La solidez de la investigación homeopática fundamental / The strength of fundamental homeopathic research

La investigación fundamental en homeopatía ha avanzado considerablemente en los últimos 20 años: desde estudios exploratorios con animales y plantas hasta la caracterización de los efectos sistémicos de los medicamentos homeopáticos y estudios in vitro con sistemas celulares aislados para evaluar los cambios en los mecanismos de adaptación celular y señalización intracelular frente a tratamientos homeopáticos variables. El número de artículos publicados a lo largo del tiempo ha permitido realizar varias revisiones sistemáticas. Recientemente, la demostración de que los medicamentos homeopáticos podrían modificar las funciones celulares a través de mecanismos epigenéticos (metilación y desmetilación de ADN) preparó el camino para un campo de investigación completamente nuevo. En paralelo, el descubrimiento de las nanopartículas y propiedades físicas específicas de las diluciones homeopáticas ha arrojado luz hacia un campo antes poco conocido, dado que se consideraba que las diluciones homeopáticas no consistían más que de agua. Así las cosas, los retos para el futuro conciernen a la demostración, o no, de la interrelación entre ambos fenómenos.

Fundamental research in homeopathy has much advanced in the past 20 years. From exploratory studies with animals and plants to the characterization of the systemic effects of homeopathic medicines and in vitro studies with isolated cell systems to assess changes in the mechanisms of cell adaptation and intracellular signaling facing variable homeopathic treatments. The amount of articles published over time enabled several systematic reviews. Recently, demonstration that homeopathic medicines might modify cell functions through epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation and demethylation) paved the road for a fully new field of research. In parallel, the discovery of nanoparticles and specific physical properties of homeopathic dilutions brought light to a previously poorly known field, as it was believed that homeopathic dilutions consist in nothing but water. Thus being, challenges for the future concern the demonstration, or not, of the interrelationship between both phenomena.

Animal Model of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Based on Data Mining / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo study the modeling characteristics of the animal model of premature ovarian insufficiency and provide references for the standardization of the animal model of premature ovarian insufficiency， thus offering a better research basis to the pathogenesis， diagnosis， and treatment of the disease. MethodThe animal experimental literature of premature ovarian insufficiency in the past decade was obtained by searching China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI）， Wanfang， VIP Chinese Technology Periodical Database， China Biology Medicine （CBM）， and PubMed. The types of experimental animals， modeling methods， dosage， administration scheme， modeling standards， and detection indicators were summarized. The frequency analysis was performed with Excel， the association rule analysis was performed with SPSS Modeler 18.0， and the results were visually upgraded with Cytascape 3.6.1. ResultA total of 281 articles were included， and most animal experiments on premature ovarian insufficiency were performed on SD rats or BALB/c mice. Most modeling methods were iatrogenic induction， and the main modeling drug was cyclophosphamide. Erestrous cycle disorder was selected as the modeling standard. Ovarian histomorphology， estradiol， follicle stimulating hormone， and estrous cycle were selected as the detection indicators to comprehensively evaluate the model from multiple aspects. ConclusionSD rats are mostly used to induce modeling in animal experiments on premature ovarian insufficiency through first intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide 50 mg·kg-1 and 8 mg·kg-1·d-1 from the next day for 14 d， which has the advantages of easy operation， high modeling rate， and consistency with the disease pathogenesis. This paper can provide references for basic animal experimental research of premature ovarian insufficiency.

Clinical and fundamental research Yinhua Miyanling Tablets in treating urinary tract infection / 中国中药杂志

