Quantum Size Effect to Induce Colossal High-Temperature Energy Storage Density and Efficiency in Polymer/Inorganic Cluster Composites.

Polymer dielectrics need to operate at high temperatures to meet the demand of electrostatic energy storage in modern electronic and electrical systems. The polymer nanocomposite approach, an extensively proved strategy for performance improvement, encounters a bottleneck of reduced energy density and poor discharge efficiency beyond 150 °C. In this work, a polymer/metal oxide cluster composite prepared based on the "site isolation" strategy is reported. Capitalizing on the quantum size effect, the bandgap and surface defect states of the ultrasmall inorganic clusters (2.2 nm diameter) are modulated to markedly differ from regular-sized nanoparticles. Experimental results in conjunction with computational simulation demonstrate that the presence of ultrasmall inorganic clusters can introduce more abundant, deeper traps in the composite dielectric with respect to conventional polymer/nanoparticle blends. Unprecedented high-temperature capacitive performance, including colossal energy density (6.8 J cm-3 ), ultrahigh discharge efficiency (95%) and superior stability at different electric field frequencies, are achieved in these polymer/cluster composites up to 200 °C. Along with the advantages in material preparation (inexpensive precursors and one-pot synthesis), such polymer/inorganic cluster composite approach is promising for high-temperature dielectric energy storage in practical power apparatus and electronic devices.

Study on the relationship between severe knee osteoarthritis and bone marrow edema / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the relationship between bone marrow edema and pathological changes, symptoms and signs of severe knee osteoarthritis.@*METHODS@#From January 2020 to March 2021, 160 patients with severe knee osteoarthritis who underwrent MRI of the knee at the Department of Bone and Joint, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences were included. Eighty patients with bone marrow edema were selected as the case group, including 12 males and 68 females, aged from 51 to 80 years old with an average of (66.58±8.10) years old, the duration of disease 5 to 40 months with an average of (15.61±9.25) months. Eighty patients without bone marrow edema were selected as the control group, including 15 males and 65 females, aged from 50 to 80 years old with an average of (67.82±8.05) years old, the duration of disease 6 to 37 months with an average of (15.75±8.18) months, BMI was (28.26±3.13) kg·m-2 ranged from 21.39 to 34.46 kg·m-2. The degree of bone marrow edema was evaluated by knee whole oragan magnetic resonance imaging score (WORMS). The degree of knee osteoarthritis was evaluated by Kellgren- Lawrence(K-L) grade and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). The degree of joint pain was evaluated by visual analogue scale(VAS) and WOMAC pain score, the joint signs were evaluated by tenderness, percussion pain, joint swelling and joint range of motion. To explore the relationship between bone marrow edema and knee osteoarthritis, the prevalence of bone marrow edema and K-L grade were compared between the two groups. Furthermore the WORMS score and WOMAC index, pain-related score, and sign-related score correlation coefficient were analyzed to further explore the relationship between bone marrow edema and knee osteoarthritis index, joint pain symptoms and signs.@*RESULTS@#There was 68.75% (55/80) of the patients in the case group were in K-L grade Ⅳ, and 52.5% (42/80) in the control group, indicating a higher proportion of patients with grade Ⅳ in the case group than the control group (χ2=4.425, P<0.05). In the case group, there was a strong correlation between bone marrow edema WORMS score and knee osteoarthritis WOMAC index. (r=0.873>0.8, P<0.001), a moderate correlation between WORMS score and VAS score and WOMAC pain score(r=0.752, 0.650>0.5, P<0.001), a moderate correlation between WORMS score and percussion pain score (r=0.784>0.5, P<0.001), and a weak correlation between WORMS score and VAS and tenderness score, joint swelling score and joint range of motion score (r=0.194, 0.259, 0.296<0.3, P<0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#Our study suggests that severe knee osteoarthritis is associated with an increased risk of bone marrow edema. Bone marrow edema can also lead to knee osteoarthritis joint pain, with percussion pain being a positive sign, but tenderness, joint swelling and limitation of activity are not significantly related to bone marrow edema.

