The Systemic Theory of Living Systems. Part IV: Systemic Medicine--The Praxis

This fourth lecture illustrates the praxis and results of Systemic Medicine (SM) in various therapeutic applications. SM's success has made it popular throughout Venezuela and Puerto Rico. The treatment of over 300,000 patients by 150 orthodox MD's, trained and qualified in SM, in 35 medical establishments with above average results corroborate its effectiveness as an eCAM in chronic degenerative diseases. Herein we provide a synopsis of results obtained in four such pathologies-the journal's necessary space restrictions somewhat limiting content-as well as clinical and photographic evidence. The validity of any medical theory is substantiated by its degree of effectivity and success. The workability of evidence-based SM corroborates Systemic Theory's transcendence.     

The Systemic Theory of Living Systems and Relevance to CAM: Part I: The Theory

The Systemic Theory of Living Systems is being published inseveral parts in eCAM. The theory is axiomatic. It originatesfrom the phenomenological idea that physiological health isbased on three factors: integrity of its structure or organization,O, functional organic energy reserve, E, and level of activebiological intelligence, I. From the theory is derived a treatmentstrategy called Systemic Medicine (SM). This is based on identifyingand prescribing phytomedicines and/or other medications thatstrengthen each factor. Energy-stimulating phytomedicines increaseavailable energy and decrease total entropy of an open biologicalsystem by providing negative entropy. The same occurs with phytomedicinesthat act as biological intelligence modulators. They shouldbe used as the first line of treatment in all ailments, sinceall pathologies, by definition, imply a higher than normal organicentropy. SM postulates that the state of health, H, of an individual,is effectively equal to the product of the strength of eachfactor H = O x E x I. SM observes that when all three factorsare brought back to ideal levels, patients' conditions beginthe recovery to normal health.     

The systemic theory of living systems and relevance to CAM: the theory (Part III)

Western medical science lacks a solid philosophical and theoretical approach to disease cognition and therapeutics. My first two articles provided a framework for a humane medicine based on Modern Biophysics. Its precepts encompass modern therapeutics and CAM. Modern Biophysics and its concepts are presently missing in medicine, whether orthodox or CAM, albeit they probably provide the long sought explanation that bridges the abyss between East and West. Key points that differentiate Systemic from other systems' approaches are 'Intelligence', 'Energy' and the objective 'to survive'. The General System Theory (GST) took a forward step by proposing a departure from the mechanistic biological concept-of analyzing parts and processes in isolation-and brought us towards an organismic model. GST examines the system's components and results of their interaction. However, GST still does not go far enough. GST assumes 'Self-Organization' as a spontaneous phenomenon, ignoring a causative entity or central controller to all systems: Intelligence. It also neglects 'Survive' as the directional motivation common to any living system, and scarcely assigns 'Energy' its true inherent value. These three parameters, Intelligence, Energy and Survive, are vital variables to be considered, in our human quest, if we are to achieve a unified theory of life.     

Maggot Therapy: The Science and Implication for CAM Part I-History and Bacterial Resistance

It is now a universally acknowledged fact that maggot therapy can be used successfully to treat chronic, long-standing, infected wounds, which have previously failed to respond to conventional treatment. Such wounds are typically characterized by the presence of necrotic tissue, underlying infection and poor healing. Maggot therapy employs the use of freshly emerged, sterile larvae of the common green-bottle fly, Phaenicia (Lucilia) sericata, and is a form of artificially induced myiasis in a controlled clinical situation. In this review article, we will discuss the role of maggots and their preparation for clinical use. Maggot therapy has the following three core beneficial effects on a wound: debridement, disinfection and enhanced healing. In part I we explore our current understanding of the mechanisms underlying these effects.     

