Total Synthesis of Ritterazine B.

The first total synthesis of the cytotoxic alkaloid ritterazine B is reported. The synthesis features a unified approach to both steroid subunits, employing a titanium-mediated propargylation reaction to achieve divergence from a common precursor. Other key steps include gold-catalyzed cycloisomerizations that install both spiroketals and late stage C-H oxidation to incorporate the C7' alcohol.

The effect of Capacitive and Resistive electric transfer on non-specific chronic low back pain.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Capacitive and Resistive electric transfer (CRet)-combined exercise therapy for participants with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). Twenty-six received only the exercise program (E group, n = 15), or received both CRet and the same exercise program (E+CRet group, n = 11). Pain intensity, functional disability and trunk function were measured pre-, and post-intervention and there was also a 1-month follow-up period. Data analysis was performed for each index using the Mann-Whitney U test for comparisons between two groups at each time point, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for comparison between each time point within the group. The results of this study indicate that pain intensity was improved in both groups at post-intervention, also, the effect continued during follow-up period. In addition, functional disability was significantly improved in the E+CRet group at the post-intervention and during the follow-up period. The intervention effect on NSCLBP was higher in the E+CRet group than the E group. CRet, which is a form of deep thermotherapy, combined with exercise have a possibility of more effectiveness than exercise alone.

Association Between Functional Movement Screen Scores and Injuries in Male College Basketball Players.

CONTEXT: The functional movement screen (FMS) is an assessment tool for movement dysfunction, which is used to reduce the risk of injury. Although the relationship between the FMS composite score and injuries has been extensively studied, the association between FMS scores and injuries in only college basketball players remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between the FMS score and injuries in basketball players. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: University research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-one male college basketball players (average age 20.1 [1.3] y) participated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The FMS composite score was calculated from 7 movement tests. The incidence of injuries over a 1-year period prior to the test day was determined based on a questionnaire. Individuals were categorized into 2 groups: injury (with a serious basketball-related injury resulting in the loss of practice and game time for at least 4 wk) and noninjury groups. Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests were used to evaluate group differences in the composite FMS and 7 movement scores, respectively. Furthermore, the scores significant on univariate analyses were submitted to a multivariate logistic analysis, adjusting for participant characteristics. RESULTS: The composite FMS scores of the 2 groups were not significantly different (P = .38). Among the 7 tasks, only the deep squat and hurdle step showed significant group differences (P = .03 and P = .001, respectively). The multivariate logistic analysis revealed that deep squat (odds ratio, 6.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-34.01; P = .03) and hurdle step scores (odds ratio, 25.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.81-368.73; P = .02) were significantly associated with injuries, even after adjustment for participant characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Deep squat and hurdle step scores may be associated with injuries in basketball players. Further research should be conducted to confirm that these 2 scores can predict the incidence of injuries in basketball players.

Acute effects of capacitive and resistive electric transfer (CRet) on the Achilles tendon.

This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of capacitive and resistive electric transfer (CRet) on Achilles tendon elongation during muscle contraction, as well as the circulation in the peritendinous region. Sixteen healthy men participated in this study. All 16 participants underwent 2 interventions: (1) CRet trial and (2) CRet without power (sham trial). Tendon elongation was measured four times. Using near-infrared spectroscopy, the blood circulation (volume of total-hemoglobin (Hb), oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb), and deoxygenated hemoglobin (deoxy-Hb)) was measured for 5 min before the intervention and for 30 min after the intervention. The differences between the measurements obtained before and after intervention were compared between the two interventions. The changes in tendon elongation and deoxy-Hb were not significantly different between the interventions. Total- and oxy-Hb were significantly increased in the CRet trial compared with the sham trial. In addition, the increases in total-Hb and oxy-Hb lasted for 30 min after the CRet intervention (CRet vs. sham: oxy-Hb: F = 8.063, p = 0.001, total-Hb: F = 4.564, p = 0.011). In conclusion, CRet significantly improved blood circulation in the peritendinous region.

Forefoot transverse arch height asymmetry is associated with foot injuries in athletes participating in college track events.

[Purpose] The association between foot injuries and foot alignment, including the transverse arch height (TAH) and asymmetry, was examined in athletes participating in college track events. [Participants and Methods] This study included 55 male athletes participating in a college track and field club. Data including demographic information and the incidence of foot injuries within a year prior to participation in this study were obtained via questionnaires. TAH and the medial longitudinal arch height during 10 and 90% loading, leg-heel alignment, and the heel angle were measured before calculating the asymmetry of each alignment parameter measured. Participants were categorized into an injury or a normal group. Unpaired t-tests were used to perform between-group comparisons for each alignment parameter measured and asymmetry. Additionally, logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with foot injuries after adjustment for demographic data. [Results] TAH asymmetry during 10 and 90% loading was significantly greater in the injury group. Further logistic regression analysis performed showed that only TAH asymmetry during 90% loading was significantly associated with foot injuries after adjustment for demographic data. [Conclusion] With regard to track events, a greater asymmetry of forefoot TAH in a weight-bearing position was observed to be associated with foot injuries.

