Short Fascicles Research Articles

Pseudomyogenic Hemangioendothelioma: A Case Report of a Rare Tumor with Unusual Presentation

Abstract Introduction/Objective Pseudomyogenic hemangioendothelioma (PHE) is an extremely rare neoplasm recently categorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an intermediate-grade vascular soft tissue tumor affecting young adults. While most documented cases exhibit local aggressiveness, we present a case with unusual presentation characterized by multiple pelvic and femoral lytic bone lesions associated with documented liver metastases. Methods/Case Report A mid-forties female presented with progressive left hip pain persisting for 2 weeks. Radiological assessments showed multiple lytic lesions in the left superior pubic ramus, right iliac wing, and left greater trochanter with associated pathologic fractures and soft tissue involvement. Additionally, multiple indeterminate hepatic and splenic hypodensities were noted. Histologic examination of the bone and liver biopsies revealed a neoplasm composed of spindled and epithelioid cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and eosinophilic cytoplasm. The neoplastic cells are arranged haphazardly and in short fascicles within a fibromyxoid stroma or sinusoidal spaces (in the liver) associated with scattered acute and chronic inflammation. Frequent mitoses are noted; however, no necrosis was identified. Tumor cells were positive for CD31, ERG, FOSB with equivocal staining for pankeratin and CK8/18. The top differential consideration was epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE); however, sarcoma fusion next-generation sequencing panel exhibited features of a vascular neoplasm with WWTR1-FOSB, favoring PHE. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Pseudomyogenic hemangioendothelioma is a rare tumor that is prone for local recurrence and usually affect young adults (mean age: 30 years). Metastases are uncommon. To the best of our knowledge, we report a case of PHE with unusual presentation of early metastases to liver and possibly the spleen and highlights the complexity of PHE diagnosis.

Calcifying Nested Stromal-Epithelial Tumor of the Liver: A Rare Find

Abstract Introduction/Objective Calcifying Nested Stromal-Epithelial Tumor (CNSET) is a rare tumor of the liver with less than 40 cases described in the literature. It is a low-grade tumor characterized by a distinctive nested architecture surrounded by a cellular myofibroblastic stroma and psammomatous calcifications. CTNNB1 gene deletions have been identified in several cases. CNSET typically arises in the right lobe and there is a female predominance with a predilection for children, adolescents, and young adults. Methods/Case Report We report an interesting case of CNSET in a 13-year-old male with no pertinent medical history who presented with a one-month history of fatigue, paleness, and liver mass on physical examination. MRI abdomen showed a 9.8 cm heterogenous mass with a central scar involving the right lobe of the liver, radiologically favored to be fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma. AFP levels were normal. The patient underwent a partial hepatectomy. On gross examination, the specimen showed a yellow, circumscribed, firm mass. H&E slides showed scattered round to oval nests of bland spindle and epithelioid cells arranged in short fascicles at the periphery of nests. Collagenous stroma surrounding the nests showed spindle cells with tapered nuclei and pinpoint nucleolus. Areas with calcification and osseous metaplasia were also present. Immunohistochemistry performed showed the tumor cells to be positive for pan-cytokeratin (weak), WT-1, and vimentin, and negative for Hepar-1, arginase-1, synaptophysin, chromogranin, S100, NUT-1, myogenin, and desmin. Beta-catenin showed nuclear and cytoplasmic staining pattern. INI-1 was retained within the tumor cells and Ki-67 showed a proliferative index of approximately 10-20%. On MSK-Impact (next- generation sequencing), a mutation in CTNNB1 was detected. Archer FusionPlex was negative for gene fusions within the tumor. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion It is crucial to become familiar with this rare entity and to avoid mistaking it for hepatoblastoma. CNSET exhibits a biphasic morphology characterized by a nested architecture featuring bland and uniform epithelioid and spindle cells, surrounded by a cellular myofibroblastic stroma. Confirming the diagnosis can be aided by nuclear β- catenin and the expression of WT1.

Keratan sulfate proteoglycan: putative template for neuroblast migratory and axonal fascicular pathways and fetal expression in globus pallidus, thalamus, and olfactory bulb.

