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E Ernst

Publications and source records attributed to E Ernst.

At least 433 records · Page 24Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

The effect of selenium on the localization of autometallographic mercury in dorsal root ganglia of rats.

The autometallographic technique was used to demonstrate the localization of mercury in dorsal root ganglia of adult Wistar rats. The animals were either exposed to mercury vapour, 100 micrograms Hg m-3, 6 h day-1, 5 days per week, or treated with organic mercury in the drinking water, 20 mg CH3HgCl per litre, for 4 weeks. The effect of orally administered sodium selenite on the pattern of intracellular distribution of mercury in these two situations was investigated. In rats exposed to mercury vapour alone, faint staining was present in ganglion cells. The selenite induced a conspicuous increase in the number of stained cells and in the intracellular staining intensity. In rats treated with organic mercury, mercury deposits were detected within ganglion cells and macrophages. The number of mercury-containing cells was increased by co-administration of selenite. In addition, satellite cells, the capsule and vessel walls were faintly stained. Twenty weeks after cessation of the organic mercury treatment, mercury staining was reduced. Again, selenite treatment enhanced staining intensity. When studied using the electron microscope, mercury was restricted to lysosomes, irrespective of treatments. The present study shows that the deposition of autometallographic mercury in the dorsal root ganglia depends on the chemical type of mercury, the co-administration of selenite and the length of the survival period.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1997

Complementary medicine: use and attitudes among GPs.

BACKGROUND: Information about use and attitudes of GPs towards complementary medicine is required in order to inform the debate about its place within mainstream medicine. There is evidence that public use of complementary medicine is particularly high in the South-West of England. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the use of, and attitudes towards, complementary medicine among GPs. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was performed of all primary care physicians working in the health service in Devon and Cornwall. RESULTS: Replies were received from 461 GPs, a response rate of 47%. A total of 314 GPs (68%, range 32-85%) had been involved in complementary medicine in some way during the previous week. One or other form of complementary medicine was practised by 74 of the respondents (16%), the two most common being homoeopathy (5.9%) and acupuncture (4.3%). In addition, 115 of the respondents (25%) had referred at least one patient to a complementary therapist in the previous week, and 253 (55%) had endorsed or recommended treatment with complementary medicine. Chiropractic, acupuncture and osteopathy were rated as the three most effective therapies, and the majority of respondents believed that these three therapies should be funded by the health service. A total of 176 (38%) of respondents reported adverse effects, most commonly after manipulation. CONCLUSION: Over two-thirds of the GPs in Devon and Cornwall who responded to the survey had been involved with complementary medicine in some way during the previous week. This figure is higher than the national average. The majority of respondents believed that acupuncture, chiropractic and osteopathy were effective and should be funded by the NHS.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1997

Is semen quality related to the year of birth among Danish infertility clients?

BACKGROUND: There is circumstantial evidence that human sperm count may have declined during past decades. The purpose of this study was to identify the association between semen quality and year of birth. METHODS: The study comprised 8608 men consulting four Danish medical centres from 1968 to 1992 because of infertility. Data on semen quality and urogenital disorders were obtained from medical records while lifestyle data were collected from a subset of the population by a postal questionnaire (response 80%). Semen characteristics were analysed as a linear function of year of birth, centre, season and calendar year at time of semen examination, sexual abstinence and lifestyle factors. Effects of age were accounted for by restriction and stratified analysis. RESULTS: The sperm count declined with increasing year of birth at two of the four centres, but this association disappeared when confounders were adjusted for. Within the subset of men born 1950-1970 we revealed a decrease in the average sperm count by 1.9 mill/ml (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.45, 2.27) per one advancing year of birth. This finding was consistent across centres even after adjustment for effects of covariates. The proportion of morphologically normal sperm cells changed in parallel with the sperm count, while semen volume did not decline in any time periods. CONCLUSIONS: We found a birth cohort effect on sperm count and morphology among Danish infertile men born after 1950 but not in men born in the first part of the century. The findings are compatible with an environmental impact during prenatal life but the evidence is far from unequivocal.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Autometallographic demonstration of zinc ions in rat sperm cells.

An in-vitro technique for autometallographic (AMG) demonstration of chelatable zinc in electroejaculated sperm cells and spermatozoa from the epididymis is presented and the localization of zinc ions in rat spermatozoa is described. Sperm cells from caput epididymis showed zinc staining in all parts of the tail and a sparse, dispersed staining in the acrosome. Spermatozoa from cauda epididymis showed heavy staining in the acrosome but no staining in the tail, or post-acrosomal part of the sperm head. This distinct acrosomal AMG staining was also found in ejaculated spermatozoa, but additionally a segmentation of the tail was seen based on differences in staining intensity. The membrane penetrating chelator diethyldithiocarbamate (DEDTC) was found to block the AMG staining whereas calcium-EDTA, known not to pass through cell membranes, did not influence the staining, proving that the detected zinc ions are intracellularly located. Two different approaches for demonstrating the presence of a chelatable zinc pool at electron microscope levels are presented, and the ultrastructural presence of AMG grains located in the acrosome and in the mitochondria of the midpiece is demonstrated. It is postulated that an exchange of zinc ions takes place between the epididymal epithelium and the sperm cells as they pass along the epididymal duct.

