Assessing the effect of prophylactic ankle taping on ankle and knee biomechanics during landing tasks in healthy individuals: A cross-sectional observational study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Current research supports the fact that prophylactic ankle taping (AT) is effective in preventing ankle injuries in amateur and elite sports athletes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of AT on balance, knee valgus during drop jump and single-leg countermovement jump (SL-CMJ) landings, and ankle range of motion (ROM) restriction in healthy participants. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. METHODS: Participants: Thirty-nine healthy individuals participated in this study and performed the movements under two conditions (with and without tape). Outcome measurements: ankle ROM, balance, SL-CMJ height, flight time, ground time, and knee valgus. Before any intervention, a random process was developed with a 1:1 allocation ratio, and the participants were assigned to groups A (tape-no tape) and B (no tape-tape). RESULTS: Significant differences between tape and no-tape moments were observed for drop jump knee valgus flexion (P = 0.007), with an increase in knee valgus in participants with ankle taping. Similarly, the Y-balance testshowed a significant decrease in all variables (P = 0.001 and), ankle dorsiflexion (P = 0.001) in participants with ankle taping. CONCLUSIONS: AT is effective for immediate ankle ROM restriction. However, an increase in knee valgus during drop jump task and a decrease in lower limb balance were observed during drop jump task. Based on these results, it can be concluded that AT application in healthy individuals should not be recommended as it results in increase in injury risk factors.

Design, synthesis and biological activity of non-nucleoside NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitors / 药学实践杂志

Objective To develop novel NAE inhibitors with non-nucleoside scaffold by a scaffold hopping strategy and study the in vitro antitumor activities. Methods Disulfonamideindazole 14 was synthesized through 23 steps with a good yield. Its chemical structure was confirmed by 1H NMR and MS. MTT method was used to determine the in vitro antitumor activities. Results Compound 14 exhibited moderate antitumor activities against various cancer cells and promoted significant UBC12 accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion Compound 14 is a potent NAE inhibitor with remarkable apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest in prostate cancer PANC-1 cells. Our work provides a valuable leading compound for the further design and development of NAE inhibitors.

The relationship between jump performances and toe muscular strengths focus on the angles of metatarsophalengeal joint in athletes / 体力科学

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between toe muscular strengths and single and/or repetitive jump performances on different directions (vertical or horizontal) in athletes. Thirty two male collegiate students participated (athletes group n=24, control group n=8). Two types of measurements were performed to evaluate toe muscular strengths: toe pushing force (TPF) with the metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) at neutral position (0°) and the MPJ in the dorsiflexed position (45°). Jump performances were assessed by press jump (vertical jump and standing broad jump) that measures jumping height or distance, and rebound jump (rebound jump and repetitive hopping) that measures “RJ-index” (the jumping height divided by the contact time). Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationship between the toe muscular strengths and the performances of each jumping test. There were significant correlations between TPF with the MPJ in the dorsiflexed position and the performances of the repetitive hopping and rebound jump in athletes (P<0.05), but no significant correlations were found in controls. Also, there were no significant correlation between TPF and the performances of vertical jump and standing broad jump of all groups. These results suggest that, TPF in the dorsiflexed positions is one of the indicators that affect repetitive jump performance.

