[Achtsame Massage und Achtsamkeitsschulung (Insightouch®) bei Depressionen, psychosomatischen und Bindungsstörungen].

Hintergrund: Bindungsstörungen können das Auftreten von Angst und Depression begünstigen, lassen sich aber durch korrigierende emotionale Erfahrungen verändern. Eine Massage - insbesondere wenn beide, Masseur (m/w) und Klient, sich in einem Zustand der Achtsamkeit befinden - kann eine solche korrigierende Erfahrung vermitteln. In der vorliegenden Interventionsstudie wurden die Auswirkungen von Insightouch® - einer Kombination von achtsamkeitsbasierter Massage mit Achtsamkeitsschulung - untersucht. Teilnehmer und Methoden: Wir rekrutierten 36 Personen mit psychischen Beschwerden, geringer Bindungsfähigkeit und geringer Achtsamkeit. In Intervallen von 8 Wochen wurden mittels validierter Fragebögen Parameter wie psychosomatische Symptome (Brief Symptom Inventory), Bindungsqualitäten (Adult Attachment Scale) und Achtsamkeit (Freiburger Achtsamkeitsfragebogen) erhoben. Die Hälfte der Teilnehmer (Gruppe A) startete mit der 8-wöchigen Behandlungsphase; nach weiteren 8 Wochen ohne Behandlung wurde die Nachhaltigkeit der Behandlungswirkung dokumentiert. Die Teilnehmer der Gruppe B starteten mit einer 8-wöchigen Wartephase (Kontrollphase ohne Behandlung), gefolgt von der Behandlungsphase. Ergebnisse: Während sich nach der Kontrollphase keine signifikanten Änderungen zeigten, bewirkte die aktive Behandlung statistisch signifikante Besserungen der 1) Symptomatik, 2) Bindungsdefizite und 3) Achtsamkeit. Nach der 8-wöchigen Nachbeobachtungsphase waren die psychischen und die bindungsbezogenen Symptome weiter verbessert; die behandlungsbedingt erhöhte Fähigkeit zur Achtsamkeit blieb hoch. Schlussfolgerung: Insightouch als primär nonverbale Intervention erhöht die Bindungsfähigkeit, verbessert psychosomatische Symptome und erhöht nachhaltig die Fähigkeit zur Achtsamkeit.

Replications of fundamental research models in ultra high dilutions 1994 and 2015--update on a bibliometric study.

INTRODUCTION: This paper focuses exclusively on experimental models with ultra high dilutions (i.e. beyond 10(-23)) that have been submitted to replication scrutiny. It updates previous surveys, considers suggestions made by the research community and compares the state of replication in 1994 with that in 2015. METHODS: Following literature research, biochemical, immunological, botanical, cell biological and zoological studies on ultra high dilutions (potencies) were included. Reports were grouped into initial studies, laboratory-internal, multicentre and external replications. Repetition could yield either comparable, or zero, or opposite results. The null-hypothesis was that test and control groups would not be distinguishable (zero effect). RESULTS: A total of 126 studies were found. From these, 28 were initial studies. When all 98 replicative studies were considered, 70.4% (i.e. 69) reported a result comparable to that of the initial study, 20.4% (20) zero effect and 9.2% (9) an opposite result. Both for the studies until 1994 and the studies 1995-2015 the null-hypothesis (dominance of zero results) should be rejected. Furthermore, the odds of finding a comparable result are generally higher than of finding an opposite result. Although this is true for all three types of replication studies, the fraction of comparable studies diminishes from laboratory-internal (total 82.9%) to multicentre (total 75%) to external (total 48.3%), while the fraction of opposite results was 4.9%, 10.7% and 13.8%. Furthermore, it became obvious that the probability of an external replication producing comparable results is bigger for models that had already been further scrutinized by the initial researchers. CONCLUSIONS: We found 28 experimental models which underwent replication. In total, 24 models were replicated with comparable results, 12 models with zero effect, and 6 models with opposite results. Five models were externally reproduced with comparable results. We encourage further replications of studies in order to learn more about the model systems used.

Wheat and ultra high diluted silver nitrate--further experiments and re-analysis of data.

