Robert Mathie - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Robert Mathie
British Journal of Pharmacology, May 1, 1996
1 The effects of cirrhosis on mesenteric vascular reactivity were assessed in constantly perfused... more 1 The effects of cirrhosis on mesenteric vascular reactivity were assessed in constantly perfused mesenteric arterial beds isolated from cirrhotic rats (carbon tetrachloride with phenobarbitone, n = 6), and from phenobarbitone-treated and untreated age-matched controls (n=4,5). 2 At a constant flow rate of 5 ml min-1 there was no difference in basal perfusion pressure between the groups. Electrical field stimulation (EFS; 4-32 Hz, 9OV, 1 ms, 30 s) of perivascular nerves caused frequency-dependent increases in perfusion pressure which were not different between the groups. Dosedependent vasoconstrictor responses to exogenous noradrenaline (NA), methoxamine (an a,adrenoceptor agonist), adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and vasopressin were also similar between the groups.
Inflamm Research, 1992
The effects of pentagastrin (6 lag/kg/h) or insulin (0.15 U/kg/h) on histamine release and blood ... more The effects of pentagastrin (6 lag/kg/h) or insulin (0.15 U/kg/h) on histamine release and blood circulation in nine anaesthetized dogs were studied by measuring (1) plasma histamine concentrations in the iliac artery, iliac vein, hepatic vein and portal vein, (2) the corresponding blood pressures, and (3) blood flow in the hepatic artery and the portal vein. In the portal vein, pentagastrin induced an overall 204% rise (p<0.01) in plasma histamine and a 28% rise (p<0.01) in blood flow while other measurements did not change significantly. Insulin did not induce similar rises. Three patients with duodenal ulcer (DU) undergoing proximal gastric vagotomy (PGV) were given pentagastrin (6 gg/kg) by bolus injection. Plasma histamine concentrations in the gastric veins draining the oxyntic cell area rose by 68%, 15 min after injection. Thus, specific histamine release may act as a mediator for pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion and as a vasodilator to facilitate gastric circulation. Insulin did not promote histamine release in the present study.
British journal of experimental pathology
A method for the measurement of liver blood flow (LBF) in rats has been developed by recording th... more A method for the measurement of liver blood flow (LBF) in rats has been developed by recording the clearance of 85Kr from the liver after injection of a solution of the gas into the portal vein. This technique provides a measure of tissue perfusion at a cellular level. The animal preparation was maintained in a stable haemodynamic and respiratory state for up to 4-3 h by careful fluid and anaesthetic control. Stability of the model was reflected by relative constancy of the LBF measured throughout the experiment in all of the animals studied. The mean LBF determined in six rats was 2-41+/-(s.d.) 0-50 ml/g/min.
To establish the effects of different modes of cardiopulmonary bypass on hepatic blood flow, with... more To establish the effects of different modes of cardiopulmonary bypass on hepatic blood flow, with the aim of increasing understanding of the hemodynamic factors that may lead to hepatic dysfunction in patients after cardiopulmonary bypass. The anatomical and physiologic characteristics that are unique to the hepatic circulation are also reviewed, together with an account of the known specific effects on the liver of several hemodynamic stimuli that are commonly present during cardiopulmonary bypass. The entire world literature on the subjects of clinical and experimental cardiopulmonary bypass, extracorporeal circulation, blood gas tensions, hypothermia, hypotension, and hepatic blood flow was searched via Index Medicus, up to and including 1991. Data are presented only from those studies that employed sound cardiopulmonary bypass or blood flow measurement technique. For investigations on hypothermia, data for temperatures < 28 degrees C are not included. Details of one recent experimental study in the dog by the author are highlighted, in which the relative effects of pump flow rate, temperature, and type of perfusion (pulsatile or nonpulsatile) are presented; the data are critically compared and contrasted with those data obtained by earlier workers. Hepatic hemodynamics are characterized by a dual supply of blood from the hepatic artery, actively controlled within the liver, and the portal vein, principally regulated by prehepatic resistance vessels. Portal flow may modulate the hepatic arterial circulation through the "hepatic arterial buffer response." Hypotension caused by hemorrhage causes a decrease in portal blood flow but hepatic arterial flow is maintained by autoregulation and by the "buffer" response. Hypothermia (28 degrees C) has little effect on hepatic arterial flow, but portal flow may increase. During cardiopulmonary bypass, total liver blood flow is better maintained at a pump flow rate of 2.4 than at 1.2 L/min/m2. Perfusion at 28 degrees C causes an increase in portal flow and a slight decrease in hepatic arterial flow. Total hepatic blood flow is better preserved during cardiopulmonary bypass at 1.2 L/min/m2 by pulsatile than by nonpulsatile flow; however, no significant difference was noted between pulsatile and nonpulsatile perfusion at a bypass flow rate of 2.4 L/min/m2, particularly at 28 degrees C. During cardiopulmonary bypass, hepatic blood flow is better maintained by high pump flow than by low pump flow rates. Hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass may benefit the hepatic circulation, although the additional advantages usually gained by the use of pulsatile perfusion may be partly lost when hypothermia is combined with a high pump flow rate.
Influenza is a common disease, widespread all over the world, that has no satisfactory treatment ... more Influenza is a common disease, widespread all over the world, that has no satisfactory treatment up to now. Homeopathy has a long tradition of being used to treat influenza and has accumulated empirical and experimental evidence showing positive effects. Large scale observational studies in different continents have never been carried out to assess the overall benefits of homeopathy in flu, what prescription strategy and medicines are more effective and for which group of patients it can be most helpful. On the other hand, there is a predicted pandemic of avian flu and it is important to be proactive and to be prepared to test homeopathy in this context. This worldwide study will collect observational data on patients with influenza or influenza-like illness treated with homeopathic by experienced homeopathic doctors during a period of 2 years. Measurements will include duration of influenza illness, change in total score of symptoms and clinical scales, as well as safety aspects (p...