As the famous Chinese patent medicine, Yinhua Miyanling Tablets, which was derived from ancient prescription denominated Bazhengsan, has not only the effects in clearing away heat and purging pathogenic fire, removing dampness and relieving stranguria, but also have the functions of detoxifying and tonifying. A great number of scientific studies have demonstrated that Yinhua Mi-yanling Tablets played significant roles in destroying harmful microbes and resisting inflammatory and diuresis. Compared with antibiotics, traditional antibacterial Chinese patent medicine Yinhua Miyanling Tablets has the advantage in bacterial resistance in long-term use. Fundamental studies about the content of pharmaceutical ingredients and the modern pharmacology of Yinhua Miyanling Tablets were collected and summarized, which conduces to indicating the active ingredients of Yinhua Miyanling Tablets with the medicinal efficacy from the molecular level and the internal mechanism of Yinhua Miyanling Tablets in the treatment of urinary tract infection(UTI) from the scientific perspective. In the field of clinical research, literatures associated with Yinhua Miyanling Tablets for the treatment of UTI were summarized and analyzed in terms of treatment type, administration mode, dosage, frequency of medication, course, efficiency, side effects and whether combined with healthy lifestyle. These literatures confirmed the medicinal values and the application prospect of Yinhua Miyanling Tablets in treating UTI, especially acute UTI, which provides a scientific theoretical foundation and a correct direction for the clinical application of Yinhua Miyanling Tablets. In conclusion, this article contributes to the standardization of Yinhua Miyanling Tablets in the treatment of UTI, in the expectation of giving the scientific guidance for clinical practice.

As evidências a favor da homeopatia e as ciências básicas / Evidence for the homeopathic principles in the basic sciences

Como toda área da medicina, a homeopatia é tanto arte quanto ciência. Enquanto a pesquisa clínica visa responder "se" e "quando" os medicamentos homeopáticos são capazes de restabelecer a saúde, as ciências básicas ­ biologia, imunologia, patologia, química, física e farmacologia ­ geram diversas hipóteses plausíveis para dar conta do "como" agem os medicamentos diluídos e dinamizados (MDD) em modelos experimentais rigorosos. A ação farmacodinâmica dos MDD depende do fornecimento de pequenas quantidades de informação a alvos orgânicos específicos, de maneira a restabelecer um comportamento mais próximo do estado ótimo de saúde. Alguns mecanismos de ação dos MDD podem ser identificados em estudos de laboratório. O princípio de semelhança terapêutica pode ser observado em modelos horméticos, de acordo com a lei de Arndt-Schutz, nos quais a inversão de efeitos é obtida modificando a dose. Igualmente, em modelos de tipo Wilder, são comparados organismos estressados e normais. No entanto, a hormese utiliza medicamentos em pequenas doses, enquanto na homeopatia são utilizados medicamentos em diluições além da faixa material, que além disso precisam ser agitados. O presente artigo dedica atenção especial ao modelo de degranulação dos basófilos, que em 2018 completa 30 anos de desenvolvimento. Igualmente são abordados os trabalhos do nosso grupo, na Universidade de Verona, Itália. (AU)

As any other medical field, homeopathy is both art and science. Clinical research seeks to answer the questions on "whether" and "when" homeopathic medicines are able to restore health. In turn, the fundamental sciences­biology, immunology, pathology, chemistry, physics and pharmacology­generate plausible hypothesis to explain "how" serially diluted and agitated medicines (SDAM) act in rigorous experimental models. The pharmacodynamic action of SDAM depends on the supply of subtle information input to specific body targets in order to restore a pattern of behavior closer to optimal health. Some mechanisms of action of SDAM might be identified in laboratory studies. The therapeutic similarity principle might be observed in hormesis models, according to Arndt-Schutz's law, in which effect inversion is obtain through changes of dose. Wilder-like models compared stressed and healthy subjects. However, hormesis uses drugs in small doses, while homeopathy uses medicines diluted beyond the scope of matter, which in addition must be agitated. In the present article I paid special attention to the basophil degranulation, as in 2018 it completes its 30th anniversary. I also summarized the results of our work at University of Verona, Italy. (AU)

The soundness of homeopathic fundamental research

Fundamental research in homeopathy has much advanced in the past 20 years. From exploratory studies with animals and plants to the characterization of the systemic effects of homeopathic medicines and in vitro studies with isolated cell systems to assess changes in the mechanisms of cell adaptation and intracellular signaling facing variable homeopathic treatments. The amount of articles published over time enabled several systematic reviews. Recently, demonstration that homeopathic medicines might modify cell functions through epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation and demethylation) paved the road for a fully new field of research. In parallel, the discovery of nanoparticles and specific physical properties of homeopathic dilutions brought light to a previously poorly known field, as it was believed that homeopathic dilutions consist in nothing but water. Thus being, challenges for the future concern the demonstration, or not, of the interrelationship between both phenomena.