Keratan sulfate (KS) is a proteoglycan secreted in the fetal brain astrocytes and radial glia into extracellular parenchyma as granulofilamentous deposits. KS surrounds neurons except dendritic spines, repelling glutamatergic and facilitating GABAergic axons. The same genes are expressed in both neuroblast migration and axonal growth. This study examines timing of KS during morphogenesis of some normally developing human fetal forebrain structures. Twenty normal human fetal brains from 9-41 weeks gestational age were studied at autopsy. KS was examined by immunoreactivity in formalin-fixed paraffin sections, plus other markers including synaptophysin, S-100β protein, vimentin and nestin. Radial and tangential neuroblast migratory pathways from subventricular zone to cortical plate were marked by KS deposits as early as 9wk GA, shortly after neuroblast migration initiated. During later gestation this reactivity gradually diminished and disappeared by term. Long axonal fascicles of the internal capsule and short fascicles of intrinsic bundles of globus pallidus and corpus striatum also appeared as early as 9-12wk, as fascicular sleeves before axons even entered. Intense KS occurs in astrocytic cytoplasm and extracellular parenchyma at 9wk in globus pallidus, 15wk thalamus, 18wk corpus striatum, 22wk cortical plate, and hippocampus postnatally. Corpus callosum and anterior commissure do not exhibit KS at any age. Optic chiasm shows reactivity at the periphery but not around intrinsic subfasciculi. We postulate that KS forms a chemical template for many long and short axonal fascicles before axons enter and neuroblast migratory pathways at initiation of migration. Cross-immunoreactivity with aggrecan may render difficult molecular distinction.

Effects of 12-week gait retraining on plantar flexion torque, architecture, and behavior of the medial gastrocnemius in vivo.

This study aims to explore the effects of 12-week gait retraining (GR) on plantar flexion torque, architecture, and behavior of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Thirty healthy male rearfoot strikers were randomly assigned to the GR group (n = 15) and the control (CON) group (n = 15). The GR group was instructed to wear minimalist shoes and run with a forefoot strike pattern for the 12-week GR (3 times per week), whereas the CON group wore their own running shoes and ran with their original foot strike pattern. Participants were required to share screenshots of running tracks each time to ensure training supervision. The architecture and behavior of MG, as well as ankle torque data, were collected before and after the intervention. The architecture of MG, including fascicle length (FL), pennation angle, and muscle thickness, was obtained by measuring muscle morphology at rest using an ultrasound device. Ankle torque data during plantar flexion MVIC were obtained using a dynamometer, from which peak torque and early rate of torque development (RTD50) were calculated. The fascicle behavior of MG was simultaneously captured using an ultrasound device to calculate fascicle shortening, fascicle rotation, and maximal fascicle shortening velocity (Vmax). After 12-week GR, 1) the RTD50 increased significantly in the GR group (p = 0.038), 2) normalized FL increased significantly in the GR group (p = 0.003), and 3) Vmax increased significantly in the GR group (p = 0.018). Compared to running training, GR significantly enhanced the rapid strength development capacity and contraction velocity of the MG. This indicates the potential of GR as a strategy to improve muscle function and mechanical efficiency, particularly in enhancing the ability of MG to generate and transmit force as well as the rapid contraction capability. Further research is necessary to explore the effects of GR on MG behavior during running in vivo.

Eccentric exercise ≠ eccentric contraction.

