LanB1 Cooperates With Kon-Tiki During Embryonic Muscle Migration in Drosophila

Muscle development is a multistep process that involves cell specification, myoblast fusion, myotube migration, and attachment to the tendons. In spite of great efforts trying to understand the basis of these events, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying myotube migration. Knowledge of the few molecular cues that guide this migration comes mainly from studies in Drosophila. The migratory process of Drosophila embryonic muscles involves a first phase of migration, where muscle progenitors migrate relative to each other, and a second phase, where myotubes migrate searching for their future attachment sites. During this phase, myotubes form extensive filopodia at their ends oriented preferentially toward their attachment sites. This myotube migration and the subsequent muscle attachment establishment are regulated by cell adhesion receptors, such as the conserved proteoglycan Kon-tiki/Perdido. Laminins have been shown to regulate the migratory behavior of many cell populations, but their role in myotube migration remains largely unexplored. Here, we show that laminins, previously implicated in muscle attachment, are indeed required for muscle migration to tendon cells. Furthermore, we find that laminins genetically interact with kon-tiki/perdido to control both myotube migration and attachment. All together, our results uncover a new role for the interaction between laminins and Kon-tiki/Perdido during Drosophila myogenesis. The identification of new players and molecular interactions underlying myotube migration broadens our understanding of muscle development and disease.

A Research Protocol to Evaluate the Efficacy of Powerball versus Mulligan Mobilization with Movement on Pain and Function in Patients with Lateral Epicondylitis

Background: Amongst the most frequently repeated stress conditions within the elbow joint includes lateral epicondylitis (LE). The extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle attachment is affected mostly. The management of an individual with LE that manifests itself in repetitive upper extremity motions is the purpose of this research. There seems to be no study on the effects of PowerBall device training on the pain and function in individuals with Lateral Epicondylitis. “PowerBall device” practice is a type of strength training. Methods / Design: After conducting initial evaluations and allocation, the subjects (n=50) with LE will be involved in a randomized controlled study and classified either in an intervention group or a conventional group. The interventional group will do “PowerBall device” exercises, while others in the control group, doing MMWM. These groups will receive basic movements and ultrasound in accordance with the procedures. Discussion: The PRTEE scale measured the intervention's impact on pain and function in patients with LE, and a Hand-held Dynamometer was utilized to quantify grip strength. The findings will give considerable support for the use of the "PowerBall device" exercise and MMWM on LE patients. Conclusion: Conclusion will be drawn post study so as to see whether PowerBall device is more helpful or Mulligan Mobilization with Movement on pain and function in patients with LE. This study will give better approach to the therapist in managing the condition.

A new Tardigrade species, Stygarctus keralensis sp. nov. (Arthrotardigrada: Stygarctidae) from the intertidal zone of Southwest coast of India

Stygarctus keralensis sp. nov. (Arthrotardigrada: Stygarctidae), is described from the intertidal sandy sediments of Vadakara beach, Kerala, Southwest coast of India. To a certain extent, this new species shows morphological similarity with Stygarctus gourbaultae Renaud-Mornant, 1981, however it can be differentiated by some significant distinguishable characters like double looped seminal receptacle ducts and the presence of a bow shaped internal thickening in between the opening of seminal receptacles situated below the level of gonopore and above the anus; unsculptured body plates I-III; paired sub-cephalic pore/muscle attachment; shape and structure of caudal processes. Presence of minute spikes on third lateral processes in the new species is another unique character by which it can be easily differentiated from S. gourbaultae.

Factors involved in Morphogenesis in the Muscle–Tendon–Bone Complex

A decline in the body’s motor functions has been linked to decreased muscle mass and function in the oral cavity and throat; however, aging of the junctions of the muscles and bones has also been identified as an associated factor. Basic and clinical studies on the muscles, tendons and bones, each considered independently, have been published. In recent years, however, research has focused on muscle attachment as the muscle–tendon–bone complex from various perspectives, and there is a growing body of knowledge on SRY-box9 (Sox9) and Mohawk(Mkx), which has been identified as a common controlling factor and a key element. Myostatin, a factor that inhibits muscle growth, has been identified as a potential key element in the mechanisms of lifetime structural maintenance of the muscle–tendon–bone complex. Findings in recent studies have also uncovered aspects of the mechanisms of motor organ complex morphostasis in the superaged society of today and will lay the groundwork for treatments to prevent motor function decline in older adults.

