Comparison of spinal column alignment and autonomic nervous activity using the intersegmental tenderness test in the segment above.

[Purpose] The thoracolumbar supraspinous intersegmental tenderness test (ITT) in the segment above was performed to compare spinal alignment and autonomic activity in the presence or absence of pain. [Participants and Methods] Thirty young males were grouped into Th1-4 (Cardiopulmonary visceral nerves), Th5-9 (Large visceral nerve), and Th10-12 (Small visceral nerve) by ITT for the presence of pain. Measurements of the spinal alignment and autonomic function were performed. [Results] Those with ITT pain had a significantly lower range of motion in the sagittal plane at Th12, Th12-L1, and L2-3 and in the frontal plane at Th1-2, Th4-5, Th6-7, and L3-4 than those in the no pain group. On autonomic function tests, the pain group had significantly lower Total Power, LF (Low Frequency), and CVRR (Coefficient of variation of R-R interval). [Conclusion] In ITT, patients with pain at Th5-9 have a mixture of reduced sagittal tilt angle and autonomic hypofunction of the adjacent upper and lower thoracic to lumbar vertebrae.

Forms of direction change during walking and effect on movement and reaction time.

[Purpose] To elucidate factors that affect walking before and after direction changes and their effects on reaction time by investigating different angles of direction changes. [Participants and Methods] A total of 29 healthy young males and females participated in this study. The task was to walk along a 20-m path and perform three direction changes while walking: straight walking, 45° direction change, and 90° direction change. Step length and probe reaction time (P-RT) were measured before and after the point of direction change. A two-factor repeated measures analysis of variance was applied to measure P-RT and step length before and after direction changes. [Results] A significant effect was observed for step length and P-RT immediately before and after direction changes. An interaction was also observed between the angle of direction change and the step length before and after the direction change. When compared with the straight walk, a significant effect was observed at 45° and 90° direction changes. [Conclusion] While walking, 90° direction changes are suggested to be more difficult than 45° direction changes, and 45° direction changes are more difficult than walking in a straight line.

Effects of gender and grade on differences in physiotherapy students' interest and reasons for participating in overseas volunteer programs.

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the gender and grade differences in interest and reasons associated with overseas volunteer participation among physiotherapy students using a cross-sectional survey. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 1,093 physiotherapy students who were enrolled at the International University of Health and Welfare's Ohtawara, Narita, Odawara, and Fukuoka campuses in 2017. A cross-sectional design was used to study the differences between gender and among undergraduate grade levels. The degree of interest and reasons associated with overseas volunteer participation were evaluated by a questionnaire survey using a four-point scale. [Results] Female students were significantly more interested and active in overseas volunteer participation than male students. As for participation by students' grades, significant differences were found in three items only among female students. [Conclusion] Female students were significantly more active at volunteering than male students. It was suggested that we need to encourage students to engage in overseas volunteer participation from the time of admission, especially female students.

Motor cortex somatotopic presentation after restriction of neck movement in rats.

[Purpose] In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of neck movement restriction on somatotopic mapping of the motor cortex. We restricted cervical extension for two weeks and investigated the effects on motor cortex somatic representation in rats. [Subjects and Methods] We placed six Wistar rats into each of three groups: (i) the experimental group, in which cervical extension was restricted; (ii) the sham group, in which cervical movement was not restricted, but a splint was placed in the shoulder girdle; and (iii) the control group. After cervical immobilization for two weeks, we evaluated the motor cortex somatic representation using intra-cortical micro-stimulation. [Results] In the experimental group, the areas of the cervical and vibrissal domains of the motor cortex decreased by approximately 50%, and the forelimb domain showed slight reduction. In addition, a trunk domain formed at the locus of the vibrissal area. There were no differences between the sham and control groups. [Conclusion] Restriction of cervical extension for two weeks resulted in changes in motor cortex somatic representation. Reversible changes occurred in cortical areas that controlled the neck and parts of the body involved in cervical movement.

Neck and trunk representations in the primary motor cortex in rats.