Acrosome↗
PubMed1997

Colonic irrigation and the theory of autointoxication: a triumph of ignorance over science.

Autointoxication is an ancient theory based on the belief that intestinal waste products can poison the body and are a major contributor to many, if not all, diseases. In the 19th century, it was the ruling doctrine of medicine and led "colonic quackery" in various guises. By the turn of the century, it had received some apparent backing from science. When it became clear that the scientific rationale was wrong and colonic irrigation was not merely useless but potentially dangerous, it was exposed as quackery and subsequently went into a decline. Today we are witnessing a resurgence of colonic irrigation based on little less than the old bogus claims and the impressive power of vested interests. Even today's experts on colonic irrigation can only provide theories and anecdotes in its support. It seems, therefore, that ignorance is celebrating a triumph over science.

Coffee↗
PubMed1997

Homeopathy for postoperative ileus? A meta-analysis.

Homeopathic remedies are advocated for the treatment of postoperative ileus, yet data from clinical trials are inconclusive. We therefore performed meta-analyses of existing clinical trials to determine whether homeopathic treatment has any greater effect than placebo administration on the restoration of intestinal peristalsis in patients after abdominal or gynecologic surgery. We conducted systematic literature searches to identify relevant clinical trials. Meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan software. Separate meta-analyses were conducted for any homeopathic treatment versus placebo; homeopathic remedies of < 12C potency versus placebo; homeopathic remedies of > or = 12C potency versus placebo. A "sensitivity analysis" was performed to test the effect of excluding studies of low methodologic quality. Our endpoint was time to first flatus. Meta-analyses indicated a statistically significant (p < 0.05) weighted mean difference (WMD) in favor of homeopathy (compared with placebo) on the time to first flatus. Meta-analyses of the three studies that compared homeopathic remedies > or = 12C versus placebo showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). Meta-analyses of studies comparing homeopathic remedies < 12C with placebo indicated a statistically significant (p < 0.05) WMD in favor of homeopathy on the time to first flatus. Excluding methodologically weak trials did not substantially change any of the results. There is evidence that homeopathic treatment can reduce the duration of ileus after abdominal or gynecologic surgery. However, several caveats preclude a definitive judgment. These results should form the basis of a randomized controlled trial to resolve the issue.

Homeopathy↗
PubMed1997

A review of problems in clinical acupuncture research.

Although laboratory studies indicate that acupuncture can have physiological effects, clinical studies of acupuncture are frequently inconclusive. Randomized controlled trials are the best way to test for the specific effectiveness of a therapy. Problems in clinical acupuncture research include the diversity of forms of therapy, individualised treatments, binding, choosing a credible control procedure, selecting suitable endpoints and traditional diagnosis. The enthusiasm of proponents of acupuncture may bias the research they are performing. None of these difficulties is insurmountable. Examples of rigorous trials are listed and some suggestions are offered on ways of improving research.

Acupuncture Analgesia↗
PubMed1997

Fibrinogen and cardiovascular risk.

The hypothesis that fibrinogen is closely related to cardiovascular risk has been strengthened through the results of various lines of research, which this review will aim to unravel. Several prospective epidemiological studies convincingly show elevated fibrinogen to represent a major, independent cardiovascular risk factor. Cross-sectional studies strongly associate fibrinogen and conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Clinical cohort studies demonstrate that increased fibrinogen is also a risk factor for the sequelae of cardiovascular disease. Our knowledge about the determinants of the variable plasma level of fibrinogen in health and disease is incomplete. Understanding of the mechanisms that might be involved in the atherothrombogenic action of fibrinogen is also fragmentary. Fibrinogen strongly affects blood coagulation, blood rheology and platelet aggregation. In addition, it has direct effects on the vascular wall and is a prominent acute phase reactant. All of these phenomena might constitute pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the association between fibrinogen and cardiovascular events. Their relative importance is unclear at present. Even though many crucial questions await conclusive answers, little doubt exists that fibrinogen represents a major, independent risk factor.

Arterial Occlusive Diseases↗
PubMed1997

Inhibin B as a serum marker of spermatogenesis: correlation to differences in sperm concentration and follicle-stimulating hormone levels. A study of 349 Danish men.

