A meta-analysis on the clinical efficacy of fire dragon cupping in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation

Background:The incidence of lumbar disc herniation(LDH)is notably high.Consensus among experts highlights non-surgical treatments as the primary therapeutic approach for LDH.Contemporary medicine frequently employs pharmacotherapy and epidural injections in such treatments,which are associated with numerous adverse effects.Prolonged use can severely impair the liver and kidney functions of patients.Hence,the role of safe and effective traditional Chinese medicine techniques becomes pivotal.Among various traditional Chinese medicine approaches for treating LDH,fire dragon cupping,renowned for its remarkable efficacy,cost-effectiveness,and ease of application,is extensively utilised in clinical settings for managing LDH.Nonetheless,there is a scarcity of systematic and standardised evidence from evidence-based medicine studies.Therefore,conducting a meta-analysis is imperative.Methods:A comprehensive computerised search was conducted in databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure,WanFang Data,VIP,China Biology Medicine disc,PubMed,EMbase,The Cochrane Library,Web of Science,and CINAHL.The search aimed to gather randomised controlled trials on fire dragon cupping therapy for LDH,spanning from the inception of these databases until December 2023.Two researchers independently screened the literature according to inclusion and exclusion criteria,extracted data,and assessed the methodological quality of the studies included,utilising RevMan 5.3 software for meta-analysis.Results:The results show that the fire dragon cupping therapy group had better clinical effectiveness(relative risk=1.23,95%confidence interval(CI)(1.14,1.33),P<0.00001),less pain(standardized mean difference=–1.33,95%CI(–1.49,–1.16),P<0.00001),and some improvement in lumbar function(Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores:mean difference=3.37,95%CI(2.31,4.43),P<0.00001.Conclusion:The fire dragon cupping therapy significantly alleviates LDH,warranting its extensive application.However,considering the limitations in the number and quality of studies included,the aforementioned conclusion necessitates further validation through more high-quality research.

Subconjunctival hemorrhage after wet cupping therapy: a case report

Introduction:Cupping therapy is an integrative and complementary medicine therapy that practiced worldwide by several civilizations for thousands of years.Cupping therapy is reported to be a relatively safe practice especially if performed by qualified therapists.Subconjunctival hemorrhage(SCH)is a common cause of eye redness and can be classified into traumatic and spontaneous.Case presentation:This case report discussed an adverse event related to wet cupping therapy.The patient developed SCH one day after performing cupping therapy.He was completely recovered after 2 weeks.This case report should increase the knowledge of cupping therapists regarding increasing safety of patient when performing wet cupping therapy on specific body parts especially,head,neck and cervical areas.Furthermore,it highlighted the importance of conducting research regarding the mechanical and physiological effects of cupping therapy.Conclusion:Adverse events related to cupping therapy should be reported with every patient.Cupping therapists should be aware of this possible mild adverse event.To the best of our knowledge,this is the first published adult case of SCH related to wet cupping therapy session.More studies are critically needed for evaluation of cupping therapy effects and adverse events especially when performed on head and neck.

A REPORT OF 300 CASES OF MIGRAINE TREATED WITH ACUPUNCTURE PLUS BLOOD-LETTING PUNCTURING AND CUPPING

Acupuncture combined with blood-letting puncturing and cupping Is quite effectivein treatment of migraine.The total effective rate of 300 cases is 95.7％.Combined treatment ofacupuncture and cupping can supplement each other in strengthening the therapeutic effect and is agood way for relieving headache.

Treatment of Acute Gouty Arthritis by Blood-letting Cupping plus Herbal Medicine

Objective:To observe the therapeutic effect of blood-letting cupping plus herbal medicine for acute gouty arthritis.Methods:The 34 cases of acute gouty arthritis were treated by blood-letting cupping plus herbal medicine.Results:21 cases were cured and 13 cases improved.Conclusion:The therapeutic effect of this therapy was satisfactory for gouty arthritis.

BLOOD-LETTING PUNCTURING AND CUPPING FOR TREATMENT OF 56 CASES OF RHEUMATIC ARTHRITIS

Presented is a summary of 56 cases of rheumatic arthritis treated with blood-letting puncturing and cupping. Patients acupoints selected were pricked first with a three-edged needle and then cupped for 15 min. The treatment was conducted once every other day and six times constituted a therapeutic course. After treatment, out of the 56 cases, 45 cases were cured, 4 markedly effective,3 effective and 4 ineffective, with the total effective rate of 92%.

