Short-term Effect of Hip Muscles Strengthening on Knee Osteoarthritis / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To compare the short-term effects of hip muscles strengthening and quadriceps strengthening on knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and discuss the advantages of hip muscles strengthening. Methods:From October, 2015 to May, 2016, 42 old females with KOA were divided into two groups equally. They received hip strengthening (HS group) and quadriceps strengthening (QS group) for two weeks, respectively. The pain, stiffness and physical function scores of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) were measured. Isokinetic strength peak torque (PT) was assessed for knee extensors and flexors, and 6-minute Walk Test was also evaluated. They were followed up two months later. Results:Before exercise, there was no significant difference in all the indexes between two groups (P > 0.05). Two weeks after exercise, the knee flexor PT (t = -4.038, P = 0.001) and 6-minute walk distance (t = -2.474, P = 0.022) increased in QS group; the pain, stiffness and physical function scores of WOMAC (t > 2.487, P < 0.05), the knee extensor and flexor PT (|t| > 6.370, P < 0.001), and 6-minute walk distance (t = -2.241, P = 0.037) improved in HS group; the scores of WOMAC were lower (t > 2.087, P < 0.05) and the knee extensor PT was higher (t = -5.028, P < 0.001) in HS group than in QS group. At two-months' follow-up, the drop-out rate was significantly lower in HS group than in QS group (χ2 = 13.480, P < 0.001). Conclusion:Hip muscles strengthening is a good choice for KOA in the early stage of treatment, which could avoid the pain in quadriceps training, increase quadriceps strength and improve physical function.

Comparison of in vivo pharmacokinetics of five constituents in Zhishi Zhizi Chi Decoction in normal rats and CUMS-induced depressive rats / 中国中药杂志

A LC-MS/MS method was developed for the rapid and simultaneous determination of genipin-1-β-D-gentiobioside,geniposide,naringin,hesperidin and neohesperidin in SD rat plasma.The linear relationships of these five constituents in rats were validated,and the specificity,accuracy,precision and stability met the requirements.Their pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by DAS 3.2.2,and the results showed that the metabolic process in vivo of the five constituents accorded with the characteristics of noncompartmental model.Their main pharmacokinetic parameters were listed as follows:(1) genipin-1-β-D-gentiobioside:t_(1/2)(3.20±0.51)h,C_(max)(403.15±96.93)μg·L~(-1)and AUC_(0-t)(612.56±148.50)μg·L~(-1)·h for the model group,while t_(1/2)(3.07±0.75) h,C_(max)(229.50±60.63)μg·L~(-1)and AUC_(0-t)(413.14±76.37)μg·L~(-1)·h for the normal group;(2) geniposide:t_(1/2)(3.24±0.68) h,C_(max)(2 961.40±688.02)μg·L~(-1),and AUC_(0-t)(10 972.87±1 992.96)μg·L~(-1)·h for the model group,while t_(1/2)(4.56±0.96) h,C_(max)(1 833.27±558.13)μg·L~(-1),and AUC_(0-t)(8 996.27±3 053.48)μg·L~(-1)·h for the normal group;(3) naringin:t_(1/2)(1.64±0.59) h,C_(max)(415.13±259.54)μg·L~(-1),and AUC_(0-t)(608.62±289.05)μg·L~(-1)·h for the model group,while t_(1/2)(1.02±0.25) h,C_(max)(355.08±180.00)μg·L~(-1),and AUC_(0-t)(501.07±242.68)μg·L~(-1)·h for the normal group;(4) hesperidin:t_(1/2)(0.86±0.29) h,C_(max)(95.17±22.80)μg·L~(-1)and AUC_(0-t)(141.19±54.63)μg·L~(-1)·h for the model group,while t_(1/2)(0.95±0.31) h,C_(max)(46.48±18.33)μg·L~(-1)and AUC_(0-t)(69.51±14.73)μg·L~(-1)·h for the normal group;(5) neohesperidin:t_(1/2)(0.89±0.29) h,C_(max)(828.78±361.56)μg·L~(-1)and AUC_(0-t)(1 292.29±553.73)μg·L~(-1)·h for the model group,while t_(1/2)(0.90±0.31) h,C_(max)(314.68±172.45)μg·L~(-1)and AUC_(0-t)(385.99±138.55)μg·L~(-1)·h for the normal group.