Traditional and Modern Biomedical Prospecting: Part I-the History: Sustainable Exploitation of Biodiversity (Sponges and Invertebrates) in the Adriatic Sea in Rovinj (Croatia)

Nature, especially the marine environment, provides the mosteffective drugs used in human therapy. Among the metazoans,the marine sponges (phylum Porifera), which are sessile filterfeeders, produce the most potent and highly selective bioactivesecondary metabolites. These animals (or their associated symbioticmicroorganisms) synthesize secondary metabolites whose activityand selectivity has developed during their long evolutionaryhistory (evochemistry). The exploitation of these resourceshas become possible due to the progress in molecular and cellbiology. BIOTECmarin, the German Center of Excellence followsthis rationale. In the past, these animals have been successfullyand extensively utilized to isolate bioactive compounds andbiomaterials for human benefit. Pharmaceuticals prepared frommarine animals, primarily sponges, have been applied since ancienttimes (Hippocrates, Aristotle and later Plinius). It has beenreported that extracts and/or components from sponges can beused for the treatment of specific diseases. For a systematicand applied-oriented exploitation, the successful developmentof effective compounds largely depends on quality of the institutionalinfrastructure of marine stations and more so on the biodiversity.The Center for Marine Research in Rovinj (Croatia) fulfils theseprerequisites. Founded in 1891, this institute has to its creditmajor discoveries related to exploitation of secondary metabolites/biomaterialsfrom sponges for therapeutical application and to obtain biomaterialsfor general wellbeing. This is the first part of a review focusing on biomedical prospecting.Here, we have mainly described the historic background. Thedetails of techniques, substances, approaches and outlooks willbe discussed in the second part.     

An Alternative Approach to Atopic Dermatitis: Part II-Summary of Cases and Discussion

In the first part of this Review, we presented case-series whereKampo treatment was introduced for those atopic dermatitis (AD)patients who had failed with conventional therapy, in an attemptto prove that there exists a definite subgroup of AD patientsfor whom Kampo treatment is effective. In this second part,we will first provide the summary of the results for 140 ADpatients we treated in 2000. The results suggest that Kampotreatment is effective for more than half of AD patients whofail with conventional therapy. In the Discussion, we will examinethe evidential basis for conventional AD therapy and discusshow Kampo treatment should be integrated into the guidelinesfor AD therapy. We contend that Kampo treatment should be triedbefore systematic immunosuppressive agents are considered. Aseach Kampo treatment is highly individualized, it should beregarded more as ‘art’ than technology, and specialcare should be taken to assess its efficacy in clinical trial.     

Ten Years Evidence-based High-Tech Acupuncture-A Short Review of Centrally Measured Effects (Part II)

The assessment of acupuncture-induced effects on brain function is crucial. Ultrasound-assisted brain function monitoring and bioelectrical methods as well as near infrared spectroscopic procedures and functional magnetic resonance investigations form the basis for the latest scientific examination methods for acupuncture research. The laserneedle acupuncture, which was examined scientifically for the first time in Graz, represents a new painless and non-invasive acupuncture method. In this way, individual combinations of acupuncture points can be stimulated simultaneously according to traditional Chinese medicine. In the context of double-blind studies, effects in the brain could be demonstrated in a reproducible manner for the first time. This second part of the short review article summarizes some of the centrally measured effects of acupuncture obtained at the Medical University of Graz within the last 10 years.     

The Nishino Breathing Method and Ki-energy (Life-energy): A Challenge to Traditional Scientific Thinking