Influenza is a common disease, widespread all over the world, that has no satisfactory treatment ... more Influenza is a common disease, widespread all over the world, that has no satisfactory treatment up to now. Homeopathy has a long tradition of being used to treat influenza and has accumulated empirical and experimental evidence showing positive effects. Large scale observational studies in different continents have never been carried out to assess the overall benefits of homeopathy in flu,
Perfusion, 1995
This study examined whether treatment with the specific thromboxane (TX) A2 receptor antagonist G... more This study examined whether treatment with the specific thromboxane (TX) A2 receptor antagonist GR32191B would result in an improvement in peripheral haemodynamics during and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in anaesthetized dogs compared with animals given either saline (control) or aspirin. Following thoracotomy, heparinization and aortic cannulation, and 35 minutes before CPB, dogs received intravenously either GR32191B (15 micrograms/kg/min), saline (50 ml bolus) or aspirin (225 mg bolus) (n = 6 per group). Cardiac output (dye dilution), femoral artery blood flow (electromagnetic flowmeter), gastrocnemius muscle tissue perfusion (133Xe clearance), retinal blood flow (fluorescein angiography), and thromboxane biosynthesis (urinary excretion rates of TXB2 and the metabolite 2,3-dinor-TXB2) were measured before, during and after a standard 90 minute period of CPB at 2.4 l/min/m2 and 28 degrees C. The aspirin-treated group manifested an eightfold reduction in TXB2 excretion compared with controls, indicating a decrease in TXA2 biosynthesis. There were few haemodynamic differences between the groups, though the aspirin-treated group had better maintained muscle tissue perfusion post-CPB and significantly fewer retinal microcirculatory occlusions than GR32191B-treated animals. We conclude that specific TXA2 receptor antagonism provides no significant improvement in peripheral haemodynamics; rather aspirin provides a modest haemodynamic benefit.
Veterinary Record, 2010
Twelve Faculty of Homeopathy veterinarians recorded data systematically at 777 consecutive homeop... more Twelve Faculty of Homeopathy veterinarians recorded data systematically at 777 consecutive homeopathic appointments for horses over a period of 12 months. A spreadsheet enabled the recording of information, which included the date of appointment; horse and owner identity (anonymised); sex of horse; main medical problem treated; whether the condition was chronic or acute; whether the appointment was new or a follow-up; owner-assessed clinical outcome on a seven-point scale, ranging from -3 to +3, compared with the first appointment; homeopathic medicine(s) prescribed; and whether any conventional or other complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) was being used concurrently to treat the condition. Data from 289 horses comprised a total of 305 individual conditions identified as chronic in nature, of which 234 had a follow-up assessment. At the final appointment for chronic cases during the study period, 4.3 per cent were receiving conventional medication and 17.1 per cent were being given another CAM treatment in addition to homeopathy. The eight chronic conditions most frequently treated with homeopathy were: arthritis, headshaking, laminitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sweet itch, dermatitis, sarcoidosis and Cushing's syndrome.
Veterinary Record, 2009
Twenty dogs with confirmed atopic dermatitis were treated with homeopathy. In the first phase of ... more Twenty dogs with confirmed atopic dermatitis were treated with homeopathy. In the first phase of this pilot study, all of the dogs were treated by a veterinary homeopath with individualised remedies prescribed on the basis of the dog's cutaneous signs and constitutional characteristics. The response to treatment was assessed by scoring the severity of pruritus from 0 to 10 on a validated scale. The dogs were evaluated at monthly intervals for at least two months. In 15 cases, the owners reported no improvement following homeopathic treatment. In the other five cases, the owners believed that the homeopathic treatment was associated with a substantial improvement, and reported reductions in pruritus scores ranging from 64 to 100 per cent. These five dogs were selected for the second phase of the study, in which homeopathic remedies were tested against placebos in a randomised and blinded trial. In one of these dogs, atopic dermatitis resolved completely and so this dog could not participate in phase 2; another dog was euthanased because of status epilepticus before phase 2 could be started. In the remaining three cases, the owners correctly distinguished between the placebo and homeopathic remedies, and reported reductions in the pruritus score of 0, 0·2 and 0·8 following placebo treatment and 4·3, 2·4 and 3·0, respectively, following the remedy.
Surgical Endoscopy, 2003
The role of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the pathogenesis of tumor recurrence after laparoscopy remain... more The role of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the pathogenesis of tumor recurrence after laparoscopy remains controversial. Using a new rat model, we studied the effect of different CO2 flow rates on the dispersal of free cancer cells. A novel model of desufflation without trocar was developed, and 55 Fischer rats were randomized into three flow groups: group A (rapid, 0.67 l/min; n = 20), group B (slow, 0.44 l/min; n = 20), and group C (gasless, n = 15). We vented CO2 via a portless surgical valve that filtered cells. After the abdominal wall had been suspended to create space, half of the animals in each group (nonrecovery) received 7.5 x 10(6) immunolabeled rat colon cancer cells (RCC2) intraperitoneally, whereas the other half (recovery) received 7.5 x l0(6) viable RCC2 before insufflation or gasless laparoscopy. Nonrecovery animals were killed after 20 l of insufflation. Parietal peritoneal and port-site specimens were examined for RCC2 by fluorescence microscopy (FM) and flow cytometry (FC). The recovery animals were killed at 4 weeks for evidence of wound recurrence. Nine of 10 nonrecovery animals in A had RCC2 on FM or FC, as compared with 2 animals in each of the nonrecovery groups B and C (p = 0.018, Fisher's exact test). Two of the nine animals in group A also had RCC2 in their portless valves. Two recovery (A) animals developed wound recurrence as compared with none in the other groups (p = 0.315). In this model, rapid CO2 flow dispersed free cancer cells into the peritoneal cavity, but not into the port sites, thus supporting a role for CO2 in the intraperitoneal dispersal of free cancer cells, but not in wound recurrence.
