The persistence of the subjective in neuropsychopharmacology: observations of contemporary hallucinogen research.

The elimination of subjectivity through brain research and the replacement of so-called "folk psychology" by a neuroscientifically enlightened worldview and self-conception has been both hoped for and feared. But this cultural revolution is still pending. Based on nine months of fieldwork on the revival of hallucinogen research since the "Decade of the Brain," this paper examines how subjective experience appears as epistemic object and practical problem in a psychopharmacological laboratory. In the quest for neural correlates of (drug-induced altered states of) consciousness, introspective accounts of test subjects play a crucial role in neuroimaging studies. Firsthand knowledge of the drugs' flamboyant effects provides researchers with a personal knowledge not communicated in scientific publications, but key to the conduct of their experiments. In many cases, the "psychedelic experience" draws scientists into the field and continues to inspire their self-image and way of life. By exploring these domains the paper points to a persistence of the subjective in contemporary neuropsychopharmacology.

Review of Scientific Self-Experimentation: Ethics History, Regulation, Scenarios, and Views Among Ethics Committees and Prominent Scientists.

We examine self-experimentation ethics history and practice, related law, use scenarios in universities and industry, and attitudes. We show through analysis of the historical development of medical ethics and regulation, from Hippocrates through Good Clinical Practice that there are no ethical barriers to self-experimentation. When the self-experimenter is a true investigator, there is no other party to be protected from unethical behavior. We discuss the n-of-1 issue in self-experiments, and make suggestions for improving experiment design. We discuss real-world scenarios of self-experimentation: at universities, for independent single-subject investigators, investigator/employees at pharmaceutical firms, and nonscientist self-experimenters. Our survey of ethics committees regarding policy and review for self-experimenting investigators show that approximately one-third of ethics committee respondents had a policy regarding self-experimentation, and one-third did not require ethical committee review of proposed experiments. There was no relationship between having a policy and asking for review. We also surveyed member attitudes to, and experiences of, self-experimentation among members of the National Academy of Sciences, Royal Society, and European Academy of Sciences. To our knowledge, this survey is the first breakdown of self-experiments into impact-relevant type classifications, and represents an advance in the field. Half of our scientist respondents performed self-experiments, and roughly one-fifth had conducted serious self-experiments. Most responders thought self-experiments were valuable, however, biologics injections, radiation exposure, and surgical implants had negative ratings greater than positive. We conclude that self-experimenters should not have attempts made to terminate them, bar them from use of facilities, nor be barred from using themselves or their tissues except in exceptional circumstances. Organizational uncertainty over the ethical and regulatory status of self-experimentation, and resulting fear of consequences is unjustified and may be blocking a route to human experiments that practicing scientists widely consider appropriate, and which historical precedent has shown is valuable.

NHS letter stimulates international dialogue on interpretation and possible implications of CAM research.

Prompted by the open letter by 13 prominent British scientists to National Health Science (NHS) trusts questioning the use of homeopathy, Vinjar Fønnebø, M.D., Ph.D., and Michael Baum, M.B., Ch.M., F.R.C.S., M.D.(Hon) entered into an e-mail exchange about the issues of research and documentation of practices in "complementary," "alternative," and "integrated" medicine. The paper presents the whole exchange unedited. Researchers who are well-acquainted with the field benefit from discussing and challenging, and will achieve a clearer understanding of both the understanding and opinions of the others as well as their own positions.

Attitudes, Knowledge, Use, and Recommendation of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Health Professionals in Western Mexico.

BACKGROUND: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased in many countries, and this has altered the knowledge, attitudes, and treatment recommendations of health professionals in regard to CAM. METHODS: Considering Mexican health professionals׳ lack of knowledge of CAM, in this report we surveyed 100 biomedical researchers and Ph.D. students and 107 specialized physicians and residents of a medical specialty in Guadalajara, México (Western Mexico) with a questionnaire to address their attitudes, knowledge, use, and recommendation of CAM. RESULTS: We observed that significantly more researchers had ever used CAM than physicians (83% vs. 69.2%, P = .023) and that only 36.4% of physicians had ever recommended CAM. Female researchers tended to have ever used CAM more than male researchers, but CAM use did not differ between genders in the physician group or by age in either group. Homeopathy, herbal medicine, and massage therapy were the most commonly used CAMs in both the groups. Physicians more frequently recommended homeopathy, massage therapy, and yoga to their patients than other forms of CAM, and physicians had the highest perception of safety and had taken the most courses in homeopathy. All CAMs were perceived to have high efficacy (>60%) in both the groups. The attitude questionnaire reported favorable attitudes toward CAM in both the groups. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a high rate of Mexican health professionals that had ever used CAM, and they had mainly used homeopathy, massage therapy, and herbal medicine. However, the recommendation rate of CAM by Mexican physicians was significantly lower than that in other countries, which is probably due to the lack of CAM training in most Mexican medical schools.

