scholarly journals Development of a Biocrystallisation Assay for Examining Effects of Homeopathic Preparations Using Cress Seedlings

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Baumgartner ◽  
P. Doesburg ◽  
C. Scherr ◽  
J.-O. Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Image Analysis ◽  
Texture Analysis ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Order Effect ◽  
Lepidium Sativum ◽  
Homeopathic Treatment ◽  
Processing Order ◽  
Plant Bioassays

A major challenge in basic research into homeopathic potentisation is to develop bioassays that yield consistent results. We evaluated the potential of a seedling-biocrystallisation method. Cress seeds (Lepidium sativumL.) germinated and grew for 4 daysin vitroinStannum metallicum30x or water 30x in blinded and randomized assignment. 15 experiments were performed at two laboratories. CuCl2-biocrystallisation of seedlings extracted in the homeopathic preparations was performed on circular glass plates. Resulting biocrystallograms were analysed by computerized textural image analysis. All texture analysis variables analysed yielded significant results for the homeopathic treatment; thus the texture of the biocrystallograms of homeopathically treated cress exhibited specific characteristics. Two texture analysis variables yielded differences between the internal replicates, most probably due to a processing order effect. There were only minor differences between the results of the two laboratories. The biocrystallisation method seems to be a promising complementary outcome measure for plant bioassays investigating effects of homeopathic preparations.

scholarly journals Development of a biocrystallisation assay for examining effects of homeopathic preparations using cress seedlings

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (40) ◽  
pp. 202-203
Author(s):  
Stephan Baumgartner ◽  
Paul Doesburg ◽  
Scherr Claudia ◽  
Jens-Otto Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Image Analysis ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Germination Rate ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Order Effect ◽  
Lepidium Sativum ◽  
Organic Additives ◽  
Plant Bioassays

Background: A major challenge of homeopathic basic research is to develop test systems that yield consistent results. Outcome of plant bioassays is usually based on growth parameters (e.g. germination rate, seedling length, leaf area). Aims: We aimed to evaluate the potential of a crystallisation method with additives (“biocrystallisation”) as complementary outcome measure. This method used is based on the crystallographic phenomenon that when crystallising watery solutions of dihydrate CuCl2 in the presence of organic additives (juices/extracts), reproducible dendritic crystal structures are observed. The resulting biocrystallograms can be evaluated visually and/or by computerized image analysis. Methods: Cress seeds (Lepidium sativum L.) germinated and grew in vitro in either Stannum met. 30x or water 30x. Per experiment, six coded (blinded) 30x preparations were applied in randomized order, representing three independent replicates of the two treatments. Seedlings grew for 96 hours in darkness and were subsequently processed into a watery extract. Biocrystallisation was performed on circular glass plates in 6-fold replication per treatment group, yielding 36 biocrystallograms per experiment. A total of 15 independent experiments were performed at two independent laboratories. Biocrystallograms were scanned and analysed by computerized texture image analysis, using 15 second-order parameters as outcome measure. 3-way-ANOVA with the independent parameters treatment (n=2), internal replicate (n=3), and number of experiment (n=15) was used to analyse the data. Results: All 15 texture analysis variables yielded significant or highly significant results for the homeopathic treatment. Two variables yielded differences between the internal replicates, most probably due to a processing order effect. There were only minor differences between the results of the two laboratories. Conclusions: The texture of biocrystallograms of homeopathically treated cress exhibited specific characteristics, differentiating water 30x and Stannum met. 30x. Thus, the biocrystallisation method seems to be a promising complementary outcome measure for plant bioassays investigating effects of homeopathic preparations.

scholarly journals Examination of specific effects of different homeopathic preparations on cress seedlings with a CuCl2-biocrystallization assay

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 10-10
Author(s):  
Anezka Marie Sokol ◽  
Paul Doesburg ◽  
Claudia Scherr ◽  
Tim Jäger ◽  
Annekathrin Ãœcker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Image Analysis ◽  
Texture Analysis ◽  
Lepidium Sativum ◽  
Follow Up Study ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Glass Plates ◽  
Homeopathic Remedies ◽  
Lepidium Sativum L

The effect of six different homeopathic remedies on cress (Lepidium sativum L.) has been examined by CuCl2-biocrystallization. The method was based on the protocols of [1] and a follow up study (not yet published). Cress seeds germinated and grew for four days in vitro in a 30x potentization of Stannum metallicum, Arsenic Album, Mercurius metallicum, Sulphur, Silicea or Lactose (control) in a blinded and fully randomized assignment. Each remedy was prepared sterile and divided into 20 bottles used in 10 experiments. CuCl2-biocrystallization of seedlings extracted in the homeopathic preparations was performed on circular glass plates. Resulting biocrystallograms were analysed by digital textural image analysis. Texture analysis variables analysed yielded significant results between the control and some of the homeopathic treatments, as well as between a number of the different treatments. As the texture of the biocrystallograms of homeopathically treated cress exhibited effects depending on the remedies, the CuCl2-biocrystallization method will be further applied to a larger study investigating specific effects of different homeopathic preparations.

