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Stratified alternation, and alternative to stratified randomization?
Volume 81, Number 2, April 1992
are still being made by other workers 13 years later, and the quality of modern homoeopathic research sometimes leaves much to be desired. Hornung reviews some of the difficulties in running trials. The Berlin Journal on Research in Hom~eopathy 1991 ;1:77-84 The articles are interspersed with chatty comments from the Editor, the odd quiz and invitations to contribute. Unfortunately in this first issue, not all articles have a summary, but the journal should be successful if it manages to maintain regular publication. A good balance of international contributors is also necessary: in this first edition it was France 3, Germany 2, with the US and the Editor scoring 1 each! Diversity of stable isotopes and physical foundations of hom~eopathic effect A. A. B E R E Z I N Alexander Berezin, a Canadian physicist, motivated by the Benveniste controversy, proposes a physical model for homoeopathic activity. It is based on a memory mechanism being achieved by the dynamic patterning of stable isotopes in water. Having briefly outlined the theory of isotopes, the application to homeeopathy is explained. The model is 'open-ended', allowing for interactive compatibility with the work of other researchers. Berezin concludes that it is quite possible that hom~eopathy exemplifies a situation for which a whole range of alternative mechanisms could be relevant, including presciber-patient interactions, and that these may change with variations in the hom0eopathic protocol. To pursue the theory further, an appropriate experimental programme would be required. The Berlin Journal on Research in Homaeopathy 1991 ;1:85-92 Hom~eopathic treatment of migraines: a randomized double.blind study of sixty cases B. BRIGO, G. SERPELLONI A paper from Verona reports on challenge to the homoeopathic approach using a randomized double blind migraine study. Sixty patients, mainly female, between the ages of 12 and 70 years, were given a dose of a 30c potency on four separate occasions over two-week intervals. The usual modifications to clinical testing in homceopathic environments were adjudged necessary. As it was the technique that was being tested, rather than a specific drug, the choice of medicine was based on individual prescriptions and
113 the authors used a total of eight different medicines in the trial; different mixtures of two of these were used on 20 patients, with a further 10 patients receiving a single medicine. The remaining 30 patients acted as control and received placebo. A positive result is reported, and homeeopathic efficacy said to have been demonstrated at a potency beyond Avogadro's number. The Berlin Journal on Research in Homoeopathy 1991 ;1:98-106 The international hom~eopathic renaissance D. ULLMAN A brief, but interesting interlude is offered by Dana Ullman from Berkeley who looks at the history and recent development of homoeopathy in Europe, India, the Soviet Union and the USA. When reporting a surge of interest in Scotland, courtesy of The Times, the author states that 'The Scots hate to be overshadowed by the British, and this is also true in hom~eopathy'. Och, aye. Home rule must have crept in unseen by almost all! We learn that hom~eopathic physicians can charge for treatment in the Soviet Union and that sales of homceopathic medicines in the US grew tenfold from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. We also learn that to aid the growth of homo~opathy in Germany, a former President, Prof. Karl Castens, and his wife Dr Veronica, recently started a foundation for homcropathic research the very same foundation that sponsors a certain Journal on Research in Homaeopathy! The Berlin Journal on Research in Homveopathy 1991;1:118-120 Was it the better way? The 1980 study by Gibson et aI. Reviewed J. H O R N U N G Continuing a commentary on the early work of Gibson et al. begun in the first issue, Prof. Hornung reviews the improved methods used in 1980 and concludes that this second study was 'sound on the whole', despite the low number of patients and relatively short observation period. The Berlin Journal on Research in Homaeopathy 1991;1:124-28 Stratified alternation, and alternative to stratified randomization? J. H O R N U N G The question of how Gibson allocated patients to treatment groups in the 1980 studies is pursued in a further short paper. The merit of strat-
114 ified alternation as an alternative to stratified randomization is outlined; this could be of interest to researchers when designing controlled clinical trials. The Berlin Journal on Research in Homceopathy 1991;1:129-31 The current edition of the Homint R & D Newsletter, unfortunately incorrectly numbered, comprises three contributions reprinted from elsewhere and a short correspondence on 'biased publication bias' by Kleijnen and Bol. Two items are worthy of brief mention. Treatment of pollinosis with the hom~eopathic preparation galphimia glauca M. W I E S N A U E R , W. GAUS, S. HAUSSLER The authors concluded from a 1990 placebo controlled double blind trial on 201 subjects that patients with hay fever syndrome who took the remedy Galphimia 2c showed a greater improvement than patients who took a placebo. Eye and nose symptoms were marked by a GP according to a four point scale. Surprisingly, however, no pollen counts are taken during the study to relate observed reactions to the strength of the stimulus. H o m l n t R & D Newsletter 1991;2(4) An experimental approach to the concept of hormesis and the hom~eopathic similia law R. VAN WIJK et al. Notice is given of a paper, presently in press, that will provide a molecular basis for understanding the effects of low doses of toxicants inreducing the adverse effects of a harmful stressor. The incomplete reference yields no clue as to when and where the final article will appear. H o m l n t R & D Newsletter 1991;2(4) Assessment of cytogenetic damage in X-irradiated mice, and its alteration by oral administration of a potentized hom~eopathic drug, Ginseng 30 A. R. K H U D A - B U K H S H and S. BANIK A paper from India reports on the effects of administering a hom~eopathic drug on cytogenetic damage induced by X-irradiated mice. Ginseng 200x was orally administered to batches of mice exposed at two intensities of radiation over three different durations of time; the results were assessed using methods based on protocols of chromosome aberration and micronuclei (MNT) testing. The authors report that the drug appeared to
