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Biomedical subjects

M Sarwar

Publications and source records attributed to M Sarwar.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Imaging of the pediatric spine and its contents.

We are at the crossroads of imaging of the diseases of the spine and its contents. There are different competing imaging modalities, each with its own merits and demerits. This review paper is designed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the various available imaging modalities and to recommend one or a combination of imaging modalities that are suited for assessing a particular disease process. At present, magnetic resonance imaging has proved its extreme usefulness in depicting diseases of the spinal cord and its coverings. As more innovations and sophistications occur in magnetic resonance imaging, it is hoped that it will play a pivotal role in the investigation of abnormalities of the spinal cord and perhaps even of the spine itself.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Reliable assessment of malaria prevalence through village clinics.

In 4 villages in the Pakistani Punjab, clinic surveys (CS) provided similar results on total malaria and malaria species prevalence as those from mass surveys (MS)--and at a fraction of the effort. This was true at 3 different levels of malaria transmission. Both methods requiring blood films from all interviewed subjects are believed to be superior to the classical active (ACD) and passive (PCD) case detection methods which sample only patients with a history of recent fever. These latter methods would not detect the large population of oligo- and asymptomatic parasitaemic subjects in the semi-immune population of malaria endemic areas.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Amodiaquine fails to cure chloroquine resistant Plasmodium falciparum in the Punjab.

We evaluated amodiaquine as a replacement drug for treating falciparum malaria in an area of Pakistani Punjab where chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum has recently emerged. Amodiaquine appeared to be 4 to 8 times more effective than chloroquine when P. falciparum isolates were tested in vitro. However, the recrudescence rate was greater than 50% after oral treatment with 20 mg/kg amodiaquine given over two successive days. This lack of therapeutic response from amodiaquine may have been due to selection of resistant parasites in the villages where the study was performed through extensive use of chloroquine for presumptive malaria treatment during the preceding 18 months. We conclude that amodiaquine is not a suitable replacement for chloroquine for treating falciparum malaria in our study area despite in vitro sensitivity data suggesting that it would be efficacious. Baseline in vitro sensitivity to mefloquine is also reported.

Amodiaquine↗
PubMed1987

The empty delta sign: frequency and significance in 76 cases of dural sinus thrombosis.

The presence of the empty delta sign on contrast material-enhanced computed tomographic (CT) scans of the brain is considered pathognomonic of sagittal sinus thrombosis (SST); however, a valid explanation for its appearance is lacking, despite several hypotheses. To determine the frequency of the sign and its prognostic significance, 76 reported cases (112 CT manifestations) of SST and SST-related intracranial sinovenous occlusive disease were reviewed. Ten CT signs related to both disease processes were reported; the empty delta sign was the most frequently reported sign (28.6%) of SST. Patients with hemorrhagic infarction and/or the empty delta sign on CT scans had the poorest prognosis. A case illustrative of the empty delta sign is described in which there was engorgement of endothelial- and nonendothelial-lined spaces in the dura mater with hemorrhagic rupture into the dural leaf. The empty delta sign can probably be explained on the basis of the rich dural venous collateral circulation, consisting primarily of lateral lacunae, a vascular mesh (dural cavernous spaces), and meningeal venous tributaries.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Sequence and interspecies transfer of an aminoglycoside phosphotransferase gene (APH) of Bacillus circulans. Self-defence mechanism in antibiotic-producing organisms.

The APH gene of a butirosin-producing Bacillus circulans was cloned and shown to be expressed in Escherichia coli and Streptomyces lividans. The gene was sequenced and a possible developmentally regulated promoter identified. When the deduced protein sequence was compared with those from transposon Tn5, transposon Tn903, Streptomyces fradiae, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis, significant homology was found, indicating that the genes may have a common origin.

Bacillus↗
PubMed1986

Three-dimensional computed tomographic reformation of the spine, skull, and brain from axial images.

Three-dimensional (3D) images were reconstructed from axial computed tomographic scans using the new 3D83 (General Electric Co.) software. Images were reformatted as a movie in multiple frames, each consisting of a discrete 3D scene, and were rotated 360 degrees in 3D space. Improvement in shading and surface algorithm has been made from the previous 3D82 program so that 3D images now have a realistic appearance. Soft tissue and bone modes are available; the latter reconstructs best in 3D because of its high density pixels, which provide a more exclusive threshold. 3D reconstructions of the spine were the most rewarding because the complex anatomy of the spine seems to be best suited for 3D imaging. By hemisection of the spine by subregion, the intervertebral foramina can be evaluated for stenosis. Some drawbacks in this program are the need for user interaction, the lengthy time of reconstruction, and the dependence on high quality axial images.