Management of the central universities fundamental research funds in PUMC / 中华医学科研管理杂志

The Union Youth Science & Research Fund was set up by the Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) using the Fundamental Research Funds for the central universities.Education Ministry's National College Special Fund for Basic Science& and Research drafted and implemented its own management rules.The rules standardize the fund's various aspects including its system construction,project classification,implementation terms,outlay management,and project management.In consequence,the rules promoted the young teachers' research on funded-subjects and improved the management level on scientific research projects.

Wheat germination and highly diluted agitated gibberellic acid (10-30) ? a multi researcher study / Germinação do trigo e ácido giberélico em alta diluição (10-30) e agitado ? um estudo multicêntrico / Germinación de trigo y ácido giberélico en alta dilución (10-30) y agitado ? estudio multicéntrico

Grains of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L., Capo variety) were observed under the influence of highly diluted gibberellic acid (10-30) prepared by stepwise dilution and agitation according to a protocol derived from homeopathy (?G30x?). Adequate control was used (water prepared according to the homeopathic protocol ?W30x? and/or untreated water ?W0?). Two sets of multicenter experiments were performed, 4 in 2009-2010 and 4 in 2011, involving altogether 6 researchers, 6 laboratories and 4,000 grains per treatment group. Data were found to be homogeneous within the control groups as well as within the verum groups. When the 2009-2010 experiments were pooled, mean germination rates after 24 hours were (85.9 + 2.6) for the control group and (82.1 + 5.7) for G30x (mean + SD at the level of experiments in %) (N = 2,000 per group). Verum germination rate was 4.4% lower than (i.e. equal to 96.6% of) (4.4 + 96.6 = 101) the control germination rate (100%). The difference is statistically significant (p < 0.001) and the effect size (d) is large (> 0.8). Observations at other points in time between 0 and 40 hours of germination yielded similar results. Practically no difference was found between W30x and W0 groups (p > 0.05). When the 2011 experiments were pooled, the mean germination rates after 24 hours were (73 + 12) for the control group and (73 + 14) for G30x (N = 2,000 per group), i.e. there was practically no difference between the groups (p > 0.05). We interpret the data from 2009-2010 on wheat germination within 40 hours as being in line with our previous findings on wheat stalk growth after one week, i.e. as confirmation that gibberellic acid 30x can influence, i.e. slow down, wheat development. Various possible reasons for the absence of any difference between groups in the 2011 experiments, including seasonal variance, are discussed and it is suggested to perform wheat germination experiments in the very beginning of autumn season only.

Grãos de trigo comum (Triticum sativum L., variedade Capo) foram observados sob a influência de uma alta diluição de ácido giberélico (10-30) preparada através de diluição e agitação seriadas seguindo um protocolo derivado da homeopatia (G30x). Foram utilizados controles adequados (água preparada segundo o protocolo homeopático - W30x - e/ou água sem tratamento - W0 -). Foram realizadas duas séries de experimentos multicêntricos, 4 em 2009-2010 e 4 em 2011, incluindo 6 pesquisadores, 6 laboratórios, e 4.000 grãos em cada grupo de tratamento. Os dados foram homogêneos dentro dos grupos controle e verum. Na análise combinada dos experimentos de 2009-2010, as taxas médias de germinação em 24 h foram (85,9 + 2,6) no grupo controle e (82,1 + 5,7) no grupo G30x (média + DP no nível dos experimentos em %, N = 2.000 por grupo). A taxa de germinação de verum foi 4,4% menor (96,6% de 4,4 + 96,6 = 101) que a do controle (100%). Essa diferença é estatisticamente significativa (p < 0,001) e o tamanho do efeito (d) é grande (> 0,8). Observações realizadas em outros momentos entre 0 e 40 horas de germinação constaram resultados similares. Praticamente, não foi achada diferença entre os grupos W30x e W0 (p > 0,05). Na análise combinada dos experimentos de 2011, as taxas médias de germinação em 24 h foram (73 + 12) no grupo controle e (73 + 14) no grupo G30x (N = 2.000 por grupo), ou seja, praticamente não houve diferença entre os grupos (p > 0,05). Consideramos que os dados de 2009-2010 sobre a germinação do trigo em até 40 h concordam com nos achados prévios no crescimento do caule de trigo em uma semana, ou seja, confirmam que ácido giberélico 30x pode influenciar, isto é, tornar mais lento, o desenvolvimento do trigo. São discutidos vários motivos para a ausência de toda diferença entre os grupos nos experimentos conduzidos em 2011, incluindo variações sazonais, e sugere-se que os experimentos com germinação de trigo sejam realizados exclusivamente no começo do outono.