The research progress on the efficacy enhancement of paclitaxel in chemotherapy for colorectal cancer / 药学实践杂志

Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor with increasing incidence in China. Chemotherapy or neoadjuvant therapy are needed when the patients have deep tumor invasion of distant metastasis due to the hidden clinical manifestations and limited screening methods for the colorectal cancer. With many side effects of the current chemo-medications and the drug resistance, researchers are actively exploring new chemotherapy drugs for colorectal cancer. Paclitaxel is a first-line chemotherapy drug for the treatment of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer and other malignant tumors. Colorectal cancer cells are prone to become resistant to paclitaxel and the treatment efficiency was limited. However, new drug delivery systems and the combination drug therapy can enhance the treatment efficiency. This article reviews the effective treatment strategies of paclitaxel for colorectal cancer with the hope for new ideas and more effective chemotherapy.

Advance in Biomechanical Parameters of Knee Osteoarthritis (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

Knee osteoarthritis is a common chronic degenerative disease in the elderly. Its occurrence and development are closely related to biomechanical factors. The force of knee joint is affected by different factors, such as joint morphology, lower limb alignment, muscle contractions, external load, soft tissue traction and so on. Due to the limitation of in vivo measurement, biomechanical parameters based on motion analysis techniques have been widely used in clinical research. At present, biomechanical parameters which are widely studied and applied in clinical research include knee adduction moment, knee adduction impulse, knee flexion moment, and knee varus thrust. It is important to observe the changes of knee joint biomechanical parameters during the occurrence and development of knee osteoarthritis for researching etiology, diagnosis, intervention and treatment.

A method to create a new rat model of combination of disease and syndrome with cervical vertigo hyperactivity of liver yang syndrome / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To establish a simple and reliable model of cervical vertigo in rats with hyperactivity of liver-yang syndrome, and to establish a simple and feasible method for evaluating the degree of vertigo in animals.@*METHODS@#SPF male SD rats (aged 8 weeks, weighing 280 to 320 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups (6 rats in each group). The model of cervical vertigo of hyperactivity of liver yang syndrome (joint modeling group) was established by combining local injection of lauromacrogol (hardener) and receiving decoction by gavage. The joint modeling group was compared with the hardener group, the decoction group and the blank control group. The vertigo degree of rats was measured by the time of passing through a glass tube (running time) before modeling, 2 weeks and 3 weeks after the established model.@*RESULTS@#There was no statistical difference in the running time between control group and decoction group, between joint modeling group and hardener group. The running time in the hardener group and the joint modeling group was longer than that in the control group (0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#This method can effectively establish a rat model of cervical vertigo with hyperactivity of liver-yang syndrome, and the running time can reflect the degree of vertigo in rats to a certain extent. This experiment provides a simple and feasible animal model and detection method for research of cervical vertigo in the future.

Intestinal microbiota composition in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: establishment of bacterial and archaeal communities analyses / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Emerging evidences have indicated that the composition of gut microbiota was significantly influenced by central nervous system diseases. The digestion and metabolism disturbances of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) might be strongly associated with ALS; however, this has rarely been evaluated in these populations. This study was to evaluate bacterial and archaeal composition of gut flora and the corresponding metabolism performance of these micro-organisms in fecal samples of patients with ALS.@*METHODS@#A comparative study was performed on the intestinal microbiota from eight patients with ALS and eight healthy individuals at Huadong Hospital during November 2017 to April 2018; meanwhile, the metabolite concentrations of human endotoxin, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), NO2-N/NO3-N, and γ-aminobutyric acid were also evaluated by spectrophotometry methods. The correlations between intestinal microbiota and metabolite concentration were compared between the two groups using one-way analysis of variance; the relative abundance of beneficial and harmful micro-organisms in fecal samples was also analyzed.@*RESULTS@#In general, the richness and evenness of bacterial and archaeal communities of healthy individuals were healthier than that of patients with ALS. The phylum Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, genus Methanobrevibacter showed an enhancive tendency in patients with ALS, whereas the relative abundance of beneficial micro-organisms (genera Faecalibacterium and Bacteroides) presented a significant decrease tendency in patients with ALS. In addition, the average concentrations of human endotoxin, SCFA, NO2-N/NO3-N, and γ-aminobutyric acid in patients with ALS and healthy individuals were 64.2 vs. 65.3 EU/mL, 57.5 vs. 55.3 μg/mL, 5.7 vs. 5.3 ng/mL, and 6.1 vs. 5.4 μmol/L, respectively, indicating that the digestion and metabolism functions of gastrointestinal tract of patients might decline with this disease.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The relative abundance of beneficial and harmful micro-organisms respectively showed decrease and increase tendency in patients with ALS.