Efficacy of blood-letting puncture and cupping in the treatment of periarthritis of shoulder:a systematic review

目的:本文对刺络拔罐治疗肩周炎的疗效进行系统评价,并总结刺络拔罐治疗肩周炎的临床疗效及安全性。方法:按照Cochrane系统评价的方法,在CNKI、VIP、万方数据以及PubMed、EMBase、Medline、Cochrane Library等数据库中检索文献,查找应用刺络拔罐治疗肩周炎的随机对照试验和半随机对照试验。经过筛选纳入符合条件的临床随机对照试验(Randomized controlled trail RCT),对所纳入的研究进行数据提取和质量评价后,采用RevMan 5.3软件进行Meta分析,用Jadad量表对文献质量进行评分,应用GRADE系统对证据质量和等级推荐进行评分。结果:一共纳入30项符合条件的RCT研究,共有2556名患者参加符合条件的临床研究。Meta分析结果显示:总有效率OR=6.21[OR=6.21,95%CI(4.69,8.21),P<0.001]。GRADE系统评价结果显示,证据水平均为B,推荐等级为弱推荐。结论:采用刺络拔罐治疗肩周炎的有效率高于其他治疗方法,且有较高的安全性,无明显的不良反应。由于纳入的临床对照研究质量有不足,仍然需要更多高质量的RCT研究才能得出肯定的结论。

Technical operation specification for cupping therapy

Cupping,as one of the characteristic therapies of traditional Chinese medicine,has been applied for more than 2000 years and has a unique curative effect in clinic.With the evolution of the times,the types and operation techniques of cupping method are also iterating.In the process of its inheritance and development,cupping technology is also known by more and more people.Starting from the development and efficacy of cupping method,this paper introduces the clinical operation steps and precautions of cupping method in detail,and lists the representative diseases such as lumbar muscle strain,herpes zoster,and ankylosing spondylitis,to provide reference for clinical application.

Genetic Theory:An Illustration of a Theoretical Mechanism of Acton of Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is an ancient natural therapeutic modality which is widely practiced throughout the world.Cupping therapy mechanisms of action are not illustrated by research until now.This article gives a brief illustration of the genetic theory as a possible mechanism of action of cupping therapy.Genetic modulation is also a suggested mechanism of action of acupuncture and massage.

Wet cupping(Al-hijamah)as a strange cause of ear trauma:A case report

BACKGROUND Cupping therapy is used across the globe since ancient Egypt.It is used as a complementary or alternative to daily clinical practice.Cupping therapy could be dry or wet(Al-hijamah)type.It is considered a relatively safe procedure for a variety of clinical problems like lower backache,shoulder pain,neck pain,headache,and migraine.Application of cupping therapy over body orifices is contraindicated.CASE SUMMARY A 27-year-old gentleman presented with sudden left-sided hearing loss and tinnitus for 7 d.He gave a history of upper respiratory tract infection 14 d before his complaints.He received Al-hijamah over his left ear 3 d before seeking advice from the Otolaryngology clinic,but without benefit.Physical examination showed a dull-looking left ear drum,hemotympanum in the posterior part of the tympanic cavity,two blood clots over the eardrum,and multiple bleeding points over the external ear canal and tympanic membrane.A pure tone audiogram and tympanogram confirmed the diagnosis of middle ear effusion.Conservative treatment(avoidance of water entry,antibiotics,and local and systemic decongestants)was given for 5 d.The presenting symptoms as well as ear injuries resolved completely two weeks after the follow-up.CONCLUSION We do not recommend using Al-hijamah directly over the ear as a treatment option for hearing loss to avoid unwanted ear trauma as well as there is no benefit from this kind of treatment.

Technical operation specification for pricking-cupping therapy

Pricking-cupping therapy is a Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)nursing technology that can adjust the viscera of the human body,make the meridians smooth,and Yin and Yang balanced mainly by means of relieving heat and detoxification,harmonizing Qi and blood,promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis,dredging meridians and activating collaterals,reducing swelling and pain,purging heat and calming shock,clearing heat,and opening orifices.Pricking-cupping therapy has a long history and wide application.After thousands of years of development,it has made great progress.They are widely used to treat lumbar disc herniation,herpes zoster,acute arthritis,migraine,and other diseases in China.Through the clinical practice and theoretical exploration of physicians of past dynasties,the therapeutic mechanism and application scope of pricking-cupping therapy have been greatly enriched.Modern TCM practitioners have conducted in-depth researches on the operation norms of the therapy on the basis of the ancients,hoping to grasp the essence of the disease more accurately and make the rational use of the operation technology of the therapy.