[Purpose] The neck and trunk play crucial roles in body movement and are extremely important areas of treatment for physical therapists. However, many aspects of the neural basis of this motor control remain unknown. Therefore, we investigated the distribution and electrophysiological properties of the neck and trunk in the primary motor cortex in rats. [Subjects and Methods] Using intracortical microstimulation, we investigated the somatotopic representation and movements induced by electrical stimulation of the neck and truck areas of the motor cortex in 8 Wistar rats. [Results] We determined that the neck and trunk areas are located separately on the rostral and caudal sides of the motor cortex, respectively. The neck area was significantly larger in size, while the threshold was significantly larger for the trunk area. Stimulation of the neck area with a current higher than the threshold induced movement of the forelimbs, jaw, trunk, and whiskers. However, stimulation of the trunk area did not result in movement in sites other than the trunk. [Conclusion] During movement, the respective activities of the neck and trunk are interdependent. However, due to the separate locations of these areas in the motor cortex, their properties differ greatly.

Discovery and Biological Evaluation of Potent and Orally Active Human 11ß-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

We synthesized and evaluated novel 5-[2-(thiophen-2-yl)propan-2-yl]-4H-1,2,4-triazole derivatives as 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11ß-HSD1) inhibitors. Optimization of the thiophene ring and the substituents on the 1,2,4-triazole ring produced 3,4-dicyclopropyl-5-{2-[3-fluoro-5-(trifluoromethyl)thiophen-2-yl]propan-2-yl}-4H-1,2,4-triazole monohydrochloride (9a), which showed potent and selective inhibitory activity against human 11ß-HSD1. Compound 9a was also metabolically stable against human and mouse liver microsomes. Oral administration of 9a to diabetic ob/ob mice lowered corticosterone levels in adipose tissue, and thereby reduced plasma glucose and insulin levels in a dose-dependent manner.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of pyrazine-2-carboxamide derivatives as novel echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors.

Echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a valid therapeutic target for the treatment of EML4-ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We discovered 12c as a novel and potent EML4-ALK inhibitor through structural optimization of 5a. In mice xenografted with 3T3 cells expressing EML4-ALK, oral administration of 12c demonstrated potent antitumor activity. This article describes the synthesis and biological evaluation of pyrazine-2-carboxamide derivatives along with studies of their structure-activity relationship (SAR) using computational modeling.

Ipsilateral patterns of the rotational range of motion of the hip in healthy Japanese adults.

[Purpose] This study aimed to categorize the internal and external rotation range of motion (ROM) of ipsilateral hip joints into specific patterns based on the differences between them, and clarify the distribution of these patterns. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 222 healthy Japanese medical students (162 males, 60 females) with a mean age of 21.2 ± 4.0 years were enrolled. The ROM of internal and external rotation at the hip were randomly measured with the subjects in the prone position. Thereafter, the difference between internal and external rotations was assessed. Hip ROM patterns were classified into 3 types based on the differences in the rotation ROM on each side. A total of 9 overall patterns were then determined based on the combination of patterns on both sides. [Results] Although all the subjects were healthy, an asymmetrical ROM between internal and external rotation in ipsilateral hip joints could be detected via pattern classification. Moreover, the distribution of each hip ROM pattern was clarified. [Conclusion] Pattern classification based on differences in internal and external rotation ROM could serve as a useful evaluation method for clinical manipulative therapy.

Effect of paralyzed side soleus muscle pressure on the gait of stroke patients as measured by a three-dimensional motion analysis system.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of muscle belly compression by a supporter on the paralyzed side soleus muscle of patients with cerebrovascular disability, and to determine the intensity of compression that is effective for improving gait. [Subjects] Eleven patients with chronic cerebral vascular disorder. [Methods] Before setting the supporter, standing posture and 6 m free walking were measured 3 times with the three-dimensional motion analysis system, VICON. Then, supporters were placed on the center of the lower leg of the hemiplegic side of the subjects and inflated to 30 or 50 mmHg. Three minutes after wearing the supporters, the subjects walked again for 3 times. The data measured with VICON were processed using Visial3D.V4, and the angles of the ankle, steps of the hemiplegic and non-hemiplegic sides, walking speed, walk rate and cadence were calculated. [Results] Compared to without a supporter, a supporter with 30 mmHg pressure showed a significant reduction in the angle of the knee at Initial Contact (IC), and a significant increase in the power of the knee extension at Loading Response (LR). [Conclusion] The results reveal a supporter with that of the subjects during pressure over 30 mmHg applied for 3 minutes improved the knee angle power and hemiplegia walking.

