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Biomedical subjects

P Carpintero

Publications and source records attributed to P Carpintero.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Spontaneous collapse of the tibial plateau: radiological staging.

OBJECTIVE: This paper proposes a radiological staging system for necrosis of the tibial plateau, similar to those already developed for the hip and the medial femoral condyle. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: We retrospectively studied the clinical case histories and radiographic findings of 14 patients (15 affected knees) with histologically proven osteonecrosis of the tibial plateau. RESULTS: Stage I was marked by normal radiograph, but increased uptake in bone scan and subchondral areas of abnormal marrow signal intensity in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as reported in other osteonecrosis sites. Stage II was characterised by cystic and sclerotic changes, and stage III fracture of the medial rim of the medial tibial plateau and tibial plateau collapse were present. Stage IV was marked by joint narrowing. These changes appeared earlier and were more pronounced when there was genu varum/valgum or involvement of the lateral tibial plateau. CONCLUSIONS: The radiological evolution of the disease appears to follow a four-stage course over a period of roughly one year from the onset of symptoms.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Clinical features of ten cases of osteopoikilosis.

A retrospective study was carried out of the ten cases of osteopoikilosis seen at this Orthopedic Unit over a 15-year period in order to determine the reasons why patients seek consultation, preliminary diagnosis, and associated lesions. Eight patients consulted for problems not related to the locomotor apparatus, and diagnosis was by chance; the other two presented joint pain. The preliminary diagnosis was osteoblastic metastasis in five patients and osteopoikilosis in the other five. None of the patients displayed skin or visceral involvement, but three presented bone alterations. Definitive diagnosis was made by measurement of biochemical markers of bone remodeling, radiography of both hands, and bone scan. Bone biopsy was performed in one case. Although rare, the radiographic symptoms of osteopoikilosis are sufficiently specific to avoid false diagnoses, which may give rise to rigorous and expensive studies for other important disorders.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Stress fractures of the femoral neck and coxa vara.

BACKGROUND: Theoretically, coxa vara substantially modifies the biomechanical conditions of the femoral neck, increasing the effect of direct muscle pull and leading to fatigue of opposing muscle groups; such modifications would appear to favour the appearance of stress fractures. METHODS: We studied 22 stress fractures of the femoral neck, 12 in patients with coxa vara (group A) and 10 in patients with a normal neck-shaft angle (group B), to assess the possible influence of the femoral angle in the production of stress fractures. RESULTS: Intergroup differences were found for age at the appearance of the fracture (younger patients in the coxa vara group) and symptom duration (longer in group A). CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that coxa vara predisposes to femoral neck stress-fracture.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Differential expression of thymosins beta(4) and beta(10) during rat cerebellum postnatal development.

The beta-thymosins are a family of actin monomer-sequestering proteins widely distributed among vertebrate classes. The most abundant beta-thymosins in mammalian species are thymosin beta(4) (Tbeta(4)) and thymosin beta(10) (Tbeta(10)), two small peptides (43 amino acids) sharing a high degree of sequence homology. In the present work, we have analyzed the distribution of Tbeta(4) and Tbeta(10) in the developing and adult rat cerebellum using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry techniques. Our results show that the temporal and cellular patterns of expression of both beta-thymosins are different. In the young (7 and 18 postnatal days) and adult (1 and 4 months old) rat cerebellum, Tbeta(4) was mainly expressed in the glia (microglia, Golgi epithelial cells and oligodendrocytes), neurons (granule cells and Purkinje cells), and in the capillaries. In 14-month-old rats, the Tbeta(4) immunoreactivity was only detected in some microglia cells. In young and adult animals, most of the Tbeta(10) immunoreactivity was localized in several types of neuronal cells including granule cells, Golgi neurons and Purkinje cells. In old animals, a faint Tbeta(10) signal could be detected in a few Purkinje cells. Our results suggest that each beta-thymosin could play a different function in the control of actin dynamics.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Expression of the thymosin beta10 gene in normal and kainic acid-treated rat forebrain.

Thymosin beta10 (Tbeta10) is a small actin-sequestering peptide widely distributed in mammalian tissues including nervous system. Here, we analyze the expression of Tbeta10 gene in normal and kainic acid (KA)-treated rat forebrain by in situ hybridization. Our results showed a defined regional pattern of the mRNA encoding for Tbeta10 in both normal and KA-treated rat forebrain. The presence of this transcript in different regions of the rat forebrain, including hippocampus, neocortex and several brain nuclei, provides evidence for the participation of Tbeta10 in the control of the actin dynamics that takes place in neurons. Furthermore, the analysis of the forebrain in KA-treated rats revealed an activation of the Tbeta10 gene linked to gliosis.

Actins↗
PubMed1999

Expression of thymosin beta4 messenger RNA in normal and kainate-treated rat forebrain.