基于CUPS的国产操作系统打印管控的应用研究

随着信息技术的快速发展和信息安全防护工作要求的不断提高,我国一些企事业单位正在逐步使用国产操作系统,在其上的打印管控已成为不可缺少的一部分,但目前适用于国产操作系统的打印系统尚未成熟.针对此问题,首先研究了通用Unix打印系统(common unix printing system,CUPS)原理,然后针对国产操作系统提出基于CUPS架构的打印系统,设计打印机驱动,并将设计的打印系统部署在国产操作系统中,实现了在国产中科方德操作系统上的打印管控.测试结果显示其效率高、体积小、方便快捷,具有较强的应用价值.

Acetabular cup size trends in total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Total hip arthroplasty(THA)is a common procedure for end stage osteoarthritis.The learning curve for THA is complex and challenging.One of the most difficult skills to master is acetabular reaming.We wish to identify if experience in arthroplasty leads to preservation of more bone stock.AIM To investigate if increasing surgeon experience will predict an ever decreasing acetabular cup size.METHODS A retrospective case series of four attending orthopaedic surgeons was completed.All uncemented elective total hip arthroplasties since appointment were selected for inclusion.The size of acetabular cup used was noted and logistic regression was used to identify if a trend to smaller cups existed.RESULTS A total of 1614 subjects were included with a mean age of 64 years.Overall cups were on average 0.18mm smaller per year(95%confidence interval-0.25 to-0.11,P<0.001).Individual surgeon trends showed cup sizes to decrease 0.27 mm/year for surgeon A,0.02 mm/year for surgeon B,0.15 mm/year for surgeon C and 0.29 mm/year for surgeon D.Three of the four surgeons had a more pronounced trend to smaller cups for male subjects than their female counterparts.CONCLUSION We found increasing surgeon experience to be associated with an ever-decreasing acetabular cup size.Smaller acetabular cup size may act as a surrogate marker of surgical proficiency by virtue of decreased acetabular reaming.

Study of plasma parameters of coaxial plasma source using triple Langmuir probe and Faraday cup diagnostics

Coaxial plasma guns are a type of plasma source that produces plasma which propagates radially and axially controlled by the shape of the ground electrode, which has attracted much interest in several applications. In this work, a 120° opening angle of CPG nozzle is used as a plasma gun configuration that operates at the energy of 150 J. The ionization of polyethylene insulator between the electrodes of the gun produces a cloud of hydrogen and carbon plasma.The triple Langmuir probe and Faraday cup are used to measure plasma density and plasma temperature. These methods are used to measure the on-axis and off-axis plasma divergence of the coaxial plasma gun. The peak values of ion densities measured at a distance of 25 mm on-axis from the plasma gun are(1.6±0.5)×10^(19)m^(-3)and(2.8±0.6)×10^(19)m^(-3)for hydrogen and carbon plasma respectively and the peak temperature is 3.02±0.5 eV. The mean propagation velocity of plasma is calculated using the transit times of plasma at different distances from the plasma gun and is found to be 4.54±0.25 cm/μs and 1.81±0.18 cm/μs for hydrogen and carbon plasma respectively. The Debye radius is obtained from the measured experimental data that satisfies the thin sheath approximation. The shot-to-shot stability of plasma parameters facilitates the use of plasma guns in laboratory experiments. These types of plasma sources can be used in many applications like plasma opening switches, plasma devices, and as plasma sources.

Refined Anam-Net:Lightweight Deep Learning Model for Improved Segmentation Performance of Optic Cup and Disc for Glaucoma Diagnosis

In this work,we aim to introduce some modifications to the Anam-Net deep neural network(DNN)model for segmenting optic cup(OC)and optic disc(OD)in retinal fundus images to estimate the cup-to-disc ratio(CDR).The CDR is a reliable measure for the early diagnosis of Glaucoma.In this study,we developed a lightweight DNN model for OC and OD segmentation in retinal fundus images.Our DNN model is based on modifications to Anam-Net,incorporating an anamorphic depth embedding block.To reduce computational complexity,we employ a fixed filter size for all convolution layers in the encoder and decoder stages as the network deepens.This modification significantly reduces the number of trainable parameters,making the model lightweight and suitable for resource-constrained applications.We evaluate the performance of the developed model using two publicly available retinal image databases,namely RIM-ONE and Drishti-GS.The results demonstrate promising OC segmentation performance across most standard evaluation metrics while achieving analogous results for OD segmentation.We used two retinal fundus image databases named RIM-ONE and Drishti-GS that contained 159 images and 101 retinal images,respectively.For OD segmentation using the RIM-ONE we obtain an f1-score(F1),Jaccard coefficient(JC),and overlapping error(OE)of 0.950,0.9219,and 0.0781,respectively.Similarly,for OC segmentation using the same databases,we achieve scores of 0.8481(F1),0.7428(JC),and 0.2572(OE).Based on these experimental results and the significantly lower number of trainable parameters,we conclude that the developed model is highly suitable for the early diagnosis of glaucoma by accurately estimating the CDR.

