North Texas Health Science Center Research Articles

Characteristics of the Gantzer muscle and implications for its use as a tendon-graft source in upper extremity reconstruction

BackgroundThe Gantzer muscle is an anatomical variant muscle that functions in flexion of the volar forearm. The prevalence and laterality of this muscle has been studied more recently in the literature. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and size of this muscle and tendon. MethodsThis was an observational study done from September 2021 to January 2022 at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Cadaveric dissection was conducted in the Department of Physiology and Anatomy. 50 pairs for a total of 100 forearms were dissected bilaterally in cadavers comprising 17 females (34 %) and 33 males (66 %) to identify the Gantzer muscle. The mean age at death was 68.8 years of age (range 40–91 years). When present, the dimensions of each Gantzer tendon were measured in millimeters using digital calipers. As a study of cadaveric specimens, this study was exempt from Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. ResultsThe Gantzer muscle was present in 62 of the 100 forearms (62 %). All 62 Gantzer muscles originated from flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) (100 %). Of the 62 Gantzer muscles, 42 inserted distally into flexor pollicus longus (FPL) (72.5 %), while the remaining 17 muscles inserted distally into flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) (27.5 %). The tendons inserting into FDP had an average length of 65.495 mm, while those inserting into FPL had an average length of 16.353 mm (p = 0.002). The Gantzer muscle was present in 24 of the 33 male specimens (72.7 %) and 13 of the 17 female specimens (76.4 %). Of the 62 Gantzer muscles, 50 were present bilaterally (80.6 %), and there was no significant difference in bilateral occurrence between sexes (p = 0.189). ConclusionsOur results suggest that the Gantzer muscle may be of sufficient size and present commonly enough in the general population to be considered as an alternative graft source for certain upper extremity reconstruction procedures in place of, or in addition to, palmaris longus, extensor toe tendons, and other commonly used tendon grafts. In this study, when palmaris longus was absent in a specimen, a Gantzer muscle was likely present, and may provide surgeons an alternative tendon graft source in the upper extremity without requiring additional incisions in the lower extremity for alternative tendon graft sources. Further biomechanical testing of the Gantzer tendon with comparisons to other common tendon graft sources is warranted.

EVALUATING PROGRAMS WITH OLDER ADULTS AND CAREGIVERS AS PARTNERS IN PATIENT EDUCATION

Abstract The Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program at the University of North Texas Health Science Center has several programs where patients, older adults, caregivers and healthcare stakeholders are incorporated directly into the educational experience or provide feedback to inform the design of educational programs. In addition to the program design, there are evaluation considerations related to incorporating these important stakeholders to best capture the impact of this group. The goal of evaluation research has become more and more important in program design, especially with interdisciplinary programs and programs involving multiple stakeholder groups. Evaluation research is the assessment of outcomes and information that will inform future decision making. These stakeholders are important partners and have an important impact on program design and research outcomes, which is something that should be measured along the way. The University of North Texas Health Science Center Community Advisory Council, Infection Control Advocate and Resident Education (ICARE), Dementia Education, and Seniors Assisting in Geriatric Education are programs that will be included in this evaluation discussion. For these projects, we included evaluation components to keep the patient’s voice at the center of education planning, delivery, and improvement. This presentation will discuss the evaluation of impact in these programs, discuss barriers to measurement, and report early results. One key finding is the lack of systematic measurement tools available and the need for additional tools that can be used across settings where patients are part of the education program design.

LINKING MERIT-BASED INCENTIVE PAYMENT SYSTEM (MIPS) MEASURES TO AGE-FRIENDLY HEALTH SYSTEMS

Abstract IHI’s Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative provides a framework for older adult primary care focused on the 4Ms: Mentation, Mobility, Medications, and What Matters which addresses the need for an integrated system of care. Additionally, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have implemented merit-based incentivized payment system (MIPS) measures to promote provider practices that improve healthcare quality. MIPS measures and age-friendly care practices may be improved through training, which may lead to better patient outcomes. To integrate the 4Ms to improve care and patient safety, the Center for Older Adults at the University of North Texas Health Science Center standardize workflows and increase the number of annual wellness visits (AWV). A standardized template in the electronic medical record was created, questions in the patient registration software were added to identify eligible patients, and three different types of AWVs were standardized. Training courses were developed and completed by providers. The percentage of patients who receive an AWV is measured on an annual basis. Learnings have been integrated into training courses. Between July 2020 to June 2021, 297 healthcare professionals completed online training modules, with post-survey ratings showing helpful content with learning objectives being met. Provider support through training and incorporating MIPS measures and the Age-Friendly 4Ms framework into the AWV can support consistent outcome measurement and improve quality care for older adults.