British Homceopathic Journal
produce a 'spectacular protective action' when compared with controls, but they are unable to suggest a possible mechanism. It is concluded from this study, and from previous studies using 6x and 30x potencies, that Ginseng may be recommended as a potential drug for anti-radiation activity. The Berlin Journal on Research in Homaeopathy 1991;1:254~53 Alterations of cytogenic effects by oral administration of a hom~eopathic drug, Ruta graveolens, in mice exposed to sub-lethal X-irradiation A. R. K H U D A - B U K H S H and S. BANIK In a second, similar study, Ruta 30x and Ruta 200x were tested for possible radio-protective action. 'Sperm-head' abnormality and mitotic index studies were used in addition to chromosome aberration and MNT. The results demonstrate that Rata has good potential for being considered as a radio protective drug. The Berlin Journal on Research in Homveopathy 1991 ;1:264-74 Synergism of action between indolacetic acid (IAA) and highly diluted solutions of CaCO 3 on the growth of oat coleoptiles C. B O R N O R O N I Papers on agricultural aspects of hom~eopathy appear infrequently, and this contribution from Italy is very welcome. The work was conducted to assess the effect of Calc. carb. potencies on the growth of oat coleoptiles stimulated by 100 ~m of the growth hormone IAA. It is concluded that the specimens pretreated with Calc. carb 5x prior to the addition of I A A exhibited a statistically significant increase in growth as compared with the hormone alone. The drug had no effect on the growth of coleoptile segments when applied witout IAA, proving that its action was synergistic. A reduction in the growth effect resulted when it was heated to 60~ before application. The mechanism may have involved interaction between Ca ++ ions and IAA. The Berlin Journal on Research in Homwopathy 1991 ;1:275-78 An overview of formal methodological requirements for controlled clinical trials J. H O R N U N G In this paper the Editor lists the most important features in organizing, carrying out, evaluating and documenting a controlled clinical trial. The list is of a general nature, more suited to allo-
are still being made by other workers 13 years later, and the quality of modern homoeopathic research sometimes leaves much to be desired. Hornung reviews some of the difficulties in running trials. The Berlin Journal on Research in Hom~eopathy 1991 ;1:77-84 The articles are interspersed with chatty comments from the Editor, the odd quiz and invitations to contribute. Unfortunately in this first issue, not all articles have a summary, but the journal should be successful if it manages to maintain regular publication. A good balance of international contributors is also necessary: in this first edition it was France 3, Germany 2, with the US and the Editor scoring 1 each! Diversity of stable isotopes and physical foundations of hom~eopathic effect A. A. B E R E Z I N Alexander Berezin, a Canadian physicist, motivated by the Benveniste controversy, proposes a physical model for homoeopathic activity. It is based on a memory mechanism being achieved by the dynamic patterning of stable isotopes in water. Having briefly outlined the theory of isotopes, the application to homeeopathy is explained. The model is 'open-ended', allowing for interactive compatibility with the work of other researchers. Berezin concludes that it is quite possible that hom~eopathy exemplifies a situation for which a whole range of alternative mechanisms could be relevant, including presciber-patient interactions, and that these may change with variations in the hom0eopathic protocol. To pursue the theory further, an appropriate experimental programme would be required. The Berlin Journal on Research in Homaeopathy 1991 ;1:85-92 Hom~eopathic treatment of migraines: a randomized double.blind study of sixty cases B. BRIGO, G. SERPELLONI A paper from Verona reports on challenge to the homoeopathic approach using a randomized double blind migraine study. Sixty patients, mainly female, between the ages of 12 and 70 years, were given a dose of a 30c potency on four separate occasions over two-week intervals. The usual modifications to clinical testing in homceopathic environments were adjudged necessary. As it was the technique that was being tested, rather than a specific drug, the choice of medicine was based on individual prescriptions and
