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S Mustafa

Publications and source records attributed to S Mustafa.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Neonatal sepsis: an etiological study.

OBJECTIVE: A periodic review of neonatal sepsis to asses any change in the infecting organism. METHOD: A prospective study was conducted at HMC and ASH, Karachi. The babies suspected to have or developed sepsis any time during hospitalization were investigated to establish the diagnosis and isolate the causative organism. Blood culture was taken at the time of admission or when sepsis was suspected. RESULTS: Out of 109 episodes of blood culture proven sepsis 68 presented as early onset (within 48 hours of birth) and 41 as late onset sepsis (after 48 hours of birth). In early onset group Gram -ve and Gram +ve organisms were almost equal, i.e. 33 and 35 respectively. Among the gram -ve organism most of the cases were due to Klebsiella sp, and Enterococcus was the commonest Gram +ve organism. In late onset group majority of infections were due to gram +ve organisms, i.e. 30 out of 41. Staph. aureus and Staph. epidermidis were commonest. The organisms were least sensitive to Ampicillin (< 20%) and highly sensitive to Amikacin (90% to 100%), Cefotaxime was also seen as a good choice of antibiotic with sensitivity of (84%-89%). CONCLUSION: Gram +ve organisms were the main cause of neonatal sepsis. Klebsiella sp. is still the commonest organism causing early onset sepsis. The data must be periodically reviewed and antibiotic policy revised accordingly.

Female↗

Rapid identification of neonatal sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: To achieve rapid identification of neonatal sepsis. SETTING: Neonatal Intensive care unit (NICU) of a teaching hospital. METHOD: We evaluated fifty neonates who were admitted with clinical features suggesting sepsis or who had principal risk factors, e.g. Prematurity (< 36 weeks), Low birth weight (< 2.5 kg), H/o maternal pyrexia or prolonged rupture of membranes, birth asphyxia, unbooked cases or instrumentation. Five tests, i.e., Total Leukocyte Count (T.L.C.), Absolute Neutrophil Count, Immature/Total Neutrophil ratio (I.T. ratio), Platelet count and C-Reactive protein were used for rapid diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. RESULTS: C-reactive protein (C.R.P.) and absolute Neutrophil count had a sensitivity of over 60% with a specificity of 50%. White blood cell count had a specificity of 93% but a sensitivity of 14%. CONCLUSION: None of the tests used alone were reliable, but when in combination these five tests may help to diagnose sepsis within a few hours. Also, if the tests show a high negative predictive value, the neonate can be discharged early from the hospital, stopping the antibiotics, thereby reducing the cost of treatment and anxiety of the family.

C-Reactive Protein↗

Inhibitory effect of capsaicin on cholinergic transmission in ovine airways: evidence for non-cholinergic contractions.

Electrical stimulation of ovine trachealis smooth muscle and bronchial ring segments induced neurogenic and monophasic atropine-sensitive contractions. Pretreatment of the tissues with capsaicin (100 microM) significantly reduced these contractions indicating a possible contribution of a peptidergic neurotransmitter to the contractions. The effect of capsaicin on electrically induced contractions was significantly inhibited by capsazepin indicating an action on vanilloid receptors. In both preparations, electrically induced contractions were not modified by tachykinin NK(1)- and NK(2)-receptor antagonists singly and in combination. It was therefore concluded that a component of the atropine-sensitive electrically induced contractions of ovine airways smooth muscles involved the release of a peptide neurotransmitter which is probably not a tachykinin. However, an action of capsaicin on prejunctional vanilloid receptors located on cholinergic nerves cannot be ruled out.

Acetylcholine↗

Comparative Sorption Properties of Metal(III) Phosphates.

Sorptionbehavior of metal(III) phosphates toward Zn(2+) was investigated using different concentrations, pHs, and temperatures. Ion exchange between protons from the surface and metal cations from solutions was found to be responsible for metal sorption by metal(III) phosphates. Dissociation constants of metal(III) phosphates and binding constants of the Zn(2+) with metal(III) phosphates were determined using Henderson-Hasselbach and modified Langmuir equations, respectively. The sorption process in all the three metal phosphates was found to be endothermic in nature while the dissociation process was observed to be endothermic in AlPO(4) and FePO(4) and exothermic in CrPO(4). Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Journal Article↗

Temperature Effect on the Surface Charge Properties of gamma-Al2O3.

A comprehensive study of the surface properties of the gamma-Al2O3 in KNO3 as a function of temperature was undertaken potentiometrically. Surface charge, ionization and complexation constants, and PZC were calculated from the potentiometric titration data in the temperature range 293-333 K. A difference between the PZC and CIP was observed as a result of the adsorption of NO- 3 ions. A simple graphical procedure based on the mass action law was used to determine the number of surface sites and equilibrium constants. Thermodynamic parameters, which showed a decrease in the role of nitrate NO- 3 ion in the charging mechanism of gamma-Al2O3, were also evaluated, whereas that of K+ ion increased with the increase in temperature. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

Journal Article↗

Clinical features of thrombophilia in families with gene defects in protein C or protein S combined with factor V Leiden.