Advance in Mechanism of Hip Muscle Training for Knee Osteoarthritis (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common chronic degenerative joint disease. Hip muscle training, with the advantage of convenience and non-invasion, has been attached great importance by people gradually. Hip muscle training may affect keen medial compartment load, the strength and the electromyography signal of the muscle around the knee joint, and strong hip abductor can protect cartilage, which leads to change the load of the knee joint, and alleviate clinical symptoms. This article reviewed the mechanism of hip muscle training for knee osteoarthritis from the views of biomechanical simulation and electromyography.

Advance in Baduanjin for Rehabilitation of Stroke (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

Baduanjin is a kind of traditional Chinese medical gymnastics. This paper reviewed the effect of Baduanjin exercise on the primary prevention of stroke, as well as on motor function, activities of daily living, quality of life and cognitive function of stroke patients and the related mechanisms.

Intestinal microbiota composition in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: establishment of bacterial and archaeal communities analyses / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Emerging evidences have indicated that the composition of gut microbiota was significantly influenced by central nervous system diseases. The digestion and metabolism disturbances of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) might be strongly associated with ALS; however, this has rarely been evaluated in these populations. This study was to evaluate bacterial and archaeal composition of gut flora and the corresponding metabolism performance of these micro-organisms in fecal samples of patients with ALS.@*Methods@#A comparative study was performed on the intestinal microbiota from eight patients with ALS and eight healthy individuals at Huadong Hospital during November 2017 to April 2018; meanwhile, the metabolite concentrations of human endotoxin, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), NO2-N/NO3-N, and γ-aminobutyric acid were also evaluated by spectrophotometry methods. The correlations between intestinal microbiota and metabolite concentration were compared between the two groups using one-way analysis of variance; the relative abundance of beneficial and harmful micro-organisms in fecal samples was also analyzed.@*Results@#In general, the richness and evenness of bacterial and archaeal communities of healthy individuals were healthier than that of patients with ALS. The phylum Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, genus Methanobrevibacter showed an enhancive tendency in patients with ALS, whereas the relative abundance of beneficial micro-organisms (genera Faecalibacterium and Bacteroides) presented a significant decrease tendency in patients with ALS. In addition, the average concentrations of human endotoxin, SCFA, NO2-N/NO3-N, and γ-aminobutyric acid in patients with ALS and healthy individuals were 64.2 vs. 65.3 EU/mL, 57.5 vs. 55.3 μg/mL, 5.7 vs. 5.3 ng/mL, and 6.1 vs. 5.4 μmol/L, respectively, indicating that the digestion and metabolism functions of gastrointestinal tract of patients might decline with this disease.@*Conclusions@#The relative abundance of beneficial and harmful micro-organisms respectively showed decrease and increase tendency in patients with ALS.

Anti-apoptosis Effect of Decoy Receptor 3 in Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Line TFK-1 / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) is a protein with anti-apoptotic effect that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily. DcR3 is highly expressed in a variety of malignant tumors including cholangiocarcinoma and its expression was found to be related to the clinical stage, the invasion, and the metastasis of the tumor. This in vitro study aimed to investigate the effect of downregulated expression of DcR3 on cell viability, cell apoptosis, and cell cycle in cholangiocarcinoma cell line TFK-1.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three different cell lines were cultured: human cholangiocarcinoma TFK-1, human biliary epithelial carcinoma HuCCT-1, and human cholangiocarcinoma RBE. The cholangiocarcinoma cell line with the highest expression of DcR3 was selected for further investigation. The expression of DcR3 was silenced/knocked down by transfection with DcR3-siRNA in the selected cell line. Various biological phenotype parameters such as cell viability, apoptosis, and cell cycle were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mRNA and protein levels of DcR3 were measured in the three cell lines, and TFK-1 was selected. After the treatment with DcR3-siRNA for 48 h, DcR3 mRNA and protein expression in the treatment group were 38.45% (P < 0.01) and 48.03% (P < 0.05) of that of the control, respectively. It was found that the cell viability decreased to 61.87% of the control group (P < 0.01) after the downregulation of DcR3 in cholangiocarcinoma cell line TFK-1 by transfection with DcR3-siRNA, while the percentage of apoptotic cells was 2.98 times as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group the ratio of G0/G1increased, and the ratio of G2/M decreased in the treatment group. However, the differences were not statistically significant.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The effect of DcR3 on the growth and apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma has been demonstrated. DcR3 is not only a predictive marker for malignant tumor but it is also likely to be a potential target for cancer gene therapy. Further studies should focus on exploring the binding ligand of DcR3, the signaling pathway involved, and the molecular mechanism for the regulation of DcR3 expression in cholangiocarcinoma.</p>