GERIATRIC WORKFORCE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMS AS AAA AGE-FRIENDLY INITIATIVES PARTNER

Abstract The Health Resources and Services Administration funded 48 Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Programs (GWEPs) to partner with community-based organizations in addressing gaps in health care for older adults, promoting Age-Friendly ecosystems, and addressing social determinants of health. This paper discusses three GWEPs collaborative projects with Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) that deliver community-based programs . The University of Utah’s GWEP, a rural AAA, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs provided a hybrid Dementia Caregiver Conference to six counties, reaching 65 in-person attendees and 10 senior centers online. Attendees agreed the content met their educational needs, would positively influence care, and was motivation to form a caregiver coalition. The University of Louisville Trager Institute (Trager), AAA, and Kentucky Coalition for Healthy Communities provided focused regional training and sharing of community resources utilizing the Project ECHO training model for 11 AAA regions, reaching 412 home and community-based services professionals. The University of North Texas Health Science Center, AAA, and emergency management services expanded evidence-based programs in falls prevention, medication safety, and dementia caregiving, serving an additional 23 urban postal codes, rural counties, and over 1,900 individuals. These examples utilize unique community relationships and partnership strategies to identify local needs, maximize older adult and family caregiver engagement, measure outcomes, and achieve GWEP goals to educate diverse, underserved and rural communities.

B - 82 Relations between Subjective and Objective Memory Functioning: Investigating Psychometric Equivalence across Race Using Structural Equation Models.

We assessed the relations between the Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire (SMCQ) and the Spanish English Verbal Learning Test (SEVLT) for equivalence across race. Secondary objectives include evaluating the SMCQ for measurement invariance across race. The current study accessed data from the University of North Texas Health Science Center's Health and Aging Brain Study - Health Disparities (HABS-HD). We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the SMCQ for measurement invariance across Black (n = 515), Hispanic (n = 1104), and White (n = 1096) Americans. We first specified a configural model to assess the fit of the underlying structure across groups, followed by a scalar model to determine whether scores reflect comparable levels of the latent construct. Next, we regressed the SEVLT on the SMCQ to test the relation between subjective and objective memory functioning. Lastly, we specified a multigroup SEM to compare unconstrained and constrained regression models across race. Full scalar invariance was tenable for the SMCQ (ΔCFI = 0.007, NCI = 0.023). There were significant negative relations between the SMCQ and the SEVLT for each group (Black: b = -2.31; Hispanic: b = -1.63; White: b = -2.72), but the relations were not equivalent across groups [χ2 diff (df) = 20.2.45 (2), p < 0.001]. Results suggest that the SMCQ can be administered to screen Black, Hispanic, and White individuals for memory functioning and that mean comparisons can be made. Differential regression coefficients suggest that clinical thresholds may need to be set independently across groups to promote clinical utility.

Unraveling crime scenes strand by strand: the forensic odyssey of Bruce Budowle.

Bruce Budowle speaks to Ashling Cannon, Journal Development Editor for BioTechniques, about advancements & challenges in forensic science. Budowle completed his doctorate in genetics at Virginia Tech (VA, USA) formally known as Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He then went on to complete a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (AL, USA) to study genetic risk factors for acute lymphocytic leukemia, diabetes and melanoma. Budowle was early in his career and hadn't spent much time in forensics at this stage, but in 1982 an advert caught his eye for a job with the FBI to develop genetic marker systems to identify people who have left biological evidence at crime scenes. Budowle spent 26years with the FBI and helped develop a plethora of genetic analysis methods. In 1985, it became a reality that DNA could be a signature for identifying people, and there were huge developments in DNA forensic analysis. In 2009, Budowle moved into academia and went to the University of North Texas Health Science Center (TX, USA), eventually becoming the Director of the Center for Human Identification, where he oversaw missing person and traditional crime cases, taught students and carried out fundamental and applied research. Budowle feels incredibly lucky to have had the resources, opportunities and academic infrastructure to learn and develop his knowledge. Budowle recently retired from academia and now spends his time building capacity for DNA forensics applications in Africa through the Department of Justice, with a well-established program known as the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) as well as with the non-government organization (NGO) DNAforAfrica.