Thymosin beta4 is a major actin-sequestering peptide widely distributed in mammalian tissues, including the nervous system. In the present study, we analyse the expression of thymosin beta4 in normal and kainate-treated rat forebrain. In untreated animals, thymosin beta4 messenger RNA is mainly expressed in neurons of the hippocampal formation, neocortex and amygdaloid complex, as well as in oligodendrocytes. Other high-expressing areas are the tanycytic ependyma of the infundibulum, the substantia nigra pars compacta, and the supraoptic and premammillary nuclei. In rats treated with kainate, an excitotoxin that induces synaptic activation in the CA1-CA3 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus, the levels of thymosin beta4 were clearly increased in the hippocampus and neocortex during the first 2-3 h after injection. In the long term, kainate causes neuronal degeneration in the CA1-CA3 regions of the hippocampus and functionally related structures, provoking a depletion of thymosin beta4 messenger RNA in these areas; however, the levels of this transcript are restored two weeks after kainate injection. Moreover, we have found that, in these degenerating zones, gliosis is accompanied by an elevation of the levels of thymosin beta4 messenger RNA, particularly in the CA1-CA3 region of the hippocampus, the lateral geniculate nucleus and the mammillothalamic tract. The present results demonstrate the existence of relatively high levels of thymosin beta4 messenger RNA in several areas of the rat forebrain, indicating that this peptide plays an important role in the regulation of actin polymerization in these regions of the brain. Moreover, the elevation of this messenger RNA after kainate treatment suggests a function of thymosin beta4 in the production and remodelling of neuronal processes. Finally, our findings provide evidence for a participation of this actin-sequestering molecule in the reactivity of certain types of glial cell that follows kainate lesions.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Bone island and leprosy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of bone islands in leprosy patients. DESIGN: X-rays of feet and hands of patients with Hansen's disease (leprosy) were reviewed retrospectively. A second group of related age- and sex-matched patients who did not have Hansen's disease was used for control purposes. Controls had undergone hand and foot X-rays during diagnosis of other pathologies. The patients with Hansen's disease were compared with the control groups, and were also analyzed as subgroups with different types of leprosy. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. PATIENTS: Ninety patients with Hansen's disease were randomly selected for this study. Patients who had had ulcers on hands or feet were excluded from the study. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Bone islands were demonstrated in 20 patients with Hansen's disease; no bone islands were observed in the controls. This was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Bone islands were only seen in patients with lepromatous leprosy and borderline types but were not demonstrated in patients with tuberculoid leprosy. There was also a statistically significant relationship for a disease duration of 15 years or more. The cause of this raised incidence of enostosis in leprosy patients is not clear, but there may be a genetic predisposition in patients with leprosy, or it may be a side effect of leprosy, especially the lepromatous form.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Progression of bone lesions in cured leprosy patients.

A group of 52 patients deemed to be cured of Hansen's disease were examined in order to determine the appearance or aggravation of bone lesions after cure. A study was made of X-rays performed both at the moment these patients were considered to be cured and a minimum of 2 years later. During the elapsing interval, new lesions had appeared in 8 patients, and existing lesions had worsened in 12 patients. Factors associated with the progression of lesions were: impaired sensitivity, physical activity and appearance of plantar ulcers. The authors feel that leprosy patients, even when considered to be bacteriologically cured, should undergo regular checkups. Factors which might aggravate bone lesions should be borne in mind.

Aftercare↗
PubMed1997

Scoliosis induced by asymmetric lordosis and rotation: an experimental study.

STUDY DESIGN: An experimental study of the influence of intrinsic muscle imbalance on the spinal column of a growing rabbit. OBJECTIVES: To create an in vivo experimental model of scoliosis for comparison with human scoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There is evidence that asymmetric lordosis may produce scoliosis and that there is muscle imbalance in scoliotic patients. METHODS: Surgical tethering of the spinous apophysis and transverse apophysis of rabbits was performed at three upper levels on the same side of the spine to simulate dominance of one side of the paravertebral musculature over the other. RESULTS: All animals exhibited scoliosis that was convex toward the side opposite that receiving surgery. Radiography showed the curve to increase with time. Postmortem examination of vertebrae revealed structural alterations similar to those produced in human scoliosis. CONCLUSIONS: Intrinsic muscle imbalance in the spinal column of the experimental growing animal may produce scoliosis with characteristics similar to those of human idiopathic scoliosis.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Hepatitis C virus infection detected by viral RNA analysis in porphyria cutanea tarda.

The high prevalence (62%) of anti-HCV in patients with porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) found in a recent study prompted us to speculate that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection could contribute to liver damage in this disease. The relationship between a positive serologic test and infectivity remains elusive, as anti-HCV false-positive reactivity has been described in some patients with chronic liver disease. Hence, it needs to be established if HCV infection plays a role in the pathogenesis of liver injury, or anti-HCV positivity may be an epiphenomenon in PCT patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the existence of true HCV infection by verifying the presence of serum viral RNA in patients with PCT. HCV RNA was studied in sera from 36 patients with clinical and biochemical features of PCT using a polymerase chain reaction technique. Additionally, 26 patients with chronic alcoholic liver disease and 29 patients with different dermatological lesions but with no liver disease were studied as control groups. HCV RNA was positive in 29 of 36 patients (80.5%) with anti-HCV positive PCT. For alcoholic liver disease and dermatological disease controls the values for HCV RNA were 11.5% and 3.4%, respectively. HCV infection was found to be significantly higher in patients with PCT than in controls (P < 0.001), demonstrating that most subjects with clinically expressed PCT have true HCV infection. These data support the hypothesis that liver damage in some patients with PCT may be attributed to prolonged HCV infection, suggesting that treatment for chronic hepatitis C could be indicated.