Further promoting the clinical application and fundamental research for interventional radiology of urinary system / 介入放射学杂志

Along with the rapid development of interventional radiology, a simultaneous increase of the treatment was carried out for diseases of urinary system, including nephrostomy, balloon dilatation and stenting for uninary tract obstruction, calculus removing techniques, stenting for prostatic hypertrophy; TAE/TACE and ablation therapy for benign/ malignant tumors; angioplasty with balloon or stent for stenosis of renal artery or vein; embolotherapy for hemorrhagic diseases; interventional treatment for complications after renal transplatation, and so on. All the above mentioned techniques for urinary diseases have already provided with good results and futher research will bring a promising future.

Origin and Development of Research on Blackish Facial Patch / 中华中医药杂志

Objective: To discuss the research evolution of blackish facial patch. Methods: According the literatures of past dynasties,the research connotations of blackish facial patch in each dynasty were inspected.Results: During the Warring States era,the name,etiology,pathogenesis,diagnosis and treatment of blackish facial patch had preliminary study,only formulae and drugs absence.In Han and Tang Dynasties,it had proposed the alias of "dustycomplexion" and "blackish and withered face" etc,the etiology of phlegm and drink soiled inside of the body,striae and interstitial space suffering wind,the pathogenesis of hepatic and renal yin deficiency,weakness of the spleen and stomach,moist heat,obstruction of collaterals by blood stasis and discordance of blood-qi,the syndrome description of face like suffering dust,or black as lacquer wood or like tree sparrow egg on the color,and the treatments of formulae and drugs,acupuncture and massage etc;all of the contents were superficial.After the Song Dynasty, the study of etiology,pathogenesis and syndrome were deepen and expanded,and it had increased the pathology concepts of blood weak and kidney deficiency,domination of dryness of Yangming,dry and gloomyof the lung and hepatic and cholic fire prosperous,and the therapeutic tools and drugs were more abundant and concrete than ever,but that literatures were still fragmented and not being a system,without monographs.Entering the modern era,just as the Qing Dynasty,had not any breakthrough.Until the liberation,especially since the 80s of the last century,with the rise of cosmetology in traditional Chinese medicine,the research on blackish facial patch both in form and content dark blotches has achieved unprecedented progress.Conclusion: Understanding the origin and development of blackish facial patch,it will play a fundamental role in the future in-depth study.

Present Research on Moxibustion / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

There have been not enough information about the biological effects of moxibustion. The symposiums have been opened on the meetings of Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion. Many significant results of moxibustion have been discussed on these symposiums. The symposium, “Present Research on Moxibustion”, was opened on the 52nd meeting of Japan Society of acupuncture and Moxibustion in 2003. The contents on this symposium were following.<BR>The outline of fundamental research on moxibustion was presented by Dr. Aizawa. From his report, the various researchers have tried to elucidate the mechanism of moxibustion. These have been many presentations of moxibustion at the meeting of The Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion.<BR>The histological investigation on treated area was presented by Dr. Menjo. From her report, the increase of cutaneous change was observed from the treated area after moxibustion. This result was significant on the decision of moxibustion-stimulation.<BR>The immunological investigation on the effects of moxibustion was presented by Dr. Tohya. From his report, cytokines as IL-12 and IFN-γ was expressed by moxibustion. These results demonstrated that such effects are dependent on the chemical substances in moxa.<BR>The effect of Onkyu was presented by Dr. Nakanishi. From his report, the transportation by Onkyu-stimulation is different from that by acupuncture-stimulation. His results demonstrated that chemical mediator by Onkyu-stimulation acts to the nervous system.<BR>These presented results supposed the significant information and to contribute the development of moxibustion-medicine.