[Method for determination of RE2O3 by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry].

A simple and rapid quantitative method for determining RE2O3 in rare earth oxide by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry was developed. A new method for manufacturing sample was brought up. The sample pedestal plate was lathed with polytetrafluoroethylene. A filter paper located in the sample pedestal plate was used to absorb 1 mL analytical solution, dried under infrared lamp or in stove and measured by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry with a 6 microm covering film. No remainder was detected in the sample pedestal plate. Vanadium was confirmed as the internal standard to compensate the influence of the location of absorbing filter paper within the sample pedestal plate, the analytical range was large, the accuracy and precision were satisfactory, the results agreed with other methods, and the method has been used in routine analyses for ten years. Also the method for manufacturing sample has been applied to a variety of materials.

[Therapeutic effect of compositive rehabilitation on lumber disc herniation].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the curative effect of different physical rehabilitation techniques on patients with lumbar disc herniation. METHODS: Eighty-four patients were randomly divided into Group A, Group B and Group C. Group A were treated with the computerized pelvis traction and ultrashort wave, Group B were treated with the computerized pelvis traction only, while Groups C were treated with the computerized pelvis traction, the ultrashort wave and the traditional Chinese medicine iontophoresis. The outcome was measured with the Japanese Orthopaedics Association Score (JOA score) about lower back pain (LBP). RESULTS: Compared with before the treatment, the JOA score of all the 3 groups increase markedly after the treatment (P<0.001). Compared with group B, the JOA score of Groups A and Group C significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with Group A, the JOA score in Group C significantly increased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The curative effect of comprehensive rehabilitation on lumbar disc herniation is better than that of the single rehabilitation.

[Epidemiologic research on the clinical features of patients with cervical spondylosis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical features of patients with cervical spondylosis. METHODS: Questionnaires were provided and X rays were examined in 1 009 people with different occupations, ages, and sexes. RESULTS: All the patients were diagnozed as cervical spondylosis. Of them, cadres occupied 78.83%, technologists made up 74.21%, and accountants 58.70%; nervous and long-time working people accounted for 59.75%; high and middle pillow-lovers occupied 80.03%. Imaging features: most of the degenerative changes of cervical spine were located between C5-6 (40.79%), C4-5 (26.29%), and C6-7 (18.20%). Patients with vertebral osteophyte were 65.75%, intervertebral space narrow 36.87%, intervertebral foramen narrow 29.19%, and physiological curve change 31.03%. CONCLUSION: This epidemiologic investigation is important, which can further understand the cause of cervical spondyiosis, and strengthen its prevention and treatment.

[Effects of small needle-knife comprehensive therapy on pain and lumbar flexion range in the chronic nonspecific low back pain patient].

OBJECTIVE: To observe therapeutic effect of small needle-knife comprehensive therapy on pain and lumbar flexion range in the chronic nonspecific low back pain patient. METHODS: Three hundred and five cases were randomly divided into a needle-knife group of 153 cases and a physiotherapy group of 152 cases. The needle-knife group were treated with small needle-knife releasing therapy, blocking and functional training. The physiotherapy group were treated with ultra-short wave, modulated medium frequency current, massage and functional training. Pain was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) and the lumbar flexion range was determined before and after treatment. RESULTS: After treatment, the pain and the lumbar flexion range were significantly improved in the two groups; and after treatment, the VAS score and the lumbar flexion range were (1.60 +/- 0.38) points and (65.76 +/- 15.11) cm in the needle-knife group and (4.59 +/- 1.09) points and (53.74 +/- 15.13) cm in the physiotherapy group, respectively, the needle-knife group being significantly better than the physiotherapy group (P < 0.01). Follow-up survey of 6-36 months showed that the VAS score and the lumbar flexion range in the needle-knife group were superior to those in the physiotherapy group. CONCLUSION: Small needle-knife comprehensive therapy can significantly improve pain and lumbar flexion range in the chronic nonspecific low back pain patient, with a stable long-term therapeutic effect.

Clinicopathologic features and results of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for osteosarcoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for osteosarcoma and to describe the clinicopathologic features produced by TACE as well as the effect of different embolic materials. METHODS: From January 1998 to December 2003, preoperative TACE was carried out in 32 patients. The preoperative and postoperative clinical response, levels of alkaline phosphatase (AKP), leukocyte count, and clinicopathologic features were recorded. We also compared the effect of different embolic materials: adriblastine gelatin microspheres, anhydrous alcohol, common bletilla tuber, and gelatin sponge particles. RESULTS: The levels of AKP were significantly decreased after treatment (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the leukocyte count. Large areas of necrosis were found histologically within 85.5% tumors after TACE. Embolic agents such as adriblastine microspheres, anhydrous alcohol, and common bletilla tuber have better clinical effects than gelatin sponge particles, but there was no significant difference among the first three embolic materials. After treatment, no serious complications were noted. During successful follow-up for 86 months, the survival rate after TACE at 1, 2, and 5 years was 95.5%, 72%, and 42% respectively. CONCLUSION: TACE accelerated tumor necrosis and shrank the tumor volume, thus making adequate tumor resection possible. The optimal time to operate is 10-14 days after TACE. TACE in combination with limb salvage surgery and postoperative periodical chemotherapy may be beneficial for increasing local control rates.