An Attempt to Estimate the Noises in Homeopathic Pathogenetic Trials by Employing the Jaccard Similarity Index and Noise Index

Abstract

Background The critical task of researchers conducting double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled homeopathic pathogenetic trials is to segregate the signals from the noises. The noises are signs and symptoms due to factors other than the trial drug; signals are signs and symptoms due to the trial drug. Unfortunately, the existing tools (criteria for a causal association of symptoms only with the tested medicine, qualitative pathogenetic index, quantitative pathogenetic index, pathogenic index) have limitations in analyzing the symptoms of the placebo group as a comparator, resulting in inadequate segregation of the noises. Hence, the Jaccard similarity index and the Noise index are proposed for analyzing the symptoms of the placebo group as a comparator. Methods The Jaccard similarity index is the ratio of the number of common elements among the placebo and intervention groups to the aggregated number of elements in these groups. The Noise index is the ratio of common elements among the placebo and intervention group to the total elements of the intervention group. Homeopathic pathogenetic trials of Plumbum metallicum, Piper methysticum and Hepatitis C nosode were selected for experimenting with the computation of the Jaccard similarity index and the Noise index. Results Jaccard similarity index calculations show that 8% of Plumbum metallicum's elements, 10.7% of Piper methysticum's elements, and 19.3% of Hepatitis C nosode's elements were similar to the placebo group when elements of both the groups (intervention and placebo) were aggregated. Noise index calculations show that 10.7% of Plumbum metallicum's elements, 13.9% of Piper methysticum's elements and 25.7% of Hepatitis C nosode's elements were similar to those of the placebo group. Conclusion The Jaccard similarity index and the Noise index might be considered an additional approach for analyzing the symptoms of the placebo group as a comparator, resulting in better noise segregation in homeopathic pathogenetic trials.

A Rich and Eclectic Mix

“…2 Two other Original Research papers offer highly contrasting perspectives: an in vitro study showing interatomic changes of homeopathically prepared Zinc due to trituration and dynamisation 3 and a mathematical method to separate the signals from the noises in homeopathic pathogenetic trials. 4 Two Clinical Case Series papers focus respectively on patients with sub-clinical hypothyroidism 5 and pathological ovarian masses, 6 providing evidence that individualised homeopathy might be useful in the treatment of these diseases. Some intriguing and differing concepts are presented in the final three articles of this issue: that homeopathic medicines may act as mild biological stimuli via electrostatic imprints of their original molecules 7 ; that nanoparticles in homeopathic remedies may enhance the efficacy of phototherapy via a process of photosensitisation 8 ; and that homeopathic Apis mellifica is a logical prophylactic and therapeutic medicine for dengue shock syndrome.…”

“…2 Two other Original Research papers offer highly contrasting perspectives: an in vitro study showing inter-atomic changes of homeopathically prepared Zinc due to trituration and dynamisation 3 and a mathematical method to separate the signals from the noises in homeopathic pathogenetic trials. 4 Two Clinical Case Series papers focus respectively on patients with sub-clinical hypothyroidism 5 and pathological ovarian masses, 6 providing evidence that individualised homeopathy might be useful in the treatment of these diseases.…”