Self-experimentation, ethics and efficacy.

Much fundamental progress in medicine and, more broadly, in medical sciences has required or benefited from self-experiments. This review provides a definition of self-experiments in which experimenters themselves are subjects for their research, and it considers the logical steps which such experiments require. Lay, medical and scientific communities are often unaware of the contributions and the full range of outcomes from self-experiments. Hence, some implications for ethics committees are explored.

The investigator as volunteer subject.

It is particularly within the past three decades that increased attention has been focused on human experimentation, both in regard to the scientific design that ensures the greatest chance of success and to conformity to ethical principles that are most likely to receive public approbation. The story of man's experimentation on man dates back to prehistoric times. In the past two centuries, these investigations have been carried out at an increasing level of sophistication. In this saga, the narratives of the auto-experimenters define a special group of investigators, to many of whom the term "heroic" can be applied. When investigators involve themselves as subjects of their research, a situation of informed consent is often assumed to exist. Discussions concerning voluntarism and ethical propriety have been much less voluminous when the investigators have themselves been subjects that when this is not so. It is within the past half century that physiologists particularly have often been auto-experimenters, and Dr. Earl Wood belongs to the best of this illustrious group.

Self-experimentation.

Except in certain cases of unusual risk, self-experimentation should not be encouraged. It is usually scientifically inadequate for lack of proper controls and sufficient subjects to generate meaningful results. It is also inadequate as an ethical test because even if lay persons are also enrolled, self-experimentation is neither necessary nor sufficient to establish that they may participate. It is not necessary to establish that lay persons may participate because institutional ethics review and informed consent are better ways to determine this. It is not sufficient because the investigator may be more risk accepting or not medically typical. Moreover, because scientific research is now done in teams, self-experimentation may involve undue influence when junior investigators participate as research subjects.

Research with human subjects.

Ackerman reviews three recent books on moral issues in human research: Who Goes First? The Story of Self-Experimentation in Medicine, by Lawrence K. Altman (Random House; 1987); The Patient as Partner: A Theory of Human-Experimentation Ethics, by Robert M. Veatch (Indiana University Press; 1987); and Ethics and Regulation of Clinical Research, 2d ed., by Robert J. Levine (Urban & Schwarzenberg; 1986).

[The foundational myth of Argentinian homeopathy. The journal "Homeopatía," Buenos Aires (1933-1940)]. / El mito fundacional de la homeopatía Argentina. La revista "Homeopatía," Buenos Aires (1933-1940).

The present article analyzes the historical-identitary construction in the older and most important institution of Homeopathy in Argentina. Two analytical axes are constructed: on the one hand, the construction of a foundational myth that outlines a genealogical thread between the "divinities" of the medicine, and on the other hand, the mitification of Hahnemann, founding father of the discipline. Using both axes we explain how the discourses of the journal were creating a symbolic support for the weak conjuncture in which they tried to be consolidated legally as an institution.

A survey exploring research perception of homeopathic undergraduate students in West Bengal, India

Background: Prioritizing undergraduate research is emphasized to develop critical analytical skills and thinking, independent writing, future clinical practice, enhanced employability, and improved research productivity. Despite far reaching consequences, research perception of homeopathic undergraduate students has barely been investigated to date. Poor participation of homeopathic undergraduates in research is reflected by a single MEDLINE indexed publication with adequate students’ contribution in the last decade. We aimed to assess their knowledge and attitude towards research and to identify barriers towards successful conduct of research. Methods: Institutional cross-sectional survey was carried out during August-September, 2013 in the four Government undergraduate homeopathic schools in West Bengal, India involving 902 participants. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed for the purpose depending on earlier studies on medical undergraduates. 364 completed responses were analyzed in the end. Results: Study sample mostly spanned 18-25 years of age group (94%), belonged to urban families (44.8%), with no gender differences (almost 1:1) and no physicians in family (73.1%). Maximum complete responses were obtained from 3rd year students (61.5%) and students of Calcutta Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital (51.2%). In spite of willingness to participate and keeping a positive attitude towards research, current involvement, training, knowledge and awareness remained quite unsatisfactory. Lack of infrastructure was identified as the chief barrier towards research. Conclusion: Undergraduates had a positive attitude towards homeopathic research, but need a realistic understanding of the research process. Opportunities for research skill development are underdeveloped. (AU)