Asymmetric Thermal Response of Human Feet to Hopping Detected by Digital Infrared Imaging.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of asymmetric exercise, hopping, on skin temperature at the foot and ankle subregions by infrared thermography. Study Design: Prospective volunteer study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Department of Radiology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, between June 2013 and March 2014. Methodology: Ten healthy male volunteers hopped with their dominant limb 1,000 times or for 15 min. Thermography was taken by using an infrared imaging device at 24°C. Each volunteer had four thermographic images of the dorsum, plantar and calf views of both limbs before hopping, and at 5, 20 and 30 min after hopping. Temperatures were measured at the dorsum of the foot (subregion 1), lower tibialis anterior (subregion 2), medial plantar (subregion 3), lateral plantar (subregion 4), calf (subregion 5) and Achilles tendon (subregion 6). Results: Hopping changed the temperature with different patterns depending on 12 subregions after hopping. At 5 min, except for subregion 3 and 4 of the hopping limb, the other ten subregions showed decreases in skin temperature. Temperatures of all subregions of the hopped limb were higher than that of non-hopped limb ranging from the lowest, 0.54°C atsubregion 1 at 5 min, to the highest, 1.18°C atsubregion 6 at 5 min. Each subregion of the hopped limb was 0.5°C or higher than that of non-hopped limb from 5 till 30 minutes after exercise (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Heat changes in the foot and ankle by exercise can be imaged and evaluated. After asymmetric exercise, hopping, the subregions of the foot and ankle respond differently. For proper image interpretation, knowing whether asymmetric exercise occurred in the limb of interest is important before image acquisition.

Procesos hopping a través del modelo difusional en materiales nanocristalinos usados para aplicaciones fotovoltaicas / Hopping processes in nanocrystalline materials used for photovoltaic applications using a diffusion model / Processos Hopping através do modelo de difusão em materiais nanocristalinos utilizados para aplicações fotovoltaicas

Se presentan los modelos de hopping de rango variable (variable range hopping; VRH), vecinos cercanos (nearest neighbor hopping; NNH) y barreras de potencial presentes en las fronteras de grano; como mecanismos de transporte eléctrico predominantes en los materiales semiconductores para aplicaciones fotovoltaicas. Las medidas de conductividad a oscuras en función de temperatura fueron realizadas para región de bajas temperaturas entre 120 y 400 K con Si y compuestos Cu3BiS2 y Cu2ZnSnSe4. Siguiendo la teoría de percolación, se obtuvieron parámetros hopping y la densidad de estados cerca del nivel de Fermi, N(E F), para todas las muestras. A partir de los planteamientos dados por Mott para VRH, se presentó el modelo difusional, que permitió establecer la relación entre la conductividad y la densidad de estados de defecto o estados localizados en el gap del material. El análisis comparativo entre modelos, evidenció, que es posible obtener mejora hasta de un orden de magnitud en valores para cada uno de los parámetros hopping que caracterizan el material.

Here, we present variable range hopping (VRH) models, nearest neighbor hopping (NNH) and potential barriers present at the grain boundaries, as well as mechanisms of electrical transport predominant in semiconductor materials for photovoltaic applications. We performed dark conductivity measures according to temperature for low temperature regions between 120 and 400 K in Si and Cu3BiS2 and Cu2ZnSnSe4 compounds. Using the percolation theory, we obtained hopping parameters and the density of states near the Fermi, N(E F) level for all samples. Using the approach by Mott for VRH, we obtained the diffusion model, which established the relationship between conductivity and density of defect states or localized gap states of the material. The comparative analysis between models evidenced that it is possible to obtain improvement of an order of magnitude in the values of each of the hopping parameters that characterize the material.

Apresentam-se os modelos de hopping de categoria variável (variable range hopping; VRH), vizinhos próximos (nearest neighbor hopping, NNH) e barreiras de potenciais presentes nas fronteiras de grãos; como mecanismo de transporte elétrico predominantes nos materiais semicondutores para aplicações fotovoltaicas. As medidas de condutividade no escuro em função da temperatura foram realizadas para região de baixas temperaturas entre 120 e 400 K com Si e compostos Cu3BiS2 e Cu2ZnSnSe4. Seguindo a teoria da percolação obtiveram-se parâmetros hopping e a densidade de estados próximos do nível Fermi[BO1] N(E F) para toda a amostra. A partir das abordagens seguidas por Mott para VRH, apresentou-se o modelo de difusão, que permitiu estabelecer a relação entre a condutividade e a densidade de estados de defeito ou estados localizados no gap do material. A análise comparativa dos modelos mostrou que é possível obter melhoria até de uma amplitude de magnitude em valores para cada um dos parâmetros hopping que caracterizam o material.