Agents and Actions, 1992
The effects of pentagastrin (6 lag/kg/h) or insulin (0.15 U/kg/h) on histamine release and blood ... more The effects of pentagastrin (6 lag/kg/h) or insulin (0.15 U/kg/h) on histamine release and blood circulation in nine anaesthetized dogs were studied by measuring (1) plasma histamine concentrations in the iliac artery, iliac vein, hepatic vein and portal vein, (2) the corresponding blood pressures, and (3) blood flow in the hepatic artery and the portal vein. In the portal vein, pentagastrin induced an overall 204% rise (p<0.01) in plasma histamine and a 28% rise (p<0.01) in blood flow while other measurements did not change significantly. Insulin did not induce similar rises. Three patients with duodenal ulcer (DU) undergoing proximal gastric vagotomy (PGV) were given pentagastrin (6 gg/kg) by bolus injection. Plasma histamine concentrations in the gastric veins draining the oxyntic cell area rose by 68%, 15 min after injection. Thus, specific histamine release may act as a mediator for pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion and as a vasodilator to facilitate gastric circulation. Insulin did not promote histamine release in the present study.
Homeopathy, 2006
A base for targeted research and development in homeopathy can be founded on systematic collectio... more A base for targeted research and development in homeopathy can be founded on systematic collection and analysis of relevant clinical data obtained by doctors in routine practice. With these longer-term aims in mind, we conducted a pilot data collection study, in which 14 homeopathic physicians collected clinical and outcomes data over a 6-month period in their practice setting. A specifically designed Excel spreadsheet enabled recording of consecutive clinical appointments under the following main headings: date, patient identity (anonymised), age and gender, medical condition/complaint treated, whether chronic or acute, new or follow-up case, patient-assessed outcome (7-point Likert scale: -3 to +3) compared with first appointment, homeopathic medicine/s prescribed, whether any other medication/s being taken for the condition. Spreadsheets were submitted monthly via email to the project co-ordinator for data synthesis and analysis. Practitioners typically submitted data regularly and punctually, and most data cells were completed as required, enabling substantial data analysis. The mean age of patients was 41.5 years. A total of 1,783 individual patient conditions were treated overall. Outcome from two or more homeopathic appointments per patient condition was obtained in 961 cases (75.9% positive, 4.6% negative, 14.7% no change; 4.8% outcome not recorded). Strongly positive outcomes (scores of +2 or +3) were achieved most notably in the frequently treated conditions of anxiety, depression, and irritable bowel syndrome. This multi-practitioner pilot study has indicated that systematic recording of clinical data in homeopathy is both feasible and capable of informing future research. A refined version of the spreadsheet can be employed in larger-scale research-targeted clinical data collection in the medical practice setting--particularly in primary care.
Homeopathy, 2010
Introduction: The peer-review literature contains no controlled clinical research of homeopathy i... more Introduction: The peer-review literature contains no controlled clinical research of homeopathy in cats and very little in dogs. Main objective: To collect clinical outcomes data systematically from individualised homeopathic treatment of cats and dogs that would help to inform controlled research in feline and canine homeopathy. Methods: Twenty-one homeopathic veterinary surgeons recorded data systematically from consecutive feline and canine patients over a 12-month period. Records included: date; patient and owner identity (anonymised); medical problem treated; whether new or follow-up (FU) appointment; chronic or acute condition; owner-assessed clinical outcome (7-point scale, range À3 to +3) compared with first appointment. Results: Data from 400 cats comprised a total of 372 individual chronic problems, of which 270 had FU assessment. Data from 1504 dogs comprised a total of 1408 individual chronic problems, of which 1070 had FU assessment. In both species, 22% of FUs in chronic cases received conventional medicines concurrently. In cats, 117 different chronic medical conditions in total were treated with homeopathy. Five of those conditions included ‡20 cases, in which owner-reported outcomes (in decreasing rank order of frequency) were: dermatitis (69.6% patients with +2 or +3 outcome, 0% patients with À2 or À3 outcome); renal failure (57.1%, 14.3%); overgrooming (57.1%, 7.2%); arthritis (80.0%, 0%); hyperthyroidism (66.7%, 0%). In dogs, of 301 different chronic medical conditions treated in total, those most commonly recorded ( ‡20 cases) were: dermatitis (66.2% with +2 or +3 outcome, 5.4% with À2 or À3 outcome); arthritis (80.2%, 0.8%); pyoderma (75.8%, 0%); colitis (85.2%, 0%); fear (31.6%, 0%); epilepsy (63.6%, 4.5%); otitis externa (72.7%, 0%); diarrhoea (68.2%, 0%); urinary incontinence (73.7%, 0%); aggression (57.1%, 0%); spondylosis (81.0%, 0%); lymphoma (40.0%, 6.7%). Conclusions: A programme of controlled research in veterinary homeopathy for these feline and canine conditions is clearly indicated. Homeopathy (2010) 99, 243e248.
