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Biomedical subjects

J McMichael

Publications and source records attributed to J McMichael.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

A randomised prospective comparison of cefotaxime versus netilmicin/penicillin for treatment of suspected neonatal sepsis.

In an open prospective study performed in 2 neonatal units, infants with suspected neonatal sepsis (SNS) of unknown microbial cause were randomly allocated to receive treatment with either cefotaxime (CTX) or netilmicin plus penicillin (N + P). 236 patients were entered into the trial, of whom 222 were evaluable. The number of 'definitely' and 'probably' infected babies was similar in both groups. There was no difference in clinical outcome between patients in the 2 treatment groups and no side effects were recorded for either of the antibiotic regimens. Antibiotic sensitivity testing of bacterial isolates from peripheral sites showed almost universal sensitivity of potential pathogens to both antibiotic regimens at the start of treatment in all infants. Thereafter, organisms resistant to CTX were isolated from patients in both treatment groups, possibly reflecting the antibiotic sensitivity profile of the colonising bacteria in both neonatal units. The results of this study indicate that either CTX or N + P are suitable, in our units, for the 'blind' treatment of early SNS. In units where listerial infections are prevalent, specific cover should be added to CTX. For SNS developing after admission, the choice of antibiotics will depend upon the background antibiotic sensitivity profile of the colonising bacteria.

Bacterial Infections↗
PubMed1982

History of atrial fibrillation 1628-1819 Harvey - de Senac - Laënnec.

For two centuries after Harvey the arterial pulse was often regarded as independent of the heart beat. This misunderstanding was mainly because of the frequent failure of the irregular heart to elicit a radial pulse: the "pulse deficit" of later times. Harvey observed ineffective palpitation of the atrium just before death. This was probably atrial fibrillation. He established the origin of the heart beat in the right atrium. Harvey's observations were confirmed and extended by de Senac in the mid-eighteenth century. He correlated gross irregularities (palpitation) with necropsy observation of mitral valve disease and dilatation of the left ventricle. He emphasised the origin of the heart's irregularity from the distended atrium consequent on distension or reflux of blood irritating the atrial wall. He also commented on disconcerted action and rippling of the ventricular wall before final cessation of movement in a dying heart (ventricular fibrillation). De Senac's ideas were a century and a half ahead of his time.

Atrial Fibrillation↗
PubMed1979

Fats and atheroma: an inquest.

All well-controlled trials of cholesterol-reducing diets and drugs have failed to reduce coronary (CHD) mortality and morbidity. Nevertheless, commercial, professional, and even government-sponsored propaganda continues. Experimentally some vegetable oils and hardened fats can be more damaging to arteries than butter. There are other hazards to heart muscle from vegetable oils. Israelis consume a high polyunsaturated fat diet equal to that recommended for prevention of CHD in USA but their CHD incidence is very high. Urban Bedouins are also affected. The primary clofibrate prevention trial underlines unacceptable risks which could apply also to diets. Official medical endorsement of these cholesterol reducing measures should be withdrawn.

Animals↗
PubMed1975

Experimental parainfluenza type 1 virus-induced encephalomyelopathy in adult mouse: a histopathological study.

The pathogenicity of a strain of parainfluenza type 1 virus, isolated from the cultured brain cells from multiple sclerosis patients and designated as 6/94 virus, was studied in mouse brain. Selective degeneration of cerebral white matter, preceded by mononuclear cell infiltration, and ependymitis were prominent pathological features of the mouse intracerebrally inoculated with 6/94 virus. After inactivation by ultraviolet light the virus was still capable of producing the inflammatory and degenerative white matter lesions, although the severity of ependymitis was substantially reduced.

Animals↗