- Email: [email protected]
Design of research projects-problems
239
Volume 86, October 1997
studies culled from the literature. Potentized medicines are said to act by regulating hormone production and the gene-expression mechanism. It is postulated that the drug excites the nerve endings on the tongue, the 'signal' passing to the hypothalamus to cause the release of 'suitable' neurone transmitters. These in turn may proceed directly to the target organs or else may act on endocrine glands to release specific hormones that either act on the target organs directly or stimulate other glands to act. Some of these hormones may form protein complexes that become involved in gene regulatory pathways. It is concluded merely that 'pending further verification this idea seems to be a very good working hypothesis'. The author presents a coherent theoretical argument. Unfortunately the question of how to prove it is not addressed. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 1997; 5: 43-46.
Design of research projectsmproblems M.J. FITTER, K.J. THOMAS The requirement to provide evidence for the successful application of complementary therapies has never been more acute. NHS purchasers are demanding an answer to the question 'What is the efficacy of treatment A for condition B?' This paper reviews many of the difficulties associated with classical randomized clinical trial designs where the complex interventions of complementary therapies are involved. The need to retain randomization is stressed, despite potential problems. Randomization serves to strengthen the association between an intervention and an outcome by ensuring the validity of comparison between groups. The authors argue for randomization based on large sample numbers and patients' preferences as much as possible. They also make provision for individualization and the development of a practitioner-patient relationship. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 1997; 5: 90-93.
Ophthalmic problems in rheumatic and auto-immune disorders ODETTE BOUJARD DUFLO The author describes the ophthalmic symptoms
in the ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, myositis, and giant cell arteritis. She discusses conventional treatment and the possibilities of homoeopathy, stressing the necessity of prescribing polychrests. She discusses the value of isotherapy and stimulation of immunity with DNA 9cH and Thymuline 9cH. L'Hom(opathie Europ~enne 1997; 3: 7-13.
Agaricus ANNIE COSTE The mental symptoms of Agaricus are discussed--great joy, great excitement alternating with melancholy, violent delirium, even madness. In children, there is slowness in the psychomotor development, convulsive movements, clumsiness, tics. Dr Coste then reminds us of the principal physical symptoms: spasms, chilblains, thoracic diseases, scabby eczema on the scalp, hiccough, and traumatisms (sprains, subluxations). Revue Belge d'Homgopathie 1997; 2: 37-50.
Critical thinking A. VICKERS Andrew Vickers defines the critical thinking required for research as --adoption of a cautious approach to beliefs and claims - - a process of analysing beliefs to see if they are valid and useful. He outlines tactics used by the Research Council for Complementary Medicine to teach the concept to students and practitioners. These include - - D o not pose a threat to existing types of practice - - B e interactive, asking students for their opinions and ideas --Talk about generalities rather than specifically about abstract aspects of research - - U s e examples from conventional medicine - - U s e examples from everyday life --Explain that issues are being raised rather than answers provided. Vickers goes on to describe the structure of the class in some depth. A useful article, reinforcing much of the current thinking amongst teachers. Alternative Therapies 1997; 3 (3): 57--62.
English-language journals reviewed by Steven Kayne, French-language journals by Philippe Colin, German-language journals by Anna Meuss.
Volume 86, October 1997
studies culled from the literature. Potentized medicines are said to act by regulating hormone production and the gene-expression mechanism. It is postulated that the drug excites the nerve endings on the tongue, the 'signal' passing to the hypothalamus to cause the release of 'suitable' neurone transmitters. These in turn may proceed directly to the target organs or else may act on endocrine glands to release specific hormones that either act on the target organs directly or stimulate other glands to act. Some of these hormones may form protein complexes that become involved in gene regulatory pathways. It is concluded merely that 'pending further verification this idea seems to be a very good working hypothesis'. The author presents a coherent theoretical argument. Unfortunately the question of how to prove it is not addressed. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 1997; 5: 43-46.
Design of research projectsmproblems M.J. FITTER, K.J. THOMAS The requirement to provide evidence for the successful application of complementary therapies has never been more acute. NHS purchasers are demanding an answer to the question 'What is the efficacy of treatment A for condition B?' This paper reviews many of the difficulties associated with classical randomized clinical trial designs where the complex interventions of complementary therapies are involved. The need to retain randomization is stressed, despite potential problems. Randomization serves to strengthen the association between an intervention and an outcome by ensuring the validity of comparison between groups. The authors argue for randomization based on large sample numbers and patients' preferences as much as possible. They also make provision for individualization and the development of a practitioner-patient relationship. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 1997; 5: 90-93.
Ophthalmic problems in rheumatic and auto-immune disorders ODETTE BOUJARD DUFLO The author describes the ophthalmic symptoms
in the ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, myositis, and giant cell arteritis. She discusses conventional treatment and the possibilities of homoeopathy, stressing the necessity of prescribing polychrests. She discusses the value of isotherapy and stimulation of immunity with DNA 9cH and Thymuline 9cH. L'Hom(opathie Europ~enne 1997; 3: 7-13.
Agaricus ANNIE COSTE The mental symptoms of Agaricus are discussed--great joy, great excitement alternating with melancholy, violent delirium, even madness. In children, there is slowness in the psychomotor development, convulsive movements, clumsiness, tics. Dr Coste then reminds us of the principal physical symptoms: spasms, chilblains, thoracic diseases, scabby eczema on the scalp, hiccough, and traumatisms (sprains, subluxations). Revue Belge d'Homgopathie 1997; 2: 37-50.
Critical thinking A. VICKERS Andrew Vickers defines the critical thinking required for research as --adoption of a cautious approach to beliefs and claims - - a process of analysing beliefs to see if they are valid and useful. He outlines tactics used by the Research Council for Complementary Medicine to teach the concept to students and practitioners. These include - - D o not pose a threat to existing types of practice - - B e interactive, asking students for their opinions and ideas --Talk about generalities rather than specifically about abstract aspects of research - - U s e examples from conventional medicine - - U s e examples from everyday life --Explain that issues are being raised rather than answers provided. Vickers goes on to describe the structure of the class in some depth. A useful article, reinforcing much of the current thinking amongst teachers. Alternative Therapies 1997; 3 (3): 57--62.
English-language journals reviewed by Steven Kayne, French-language journals by Philippe Colin, German-language journals by Anna Meuss.