BACKGROUND: Since 1926, an influence of a dilution of silver nitrate (24x) on the growth of coleoptiles of wheat seedlings was described. The aim of the study discussed here is the critical proof of the reliability of a test system which has been quoted as a basic model for the research on homoeopathy for decades. METHODS: Grains of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) were observed under the influence of extremely diluted silver nitrate (10(-23)) prepared by stepwise dilution and agitation according to a protocol derived from homeopathy ('24x'). Analogously prepared water and/or inert water was used for control. Thirty experiments including 5000+5000 grains were performed by 5 researchers. RESULTS: Stalk lengths clearly indicate that development is enhanced by the probe silver nitrate 24x as compared to control. When the experiments 1989-1995 were pooled, means and SD for silver nitrate 24x-groups were 42.3±26.9 mm and for water control groups 34.7±22.2 mm. Verum stalk length was 21.9% bigger than control (100%) (p<0.01; d=0.31, i.e. small). For the experiments 1998-2014, means and SD were 73.7±21.7 mm and 60.5±20.9 mm. Verum stalk length was 21.7% bigger than control (100%) (p<0.01; d=0.62, i.e. medium). From the results one may hypothesize that the result is more marked in experiments showing an average mean of stalk length between ca. 50 and 90 mm in contrast to smaller or bigger mean lengths. CONCLUSION: The previous findings were confirmed by the results.

Amphibians and ultra high diluted thyroxine--further experiments and re-analysis of data.

BACKGROUND: A model of thyroxine and metamorphosis of highland amphibians is frequently mentioned as an example of experiments on extremely diluted substances in discussions around 'homeopathy'. METHODS: The model was scrutinized by reanalysing the results of the initial researcher A and a second researcher B as well as of 5 external researchers C between 1990 and 2013. Rana temporaria larvae were taken from an alpine highland biotope. The test solution was thyroxine 10(-30) (T30x), tetra-iodo-thyronine sodium pentahydrate diluted with pure water in 26 steps of 1:10, being agitated after each step. Analogously prepared water (W30x) was used for control. Tadpoles were observed from the 2-legged to the 4-legged stage. Experiments were performed in different years, at different times of season, and their duration could vary. Frequencies of 4-legged animals, effect sizes and areas under the curves (AUCs) were calculated and regression analyses were performed to investigate possible correlations between year, season, duration etc. Experiments were in line with animal protection guidelines. RESULTS: The total set of data A + B + C as well as subsets A (initial researcher, N=286+293), B (second centre, 965 + 965) and C (5 external researchers, 690 + 690) showed an effect of extremely diluted agitated thyroxine reverse to that known of molecular thyroxin, i.e. test values were below control by 11.4% for A, 9.5% for B and 7.0% for C (p<0.001 for each of the subsets). The effect size (Cohen's d) was >0.8 (large) for both A and B and 0.74 (medium) for C. CONCLUSION: Although a perfect reproducibility was not obtained, this paradoxical phenomenon was generally consistent in different observations. Correlations were found between details of laboratory handling, as well as environment temperature, and the size of the results.

Wheat and ultra high diluted gibberellic acid--further experiments and re-analysis of data.

BACKGROUND: Following studies (a) on wheat seedlings and ultra high diluted silver nitrate, and (b) on amphibians and an ultra high diluted hormone, (c) a bio-assay on wheat and extremely diluted gibberellic acid was standardized. This assay was intended to combine the easy-to-handle aspect of (a) and biologically interesting aspects of (b). The purpose of the data analysis presented here was to investigate the influence of an extreme dilution of gibberellic acid on wheat stalk length and to determine the influence of external factors on the experimental outcome. METHODS: Grains of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum, Capo variety) were observed under the influence of extremely diluted gibberellic acid (10(-30)) prepared by stepwise dilution and agitation according to a protocol derived from homeopathy ('G30x'). Analogously prepared water was used for control ('W30x'). 16 experiments including 8000+8000 grains were performed by 9 researchers. RESULTS: Experiments that were performed between January and April showed inconsistent results, whereas most of the experiments performed between September and December showed shorter stalks in the G30x group. This was confirmed by correlation analysis (p<0.01). Thus winter/spring experiments and autumn experiments were analysed separately. When all 10 autumn experiments were pooled, mean stalk lengths (mm) were 48.3±21.4 for the verum group and 52.1±20.4 for control (mean±SD) at grain level (N=5000 per group) and ±5.3 and ±5.1 respectively at dish level. In other words, verum stalk length (92.67%) was 7.33% smaller than control stalk length (100%). The effect size is small when calculation is done on the basis of grains (d=0.18) but, due to the smaller SD at dish level, medium when done on the basis of dishes (d=0.73). The inhibiting effect was observed by 6 of the 6 researchers who performed the autumn experiments. CONCLUSION: The model may be useful for further research as there exists a theoretical justification due to previous studies with wheat and extremely diluted silver nitrate, as well as to previous studies with amphibians and diluted hormones, and its methods are well standardized. Data confirm the hypothesis that information can be stored in the test liquid, even at a dilution of the original substance beyond Avogadro's value; and that the wheat bio-assay is sensitive to such information.