scholarly journals Machine learning-based classification of mitochondrial morphology in primary neurons and brain

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Garrett M. Fogo ◽  
Anthony R. Anzell ◽  
Kathleen J. Maheras ◽  
Sarita Raghunayakula ◽  
Joseph M. Wider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Image Analysis ◽  
Cortical Neurons ◽  
Mitochondrial Dynamics ◽  
Automated Image Analysis ◽  
Mitochondrial Morphology ◽  
Analysis Pipeline ◽  
Genetic Ablation ◽  
Block Face

AbstractThe mitochondrial network continually undergoes events of fission and fusion. Under physiologic conditions, the network is in equilibrium and is characterized by the presence of both elongated and punctate mitochondria. However, this balanced, homeostatic mitochondrial profile can change morphologic distribution in response to various stressors. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a method that robustly measures mitochondrial morphology with high accuracy. Here, we developed a semi-automated image analysis pipeline for the quantitation of mitochondrial morphology for both in vitro and in vivo applications. The image analysis pipeline was generated and validated utilizing images of primary cortical neurons from transgenic mice, allowing genetic ablation of key components of mitochondrial dynamics. This analysis pipeline was further extended to evaluate mitochondrial morphology in vivo through immunolabeling of brain sections as well as serial block-face scanning electron microscopy. These data demonstrate a highly specific and sensitive method that accurately classifies distinct physiological and pathological mitochondrial morphologies. Furthermore, this workflow employs the use of readily available, free open-source software designed for high throughput image processing, segmentation, and analysis that is customizable to various biological models.

Interaction of Neutrophils with Endothelial Cells, Fibroblasts and Their Extracellular Matrices: Microscopic and Computerised Analysis

1988 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-53
Author(s):  
Marina Ziche ◽  
Lucia Morbidelli ◽  
Annalisa Rubino ◽  
Piero Dolara ◽  
Stefano Bianchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Image Analysis ◽  
Vascular Endothelial Cells ◽  
Extracellular Matrices ◽  
Polymorphonuclear Neutrophil ◽  
Initial Event ◽  
Computerised Image Analysis ◽  
Capillary Endothelial Cells ◽  
Vitro Model

Polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) interaction with vascular endothelial cells is the initial event in the migration of neutrophils through blood vessel walls before reaching inflammation sites in tissues. The interaction between fibroblasts and endothelial cells and their extracellular matrices might be modulated by the activation of neutrophils that occurs at inflammatory reaction sites. We have used an in vitro model to study PMN function, measuring the adhesion of human PMNs to capillary endothelial cells and fibroblasts grown in culture and to their extracellular matrices. The interaction was measured in basal conditions and in the presence of the chemotactic effector, formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP at the concentration of 10 7M). Adhesion was expressed by the number of adherent PMNs/mm2 on a histological specimen. Moreover, we have adapted a program for image analysis to quantify neutrophil adhesion. Three times more PMNs adhered to matrices than to monolayers, and adherence could be increased by the presence of 10-7M FMLP, except in the case of fibroblast monolayers. We found a good correlation between microscopic observation and computerised image analysis measuring PMN adhesiveness to extracellular matrices.

scholarly journals Academic collaborative models fostering the translation of physiological in vitro systems from basic research into drug discovery

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Silvestri ◽  
Francisca Vicente ◽  
María J. Vicent ◽  
Bahne Stechmann ◽  
Wolfgang Fecke
Keyword(s):  
Drug Discovery ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Collaborative Models ◽  
In Vitro Systems

scholarly journals Diabetic Cataract—Pathogenesis, Epidemiology and Treatment

2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Pollreisz ◽  
Ursula Schmidt-Erfurth
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Polyol Pathway ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Diabetic Cataract ◽  
Cataract Development

Cataract in diabetic patients is a major cause of blindness in developed and developing countries. The pathogenesis of diabetic cataract development is still not fully understood. Recent basic research studies have emphasized the role of the polyol pathway in the initiation of the disease process. Population-based studies have greatly increased our knowledge concerning the association between diabetes and cataract formation and have defined risk factors for the development of cataract. Diabetic patients also have a higher risk of complications after phacoemulsification cataract surgery compared to nondiabetics. Aldose-reductase inhibitors and antioxidants have been proven beneficial in the prevention or treatment of this sightthreatening condition in in vitro and in vivo experimental studies. This paper provides an overview of the pathogenesis of diabetic cataract, clinical studies investigating the association between diabetes and cataract development, and current treatment of cataract in diabetics.