Whether eccentric exercise involves active fascicle stretch is unclear due to muscle-tendon unit (MTU) series compliance. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of changing the activation timing and level (i.e., preactivation) of the contraction on muscle fascicle kinematics and kinetics of the human tibialis anterior during dynamometer-controlled maximal voluntary MTU-stretch-hold contractions. B-mode ultrasound and surface electromyography were used to assess muscle fascicle kinematics and muscle activity levels, respectively. Although joint kinematics were similar among MTU-stretch-hold contractions (∼40° rotation amplitude), increasing preactivation increased fascicle shortening and stretch amplitudes (9.9-23.2 mm, P ≤ 0.015). This led to increasing positive and negative fascicle work with increasing preactivation. Despite significantly different fascicle kinematics, similar peak fascicle forces during stretch occurred at similar fascicle lengths and joint angles regardless of preactivation. Similarly, residual force enhancement (rFE) following MTU stretch was not significantly affected (6.5-7.6%, P = 0.559) by preactivation, but rFE was strongly correlated with peak fascicle force during stretch (rrm = 0.62, P = 0.003). These findings highlight that apparent eccentric exercise causes shortening-stretch contractions at the fascicle level rather than isolated eccentric contractions. The constant rFE despite different fascicle kinematics and kinetics suggests that a passive element was engaged at a common muscle length among conditions (e.g., optimal fascicle length). Although it remains unclear whether different fascicle mechanics trigger different adaptations to eccentric exercise, this study emphasizes the need to consider MTU series compliance to better understand the mechanical drivers of adaptation to exercise.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Apparent eccentric exercises do not result in isolated eccentric contractions, but shortening-stretch contractions at the fascicle level. The amount of fascicle shortening and stretch depends on the preactivation during the exercise and cannot be estimated from the muscle-tendon unit (MTU) or joint kinematics. As different fascicle mechanics might trigger different adaptations to eccentric exercise, muscle-tendon unit series compliance and muscle preactivation need to be considered when eccentric exercise protocols are designed.

Solitary fibrous tumor occurring in the colon as submucosal mesenchymal lesion: report of two cases and review of the literature.

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm most often arising from the pleura and rarely in extra-pleural locations, including the gastrointestinal tract. We describe two cases of a SFT presenting as submucosal colonic lesion and review the literature on this lesion. One submucosal lesion was localized in the cecum and was 10mm in size. The second lesion presented as a 17mm submucosal rectal lesion. Both lesions presented as well-circumscribed submucosal lesions arranged in short fascicles, blending with abundant collagenous stroma. In both cases, the spindle cells were positive for CD34, STAT6 and CD99, and molecular studies showed NAB2:STAT6 fusion supporting the diagnosis of SFT. Both patients are alive and well 10 and 5years post-excision, respectively. In conclusion, SFT can occur in the colon as a submucosal lesion and should be included in the differential diagnosis of colonic mesenchymal lesions.

Amplification of Mutant NRAS in Melanocytic Tumors With Features of Spitz Tumors

NRAS activating mutations are prevalent in melanocytic neoplasia, occurring in a subset of common acquired melanocytic nevi and ∼30% of cutaneous melanomas. In this study, we described a cohort of 7 distinctive melanocytic tumors characterized by activating point mutations in codon 61 of NRAS with amplification of the mutant NRAS allele and shared clinicopathologic features. These tumors occurred predominantly in younger patients, with a median age of 20 years (range, 6-56 years). They presented as papules on the helix of the ear (4 cases) or extremities (3 cases). Microscopically, the tumors were cellular, relatively well-circumscribed, compound, or intradermal proliferations. The tumor cells often extended into the deep reticular dermis and involved the superficial subcutaneous fat in some cases. The melanocytes were epithelioid to spindled with moderate amounts of cytoplasm and conspicuous nucleoli. They were arranged in short plexiform fascicles, nests, and cords. Some cases had occasional pleomorphic and multinucleated melanocytes. Rare dermal mitotic figures were present in all cases. The dermis contained thick collagen bundles and minimal solar elastosis. Follow-up data were available for 5 patients, with a median period of 4.2 years (range, 1-9 years), during which no recurrences or metastases were reported. Our series highlights a clinicopathologically and molecularly distinctive subset of NRAS-mutated tumors with amplification of the mutant NRAS allele.

Residual force depression is not related to positive muscle fascicle work during submaximal voluntary dorsiflexion contractions in humans.