Introducing the New Editorial Team

Introducing the New Editorial Team

First Author Highlights

AnnouncementFirst Author HighlightsPublished Online:19 May 2023https://doi.org/10.1152/ajprenal.2023.324.5.AUMoreSectionsPDF (362 KB)Download PDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesGet permissionsTrack citations DANIELLE L. KIRKMANDepartment of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United StatesFigure 1.Danielle KirkmanDownload figureDownload PowerPointDanielle Kirkman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at Virginia Commonwealth University. She received her PhD in Clinical Exercise Physiology from Bangor University in Wales before completing her postdoctoral fellowship in vascular physiology at the University of Delaware. Her research is focused on applied, integrative physiology at the nexus of cardiovascular and renal health. As an exercise physiologist by training, a large body of her work has investigated the cardiovascular and metabolic effects of exercise in patients across the spectrum of kidney diseases. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors [Photo: Fig. 1].https://doi.org/10.1152/ajprenal.00046.2023FERNANDO MARMOLNorthwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United StatesFigure 2.Fernando MarmolDownload figureDownload PowerPointFernando Marmol is a research scholar at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL, mentored by Dr. Daniel Batlle. He is an International Medical Graduate MD from Ecuador. His research interests focus on acid-base and electrolyte disorders as well as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and its potential therapeutic use. Like Dr. Batlle, he is a fan of the soccer team Barcelona FC. Away from the laboratory bench, he loves practicing basketball, soccer, and cycling. He is pursuing becoming a nephrologist [Photo: Fig. 2].https://doi.org/10.1152/ajprenal.00312.2022LINDSEY A. RAMIREZDepartment of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United StatesFigure 3.Lindsey RamirezDownload figureDownload PowerPointLindsey Ramirez completed her PhD in Physiology at Augusta University under the mentorship of Jennifer Sullivan. In 2022, she successfully defended with distinction. In her doctoral laboratory, she studied the role of inflammation in mediating high-fat diet-induced changes in adiposity and blood pressure. Currently, she is a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Elizabeth Glover at the University of Illinois in Chicago, IL. In her current role, she is investigating the neural mechanisms that mediate aversion to ethanol. She enjoys learning about true crime, collecting rocks, and various crafts such as sewing, knitting, and crocheting [Photo: Fig. 3].https://doi.org/10.1152/ajprenal.00308.2022YU TAODepartment of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas, United StatesFigure 4.Yu TaoDownload figureDownload PowerPointYu Tao is a PhD student in the Integrative Physiology Department in the University of North Texas Health Science Center, mentored by Dr. Rong Ma. She got her MS from Wuhan University, China. Her research focused on the podocyte and mesangial cell physiology in diabetic kidney disease. She enjoys cooking, baking, and hiking in her spare time [Photo: Fig. 4].https://doi.org/10.1152/ajprenal.00297.2022This article has no references to display. Download PDF Previous Back to Top Next FiguresReferencesRelatedInformation Related ArticlesCall for Papers: Exercise and the kidneys in health and disease 27 Apr 2023American Journal of Physiology-Renal PhysiologyFecal ammonium in mice with CKD: gastrointestinal sequestration by sodium zirconium cyclosilicate 02 May 2023American Journal of Physiology-Renal PhysiologyPerinatal intermittent hypoxia increases early susceptibility to ANG II-induced hypertension in adult male but not in female Sprague–Dawley rats 27 Apr 2023American Journal of Physiology-Renal PhysiologyStore-operated Ca2+ entry inhibition ameliorates high glucose and ANG II-induced podocyte apoptosis and mitochondrial damage 27 Apr 2023American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology More from this issue > Volume 324Issue 5May 2023Pages i-ii Crossmark Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 2023 the American Physiological Society.https://doi.org/10.1152/ajprenal.2023.324.5.AUPubMed37204405History Published online 19 May 2023 Published in print 1 May 2023 Metrics

PROMOTING RESIDENT SAFETY THROUGH TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED NURSE AIDES, RESIDENTS, FAMILIES, AND OMBUDSMEN

Abstract Preventing COVID-19 infections and ensuring resident safety in the nursing home (NH) setting requires collaboration among NH leadership, staff, residents, and their advocates including families, caregivers, and nursing home ombudsmen. To address this multi-collaborative need, the University of North Texas Health Science Center Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program developed training in two focus areas. The first focused on resilience training for Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) with the United Way that addresses factors influencing well-being, economic stability, mental health, and other social determinants. The second focused on training residents, families, ombudsmen, and other resident advocates to become active partners with NH leadership and staff in the prevention and control of healthcare acquired infections. To ensure training reflects the needs and preferences of key NH stakeholders, we developed a Nursing Home Advisory Council in partnership with state Ombudsman Programs in Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico.