Recent studies have focused on reproductive health of men in the general population. However, semen samples are difficult to obtain within sampling frames that allow comparisons. Blood samples are easier to obtain than ejaculates. Therefore, serum biomarkers of spermatogenesis are of major interest for population studies. FSH has previously been used as a marker of spermatogenesis, although it is also influenced by the hypothalamus. Serum inhibin B was recently suggested as a possible, more direct serum marker of spermatogenesis in men with testicular disorders. In a Danish nationwide collaborative study, we found an unexpected difference in semen concentration between two groups of men recruited from two different centres. We, therefore, analyzed reproductive hormones in blood, including inhibin B, to test whether the observed difference in semen concentration was reflected in the reproductive hormones. From 1992 to 1995, a total of 430 men, 20-35 yr old, who lived with a partner and who had not previously attempted to achieve a pregnancy, were recruited. The couples were enrolled into the study in one of two centres (centre A, n = 231; and centre B, n = 199) when they discontinued birth control. At enrollment, they provided a semen sample (n = 419), and a blood sample was drawn (n = 349). The semen analysis was performed in accordance with the WHO 1992 guidelines, and interlaboratory differences were tested. Inhibin B was measured in an enzyme immunometric assay, which has previously been described. All blood samples were analyzed in the same laboratory. Median sperm concentration and the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa were significantly higher among men from centre A (56.0 mill/mL and 42.5%), compared with men from centre B (44.8 mill/mL and 39%). Men from centre B had a significantly higher median FSH (3.42 IU/L) and a lower inhibin B (186 pg/mL) than men from centre A (3.21 IU/L and 209 pg/mL). The differences persisted after control for potentially confounding variables. A significant correlation was found between the cubic root-transformed serum FSH and inhibin B levels (r = -0.61, P < 0.001), between the cubic root-transformed serum FSH and sperm concentration (r = -0.40, P < 0.001), and between the cubic root-transformed inhibin B and sperm concentration (r = 0.38, P < 0.001). The predictive power of detecting sperm counts below 20 mill/mL among men who's inhibin B and FSH both were below 80 pg/mL and above 10 IU/L, respectively, was 100%. The unexpected significant difference in semen concentration between two groups of normal Danish men was probably caused by differences in sampling procedures in the two centres where the men were recruited, rather than geographical differences. However, similar differences in serum levels of inhibin B and FSH between centres were found. These findings suggest that a real difference in spermatogenic potential between the two groups of men existed. We suggest that serum inhibin B, in future population studies on male reproductive health, may serve as a new marker of spermatogenesis, in addition to sperm concentration and serum FSH.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Complementary AIDS therapies: the good, the bad and the ugly.

HIV-infected/AIDS patients seem to frequently use complementary therapies, yet definitive information in this area is difficult to obtain. The aim of this systematic review is therefore to assess the published data on the use of complementary medicine by HIV-infected/AIDS patients. A computerized systematic literature search was carried out. Data on prevalence of complementary medicine (CM) use, effectiveness, risks and costs were extracted. The prevalence of CM use ranges between 27 and 100%. Users perceived complementary therapies as beneficial, however, no data exist to suggest that these treatments are specifically effective. They are generally perceived as 'safe', but there is evidence to suggest that risks do exist. The costs for complementary therapies seem to be high and financial exploitation of patients may not be infrequent. It is concluded that complementary therapies for HIV-infected/AIDS patients are popular. Their potential for doing either harm or good requires more detailed study.

Humans↗
PubMed1997

Acupuncture as a symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis. A systematic review.

Acupuncture is a popular complementary treatment for osteoarthritis. In order to define its effectiveness, a systematic review of the literature was undertaken. Independent literature searches identified eleven studies of acupuncture for osteoarthritis. Their results are highly contradictory. Most trials suffer from methodological flaws. The most rigorous studies suggest that acupuncture is not superior to sham-needling in reducing pain of osteoarthritis: both alleviate symptoms to roughly the same degree. This could either mean sham-needling has similar specific effects as acupuncture or that both methods are associated with considerable non-specific effects. Future research should clarify which explanation applies.

Acupuncture Therapy↗
PubMed1997

50 years ago: the Nuremberg Doctors' Tribunal. Part 3: The failure of coming to terms with the past.

After the sentences at the Nuremberg Doctors' Tribunal, the German and Austrian medical profession tried to avoid the subject of medicine during the Third Reich at almost any cost. Only under persistent pressure did the subject gradually became a topic for more open discussion. many of the perpetrators within the ranks of the medical profession were not properly punished and were allowed to remain members of the profession. The German and Austrian medical profession may have forfeited the chance to learn an important lesson relating to its own past.

Austria↗
PubMed1997

50 years ago: the Nuremberg Doctors' Tribunal. Part 4: Nazi medicine's relevance today.

The final part of this series attempts to evaluate the relevance of Nazi medicine for doctors today. Euthanasia, informed consent, the conflict of interests of the individual versus those of society and racism were as prominent themes of Nazi medicine as they are today. It would be foolish not to learn from experiences of the past. Nazi medicine can therefore never be an irrelevant subject of the days gone by.

Ethics, Medical↗
PubMed1997

[Healing practitioners in Austria?].

Following Austria's joining the Europian Union (EU), the "Heilpraktiker" topic has become a much debated subject in this country. This paper is an attempt to clarify a number of misconceptions related to this profession. The training, knowledge, responsibilities and rights of "Heilpraktiker" are not in accordance with the law that aims at "averting a danger to the health of the people". An EU harmonization of non-medically trained practitioners has long been discussed in Brussels but was recently rejected. A speedy solution to the obvious problems is therefore not in sight. On the basis of these facts, there are hardly any good reasons for introducing the "Heilpraktiker" in Austria.

Austria↗