Study on correlation between bone marrow edema and osteoporosis in patients with severe knee osteoarthritis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore relationship between bone marrow edema(BME) and osteoporosis in patients with severe knee osteoarthritis.@*METHODS@#Unmatched case-control study was conducted. Totally 160 patients with severe knee osteoarthritis who had undergone knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and bone mineral density examination (BMD) from January 2020 to March 2021 were included. Eighty patients complicated with BME were included in BME group, and 80 patients without BME were selected as NBME group. In BME group, there were 12 males and 68 females, aged from 51 to 80 years old with an average of(66.58±8.10) years old;the courses of disease ranged from 5 to 40 months with an average of (15.61±9.25) months;body mass index(BMI) ranged from 21.81 to 34.70 with an average of (27.79±3.00) kg·m-2;25 patients classified to grade Ⅲ and 55 patients grade Ⅳ according to Kellgren- Lawrence(K-L). In NBME group, there were 15 males and 65 females, aged from 50 to 80 years old with an average of(67.82±8.05) years old;the course of disease ranged from 6 to 37 months with an average of(15.75±8.18) months;BMI ranged from 21.39 to 34.46 with an average of (28.26±3.13) kg·m-2;25 patients were K-L Ⅲ and 55 patients with K-L Ⅳ. The degree of bone marrow edema was evaluated by knee whole oragan magnetic resonance imaging score(WORMS). Osteoporosis was diagnosed and BMD was evaluated by DXA T value. To explore the relationship between bone marrow edema and osteoporosis by comparing prevalence rate of osteoporosis between two groups, and to further explore relationship between BME and BMD by Spearman correlation analysis of BME WORMS score and DXA T value in BME group.@*RESULTS@#The complete case data were obtained on the first diagnosis, and there was no significant difference in sex, age, courses of disease and BMI between two groups (P>0.05). The proportion of K-L Ⅳ in BME group was significantly higher than that in NBME (P<0.05). The prevalence rate of osteoporosis in BME group was significantly higher than in NBME group with the same K-L grade (P<0.001), and there was a strong negative correlation between BME WORMS score and DXA BMD T value (r=-0.812, |r|=0.812 >0.8, P<0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#Osteoporosis is one of the risk factors of bone marrow edema in patients with severe knee osteoarthritis, and the lower the bone mineral density is, the easier it is to be complicated with bone marrow edema.

Evaluation of the 2019 EULAR/ACR classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus in children and adults.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of the 2019 European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology (EULAR/ACR-2019) classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared with the ACR-1997 and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) 2012 criteria in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) and adult-onset SLE (aSLE) patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of SLE patients (221 children and 221 adults) and controls (214 children and 214 adults) with defined rheumatic diseases to establish each ACR-1997, SLICC-2012, and EULAR/ACR-2019 criterion fulfilled. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory features were evaluated through chart review. RESULTS: For cSLE, sensitivities of ACR-1997, SLICC-2012, and EULAR/ACR-2019 criteria were 63.3%, 94.6%, and 98.2%, with specificities 99.5%, 98.6%, and 93.5%, respectively. For aSLE, sensitivities of ACR-1997, SLICC-2012, and EULAR/ACR-2019 criteria were 72.9%, 96.8%, and 99.1%, with specificities 97.2%, 92.5%, and 90.2%, respectively. When including only ANA positive patients, receiver operating characteristics analysis demonstrated that the cutoff value for EULAR/ACR-2019 criteria in cSLE and aSLE patients was 13 (sensitivity, 92.2%; specificity, 93.1%) and 10 (sensitivity, 99.1%; specificity, 85.1%), respectively. Twelve cSLE patients and seven aSLE patients only met the EULAR/ACR-2019 criteria, among whom eleven and four cases had single organ involvement, respectively. CONCLUSION: The EULAR/ACR-2019 criteria showed similar sensitivity to cSLE and aSLE patients and was more sensitive than ACR-1997 and SLICC-2012 criteria, allowing earlier recognition of patients with single or major organ involvement. The adoption of a EULAR/ACR total score ≥ 13 in this study, instead of the initially proposed ≥ 10 points, could further improve the diagnostic performance of the EULAR/ACR-2019 criteria in cSLE. Key Points • Sensitivity of the EULAR/ACR-2019 criteria was high in both cSLE and aSLE patients. • The EULAR/ACR-2019 criteria allowed earlier recognition of patients with single or major organ damage. • The adoption of a EULAR/ACR total score ≥13 could further improve the diagnostic performance of the EULAR/ACR-2019 criteria in cSLE.