Residual force depression (rFD) following active muscle shortening is assumed to correlate most strongly with muscle work, but this has not been tested during voluntary contractions in humans. Using dynamometry, we compared steady-state ankle joint torques (N=16) following tibialis anterior (TA) muscle-tendon unit (MTU) lengthening and shortening to the time-matched torque during submaximal voluntary fixed-end dorsiflexion reference contractions (REF) at a matched MTU length and EMG amplitude. Ultrasound revealed significantly reduced (P<0.001) TA fascicle shortening amplitudes during MTU lengthening without a preload over small and medium amplitudes, respectively, relative to REF. MTU lengthening with a preload over a large amplitude significantly (P<0.001) increased fascicle shortening relative to REF, as well as stretch amplitudes relative to MTU lengthening without a preload (P=0.001). Significant (P=0.028) steady-state fascicle force enhancement relative to REF was observed following MTU lengthening, and was similar among MTU lengthening-hold conditions (3-5%). MTU shortening with and without a preload over small and large amplitudes significantly (P<0.001) increased positive fascicle and MTU work relative to REF, but significant (P=0.006) rFD was observed following MTU shortening with a preload (7-10%) only. rFD was linearly related to positive MTU work [rrm (47)=0.48, P<0.001], but not positive fascicle work [rrm (47)=0.16, P=0.277]. Our findings indicate that MTU lengthening without substantial fascicle stretch enhances steady-state force output, which might arise from less shortening-induced rFD. Our findings also indicate similar rFD following different amounts of positive fascicle/MTU work, which cautions against using work to predict rFD during submaximal voluntary contractions. KEY POINTS: Accurately predicting muscle force is challenging because active muscle shortening depresses force output. The residual force depression (rFD) that exists following active muscle shortening is commonly assumed to correlate strongly and positively with muscle work. We found that tibialis anterior muscle fascicle work and muscle-tendon unit work did not accurately predict rFD during submaximal voluntary dorsiflexion contractions. Fascicle shortening during fixed-end reference contractions also potentially induced rFD of 3-5%, which was similar to the rFD following muscle-tendon unit shortening without a preload. A higher number of active muscle fibres during shortening probably increased rFD, which suggests that motor unit recruitment during shortening might predict rFD.

MED15::ATF1-Rearranged Tumor: A Novel Cutaneous Tumor With Melanocytic Differentiation

We recently described novel dermal tumors with melanocytic differentiation and morphologic and biological similarities to cutaneous clear cell sarcoma, including CRTC1::TRIM11 cutaneous tumor, and clear cell tumors with melanocytic differentiation and either ACTIN::MITF or MITF::CREM. Here, we describe a series of 3 patients presenting with tumors reminiscent of CRTC1::TRIM11 cutaneous tumor, found to demonstrate a novel MED15::ATF1 fusion. All 3 patients were children (5-16 years old). Primary excision of case 1 showed a circumscribed wedge-shaped silhouette with peripheral intercalation into collagen fibers and scattered lymphoid aggregates. All 3 tumors abutted the epidermis; one showed a junctional component. Tumors were highly cellular and comprised of monomorphic, oval-to-round epithelioid cells arranged in vague nests and short fascicles in variably fibrotic stroma. Mitotic rate was high (hotspot 6-12/mm2), without atypical mitoses. Necrosis was focally present in case 3. All cases showed strong, diffuse nuclear staining for SOX10 and MITF (2/2) but showed variable expression for S100 protein (1/3) and other melanocytic markers—Melan-A (focal in 2/3), HMB45 (focal in 1/3), and Pan-Melanoma (patchy in 1/1). Whole-exome RNA sequencing demonstrated a MED15::ATF1 fusion without any other notable alterations. Cases 1 and 2 were completely excised without recurrence (12 months). Case 3 developed a grossly apparent regional lymph node spread shortly after primary biopsy. The patient was treated with wide excision, radiation, cervical lymph node dissection (4/46 with >75% lymph node replacement), and neoadjuvant and adjuvant nivolumab (alive without disease at cycle 11). This series is presented to aid in future diagnosis of this novel dermal tumor with melanocytic differentiation and emphasize the potential for aggressive biologic behavior, which should be considered in patient management planning.

Does spastic myopathy determine active movement and ambulation speed in chronic spastic paresis?-A cross-sectional study on plantar flexors.