Introdução: Estimular a pesquisa no nível de graduação é considerado um recurso importante para o desenvolvimento da capacidade de análise e pensamento críticos, redação independente, prática clínica futura, melhorar as possibilidades de inserção no mercado de trabalho e a produtividade em pesquisa. Apesar dessas consequências de amplo alcance, a percepção sobre pesquisa de estudantes de graduação em homeopatia tem sido raramente investigada. A escassa participação em pesquisas de estudantes de graduação em homeopatia é evidenciado pelo achado de um único trabalho indexado em MedLine com expressiva participação de estudantes nos últimos 10 anos. O nosso objetivo consistiu em avaliar o conhecimento e atitude em relação à pesquisa e identificar as barreiras que impedem o sucesso na realização de pesquisas. Métodos: Um estudo transversal foi realizado entre agosto e setembro de 2013 nas quatro faculdades públicas de homeopatia na Bengala Ocidental, Índia, com um total de 902 participantes. Um questionário semiestruturado foi desenvolvido especificamente para este estudo baseado nos resultados de estudos anteriores realizados com estudantes de medicina. Um total de 364 questionários completos foi incluído na análise. Resultados: A maioria dos participantes tinha entre 18 e 25 anos de idade (94%), residia em áreas urbanas (44.8%) e não incluía médicos na família (73,1%). A amostra apresentou homogeneidade em relação ao sexo (quase 1:1). O maior número de questionários completos correspondeu a estudantes do 3o ano (61,5%) e da Faculdade e Hospital Homeopático de Calcutá (51,2%) [...] Conclusão: Os estudantes manifestaram atitude positiva em relação à pesquisa em homeopatia, porém precisam adquirir uma compreensão mais realista do processo de pesquisa. As oportunidades para desenvolvimento de competências de pesquisa são muito escassas. (AU)

A survey exploring research perception of homeopathic undergraduate students in West Bengal, India

Background: Prioritizing undergraduate research is emphasized to develop critical analytical skills and thinking, independent writing, future clinical practice, enhanced employability, and improved research productivity. Despite far reaching consequences, research perception of homeopathic undergraduate students has barely been investigated to date. Poor participation of homeopathic undergraduates in research is reflected by a single MEDLINE indexed publication with adequate students’ contribution in the last decade. We aimed to assess their knowledge and attitude towards research and to identify barriers towards successful conduct of research. Methods: Institutional cross-sectional survey was carried out during August-September, 2013 in the four Government undergraduate homeopathic schools in West Bengal, India involving 902 participants. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed for the purpose depending on earlier studies on medical undergraduates. 364 completed responses were analyzed in the end. Results: Study sample mostly spanned 18-25 years of age group (94%), belonged to urban families (44.8%), with no gender differences (almost 1:1) and no physicians in family (73.1%). Maximum complete responses were obtained from 3rd year students (61.5%) and students of Calcutta Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital (51.2%). In spite of willingness to participate and keeping a positive attitude towards research, current involvement, training, knowledge and awareness remained quite unsatisfactory. Lack of infrastructure was identified as the chief barrier towards research. Conclusion: Undergraduates had a positive attitude towards homeopathic research, but need a realistic understanding of the research process. Opportunities for research skill development are underdeveloped.

Introdução: Estimular a pesquisa no nível de graduação é considerado um recurso importante para o desenvolvimento da capacidade de análise e pensamento críticos, redação independente, prática clínica futura, melhorar as possibilidades de inserção no mercado de trabalho e a produtividade em pesquisa. Apesar dessas consequências de amplo alcance, a percepção sobre pesquisa de estudantes de graduação em homeopatia tem sido raramente investigada. A escassa participação em pesquisas de estudantes de graduação em homeopatia é evidenciado pelo achado de um único trabalho indexado em MedLine com expressiva participação de estudantes nos últimos 10 anos. O nosso objetivo consistiu em avaliar o conhecimento e atitude em relação à pesquisa e identificar as barreiras que impedem o sucesso na realização de pesquisas. Métodos: Um estudo transversal foi realizado entre agosto e setembro de 2013 nas quatro faculdades públicas de homeopatia na Bengala Ocidental, Índia, com um total de 902 participantes. Um questionário semiestruturado foi desenvolvido especificamente para este estudo baseado nos resultados de estudos anteriores realizados com estudantes de medicina. Um total de 364 questionários completos foi incluído na análise. Resultados: A maioria dos participantes tinha entre 18 e 25 anos de idade (94%), residia em áreas urbanas (44.8%) e não incluía médicos na família (73,1%). A amostra apresentou homogeneidade em relação ao sexo (quase 1:1). O maior número de questionários completos correspondeu a estudantes do 3o ano (61,5%) e da Faculdade e Hospital Homeopático de Calcutá (51,2%) [...] Conclusão: Os estudantes manifestaram atitude positiva em relação à pesquisa em homeopatia, porém precisam adquirir uma compreensão mais realista do processo de pesquisa. As oportunidades para desenvolvimento de competências de pesquisa são muito escassas.