Homeopathy, 2007
properly informed by the systematic collection and analysis of relevant clinical data obtained by... more properly informed by the systematic collection and analysis of relevant clinical data obtained by its practitioners. We organised a pilot data collection study, in which 8 Faculty of Homeopathy veterinarians collected practice-based clinical and outcomes data over a 6-month period. Methods: A specifically designed Excel spreadsheet enabled recording of consecutive clinical appointments under the following headings: date; identity of patient and owner (anonymised); age, sex and species of patient; medical condition/complaint treated; whether confirmed diagnosis, chronic or acute, new or follow-up case; owner-assessed outcome (7-point Likert scale: À3 to +3) compared with first appointment; homeopathic medicine/s prescribed; other medication/s for the condition/complaint. Spreadsheets were submitted monthly by e-mail to the project organisers for data checking, synthesis and analysis. Results: Practitioners submitted data regularly and punctually, and most data cells were completed. 767 individual patients were treated (547 dogs, 155 cats, 50 horses, 5 rabbits, 4 guinea-pigs, 2 birds, 2 goats, 1 cow, and 1 tortoise). Outcome from two or more homeopathic appointments per patient condition was obtained in 539 cases (79.8% showing improvement, 6.1% deterioration, 11.7% no change; outcome not recorded in 2.4% of follow-ups). Strongly positive outcomes (scores of +2 or +3) were achieved in: arthritis and epilepsy in dogs and, in smaller numbers, in atopic dermatitis, gingivitis and hyperthyroidism in cats. Conclusions: Systematic recording of data by veterinarians in clinical practice is feasible and capable of informing future research in veterinary homeopathy. A refined version of the spreadsheet can be used in larger-scale research-targeted veterinary data collection. Homeopathy (2007) 96, 27-34.
![Research paper thumbnail of Erratum to “Outcomes from homeopathic prescribing in veterinary practice: a prospective, research-targeted, pilot study” [Homeopathy 96 (2007) 27–34]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/42673754/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](
Homeopathy, 2013
We conducted a prospective, multi-centre, data collection survey of homeopathic practice in treat... more We conducted a prospective, multi-centre, data collection survey of homeopathic practice in treatment of influenza-like illness in India during the 2009 pandemic of A/H1N1 influenza (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;swine flu&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;, SF). To survey the practice of homeopathic practitioners in India in the management of SF, with respect to: (a) patients&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; symptoms at presentation and at follow-up (FU) consultation; (b) homeopathic medicines prescribed. Data collection took place from October 2009 to February 2010, at the peak of the pandemic. All patients satisfying the minimum diagnostic symptoms of SF were eligible for inclusion. Data per appointment (in person or by telephone) were recorded by practitioners in spreadsheet format. All records were anonymised and included: whether patient was immunised against A/H1N1; influenza symptoms at consultation; the homeopathic medicine/s prescribed; whether antiviral medicine prescribed. Twenty-three homeopathic physicians contributed to data collection. At the first appointment, 1126 patients had valid SF symptoms. A total of 89 different combinations of SF symptoms was observed, the most common being temperature &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;38°C + cough + runny nose (n = 170; 15.1%). A total of 44 different remedies (or combinations of remedies) were used at these first appointments, the most frequently prescribed being Arsenicum album (n = 265; 23.5%). For a total of 99 FU appointments with valid SF symptoms, Arsenicum album was prescribed most frequently overall (n = 28; 28.0%). In our sample, the 2009 A/H1N1 influenza pandemic in India was characterised by several prominent symptoms and symptom/medicine associations, particularly temperature &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;38°C + cough + runny nose, associated with Arsenicum album. Future studies should collect additional keynote prescribing symptoms that influence the choice of homeopathic medicine.
Homeopathy, 2014
Barcelona, 31st Maye2nd June, was the setting for the Homeopathy Research Institute's first resea... more Barcelona, 31st Maye2nd June, was the setting for the Homeopathy Research Institute's first research conference e 'Cutting Edge Research in Homeopathy'. Attended by 180 people from 33 countries, this event brought together researchers from around the world to present and discuss their latest findings. With 36 oral presentations from leaders in the field, the scientific quality of the programme was high and the content diverse. This report summarises some of the key findings reported during the conference, which demonstrated the sound progress being made in the field. Following the success of Barcelona 2013, the HRI intends to hold similar conferences, dedicated solely to homeopathy research, on a bi-annual basis, furthering the generation of new high quality research through ever stronger international collaborations. Homeopathy (2013) 103, 58e61.
Hepatology, 1996
mesenteric endothelial NO is unchanged or possibly di-The contribution of nitric oxide to mesente... more mesenteric endothelial NO is unchanged or possibly di-The contribution of nitric oxide to mesenteric arterial minished. (HEPATOLOGY 1996;23:130-136.) vasodilator responses was investigated in the isolated perfused mesenteric arterial bed of cirrhotic rats (carbon tetrachloride/phenobarbitone; n Å 6). Age-matched (n Å 9) and phenobarbitone-treated rats (n Å 9)
Gut, 1994
Available experimental models ofportal hypertension are based either on cirrhosis or externally a... more Available experimental models ofportal hypertension are based either on cirrhosis or externally applied portal vein constricting devices. A new method is described of raising portal pressure, which uses intraportaily injected microspheres to block intrahepatic portal radicles, which has the advantages of retaining normal liver architecture and providing a more clinically relevant intrahepatic obstruction to portal flow. Measured aliquots of microspheres (15, 25, 50, 90 [tm) or equivalent volumes of saline were injected into a peripheral portal tributary (caecal vein) of 22 normal rats. The resultant changes in arterial, portal, and splenic pulp pressures were monitored. Sequential microsphere injections produced graduated rises in portal pressure up to a peak of 18-5-22-5 mm Hg (8.7-12.4 mm Hg increase from basal), which declined gradually to a steady state pressure of 13-3-15*1 mm Hg (4-0-5.0 mm Hg increase). There was no significant difference between pressure increases produced by microspheres of differing sizes. It is concluded that portal hypertension can be produced acutely by blocking portal radicles with microspheres. The maximum pressure achieved, however, is substantially less than that obtained by total portal vein occlusion (mean: 57 6 mm Hg). This suggests the existence of functional intrahepatic portal systemic shunts not previously described in the normal liver.
