ABSTRACT
Grains of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L., Capo variety) were observed under the influence of highly diluted gibberellic acid (10-30) prepared by stepwise dilution and agitation according to a protocol derived from homeopathy (?G30x?). Adequate control was used (water prepared according to the homeopathic protocol ?W30x? and/or untreated water ?W0?). Two sets of multicenter experiments were performed, 4 in 2009-2010 and 4 in 2011, involving altogether 6 researchers, 6 laboratories and 4,000 grains per treatment group. Data were found to be homogeneous within the control groups as well as within the verum groups. When the 2009-2010 experiments were pooled, mean germination rates after 24 hours were (85.9 + 2.6) for the control group and (82.1 + 5.7) for G30x (mean + SD at the level of experiments in %) (N = 2,000 per group). Verum germination rate was 4.4% lower than (i.e. equal to 96.6% of) (4.4 + 96.6 = 101) the control germination rate (100%). The difference is statistically significant (p < 0.001) and the effect size (d) is large (> 0.8). Observations at other points in time between 0 and 40 hours of germination yielded similar results. Practically no difference was found between W30x and W0 groups (p > 0.05). When the 2011 experiments were pooled, the mean germination rates after 24 hours were (73 + 12) for the control group and (73 + 14) for G30x (N = 2,000 per group), i.e. there was practically no difference between the groups (p > 0.05). We interpret the data from 2009-2010 on wheat germination within 40 hours as being in line with our previous findings on wheat stalk growth after one week, i.e. as confirmation that gibberellic acid 30x can influence, i.e. slow down, wheat development. Various possible reasons for the absence of any difference between groups in the 2011 experiments, including seasonal variance, are discussed and it is suggested to perform wheat germination experiments in the very beginning of autumn season only.
Grãos de trigo comum (Triticum sativum L., variedade Capo) foram observados sob a influência de uma alta diluição de ácido giberélico (10-30) preparada através de diluição e agitação seriadas seguindo um protocolo derivado da homeopatia (G30x). Foram utilizados controles adequados (água preparada segundo o protocolo homeopático - W30x - e/ou água sem tratamento - W0 -). Foram realizadas duas séries de experimentos multicêntricos, 4 em 2009-2010 e 4 em 2011, incluindo 6 pesquisadores, 6 laboratórios, e 4.000 grãos em cada grupo de tratamento. Os dados foram homogêneos dentro dos grupos controle e verum. Na análise combinada dos experimentos de 2009-2010, as taxas médias de germinação em 24 h foram (85,9 + 2,6) no grupo controle e (82,1 + 5,7) no grupo G30x (média + DP no nível dos experimentos em %, N = 2.000 por grupo). A taxa de germinação de verum foi 4,4% menor (96,6% de 4,4 + 96,6 = 101) que a do controle (100%). Essa diferença é estatisticamente significativa (p < 0,001) e o tamanho do efeito (d) é grande (> 0,8). Observações realizadas em outros momentos entre 0 e 40 horas de germinação constaram resultados similares. Praticamente, não foi achada diferença entre os grupos W30x e W0 (p > 0,05). Na análise combinada dos experimentos de 2011, as taxas médias de germinação em 24 h foram (73 + 12) no grupo controle e (73 + 14) no grupo G30x (N = 2.000 por grupo), ou seja, praticamente não houve diferença entre os grupos (p > 0,05). Consideramos que os dados de 2009-2010 sobre a germinação do trigo em até 40 h concordam com nos achados prévios no crescimento do caule de trigo em uma semana, ou seja, confirmam que ácido giberélico 30x pode influenciar, isto é, tornar mais lento, o desenvolvimento do trigo. São discutidos vários motivos para a ausência de toda diferença entre os grupos nos experimentos conduzidos em 2011, incluindo variações sazonais, e sugere-se que os experimentos com germinação de trigo sejam realizados exclusivamente no começo do outono.