Polymer Nanocomposites with High Energy Density Utilizing Oriented Nanosheets and High-Dielectric-Constant Nanoparticles.

The development of high-energy-density electrostatic capacitors is critical to addressing the growing electricity need. Currently, the widely studied dielectric materials are polymer nanocomposites incorporated with high-dielectric-constant nanoparticles. However, the introduction of high-dielectric-constant nanoparticles can cause local electric field distortion and high leakage current, which limits the improvement in energy density. In this work, on the basis of conventional polymer nanocomposites containing high-dielectric-constant nanoparticles, oriented boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) are introduced as an extra filler phase. By changing the volume ratios of barium titanate (BT) and BNNSs, the dielectric property of polymer nanocomposites is adjusted, and thus the capacitive energy storage performance is optimized. Experimental results prove that the oriented BNNSs can suppress the propagation of charge carriers and decrease the conduction loss. Using poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (P(VDF-HFP)) as the polymer matrix, the P(VDF-HFP)/BNNS/BT nanocomposite has a higher discharged energy density compared with the conventional nanocomposite with the freely dispersed BT nanoparticles.

Polymer/molecular semiconductor all-organic composites for high-temperature dielectric energy storage.

Dielectric polymers for electrostatic energy storage suffer from low energy density and poor efficiency at elevated temperatures, which constrains their use in the harsh-environment electronic devices, circuits, and systems. Although incorporating insulating, inorganic nanostructures into dielectric polymers promotes the temperature capability, scalable fabrication of high-quality nanocomposite films remains a formidable challenge. Here, we report an all-organic composite comprising dielectric polymers blended with high-electron-affinity molecular semiconductors that exhibits concurrent high energy density (3.0 J cm-3) and high discharge efficiency (90%) up to 200 °C, far outperforming the existing dielectric polymers and polymer nanocomposites. We demonstrate that molecular semiconductors immobilize free electrons via strong electrostatic attraction and impede electric charge injection and transport in dielectric polymers, which leads to the substantial performance improvements. The all-organic composites can be fabricated into large-area and high-quality films with uniform dielectric and capacitive performance, which is crucially important for their successful commercialization and practical application in high-temperature electronics and energy storage devices.

Study on the correlative factors of the pain under the second metatarsal in patients with hallux valgus / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the correlation between the hallux valgus angle and arch X-ray parameters change, plantar pressure by measuring the X-ray indexes and foot-pressure indexes in patients with hallux valgus, as well as to study the main cause factors for the pain under the second metatarsal head.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective study of 254 patients(477 feet) treated in Wangjing Hospital from January 2012 to June 2013 was performed. The pain under the second metatarsal head and age distribution were recorded. All the patients were divided into two groups according to the second plantar bone pain: pain group and no pain group. The following indexes were measured and compared: HAVA(hallux abductor valgus angle), IMA1-2(the inter-metatarsal angle between the first and second metatarsals), IMA1-5(the inter-metatarsal angle between the first and fifth metatarsals), TAOTMLA (top angle of the medial longitudinal arch), AAOTMLA (anterior angle of the medial longitudinal arch), SMRL (the second metatarsal relative length than the first), and the plantar pressure indicators including TPUM (touch the ground time percentage under the second metatarsal head), PPUM (peak pressure under the second metatarsal head), and IUM(impulse under the second metatarsal head). All the factors were evaluated by Logistic regression analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Spearman rank correlation test showed that there were statistical significance in correlation between HAVA and IMA1-2, IMA1-5, TAOTMLA, AAOTMLA, TPUM(<0.05, r=0.647, 0.553, 0.127, -0.165, 0.158). Factors including the HAVA, SMRL and the TPUM were the risks for the pain under the second metatarsal head in patients with hallux valgus(<0.05, ORj=1.030, 1.069, 1.060).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Increase of the hallux valgus angle causes the collapse of hallux valgus arch, extending the weight bearing time of the second metatarsal and increasing the possibility of the pain under the second metatarsal.</p>

