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Biomedical subjects

D Schapira

Publications and source records attributed to D Schapira.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Osteoporosis: the evolution of a scientific term.

Coined in French in the early 1820s as a mere description of a pathological state of the bone, the term 'osteoporosis' made its way into the English medical vocabulary only in the twentieth century. Unlike other medical concepts, which have not been substantially altered by progress in medical research, the definition of osteoporosis has constantly reflected the state of knowledge on the phenomenon itself. Over its 170 years of evolution, this definition has continuously sought to maintain a difficult balance between physiological and clinical criteria. Even at present, while the 1990 Consensus Conference definition (centering mainly on physiological deterioration) merely implies the clinical aspect through the notions of fragility and fracture risk, others advocate restriction of the term to the clinical consequences of osteopenia. How will the concept of osteoporosis develop in the future? This article, which deals with the origin of the term and its successive definitions, is offered as a basis for further discussion on this subject of high topicality.

France↗
PubMed1992

Transient osteoporosis of the hip.

Transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH) is an uncommon but possibly underdiagnosed condition. This pattern of regional osteoporosis affects previously healthy middle-aged men, and women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Its etiology is still unclear, yet in view of similarities to regional migratory osteoporosis and reflex sympathetic dystrophy, vascular and neurologic disturbances have been proposed as the possible pathogenetic mechanisms. Pain in the hip area and functional disability of the affected limb are the main clinical signs. Diagnosis is supported by local radiological osteopenia whose gradual disappearance parallels the spontaneous recovery. Bone scintigraphy, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and other imaging methods are supplementary diagnostic tools. Exclusion of more common entities is required. The purpose of this report is to elucidate the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of TOH and to stimulate the physician's awareness of this condition, recognition of which may prevent unnecessary invasive procedures and inadequate treatment.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed1989

Portrait of the scientist as a frustrated writer.

The purpose of this report is to show that a number of scientists feel dissatisfied with the rigid structure of the scientific article as a pattern of communication. Through examples taken from specialized medical journals, we follow their way from sporadic literary quotations supporting their own texts to attempted literary creations on scientific and moral issues.

Humans↗
PubMed1989

Structural and compositional changes in aging bone: osteopenia in lumbar vertebrae of Wistar female rats.

Changes in vertebral bone mineral content and density during aging were quantified in female Wistar rats. This study represents a longitudinal follow up utilizing single photon absorptiometry for the measurement of bone mineral content (BMC), quantitative computed tomography (QCT) for the measurement of bone mineral density (BMD), and image analysis histomorphometry for the measurement of trabecular bone volume (TBV) and bone cortical area (BCA). The above measurements were accompanied by biochemical assays of calcium concentrations in the respective bones. All aging animals experienced significant decreases in BMC, BMD, TBV, BCA and in the calcium content of their bones. The above features have been further emphasized through the use of scanning electron micrographs showing the age-related structural changes in a three-dimensional fashion. New, advanced technologies will enable the quantitation of 3-dimensional images that are currently obtained from the scanning electron micrograph; thus will provide new consideration as related to trabecular bone compactness (density). Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy indicated that the nature of crystals in aging bones does not differ markedly from that encountered in young specimens. Data are also provided with regard to the health of the animals, and it became apparent that aging rats undergo changes in their kidneys yet do not show any significant change in renal functional parameters as measured in both the serum and the urine. Hence, new noninvasive methodologies are currently available for longitudinal studies related to the skeleton in laboratory animals enabling reliable monitoring of age-related and hormonally induced changes in bones (spine and hip) of well defined experimental models.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1989

Transient osteoporosis of the hip: case report and review of the literature.

A case of idiopathic transient osteoporosis of the hip is reported and the literature reviewed. The clinical and radiological features of this syndrome are described, as well as the diagnostic contribution of bone scintigraphy. The need for conservative treatment and avoidance of invasive diagnostic procedures is emphasized.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Severe myalgia in familial Mediterranean fever: clinical and ultrastructural aspects.

Severe myalgia is an uncommon feature of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). A patient is presented in whom acute myalgia and high fever were the sole clinical findings during an FMF attack. The ultrastructural picture of the muscle tissue during the acute stage was characterised by a large deposition of collagen fibrils. The myalgia subsided during colchicine treatment. The clinical and ultrastructural features of myalgia in FMF are discussed in the light of the relevant literature.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1988

Calcified thoracic disc with herniation of the nucleus pulposus in a child.

A twelve year old boy presented with acute cervical and interscapular pain, torticollis and low grade fever. The neurological examination was normal. Roentgenograms showed calcification of the T3-T4 disc and posterior herniation of the nucleus pulposus was demonstrated by computed tomography. A rapid and dramatic amelioration of the symptoms was produced by treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Intervertebral disc calcification in childhood is an uncommon and usually benign condition. Its clinical and radiological features are discussed in the light of the relevant literature.

Calcinosis↗
PubMed1988

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome coincident with acute diabetic neuropathy.

Diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathies are considered to be unusual causes of the reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome. Their coexistence in a patient with this syndrome is rare and considered to be incidental. We report a case in which remission of the syndrome accompanied the resolution of the diabetic neuropathy. A possible pathophysiologic mechanism connecting these conditions is discussed.

Bone Diseases, Metabolic↗
PubMed1987

[Carpal tunnel syndrome in polymyalgia rheumatica. Clinical and electromyographic response to systemic treatment].

The association between carpal tunnel syndrome and Polymyalgia Rheumatica has already been described. As in other systemic diseases the bilaterality of the syndrome is a common finding. Surgical treatment is usually necessary in carpal tunnel syndrome. Three cases of the syndrome associated with polymyalgia rheumatica are presented. Clinical remission and normalization of the electromyographic tracing were achieved by systemic corticosteroid treatment. The relationship between these two conditions is once more confirmed. A "wait and see" period which might eventually avoid unnecessary surgical intervention is strongly recommended.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1986

Diclofenac-induced hepatotoxicity.

Two patients developed clinical, biochemical and histopathological signs of a liver hypersensitivity reaction following treatment with diclofenac. Hepatic side effects of this drug are very rare. The relevant literature is reviewed.

Aged↗