Using cross-correlation analysis of multi-channel near infrared spectroscopy to assess the hemodynamic response to cupping therapy.

Cupping therapy is a common intervention for the management of musculoskeletal impairment. Previous studies have demonstrated that cupping therapy can improve muscle hemodynamic responses using single-channel near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). However, the effects of cupping therapy on spatial hemodynamic responses as well as the correlation between oxyhemoglobin and deoxy-hemoglobin are largely unknown. The cross-correlation function (CCF) algorithm was used to determine the correlation between time-series NIRS signals from inside and outside the cup as well as time-series oxyhemoglobin and deoxy-hemoglobin under 4 cupping intensities, including -225 and -300 mmHg for 5 and 10 min. The main finding was that the maximum CCF values of oxyhemoglobin was significantly higher than those in deoxy-hemoglobin (p < 0.05). Furthermore, it was found that there was a correlation between deoxy-hemoglobin with a longer duration and a larger magnitude of negative pressure. This is the first study investigating time-series hemodynamic responses after cupping therapy using cross-correlation function analysis of multi-channel NIRS signals.

Antiviral and Immunomodulatory Activities of Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. f.) Lindau.

Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. f.) Lindau has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for treating snake bites, scalds, burns, and viral and bacterial infections. It has been attracting an increasing amount of attention because of its biological activities, including its antidiabetic, antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunoregulatory activities. Here, we conducted a panoramic survey of the literature regarding the immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities of C. nutans. We discovered that C. nutans extracts have virucidal activities against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus, cyprinid herpesvirus 3, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, mosquito-borne chikungunya virus, and potentially SARS-CoV-2; such activities likely result from C. nutans interfering with the entry, penetration, infection, and replication of viruses. We also reviewed the phytochemicals in C. nutans extracts that exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory activities. This updated review of the antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory activities of C. nutans may guide future agricultural practices and reveal clinical applications of C. nutans.

Effectiveness of self-management of dry and wet cupping therapy for low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) can significantly affect a person's quality of life. Cupping has been used to treat LBP. However, various cupping methods are typically included in evaluating the efficacy of cupping therapy. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the evidence from the literature regarding the effects of dry and wet cupping therapy on LBP in adults. Dry and wet cupping therapy are analyzed categorically in this study. METHODS: We searched for randomized clinical trials with cupping in LBP published between 2008 and 2022. In dry or wet cupping clinical studies, pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale and present pain intensity, and the quality of life intensity was measured using the Oswestry disability index. RESULTS: The 656 studies were identified, of which 10 studies for 690 patients with LBP were included in the meta-analysis. There was a significant reduction in the pain intensity score with present pain intensity using wet cupping therapy (P < .01). In addition, both cupping therapy groups displayed significant Oswestry disability index score reduction compared to the control group (both P < .01). The patients with LBP have a substantial reduction by using wet cupping but have not shown a considerable decrease by using dry cupping (P = .19). In addition, only wet cupping therapy groups displayed a significantly improved quality of life compared to the control group. The study had a very high heterogeneity (I2 > 50%). It means there is no standardization in the treatment protocol in randomized clinical trials. In the meta-regression, there was statistically significant evidence that the number of treatment times and intercepts were related (P < .01). CONCLUSION: The present meta-analysis shows that wet cupping therapy effectively reduces the pain intensity of LBP. Furthermore, both dry wet cupping therapy improved patients with LBP quality of life.

Recent Advancement in Anticancer Activity of Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. f.) Lindau.

Clinacanthus nutans is a traditional medicinal herb that is applied for the therapy of snake bites, skin infection, herpes infection, burns, scalds, dysentery, and diabetes. Clinacanthus nutans is also used to treat several cancers, including breast, cervical, colon, gastric, head and neck, liver, lung, pancreatic, and skin cancers, as well as lymphoma and leukemia; however, the underlying mechanisms of its anticancer activity remained undetermined. We searched PubMed and Google with key words "Clinacanthus nutans and cancer" and collected recent papers of Clinacanthus nutans with anticancer activity. We focused on the preparation, effects, and action mechanisms of Clinacanthus nutans extracts on various types of cancers. We hope that this mini review can help update our knowledge about active components, effects, and molecular mechanisms of extracts from this promising herb Clinacanthus nutans for ongoing studies and speed up its clinical application in the future.

Emerging technologies for the prevention and management of diabetic foot ulcers.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are one of the most serious complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). Although research has improved understanding of DFU etiology, an effective clinical prevention and management of DFUs remains undetermined. Knowledge of recent technologies may enable clinicians and researchers to provide appropriate interventions to prevent and treat DFUs. This paper discusses how diabetes causes peripheral neuropathy and peripheral arterial diseases, which contribute to increased risk of DFUs. Then, emerging technologies that could be used to quantify risks of DFUs are discussed, including laser Doppler flowmetry for assessing plantar tissue viability, infrared thermography for early detection of plantar tissue inflammation, plantar pressure and pressure gradient system for identification of specific site at risk for DFUs, and ultrasound indentation tests (elastography) to quantify plantar tissue mechanical property. This paper also reviews how physical activity reduces risks of DFUs and how technology promotes adherence of physical activity. The clinician should encourage people with DM to exercise (brisk walking) at least 150 min per week and assess their exercise log along with the blood glucose log for providing individualized exercise prescription. Last, rehabilitation interventions such as off-loading devices, thermotherapy and electrotherapy are discussed. Although the exact etiology of DFUs is unclear, the emerging technologies discussed in this paper would enable clinicians to closely monitor the change of risk of DFUs and provide timely intervention. An integrated approach using all these emerging technologies should be promoted and may lead to a better outcome of preventing and managing DFUs.