Processing of calamine with modern analytical techniques: Processed with Huanglian Decoction () and Sanhuang Decoction () / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the pyrolysis characteristics of calcined and processed calamine, qualitatively and quantitatively compare the contents of related elements, morphology and functional groups of the pyrolysis products dried at different heating temperatures and explore the critical temperature and the optimal drying temperature for the process of calamine with Huanglian Decoction (HLD, ) and San Huang Decoction (SHD, ).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Pyrolysis products were prepared by programmable and constantly heating the calcined and processed calamine to or at different heating temperatures. Thermogravimetry (TG) was used to test their pyrolysis characteristics. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopeenergy dispersive spectrometer were used to determine their morphology, functional groups and element contents. Page model was used to investigate the constant drying kinetics of processed calamine.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The adding of HLD or SHD to calcined calamine (CC) can slow its weight loss in drying pyrolysis process. The temperature ranges where HLD and SHD can affect its weight loss were 65-150 °C and 74-180 °C, respectively. The drying temperature was optimized as 90 °C. The drying kinetic for the processed calamine fits Page model shows good linearity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Conclusions: The critical temperature and the optimal drying temperature where HLD and SHD can affect the weight loss rate in the process of calamine were explored using the theories and methods of both biophysical chemistry and processing of Chinese materia medica. This work provides a good example for the study of the process of other Chinese medicines using modern analytical techniques.</p>

Pharmacokinetics of the prototype and hydrolyzed carboxylic forms of ginkgolides A, B, and K administered as a ginkgo diterpene lactones meglumine injection in beagle dogs / 中国天然药物

Ginkgo diterpene lactones meglumine injection (GDLI) is a commercially available product used for neuroprotection. However, the pharmacokinetic properties of the prototypes and hydrolyzed carboxylic forms of the primary components in GDLI, i.e., ginkgolide A (GA), ginkgolide B (GB), and ginkgolide K (GK), have never been fully evaluated in beagle dogs. In this work, a simple, sensitive, and reliable method based on ultra-fast liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC-MS/MS) was developed, and the prototypes and total amounts of GA, GB, and GK were determined in beagle dog plasma. The plasma concentrations of the hydrolyzed carboxylic forms were calculated by subtracting the prototype concentrations from the total lactone concentrations. For the first time, the pharmacokinetics of GA, GB, and GK were fully assessed in three forms, i.e., the prototypes, the hydrolyzed carboxylic forms, and the total amounts, after intravenous administration of GDLI in beagle dogs. It was shown that ginkgolides primarily existed in the hydrolyzed form in plasma, and the ratio of hydrolysates to prototype forms of GA and GB decreased gradually to a homeostatic ratio. All of the three forms of the three ginkgolides showed linear exposure of AUC to the dosages. GA, GB, and GK showed a constant half-life approximately 2.7, 3.4, and 1.2 h, respectively, which were consistent for the forms at three dose levels (0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 mg·kg) and after a consecutive injection of GDLI for 7 days (1.0 mg·kg).

Synthesis and druggability study of triptolide stearate / 药学实践杂志

Objective To synthesize a lipophilic prodrug of triptolide (TP) and improve its druggability .Methods Trip-tolidestearate (TP-SA)was synthesized via the DMAP-catalyzed DCC method and identified by MS ,1H-NMR and 13C-NMR. The shake-flask method was used to study the oil/water partition coefficient .The preparations of TP and TP-SA liposomes and emulsions were compared .Their encapsulation efficiency and stability were investigated .Results TP-SA was synthesized suc-cessfully .Its log P in octanol/water system was 2 .33 .It was difficult to prepare TP liposome or emulsion .By contrast ,TP-SA liposome and emulsion can be prepared successfully with the same formulation process .The particle size of TP-SA lipo-somes were about 90 nm and TP-SA emulsions were about 110 nm .The encapsulation efficiency was above 95% .Their stabili-ty were studied at 4℃ and 25℃ .The preparation parameters ,such as particle size and encapsulation efficiency ,had no signif-icant change in a week .Conclusion Triptolide stearate enhanced drug lipophilicity .Its druggability was improved significant-ly .These data can be used for the TP related drug design and development .