Functional correlates of spastic myopathy, the muscle disorder of spastic paresis, are unknown. To explore reciprocal relationships between clinical and structural parameters of plantar flexors with i) ambulation speed, ii) dorsiflexion and plantarflexion torques in chronic hemiparesis. Cross-sectional trial in chronic stroke-induced hemiparesis (>6 months). Plantar flexors were quantified through i) the Five Step Assessment: maximal extensibility (XV1), active range of dorsiflexion (XA); ii) ultrasonography: fascicle length (Lf) and thickness (Th) of medial gastrocnemius (GAS) and soleus (SOL), knee extended in an isokinetic ergometer, ankle at 80% XV1-GAS. Maximal isometric torques in plantar flexion (PF) and dorsiflexion (DF) and maximal barefoot 10-meter ambulation speed were collected. Relationships between structural, biomechanical, clinical and functional parameters were explored using non-parametric testing (Spearman). Twenty-one subjects (age 58.0±8.4, mean±SD, time since lesion 7.8±5.7 years) were recruited, with the following characteristics: ambulation speed, 0.77±0.37m/sec; XV1-SOL 92.7±10.3°; XV1-GAS 91.3±9.6°; XA-SOL 86.9±10.0°; XA-GAS 7676±14.2°; LfGAS, 58.2±18.3mm; ThGAS, 17.1±3.6 mm; LfSOL, 36.0±9.6 mm; ThSOL, 13.8±3.3mm; PF peak-torque 46.5±34.1Nm, DF peak-torque, 20.1±19.1Nm. XA-SOL and XA-GAS strongly correlated with XV1-SOL and XV1-GAS respectively (ρ = 0.74, p = 4E-04; resp ρ = 0.60, p = 0.0052). Ambulation speed moderately correlated with LfGAS (ρ = 0.51, p = 0.054), ThGAS (ρ = 0.58, p = 0.02) and LfSOL (ρ = 0.63, p = 0.009). DF and PF peak-torques both correlated with LfGAS (ρ = 0.53, p = 0.04) a; resp. ρ = 0.71, p = 0.0015). In chronic hemiparesis, active dorsiflexion is mostly determined by plantar flexor extensibility. Plantar flexor fascicle shortening is associated with reduced ambulation speed and ankle torques. Attempts to restore plantar flexor extensibility might be important objectives for gait rehabilitation in chronic hemiparesis.

Ossifying Fibromyxoid Tumor with Atypical Features: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract Introduction/Objective Ossifying fibromyxoid tumor (OFMT) is a soft tissue neoplasm usually behaving in a benign fashion, however, it can rarely show atypical or malignant features. It most frequently occurs within the extremities and trunk. Although OFMTs are translocation-associated tumors, and very commonly associated with recurrent gene rearrangements involving the PHF1 gene, their morphologic and immunophenotypic profile can overlap with other soft tissue tumors posing a diagnostic challenge. Methods/Case Report Herein we present a case of a 23-year-old woman who had an excision of a subcutaneous shoulder mass. Grossly, the 5.3 cm mass had a thin translucent capsule and a pink, soft-cut surface with scattered calcifications. Microscopic examination revealed a well-circumscribed lesion composed of plump spindle cells with uniform oval nuclei arranged in short fascicles within a mildly collagenous background. There was prominent hemangiopericytoma-like vasculature and foci of ossification. The tumor cells contained moderate cytoplasm and showed a mild degree of nuclear atypia. Mitotic activity was up to 6 per 10 high-power fields. Immunohistochemical stains showed tumor cells are positive for Desmin, SMA, AE1/AE3 (patchy), TLE, and SATB2, while negative for CD31, CD34, S-100, C-kit, DOG-1, CD117, HMB-45, Melan-A, ALK-1, SOX10, Inhibin, and STAT6. Ki-67 proliferation index was low (1-2%). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing was negative for SYT and MDM2 gene amplification. FISH testing for PHF1 gene (using experimental probes) showed a break apart signal in a subset (~ 25%) of tumor cells, which is equivocal but insufficient to establish clonal interchromosomal translocation involving PHF1. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion There is a histologic spectrum and morphologic overlap of OFMTs with several other soft tissue neoplasms. OFMT with atypical features (increased cellularity and mitotic activity), as in this case, may harbor the unpredictable biologic potential for recurrence and metastasis. Additional studies are required to discover a morphologic, immunohistochemical, and possibly molecular pattern that will help to differentiate OFMT subtypes.