Update on preliminary elements of a theory of ultra high dilutions.

INTRODUCTION: The different mechanisms: A. of the interaction between the molecular mother substance and the solvent water or ethanol B. of the storage of molecule-specific information in the solvent. C. the physiological basis of the sensitivity of the living organism towards an ultra high dilution (UHD). D. the mechanism of the interaction of the test dilution with the organism are largely unknown. Several ideas have been postulated, and experiments to test them carried out in physics and in biology. METHOD: The authors revisited a 1994 contribution on 'preliminary elements of a theory on UHDs' and updated it with regard to more recent literature and research findings. RESULTS: Although the experimental basis can still be questioned in most cases, remarkable fundamental observations have been made to explain the effects of UHDs. For some topics in question, it appears that information specific properties of the diluted substance to be transferred is stored by means electromagnetic fields. The interaction between the UHD and the organism seems to be electromagnetic in nature. The transmission of information from (bio-)molecules to the UHD is of special interest. Again, electromagnetic actions and vector potential fields appear to be implicated. CONCLUSION: The mechanisms of information storage and transfer in UHDs are far from fully understood, but progress has been made at experimental and theoretical levels.

Heart rate variability and the influence of craniosacral therapy on autonomous nervous system regulation in persons with subjective discomforts: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Subjective discomforts in a preclinical range are often due to imbalanced autonomic nervous system activity, which is a focus of craniosacral therapy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to determine any changes in heart rate variability (HRV) in a study on craniosacral therapy. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: This is a quasi-experimental (controlled) study with cross-over design. In a private practice, measurements were performed on 31 patients with subjective discomforts before and after a control and an intervention period. HRV was determined using a device that requires a measuring time of 140 s and electrode contact only with the fingertips. Main PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: HRV change under the influence of a defined one-time intervention (test intervention) with craniosacral therapy versus control (defined rest period). RESULTS: Standard deviation of all RR-intervals (ms) and total power of RR-interval variability in the frequency range (ms(2)) were together interpreted as an indicator of test subjects' autonomic nervous activity and as a measure of their ability to cope with demands on their health. Neither of these parameters increased during the control period (P>0.05), whereas during the test intervention period there was an increase in both (P<0.05, P<0.01). Nevertheless, interactions between treatment and the increase were statistically not significant (P>0.05). No changes were observed in the low frequency/high frequency ratio (sympathetic-vagal balance) in the course of the control or the test intervention period (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Craniosacral treatment had a favourable effect on autonomic nervous activity. This in itself is an interesting result, but further research will be needed to distinguish specific effects of craniosacral therapy technique from less specific therapist-client interaction effects.

Wheat germination and highly diluted agitated gibberellic acid (10-30) ? a multi researcher study / Germinação do trigo e ácido giberélico em alta diluição (10-30) e agitado ? um estudo multicêntrico / Germinación de trigo y ácido giberélico en alta dilución (10-30) y agitado ? estudio multicéntrico

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.(AU)

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.(AU)

Wheat germination and highly diluted agitated gibberellic acid (10-30) ? a multi researcher study / Germinação do trigo e ácido giberélico em alta diluição (10-30) e agitado ? um estudo multicêntrico / Germinación de trigo y ácido giberélico en alta dilución (10-30) y agitado ? estudio multicéntrico

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.

Lowland amphibians - recalculation of data on effects of diluted thyroxine / Anfíbios de terras baixas - recálculo dos dados sobre os efeitos de tiroxina diluída / Anfibios de tierras bajas - re-cálculo de datos sobre los efectos de tiroxina diluida

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).(AU)

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).(AU)

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).(AU)

Lowland amphibians - recalculation of data on effects of diluted thyroxine / Anfíbios de terras baixas - recálculo dos dados sobre os efeitos de tiroxina diluída / Anfibios de tierras bajas - re-cálculo de datos sobre los efectos de tiroxina diluida

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).

Seasonal variation of the effect of extremely diluted agitated gibberellic acid (10e-30) on wheat stalk growth: a multiresearcher study.

The influence of a homeopathic high dilution of gibberellic acid on wheat growth was studied at different seasons of the year. Seedlings were allowed to develop under standardized conditions for 7 days; plants were harvested and stalk lengths were measured. The data obtained confirm previous findings, that ultrahigh diluted potentized gibberellic acid affects stalk growth. Furthermore, the outcome of the study suggests that experiments utilizing the bioassay presented should best be performed in autumn season. In winter and spring, respectively, no reliable effects were found.