Conducción hopping en películas nanocristalinas del compuesto CZTSe usado como capa absorbente en celdas solares / Hopping conduction in nanocrystalline composite films of CZTSe used as solar cell absorber layer / Condução hopping em películas nano-cristalinas do composto CZTSe utilizado como capa absorvente em painéis solares

Se presentan propiedades eléctricas y de transporte en películas nanocristalinas del compuesto cuaternario Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) por método de co-evaporación física. Las muestras fueron crecidas sobre sustratos de vidrio soda-lime y variando en rango los parámetros de síntesis: masa de Cu y temperatura de sustrato. A partir de termopotencia a temperatura ambiente y de transmitancia espectral, se encontró que el material está caracterizado por conductividad tipo n y ancho de banda de energía prohibida de 1.7 eV, respectivamente. Las medias de conductividad eléctrica (región de bajas temperaturas; 90-200 K) mostraron que los procesos de conducción se realizan vía hopping de rango de variable entre estados extendidos. Los parámetros que caracterizaron éste mecanismo, energía de activación (Whopp) y rango hopping (Rhopp), fueron obtenidos mediante teoría de percolación y modelo difusional. Se obtuvo, que para las muestras CZTSe la densidad de estados de defecto cerca del nivel de Fermi del material, N(Ef), está alrededor de 3,403x10(18) cm-3 eV-1. Se presentó correlación entre parámetros de depósito y propiedades eléctricas. Se observó influencia de parámetros sobre formación de fases adicionales en el compuesto.

Here, we present electronic and transport properties of quaternary Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) nanocrystalline films fabricated by physical co-evaporation. The samples were grown on soda-lime glass substrates and synthesis parameter ranges, Cu mass and substrate temperature were varied. Using thermopower at room temperature and spectral transmittance we found that the material is characterized by n-type conductivity and forbidden energy bandwidth of 1.7 eV, respectively. Electrical conductivity means (low temperature region; 90-200 K) showed that conductivity processes occur via variable range hopping between extended states. We obtained the parameters characterizing this mechanism, activation energy (Whopp), and range hopping (Rhopp), by employing the percolation theory and diffusion model. The density of defect states near the Fermi level of the material, N (Ef) of the CZTSe samples is about 3,403x10(18) cm-3 eV-1. We found a correlation between deposition parameters and electrical properties and observed a parameter influence on the formation of additional phases in the compound.

Apresentam-se propriedades elétricas e de transporte em películas nano-cristalinas do composto quaternário Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) pelo método de co-evaporação física. As amostras foram crescidas sobre substratos de vidro soda-lime e variando a amplitude dos parâmetros de síntese: massa de Cu e temperatura do substrato. A partir de termo-potência a temperatura ambiente e de transmissão espectral, encontrou-se que o material está caracterizado pela condutividade tipo n e largura de banda de energia proibida de 1.7 eV, respetivamente. As medidas de condutividade elétrica (regiões de baixas temperaturas; 90-200 K) mostraram que os processos de condução se realizam via hopping de amplitude variável entre estados estendidos. Os parâmetros que caracterizaram este mecanismo, energia de ativação (Whopp) e amplitude hopping (Rhopp), foram obtidos mediante a teoria de percolação e o modelo de difusão. Obteve-se que, para as amostras CZTSe, a densidade de estados de defeito próximos do nível de Fermi do material, N(EF), está ao redor de, 3,403x10(18) cm-3 eV-1. Apresentou-se correlação entre parâmetros de depósito e propriedades elétricas. Observou-se influencia de parâmetros sobre a formação de fases no composto.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE RUNNING ECONOMY AND THE HOPPING ECONOMY IN THE LONG DISTANCE RUNNER / 体力科学