Female↗
PubMed1997

Ranitidine versus colloidal bismuth subcitrate in combination with amoxicillin and metronidazole for eradicating Helicobacter pylori in patients with duodenal ulcer.

One hundred twenty-two patients were randomly assigned to three groups of treatment (A, B, and C), with (1) ranitidine (300 mg q.d. for 6 weeks), (2) ranitidine (300 mg q.d. for 6 weeks) with amoxicillin (500 mg t.i.d.) and metronidazole (500 mg b.i.d.) for the first 12 days, or (3) colloidal bismuth subcitrate (120 mg q.i.d. for 6 weeks) with amoxicillin and metronidazole (at same dosages as in the latter group). Six weeks after the beginning of treatment, an endoscopy showed that ulcers had healed in 49 of 52 patients (94.2%) from whom Helicobacter pylori had been eradicated and in 59 of 70 patients (84.3%) from whom it had not (NS). The rates of H. pylori eradication in groups A, B, and C were zero, 47.5%, and 86.8%, respectively. At 6, 12, and 18 months, an endoscopy was repeated for monitoring ulcer recurrence and H. pylori status. Reinfection rates at 6 months were 42.1% and 15.1% in groups B and C, respectively (P < .05). At 18 months, ulcers recurred in 82.9% (63) of 76 patients with noneradicated H. pylori infection, vs. 5.7% (2) of 35 patients without H. pylori infection (P < .001). We conclude that colloidal bismuth subcitrate is more effective for eradication of H. pylori than ranitidine when given with amoxicillin plus metronidazole for the treatment of duodenal ulcer, as both early reinfection and ulcer recurrence are diminished.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Wrist involvement in Hansen's disease.

We performed a neurological and radiological study of the wrists of 58 patients with Hansen's disease and 60 age-matched healthy control subjects. Significant differences (p < 0.01) were found between the groups in the carpal glenoid sector, the radial physeal widening index, the carpal ulnar distance, the carpal index and in distal radio-ulnar discrepancy. Comparison of the results in three subgroups of leprous patients with sensory impairment (group A-1), motor deficit (A-2) and no neurological impairment (A-3), showed significant differences (p < 0.01) between group A-1 and the other two. This suggests that in these patients the changes in the carpus and radiocarpal joint may be caused by neuropathic arthropathy of the wrist. Our findings are of particular interest since there are few reports of neuropathic arthropathy in non-weight-bearing joints.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Thymosin beta10 mRNA expression during early postimplantation mouse development.

The beta-thymosins are a family of monomeric actin sequestering peptides that regulate actin dynamics within the cells. During embryogenesis the control of actin polymerization is essential in processes such as cell migration, angiogenesis and neurogenesis. Here we report that the levels of thymosin beta10 (Tbeta10) mRNA strongly increase during early postimplantation mouse embryogenesis as well as during in vitro P19 cell differentiation, indicating that this peptide plays an important role in early development. Moreover, analysis of the spatial distribution of Tbeta10 mRNA in 9.5-12.5 days postcoitum mouse embryos showed a remarkable presence of this transcript in mesenchymal structures as well as in the mantle layer of spinal cord. Interestingly, we observed differences in the distribution of the mRNAs encoding Tbeta10 and Tbeta4, another member of the beta-thymosin family, suggesting different roles for these peptides during mouse embryogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

High levels of mouse thymosin beta4 mRNA in differentiating P19 embryonic cells and during development of cardiovascular tissues.

The self assembly of actin and the large number of actin-binding proteins are important in the establishment of cell shape and function during embryogenesis. Thymosin beta4 (Tbeta4) is a small acidic peptide that participates in the regulation of actin polymerization in mammalian cells. In the present work, we report the presence of the mRNA encoding for Tbeta4 in mouse embryonic stem cells and its induction in P1 9 embryonal cells stimulated to differentiate into ectodermal-like (neurons and glia) or mesodermal-like cells (cardiac and skeletal muscle). The induction of Tbeta4, mRNA in P19 cells was confirmed by in situ hybridization analysis of early mouse postimplantation embryos. Noteworthy, we observed an important hybridization signal in several areas of the embryo specially in blood vessels and in heart tissues, suggesting a role for this peptide in angiogenesis. In conclusion, the results presented here demonstrate the expression of Tbeta4 gene during early embryogenesis which immediately suggests an important role for this peptide in developmental processes requiring actin-based functions such as the formation of cardiovascular system.

Animals↗