Subject(s)
High Potencies , Germination , Gibberellins , Seeds/growth & development , TriticumABSTRACT
Our previous paper described methodological problems and a generally acceptable pooling method for metamorphosis experiments and application of that method to the results of multicentre experiments performed over the course of two decades (1990 - 2010) on highland amphibians (Rana temporaria) treated with a homeopathically prepared high dilution of thyroxine (?30x?). Differences between treatment groups thus calculated were in line with those obtained with other pooling methods: Thyroxine 30x does slow down metamorphosis in highland amphibians. This follow up paper provides a broader background on metamorphosis physiology and describes application of the pooling method to experiments with Rana temporaria from lowland biotopes both with a moderate dilution of thyroxine (?8x?) and with 30x. Analogously prepared water was used for control (water 8x or 30x). Development was, again as above, monitored by documenting the number of animals that had entered the 4-legged stage. Experiments were carried out between 1990 and 2000 by different researchers independently and in blind. As it is well known, metamorphosis can be speeded up by thyroxine 10-8 mol/l; interestingly, thyroxine 8x may produce a reverse, i.e. inhibiting effect (p < 0.01). In contrast to the inhibiting effect of thyroxine 30x on highland larvae (see above), 2-legged lowland larvae did not react to thyroxine 30x (p > 0.05). However, an inhibiting effect on lowland larvae was found when animals were treated from the spawn stage on (p < 0.01).
Nosso artículo anterior descreve problemas metodológicos e um método geralmente aceitável de agrupamento em experimentos sobre metamorfose e a aplicação deste método aos resultados de experimentos multicêntricos realizados no curso de duas décadas (1990 ? 2010) em anfíbios de terras altas (Rana temporaria) tratados com uma alta diluição de tiroxina preparada homeopaticamente (?30x?). As diferenças calculadas entre os grupos de tratamento concordam com as obtidas através de outros métodos de agrupamento: Tiroxina 30x de fato faz mais lenta a metamorfose nos anfíbios de terras altas. Este artigo posterior oferece um panorama mais amplo sobre a fisiologia da metamorfose e descreve a aplicação do método de agrupamento a experimentos com Rana temporaria de biótopos de terras baixas com diluição moderada (?8x?) e 30x de tiroxina. Foi utilizado como controle água preparada analogamente (água 8x e 30x). Novamente, o desenvolvimento foi monitorado documentando o número de animais que entraram no estágio de 4 patas. Os experimentos foram realizados entre 1990 e 2000 por diversos pesquisadores independentemente e em cego. Como é sabido, a metamorfose pode ser acelerada por tiroxina 10-8 mol/l; de maneira interessante, tiroxina 8x pode produzir o efeito inverso, ou seja, inibidor (p < 0.01). Contrariamente ao efeito inibidor de tiroxina 30x nas larvas de terras altas (vide acima), as larvas de 2 patas de terras baixas não responderam a tiroxina 30x (p > 0.05). No entanto, foi achado um efeito inibidor sobre as larvas de terras baixas quando os animais foram tratados a partir da desova (p < 0.01).
Nuestro artículo anterior describe problemas metodológicos y un método aceptable en general de agrupamiento en experimentos sobre metamorfosis y la aplicación de este método a los resultados de experimentos multicéntricos realizados durante dos décadas (1990 ? 2010) en anfibios de tierras altas (Rana temporaria) tratados con una alta dilución de tiroxina preparada homeopáticamente (?30x?). Las diferencias calculadas entre los grupos de tratamiento están de acuerdo con las obtenidas mediante otros métodos de agrupamiento: Tiroxina 30x fehacientemente enlentece la metamorfosis en anfibios de tierras altas. Este artículo posterior ofrece un panorama más amplio de la fisiología de la metamorfosis y describe la aplicación del método de agrupamiento en experimentos con Rana temporaria de biótopos de tierras bajas con dilución moderada (?8x?) y 30x de tiroxina. Se utilizó como control agua preparada análogamente (agua 8x y 30x). Nuevamente, el desarrollo fue monitoreado documentando el número de animales que entraron en el estadio de 4 patas. Os experimentos fueron realizados entre 1990 e 2000 por diversos investigadores independientemente y en ciego. Como se sabe, la metamorfosis puede ser acelerada por tiroxina 10-8 mol/l; de modo interesante, tiroxina 8x puede producir el efecto inverso, o sea, inhibidor (p < 0.01). Contrariamente al efecto inhibidor de tiroxina 30x en larvas de tierras altas (ver antes), las larvas de 2 patas de tierras bajas no respondieron a tiroxina 30x (p > 0.05). Sin embargo, se encontró efecto inhibidor en larvas de tierras bajas cuando los animales fueron tratados desde la freza (p < 0.01).