Effects on ROM and joint position sense of the neck of two different interventions.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether neuromuscular joint facilitation (NJF) training is superior to NJF distal resistance training at improving the ROM and proprioceptive acuity of the neck. [Subjects] 10 healthy subjects (8 males, 2 females) participated in this study. [Methods] The participants were allocated to three groups: 10 in the control group, 10 in the NJF distal resistance training group, and 10 in the NJF training group. A miniature wireless motion recorder was used to record the maximum cervical range of motion and joint position error (JPE) before and after the interventions. The three interventions were tested on different days. [Results] No difference of ROM was observed among the three groups. A significant pre- to post-intervention decrease in JPE in extension was identified in the NJF group. No other significant differences were observed among the three groups. [Conclusion] The NJF training conferred remarkable benefits on the cervical JPE of healthy people. This result suggests that the best way to improve proprioceptive acuity is intervention together with proximal resistance training, such as NJF training.

Factors affecting the coefficient of variation of stride time of the elderly without falling history: a prospective study.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the coefficient of variation (CV) of stride time in an exercise intervention for the elderly without falling history. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 42 elderly women who had participated in a care prevention program for 12 weeks. Stride time CV, motor function, movement ability, balance, Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) score, and Life-space Assessment (LSA) score before and after the intervention were examined for significant differences using the paired t-test. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the factors that changed in the stride time CV. [Results] There were significant differences in muscle strength, sit-and-reach flexibility, the one-leg standing time (eyes open), the maximum walking speed, local stability of trunk acceleration, The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG-T), the MFES score, and the LSA score between the pre-intervention and post-intervention. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that improvement of quadriceps muscle strength, sit-and-reach flexibility, the one-leg standing time, TUG-T, local stability of trunk acceleration (vertical direction) and MFES score were independent variables explaining the reduction in stride time CV. [Conclusion] The results was suggested that it might be possible to reduce the stride time CV by improving strength, flexibility and dynamic balance, and reducing fear of falls through interventions.

Screening for secondhand smoke in schoolchildren in Japan.

BACKGROUND: There is no systematic screening for secondhand smoke exposure in children. METHODS: In 2002, we began a secondhand smoke screening (SSS) program for grade 4 elementary schoolchildren with the cooperation of public administration. The SSS program consisted of urinary cotinine measurement in children and a questionnaire survey of their parents. RESULTS: More than 1200 schoolchildren were enrolled in this program annually. The level of urinary cotinine in 30% of the children was >5 ng/mL, whereas in half of them it was undetectable. The major risk factor affecting cotinine level was mother's smoking. Average cotinine was significantly high in children who had a history of "short stature", "decayed tooth and/or periodontal disease," and "frequent stridor". In addition, the highest level of cotinine was detected in children whose father and/or mother smoked in the living room and the lowest level of cotinine was detected in children whose father and/or mother smoked on the veranda or outside the door. These levels, however, were two-fivefold higher than in children whose parents did not smoke. On follow-up questionnaire survey 4 years after initial SSS, significant elevated motivation for smoking cessation was noted. CONCLUSIONS: The SSS program is a very simple mass screen that can be done using only a urine test and is very effective for motivating parents to stop smoking with regard to cost benefit.

Hip rotation range of motion in sitting and prone positions in healthy Japanese adults.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to elucidate the difference in hip external and internal rotation ranges of motion (ROM) between the prone and sitting positions. [Subjects] The subjects included 151 students. [Methods] Hip rotational ROM was measured with the subjects in the prone and sitting positions. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze ipsilateral hip rotation ROM in the prone and sitting positions in males and females. The total ipsilateral hip rotation ROM was calculated by adding the measured values for external and internal rotations. [Results] Ipsilateral hip rotation ROM revealed significant differences between two positions for both left and right internal and external rotations. Hip rotation ROM was significantly higher in the prone position than in the sitting position. Hip rotation ROM significantly differed between the men and women. Hip external rotation ROM was significantly higher in both positions in men; conversely, hip internal rotation ROM was significantly higher in both positions in women. [Conclusion] Hip rotation ROM significantly differed between the sexes and between the sitting and prone positions. Total ipsilateral hip rotation ROM, total angle of external rotation, and total angle of internal rotation of the left and right hips greatly varied, suggesting that hip joint rotational ROM is widely distributed.

Total synthesis of (-)-stevastelin B.

The total synthesis and an unambiguous structure confirmation of stevastelin B 1, a novel 15-membered cyclic depsipeptide, are described; the fatty acid moiety in 1, prepared stereoselectively from L-quebrachitol was converted into the amino carboxylic acid, whose macrolactamization by Shioiri's procedure effectively constructed the cyclic structure of 1.