The breathing method, which was developed and is being taught by Kozo Nishino, a Japanese Ki-expert, is for raising the levels of Ki-energy (life-energy or the vitality) of an individual. It is neither a therapy nor a healing technique. However, many of his students have experienced an improvement in their health, and in some cases, they were able to overcome health problems by themselves. Since this is an interesting subject from the standpoint of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), we have been collaborating with Nishino to conduct a scientific investigation of his Ki-energy. We found that Nishino's Ki-energy can inhibit cell division of cancer cells, protect isolated mitochondria from heat deterioration and reduce lipid peroxidation in heat-treated mitochondria. Although Ki-energy may consist of several different energy forms, we found that at least one of them is near-infrared radiation between the wavelength range of 0.8 and 2.7 microm. Another interesting observation at his school is the Taiki-practice (paired Ki-practice). During this practice, Nishino can 'move' his students without any physical contact. Many of them run, jump or roll on the floor when they receive his Ki-energy. We studied this and propose that 'information' is conveyed through the air between two individuals by Ki-energy. This may be called a five sense-independent, life-to-life communication by Ki. All of our results suggest that we should re-evaluate the Cartesian dualism (separation of mind and body) which has been a fundamental principle of modern science for the past three centuries.     

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among cancer patients at a tertiary hospital in Malaysia

PurposeComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among cancer patients is increasing over the years. Some types of CAM may interact with conventional cancer therapy or may cause serious adverse effects. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of CAM use among cancer patients during cancer therapy and to identify CAM users’ characteristics, perception, reasoning, expectation and disclosure of CAM use.MethodThis cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2017 to October 2017, on 121 cancer patients in oncology and hematology clinics and daycare of a tertiary hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Study data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire.ResultsThe prevalence of CAM use among cancer patients was found to be 61.2 %. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that CAM use was associated with change in outlook on life after development of cancer. The most frequently used types of CAM were vitamins and Islamic medical practices. Majority of patients were guided by family and friends’ suggestions towards using CAM. Most patients expected CAM to cure their disease. The percentage of patients who disclosed CAM use to the doctors was slightly higher than those who did not disclose CAM use.ConclusionThe use of CAM was found to be remarkably high. Rate of non-disclosure of CAM use was high indicating the need for enhancement of doctor- patient relationship for effective patient’s care. Future research is needed with large sample of patients to provide better representation of the population and to help understand patients’ beliefs and perception more.     

Use of electronic personal health records (PHRs) for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) disclosure: Implications for integrative health care

ObjectivesTo test a hypothesis that patients' use of Internet-based personal health records (PHRs) will be positively related to their disclosure of their CAM use to medical doctors, controlling for covariates' effects (e.g., health, human capital, and demographics), and to examine the factors influencing patients' CAM use disclosures.DesignCross-sectional survey.MethodsWe analyzed data in a subsample of CAM users who used both the internet and healthcare services (n = 1457) from the Health Information National Trends Survey, a nationally representative study of U.S. adults (≥18), by using a multivariate logistic analysis.ResultsAmong the subsample, 52.7% disclosed their use of CAM to their doctors and 19.3% used PHRs. Both the bivariate (64.1% vs. 35.9%, p < 0.01) and multivariate (β = 0.558, SE = 0.220, OR = 1.75, p < 0.05) analyses revealed a positive relationship between PHR use and CAM use disclosure. Other significant factors for CAM use disclosure included being older, being a female, having insurance, and having regular source of care. Particularly, foreign-born adults had significantly lower odds of disclosing their CAM use than U.S.-born adults.ConclusionsWe found that patients' PHR use facilitated their disclosure of CAM use to medical doctors. To ensure integrative healthcare and integrative medicine in the healthcare sector and optimum care for patients, education for CAM users regarding PHR adoption is encouraged. Next-generation PHR designs should consider incorporating domains for CAM data that allow patients to store CAM data and also incorporating ‘intelligent' PHRs, whose contents can be converted into the patient's first language.     

Regulatory T cells, a potent immunoregulatory target for CAM researchers: modulating tumor immunity, autoimmunity and alloreactive immunity (III)

Regulatory T (T(reg)) cells are the major arbiter of immune responses, mediating actions through the suppression of inflammatory and destructive immune reactions. Inappropriate T(reg) cell frequency or functionality potentiates the pathogenesis of myriad diseases with ranging magnitudes of severity. Lack of suppressive capability hinders restraint on immune responses involved in autoimmunity and alloreactivity, while excessive suppressive capacity effectively blocks processes necessary for tumor destruction. Although the etiology of dysfunctional T(reg) cell populations is under debate, the ramifications, and their mechanisms, are increasingly brought to light in the medical community. Methods that compensate for aberrant immune regulation may not address the underlying complications; however, they hold promise for the alleviation of debilitating immune system-related disorders. The dominant immunoregulatory nature of T(reg) cells, coupled with recent mechanistic knowledge of natural immunomodulatory compounds, highlights the importance of T(reg) cells to practitioners and researchers of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).     