ReNPAD: a brazilian network for researchers in High Dilutio / ReNPAD: a brazilian network for researchers in High Dilutio

Some pertinent questions in the practice of science is to know what one is researching, with whom and where. These questions are even more crucial for those involved in High Dilution studies, an emergent and multidisciplinary scientific , where concepts, methods and models are still to be validated. In this research , such questions can be addressed through networks because communication between peers accelerates the process of conceiving and refining the concepts, methodologies and standards that give consistency to emergent knowledge. A thematic network can be effective in building an identity for the science of HDs and related community. This article introduces the project ReNPAD (National Network of Researchers in High Dilutions), a Brazilian initiative aiming to put together researchers involved in studies in HDs in order to stimulate interaction and give visibility to the theirs efforts [1].

Doctors' attitudes towards empirical data--a comparative study.

In the assessment of the effects of medical technologies, the focus is most often on the quality of the empirical data. In order to shed light on the question whether medical researchers are really so empirically oriented we conducted the following study. 600 questionnaires were sent by mail to three groups, selected at random: 1) pre-clinical researchers; 2) clinical researchers who received research grants from The Swedish Medical Research Council; and 3) general practitioners. The questionnaire was built around three cases concerning the assessment of the effects of: a) H-2-receptor antagonists, b) coronary by-pass surgery and c) the homeopathic treatment of hay fever. The results indicate that there are rather small differences in how the three groups assessed the three technologies and larger differences within one and the same group concerning different cases. The tendency is that the more one considers that empirical data should be assessed independent of theoretical considerations, the higher are the demands which are placed on the quality and quantity of the empirical documentation, and vice-versa.

ReNPAD: a brazilian network for researchers in High Dilution / ReNPAD: Rede Nacional de Pesquisadores em Altas Diluições

Some pertinent questions in the practice of science is to know what one is researching, with whom and where. These questions are even more crucial for those involved in High Dilution studies, an emergent and multidisciplinary scientific field, where concepts, methods and models are still to be validated. In this research field, such questions can be addressed through networks because communication between peers accelerates the process of conceiving and refining the concepts, methodologies and standards that give consistency to emergent knowledge. A thematic network can be effective in building an identity for the science of HDs and related community. This article introduces the project ReNPAD (National Network of Researchers in High Dilutions), a Brazilian initiative aiming to put together researchers involved in studies in HDs in order to stimulate interaction and give visibility to the theirs efforts.(AU)

Algumas questões importantes para o desenvolvimento da Ciência é saber quem está pesquisando o quê, com quem e onde. Estas questões são ainda mais relevantes para aqueles envolvidos com pesquisas em Altas Diluições, um campo científico emergente e multidisciplinar, cujos conceitos, métodos e modelos ainda estão por serem validados. Assim como em outras áreas, muitas questões podem ser tratadas com o auxílio de redes porque a comunicação entre pares acelera o processo de concepção e refinamento de conceitos, metodologias e padrões, o que dá consistência ao conhecimento emergente. Uma rede temática pode ser eficaz na construção de uma identidade para a Ciência das Altas Diluições e toda comunidade relacionada. Este artigo apresenta o projeto ReNPAD (Rede Nacional de Pesquisadores em Altas Diluições), uma iniciativa brasileira que objetiva agregar pesquisadores envolvidos em pesquisas em Altas Diluições, a fim de estimular a interação entre os membros e dar visibilidade interna e externa aos trabalhos por estes desenvolvidos.(AU)

ReNPAD: a brazilian network for researchers in High Dilution

Some pertinent questions in the practice of science is to know what one is researching, with whom and where. These questions are even more crucial for those involved in High Dilution studies, an emergent and multidisciplinary scientific , where concepts, methods and models are still to be validated. In this research , such questions can be addressed through networks because communication between peers accelerates the process of conceiving and refining the concepts, methodologies and standards that give consistency to emergent knowledge. A thematic network can be effective in building an identity for the science of HDs and related community. This article introduces the project ReNPAD (National Network of Researchers in High Dilutions), a Brazilian initiative aiming to put together researchers involved in studies in HDs in order to stimulate interaction and give visibility to the theirs efforts.