Effect of Capacitive and Resistive electric transfer on changes in muscle flexibility and lumbopelvic alignment after fatiguing exercise.

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the effects of Capacitive and Resistive electric transfer (CRet) on changes in muscle flexibility and lumbopelvic alignment after fatiguing exercise. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-two healthy males were assigned into either the CRet (n=11) or control (n=11) group. Fatiguing exercise and CRet intervention were applied at the quadriceps muscle of the participants' dominant legs. The Ely test, pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis, and superficial temperature were measured before and after exercise and for 30 minutes after intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance, with Tukey's post-hoc multiple comparison test to clarify within-group changes and Student's t-test to clarify between-group differences. [Results] The Ely test and pelvic tilt were significantly different in both groups after exercise, but there was no difference in the CRet group after intervention. Superficial temperature significantly increased in the CRet group for 30 minutes after intervention, in contrast to after the exercise and intervention in the control group. There was no significant between-group difference at any timepoint, except in superficial temperature. [Conclusion] CRet could effectively improve muscle flexibility and lumbopelvic alignment after fatiguing exercise.

Relationship between transverse arch height and foot muscles evaluated by ultrasound imaging device.

[Purpose] Few studies on the transverse arch (TA) in the forefoot have been conducted. The forefoot is where pains occur most frequently and is related to walking and balance; hence, paying attention to TA is vital. However, the relationship between TA and foot muscles has not been investigated. Therefore, this study aims to investigate muscles related to TA. [Subjects and Methods] Nineteen healthy young males were included. Measurements of their feet, excluding one foot with recent foot pain (n=37), were obtained. The height of TA (TAH) was measured in two ways: during 10% and 90% loading of body weight. The cross-sectional area and thickness of five muscles were measured: flexor digitorum longus, peroneus longus and brevis, flexor hallucis brevis, flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) and abductor hallucis (ABH). All measurements were performed with an ultrasound device. [Results] FDB and ABH were correlated with TAH during 10% and 90% loading after removing the effect of body mass index and age. The greater FDB and ABH, the higher TAH. [Conclusion] As FDB becomes larger, the second, third and fourth metatarsal heads are raised more. Furthermore, the height of the first metatarsal head is lowered by a larger ABH. These mechanisms may increase TAH.

Relationship between agility and lower limb muscle strength, targeting university badminton players.

[Purpose] Targeting university badminton players, this study investigated the relationship between agility, which is associated with performance in badminton, and lower limb muscle strength, and examined which muscles influence agility. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 23 male university badminton players were evaluated for side-shuffle test scores and lower limb strength. The relationships between agility, lower limb strength, and duration of experience playing badminton were evaluated using a correlation analysis. Moreover, the relationship between agility and lower limb strength was evaluated by partial correlation analysis, adjusting for the effects of experience of each badminton player. [Results] The agility score correlated with hip extension and ankle plantar flexion strength, with adjustment for badminton experience. [Conclusion] This study suggests that hip extension training and improvement in ankle plantar flexion strength may improve agility.

Repeatability and agreement of ultrasonography with computed tomography for evaluating forefoot structure in the coronal plane.

BACKGROUND: Forefoot structure is important to understand some foot problems such as hallux valgus and metatarsalgia. Ultrasonography (US) is a highly portable, noninvasive, low cost, and fast imaging method, especially when compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and radiography. As the use of US for evaluating forefoot bony structure has not been validated, except for the presence of synovitis, erosions and bursitis within the forefoot in people with inflammatory arthritis, the purpose of this study was to determine whether US is a reliable method for evaluating forefoot structure. METHODS: Sixty feet (30 women, age = 40.1 ± 11.8 years) were examined by US and CT to assess agreement with CT and repeatability of US evaluation of the 2nd metatarsal head height, length between the medial sesamoid bone and 5th metatarsal head, transverse arch height, transverse arch index, sesamoid rotation angle, and area under the transverse arch. The measurement data were evaluated for agreement with CT using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC)3, 1, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman plot, and with ICC1, 1 for repeatability. RESULTS: The ICC3, 1 values of 0.78-0.89, Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.78-0.90, and Bland-Altman plots showed almost perfect agreements between the US and CT method for all parameters, except the area under the transverse arch (AUTA). The ICC1, 1 also showed perfect agreements (0.84-0.92) between two sets of US measurements in all parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The US evaluation of forefoot structure in the coronal plane showed good agreement with CT and repeatability of two ultrasonograms in adult women. This reliable evaluation method of forefoot structure can contribute to a quick clinical assessment screening for risk factors of foot problems such as hallux valgus and metatarsalgia. However, because of some limitations such as a lack of inter-observer reliability, more research is needed to validate US evaluation of forefoot structure. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The current study (trial registration number: R0297) was approved by the Ethical Committee for Human Experiments of Kyoto University (http://www.ec.med.kyoto-u.ac.jp) on December 3, 2015. The first participant in this study was enrolled on November 17, 2015 and retrospectively registered.

