Changes in Torque-Angle Profiles of the Hamstrings and Hamstrings-to-Quadriceps Ratio After Two Hamstring Strengthening Exercise Interventions in Female Hockey Players.

Delextrat, A, Bateman, J, Ross, C, Harman, J, Davis, L, Vanrenterghem, J, and Cohen, DD. Changes in torque-angle profiles of the hamstrings and hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio after two hamstring strengthening exercise interventions in female hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 34(2): 396-405, 2020-The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 2 hamstring strengthening interventions (Nordic hamstrings [NHE] vs. eccentric leg curl [ELC]) on the hamstring torque-angle profiles and functional hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio (Hecc:Qcon) in female hockey players. Female university-level players were randomly allocated to an NHE group (n = 9, 19.7 ± 1.4 years; 168.4 ± 4.4 cm; 66.2 ± 7.2 kg, 26.0 ± 4.4%), an ELC group (n = 8, 19.5 ± 1.0 years; 168.1 ± 3.4 cm; 66.7 ± 4.5 kg, 24.8 ± 3.5%), or a control (C) group (n = 8, 19.6 ± 1.4 years; 169.9 ± 7.5 cm; 70.7 ± 13.0 kg, 25.9 ± 5.2%). They performed baseline isokinetic concentric strength tests of the quadriceps (Qcon) and eccentric strength of the hamstrings (Hecc) at 120°·s, followed by a 6-week intervention with exercises (NHE or ELC) performed 3 times weekly, before post-tests. Analyses of variance with repeated measures were used to assess the effects of knee position angle (from 90° of knee flexion to 10° close to extension), group, and time on Qcon, Hecc, and Hecc:Qcon. There were no interactions between independent variables. Significant increases in Hecc and Hecc:Qcon were shown after NHE (+29.9 and +27.8%) and ELC (+30.5 and +38.3%) in the nondominant leg only. Furthermore, significant shifts in the hamstring eccentric angle of peak torque toward a longer muscle length were shown in both legs (14.3-28.6%). These findings suggest that NHE and ELC both resulted in significant improvements in peak and muscle-length-specific neuromuscular risk factors in the nondominant (ND) limb, thereby reducing interlimb peak strength asymmetries. Strength and conditioning specialists could therefore use both the NHE and ELC exercises in female hockey players.

A New Method for Partial Breast Reconstruction: 3-Year New Zealand Experience.

In New Zealand, oncoplastic surgery is common, but partial breast reconstruction presents challenges for radiation therapy targeting. Tissue rearrangement creates ambiguity when targeting the tumor bed, with resultant overestimation of treatment volumes. Thus, adoption of advanced methods of radiation therapy have been hindered. This pilot study describes use of a novel three-dimensional implant that provides a scaffolding for tissue ingrowth during partial breast reconstruction and delineates the tumor bed more precisely to assist radiation planning and mammographic surveillance. After informed consent, 15 women were implanted with the three-dimensional bioabsorbable implant. The device was sutured to the tumor bed during lumpectomy, and tissue flaps were mobilized and attached to the implant. Visualization of the marker and radiation treatment volumes were recorded and compared. The implant provided volume replacement and helped to maintain breast contour. Cosmetic outcomes were excellent; no device- or radiation-related complications occurred. One patient had a postoperative hematoma that resolved after percutaneous drainage; there were no postoperative infections. Three-year follow-up shows no tumor recurrences and no untoward effects. When compared to conventional radiation targeting, use of the implant showed that a greater than 50 percent reduction in treatment volume was possible in some cases. Three-year mammograms show no significant artifact, normal tissue ingrowth, and minimal fibrosis. This study describes a method of oncoplastic breast reconstruction using an implantable device that marks the site of tumor excision and provides for volume replacement with tissue ingrowth. Patients tolerated it well, and radiation therapy planning, positioning, and treatment were facilitated.

Platelets surrounding primary tumor cells are related to chemoresistance.