British Journal of Pharmacology, May 1, 1996
1 The effects of cirrhosis on mesenteric vascular reactivity were assessed in constantly perfused... more 1 The effects of cirrhosis on mesenteric vascular reactivity were assessed in constantly perfused mesenteric arterial beds isolated from cirrhotic rats (carbon tetrachloride with phenobarbitone, n = 6), and from phenobarbitone-treated and untreated age-matched controls (n=4,5). 2 At a constant flow rate of 5 ml min-1 there was no difference in basal perfusion pressure between the groups. Electrical field stimulation (EFS; 4-32 Hz, 9OV, 1 ms, 30 s) of perivascular nerves caused frequency-dependent increases in perfusion pressure which were not different between the groups. Dosedependent vasoconstrictor responses to exogenous noradrenaline (NA), methoxamine (an a,adrenoceptor agonist), adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and vasopressin were also similar between the groups.
Inflamm Research, 1992
The effects of pentagastrin (6 lag/kg/h) or insulin (0.15 U/kg/h) on histamine release and blood ... more The effects of pentagastrin (6 lag/kg/h) or insulin (0.15 U/kg/h) on histamine release and blood circulation in nine anaesthetized dogs were studied by measuring (1) plasma histamine concentrations in the iliac artery, iliac vein, hepatic vein and portal vein, (2) the corresponding blood pressures, and (3) blood flow in the hepatic artery and the portal vein. In the portal vein, pentagastrin induced an overall 204% rise (p<0.01) in plasma histamine and a 28% rise (p<0.01) in blood flow while other measurements did not change significantly. Insulin did not induce similar rises. Three patients with duodenal ulcer (DU) undergoing proximal gastric vagotomy (PGV) were given pentagastrin (6 gg/kg) by bolus injection. Plasma histamine concentrations in the gastric veins draining the oxyntic cell area rose by 68%, 15 min after injection. Thus, specific histamine release may act as a mediator for pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion and as a vasodilator to facilitate gastric circulation. Insulin did not promote histamine release in the present study.
British journal of experimental pathology
A method for the measurement of liver blood flow (LBF) in rats has been developed by recording th... more A method for the measurement of liver blood flow (LBF) in rats has been developed by recording the clearance of 85Kr from the liver after injection of a solution of the gas into the portal vein. This technique provides a measure of tissue perfusion at a cellular level. The animal preparation was maintained in a stable haemodynamic and respiratory state for up to 4-3 h by careful fluid and anaesthetic control. Stability of the model was reflected by relative constancy of the LBF measured throughout the experiment in all of the animals studied. The mean LBF determined in six rats was 2-41+/-(s.d.) 0-50 ml/g/min.
To establish the effects of different modes of cardiopulmonary bypass on hepatic blood flow, with... more To establish the effects of different modes of cardiopulmonary bypass on hepatic blood flow, with the aim of increasing understanding of the hemodynamic factors that may lead to hepatic dysfunction in patients after cardiopulmonary bypass. The anatomical and physiologic characteristics that are unique to the hepatic circulation are also reviewed, together with an account of the known specific effects on the liver of several hemodynamic stimuli that are commonly present during cardiopulmonary bypass. The entire world literature on the subjects of clinical and experimental cardiopulmonary bypass, extracorporeal circulation, blood gas tensions, hypothermia, hypotension, and hepatic blood flow was searched via Index Medicus, up to and including 1991. Data are presented only from those studies that employed sound cardiopulmonary bypass or blood flow measurement technique. For investigations on hypothermia, data for temperatures < 28 degrees C are not included. Details of one recent experimental study in the dog by the author are highlighted, in which the relative effects of pump flow rate, temperature, and type of perfusion (pulsatile or nonpulsatile) are presented; the data are critically compared and contrasted with those data obtained by earlier workers. Hepatic hemodynamics are characterized by a dual supply of blood from the hepatic artery, actively controlled within the liver, and the portal vein, principally regulated by prehepatic resistance vessels. Portal flow may modulate the hepatic arterial circulation through the "hepatic arterial buffer response." Hypotension caused by hemorrhage causes a decrease in portal blood flow but hepatic arterial flow is maintained by autoregulation and by the "buffer" response. Hypothermia (28 degrees C) has little effect on hepatic arterial flow, but portal flow may increase. During cardiopulmonary bypass, total liver blood flow is better maintained at a pump flow rate of 2.4 than at 1.2 L/min/m2. Perfusion at 28 degrees C causes an increase in portal flow and a slight decrease in hepatic arterial flow. Total hepatic blood flow is better preserved during cardiopulmonary bypass at 1.2 L/min/m2 by pulsatile than by nonpulsatile flow; however, no significant difference was noted between pulsatile and nonpulsatile perfusion at a bypass flow rate of 2.4 L/min/m2, particularly at 28 degrees C. During cardiopulmonary bypass, hepatic blood flow is better maintained by high pump flow than by low pump flow rates. Hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass may benefit the hepatic circulation, although the additional advantages usually gained by the use of pulsatile perfusion may be partly lost when hypothermia is combined with a high pump flow rate.
Influenza is a common disease, widespread all over the world, that has no satisfactory treatment ... more Influenza is a common disease, widespread all over the world, that has no satisfactory treatment up to now. Homeopathy has a long tradition of being used to treat influenza and has accumulated empirical and experimental evidence showing positive effects. Large scale observational studies in different continents have never been carried out to assess the overall benefits of homeopathy in flu, what prescription strategy and medicines are more effective and for which group of patients it can be most helpful. On the other hand, there is a predicted pandemic of avian flu and it is important to be proactive and to be prepared to test homeopathy in this context. This worldwide study will collect observational data on patients with influenza or influenza-like illness treated with homeopathic by experienced homeopathic doctors during a period of 2 years. Measurements will include duration of influenza illness, change in total score of symptoms and clinical scales, as well as safety aspects (p...
