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Biomedical subjects

G W Miller

Publications and source records attributed to G W Miller.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Denominator definition by the utilization correction factor method.

Most clinical research in the United States has been carried out in atypical populations. This study, done in a network of primary care populations in Virginia, calculates the denominator by the utilization correction factor method and compares the demography with that of the population of the state. The demographic characteristics of the patients in the network are very similar to those of the underlying populations and on the same order of state-of-the-art sampling methods in current use.

Adolescent↗

Rumen microbial changes in cattle fed diets with or without salinomycin.

Four rumen-fistulated steers, randomly assigned to two groups (control and salinomycin fed) were used to monitor the changes in rumen microbial populations and volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations associated with feeding salinomycin (0.22 mg X kg-1 X day-1). Steers were adapted to an alfalfa hay and grain (80:20) diet before supplementing the diet with salinomycin, and then the diet was changed to 50:50 and 20:80 ratios of alfalfa hay to grain at 2-week intervals. Rumen samples for total and selective enumeration of anaerobic bacteria. VFA analysis, and enumeration of protozoa were collected during the 80:20 alfalfa hay-to-grain diet before salinomycin feeding, and during the 80:20, 50:50, and 20:80 hay-to-grain diets with salinomycin. At each sampling period, rumen samples were collected at 3 h after feeding on three consecutive days. Salinomycin feeding had no effect on rumen pH and total VFA concentration. The acetate-to-propionate ratio was significantly lower in salinomycin-fed steers than in the control. The molar proportion of butyrate increased in both control and salinomycin-fed steers. Total anaerobic bacterial counts were lower in salinomycin-fed steers than in the control steers after 8 weeks of salinomycin feeding. Salinomycin-resistant bacteria increased from 7.6 to 15.6% in salinomycin-fed steers but remained unchanged in control steers. Salinomycin had no effect on cellulolytic and lactate-utilizing bacteria, but the proportion of amylolytic bacteria was higher in salinomycin-fed steers than in control steers. The total number of protozoa decreased initially in salinomycin-fed steers. The initial reduction was due to reduced numbers of Entodinium species. Holotrichs were unaffected by salinomycin feeding.

Animal Feed↗

Use of the neodymium/yttrium aluminum garnet laser in middle ear surgery: a preliminary report.

Clinical usefulness of the neodymium/yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in surgery of the middle ear is unproven. An animal study was designed to examine the influence of Nd:YAG laser irradiation on cochlear potentials following vaporization of the stapes. Electrocochleagraphic changes were observed in two of the five animals studied, and caution is advised before using this instrument in humans.

Animals↗

Perilymph fistula.

Perilymph fistula occurs when endolymph and perilymph mix, or when perilymph leaks into the middle ear space. Sensorineural hearing loss and/or vertigo may result. This paper reviews the pertinent anatomy and physiology of the inner ear, clinical presentations, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis as a guide for the clinician.

Adult↗

The cocaine habit.

Although cocaine is considered "safe" by many drug abusers, serious psychosocial problems and medical complications, including death, can occur as the direct result of addiction to this drug. The mainstays of therapy include motivation, meticulous physical and laboratory evaluation, abstinence, and support during withdrawal. Diazepam and propranolol drugs are useful during this difficult period. Several commonly used psychotropic drugs are contraindicated. Supportive care and counseling are helpful, but a relapse is probable.

Adult↗

Malignant external otitis.

Malignant external otitis (MEO) is a potentially life-threatening Pseudomonas infection of the external auditory canal in which rapid diagnosis is the key to proper treatment. We present an anatomic description of the ear and skull base, with a review of the literature on MEO, in the hope that it will enable primary care physicians to work more closely with otolaryngologists in dealing with this illness.

Aged↗

Principles of alcohol detoxification.

The family physician serves as the physician of first contact for the alcoholic entering an inpatient detoxification facility. Abstinence is essential for recovery. The patient must be observed for evidence of the withdrawal syndrome. This is treated with supportive care, mild sedation, and mineral and vitamin replacement. The postwithdrawal period involves educating the patient about his illness, counseling him and his family, and planning his discharge.

Alcoholism↗

Intratemporal schwannoma of the facial nerve.

Two patients with schwannomas that originated from the region of the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve are reported. They presented with progressive facial nerve paralysis and variable disturbance of hearing. Computed tomograms demonstrated a mass lesion eroding the temporal bone (petrous portion) and extending into the middle fossa. The treatment consisted of complete excision of the tumor, and a hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis. Computed tomography should be performed on all patients with facial palsy of a progressive nature. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment of facial schwannoma should permit preservation of function of the facial and the acoustic nerves.

Adult↗

Surgical management of vestibular Meniere's disease with endolymphatic mastoid shunt.

The early stages of Meniere's disease may consist only of vestibular symptoms. These patients with vertigo alone may be incapacitated by this condition. A great many of these patients are unresponsive to medical therapy and tend to progress to cochleovestibular disease. Early surgery on such individuals may decrease vertigo and give the added benefit of preserving hearing. This paper reports the results of endolymphatic mastoid shunts performed on 24 patients with normal hearing who had medically uncontrolled vestibular Meniere's disease. The patients underwent surgery between 1978 and 1981, and each has been followed for at least 1 year. Vertigo was decreased or abolished in 21 of 24 patients (87%). Hearing remained unchanged in 19 of the 24 patients (79%) and was mildly impaired postoperatively in 4(16.7%). Only 1 patient had moderate postoperative hearing loss. Of the 5 patients with reduced hearing, 4 had improvement of vertigo. There were no cases of surgically-induced deafness.

Adult↗

Henoch-Schönlein purpura.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura commonly occurs in children at about age five. There is no known etiologic agent. The illness is characterized by skin rash, joint pain, edema and gastrointestinal symptoms. Laboratory tests are not diagnostic. Although there is no specific treatment, steroids may help prevent serious gastrointestinal complications. Prognosis is good, except for those patients with advancing renal disease.

Child, Preschool↗

Acute epiglottitis in adults.

Acute epiglottitis in adults is a fulminant disease characterized by local cellulitis of supraglottic structures. Symptoms include sore throat, dysphagia, respiratory difficulty and muffled voice. Signs are pharyngitis, swollen and inflamed epiglottis, epiglottic abscess and/or cervical swelling. Diagnosis is facilitated by an upright, lateral neck x-ray and indirect laryngoscopy. The mainstays of treatment are airway maintenance, antibiotics, steroids, hydration, cool mist, oxygen and supportive care.

Acute Disease↗