Platelets are crucial components of the tumor microenvironment that function to promote tumor progression and metastasis. In the circulation, the interaction between tumor cells and platelets increases invasiveness, protects tumor cells from shear stress and immune surveillance, and facilitates tumor cell extravasation to distant sites. However, the role and presence of platelets in the primary tumor have not been fully determined. Here, we investigated the presence of platelets around breast cancer primary tumor cells and the associations between these cells. We further investigated the associations among platelets, tumor cells, chemoresistance, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We retrospectively analyzed data from 74 patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)­negative breast cancer who underwent biopsies before treatment and subsequent neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. In biopsy specimens, we evaluated the expression of platelet-specific markers and EMT markers using immunohistochemistry. The associations among the expression of platelet­specific markers in biopsy specimens, EMT, response to neo­adjuvant chemotherapy, and survival were analyzed. The presence of platelets was observed in 44 out of 74 (59%) primary breast cancer biopsy specimens. Platelet­positive tumor cells showed EMT­like morphological changes and EMT marker expression. Primary tumor cells associated with platelets were less responsive to neo­adjuvant chemotherapy (pCR rate: 10 vs. 50%, respectively; p=0.0001). Platelets were an independent predictor of the response to chemotherapy upon multivariable analysis (p<0.0001). In conclusion, there was a significant association between platelets surrounding primary tumor cells in the biopsy specimens and the chemotherapeutic response in breast cancer. Platelets surrounding primary tumor cells may represent novel predictors of chemotherapeutic responses.

Pharmacological and pharmacokinetic characterization of 2-piperazine-alpha-isopropyl benzylamine derivatives as melanocortin-4 receptor antagonists.

A series of 2-piperazine-alpha-isopropylbenzylamine derivatives were synthesized and characterized as melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) antagonists. Attaching an amino acid to benzylamines 7 significantly increased their binding affinity, and the resulting compounds 8-12 bound selectively to MC4R over other melanocortin receptor subtypes and behaved as functional antagonists. These compounds were also studied for their permeability using Caco-2 cell monolayers and metabolic stability in human liver microsomes. Most compounds exhibited low permeability and high efflux ratio possibly due to their high molecular weights. They also showed moderate metabolic stability which might be associated with their moderate to high lipophilicity. Pharmacokinetic properties of these MC4R antagonists, including brain penetration, were studied in mice after oral and intravenous administrations. Two compounds identified to possess high binding affinity and selectivity, 10d and 11d, were studied in a murine cachexia model. After intraperitoneal (ip) administration of 1mg/kg dose, mice treated with 10d had significantly more food intake and weight gain than the control animals, demonstrating efficacy by blocking the MC4 receptor. Similar in vivo effects were also observed when 11d was dosed orally at 20mg/kg. These results provide further evidence that a potent and selective MC4R antagonist has potential in the treatment of cancer cachexia.

Design, synthesis, in vitro, and in vivo characterization of phenylpiperazines and pyridinylpiperazines as potent and selective antagonists of the melanocortin-4 receptor.

Benzylamine and pyridinemethylamine derivatives were synthesized and characterized as potent and selective antagonists of the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R). These compounds were also profiled in rodents for their pharmacokinetic properties. Two compounds with diversified profiles in chemical structure, pharmacological activities, and pharmacokinetics, 10 and 12b, showed efficacy in an established murine cachexia model. For example, 12b had a K(i) value of 3.4 nM at MC4R, was more than 200-fold selective over MC3R, and had a good pharmacokinetic profile in mice, including high brain penetration. Moreover, 12b was able to stimulate food intake in the tumor-bearing mice and reverse their lean body mass loss. Our results provided further evidence that a potent and selective MC4R antagonist with appropriate pharmacokinetic properties might potentially be useful for the treatment of cancer cachexia.

Changes in emotion regulation and psychological adjustment following use of a group psychosocial support program for women recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

This study assesses the efficacy of a group intervention in altering emotion regulation processes and promoting adjustment in women with breast cancer. Using a design with 10 alternating phases of availability of the intervention versus standard care, we assessed women participating in one of three conditions: a 12-week group intervention (N = 54); a decliner group who refused the intervention (N = 56), and a standard care group who were not offered the intervention (N = 44). The intervention included training in relaxation, guided imagery, meditation, emotional expression, and exercises promoting control beliefs and benefit-finding. Emotion regulation processes and adjustment were assessed at baseline (following diagnosis), 4 months (corresponding with the end of the intervention), 6 months, and 12 months. At 4 months, intervention participants (compared to decliners and standard care participants) reported greater increases in use of relaxation-oriented techniques, perceived control, emotional well-being, and coping efficacy, and, greater decreases in perceived risk of recurrence, cancer worry, and anxiety. Intervention participants also reported relatively greater decreases in emotional suppression from baseline to 12 months, suggesting that the intervention had a delayed impact on these tendencies. The findings suggest an emotion regulation intervention can beneficially influence emotional experiences and regulation over the first year following diagnosis.