Traditional and Modern Biomedical Prospecting: Part II-the Benefits: Approaches for a Sustainable Exploitation of Biodiversity (Secondary Metabolites and Biomaterials from Sponges)

The progress in molecular and cell biology has enabled a rationalexploitation of the natural resources of the secondary metabolitesand biomaterials from sponges (phylum Porifera). It could beestablished that these natural substances are superior for biomedicalapplication to those obtained by the traditional combinatorialchemical approach. It is now established that the basic structuraland functional elements are highly conserved from sponges tothe crown taxa within the Protostomia (Drosophila melanogasterand Caenorhabditis elegans) and Deuterostomia (human); therefore,it is obvious that the molecular etiology of diseases withinthe metazoan animals have a common basis. Hence, the major challengefor scientists studying natural product chemistry is to elucidatethe target(s) of a given secondary metabolite, which is perse highly active and selective. After this step, the potentialclinical application can be approached. The potential valueof some selected secondary metabolites, all obtained from spongesand their associated microorganisms, is highlighted. Examplesof compounds that are already in medical use (inhibition oftumor/virus growth [arabinofuranosyl cytosine and arabinofuranosyladenine]), or are being considered as lead structures (actingas cytostatic and anti-inflammatory secondary metabolites [avarol/avarone],causing induction of apoptosis [sorbicillactone]) or as prototypesfor the interference with metabolic pathways common in organismsranging from sponges to humans (modulation of pathways activatedby fungal components [aeroplysinin], inhibition of angiogenesis[2-methylthio-1,4-napthoquinone], immune modulating activity[FK506]) are discussed in this study. In addition, bioactiveproteins from sponges are listed (antibacterial activity [pore-formingprotein and tachylectin]). Finally, it is outlined that theskeletal elements—the spicules—serve as blueprintsfor new biomaterials, especially those based on biosilica, whichmight be applied in biomedicine. These compounds and biomaterialshave been isolated/studied by members of the German Center ofExcellence BIOTECmarin. The goal for the future is to successfullyintroduce some of these compounds in the treatment of humandiseases in order to raise the public awareness on the richnessand diversity of natural products, which should be sustainablyexploited for human benefit.     

Evidence-based research in complementary and alternative medicine II: the process of evidence-based research

It is a common practice in contemporary medicine to follow stringently the scientific method in the process of validating efficacy and effectiveness of new or improved modes of treatment intervention. It follows that these complementary or alternative interventions must be validated by stringent research before they can be reliably integrated into Western medicine. The next decades will witness an increasing number of evidence-based research directed at establishing the best available evidence in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). This second paper in this lecture series examines the process of evidence-based research (EBR) in the context of CAM. We outline the fundamental principles, process and relevance of EBR, and its implication to CAM. We underscore areas of future development in EBR. We note that the main problem of applying EBR to CAM at present has to do with the fact that the contribution of EBR can be significant only to the extent to which studies used in the process of EBR are of good quality. All too often CAM research is not of sufficient quality to warrant the generation of a consensus statement. EBR, nevertheless, can contribute to CAM by identifying current weaknesses of CAM research. We present a revised instrument to assess quality of the literature.     