Correlative analysis on metatarsalgia and the X-ray measurement indexes under weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing of hallux valgus / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study changes in the radiographic appearance during weight-bearing and non-weigh-bearing in hallux valgus, and to analyse the correlation between the elasticity of plantar soft tissue of hallux valgus and the pain under the metatarsal head.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From May 2012 to October 2012, 240 feet of 120 patients with hallux valgus were enrolled in the study. The degrees of the pian under the metatarsal head of all the patients were observed. AP and lateral X-ray films of feet were taken on the condition of weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing. So the hallux valgus angle (HVA), the inter-metatarsal angle between the first and second metatarsals (IM1-2), the inter-metatarsal angle between the first and fifth metatarsals (IM1-5), top angle of the medial longitudinal arch (TAOTMLA),and anterior angle of the medial longitudinal arch (AAOTMLA) were measured on the X-ray films. The differences of HVA, IM1-2, IM1-5, TAOTMLA and AAOTMLA between two groups were compared, and the correlation between the changes of IM1-2, IM 1-5, TAOTMLA, AAOTMLA and the degree of the pain under the metatarsal head were analysed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>One hundred and forty-eight feet had the pain under the metatarsal head. The IM1-2, IM1-5 and TAOTMLA increased on weight-bearing position compared with those on non-weight-bearing position, but the HVA and AAOTMLA decreased on weight-bearing position compared with those on non-weight-bearing position. There was a moderate relationship between the changes of IM 1-2,IM1-5 and the degree of the hallux valgus deformity, as well as the relationship between the different of IM1-5 and the degree of the pian under the metatarsal head.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The degree of the collapse of the arch of foot with hallux valgus becomes serious with its deformity increasing. The pain under the metatarsal head of hallux valgus increases with the increased changes of IM 1-2,IM 1-5 and TAOTMLA. Analysis of the X-ray observation indexes of hallux valgus on weight-bearing position and non-weight-bearing position has important significance in evaluating the degree of the collapse of the arch of foot with hallux valgus,preventing and curing the the pain under the metatarsal head.</p>

Recent advances in X-ray observation index of hallux valgus and their applications / 中国骨伤

X-ray measurement is one of the most important methods for diagnosing hallux valgus. To choose the right photographed way and the proper X-ray observation index has important significance on accurate diagnosis and correct treatment. As the in-depth research on the pathogenesis and pathological changes of hallux valgus,more new X-ray measuring methods and index have appeared. X-ray in the weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing position, dorsoplantar radiograph, lateral radio-graph, oblique radiograph and sesamoid radiograph can be taken. Many observation index can be chosen,including angles, distances,the position of sesamoid et al,can be used to evaluate deformity degree before surgery and curative effect after surgery. The following is a summary of the international and domestic recent researches about X-ray observation index of hallux valgus and their applications.

A case control study on the treatment of unstable distal radius fractures with internal and external fixation / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical effects of diaplastic external fixator on the treatment of unstable fractures of distal radius.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A clinical data of 60 patients with unstable fractures of distal radius admitted to Wangjing Hospital from August 2005 to September 2009 were retrospectively analyzed with the paired design. According to the paired design, 60 patients were equally divided into two groups (internal fixation group and external fixation group), which were respectively treated with open reduction and steel plate internal fixation (internal fixation group) or closed reduction and external fixation (external fixation group), including 8 males and 52 females, with an average age of 60.27 years ranging from 34 to 85 years. Left side was in 33 cases and right side was in 27 cases. All fractures were closed and caused by hand supporting when falling down. According to AO classification, type A3 was in 22 cases, type B2 was in 4 cases, type B3 was in 2 cases, type C1 was in 20 cases, type C2 was in 8 cases, type C3 was in 4 cases. Palmar flexion, dorsiflexion, radial deviation, ulnar deviation, pronation, supination, grip strength, radial angle, radial length, volar tilt were observed before and after operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the patients were followed up from 12 to 18 months with an average of 15.4 months. The radial length was (4.85 +/- 2.75) mm,volar tilt (14.66 +/- 10.77) degrees, radial angle (7.90 +/- 4.70) degrees in the external fixation group,while those were (4.29 +/- 1.53) mm, (14.39 +/- 5.01) degrees, (6.19 +/- 3.15) degrees in the internal fixation group, but with no statistical significance (P>0.05). Function comparison of internal and external fixation group, P-value of every function is more than 0.05 or equal to 0.05, with no statistical significance except for supination and radial deviation. The functions of wrist joints were evaluated according to Batra scoring system at 1 year after operation. The average radiological scores of external fixation group was 86.27,in which 15 cases were excellent, 11 good, 1 fair,3 poor,while the average functional scores was 94.93, and all the cases were excellent. The average radiological scores of internal fixation group was 91.27, 16 cases were excellent, 12 good, 2 fair, while the average functional scores was 94.23, in which all the cases were excellent.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Compared with the open reduction and steel plate fixation, the unstable fractures of distal radius treating by diaplastic external fixator can be achieved a similar result, with no statistical significance.</p>