Variação sazonal do efeito do ácido giberélico altamente diluído (10-30) sobre o crescimento do trigo - um estudo com vários pesquisadores / Seasonal variation of the effect of extremely diluted agitated gibberellic acid (10-30) on wheat stalk growth - a multi researcher study

Control experiments were performed at different seasons of the year as a follow-up to pilot experiments [1] where a homeopathic high dilution of gibberellic acid had influenced growth in a wheat bio assay (7 days). Grains of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum, Capo variety) were observed under the influence of extremely diluted gibberellic acid (10-30) prepared by stepwise dilution and agitation according to a protocol derived from homeopathy (“G30x”). Analogously prepared water was used for control (“W30x”). Following up on 5 pilot experiments (4 in autumn 2007, 1 in spring 2008), 10 experiments were performed (5 in autumn 2008 or 2009 and 5 in winter 2009 or 2010) with a total of 9 experiments in autumn season (5 researchers, about 9,000 grains), and 6 in winter/spring (4 researchers, about 6,000 grains).(AU)

Experimentos controlados foram realizados em diferentes estações do ano, em continuação a um experimento-piloto [1] onde o ácido giberélico altamente diluído e agitado influenciaram o crescimento de trigo, em um ensaio biológico (7 dias). Grão de trigo de inverno (Triticum aestivum, variedade Capo) foram observados sob a influência do ácido giberélico altamente diluído (10-30) preparado por um processo serial de diluição e agitação, de acordo com um protocolo derivado da homeopatia (“G30x”). Analogamente, o mesmo protocol foi usado para preparar a amostra controle, apenas com água (“W30x”). Em continuidade a realização de 5 experimentos-piloto (4 no outono de 2007, 1 na primavera de 2008), 10 experimentos foram realizados (5 no outono de 2008 ou 2009 e 5 no inverno de 2009 ou 2010) com um total de 9 experimentos na estação do outono (5 pesquisadores, aproximadamente 9.000 grãos) e 6 no inverno/primavera (4 pesquisadores, aproximadamente 6.000 grãos).(AU)

Re-análise dos dados de 1990-2010 sobre os efeitos da tiroxina altamente diluída na metamorfose de anfíbios de terras altas / Recalculation of data from 1990 to 2010 on the effects of highly diluted thyroxine on the metamorphosis of highland amphibians

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 [1]. Normalization with respect to time was done on the assumption that differences in speed of metamorphosis attributable to treatment would override differences in duration between 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 the 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 mapped onto a corresponding relative scale. Each measurement is then assigned to the point on the 10%-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. These values are aggregated over all experiments within the test- and control-group. 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[1]. It was found that differences between treatment groups thus calculated were in line with those obtained with other pooling methods [2]. Thyroxine 30x does slow down metamorphosis in inert highland amphibians. This was observed by 5 researchers in 20 sub-experiments, and it seems to be the most reliable bio-assay found in amphibian research on homeopathy so far2. When experiments were performed with highland animals pretreated by hyperstimulation with molecular thyroxine, slowing down of metamorphosis was again observed (by 3 of 4 researchers) in most of 10 sub-experiments.(AU)

Experimentos sobre a metamorphose de anfíbios podem variar consideravelmente em termos de duração. Os autores desse trabalho se propuseram a definir um método geral aplicável ao estudo de experimentos commetamorfose [1]. A normalização em relação ao tempo foi realizada considerando que as diferenças na velocidade da metamorfose, atribuídas ao tratamento, minimizariam as diferenças na duração entre experimentos. O problema das diferenças artificiais na variabilidade, quando comparamos e agrupamos dados a partir de vários experimentos foi abordada com a normalização em relação a base temporal no desenvolvimento de ambos os grupos, os tratados e os controles. O intervalo de 0% a 100% para a fração de animais que evoluem para 4 patas durante o experiment é dividido em sub-intervalos de 10% e mapeados em uma escala relativa. Cada ponto é então associado ao ponto mais próximo da escala de 10%. Dessa maneira, a cada ponto da referência é associado um valor correspondente ao número ou porcentagem de animais com 4 patas naquele ponto. Esses valores são agregados sobre todos os experimentos considerando os grupos teste e controle. Os resultados dos experimentos realizados no decorrer de 2 décadas (1990 - 2010) com Rana temporaria tratadas com altas diluições de tiroxina preparadas homeopaticamente (?30x?) são apresentados em detalhes com base nesse método de normalização [1]. Foi encontrada que as diferenças entre os grupos tradados, calculados com o método desenvolvido, estão em concordância com outros métodos de agrupamento de dados [2]. Tiroxina 30x reduz a metamorphose nos anfíbios. Isso foi observado por 5 pesquisadores em 20 sub-experimentos, e parece ser o ensaio biológico mais confiável encontrado em pesquisas com anfíbios pretratados. Quando os experimentos foram realizados com animais pré-tratados por hiperestimulação com tiroxima molecular, novamente foi observada a redução da metamorfose (por 3 dos 4 pesquisadores) na maioria dos 10 sub-experimentos.(AU)