Influenza is a common disease, widespread all over the world, that has no satisfactory treatment ... more Influenza is a common disease, widespread all over the world, that has no satisfactory treatment up to now. Homeopathy has a long tradition of being used to treat influenza and has accumulated empirical and experimental evidence showing positive effects. Large scale observational studies in different continents have never been carried out to assess the overall benefits of homeopathy in flu,
Perfusion, 1995
This study examined whether treatment with the specific thromboxane (TX) A2 receptor antagonist G... more This study examined whether treatment with the specific thromboxane (TX) A2 receptor antagonist GR32191B would result in an improvement in peripheral haemodynamics during and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in anaesthetized dogs compared with animals given either saline (control) or aspirin. Following thoracotomy, heparinization and aortic cannulation, and 35 minutes before CPB, dogs received intravenously either GR32191B (15 micrograms/kg/min), saline (50 ml bolus) or aspirin (225 mg bolus) (n = 6 per group). Cardiac output (dye dilution), femoral artery blood flow (electromagnetic flowmeter), gastrocnemius muscle tissue perfusion (133Xe clearance), retinal blood flow (fluorescein angiography), and thromboxane biosynthesis (urinary excretion rates of TXB2 and the metabolite 2,3-dinor-TXB2) were measured before, during and after a standard 90 minute period of CPB at 2.4 l/min/m2 and 28 degrees C. The aspirin-treated group manifested an eightfold reduction in TXB2 excretion compared with controls, indicating a decrease in TXA2 biosynthesis. There were few haemodynamic differences between the groups, though the aspirin-treated group had better maintained muscle tissue perfusion post-CPB and significantly fewer retinal microcirculatory occlusions than GR32191B-treated animals. We conclude that specific TXA2 receptor antagonism provides no significant improvement in peripheral haemodynamics; rather aspirin provides a modest haemodynamic benefit.
Veterinary Record, 2010
Twelve Faculty of Homeopathy veterinarians recorded data systematically at 777 consecutive homeop... more Twelve Faculty of Homeopathy veterinarians recorded data systematically at 777 consecutive homeopathic appointments for horses over a period of 12 months. A spreadsheet enabled the recording of information, which included the date of appointment; horse and owner identity (anonymised); sex of horse; main medical problem treated; whether the condition was chronic or acute; whether the appointment was new or a follow-up; owner-assessed clinical outcome on a seven-point scale, ranging from -3 to +3, compared with the first appointment; homeopathic medicine(s) prescribed; and whether any conventional or other complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) was being used concurrently to treat the condition. Data from 289 horses comprised a total of 305 individual conditions identified as chronic in nature, of which 234 had a follow-up assessment. At the final appointment for chronic cases during the study period, 4.3 per cent were receiving conventional medication and 17.1 per cent were being given another CAM treatment in addition to homeopathy. The eight chronic conditions most frequently treated with homeopathy were: arthritis, headshaking, laminitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sweet itch, dermatitis, sarcoidosis and Cushing's syndrome.
Veterinary Record, 2009
Twenty dogs with confirmed atopic dermatitis were treated with homeopathy. In the first phase of ... more Twenty dogs with confirmed atopic dermatitis were treated with homeopathy. In the first phase of this pilot study, all of the dogs were treated by a veterinary homeopath with individualised remedies prescribed on the basis of the dog's cutaneous signs and constitutional characteristics. The response to treatment was assessed by scoring the severity of pruritus from 0 to 10 on a validated scale. The dogs were evaluated at monthly intervals for at least two months. In 15 cases, the owners reported no improvement following homeopathic treatment. In the other five cases, the owners believed that the homeopathic treatment was associated with a substantial improvement, and reported reductions in pruritus scores ranging from 64 to 100 per cent. These five dogs were selected for the second phase of the study, in which homeopathic remedies were tested against placebos in a randomised and blinded trial. In one of these dogs, atopic dermatitis resolved completely and so this dog could not participate in phase 2; another dog was euthanased because of status epilepticus before phase 2 could be started. In the remaining three cases, the owners correctly distinguished between the placebo and homeopathic remedies, and reported reductions in the pruritus score of 0, 0·2 and 0·8 following placebo treatment and 4·3, 2·4 and 3·0, respectively, following the remedy.
Surgical Endoscopy, 2003
The role of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the pathogenesis of tumor recurrence after laparoscopy remain... more The role of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the pathogenesis of tumor recurrence after laparoscopy remains controversial. Using a new rat model, we studied the effect of different CO2 flow rates on the dispersal of free cancer cells. A novel model of desufflation without trocar was developed, and 55 Fischer rats were randomized into three flow groups: group A (rapid, 0.67 l/min; n = 20), group B (slow, 0.44 l/min; n = 20), and group C (gasless, n = 15). We vented CO2 via a portless surgical valve that filtered cells. After the abdominal wall had been suspended to create space, half of the animals in each group (nonrecovery) received 7.5 x 10(6) immunolabeled rat colon cancer cells (RCC2) intraperitoneally, whereas the other half (recovery) received 7.5 x l0(6) viable RCC2 before insufflation or gasless laparoscopy. Nonrecovery animals were killed after 20 l of insufflation. Parietal peritoneal and port-site specimens were examined for RCC2 by fluorescence microscopy (FM) and flow cytometry (FC). The recovery animals were killed at 4 weeks for evidence of wound recurrence. Nine of 10 nonrecovery animals in A had RCC2 on FM or FC, as compared with 2 animals in each of the nonrecovery groups B and C (p = 0.018, Fisher's exact test). Two of the nine animals in group A also had RCC2 in their portless valves. Two recovery (A) animals developed wound recurrence as compared with none in the other groups (p = 0.315). In this model, rapid CO2 flow dispersed free cancer cells into the peritoneal cavity, but not into the port sites, thus supporting a role for CO2 in the intraperitoneal dispersal of free cancer cells, but not in wound recurrence.
