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Biomedical subjects

E McClain

Publications and source records attributed to E McClain.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

A comparison of plate and pin fixation for arthrodesis of the rheumatoid wrist.

This retrospective study compared plate fixation versus pin fixation in 57 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who underwent wrist arthrodesis. Fixation was achieved by using plates in 32 patients and longitudinal pins in 25 patients. Clinical follow-up averaged 29 months (range: 12-57 months) and radiographic follow-up averaged 16 months (range 12-39 months). Union occurred in 97% of the wrists fixed with plates and in 96% of the wrists fixed with pins. There were 6 (19%) complications in the plate group and 7 (28%) complications in the pin group. Three (12%) wrists fixed with pins moved from the immediate postoperative position to a position of relative volar flexion, while radiographs showed no changes in wrist position in the plate group. With both methods, successful arthrodesis stabilized the wrist in a high percentage of patients. Plate fixation offers an excellent alternative method for arthrodesis of the rheumatoid wrist.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

A prediction model for strike in the sheep nasal fly, Oestrus ovis, in Namibia.

A model was developed for predicting outbreaks of Oestrus ovis throughout the main sheep farming areas of Namibia. Pupal developmental periods were studied, concomitant air and soil temperatures enabling degree-day calculations to be made for prediction of adult fly strike. Monitoring of larval infection established seasonal incidence of O. ovis infestation and acted as verification of predictions. The establishment of relevant isothermal maps for Namibia made possible extrapolation from the several study sites to the entire sheep farming area. Retrospective and actual predictions of the important first peak after winter were considered accurate enough to recommend timing of control measures. No evidence of overwintering of first stage instars was found, the strategy used instead being extended pupation. Adult fly energy reserves were determined.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

The incidence of adynamic ileus in postcesarean patients. Patient-controlled analgesia versus intramuscular analgesia.

With the current clinical popularity of patient-controlled analgesia pumps (PCAP) in postoperative pain management, it is prudent to be aware of the possible risk of adynamic ileus formation from intravenous narcotic administration. We hypothesized that prolonged PCAP exposure could delay bowel motility and increase post-operative morbidity. After stringent exclusionary parameters were met, we retrospectively analyzed 170 postcesarean patients who received PCAP medication and compared data with 171 postcesarean patients who received traditional intramuscular (IM) administration. The degree of adynamic ileus formation of moderate and severe intensity was higher in PCAP users (21.8%) vs. IM users (13.5%), P = .02. There was no significant difference in the average cumulative amount of analgesic administered during the first 24 postoperative hours for PCAP (442.2 mg) vs. IM (397.7 mg), reflecting that the mode of narcotic delivery is responsible for ileus formation rather than the dosage. Type of postoperative diet and speed of diet advancement were also factored into the analysis and did not statistically influence the results. We conclude that PCAP usage may increase the morbidity risk for adynamic ileus formation, and that usage should be accompanied with close monitoring of bowel motility.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Dose-dependent reduction of lipopolysaccharide pyrogenicity by polymyxin B.

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria are potent pyrogens in mammals. Polymyxin B (PB), a cationic polypeptide antibiotic, binds lipid A, the active moiety of LPS, with high affinity and abrogates several biological responses to LPS. We studied the effect of PB on pyrogenicity of purified LPS from E. coli 0111:B4 in rabbits. PB reduced the pyrogenic response to LPS in a dose-dependent manner at mass ratios (PB:LPS) from 5:1 to 100:1. Previous reports have suggested that PB is effective only at much higher doses. In our hands, PB itself is pyrogenic, unless previously gamma-irradiated. Our results confirm in vivo the anti-endotoxic action of PB.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

A subcutaneous capsule for long-term studies.

In assessing interstitial fluid dynamics, perforated capsules have a limited existence because of the ingrowth of connective tissue. A permanently patent capsule (1 yr) can be obtained by implanting 1.9-cm lengths of Tygon tubing (OD 7.9 mm, ID 4.8 mm). After implant, the capsule is invested in connective tissue, and a thin strand of connective tissue invades both ends of the capsule. In 2-3 wk, the connective tissue joins in the capsule and there is no further ingrowth of connective tissue. This tissue bridge through the center of the capsule is richly vascularized, eventually containing small central arteries and veins. Protein content of capsule fluid was 50-60% of plasma, with albumin proportionately higher in the capsule. Intracapsule pressures averaged -2.08 mmHg. Communication between capsule contents and vascular volume appeared to be size-dependent in that the [35S]sulfate and [3H]inulin count could be measured in tail blood 5 min after intracapsule injection and it increased over 30 min. This did not occur with [14C]dextran (mol wt 70,000) and [14C]globulins (mol wt 150,000). This capsule appears to lend itself to long-term studies related to interstitial fluid dynamics and/or capillary exchange.

Animals↗