The effect of extremely diluted agitated gibberellic acid (10e-30) on wheat stalk growth--a two researcher pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Use of a wheat growth bio assay after 7 days in research on homeopathic dilutions of gibberellic acid. METHODS: Grains of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum, Capo variety) were observed under the influence of extremely diluted gibberellic acid (10(-30)) prepared by stepwise dilution and agitation according to a protocol derived from homeopathy (30×). Analogously prepared water was used for control. In a two centre study, 3 experiments with a total of 4880 grains were performed. RESULTS: Data were found to be rather homogeneous within the control group as well as within the verum group in general. Germination rates were around 95%, with no significant difference between verum and control group (p>0.05). Mean stalk lengths (mm) were 40.63±20.96 for the verum and 44.33±21.11 for the control group (mean±S.D.) at grain level (N=2440 per group) and ±5.33 and ±5.89, respectively at dish level (122 cohorts of 20 grains per treatment group). In other words, verum stalk length (91.65%) was 8.35% smaller than control stalk length (100%). This difference is statistically highly significant (p<0.001) and was found by both researchers involved independently. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that there was an influence of gibberellic acid 30× on wheat seedling development, i.e. the wheat growth bio assay can be a useful tool for further experiments on homeopathic dilutions of gibberellic acid.

Seasonal variation of the effect of extremely diluted agitated gibberellic acid (10-30) on wheat seedling development / Seasonal variation of the effect of extremely diluted agitated gibberellic acid (10-30) on wheat seedling development

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.(AU)

Repetitions of fundamental research models for homeopathically prepared dilutions beyond 10-23: a bibliometric study / Repetitions of fundamental research models for homeopathically prepared dilutions beyond 10-23: a bibliometric study

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].(AU)

Highland amphibians? Recalculation of data from 1990 to 2010 on the effects of extremely diluted thyroxine

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. When experiments were performed with highland animals pretreated by hyperstimulation with molecular thyroxine, slowing down of metamorphosis was again observed (by three out of four researchers) in most of 10 sub-experiments.(AU)

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. Quando os experimentos foram realizados com animais de terras altas pré-tratados através de hiperestimulação com tiroxina molecular, também se observou metamorfose mais lenta (por três de quatro pesquisadores) na maioria entre dez sub-experimentos.(AU)

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. Cuando los experimentos fueron realizados en animales de tierras altas pre-tratados mediante hiperestimulación con tiroxina molecular, nuevamente se observó enlentecimiento de la metamorfosis (por tres de cuatro investigadores) en la mayoría de diez sub-experimentos.(AU)

Highland amphibians ? Recalculation of data from 1990 to 2010 on the effects of extremely diluted thyroxine / Anfíbios de terras altas – recálculo de dados entre 1990 e 2010 sobre os efeitos de tiroxina em alta diluição / Anfibios de tierras altas – Re-cálculo de datos entre 1990 y 2010 sobre los efectos de altas diluciones de tiroxina

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. When experiments were performed with highland animals pretreated by hyperstimulation with molecular thyroxine, slowing down of metamorphosis was again observed (by three out of four researchers) in most of 10 sub-experiments.(AU)

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. Quando os experimentos foram realizados com animais de terras altas pré-tratados através de hiperestimulação com tiroxina molecular, também se observou metamorfose mais lenta (por três de quatro pesquisadores) na maioria entre dez sub-experimentos.(AU)

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. Cuando los experimentos fueron realizados en animales de tierras altas pre-tratados mediante hiperestimulación con tiroxina molecular, nuevamente se observó enlentecimiento de la metamorfosis (por tres de cuatro investigadores) en la mayoría de diez sub-experimentos.(AU)

Repetitions of fundamental research models for homeopathically prepared dilutions beyond 10-23 :a bibliometric study / Repetitions of fundamental research models for homeopathically prepared dilutions beyond 10-23 :a bibliometric study

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].