The dynamics and biophysics of shape formation: Common themes in plant and animal morphogenesis.

The emergence of tissue form in multicellular organisms results from the complex interplay between genetics and physics. In both plants and animals, cells must act in concert to pattern their behaviors. Our understanding of the factors sculpting multicellular form has increased dramatically in the past few decades.

Ensconsin-dependent changes in microtubule organization and LINC complex-dependent changes in nucleus-nucleus interactions result in quantitatively distinct myonuclear positioning defects.

Nuclear movement is a fundamental process of eukaryotic cell biology. Skeletal muscle presents an intriguing model to study nuclear movement because its development requires the precise positioning of multiple nuclei within a single cytoplasm. Furthermore, there is a high correlation between aberrant nuclear positioning and poor muscle function.

High-Resolution Imaging Methods to Analyze LINC Complex Function During Drosophila Muscle Development.

Using Drosophila muscle development as a model system makes possible the identification of genetic pathways, temporal regulation of development, mechanisms of cellular development, and physiological impacts in a single system. Here we describe the basic techniques for the evaluation of the cellular development of muscle in Drosophila in both embryos and in larvae. These techniques are discussed within the context of how the LINC complex contributes to muscle development.

Gemella bergeri infective endocarditis: a case report and brief review of literature.

Gemella is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria found in the digestive tract of humans. They rarely cause systemic illness but have been recently implicated in several serious infections. We report infective endocarditis caused by Gemella bergeri in a 23-year-old with a bicuspid aortic valve status post-intervention in infancy.

Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy-linked genes and centronuclear myopathy-linked genes regulate myonuclear movement by distinct mechanisms.

Muscle cells are a syncytium in which the many nuclei are positioned to maximize the distance between adjacent nuclei. Although mispositioned nuclei are correlated with many muscle disorders, it is not known whether this common phenotype is the result of a common mechanism. To answer this question, we disrupted the expression of genes linked to Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) and centronuclear myopathy (CNM) in and evaluated the position of the nuclei.

The nucleus is a conserved mechanosensation and mechanoresponse organelle.

Cells in vivo exist in a dynamic environment where they experience variable mechanical influences. The precise mechanical environment influences cell-cell interactions, cell-extracellular matrix interactions, and in-turn, cell morphology and cell function. Therefore, the ability of each cell to constantly and rapidly alter their behavior in response to variations in their mechanical environment is essential for cell viability, development, and function.

Ethnic identity, school connectedness, and achievement in standardized tests among Mexican-origin youth.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between school connectedness and performance in standardized test scores and whether this association was moderated by ethnic private regard.

Method: The study combines self-report data with school district reported data on standardized test scores in reading and math and free and reduced lunch status. Participants included 436 Mexican-origin youth attending a middle school in a southwestern U.

Body mass index and percentage of body fat as indicators for obesity in an adolescent athletic population.

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is widely accepted in determining obesity. Skinfold thickness measurements have been commonly used to determine percentage of body fat.

Hypothesis: The authors hypothesize that because BMI does not measure fat directly but relies on body weight alone, a large percentage of athletic adolescents will be misclassified as obese by BMI.

Use of nonpharmacologic interventions for pain and anxiety after total hip and total knee arthroplasty.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare pain and anxiety in orthopaedic patients scheduled for elective total hip or knee arthroplasty who have received a kit of nonpharmacologic strategies for pain and anxiety in addition to their regularly prescribed analgesics to those who receive the usual pharmacologic management alone.

Design: Descriptive comparative and correlational design using surveys and chart audits.

Sample: Sixty-five patients randomized to receive usual care or usual care plus a kit of nonpharmacologic strategies.

The FOOTPRINTS model of pediatric palliative care.

Little is known about the optimal context in which to provide care for the more than 53,000 children who die each year in the United States. Poor training in pediatric palliative care contributes to care that is often fragmented and may neglect the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of the child and family. Pediatric hospice care is frequently not available or not chosen by the family or health care providers.