scholarly journals Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Haloferax sp. NRS1: image analysis, characterization, in vitro thrombolysis and cytotoxicity

AMB Express ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hend M. Tag ◽  
Amna A. Saddiq ◽  
Monagi Alkinani ◽  
Nashwa Hagagy
Keyword(s):  
Silver Nanoparticles ◽  
Image Analysis ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Vis Spectroscopy ◽  
Negative Surface ◽  
Biosynthesized Agnps

AbstractHaloferax sp strain NRS1 (MT967913) was isolated from a solar saltern on the southern coast of the Red Sea, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The present study was designed for estimate the potential capacity of the Haloferax sp strain NRS1 to synthesize (silver nanoparticles) AgNPs. Biological activities such as thrombolysis and cytotoxicity of biosynthesized AgNPs were evaluated. The characterization of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized by Haloferax sp (Hfx-AgNPs) was analyzed using UV–vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The dark brown color of the Hfx-AgNPs colloidal showed maximum absorbance at 458 nm. TEM image analysis revealed that the shape of the Hfx-AgNPs was spherical and a size range was 5.77- 73.14 nm. The XRD spectra showed a crystallographic plane of silver nanoparticles, with a crystalline size of 29.28 nm. The prominent FTIR peaks obtained at 3281, 1644 and 1250 cm− 1 identified the Functional groups involved in the reduction of silver ion reduction to AgNPs. Zeta potential results revealed a negative surface charge and stability of Hfx-AgNPs. Colloidal solution of Hfx-AgNPs with concentrations ranging from 3.125 to 100 μg/mL was used to determine its hemolytic activity. Less than 12.5 μg/mL of tested agent showed no hemolysis with high significant decrease compared with positive control, which confirms that Hfx-AgNPs are considered non-hemolytic (non-toxic) agents according to the ISO/TR 7405-1984(f) protocol. Thrombolysis activity of Hfx-AgNPs was observed in a concentration-dependent manner. Further, Hfx-AgNPs may be considered a promising lead compound for the pharmacological industry.

Viscum album : from high dilutions to phytotherapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 36-37
Author(s):  
Richard Blostin
Keyword(s):  
Herbal Medicine ◽  
Molecular Form ◽  
Macrophage Polarization ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Viscum Album ◽  
Mistletoe Lectin ◽  
Immunological Parameters ◽  
Monocytic Cell ◽  
High Dilutions

Background : Besides conventional anticancer therapy, cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine like the medicinal herb mistletoe (Viscum album L.), used in oral form or injections. For this condition Viscum album (VA) is also used in high dilutions, in injections, as in Brazil. Aim: Our aim is to compare results of basic research about these two presentations: herbal medicine and high dilutions and to look for an eventual continuity of action between the molecular form (herbal medicine) and the informative one (high dilutions) Method: About VA in herbal medicine : a lot of references in immunology, in particular those published by the team of Srini Kaveri and Stephan Baumgartner.(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) About VA in high dilutions : the work in immunology of Aloiso Cunha de Carvalho and Leoni Bonamin published in a thesis. (6) And then to compare those results with our practice as veterinarian on dogs and cats . Results : VA in herbal medecine: from basic research results, we know that in low concentration, an immunostimulary action is observed while in higher doses it is a cytotoxic activity. These two properties are found in our practical use of VA in dogs or cats : stabilization of the size of tumors for the low concentrations, necrosis of tumors and abscess for the high concentrations. VA in high dilutions (from D3 to D30) : from basic research, an immunostimutating effect is observed. More exactly, on a murin model of tumor of Ehrlich, it is observed an improvement of quality of life, a reduction of the tumor immunosuppressive effect, an enlargement of local inflammations (Oedema) for all concentrations, but only 3D reduces tumor growth, without modifying local necrosis and the immunological parameters. In our practice, on two cases of osteosarcoma on dogs, we verify those properties using VA both in herbal medicine and in high dilutions. Conclusions: From these results, both in basic research and in the practice, we should estimate there is probably a continuity of action fom VA, in High Dynamised Dilutions ( no more molecule), to VA in herbal medicine (molecular activity). From immunostimation to cytotoxicity, from information to molecular activity. Does each Viscum album’s preparation touch the same level of the Immune System ? The same cells ? The same receptors ? A lot of questions remain… References 1) Duong Van Huyen JP and al. Variable sensitivity of lymphoblastoid cells to apoptosis induced by Viscum album Qu FrF, a therapeutic preparation of mistletoe lectin. Chemotherapy. (2001) 2) Duong Van Huyen JP and al. Induction of apoptosis of endothelial cells by Viscum album: a role for anti-tumoral properties of mistletoe lectins. Mol Med. (2002) 3)Duong Van Huyen JP and al Comparative study of the sensitivity of lymphoblastoid and transformed monocytic cell lines to the cytotoxic effects of Viscum album extracts of different origin.. Chemotherapy. (2003) 4) Estko M and al. Tumour cell derived effects on monocyte/macrophage polarization and function and modulatory potential of Viscum album lipophilic extract in vitro. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2015 5) Saha C, and al Differential Effects of Viscum album Preparations on the Maturation and Activation of Human Dendritic Cells and CD4⁺ T Cell Responses. Molecules. 2016 Jul 14;21(7) 6) Aloisio Cunha de Carvalho , ATIVIDADE ANTI-NEOPLÁSICA DE Viscum album (L) EM TUMORES EXPERIMENTAIS: REVISÃO CRÍTICA E ESTUDO EXPERIMENTAL EM TUMOR DE EHRLICH, Thesis Sao Paulo