Twenty-nine clinically well-characterized, symptomatic index patients, 15 with protein C and 14 with protein S deficiency, in whom the genetic defect had been identified, were investigated for the presence of factor V Leiden. In six of 15 (40%) propositi with protein C and four of 14 (29%) with protein S deficiency, factor V Leiden was present. The age at first thrombosis was significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the ten propositi with a combined genetic defect (mean age 18.4 +/- 6.6 years) than in those with a single defect (mean age 32.6 +/- 10.4 years). Spontaneous occurrence, recurrence and site of thrombosis were similar in propositi with the single and the combined defect. Family studies led to the identification of a combined defect in 18 individuals from 11 families (11 propositi and 29 relatives), seven subjects had no abnormality, and in 15 a single defect was found. In individuals with a combined defect, thrombosis-free survival time was significantly shorter than in individuals with a single defect, even after exclusion of index patients. None of the seven individuals without genetic abnormality had experienced thrombosis. Our findings indicate a higher risk for development of thrombosis in individuals with a combined defect compared with those with a single defect.

Adolescent↗

A hitherto unknown splice site defect in the protein S gene (PROS1): the mutation results in allelic exclusion and causes type I and type III protein S deficiency.

A hitherto unknown splice site mutation, in the splice acceptor of intron B (tctag to tctgg), was identified in a symptomatic patient with type III protein S deficiency. The mutation co-segregated with type I/III protein S deficiency in the patient's family. RNA analysis showed allelic exclusion of the mutant transcript in affected individuals. The apparent type III deficiency in the propositus was not associated with the protein S Heerlen variant.

Humans↗

A frequent mutation in the protein S gene results in cryptic splicing.

Protein S is a vitamin K dependent coagulation inhibitor. One of several defects in the protein S gene (PROS1) associated with hereditary deficiency is a G --> A transition at position 5 of the splice donor in intron J. Although the mutation has been reported to cause allelic exclusion, we demonstrated low amounts of alternatively spliced ectopic PROS1 transcripts in carriers of this mutation. Sequencing of mutant RNA indicated the use of a cryptic splice site upstream of the common splice donor. The use of the cryptic splice site results in the deletion of 32 nucleotides at the 3' end of exon 10. The new reading frame contains several premature termination signals.

Humans↗

Evaluation of dowdo (wheat-milk gruel) in children with acute diarrhoea.

Appropriate feeding practices have an important impact on diarrhoeal disease management in developing countries. We evaluated the efficacy of feeding dowdo, a wheat-milk gruel, traditionally used as a weaning food in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. Dowdo was compared with khitchri, a rice-lentil mixture, in acute diarrhoea through a randomized trial. Seventy- six children between 6 and 36 months of age, with acute watery diarrhoea of less than seven days were recruited. After rehydration with standard World Health Organization (WHO) glucose-based oral rehydration solution or intravenous Ringers lactate, patients were randomly assigned to either diet group. Dowdo and Khitchri were found to be equally effective in terms of stool frequency and output, duration of diarrhoea, weight gain and duration of hospitalization. The results indicate that feeding dowdo was as effective as khitchri in children with acute diarrhoea. Additionally, acceptability of dowdo was better than Khitchri. It is recommended that dowdo be used for nutritional management of diarrhoeal disease in children in the Northern Areas of Pakistan.

Acute Disease↗

Factors affecting size and configuration of electrovaporization lesions in the prostate.

OBJECTIVES: Transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate is a new, minimally invasive technique being used by urologists for surgical ablation of prostatic tissue. There are insufficient data concerning factors affecting the vaporization and coagulation lesions produced by this technique. The aim of this study was to determine the role of various parameters for adequate tissue evaporation. METHODS: This study compared bovine liver and human prostatic lesions made by the Vaportrode instrument with those produced by standard electrocautery loops, roller balls, and laser fibers. Additionally, two electrosurgical instruments with differing technical capabilities were compared for their ability to cause vaporization of tissue. RESULTS: Results revealed that the Vaportrode lesions were maximal with a new electrode when used with a Force 40S electrosurgical generator set at 300 W and a drag speed of 25 to 30 seconds per 10 mm of tissue. The lesions produced by this technique had a 74% greater coagulation volume compared to a standard cautery loop. The evaporation defect was comparable to a laser lesion produced in contact at 60 W. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that electrovaporization under optimal conditions causes a vaporization lesion comparable to that produced by high power density laser prostatectomy. Additionally, the coagulation volume of a vaportrode lesion is considerably greater than that produced by standard electrocautery resection.

Animals↗

Two new frequent dimorphisms in the protein S (PROS1) gene.

Two new polymorphisms were identified in the protein S gene (PROS1): an intronic T/A-dimorphism (PIPS1) in intron K, and an exonic C/A-dimorphism (PEPS2), located in the 3'untranslated trailer of exon 15. Allelic frequencies of 24% (PIPS1-A) and 17% (PEPS2-A) respectively, were determined in the normal population. The identification of an intronic and an exonic PROS1 dimorphism, in addition to the known BstXI dimorphism, enlarges the molecular tool box for gene analysis and transcript quantification in hereditary protein S deficiency. Haplotype analysis showed that variability of both new polymorphisms occurred almost exclusively in the A-allele of the known intragenic BstXI dimorphism. Therefore, PEPS2 and PIPS1 are especially valuable in individuals homozygous for the BstXI A-variant.