Advance of Foot Progression Angle on Improvement of Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms and Its Mechanism (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative joint disease. Biomechanics of lower extremity plays an important role in KOA. Foot progression angle, with the advantages of non-invasive, convenience, has been attached great importance by people gradually. Changing foot progression angle may effect the knee adduction torque, tibia rotation, muscle activity, which leads to change the load of the knee joint, and alleviate the pain, improve the function of knee joint and the quality of life of the patients.

Correlation study on knee extensor/flexor strength and knee osteoarthritis / 医用生物力学

Objective To determine key muscles during muscle strength training of patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) by studying the correlation of KOA symptoms and disease stages with knee extensor/flexor strength. Methods Ninety-nine community volunteers were recruited and stratified into healthy group, single KOA group, and bilateral KOA group. The relationship between isokinetic extensor/flexor strength and KOA symptom, full-body aerobic exercise capacity, joint function were analyzed by knee isokinetic muscle strength test, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), 6-minute walk test, and CS-30 test. ResultsKnee isokinetic extensor peak torque of the symptomatic leg was significantly lower than that of the asymptomatic leg in single KOA group. There were significant differences in knee isokinetic extensor/flexor peak torque of both the severe and mild symptomatic leg in bilateral KOA group. Knee isokinetic extensor peak torque in bilateral KOA group was significantly lower than that in healthy group. Knee isokinetic extensor/flexor peak torque of KOA patients was positively related to 6-minute walk test, CS-30 test, while negatively related to age. Knee isokinetic extensor peak torque was negatively related to pain score and physical function score of WOMAC. Conclusions Both knee extensor and flexor strength are related to KOA. Therefore, during KOA rehabilitation therapies, muscle training for knee extensors (particularly quadriceps femoris muscles) and knee flexors (hamstring muscles, gastrocnemius muscles) need to be valued.

Effects of Baduanjin () exercise on knee osteoarthritis: a one-year study / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of pain and functional limitation. Short-term Baduanjin () exercise had been testified to be beneficial to the disease. This study conducted an initial assessment of the one-year Baduanjin exercise on knee OA.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The recruited patients practiced Baduanjin at the community recreational center. Sessions were held for 30 min five times a week for one year. Knee pain, stiffness, physical disability, general health, knee extensors and flexors strength, and aerobic ability were measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36), the 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT), and the Isokinetic Strength of the Knee Extensors and Flexors (ISKEF). Body mass index (BMI) was also calculated before and after the study period for comparison.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twenty-eight patients signed the informed consent. Six patients withdrew from the trial. Twenty-two patients (29 knees) completed the one-year study. After one-year Baduanjin exercise, WOMAC pain (132.0±69.6 vs. 56.2±67.6, P=0.000), stiffness (64.7±54.8 vs. 22.3±34.6, P=0.000), and physical function subscales (386.1±275.8 vs. 182.0±235.7, P=0.003); SF-36 body pain (45.7±20.0 vs. 57.4±17.9, P=0.005), general health (50.5±20.0 vs. 62.1±16.1, P=0.004), role emotional (64.4±26.1 vs. 73.5±21.3, P=0.047), and health transition (3.3±1.0 vs. 2.6±1.0, P=0.008); BMI (25.0±2.9 vs. 24.4±2.9, P=0.032); 6-MWT (565.7±94.6 vs. 610.5±66.7, P=0.036); and ISKEF Peak Torque (the Knee Extensors: 60.5±25.5 vs. 76.8±31, P=0.000; the Knee Flexors: 29.3±15.9 vs. 37.1±15.8, P=0.001) were significantly improved. No adverse effects resulted from the exercise.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>It suggested that the long-term Baduanjin could be a feasible and safe exercise option for knee OA.</p>

Nonlinear time series analysis of gait stability during walking / 医用生物力学

Objective To investigate the gait stability of healthy old and young adult volunteers during walking using the nonlinear time series analysis method so as to comprehensively assess the dynamic balance of human and provide important references for the prediction of fall risk. Methods The Vicon motion capture system was used to collect three-dimensional kinematic data of healthy volunteers (seven old subjects and ten young subjects) at different walking speed (80%, 100%, 120% of the natural walking speed). The anterior-posterior and medio-lateral motions of the seventh cervical and tenth thoracic vertebrae, as well as the flexion-extension and abduction-adduction angles of the lower extremity joints, were obtained from 30 consecutive gait cycles to calculate the largest Lyapunov exponents and analyze the difference of gait stability between the old and young group and the influence of walking speed on gait stability. Results The gait stability in the young group was better than that in the old group, and there were significant differences in certain motion segments (P＜0.01). The gait stability in both groups were reduced with the increase of speed (P＜0.05). Conclusions The largest Lyapunov exponent based on nonlinear time series analysis method can be used to effectively and quantitatively analyze the gait stability of each motion segment in human during walking.