Speed-specific optimal contractile conditions of the human soleus muscle from slow to maximum running speed.

The soleus is the main muscle for propulsion during human running but its operating behavior across the spectrum of physiological running speeds is currently unknown. This study experimentally investigated the soleus muscle activation patterns and contractile conditions for force generation, power production and efficient work production (i.e. force-length potential, force-velocity potential, power-velocity potential and enthalpy efficiency) at seven running speeds (3.0 m s-1 to individual maximum). During submaximal running (3.0-6.0 m s-1), the soleus fascicles shortened close to optimal length and at a velocity close to the efficiency maximum, two contractile conditions for economical work production. At higher running speeds (7.0 m s-1 to maximum), the soleus muscle fascicles still operated near optimum length, yet the fascicle shortening velocity increased and shifted towards the optimum for mechanical power production with a simultaneous increase in muscle activation, providing evidence for three cumulative mechanisms to enhance mechanical power production. Using the experimentally determined force-length-velocity potentials and muscle activation as inputs in a Hill-type muscle model, a reduction in maximum soleus muscle force at speeds ≥7.0 m s-1 and a continuous increase in maximum mechanical power with speed were predicted. The reduction in soleus maximum force was associated with a reduced force-velocity potential. The increase in maximum power was explained by an enhancement of muscle activation and contractile conditions until 7.0 m s-1, but mainly by increased muscle activation at high to maximal running speed.

Validation of a musculoskeletal model for simulating muscle mechanics and energetics during diverse human hopping tasks.

Computational musculoskeletal modelling has emerged as an alternative, less-constrained technique to indirect calorimetry for estimating energy expenditure. However, predictions from modelling tools depend on many assumptions around muscle architecture and function and motor control. Therefore, these tools need to continue to be validated if we are to eventually develop subject-specific simulations that can accurately and reliably model rates of energy consumption for any given task. In this study, we used OpenSim software and experimental motion capture data to simulate muscle activations, muscle fascicle dynamics and whole-body metabolic power across mechanically and energetically disparate hopping tasks, and then evaluated these outputs at a group- and individual-level against experimental electromyography, ultrasound and indirect calorimetry data. Comparing simulated and experimental outcomes, we found weak to strong correlations for peak muscle activations, moderate to strong correlations for absolute fascicle shortening and mean shortening velocity, and strong correlations for gross metabolic power. These correlations tended to be stronger on a group-level rather than individual-level. We encourage the community to use our publicly available dataset from SimTK.org to experiment with different musculoskeletal models, muscle models, metabolic cost models, optimal control policies, modelling tools and algorithms, data filtering etc. with subject-specific simulations being a focal goal.

Fascicle shortening upon activation in voluntary human muscle contractions

BACKGROUND: The dependence of fascicle length on complex interactions with joint angle and force challenges the interpretation of in vivo joint mechanics, muscle mechanical properties, contractile behavior, and muscle function. AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the complex interaction between muscle activation, joint angle, and fascicle length for isometric contractions of the human vastus lateralis muscle (VL). METHOD: Knee extensor torques, joint angles, EMG activation, and fascicle lengths were determined in nine healthy subjects during maximal and submaximal isometric contractions. RESULTS: Fascicle shortening during isometric contractions depended on muscle-tendon unit length/joint angle and activation, reaching a maximum between angles where VL had its maximum force potential and minimum resistance to fascicle shortening. Maximal fascicle shortening shifted to shorter muscle-tendon unit lengths with decreasing activation. CONCLUSION: Fascicle shortening upon activation depends crucially on the force generating potential and stiffness of the muscle and can reach 30% of the resting fascicle length. Not accounting for the complex interactions between muscle length, force potential, muscle structure, and muscle stiffness has led to erroneous interpretations of the function and properties of healthy and diseased muscles.