Alleles↗

Protein S deficiency type I: identification of point mutations in 9 of 10 families.

We identified potentially causative mutations in the active protein S gene (PROS 1) by direct sequencing of PROS 1-specific polymerase chain reaction (PRC) products of all 15 exons, including exon-intron boundaries in 10 families with hereditary protein S deficiency type I. Seven different mutations were found in 9 of 10 families, including one frame shift mutation, a previously published splice site mutation (both occurring in two unrelated families), four missense mutations, and a stop codon at the beginning of exon 12. In family studies, cosegregation of the mutation with the disease could be demonstrated for five mutations; for two missense mutations, this was not possible due to limited family data. All seven mutations were the only abnormalities identified in the respective index patients and were absent in 44 to 62 normal individuals. Therefore, they most likely represent the causal gene defects. For five mutations, analysis of ectopic RNA could be performed. Mutant transcripts were present in the case of the frame shift and three of the missense mutations, while no mutant RNA could be detected in the case of the stop codon.

Adolescent↗

Effects of dose and interdose interval on locomotor sensitization to the dopamine agonist quinpirole.

To assess whether the interval between injections affects the course of locomotor sensitization to quinpirole, groups of rats were injected every 2, 4, or 8 days with quinpirole (0, 0.025, 0.25, 0.5, and 2.5 mg/kg; n = 222) and their locomotor activity monitored after each injection for a total of 10 tests. Results indicate that the number of drug injections, rather than the interval between them, predominantly controls the development of locomotor sensitization to quinpirole. It is suggested that this may reflect a rapid induction but slow decay time for a response-enhancing factor stimulated by each injection of quinpirole, and that the effects of this putative factor are cumulative but saturable.

Animals↗

PML-RAR alpha PCR positivity in the bone marrow of patients with APL precedes haematological relapse by 2-3 months.

We report the results of serial tests in three patients with hyperleucocytotic AML M3 by haematological methods, coagulation assays and PCR analyses following treatment with ATRA and chemotherapy. All three patients became PCR negative in bone marrow and peripheral blood (sensitivity level 1 in 10(5) cells) after one cycle of ATRA + chemotherapy. However, they relapsed haematologically 6-9 months after achieving complete haematological remission. The haematological relapse was preceded by PCR positivity in the bone marrow by 3 months. Platelet counts decreased already during CHR, but dropped below normal levels only at the time of relapse. Coagulation parameters were not helpful for early prediction of relapse. Our results demonstrate that PCR analysis in the bone marrow is the best way to monitor patients with APL. However, in hyperleucocytotic patients, PCR negativity does not seem to indicate long-term remission.

Base Sequence↗

The contractile response of thiopental in large and small ovine airways.

The present study addresses the question of bronchial reactivity towards thiopental using pharmacological assay and ultrastructural analysis with transmission electron-microscopy in sheep airways. Smooth muscle strips of the upper, middle and lower trachea and small size bronchial rings of sheep were investigated using organ bath technique with monitoring of isometric tension in response to thiopental (10(-7)-10(-4)M), histamine (10(-4)M) and carbachol (10(-8)M). Thiopental elicited contractile responses in the large airways, with most marked contractions in the upper trachea. In the small lobar bronchi thiopental caused a biphasic response with predominant relaxation. Similar reactions could be elicited by histamine. Ultrastructural studies showed a large number of mast cells with equal distribution throughout the bronchial tree. Histamine release from bronchial tissue was detected by bioassay after thiopental challenge. It can be concluded that thiopental at a concentration of 10(-4)M releases histamine from mast cells within the airways with consequent constriction in the trachea and mainly dilatation in the smaller intralobular airways. Under these conditions therefore, one does not necessarily expect a net change of airflow resistance with thiopental anaesthesia.

Animals↗

Stretch-induced myogenic responses of airways after histamine and carbachol.

The purpose of the study described here was to determine the possible role of a myogenic response of bronchial smooth muscle in deep inspiration (DI)-induced bronchoconstriction. Model experiments were performed on sheep tracheal strips. The effect of sudden stepwise elongation on isometric tension of tracheal muscle was studied in the absence and presence of the bronchoconstrictors carbachol (10(-8) M) and histamine (10(-4) M). In control strips tension increased rapidly with stretch and was followed by stress relaxation which corresponds to creep or bronchial dilatation. In histamine- and carbachol-treated strips a reactive contraction with a rhythmic pattern interrupted the process of stress relaxation. These responses appeared after only 20% elongation and were characteristic of a myogenic contraction which in the in vivo situation would correspond to a bronchoconstriction. These findings are interpreted as a functional transformation of multiple- to single-unit smooth muscle due to the influence of carbachol and histamine. This suggests that stretching (DI) of bronchial smooth muscle in the presence of carbachol and histamine induces a protracted myogenic contraction, which may explain bronchoconstriction after DI in severe asthma.

Animals↗