Finding the Words to Say It: The Healing Power of Poetry

My purpose in this paper is to help you experience for yourselfthe potential of poetry to heal by feeling its power throughyour own voice. Many people have an intuitive sense that voicein general and poetry in particular can be healing. We haveall experienced the comfort of soothing words. Finding the wordsto articulate a traumatic experience can bring relief. A letterbetween friends who are fighting can heal a relational wound.People are frequently moved to write a poem in times of extremity.In mainstream culture there are subjects that are not talkedabout. They are taboo. For example, each of us is going to die,but we do not talk about dying. We are all in the dialogue ofillness, death and dying, whether or not we are talking aboutit. Poetry gives us ways to talk about it. Multiple ways ofutilizing poetry for healing, growth and transformation willbe presented including the Poetry and Brain Cancer project atUCLA. Particular attention will be given to issues of Palliativecare. The reader will be directed to the scientific evidenceof the efficacy of utilizing expressive writing. The developingprofessional field of Poetry Therapy, and The National Associationfor Poetry Therapy will be discussed.     

Emotional intelligence: Part 1: The development of scales and psychometric testing

Abstract   This article, the first in a series of four, describes the development of two scales for deductive and inductive measurement of emotional intelligence (EI), based on the literature and the identification of the psychometric properties of the scales. The data collection comprised two parts: (i) a literature search on the subject of emotional intelligence; and (ii) psychometric testing of the scales. The Emotional Intelligence Scale, comprising 23 items, and the Emotional Reactions and Thoughts Scale, containing 25 items, were tested on a sample of 250 postnatal mothers. The response rate was 80%. An explorative factor analysis was used to investigate the construct validity of the underlying dimensions of emotional intelligence and yielded a three-factor solution for the Emotional Intelligence Scale and a four-factor solution for the Emotional Reactions and Thoughts Scale. The internal consistency of the scales was satisfactory. How well the factor solutions fit in clinical practice remains to be validated.     

Bridging the gap: decision-making processes of women with breast cancer using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

Goals of work The purpose of this study was to explore the personal and social processes women with breast cancer engaged in when making decisions about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The overall aim was to develop a conceptual model of the treatment decision-making process specific to breast cancer care and CAM that will inform future information and decision support strategies. Materials and methods Grounded theory methodology explored the decisions of women with breast cancer using CAM. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Following open, axial, and selective coding, the constant comparative method was used to identify key themes in the data and develop a conceptual model of the CAM decision-making process. Main results The final decision-making model, Bridging the Gap, was comprised of four core concepts including maximizing choices/minimizing risks, experiencing conflict, gathering and filtering information, and bridging the gap. Women with breast cancer used one of three decision-making styles to address the paradigmatic, informational, and role conflict they experienced as a result of the gap they perceived between conventional care and CAM: (1) taking it one step at a time, (2) playing it safe, and (3) bringing it all together. Conclusions Women with breast cancer face conflict and anxiety when making decisions about CAM within a conventional cancer care context. Information and decision support strategies are needed to ensure women are making safe, informed treatment decisions about CAM. The model, Bridging the Gap, provides a conceptual framework for future decision support interventions.     

Brewer's/baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and preventive medicine: Part II

Yeast is the term generally applied to a unicellular fungus, and there are hundreds of species now identified. One of the most notable and well-known species of yeast in health and wellness is known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is also known by its more common names, brewer's yeast or baker's yeast. Typically, brewer's yeast is used as a protein supplement, energy booster, immune enhancer, or other vehicle where other compounds can be inserted to create a commercialized health product. For example, one of the most notable positive findings was the encouraging results from a large randomized trial of adults recently vaccinated for seasonal influenza who also received an over-the-counter daily adjuvant modified brewer's yeast-based product (EpiCor) to prevent colds and flu symptoms. The modified yeast-based product significantly reduced the incidence and duration of this common condition. Yeast-based technology is also being used as a molecular mechanistic model of caloric restriction (CR) with the goal of improving the human life span. The current and potential impact of yeast-based technology in medicine is encouraging and should receive more attention, but the recent preliminary positive results of CR in humans may be in part due to what has been already learned from brewer's yeast.