X-ray analysis on 114 patients with moderate endemic skeletal fluorosis by treatment of Guo's Chinese herbal / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the X-ray features of bone damage in patients with moderate endemic skeletal fluorosis and the changes of X-ray after treatment with herbal therapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From 2007.12 to 2009.8,114 patients with moderate endemic skeletal fluorosis were randomly divided into treatment group and control group by central randomization system. There were 60 patients in treatment group including 26 males and 34 females,aged from 39 to 60 years with an average of (51.68 +/- 4.98) years; There were 54 patients in control group included 30 males and 24 females, aged from 39 to 60 years with an average of (52.15 +/- 4.86) years. Both treatment and control groups were treated with basic treatment including calcium supplementation and preparation stage with herb decoction. Patients were orally given 600 mg Caltrate everyday for calcium suptrointestinal function and promoting the digestion and absorption of herb decoction for 3 days. Patients in treatment group were rally given Guo's Maqian decoction(200 ml,twice daily) for 8 weeks. Eight weeks later,Guo 's Maqian decoction was replaced y Guokangning capsule (0.44 g per cansule,2 capsules,three times daily) for 4 weeks. The treatment course lasted 12 weeks. The time for followed-up after treatment was 24 weeks. When the treatment finished, 7 experts on orthopaedics and radiology evaluated and statistically analyzed the X-ray features pre and post treatment,using expert evaluation scale (including the appearance and changes of osteosclerosis,osteoporosis softening,joint changes close to the bone and mixed changes) designed referring endemic skeletal fluorosis X-ray findings and sub-degree standard(WS192-2008).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All X-ray features of endemic skeletal fluorosis appeared in the X-ray of the 114 patients with moderate endemic skeletal fluorosis. Osteosclerosis: 4 cases in forearm, 7 in calf,4 in pelvis,4 in lumbar vertebrae ;Osteoporosis and bone softening: 23 cases in forearm patients, 23 in calf, 5 in pelvis, 8 in lumbar vertebrae; Mixed changes: 6 cases in forearm, 9 in calf, 10 in pelvis, 1 in lumbar vertebrae patients; oint changes: 107 cases in forearm, 47 in calf, 28 in pelvis, 19 in lumbar vertebrae. There were X-ray no changes before and after the treatment in all of parts in control group. In treatment group, there were only 2 patients showed extraperiostealin and joint changes after the treatment, in which one showed better ossification of interosseous membrane of leg and another one showed disappearance of the lateral hyperplasia of the left pelvic acetabulum. There were no changes between before and after treatment in X-ray of all parts in the rest patiens of the treatment group. There was no significant difference between before and after treatment in both groups (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There is no obvious improvement in radiology of patients with skeletal fluorosis treated by Guo's therapy.</p>