Brain↗
PubMed1986

Effects of chloroquine, amodiaquine and pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine on Plasmodium falciparum gametocytemia.

The effects of chloroquine, amodiaquine and pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine (SP) (Fansidar) on the infection rate and density of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes were studied in 198 patients with falciparum malaria from an area in the Punjab where malaria is endemic but seasonally transmitted. One month following treatment of 100 patients, SP had reduced the gametocyte carrier rate from 37% to 6% and the mean gametocyte density from 80 to 1.4 per mm3 of blood. Chloroquine and amodiaquine were much less effective. Since SP has no gametocytocidal properties and the reduction in gametocytes coincided with clearance of asexual parasitemias, gametocytes were probably reduced subsequent to the cure of the asexual malaria infections. If used during the nontransmission season, SP might be an effective component of an integrated program for reducing malaria transmission in the Punjab and other areas where 4-aminoquinoline-resistant and SP-sensitive falciparum malaria exists.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Effects of Fansidar on chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum in Pakistan.

Fansidar (SP), a combination of sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine, was evaluated for its usefulness as a curative agent for treating individual malaria patients and for reducing the community reservoir of Plasmodium falciparum in 4 villages near Lahore, Pakistan, where resistance of 4-aminoquinolines has recently been reported. Following the end of the major malaria transmission season, we carried out a month-long mass treatment campaign during which SP was given to all available villagers who had parasitemias detected during a concurrent house-to-house malaria blood film survey. Of the 82 falciparum patients followed for 14 days after SP treatment, 80 (97.5%) had parasites sensitive to the investigated drug. Parasitemia clearance time after SP was remarkedly short (1.25 +/- 0.53 days; mean +/- SD). However, we were unable to reduce the parasite reservoir of P. falciparum and P. vivax in these villages, probably because we treated only 337, about one-third, of the parasitemic patients. We conclude that SP is an effective drug for treating individual malaria patients from areas in Pakistan where 4-aminoquinoline-resistant parasites are present, but that more research is needed for assessing its usefulness in reducing community reservoirs of malaria.

Disease Reservoirs↗
PubMed1986

Radiologic techniques in the diagnosis of CNS infections.

The radiologic diagnosis of CNS infections remains a challenge. CT scan findings, though admittedly nonspecific to a large extent, assume great diagnostic significance when considered in conjunction with clinical and laboratory findings. MRI is expected to show abnormalities in the earlier stages of these infections.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1986

Genetic brain malformations recapitulate phylogeny.

It is generally difficult to establish whether a congenital brain malformation has a genetic basis or is due to other factors. A thesis has been developed, that brain malformations with a genetic basis recapitulate phylogeny. In order to validate this thesis a retrospective CT investigation of brain dysmorphology was carried out in 50 cases of dysgenesis of the corpus callosum, 20 cases of the holoprosencephaly complex, 25 cases of Dandy-Walker malformation, and 50 cases of miscellaneous brain anomalies. This group was compared with 100 neonates with brain damage from acquired causes. The results strongly suggest that a brain malformation that recapitulates phylogeny is very likely to be based on genetic aberration.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum: now in Pakistani Punjab.

To investigate the susceptibility of Plasmodium falciparum to chloroquine in Pakistani Punjab, in-vivo and in-vitro drug susceptibility was tested in 3 villages. Of 66 patients followed for up to 14 days after chloroquine treatment, 53 (80%) had parasites sensitive to chloroquine, 10 (15%) had parasites with early RI resistance, and 3 (5%) had parasites with RII resistance. Of 42 falciparum isolates investigated in vitro, 12 were sensitive, 8 intermediate, and 22 resistant to chloroquine. The degree of in-vivo resistance correlated with the degree of in-vitro resistance. It is concluded that chloroquine resistance is common among falciparum parasites in Pakistan and that this chloroquine resistance could explain the recent increase in the prevalence of falciparum malaria in the Punjab. Alternative antimalarials should therefore be investigated for both treatment and chemoprophylaxis against falciparum parasites in Pakistan.

Chloroquine↗
PubMed1985

Intracranial teratoma associated with agenesis of the corpus callosum.

Several intracranial tumors are known to occur in conjunction with agenesis of the corpus callosum. We report the occurrence of a teratoma with callosal agenesis, an association not previously described, and suggest that the tumor's ventral location may serve to differentiate it from other lesions.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Intracerebral pneumatocele: CT findings.

Two cases of intracerebral pneumatocele following trauma are presented. One to two months after initial treatment both patients had deteriorating neurologic status. The diagnosis was made by radiography. When a pneumatocele is suspected clinically, computed tomography can play a vital role in determining the precise location of the gas collection, its relationship to the fracture site, and the amount of mass effect on the brain.

Accidents, Traffic↗