Enhancing the Decomposition of Paper Cups Using Galleria Mellonella and Eisenia Fetida

The composition of paper cups creates a challenge for the recycling industry,as the paperboard–plastic film composite is hard to separate.Therefore,paper cups are sent to landfills or waste incinerators.This study explores the combined use of red worms(Eisenia fetida)and Greater wax moth(Galleria mellonella)in the biodegradation of paper cups.The study investigates the conditions and combinations that promote using Eisenia fetida and Galleria mellonella for degrading paper cups.The study considered the influence of environmental temperature,the presence of food waste,varying the number of Eisenia fetida worms,and the presence of a Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agent on the degradation process.To achieve the study objectives,the study followed a quantitative approach.The study monitored the degradation of paper cup cuts that were placed in jars containing different combinations of Eisenia fetida worms,Galleria mellonella larvae,food waste,bedding material,and Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agents.The study found that the best operating temperature is 30oC.The study found that using food waste improves the performance of Eisenia fetida worms and Galleria mellonella larvae significantly.The study found that adding a Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agent slightly enhances the degradation of the paper cup.Finally,a numerical model was obtained to simulate the paper cup degradation efficiency.

Blood-letting punctures at twelve Jing-Well points of the hand can treat cerebral ischemia in a similar manner to mannitol

A rat model of middle cerebral artery permanent occlusion was established using the modified Longa method. Successfully established model animals were treated by blood-letting puncture at twelve Jing-Well points of the hand, and/or by injecting mannitol into the caudal vein twice daily. Brain tissue was collected at 24, 48 and 72 hours after modeling, and blood was collected through the retinal vein before Evans blue was injected, approximately 1 hour prior to harvesting of brain tissue. Results showed that Evans blue leakage into brain tissue and serum nitric oxide synthase activity were significantly increased in model rats. Treatment with blood-letting punctures at twelve Jing-Well points of the hand and/or injection of mannitol into the caudal vein reduced the amount of Evans blue leakage into the brain tissue and serum nitric oxide synthase activity to varying degrees. There was no significant difference between single treatment and combined treatment. Experimental findings indicate that blood-letting punctures at twelve Jing-Well points of the hand can decrease blood-brain barrier permeability and serum nitric oxide synthase activity in rats following middle cerebral artery occlusion, and its effect is similar to that of mannitol injection alone and Jing-Well points plus mannitol injection.

Cupping therapy for acute and chronic pain management:a systematic review of randomized clinical trials

Objective:Cupping as a traditional therapy is used to treat a myriad of health conditions,including pain.This systematic review assessed the effectiveness and safety of cupping for different types of pain.Methods:Thirteen databases and four trial registries were searched for randomized clinical trials.Meta-analysis of data was conducted if there was non-significant clinical and statistical heterogeneity(measured by I2 test)among trials.Results:Sixteen trials with 921 participants were eligible and included.Six trials were assessed as low risk of bias,another six trials were of unclear risk of bias,and the remaining four trials were of high risk of bias.Pain was related to three acute and seven chronic diseases.Metaanalysis showed a beneficial effect of cupping compared to wait-list control(visual analogue scale(VAS),MD
1.85 cm,95%CI
2.66 to
1.04)and heat therapy(numerical rating scale,MD
2.05 cm,95%CI
2.93 to
1.17).Cupping combined with acupuncture was superior to acupuncture alone on post-treatment pain intensity(VAS,MD
1.18 cm,95%CI
1.68 to
0.68),however,no difference was found between this comparison based on changes in pain intensity(difference of VAS,MD 0.16 cm,95%CI
0.54 to 0.87).Results from other single studies showed significant benefit of cupping compared with conventional drugs or usual care.Hematoma and pain at the treated site,increasing local pain or tingling were reported as mild adverse effects of cupping.Conclusion:This review suggests a potential positive short-term effect of cupping therapy on reducing pain intensity compared with no treatment,heat therapy,usual care,or conventional drugs.

