Joseph H. Navach, MD (September 13, 1939 - November 13, 1994) was a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and practiced orthopedic surgery in Van Nuys, California. From Mc Gill University he received both Dr. of Medicine and Master of Surgery degrees, followed by training in General Surgery at the State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center and at the Brown University Rhode Island Medical Center. His general medical skills were refined during a three year practice of Emergency Medicine. Active duty as a military surgeon for three years was then followed by private practice. During the last eighteen years of his life, he devoted the majority of his time to basic science and clinical research on the VAS. Dr. Navach was one of the first to set basic science precedent at the GLEM. He reported the identification and isolation of special compounds produced in the central nervous system which are subsequently distributed to acupuncture points. The compounds have the capacity to oscillate, receive information by induction and thereby facilitate transfer of such to the autonomic nervous system. He hypothesized that the same biochemistry and biophysics contribute to intercellular communication and healing in conjunction with assistance from messenger RNA. He also established a way to use HLA phenotypes A through D in conjunction with a CBC, arthritis and chemistry panels to predict which foods, based on an individual's genetics, should be avoided because they may inhibit the healing process. Navach also reported on a pilot project recording of the VAS using infrared reflection and three types of ultrasound: continuous wave form, Doppler and set angle reflection. This technology with a computer system could objectively select for a particular illness which medication and strength of medication would be optimal at any particular point in time.
Clinically, Navach discovered auricular phases IV through X that highlight acupuncture points directly associated with the central nervous system. While treating such points he would simultaneously utilize the manual VAS to determine which amino acids and other supplements must be utilized to facilitate dormant biochemistry activated by treating in those phases.

The aforementioned research became the basis for his development of electromagnetic prototypes to facilitate bone healing and develop optimal physical, emotional and intellectual capacities of paraplegics plus wheelchair and world class athletes. One special seat is that decreases decubitae by 50% now commercially available.
Dr. Navach is survived by his wife, Beverly Navach, MD, his four children and three grandchildren. Dr. Beverly Navach is seeking ways to replicate and complete her husband's research and unfinished papers and is available to speak with anyone interested in exploring such possibilities.


RHEUMATIC PAIN TREATMENT WITH DEVIL'S CLAW
(Harpagophyti   radix)
S. Chrubasik, MD, PhD and P. Shvartzman, MD, PhD
From the Department of Family Medicine, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev,
POBox 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
 
Standardized extracts of Harpagophytum procumbens secondary roots is used for the treatment of rheumatic pain. The main active principles act via the inhibition of the eicosanoid biosynthesis, as well as the lipoxygenase pathway. If active ingredients are identified, preparations without declaration of the amount of effective compounds should not be used for treatment since, for example, harpagoside consumption in preparations from Harpagophytum procumbens may vary with the daily prescribed medication between 11 and 79 mg. With teas from 9 g crude drug as recommended for the treatment of rheumatic pain, a mean of 180 mg harpagoside is consumed. Antirheumatic efficacy has been proven in 2 double-blind studies for Harpagophytum procumbens extract. A cohort study demonstrated the low costs of this effective herbal treatment compared to conventional therapy.


RHEUMATIC PAIN TREATMENT WITH STINGING NETTLE (URTICAE   FOLIUM / HERBA)
S. Chrubasik, MD, PhD and P. Shvartzman, MD, PhD
From the Department of Family Medicine, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev,
POBox 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel

Extracts of Urtica dioica leaves are used for the treatment of rheumatic pain. The main active principles act via the inhibition of the eicosanoid biosynthesis, the cycloxygenase as well as the lipoxygenase pathway. Furthermore, cytokine release is inhibited. A post-marketing surveillance in almost 9000 patients proves the good compatibility of Urtica dioica leave extract IDS 23 and gives evidence that treatment with NSAIDs can be reduced. About 1 % of the patients suffered from side-effects. There is evidence that daily consumption of stewed Herba Urtica dioica stew 50 g/day potentiates the NSAID antiphlogistic effect of 50 mg diclofenac in patients suffering from acute arthritis. C-reactive protein and clinical symptoms decreased by up to 70 %. This effect was similar to that of diclofenac 200 mg/day.

PLACEBO AND PLACEBO-EFFECT: MYTH AND REALITY WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM THE RECENT LITERATURE, AND WHAT WE CAN NOT?
E. Frinerman, MD, PhD
From the E.Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
Reprint requests: Dr. E. Frinerman, 3 Arlozorov Street, Bat-Yam 59307, Israel

Placebo (P) is a widespread phenomenon in medicine and biology but its mechanisms are only partially understood. According to the recent definition, P is any substance devoid of specific activity, which nevertheless, is given to a patient in order to obtain an effect. The latter, named placebo-effect (PE), is not predicted. PE may or may not occur and may be favorable or unfavorable. Negative effects of P are called nocebo. In extreme cases nocebo may lead to severe pathological conditions. The paradox is that P being a neutral inert substance may have unpredictable, and sometimes very powerful effects. Nowadays, the nature of PE is explained by meeting the patient's expectations or by decreasing his anxiety. It has also been suggested that the human response to P is similar to a conditioned response. The author proposes an alternative view of the mechanism of PE, that takes into account the modern theory of self-organization of living systems. The concept of a living organism as a self-regulatory system, and disregulation model of illness and disease could elegantly explain the mechanism of PE. Assessment of self-regulatory capacities of the main functional systems could open new prospects for usage of P for effective treatment of psychosomatic diseases.

THE INFLUENCE OF CERTAIN GEOPHYSICAL CONDITIONS ON HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS DUE TO ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION OR STROKE
A. Pines, MD *, M. Finkelstein, PhD **, M. Averbuch, MD *, Y. Villa, MSc *, and Y. Levo, MD
From the Department of Medicine "T" of the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (*) and the Department of Geophysics and Planetary Sciences of the Tel Aviv University (**), Israel
Reprint requests: Dr. M.Finkelstein, Department of Geophysics and Planetary Sciences of the Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

The associations between certain geophysical conditions (magnetic storms, Hamsins [heat wave], and rain) and admission rate due to acute myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke was investigated in a major tertiary care hospital in Tel-Aviv during 1992. Admission rates were significantly higher on days with magnetic storms than on days with normal geomagnetic conditions (4.4±2 vs. 3.4±2, p <0.004, for MI; 2.7±1.5 vs 2.0±1, p <0.005 for stroke). The association (p <0.05) between MI and stroke and rainy days was less significant, while Hamsins (hot and dry climate) had no apparent effect. These findings strongly suggest that geophysical variations may have an impact on health.