Abstract 17071: Cell Communication Inference in Macrophages

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nika Taghdiri ◽  
Kevin R King ◽  
David Calcagno ◽  
Zhenxing Fu ◽  
Kenneth Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Image Analysis ◽  
Analytical Methods ◽  
Cell Injury ◽  
Diffusion Mechanism ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Cell Dynamics ◽  
Calcium Indicator

Introduction: Tissue macrophages play diverse roles in the cardiovascular system during health and disease. They have diverse functions within tissues, but our understanding of their dynamics is limited because most macrophage characterization assays are destructive and have low temporal resolution. We asked whether these cells are dynamic and interconnected. Methods: Here, we describe experimental and analytical methods for measuring cell dynamics and inferring communication between cells in vitro and in vivo. We created a mouse (Csf1r-Cre x GCaMP5) expressing the Cre-inducible genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP5 under the regulation of the innate immune promoter, Csf1r, to non-destructively quantify high-frequency cell dynamics and differentiated them in culture using m-CSF. We developed custom image analysis routines and parameterization strategies for classifying calcium responses. Results: Our studies revealed that calcium reporter BMDMs display minimal fluctuations at baseline but exhibit a dynamic response to immunogenic DNA sensing. DNA-induced isolated cell injury and death, which precipitated cell communication that spread with a velocity of [9μm/s], consistent with an extracellular diffusion mechanism. We developed quantitative image analysis methods that corrected for random calcium fluctuations and identified statistically significant areas of correlated calcium changes suggestive of communication. An analytical pipeline enabled quantification of calcium spike dynamics and correlations of dynamic calcium profiles of single cell sharing a local microenvironment. This resulted in an “improbable synchrony” metric that allowed localization of communication in time and space. We adapted the pipeline for in vivo studies and tested them in a dorsal window chamber model using intravital microscopy. At 2Hz sampling frequency, we identified 27 potential communication events as they responded to complex microenvironmental cues in vivo. Conclusion: The experimental and analytical methods for inferring cell communication provide a new quantitative toolkit for investigating known as-yet undiscovered cell communication pathways.

scholarly journals FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF FLURBIPROFEN FAST DISINTEGRATING TABLETS USING NATURAL SUPERDISINTEGRANTS

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Sarfaraz ◽  
Surendra Kumar Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Drug Release ◽  
Angle Of Repose ◽  
Lepidium Sativum ◽  
Disintegration Time ◽  
Natural Sources ◽  
Weight Variation ◽  
Wetting Time ◽  
Tapped Density ◽  
Fast Disintegrating Tablets

ABSTRACTObjective: The main objective of this research was to formulate Fast disintegrating tablets of Flurbiprofen incorporating superdisintegrants, isolated from natural sources like Plantago ovata (PO) seeds, Lepidium sativum (LS) seeds and agar-agar.Methods: Superdisintegrants were isolated from their natural sources using reported methods. Swelling index and hydration capacity was determined for the natural superdisintegrants to know their disintegration capacity. The tablet formulations were designed using isolated natural superdisintegrants. The powder blends were evaluated for pre-compressional parameters like angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, carr’s index, and hausner’s ratio. Fast disintegrating tablets were prepared by direct compression method. The compressed tablets were characterized for post compression parameters.Results: All formulations had hardness, friability, weight variation and drug content within the pharmacopoeial limits. The wetting time was 84 to 254 sec, in vitro disintegration time was between 59.2 to 221 sec, and in-vitro drug release was as low as 11.80% (LS1) to a maximum of 98.99% (PO4) after 4 min of study. Among all, optimized formulation was PO4, as it showed good wetting time (84 sec), fastest disintegration time (59.2 sec), dispersion time (135 sec) and drug release of 98.99.% within 4 min.Conclusion: Flurbiprofen FDT’s were successfully developed using isolated natural disintegrants. The natural disintegrants isolated showed promising results and can prove as effective alternative for synthetic disintegrants.

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