Subject(s)
Animals , High Potencies , Amphibians , Biological Assay , Homeopathy , ThyroxineABSTRACT
Introduction: Repeatability of experiments is an important criterion of modern research and a major challenge for homeopathic basic research. There is a lack of a recent overview about basic research studies in high homeopathic potencies that have been subjected to laboratory-internal, multicenter or independent repetition trials. Methods: We considered biochemical, immunological, botanical, cell biological and zoological studies on high potencies, i.e. beyond a dilution of 10-23. Main sources of information were reviews, personal contact with members of the homeopathic basic research community, and the MEDLINE and HOMBREX databases. Studies were extracted from the publications and grouped into models. Studies were further sorted according to repetition type (laboratory-internal, multicenter, or independent) and results achieved. Results: A total of 107 studies have been found. From these, 30 were initial studies. In the attempt to reproduce one of these initial studies, 53 follow up studies yielded comparable effects (35 laboratoryinternal, 8 multicenter, 10 independent repetitions), eight studies showed a consistent, yet different result from the initial study (2 laboratory-internal, 2 multicenter, 4 independent repetitions), and 16 studies yielded zero effects (5 laboratory-internal, 2 multicenter, 9 independent repetitions). When all repetitive studies are considered, 69% reported effects comparable to that of the initial study, 10% different effects, and 21% zero effects. Independently performed repetition studies reported 44% comparable effects, 17% different effects, and 39% zero effects. Conclusions: We identified 24 experimental models in basic research on high homeopathic potencies, which were repeatedly investigated. 22 models were reproduced with comparable results, 6 models with different results, and repetition showed no results for 15 models. Independent reproductions with either comparable or different results were found for seven models. We encourage further repetition trials of published studies, in order to learn more about the model systems used and in order to test their repeatability [1].
ABSTRACT
Objective: Performing a study on a wheat growth bio assay with a homeopathic dilution of gibberellic acid at different seasons of the year.Methods: Grains of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum, Capo variety) were observed under the influence of extremely diluted gibberellic acid (10-30, 30x). Analogously prepared water was used for control. 15 experiments were performed, 9 in autumn season (5 researchers, 4,440 grains per group), and 6 in winter / spring (4 researchers, with 3,140 grains per group).Results: All 9 autumn experiments showed less stalk growth in the verum group (p > 0.01 in 4 cases, p > 0.05 in 3, trend in 2 cases). Mean stalk lengths (mm) were 46.97 + 20.50 for verum and 50.66 + 19.77 for control at grain level (N = 4,440 per group) and + 3.87 and + 3.38 respectively at dish level (217 cohorts of 20 or 25 grains per treatment group). Verum stalk length (92.72%) was 7.28% smaller than control stalk length (100%). In contrast, no reliable effect was found in experiments performed in winter / spring (less stalk growth in 1 case, no difference in 1, more growth in 3 cases). Overall verum stalk length (103.64%) was 3.64% slightly greater than control stalk length (100%). Data were found to be homogeneous within the control groups as well as within the verum groups.Conclusion: Results suggest that especially in the experiments performed in autumn, there was an influence of gibberellic acid 30x on wheat seedling development. The effect size is small when calculation is done on the basis of grains (d = 0.18) but high when done on the basis of dishes (d = 1.02). In contrast, no reliable effect was found in experiments performed in winter / spring. Further experiments should thus be performed in the autumn season.