Effect of Capacitive and Resistive electric transfer on haemoglobin saturation and tissue temperature.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the effects of Capacitive and Resistive electric transfer (CRet) and hotpack (HP) on haemoglobin saturation and tissue temperature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The participants were 13 healthy males (mean age 24.5 ± 3.0). They underwent three interventions on different days: (1) CRet (CRet group), (2) HP (HP group) and (3) CRet without power (sham group). The intervention and measurement were applied at the lower paraspinal muscle. Indiba® active ProRecovery HCR902 was used in the CRet group, and the moist heat method was used in the HP group. Oxygenated, deoxygenated and total haemoglobin (oxy-Hb, deoxy-Hb, total-Hb) counts were measured before and after the 15-min interventions, together with the temperature at the skin surface, and at depths of 10 mm and 20 mm (ST, 10mmDT and 20mmDT, respectively). The haemoglobin saturation and tissue temperature were measured until 30 min after the intervention and were collected at 5-min intervals. Statistical analysis was performed for each index by using the Mann-Whitney U test for comparisons between all groups at each time point. RESULTS: Total-Hb and oxy-Hb were significantly higher in the CRet group than in the HP group continuously for 30 min after the intervention. The 10mmDT and 20mmDT were significantly higher in the CRet group than in the HP group from 10- to 30 min after intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The effect on haemoglobin saturation was higher in the CRet group than in the HP group. In addition, the CRet intervention warmed deep tissue more effectively than HP intervention.

Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (+)-Neostenine.

A chirality transfer approach using acyclic polyol intermediates for the synthesis of (+)-neostenine (1) has been developed. The sequential Overman/Claisen rearrangement of an allylic 1,2-diol was especially useful, installing two contiguous stereocenters with complete diastereoselectivity in a one-pot sequence. The SmI2 -mediated cyclization and the subsequent chemoselective reduction of a lactam moiety accomplished the first enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-neostenine (1).

Cascade- and orthoamide-type Overman rearrangements of allylic vicinal diols.

This article describes the details of two new types of Overman rearrangement from allylic vicinal diols. Starting from identical diols, both bis(imidate)s and cyclic orthoamides were selectively synthesized by simply changing the reaction conditions. Whilst exposure of the bis(imidate)s to thermal conditions initiated the double Overman rearrangement to introduce two identical nitrogen groups in a single operation (the cascade-type Overman rearrangement), the reaction of cyclic orthoamides resulted in a single rearrangement (the orthoamide-type Overman rearrangement). The newly generated allylic alcohols from the orthoamide-type reaction can potentially undergo a variety of further transformations. For instance, we demonstrated an Overman/Claisen sequence in one pot. The most conspicuous feature of this method is that it offers precise control over the number of Overman rearrangements from the same allylic vicinal diols. This method also excludes the tedious protecting-group manipulations of the homoallylic alcohols, which are necessary in conventional Overman rearrangements. All of the performed rearrangements proceeded in a completely diastereoselective fashion through a chair-like transition state.

Novel sequential sigmatropic rearrangements of allylic diols: application to the total synthesis of (-)-kainic acid.

Sequential sigmatropic rearrangements (Claisen/Claisen and Claisen/Overman) of enantiopure allylic diols are described. The reactions proceeded in complete diastereoselectivity without protecting group manipulations. The sequential Claisen/Overman rearrangement was successfully applied to the total synthesis of (-)-kainic acid.

Concentration of chlorophenols in water with sodium dodecylsulfate-gamma-alumina admicelles for high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis.

Chlorophenols in water were sorbed onto sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS)-alumina (gamma-form) admicelles. The extent of sorption increased with increasing amount of SDS and decreasing solution pH. Conditions for good recovery were obtained when 100 mg SDS and 1.5 g alumina was used at pH 2. However, the yield decreased with a further increase in the SDS concentration due to the formation of normal SDS micelles. The extent of sorption also increased with increasing hydrophobicity of the chlorophenol, indicating that hydrophobic interactions predominate for the collection of analytes. When a cartridge column filled with admicelles was used, >90% of tetrachlorophenol and pentachlorophenol in 200 ml of water samples were rapidly recovered. The sorbed analytes were eluted with 1 ml acetonitrile. The accuracy and precision of the present method were demonstrated for the HPLC analysis with ultraviolet (290 nm) detection of microg l(-1) levels of tetrachlorophenol and pentachlorophenol in river water samples.