Detection of plague IgM antibody in the serum of herding dogs by capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To establish a capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of plague IgM antibody in herding dogs.Methods ELISA plates were coated with serum IgM antibody against dogs and F1 antibody to plague in the serum of herding dogs was detected by a sandwich ELISA.Results A total of 216 serum samples of herding dogs were tested,26 were positive for plague F1 antibody and the positive rate was 12.03％ (26/216); 14 were positive for plague IgM antibody and the positive rate was 6.48％ (14/216); IgM positive accounted for 53.8％(14/26) of all positive samples.Conclusions Serum plague IgM antibody of herding dogs can be used to predict the prevalent time and distribution of recent animal plague in plague foci indirectly,and to provide reference information for timely implementation of control measures.

New variables for measuring joint space width to evaluate knee osteoarthritis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Assessing the radiographic features of knee osteoarthritis (OA), especially joint space narrowing, is important for evaluating disease progression. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively analyze joint space narrowing by measuring 2 new variables: the average joint space width (aJSW) and the articulate angle (AA) on X-ray films, and to evaluate the relationship between the 2 variables, knee function and OA symptoms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Using the web-based radiology viewer (Cedara I-Reach™ 4.1.1), we measured the 2 variables in 50 knees of 41 patients with knee OA participating in the Shanghai OA Study. We also evaluated the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index (WOMAC), and additional questionnaire in OA knees. The study was approved by the ethics committee of Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital (No. 2009 - 28).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The aJSW correlated with the K-L grade (r = -0.57, P < 0.001), kneeling (r = -0.29, P = 0.04), sitting cross-legged on the floor (r = -0.31, P = 0.03), WOMAC pain (r = -0.31, P = 0.03), WOMAC disability (r = -0.35, P = 0.01), pain while squatting (r = -0.37, P = 0.01), and defecating in a squatting position (r = -0.39, P = 0.01). The AA correlated with defecating in a squatting position (r = 0.29, P = 0.05), WOMAC disability (r = 0.30, P = 0.04) and K-L grade (r = 0.44, P = 0.003). The K-L grade also correlated with pain while squatting (r = -0.40, P = 0.005) and defecating in a squatting position (r = -0.34, P = 0.02), WOMAC pain (r = 0.30, P = 0.04), and WOMAC disability (r = 0.30, P = 0.04).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The aJSW closely correlated with knee OA symptoms and function scores, and was more sensitive to knee OA related disabilities than K-L grade and the AA. The aJSW could be used as a new variable for knee OA evaluation.</p>

Study on correlation between reduction loss and fixator moment arm after treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation using endobutton technique / 医用生物力学

Objective To study the correlation between the amount of reduction loss and the length of fixator moment arm after treating acrmioclavicular（AC）joint dislocation with the endobutton technique as viewed from mechanics. Methods 24 patients with acute AC joint dislocation were treated with the endobutton technique and made the follow-up from Mar. 2009 to Dec. 2010 in Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital. The loss of reduction was observed by evaluating the change of distance between the coracoid and clavicle three days and six months after the operation, respectively. Meanwhile, the length from the upper endnobutton midpoint to the proximal end of clavicle (L1) and the whole length of clavicle (L) were measured and the ratio of L1/L as the moment arm of the fixator was calculated to study the correlation between reduction loss and moment arm. Results All the 24 patients received good reduction after the operation, and the distance between the coracoid and clavicle returned to normal. The average distance between the coracoid and clavicle three days and six months after the operation was (28.2±3.9) and (29.5±4.1) mm, respectively. The amount of average reduction loss was (1.3±1.2) mm. The average moment arm was 0.79±0.03. There was a significant negative correlation between the reduction loss and moment arm with the correlation coefficient -0.498(P＜0.05). Conclusions For the treatment of AC joint dislocation using endobutton technique, the position of the endobutton is closely related with the loss of reduction postoperatively. The shorter the moment arm, the greater the loss of reduction would be. The proper moment arm should be around 0.80.