Reward-aversion analysis of rat mesencephalon

The topographical distribution of reward and aversion effects to intracranial stimulation (ICS) through monopolar electrodes was investigated at 61 sites in the rat mesencephalon. In order to minimize interpretive difficulties all rats were tested with identical ICS frequency (50 Hz), pulse width (200 μsec) and current strength (150 μA). To increase the probability of reward and aversion effects being detected, the rats were required to perform a simple locomotor response in a shuttle-box. The sensitivity of the shuttle-box procedure in detecting reward and aversion effects is indicated by the fact that, in spite of the low ICS charge employed here, only 8% of the rats would neither initiate nor escape ICS. Reward effects were found with a low probability (30%) and were almost exclusively associated with stimulation of the catecholamine cell groups A8, A9 and A10. Aversion effects were found with a high probability (92%) and were uniformly distributed, being obtained in every anatomical structure investigated. It is suggested that mesencephalic ICS is generally characterized by negative effect and that involvement of the monoaminergic systems results in the superimposition of positive effect on this negative background. © 1977

Examination of the Scope and Quantity of Published Osteopathic Research (1999-2000) Identified Using the Search Words Osteopath, Osteopathy and Osteopathic

Objective: To examine the scope and standard of osteopathic research published in English during the 12 month period, commencing February 1999. Method: Online search of relevant data bases (Medline, Health Star, Biological Abstracts, CINAHL, Current Contents) using search words osteopath, osteopathy, osteopathic to locate original research articles. All articles were examined in relation to standard and completeness of methodology. Main Findings: Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria; seven were published in osteopathic journals and six in international journals of medicine or physiotherapy. All five that reported experimental or clinical research into osteopathy employed appropriate standards of scientific rigour and methodology. The remaining eight studies were surveys from the United States of America (USA). Four highlighted the different role of osteopaths in the USA, where they are part of the medical fraternity, performing many of the functions of a general practitioner. Conclusion: The limited research published during the 12 month period in journals accessible on electronic databases is likely in part to reflect to the recency of expansion of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in osteopathy in universities. Attention is drawn to possible problems for identifying published osteopathic research, stemming from the failure of authors to include osteopathic terms in text, title and key word listing. It is recommended that researchers are made aware of the need to include osteopathic key words as recognition of its status as a unique health discipline

Inter-Text Comparison of Quality of Operational Definitions of Acupoint Locations, Reliability and Validity of Point Functions and Clinical Indications in Classical and Modern Texts

Background: Acupoint location texts present sources of inconsistencies for point location, function and indications. Aims This study explored inter-text variability among a set of currently available English language point location texts and two Chinese classical sources with respect to acupoint locations and Chinese Medicine (CM) clinical indications for each of the 20 acupoints on the Large Intestine (LI) channel. Methods: Three reference texts used as benchmarks for comparing eight contemporary acupoint location texts included a Song Dynasty edition (circa 1070) of the earliest extant text, the Zhen jiu jia yi jing; the Zhen jiu da cheng (1994 edition) and the 2008 WHO Standard of Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region. Inter-text comparisons included quality of operational definitions of locations, variation in individual acupoint locations; and CM clinical indications for each acupoint using the Zhen jiu jia yi jing diagnostic patterns. Results: Since 94% of all location definitions were complete, generally texts gave reliable descriptions for locating an intended site. However for 14 acupoints, texts defined different locations, including minimal (LI4) or no agreement (LI14). Consensus was limited to six acupoints on the hand and neck. Interestingly, inter-text CM indications for individual points were unaffected by inconsistencies in location. Discussion: There were no common attributes across all 20 acupoints. The most frequent indications involved ear, nose and throat (ENT) conditions (14 acupoints). Importantly, there were definite patterns of change along the sequence from fingers to face. Points on the hand, wrist and elbow regions had the most numerous and varied CM indications; they concerned distal and generalised signs and symptoms and had close relationships between three diagnostic categories: febrile, ENT, and mania and epilepsy. Mid-channel points had limited indications generally related to arm and shoulder pain or weakness. For the final four points indications concerned local signs and symptoms