113 the authors used a total of eight different medicines in the trial; different mixtures of two of these were used on 20 patients, with a further 10 patients receiving a single medicine. The remaining 30 patients acted as control and received placebo. A positive result is reported, and homeeopathic efficacy said to have been demonstrated at a potency beyond Avogadro's number. The Berlin Journal on Research in Homoeopathy 1991 ;1:98-106 The international hom~eopathic renaissance D. ULLMAN A brief, but interesting interlude is offered by Dana Ullman from Berkeley who looks at the history and recent development of homoeopathy in Europe, India, the Soviet Union and the USA. When reporting a surge of interest in Scotland, courtesy of The Times, the author states that 'The Scots hate to be overshadowed by the British, and this is also true in hom~eopathy'. Och, aye. Home rule must have crept in unseen by almost all! We learn that hom~eopathic physicians can charge for treatment in the Soviet Union and that sales of homceopathic medicines in the US grew tenfold from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. We also learn that to aid the growth of homo~opathy in Germany, a former President, Prof. Karl Castens, and his wife Dr Veronica, recently started a foundation for homcropathic research the very same foundation that sponsors a certain Journal on Research in Homaeopathy! The Berlin Journal on Research in Homveopathy 1991;1:118-120 Was it the better way? The 1980 study by Gibson et aI. Reviewed J. H O R N U N G Continuing a commentary on the early work of Gibson et al. begun in the first issue, Prof. Hornung reviews the improved methods used in 1980 and concludes that this second study was 'sound on the whole', despite the low number of patients and relatively short observation period. The Berlin Journal on Research in Homaeopathy 1991;1:124-28 Stratified alternation, and alternative to stratified randomization? J. H O R N U N G The question of how Gibson allocated patients to treatment groups in the 1980 studies is pursued in a further short paper. The merit of strat-
114 ified alternation as an alternative to stratified randomization is outlined; this could be of interest to researchers when designing controlled clinical trials. The Berlin Journal on Research in Homceopathy 1991;1:129-31 The current edition of the Homint R & D Newsletter, unfortunately incorrectly numbered, comprises three contributions reprinted from elsewhere and a short correspondence on 'biased publication bias' by Kleijnen and Bol. Two items are worthy of brief mention. Treatment of pollinosis with the hom~eopathic preparation galphimia glauca M. W I E S N A U E R , W. GAUS, S. HAUSSLER The authors concluded from a 1990 placebo controlled double blind trial on 201 subjects that patients with hay fever syndrome who took the remedy Galphimia 2c showed a greater improvement than patients who took a placebo. Eye and nose symptoms were marked by a GP according to a four point scale. Surprisingly, however, no pollen counts are taken during the study to relate observed reactions to the strength of the stimulus. H o m l n t R & D Newsletter 1991;2(4) An experimental approach to the concept of hormesis and the hom~eopathic similia law R. VAN WIJK et al. Notice is given of a paper, presently in press, that will provide a molecular basis for understanding the effects of low doses of toxicants inreducing the adverse effects of a harmful stressor. The incomplete reference yields no clue as to when and where the final article will appear. H o m l n t R & D Newsletter 1991;2(4) Assessment of cytogenetic damage in X-irradiated mice, and its alteration by oral administration of a potentized hom~eopathic drug, Ginseng 30 A. R. K H U D A - B U K H S H and S. BANIK A paper from India reports on the effects of administering a hom~eopathic drug on cytogenetic damage induced by X-irradiated mice. Ginseng 200x was orally administered to batches of mice exposed at two intensities of radiation over three different durations of time; the results were assessed using methods based on protocols of chromosome aberration and micronuclei (MNT) testing. The authors report that the drug appeared to
British Homceopathic Journal
produce a 'spectacular protective action' when compared with controls, but they are unable to suggest a possible mechanism. It is concluded from this study, and from previous studies using 6x and 30x potencies, that Ginseng may be recommended as a potential drug for anti-radiation activity. The Berlin Journal on Research in Homaeopathy 1991;1:254~53 Alterations of cytogenic effects by oral administration of a hom~eopathic drug, Ruta graveolens, in mice exposed to sub-lethal X-irradiation A. R. K H U D A - B U K H S H and S. BANIK In a second, similar study, Ruta 30x and Ruta 200x were tested for possible radio-protective action. 'Sperm-head' abnormality and mitotic index studies were used in addition to chromosome aberration and MNT. The results demonstrate that Rata has good potential for being considered as a radio protective drug. The Berlin Journal on Research in Homveopathy 1991 ;1:264-74 Synergism of action between indolacetic acid (IAA) and highly diluted solutions of CaCO 3 on the growth of oat coleoptiles C. B O R N O R O N I Papers on agricultural aspects of hom~eopathy appear infrequently, and this contribution from Italy is very welcome. The work was conducted to assess the effect of Calc. carb. potencies on the growth of oat coleoptiles stimulated by 100 ~m of the growth hormone IAA. It is concluded that the specimens pretreated with Calc. carb 5x prior to the addition of I A A exhibited a statistically significant increase in growth as compared with the hormone alone. The drug had no effect on the growth of coleoptile segments when applied witout IAA, proving that its action was synergistic. A reduction in the growth effect resulted when it was heated to 60~ before application. The mechanism may have involved interaction between Ca ++ ions and IAA. The Berlin Journal on Research in Homwopathy 1991 ;1:275-78 An overview of formal methodological requirements for controlled clinical trials J. H O R N U N G In this paper the Editor lists the most important features in organizing, carrying out, evaluating and documenting a controlled clinical trial. The list is of a general nature, more suited to allo-