Feeding behaviour and the operculum in Olividae (Gastropoda): the case of Callianax biplicata (G. B. Sowerby I, 1825)

Olividae are marine gastropods living as predators or scavengers on soft sediments. The complex prey handling behaviour of large predatory species includes the storage of food in a pouch formed temporarily by bending and contraction of the posterior foot. Such metapodial pouches had been observed only in Olividae that lack an operculum, prompting the hypothesis that the folding of the metapodium into a pouch biomechanically required the absence of the operculum. Here we report metapodial pouch formation in an operculate olivid, Callianax biplicata (formerly Olivella biplicata). Since the operculum is too small to close the shell aperture in mature C. biplicata, a protective function seems unlikely. The operculum may rather serve as an exoskeletal point for muscle attachment, but may also represent a ‘vestigial organ’ in the process of evolutionary reduction, or an ontogenetic remnant functional at early life stages but not at maturity. Consequently, our observations refute the notion that only inoperculate olivids can form pouches, but not necessarily the idea that the ability to form a metapodial pouch evolved in parallel with operculum reduction

The skeleton of Congruus kitcheneri , a semiarboreal kangaroo from the Pleistocene of southern Australia

The macropodine kangaroo, Wallabia kitcheneri , was first described in 1989 from a Pleistocene deposit within Mammoth Cave, southwestern Australia, on the basis of a few partial dentaries and maxilla fragments. Here, we recognize W. kitcheneri within the Pleistocene assemblages of the Thylacoleo Caves, south-central Australia, where it is represented by several cranial specimens and two near-complete skeletons, a probable male and female. We reallocate this species to the hitherto monotypic genus Congruus . Congruus kitcheneri differs from all other macropodid species by having a highly unusual pocket within the wall of the nasal cavity. It is distinguished from C. congruus by having a longer, narrower rostrum, a taller occiput and a deeper jugal. Congruus is closest to Protemnodon in overall cranial morphology but is smaller and less robust. In most postcranial attributes, Congruus also resembles Protemnodon , including general limb robustness and the atypical ratio of 14 thoracic to five lumbar vertebrae. It is distinguished by the high mobility of its glenohumeral joints, the development of muscle attachment sites for strong adduction and mobility of the forelimb, and large, robust manual and pedal digits with strongly recurved distal phalanges. These adaptations resemble those of tree-kangaroos more than ground-dwelling macropodines. We interpret this to imply that C. kitcheneri was semiarboreal, with a propensity to climb and move slowly through trees. This is the first evidence for the secondary adoption of a climbing habit within crown macropodines.

Treatment of Ventral Hip Luxation in a Puppy

A Three months of age, 4.5 kg, female mixed (cross) breed presented to our clinic with complaint of the left hind leg lameness. In the clinical, radiographic and ultrasonographic examination, ventral hip luxation was diagnosed. Based on the examination findings which indicated the case was chronic, surgical treatment was decided. Hip joint was exposed firstly by craniodorsal approach. Flattened and full acetabulum, fractured greater trochanter, ruptured gluteal muscle attachment and irreparably broken joint capsule were determined. Excision arthroplasty was performed by ventral approach. Greater Trochanter was attached to its position by an L shape Steinman pin using craniodorsal approach. Then, a drill hole was created on the greater trochanter, and a screw was inserted to dorsal acetabular rim. A synthetic suture passed through the hole was tied to the screw in a figure of eight mode. Postoperative antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs were used. Physiotherapy such as swimming and massage treatments was proposed following skin sutures removal. In the 4th week control postoperatively, the dog began to use the operated leg effectively despite the moderate quadriceps’ contracture. The contracture was mostly resolved 12th week by continuing physiotherapy.