Running economy is an important factor in determining a performance of a long distance running. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the running economy and the submaximal hopping economy. Twelve long-distance runners performed a submaximal repeated hopping exercise on a force platform at a frequency of 2.2Hz and the maximum five-repeated rebound jumping (5RJ). Jumping height, contact time, maximum ground reaction force and oxygen intake were recorded during submaximal repeated hopping exercise. In addition, they performed the submaximal running for a distance of 3200m on an outdoor 400m track. Oxygen intake was recorded during the submaximal running. Then running economy (RE = V/VO₂) was calculated by using oxygen intake (VO₂) and running speeds (V). Hopping economy (HE = h/VO₂) was calculated by using oxygen intake (VO₂) and average jumping height (h). As a result of this study, we confirmed that a submaximal repeated hopping exercise performed for a ten-minute period was an aerobic exercise and a steady-state exercise. There was a significant positive correlation between RE and HE (r = 0.805, p＜0.01). These results suggest that hopping economy is an important factor in running economy. On the other hand, we did not find a significant correlation between HE and 5RJ. Furthermore, between RE and RJ index of the submaximal hopping exercise, a significant positive correlation was found (r = 0.735, p＜0.01). Therefore, RE seems to be connected with the Stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) function of the legs. We conclude that the SSC ability of a long distance runner can be evaluated appropriately by using the submaximal repeated hopping exercise of this study.

The Correlation between Outcome Evaluation Systems after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between various subjective, objective tests and real functional performances of the patients after ACL reconstruction. METHOD: Twenty-four patients after ACL reconstruction using 12 hamstring autograft and 12 Achilles allograft were evaluated. Lysholm knee score, IKDC subjective score, Knee Outcome Survey score and Tegner activity score were evaluated for the subjective outcome value. Static instability tests, Biodex dynamometer and hop tests were done for the objective outcome value. Three functional performance tests(FPTs) such as carioca test, shuttle run test and co-contraction test were done for deciding the real performance ability of the patients. Each score system was compared with FPT results. RESULTS: The results of Hamstring group were better than those of Achilles group, but there was no statistical significance. IKDC subjective score, single leg hopping test, and quadriceps power in low velocity of biodex dynamometer tests had a positive correlation with the total FPT results. CONCLUSION: IKDC subjective score, one leg hopping test showed significant correlation with functional performance test and they can be used as effective methods to decide whether the subjects after ACL reconstruction can return to sports activity.

Effect of Hopping Tempo on Stretch-Reflex of Function Soleus Muscle at Landing Phase / 体力科学

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of hopping tempo on the stretch reflex of the soleus muscle at the landing phase during continuous hopping. The M 1 and M 2 components of stretch reflex of the soleus muscle and angular velocity of the ankle joint were recorded at the landing phase during hopping under four hopping tempos with frequencies of 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 Hz. The electromyogram (EMG) activities in the soleus muscle during the landing and the jumping phases were separated under 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 Hz conditions, but EMG's for both phases were overlapped under 2.5 Hz condition. Furthermore, at 1.0 and 1.5 Hz, a non-active EMG phase was observed between the landing and the jumping phases ; but this non-active phase disappeared at 2.0 Hz. The M 1 and M 2 components at 2.0 Hz showed significantly (p<0.01) larger values than those at 1.0 and 1.5 Hz. However, there was no significant difference observed between the components at 1.0 and 1.5 Hz. The M 2 component showed a significantly (p <0.01) smaller value than the M 1 component at 1.0 and 1.5 Hz ; but there was no significant difference at 2.0 Hz. The angular velocity of the ankle joint showed no significant difference under any of the conditions. These findings suggest that stretch reflex at landing during hopping may be inhibited at the motion pattern of the inactive phase between the landing and the jumping phases in EMG's. In addition, the stretch reflex is not only related to mechanical muscle stretching, but is also under the influence of the superior nerve center.