Research progress of Paris polyphylla in the treatment of digestive tract cancers.

Cancer has become one of the most important causes of human death. In particular, the 5 year survival rate of patients with digestive tract cancer is low. Although chemotherapy drugs have a certain efficacy, they are highly toxic and prone to chemotherapy resistance. With the advancement of antitumor research, many natural drugs have gradually entered basic clinical research. They have low toxicity, few adverse reactions, and play an important synergistic role in the combined targeted therapy of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. A large number of studies have shown that the active components of Paris polyphylla (PPA), a common natural medicinal plant, can play an antitumor role in a variety of digestive tract cancers. In this paper, the main components of PPA such as polyphyllin, C21 steroids, sterols, and flavonoids, amongst others, are introduced, and the mechanisms of action and research progress of PPA and its active components in the treatment of various digestive tract cancers are reviewed and summarized. The main components of PPA have been thoroughly explored to provide more detailed references and innovative ideas for the further development and utilization of similar natural antitumor drugs.

Randomized, Controlled Trial: Efficacy of Ultrasound and Exercise in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis.

CONTEXT: The aim in treating ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is to reduce patients' symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and fatigue; to correct their posture; and to improve their quality of life. Currently, no definitive therapy is available for treating AS. Previous studies have reported positive results regarding the efficacy of exercise. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of ultrasound, combined with exercise, in patients with AS. DESIGN: The research team designed a randomized, double-blind, 2-arm parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: The study took place at the Affiliated Hongqi Hospital of Mudanjiang Medical University (Mudanjiang, China). PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 62 individuals with AS who were patients at the hospital. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups: (1) the intervention group, who received exercise and ultrasound therapy; or (2) the control group, who received exercise and placebo ultrasound therapy, without an active probe, both for 8 wk. OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcome measures included (1) the numerical rating scale (NRS), (2) the Bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index (BASMI), (3) the Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), (4) the Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI), and (5) the ankylosing spondylitis quality of life (ASQoL) questionnaire. All outcomes were measured at baseline and at the end of 4 and 8 wk of treatment. RESULT: Fifty-seven patients fulfilled the requirements of the study. Ultrasound and exercise therapy showed greater efficacy than the placebo ultrasound and exercise in decreasing the scores for the NRS, daily and at night; the BASMI; the BASDAI; the BASFI; and the ASQoL, at the end of both 4 and 8 wk of treatment. No adverse events were noted in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that 8 wk of ultrasound and exercise therapy was efficacious in patients with AS.

[Impact of intraoperative autotransfusion on RBC's in vivo half-life].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the changes of in vivo half-life of processed erythrocytes following intraoperative autotransfusion(IAT) in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG). METHODS: From November 2003 to January 2004,20 consecutive patients undergoing scheduled off-pump CABG were randomly divided into experimental group and control group. Intra-operative autotransfusion was used in the experimental group. The samples were drawn immediately after the saving procedure in the experimental group and immediately after anesthesia introduction through central venous catheter in the control group. A single isotope technique ((51)Cr) was used to determine in vivo half-life of the RBCs in the two groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in in vivo half-life between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The in vivo half life of processed erythrocytes following intraoperative autotransfusion ZITI-3000 Cell saving system has not changed significantly in off-pump CABG.