Effects on VEGF and VEGF mRNA expression of the tissues of periosteum in three-period treatment of TCM for the fractures in rabbit / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of the three-period treatment theory of bone fracture in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) on VEGF and VEGF mRNA expression in the issues of outer periosteum, endosteum and bone marrow of rabbits, and to explore the rationality of phasing method in TCM in treating fracture.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>3 mm bone defection were made at lower one third part of both radius in 140 male healthy rabbits. The rabbits were randomly divided into four groups, including three-period treatment group (TTG), one-period treatment group(OTG), positive medicine treatment group(PTG) and model control group (MCG). The rabbits in TG were treated with three-period treatment, rabbits in OTG were treated with one-period treatment, rabbits in PTG were fed by Guzhe-Cuoshangsan (a Chinese patent medicine which was used to treat bone fracture), rabbits in model control group were given no prescription or drug but distilled water as same dose as that of other groups. At day 3, 6, 9, 14, 28, 42 and 56, five rabbits from every group were randomly selected and were killed by aeroembolism. The left radiuses were taken out as the research object. Immunohistochemistry stain and in situ hybridization stain were performed to examinate the VEGF and VEGF mRNA expression in the outer periosteum, endosteum and bone marrow.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The VEGF and VEGF mRNA expression of all TCM treatment groups were enhanced in the outer periosteum, endosteum and bone marrow at different time points in fracture healing. The VEGF and VEGF mRNA expression in the three tissues of TTG had the tendency of higher than that of the other groups at the most time points after operation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Treating fracture in stages has more predominant effect on the expression of VEGF and VEGF mRNA in the outer periosteum, endosteum and bone marrow than that of treating fracture with single prescription or drug.</p>

Randomized controlled study on traditional Chinese medicine in improving joint function of moderate osteofluorosis / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To observe the improving effect in joint function of moderate skeletal fluorosis treated by traditional Chinese medication(main ingredient was Strychnine).MethodsFrom December 2007 to July 2009,120 moderate skeletal fluorosis patients met the inclusion criteria were divided into the treatment group(60 cases)and the control group(60 cases)in the skeletal fluorosis hospital of Xinzhou,the treatment group was given basic treatment and traditional Chinese medication,the control group wa8 given basic treatment and placebo.The treatment lasted 12 weeks,follow up 24 weeks.Before treatment,after treatment 4 weeks,8 weeks,12 weeks,36 weeks,a third party evaluate comprehensive function of both upper and lower limb and joint dysfunction.Results The main effect of both drugs was statistically significance in the scores of the upper forearm in the finger by touching the posterior contralateral ear, upper arm touched by the finger back in the opposite corner subscapularis function, lower limb function and single-joint dysfunction(F values were 4.08,14.32,35.81,13.02, all P<0.05), the main effect of time also was significant (F values were 82.63,72.82,277.33,328.16, all P<0.05),①the upper forearm in the finger by touching the posterior contralateral ear functions:At the time of 8,12 weeks,scores of the treatment group were lower than those of before treatment and control group (all P<0.05);At the time of 36 weeks,scores of the treatment group were lower than that 12 weeks(all P<0.05);At the time of 8,12,36 weeks, scores of the control group were lower than those of before treatment(all P < 0.05);②upper arm function, namely fingers touching the opposite corner subscapularis:At the time of 4,8,12 weeks, scores of the treatment group were lower than those of before treatment(all P<0.05); At the time of 36 weeks, scores of the treatment group were lower than that 12 weeks(all P<0.05); At the time of 8,12,36 weeks, scores of the treatment group were lower than those of the control group (all P<0.05);③Lower extremity functions: At the time of 8,12 weeks,scores of the treatment group were lower than those of before treatment and control group (all P<0.05);At the time of 36 weeks, scores of the treatment group were lower than that 12 weeks(all P<0.05) ; At the time of 8,12,36 weeks, scores of the control group were lower than those of before treatment (all P<0.05);④single joint functions:At the time of 4,8,12 weeks,scores of the treatment group were lower than those of before treatment(all P<0.05); At the time of 36 weeks,scores of the treatment group were lower than that 12 weeks(all P<0.05) ; At the time of 8,12,36 weeks, scores of the control group were lower than those of before treatment(all P<0.05);At the time of 4,8,12,36 weeks, scores of the treatment group were lower than those of control group(all P<0.05);⑤At the end of treatment and follow-up,the improvement rate in joint functions in the treatment group were 88.33% (53/60),93.33% (56/60); the control group were 28.07%(16/57),40.35%(23/57), (Fisher test, P<0.01,X2=56.21, P<0.01). ConclusionTraditional Chinese medication(its main ingredient is Strychnine), an effective drug for improving joint dysfunction in patients suffering from moderate skeletal fluorosis, is simple and effective.