Impairments in muscle shape changes affect metabolic demands during in-vivo contractions.

The uncoupling behaviour between muscle belly and fascicle shortening velocity (i.e. belly gearing), affects mechanical output by allowing the muscle to circumvent the limits imposed by the fascicles' force-velocity relationship. However, little is known about the 'metabolic effect' of a decrease/increase in belly gearing. In this study, we manipulated the plantar flexor muscles' capacity to change in shape (and hence belly gearing) by using compressive multidirectional loads. Metabolic, kinetic, electromyography activity and ultrasound data (in soleus and gastrocnemius medialis) were recorded during cyclic fixed-end contractions of the plantar flexor muscles in three different conditions: no load, +5 kg and +10 kg of compression. No differences were observed in mechanical power and electrophysiological variables as a function of compression intensity, whereas metabolic power increased as a function of it. At each compression intensity, differences in efficiency were observed when calculated based on fascicle or muscle behaviour and significant positive correlations (R2 range: 0.7-0.8 and p > 0.001) were observed between delta efficiency (ΔEff: Effmus-Efffas) and belly gearing (Vmus/Vfas) or ΔV (Vmus-Vfas). Thus, changes in the muscles' capacity to change in shape (e.g. in muscle stiffness or owing to compressive garments) affect the metabolic demands and the efficiency of muscle contraction.

The force-length relation of the young adult human tibialis anterior.

Knowledge of the muscle's lengths at which maximum active isometric force is attained is important for predicting forces during movement. However, there is limited information about the in vivo force-length properties of a human muscle that plays crucial roles during locomotion; the tibialis anterior (TA). We therefore aimed to estimate TA's force-length relation from dorsiflexor torque-angle curves constructed from eight women and eight men. Participants performed maximal voluntary fixed-end contractions with their right ankle dorsiflexors from 0° to 30° plantar flexion. Muscle fascicle lengths were estimated from B-mode ultrasound images, and net ankle joint torques were measured using dynamometry. Fascicle forces were estimated by dividing maximal active torques by literature-derived, angle-specific tendon moment arm lengths while assuming a fixed 50% force contribution of TA to the total dorsiflexor force and accounting for fascicle angles. Maximal active torques were higher at 15° than 20° and 30° plantar flexion (2.4-6.4 Nm, p≤0.012), whereas maximal active TA fascicle forces were higher at 15° than 0°, 20° and 30° plantar flexion (25-61 N, p≤0.042), but not different between 15° and 10° plantar flexion (15 N, p=0.277). TA fascicle shortening magnitudes during fixed-end contractions were larger at 15° than 30° plantar flexion (3.9 mm, p=0.012), but less at 15° than 0° plantar flexion (-2.4 mm, p=0.001), with no significant differences (≤0.7 mm, p=0.871) between TA's superficial and deep muscle compartments. Series elastic element stiffness was lowest and highest at lengths 5% shorter and 5% longer than optimum fascicle length, respectively (-30 and 15 N/mm, p≤0.003). TA produced its maximum active force at 10-15° plantar flexion, and its normalized force-length relation had ascending and descending limbs that agreed with a simple scaled sarcomere model when active fascicle lengths from within TA's superficial or deep muscle compartment were considered. These findings can be used to inform the properties of the contractile and series elastic elements of Hill-type muscle models.

ECR Spotlight – Cristian Riveros-Matthey

ECR Spotlight is a series of interviews with early-career authors from a selection of papers published in Journal of Experimental Biology and aims to promote not only the diversity of early-career researchers (ECRs) working in experimental biology during our centenary year but also the huge variety of animals and physiological systems that are essential for the ‘comparative’ approach. Cristian Riveros-Matthey is an author on ‘ The effects of crank power and cadence on muscle fascicle shortening velocity, muscle activation and joint-specific power during cycling’, published in JEB. Cristian is a PhD student in the lab of Timothy J. Carroll at The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia, investigating self-selected movement patterns under optimal control theory.

