Cyclophosphamide (CP) was found to have a potential toxic effect on lung tissues. Raspberry ketones (RKs) are natural antioxidant chemicals isolated from red raspberries (Rubus ideaus). They are commonly used for weight loss and obesity. The current study aimed to evaluate the possible protective effects of RKs against lung toxicity induced by CP. Mice were allocated into six groups: (1) control group; (2) CP group: received a single intraperitoneal dose of CP (150 mg/kg, i.p.); and (3–6) mice were pre-treated orally with different doses of RKs (25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) for 14 consecutive days, respectively, before the administration of an intraperitoneal dose of CP (150 mg/kg, i.p.). Mice were then sacrificed under anesthesia, then lungs were removed for histopathological and biochemical investigations. A single dose of CP markedly altered the levels of some oxidative stress biomarkers and resulted in the fragmentation of DNA in lung homogenates. Histological examination of CP-treated mice demonstrated diffuse alveolar damage that involved apparent hyalinization of membranes, thickening of inter alveolar septa, and proliferation of type II pneumocytes. The immunohistochemical results of CP-treated mice revealed strongly positive Bax and weakly positive proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining reactivity of the nuclei of the lining epithelium of the bronchioles and alveoli. CP activated the cyclooxygenase-2/nuclear factor-kappa B pathway. However, pre-treatment with RKs significantly attenuated CP-evoked alterations in the previously mentioned parameters, highlighting their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic potential. RKs may be suggested to be a potential candidate to ameliorate CP-induced pulmonary toxicity.

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Upper thoracic spine mobilization and the Ergon technique are used to treat mechanical neck pain in order to speed recovery, promote tissue healing and improve range of motion. There have been a few studies discussing the Ergon IASTM and upper thoracic spine mobilization in patients with neck pain, but none compared the aforementioned techniques in the treatment of mechanical neck pain. This clinical trial was conducted on a sample of thirty participants (16 females and 14 males) with mechanical neck pain who were randomly divided into two groups: Upper Thoracic Spine Mobilization (n=15) and Ergon Technique (n=15). Twelve sessions were delivered to all participants over a four-week period, three days per week. Before and after treatment, pain severity was measured by Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), cervical spine's active range of motion was measured by using a Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device, and cervical spine's disability index was measured by Neck Disability Index (NDI). The statistical analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Both groups showed improvement in neck pain, reduced functional disability and increased cervical range of motion after treatment. The upper thoracic spine mobilization group had significantly better results in terms of cervical left lateral flexion and left rotation ranges of motion, while the Ergon Technique group had significantly better results in terms of improvement of neck pain and reduction in functional disability. In conclusion, the upper thoracic spine mobilization was effective at increasing the range of motion of the cervical region, while the Ergon technique was effective at relieving pain and dysfunction in the cervical spine in patients with mechanical neck pain. Upper thoracic spine mobilization and the Ergon technique are used to treat mechanical neck pain in order to speed recovery, promote tissue healing and improve range of motion. There have been a few studies discussing the Ergon IASTM and upper thoracic spine mobilization in patients with neck pain, but none compared the aforementioned techniques in the treatment of mechanical neck pain. This clinical trial was conducted on a sample of thirty participants (16 females and 14 males) with mechanical neck pain who were randomly divided into two groups: Upper Thoracic Spine Mobilization (n=15) and Ergon Technique (n=15). Twelve sessions were delivered to all participants over a four-week period, three days per week. Before and after treatment, pain severity was measured by Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), cervical spine's active range of motion was measured by using a Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device, and cervical spine's disability index was measured by Neck Disability Index (NDI). The statistical analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Both groups showed improvement in neck pain, reduced functional disability and increased cervical range of motion after treatment. The upper thoracic spine mobilization group had significantly better results in terms of cervical left lateral flexion and left rotation ranges of motion, while the Ergon Technique group had significantly better results in terms of improvement of neck pain and reduction in functional disability. In conclusion, the upper thoracic spine mobilization was effective at increasing the range of motion of the cervical region, while the Ergon technique was effective at relieving pain and dysfunction in the cervical spine in patients with mechanical neck pain.