An overview of systematic reviews of clinical evidence for cupping therapy

Background:As a traditional treatment method,cupping therapy is widely used in Asian countries.This overview of systematic reviews (SRs) investigated the effectiveness and safety of cupping therapy through an evidence-based approach.Methods:SRs that assessed the effectiveness of cupping therapy for any type of disease were searched through 6 electronic databases.Target diseases,cupping methods,numbers and types of included studies,quality of included trials,main results (including meta-analysis re sults),and authors' conclusions of SRs were extracted.The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews measurement was used to evaluate methodologic quality of the SRs.Results Eight SRs met the inclusion criteria and effectiveness and safety of cupping therapy for 11 diseases were assessed.All included SRs were of good methodologic quality.However,quality of trials included in the SRs was generally poor.Meta-analysis was performed in 4 studies.Results:showed cupping therapy (alone or combined with other interventions) was better than medications (or other interventions alone) for herpes zoster,acne,facial paralysis,low back pain,or cervical spondylosis.One review reported adverse events,including hematoma,increased pain and tingling following cupping treatment.Conclusions:Cupping therapy may be beneficial for pain-related conditions,acne,and facial paralysis.However,a firm conclusion could not be drawn due to the insufficient number of included reviews and the low quality of the original studies.

Comparative pilot study on the effects of pulsating and static cupping on non-specific neck pain and local skin blood perfusion

Objective:To compare the effects of pulsating and static cupping on non-specific neck pain and local skin microcirculation blood perfusion,which is a pilot study.Methods:Seventy participants with non-specific neck pain were randomized to the following groups:low-frequency pulsating cupping(LF,n=20);high-frequency pulsating cupping(HF,n=20);static cupping(SC,n=20),or waiting list(WL,n=10).The LF,HF,and SC received a bilateral 10-minute cupping treatment at Jianzhongshu(SI 15).Outcomes were pain intensity(visual analog scale,VAS),functional status(Neck Disability Index,NDI),and skin blood perfusion at the SI 15,Dazhui(GV 14),and Shenzhu(GV 12)acupoint areas,measured using Laser Speckle Contrast Analysis technology.Results:Both LF and HF groups showed a significant reduction in VAS scores compared with the SC group(9.00,95%Cl 1.05-16.95,P=.027;8.75,95%CI 0.80-16.70,P=.031).There was no significant difference in VAS scores between the LF and HF groups(P>.05)and between NDI scores measured 3 days after intervention among the four groups(P>.05).In the SI 15 area,blood perfusion in the three treatment groups was higher than that in WL group(P<.01),and the perfusion unit(PU)of the HF pulsating group at 5 minutes after intervention was significantly higher compared with the SC group(P<.05).In the GV 14 area,blood perfusion in the two pulsating cupping groups was higher compared with the WL and SC groups after cupping(P<.05).In the GV 12 area,the PU of the LF group was higher compared with the other three groups only at the time of cup removal(P<.05).Conclusion:This study showed that pulsating cupping may have more favorable analgesic effects on non-specific neck pain compared with static cupping,which may be related to its better effect on improving the local skin blood perfusion.

Effects of Acupoint Massage Combined with Cupping Therapy on Postpartum Lactation and Mastitis in Puerpera

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of acupoint massage combined with cupping therapy on postpartum lactation and mastitis. METHODS: A total of 360 women who had breastfeeding needs after hospitalization in the Second People's Hospital of Hefei were selected from August to December in 2018. A total of 180 women who had no contraindications and were willing to cooperate were included in the observation group, and 180 women who were unwilling to participate in the intervention were the control group. Routine postpartum care was performed on both groups of pregnant women, and acupoint massage and cupping therapy were performed on the maternal women in the observation group. During the hospitalization period, the starting time of lactation in the 2 groups, and the lactation volume at 1 day, 2 days, and 3 days after delivery, and the incidence of mastitis and cracked nipple, and the situation of exclusive breastfeeding were recorded and analyzed. Comparative analysis of the effects of acupoint massage combined with cupping therapy on postpartum lactation and mastitis in primipara were made. RESULTS: In the observation group, 145 women had a moderate amount of lactation 1 day after delivery, and the lactation amount of remaining 35 cases were small. There were 22 women with a high amount of lactation 2 days after delivery, and 132 women had a moderate amount of lactation, and the lactation amount of the remaining 26 cases were small. 138 women had a high amount of lactation 3 days after delivery, and 37 women had a moderate amount of lactation, and the lactation amount of the remaining 5 cases were small. All the women in the observation group did not have cracked nipple or mastitis, and the postpartum effect was significantly better than that of the control group(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupoint massage combined with cupping therapy can promote early lactation, increase breastfeeding rate, and reduce the incidence of mastitis.