Swanson double-stem silicone implant arthroplasty in the treatment of Freiberg disease / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the short-term results of Swanson double-stem silicone implant arthroplasty in the treatment of late stage Freiberg disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From July 2006 to December 2007, Swanson double-stem silicone implant arthroplasty was performed on 13 patients, 11 male (1 foot) and 12 females (17 feet), suffering from late stage Freiberg diseases. All the cases were the second metatarsophalangeal joints. According to the Smillie classification, 11 feet present with grade 4 osteonecrosis, 7 feet with grade 5. The AOFAS scoring system was used for clinical assessment. All the patients were followed up for an average of 11.3 months (3 to 17 months).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean preoperative and postoperative AOFAS scores were (50.06 +/- 9.59) and (77.50 +/- 4.99), respectively (P<0.05). The complaint of pain with joint motion was decreased in all patients. The postoperative passive range of motion of joints improved significantly.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Swanson double-stem silicone implant arthroplasty yields satisfied short-term results in late stage Freiberg disease, which is effective to improve range of motion and relieve pain of joint.</p>

Observation on pathological changes of the medial aspect of the first metatarsal head of hallux valgus / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe pathological characteristic of bone and soft tissue of the medial aspect of the first metatarsal head in order to investigate the pathogenesis of hallux valgus.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and twenty-three patients with hallux valgus (235 feet) were obtained from August 2003 to December 2004 in our department. The bone and soft tissue of the medial aspect of the first metatarsal head were taken out from the incision. The pathological conditions of specimen were observed by HE stain.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The pathological changes included: degeneration and desmoplasia around the attachment point of tendon and joint capsule, reactive hyperplasia of periost, decreasing of bone trabecula, cartilaginification of periost, cortical bone and tendon insertion, bone formation and osteoclasts response.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The pathological changes of the medial aspect of the first metatarsal head of hallux valgus presented extensive chronic inflammation.</p>

Effects on VEGF and VEGF mRNA expression in issues of callus in treating fracture of rabbit with three-period treatment theory of bone fracture in traditional Chinese medicine / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of the three-period treatment theory of bone fracture in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on VEGF and VEGF mRNA expression in the issues of callus of rabbits. And to explore the rationality of phasing method in TCM in treating fracture.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>one hundred and forty male and healthy rabbits were made 3 mm wide bone defection at lower one third part of both radius as fracture healing model. Then those rabbits were divided into four groups randomly, which are three-period treatment group (TTG), one-period treatment group (OTG), positive medicine treatment group (PTG) and model control group (MCG). Those rabbits in TTG were treated with three-period treatment. Those in OTG were treated with one-period treatment. Those in PTG were feed by guzhecuoshangsan, a Chinese patent medicine which is used to treat bone fracture. Those in model control group were given no prescription or drug but distilled water as same dose as that of other groups. At day 3, 6, 9, 14, 28, 42 and 56, five rabbits were selected from every group randomly and were killed by aeroembolism respectively. Their radius were taken out and the left one was taken as the research object. Immunohistochemistry stain and in situ hybridization stain were performed to examinate the VEGF and VEGF mRNA expression in the haematoma, fibrous callus and soft callus.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>All TCM treatment groups can enhance the VEGF and VEGF mRNA expression in the haematoma, fibrous callus and soft callus at different time points in fracture healing. The VEGF and VEGF mRNA expression in the three issues of TTG had the tendency of higher than that of the other groups at the most time points after operation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TCM can promote the VEGF and VEGF mRNA expression in the haematoma, fibrous callus and soft callus. Different Chinese medicines play various roles on VEGF and VEGF mRNA expression at different stage of fracture healing. Treating fracture in three-period treatment has more predominant effect on the expression of VEGF and VEGF mRNA in the haematoma, fibrous callus and soft callus than that of treating fracture with single prescription or drug. It is necessary to treat fracture in stages.</p>