Cognitive and affective determinants of decisions to attend a group psychosocial support program for women with breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study assesses the roles of illness beliefs, emotion regulation factors, and sociodemographic characteristics in decisions to participate in a group support program for women recently diagnosed with breast cancer. METHOD: Women recruited during clinic visits 2 to 4 weeks after diagnosis completed measures of affective and cognitive factors identified by Leventhal's Common-Sense Model of illness self-regulation: cancer-related distress, avoidance tendencies, beliefs that the breast cancer was caused by stress and altered immunity, and personal control beliefs. Measures of general anxiety and depression, social support, and demographic characteristics were also completed; prognostic status information was obtained from medical records. All women were encouraged to participate in a free, 12-week program offering coping skills training and group support. Participation was recorded by program staff. RESULTS: Of the 110 women, 54 (49%) participated in the group support program and 56 (51%) did not. Logistic regression analyses revealed that participation was predicted by stronger beliefs that the cancer was caused by altered immunity, higher cancer-related distress, lower avoidance tendencies, and younger age. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in the group psychosocial support program appeared to be guided by cognitive and affective factors identified by the Common-Sense Model. Psychosocial support programs and informational materials promoting their use may attract more participants if they are tailored to focus on resolving cancer-related distress rather than on general anxiety or depression, appeal to those with high avoidance tendencies, address the role of immune function in cancer progression, and meet the needs of older participants.

A seasonal variation in breast cancer.

AIM: To demonstrate a seasonal variation in the detection of breast cancer in women diagnosed at St Marks Breast Centre, Auckland. METHODS: Data on women diagnosed with breast cancer at St Marks Breast Centre from January 1992 till December 2001 were obtained from the computerised database. RESULTS: A total of 1760 women were diagnosed with breast cancer; 1584 were referred by their general practitioner and 176 self referred. The peak incidence of seasonal diagnosis was in spring (September, October, November) with 521 cases. The lowest incidence was in summer (December, January, February) with 375 cases. These findings were consistent annually from 1992 to 2001. CONCLUSIONS: There is a seasonal variation in the incidence of breast cancer similar to that noted in other studies. Our findings suggest that temporal factors and possible behavioural patterns may have a role in this seasonal variation.

Pulsed electrostatic fields (ETG) to reduce hair loss in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast carcinoma: a pilot study.

AIMS: To determine whether specific pulsed electrostatic fields, or electrotrichogenesis (ETG), could potentially prevent or reduce hair loss in patients undergoing adjuvant cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil (CMF) chemotherapy for breast cancer. METHODS: Thirteen women were followed during their adjuvant ETG and chemotherapy treatment to determine the efficacy of ETG. All patients were treated for 12 min, twice weekly with a pulsed electrostatic field. Quantitative hair loss was measured by photographic assessment, and manual hair count. Quality of life assessment was conducted at the end of the study. RESULTS: Twelve out of 13 participants had good hair retention throughout the chemotherapy period and afterwards. There were no reported side effects attributable to ETG. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows encouraging results in an area where no other appropriate treatment is available Reducing alopecia, secondary to chemotherapy has the potential to increase CMF treatment compliance, enhance patient self-esteem, and improve overall quality of life during this stressful period.

Aggressive fibromatosis of the breast: a case report and literature review.

Aggressive fibromatosis is a rare, locally aggressive disease. It constitutes 0.3% of all solid tumors, but the tumor is rarely seen in the breast, particularly without pectoral muscle and fascial involvement. The etiology is unknown, but an association with Gardner's syndrome has been described. Clinical and imaging findings simulate breast carcinoma. A case in a 53-year-old female patient is reported.