFrancis & Hewett (1993) identified two 10 Mpc-scale regions of the high-redshift universe that were seemingly very overdense in neutral hydrogen. Subsequent observations showed that at least one of these gas-rich regions enveloped a cluster of galaxies at redshift 2 ·38. We present improved observations of the three background QSOs with sightlines passing within a few Mpc of this cluster of galaxies. All three QSOs show strong neutral hydrogen absorption at the cluster redshift, suggesting that this cluster (and perhaps all high-redshift clusters) may be surrounded by a ~5 Mpc-scale region containing ~10 12 Mʘ of neutral gas. We show that if most high-redshift clusters are surrounded by such regions, the gas must be in the form of many small (<1 kpc), dense (> 0·03 cm ˗3 ) clouds, each of mass <10 6 Mʘ . These clouds are themselves probably gathered into >20 kpc-sized clumps, which may be galaxy halos or protogalaxies. If this gas exists, it will be partially photoionised by the UV background. We predict the diffuse Lyα flux from this photoionisation, and place observational limits on its intensity.
QSO-Galaxy Correlations: Lensing or Dust?
Authors: Croom Scott M. 
Published: September 2002

AbstractWe present evidence for an anti-correlation between faint QSOs and B < 23 galaxies.A sample of 192 QSOs in a 2.5 deg2 area has been imaged using the Isaac Newton Telescope Wide-Field Camera. The cross-correlation signal is of a similar amplitude to the galaxy auto-correlation function at the limit of B < 23, but is negative in sign. As fainter galaxies are selected the negative correlation signal becomes less significant, until the signal is effectively zero at B < 26. We propose two alternate explanations for the observed effect. The first is gravitational lensing of the faint background QSOs, which have a flat number count slope. However, the lensing signal is significantly higher than expected in conventional models. The second possibility is that inter-galactic dust absorption is responsible. A reddening of only E(B - V) ≃ 0.02 is required to produce the observed correlation. The large 2dF and SDSS QSO surveys should allow a definitive solution to the question of QSO–galaxy correlations.
Microlensing of Quasars
Authors: Wambsganss Joachim 
Published: September 2002

AbstractMicrolens-induced variability in multiple quasars can be used to study two cosmological issues of great interest, the size and brightness profile of quasars on one hand, and the distribution of compact (dark) matter along the line of sight on the other. Here a summary is given of recent theoretical progress as well as observational evidence for quasar microlensing, plus a discussion of desired observations and required theoretical studies.
X-Ray Microlensing of Bright Quasars
Authors: Mineshige Shin , Yonehara Atsunori , Takahashi Rohta 
Published: September 2002

AbstractWe calculate the expected microlens light curves to see what aspects of flow structures can be extracted by microlensing.We specifically pick up a disk-corona model as a model for bright quasars.We then expect distinct behaviour in the soft and hard X-ray microlens variations. Since soft X-ray emission is produced by Compton up-scattering of soft (optical-UV) photons from the innermost part of the disk, while hard X-ray radiation is via bremsstrahlung within the corona of a large volume, the model calculations predict more rapid soft X-ray changes than hard X-ray ones. Further, bright spots (or blobs) on the disk will produce humps in the microlens light curves. Future microlens observations will constrain such emission processes, thereby probing accretion flow structure.
The 2dF Gravitational Lens Survey
Authors: Mortlock Daniel J. , Madgwick Darren S. , Lahav Ofer 
Published: September 2002

AbstractThe 2 degree Field (2dF) galaxy redshift survey will involve obtaining spectra of approximately 2.5 105 objects which have previously been identified as galaxy candidates on morphological grounds. Included in these spectra should be about ten gravitationally-lensed quasars, all with low-redshift galaxies as deflectors (as the more common lenses with high-redshift deflectors will be rejected from the survey as multiple point-sources). The lenses will appear as superpositions of galaxy and quasar spectra, and either cross-correlation techniques or principal components analysis should be able to identify candidates systematically. With the 2dF survey approximately half-completed it is now viable to begin a methodical search for these spectroscopic lenses, and the first steps of this project are described here.