Agents and Actions, 1992
The effects of pentagastrin (6 lag/kg/h) or insulin (0.15 U/kg/h) on histamine release and blood ... more The effects of pentagastrin (6 lag/kg/h) or insulin (0.15 U/kg/h) on histamine release and blood circulation in nine anaesthetized dogs were studied by measuring (1) plasma histamine concentrations in the iliac artery, iliac vein, hepatic vein and portal vein, (2) the corresponding blood pressures, and (3) blood flow in the hepatic artery and the portal vein. In the portal vein, pentagastrin induced an overall 204% rise (p<0.01) in plasma histamine and a 28% rise (p<0.01) in blood flow while other measurements did not change significantly. Insulin did not induce similar rises. Three patients with duodenal ulcer (DU) undergoing proximal gastric vagotomy (PGV) were given pentagastrin (6 gg/kg) by bolus injection. Plasma histamine concentrations in the gastric veins draining the oxyntic cell area rose by 68%, 15 min after injection. Thus, specific histamine release may act as a mediator for pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion and as a vasodilator to facilitate gastric circulation. Insulin did not promote histamine release in the present study.
Homeopathy, 2006
A base for targeted research and development in homeopathy can be founded on systematic collectio... more A base for targeted research and development in homeopathy can be founded on systematic collection and analysis of relevant clinical data obtained by doctors in routine practice. With these longer-term aims in mind, we conducted a pilot data collection study, in which 14 homeopathic physicians collected clinical and outcomes data over a 6-month period in their practice setting. A specifically designed Excel spreadsheet enabled recording of consecutive clinical appointments under the following main headings: date, patient identity (anonymised), age and gender, medical condition/complaint treated, whether chronic or acute, new or follow-up case, patient-assessed outcome (7-point Likert scale: -3 to +3) compared with first appointment, homeopathic medicine/s prescribed, whether any other medication/s being taken for the condition. Spreadsheets were submitted monthly via email to the project co-ordinator for data synthesis and analysis. Practitioners typically submitted data regularly and punctually, and most data cells were completed as required, enabling substantial data analysis. The mean age of patients was 41.5 years. A total of 1,783 individual patient conditions were treated overall. Outcome from two or more homeopathic appointments per patient condition was obtained in 961 cases (75.9% positive, 4.6% negative, 14.7% no change; 4.8% outcome not recorded). Strongly positive outcomes (scores of +2 or +3) were achieved most notably in the frequently treated conditions of anxiety, depression, and irritable bowel syndrome. This multi-practitioner pilot study has indicated that systematic recording of clinical data in homeopathy is both feasible and capable of informing future research. A refined version of the spreadsheet can be employed in larger-scale research-targeted clinical data collection in the medical practice setting--particularly in primary care.
Homeopathy, 2010
Introduction: The peer-review literature contains no controlled clinical research of homeopathy i... more Introduction: The peer-review literature contains no controlled clinical research of homeopathy in cats and very little in dogs. Main objective: To collect clinical outcomes data systematically from individualised homeopathic treatment of cats and dogs that would help to inform controlled research in feline and canine homeopathy. Methods: Twenty-one homeopathic veterinary surgeons recorded data systematically from consecutive feline and canine patients over a 12-month period. Records included: date; patient and owner identity (anonymised); medical problem treated; whether new or follow-up (FU) appointment; chronic or acute condition; owner-assessed clinical outcome (7-point scale, range À3 to +3) compared with first appointment. Results: Data from 400 cats comprised a total of 372 individual chronic problems, of which 270 had FU assessment. Data from 1504 dogs comprised a total of 1408 individual chronic problems, of which 1070 had FU assessment. In both species, 22% of FUs in chronic cases received conventional medicines concurrently. In cats, 117 different chronic medical conditions in total were treated with homeopathy. Five of those conditions included ‡20 cases, in which owner-reported outcomes (in decreasing rank order of frequency) were: dermatitis (69.6% patients with +2 or +3 outcome, 0% patients with À2 or À3 outcome); renal failure (57.1%, 14.3%); overgrooming (57.1%, 7.2%); arthritis (80.0%, 0%); hyperthyroidism (66.7%, 0%). In dogs, of 301 different chronic medical conditions treated in total, those most commonly recorded ( ‡20 cases) were: dermatitis (66.2% with +2 or +3 outcome, 5.4% with À2 or À3 outcome); arthritis (80.2%, 0.8%); pyoderma (75.8%, 0%); colitis (85.2%, 0%); fear (31.6%, 0%); epilepsy (63.6%, 4.5%); otitis externa (72.7%, 0%); diarrhoea (68.2%, 0%); urinary incontinence (73.7%, 0%); aggression (57.1%, 0%); spondylosis (81.0%, 0%); lymphoma (40.0%, 6.7%). Conclusions: A programme of controlled research in veterinary homeopathy for these feline and canine conditions is clearly indicated. Homeopathy (2010) 99, 243e248.