The effects of crank power and cadence on muscle fascicle shortening velocities, muscle activations and joint-powers during cycling.

Whilst people typically chose to locomote in most economical fashion, during bicycling they will, unusually, chose cadences that are higher than metabolically optimal. Empirical measurements of the intrinsic contractile properties of the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle during submaximal cycling suggest that the cadences that people self-selected (SSC) might allow for optimal muscle fascicle shortening velocity for the production of knee extensor muscle power. It remains unclear, however, whether this is consistent across different power outputs where the SSC varies. We examined the effect of cadence and external power requirements on muscle neuromechanics and joint powers during cycling. VL fascicle shortening velocities, muscle activations and joint-specific powers were measured during cycling between 60 and 120rpm (including SSC), while participants produced 10%, 30%, and 50% of peak maximal power. VL shortening velocity increased as cadence increased but was similar across the different power outputs. Although no differences were found in the distribution of joint powers across cadence conditions, the absolute knee joint power increased with increasing crank power output. Muscle fascicle shortening velocities increased in VL at the SSC as pedal power demands increased from submaximal towards maximal cycling. A secondary analysis of muscle activation patterns showed minimized activation of VL and other muscles near the SSC at the 10% and 30% power conditions. Minimization of activation with progressively increasing fascicle shortening velocities at the SSC may be consistent with the theory that the optimum shortening velocity for maximizing power increases with intensity of exercise and recruitment of fast twitch fibers.

SIMPSONS, Inc (?!) - A Very Short Fascicle on Music’s Dramaturgy and Use in Adult Animation Series

SIMPSONS, Inc (?!) - A Very Short Fascicle on Music’s Dramaturgy and Use in Adult Animation Series

PA21 A rare case of diffuse infantile fibromatosis

Abstract Fibromatoses are a heterogeneous collection of tumours of the skin and soft tissue with a large variability in presentation. We present a case of diffuse infantile fibromatosis in a 17-day-old infant boy. He was born at 40 + 7 weeks gestation with a vacuum-assisted delivery following an uncomplicated pregnancy. On physical examination, there were two well-circumscribed circular plaques that coalesced centrally on his left elbow. The plaque measured 2 × 1 cm and was firm, nontethered and nontender. Full skin examination was otherwise normal. Histopathological examination showed hyperkeratotic skin with an attenuated epidermis overlying a dermally based bland-appearing spindle cell proliferation. The lesion was infiltrative throughout the dermis and was arranged in short fascicles and interdigitated with subcutaneous fat, which was extensively trapped by spindle cells. There was no significant atypia and mitotic activity was identifiable but not brisk. Immunohistochemical stains showed strong and diffuse reactivity for smooth muscle actin. Infantile fibromatosis is the childhood counterpart of musculoaponeurotic fibromatosis. It is a benign mesenchymal tumour of infancy and early childhood with diffuse proliferations of oval-to-spindled fibroblasts that infiltrate regional structures. There is a male predominance and in most cases is noted within the first 8 years of life. Clinically, it presents as an asymptomatic, white-yellowish mass that is nontethered to the overlying skin. Although any site may be involved, the majority of cases affect the upper limbs, head and neck region. Histological findings include a wide morphological spectrum. In infants, small oval cells appearing between primitive mesenchymal cells and fibroblasts are in a myxoid background. The cells are loosely arranged and infiltrate skeletal muscle and other regional structures. Peripheral lymphocytic inflammation blends with more cellular proliferation composed of spindle-shaped fibroblasts arranged in bundles and fascicles. There is no well-documented immunohistochemical profile. An important differential diagnosis to exclude is congenital/infantile fibrosarcoma, which, characteristically, has high cellularity, uniform herringbone pattern, high mitotic rate, and zones of haemorrhage and necrosis. In terms of management, as there is a high likelihood of local recurrence in 65% of cases, evidence supports complete excision with documented margins. Where the lesion is diffusely infiltrative, a partial resection to maintain the best postoperative function is recommended.