Oncomodulin: The Enigmatic Parvalbumin Protein.

EF-hand Ca2+-binding protein family members, α- and ß-parvalbumins have been studied for decades. Yet, considerable information is lacking distinguishing functional differences between mammalian α-parvalbumin (PVALB) and oncomodulin (OCM), a branded ß-parvalbumin. Herein, we provide an overview detailing the current body of work centered around OCM as an EF-Hand Ca2+-binding protein and describe potential mechanisms of OCM function within the inner ear and immune cells. Additionally, we posit that OCM is evolutionarily distinct from PVALB and most other ß-parvalbumins. This review summarizes recent studies pertaining to the function of OCM and emphasizes OCM as a parvalbumin possessing a unique cell and tissue distribution, Ca2+ buffering capacity and phylogenetic origin.

Integration of heterogeneous functional genomics data in gerontology research to find genes and pathway underlying aging across species.

Understanding the biological mechanisms behind aging, lifespan and healthspan is becoming increasingly important as the proportion of the world's population over the age of 65 grows, along with the cost and complexity of their care. BigData oriented approaches and analysis methods enable current and future bio-gerontologists to synthesize, distill and interpret vast, heterogeneous data from functional genomics studies of aging. GeneWeaver is an analysis system for integration of data that allows investigators to store, search, and analyze immense amounts of data including user-submitted experimental data, data from primary publications, and data in other databases. Aging related genome-wide gene sets from primary publications were curated into this system in concert with data from other model-organism and aging-specific databases, and applied to several questions in genrontology using. For example, we identified Cd63 as a frequently represented gene among aging-related genome-wide results. To evaluate the role of Cd63 in aging, we performed RNAi knockdown of the C. elegans ortholog, tsp-7, demonstrating that this manipulation is capable of extending lifespan. The tools in GeneWeaver enable aging researchers to make new discoveries into the associations between the genes, normal biological processes, and diseases that affect aging, healthspan, and lifespan.

CLINICAL REASONING IN THE FACE OF UNCERTAINTY: CONSERVATIVE PHYSICAL THERAPY MANAGEMENT OF A TEENAGE ATHLETE DIAGNOSED WITH A PROXIMAL HUMERAL NON-OSSIFYING FIBROMA.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There have been few published studies regarding the treatment of patients with non-ossifying fibromas (NOFs), either conservatively or operatively. The purpose of this case report is to discuss the clinical presentation and conservative management of a teenage athlete diagnosed with a proximal humerus NOF. CASE DESCRIPTION: The subject was a 13-year-old male middle school student with a diagnosis of left shoulder pain over the prior year preventing him from participating in sports activities. The combination of radiological findings revealing a NOF and a thorough physical examination allowed for the development of a physical therapy plan of care to address impairments and functional limitations. The subject was seen for eight visits where a combination of manual therapy techniques, neural mobilizations, and therapeutic exercises were administered to the cervical and upper quarter regions. The subject's progress was tracked by measuring pain-free shoulder active range of motion (AROM) and monitoring changes using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NRPS) values throughout sessions. OUTCOMES: After four sessions, AROM shoulder flexion and abduction increased from 123 º and 119 º to 160 º and 180 º respectively, and worst NRPS decreased from 9/10 to 3/10. Upon discharge after the eighth visit, the subject's DASH improved from 11.66 to 2.5. The subject remained pain free at an eight month follow up and returned to activity. DISCUSSION: Thorough assessment of both neuromechanical sensitivity and musculoskeletal impairments may provide for the utilization of conservative treatment options for individuals with symptomatic NOFs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.