Homeopathy, 2007
properly informed by the systematic collection and analysis of relevant clinical data obtained by... more properly informed by the systematic collection and analysis of relevant clinical data obtained by its practitioners. We organised a pilot data collection study, in which 8 Faculty of Homeopathy veterinarians collected practice-based clinical and outcomes data over a 6-month period. Methods: A specifically designed Excel spreadsheet enabled recording of consecutive clinical appointments under the following headings: date; identity of patient and owner (anonymised); age, sex and species of patient; medical condition/complaint treated; whether confirmed diagnosis, chronic or acute, new or follow-up case; owner-assessed outcome (7-point Likert scale: À3 to +3) compared with first appointment; homeopathic medicine/s prescribed; other medication/s for the condition/complaint. Spreadsheets were submitted monthly by e-mail to the project organisers for data checking, synthesis and analysis. Results: Practitioners submitted data regularly and punctually, and most data cells were completed. 767 individual patients were treated (547 dogs, 155 cats, 50 horses, 5 rabbits, 4 guinea-pigs, 2 birds, 2 goats, 1 cow, and 1 tortoise). Outcome from two or more homeopathic appointments per patient condition was obtained in 539 cases (79.8% showing improvement, 6.1% deterioration, 11.7% no change; outcome not recorded in 2.4% of follow-ups). Strongly positive outcomes (scores of +2 or +3) were achieved in: arthritis and epilepsy in dogs and, in smaller numbers, in atopic dermatitis, gingivitis and hyperthyroidism in cats. Conclusions: Systematic recording of data by veterinarians in clinical practice is feasible and capable of informing future research in veterinary homeopathy. A refined version of the spreadsheet can be used in larger-scale research-targeted veterinary data collection. Homeopathy (2007) 96, 27-34.
Homeopathy, 2013
We conducted a prospective, multi-centre, data collection survey of homeopathic practice in treat... more We conducted a prospective, multi-centre, data collection survey of homeopathic practice in treatment of influenza-like illness in India during the 2009 pandemic of A/H1N1 influenza (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;swine flu&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;, SF). To survey the practice of homeopathic practitioners in India in the management of SF, with respect to: (a) patients&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; symptoms at presentation and at follow-up (FU) consultation; (b) homeopathic medicines prescribed. Data collection took place from October 2009 to February 2010, at the peak of the pandemic. All patients satisfying the minimum diagnostic symptoms of SF were eligible for inclusion. Data per appointment (in person or by telephone) were recorded by practitioners in spreadsheet format. All records were anonymised and included: whether patient was immunised against A/H1N1; influenza symptoms at consultation; the homeopathic medicine/s prescribed; whether antiviral medicine prescribed. Twenty-three homeopathic physicians contributed to data collection. At the first appointment, 1126 patients had valid SF symptoms. A total of 89 different combinations of SF symptoms was observed, the most common being temperature &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;38°C + cough + runny nose (n = 170; 15.1%). A total of 44 different remedies (or combinations of remedies) were used at these first appointments, the most frequently prescribed being Arsenicum album (n = 265; 23.5%). For a total of 99 FU appointments with valid SF symptoms, Arsenicum album was prescribed most frequently overall (n = 28; 28.0%). In our sample, the 2009 A/H1N1 influenza pandemic in India was characterised by several prominent symptoms and symptom/medicine associations, particularly temperature &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;38°C + cough + runny nose, associated with Arsenicum album. Future studies should collect additional keynote prescribing symptoms that influence the choice of homeopathic medicine.
Homeopathy, 2014
Barcelona, 31st Maye2nd June, was the setting for the Homeopathy Research Institute's first resea... more Barcelona, 31st Maye2nd June, was the setting for the Homeopathy Research Institute's first research conference e 'Cutting Edge Research in Homeopathy'. Attended by 180 people from 33 countries, this event brought together researchers from around the world to present and discuss their latest findings. With 36 oral presentations from leaders in the field, the scientific quality of the programme was high and the content diverse. This report summarises some of the key findings reported during the conference, which demonstrated the sound progress being made in the field. Following the success of Barcelona 2013, the HRI intends to hold similar conferences, dedicated solely to homeopathy research, on a bi-annual basis, furthering the generation of new high quality research through ever stronger international collaborations. Homeopathy (2013) 103, 58e61.
Hepatology, 1996
mesenteric endothelial NO is unchanged or possibly di-The contribution of nitric oxide to mesente... more mesenteric endothelial NO is unchanged or possibly di-The contribution of nitric oxide to mesenteric arterial minished. (HEPATOLOGY 1996;23:130-136.) vasodilator responses was investigated in the isolated perfused mesenteric arterial bed of cirrhotic rats (carbon tetrachloride/phenobarbitone; n Å 6). Age-matched (n Å 9) and phenobarbitone-treated rats (n Å 9)
Gut, 1994
Available experimental models ofportal hypertension are based either on cirrhosis or externally a... more Available experimental models ofportal hypertension are based either on cirrhosis or externally applied portal vein constricting devices. A new method is described of raising portal pressure, which uses intraportaily injected microspheres to block intrahepatic portal radicles, which has the advantages of retaining normal liver architecture and providing a more clinically relevant intrahepatic obstruction to portal flow. Measured aliquots of microspheres (15, 25, 50, 90 [tm) or equivalent volumes of saline were injected into a peripheral portal tributary (caecal vein) of 22 normal rats. The resultant changes in arterial, portal, and splenic pulp pressures were monitored. Sequential microsphere injections produced graduated rises in portal pressure up to a peak of 18-5-22-5 mm Hg (8.7-12.4 mm Hg increase from basal), which declined gradually to a steady state pressure of 13-3-15*1 mm Hg (4-0-5.0 mm Hg increase). There was no significant difference between pressure increases produced by microspheres of differing sizes. It is concluded that portal hypertension can be produced acutely by blocking portal radicles with microspheres. The maximum pressure achieved, however, is substantially less than that obtained by total portal vein occlusion (mean: 57 6 mm Hg). This suggests the existence of functional intrahepatic portal systemic shunts not previously described in the normal liver.