Comparative medicine East and West最新文献

Plasma ACTH, cortisol, and cyclic-AMP levels of eleven heroin addicts were dertermined before and after treatment with a fast detoxification procedure using acupuncture and electrical stimulation (AES) together with the administration of limited doses of naloxone. At the end of the treatment period, the average plasma ACTH, cortisol, and cyclic-AMP level rose 130,83, and 24 percent, respectively. In view of the appearance of mild withdrawal signs during this method of treatment, the observed increases in ACTH and cortisol levels probably reflect the inability of AES to suppress withdrawal symptoms induced by naloxone completely. The mechanism underlying this new method of treatment is discussed in relation to AES's ability to stimulate the secretion of endorphins.

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, is described in Atharva Veda and in subsequent treatises by Charak, Susrut, and Vagbhatt, containing the details of etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and therapy of afflictions in humans and animals. The science of mental disorders (Bhoot-Vidya) describes extensively conditions from mild anger and greed to severe psychoses. This paper presents a synoptic overview comparing the clinical conditions described in Ayurveda with clinical conditions described in the Internationl Classification of Diseases. The symbiotic relationship between 'psyche' and 'soma' was recognised in Ayurveda, attributing the highest importance to psychic energy as the propulsive power of creation--the original force. According to Vedic concepts, personality is composed of three elements (gunas): i. Satva (pure qualities), ii. Rajas (pleasure-seeking propensities and emotions), iii. Tamas (animal-like behavioural tendencies leading to deterioration). Abnormalities result from the excess of Tomas and Rajas. The main therapies are i. suggestion, auto-suggestion, hynotism, assurance, persuasion, and ritualistic therapy; ii. transferring of symptoms; iii. confession, penance, and sacrifice; iv. use of natural elements; v. medicine and endocrine therapies; and vi. tantic and yogic practices.

An electromagnetic flowmeter probe was chronically implanted around the ascending aorta in a group of dogs. Subsequently, ten dogs were lightly anesthetized with halothane (0.75%) and the third (aqueous) extract of ginseng (40 mg/kg) was administered intravenously. Five dogs were anesthetized without the administration of ginseng. Eleven cardiovascular variables including cardiac output, stroke volume, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, central venous pressure, total peripheral resistance, pH, PaCO2, PaO2, and base deficit were compared. The cardiac output, stroke volume, and central venous pressure were decreased significantly, while total peripheral resistance was increased significantly following ginseng.

Alcoholism in Islamic countries has such a low incidence that it is not yet considered a serious public health problem of the Moslem states. The reason is that the precepts of Islam succeeded in reducing alcoholic dependence, and offer a unique example in prohibiting this social evil.

An electromagnetic flowmeter probe was chronically implanted around the ascending aorta in a group of dogs. Subsequently, ten dogs were lightly anesthetized with halothane (0.75%), and a second (ethanol) extract of ginseng (40 mg/kg) was administered intravenously. Five dogs were anesthetized without the administration of ginseng. Eleven cardiovascular variables including cardiac output, stroke volume, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, central venous pressure, total peripheral resistance, pH, PaCO2, PaO2, and base deficit were compared for two hours. The heart rate and mean arterial pressure were significantly decreased following ginseng. There were no other meaningful changes in either group.

Elementary form of nitrogen (protein), phosphorus, potassium and magnesium contained in sixty-six different kinds of Chinese medicines were analyzed by means of 14-MeV neutron activation technique. The % contents of these elements in Chinese medicines range from 4.1 to 38.6% (average: 12.7%) for protein, 0.1 to 10.5% (average: 1.3%) for phosphorus, 1.6 to 13.8% (average 4.5%) for potassium and 0.1 to 2.5% (average: 0.5%) for magnesium. The procedure proves to be quite precise and potentially quite accurate, while only requiring about 20 minutes per sample. The methods of determining the elements are described.