ABSTRACT
Experiments on amphibian metamorphosis can vary considerably in duration. The authors had set themselves the task of defining a generally applicable pooling method for metamorphosis experiments. The problem of artificial differences in variability when comparing and pooling data from several experiments was approached by normalization with respect to time based on the development of both test and the control animals. The range from 0% to 100% over which the fraction of four-legged animals progresses in the course of an experiment is divided into 10%-intervals and the 10% reference points are mapped on a corresponding scale. Each measurement is then assigned to the point on the time scale to which it is closest. In this way each reference point is assigned a value giving the number or percentage of four-legged animals at that point on the scale. Subsequent analysis was then based on the individual values for the test and control groups that corresponded to the joint 10% reference point. Normalization respect to time was done on the assumption that differences in metamorphosis speed attributable to treatment would override differences in duration between experiments. The results of experiments performed over the course of two decades (1990 - 2010) on highland Rana temporaria treated with a homeopathically prepared high dilution of thyroxine (?30x?) are presented in full detail based on this normalization method. Differences found between treatment groups thus calculated were in line with those obtained with other pooling methods. Thyroxine 30x does slow down metamorphosis in inert highland amphibians. This was observed by five researchers in 20 sub-experiments, and it seems to be the most reliable bio-assay found in amphibian research on homeopathy so far...
Os experimentos sobre metamorfose em anfíbios podem variar consideravelmente em sua duração. Os autores se propuseram a tarefa de definir um método para reunir dados de aplicação geral em experimentos sobre metamorfose. O problema das diferenças artificiais na variabilidade ao comparar e reunir os dados de vários experimentos foi abordado através de normalização em relação ao tempo baseada no desenvolvimento dos animais de ambos grupos teste e controle. A faixa entre 0% e 100% na qual progride a fração de animais de quatro patas no curso do experimento é dividida em intervalos de 10% e esses pontos de referencia 10% são mapeados numa escala correspondente. Cada medição é então atribuída ao ponto mais próximo na escala temporal. Desta maneira, cada ponto de referencia recebe um valor que representa o número ou porcentagem de animais de quatro patas nesse ponto da escala. A análise subsequente se baseou nos valores individuais dos grupos teste e controle que correspondiam ao ponto de referencia conjunto 10%. A normalização em relação ao tempo foi realizada com base na suposição de que as diferencias em velocidade de metamorfose atribuíveis ao tratamento controlariam as diferenças d duração entre experimentos. Os resultados dos experimentos realizados no curso de duas décadas (1990-2010) em Rana temporaria de terras altas tratada com uma alta diluição de tiroxina preparada homeopaticamente (?30x?) são presentados com todo detalhe com base no método de normalização. As diferenças achadas entre os grupos testados assim calculadas mostraram acordo com os obtidos através de outros métodos de reunião de dados. Tiroxina 30x de fato diminui a metamorfose em anfíbios de terras altas inertes. Isso foi observados por cinco pesquisadores em 20 sub-experimentos e parece ser o ensaio biológico em pesquisa anfíbia da homeopatia mais confiável até o presente...
Los experimentos en metamorfosis en anfibios pueden variar considerablemente en su duración. Los autores se propusieron la tarea de definir un método de reunión de datos de aplicación general en experimentos de metamorfosis. El problema de las diferencias artificiales de la variabilidad al comparar y reunir datos de varios experimentos fue abordado mediante normalización en relación al tiempo con base en el desarrollo de los animales testeados y control. El espectro entre 0% y 100% en que progresa la fracción de animales de cuatro patas en del curso de un experimento es dividido en intervalos de 10% y los puntos de referencia 10% son mapeados en una escala correspondiente. En seguida se asigna cada medida al punto más próximo en la escala de tiempo. De esta manera, se asigna un valor a cada punto de referencia, que representa el número o porcentaje de animales de cuatro patas en ese punto de la escala. El análisis posterior se basó en los valores individuales de los grupos teste y control que correspondían al punto de referencia conjunto 10%. La normalización respecto al tiempo fue realizada asumiendo que las diferencias en la velocidad de metamorfosis atribuibles al experimento cancelarían las diferencias en duración entre experimentos. Los resultados de los experimentos realizados en el curso de dos décadas (1990-2010) en Rana temporaria de tierras altas tratada con una alta dilución homeopáticamente preparada de tiroxina (?30x?) son presentados con todo detalle, con base en este método de normalización. Las diferencias encontradas entre los grupos estudiados calculadas como descrito concuerdan con los obtenido mediante otros métodos de reunión de datos. Tiroxina 30x en efecto enlentece la metamorfosis en anfibios de tierras altas inertes. Esto fue observado for cinco investigadores en 20 sub-experimentos y parece ser el ensayo biológico más confiable en investigación anfibia sobre homeopatía más confiable hasta el presente...