Age Friendly Emergency Medicine Services: Integrating What Matters, Medications, Mobility, and Mentation into Emergency Response.

Our population is aging. The Age Friendly Health System (AFHS) initiative by the Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI) includes the 4 M's of What Matters, Medications, Mobility, and Mentation, and is at the forefront of older adult health care. When applying the 4M's to emergency medical services (EMS), the benefits include avoiding unnecessary transports and helping the patient stay healthy and safe in their home setting. The University of North Texas Health Science Center and other partnerships aspired to designate MedStar the first AFHS in the country within EMS practice. The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle aimed at various changes with the AFHS components of What Matters and Medications within an electronic medical record (EMR) algorithm for emergency medical paramedics. Additionally, previously piloted geriatric practice leadership institute projects embedded Mentation and Mobility by including specific screenings in the EMR. The preliminary result in the PDSA described showed 52% of older adults answered health when asked What Matters most to them today. However, updated data as of January 2022, showed an overwhelming 6732 (69%) patients out of 9685 patients, answered health when asked What Matters most to them today. Additionally, the EMR identifies high-risk medications. Paramedics can now verify potential risks and develop a care plan based on the identified high-risk medications. Implementing AFHS components allows for better care delivery and outcomes as our older population is growing and embraces more complexities. The data is still novel but promising, requiring longitudinal information before conclusions can be considered. IHI is currently reviewing opportunities to expand its models of care into emergency medicine, behavioral health, and other settings. MedStar sets the example that EMS can practice the AHFS approach serving as a model for the EMS environment. We are currently awaiting feedback from IHI regarding our request to designate MedStar the first AFHS EMS practice in the country.

Correlates of protection for SARS-CoV-2 vaccines

<div class="authors authors-lg"><div class="author"><div class="author-img"><img src="https://bioinsightscdn.blob.core.windows.net/uploads/Bunnell 200x200.png" data-image="1"></div><div class="author-det"> <b>Bruce A Bunnell </b>is a professor and Chair of the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, TX. Previously, he served as Director of the Tulane Center for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine and Professor in the Department of Pharmacology in the Tulane University School of Medicine. Dr. Bunnell obtained his PhD in Microbiology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine. He then pursued Postdoctoral Fellowship research at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in the School of Medicine at the University of Michigan and the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. Dr. Bunnell was an Assistant Professor at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Research Institute, part of the Ohio State University School of Medicine prior to joining the faculty at Tulane University in 2002. Dr. Bunnell’s research program is focused on both the basic science and translational applications of adult stem cells isolated from the bone marrow and adipose tissue. Dr. Bunnell investigates use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from the bone marrow or adipose tissue as a therapeutic intervention for both multiple sclerosis (MS) wound repair, lung injury and bone repair. He is particularly interested the interactions of MSC with the immune system and how the cells elicit robust anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. He is currently working towards a human clinical trials for the treatment of osteoarthritis, traumatic brain injury and MS with these cells. He has served as a reviewer of stem cell, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering grants for the National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense and several state funded programs including Maryland, New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania. He has also served on grant review panels for several foreign countries including Denmark, Ireland, Poland, Germany and Spain. Dr. Bunnell serves as an Editorial Board Member for several journals, including Stem Cells, BMC Genomics, and Regenerative Medicine. </div></div></div>

Leveraging Partnerships for a Nursing Home COVID Learning Community

The rapid and uncertain trajectory of community spread in nursing homes statewide spurred action by the University of North Texas Health Science Center to create a nursing home (NH) COVID learning community. As an existing ECHO hub, we assembled an interdisciplinary team leveraging local NH partnerships, a regional Quality Improvement Organization (QIO), and a regional emergency response task force to rapidly scale up delivery. Specialist teams include a geriatrician and NH medical director, administrator, nursing administration, infection control expert, and a QIO specialist. With the IHI curriculum as a road map for essential training elements, we adapt each week’s agenda based on the interests and concerns of the participating nursing facilities and the incidence rate in our community. At this time, we have two more sessions before completion of phase 1. The three cohorts are engaging 151 participants from 68 nursing facilities with a total attendance of 747.

Comparing Framingham risk score and cognitive performance in a Mexican American cohort

ObjectiveMexican-Americans have a higher prevalence of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors as compared to Non-Hispanic whites. This study aims to elucidate the utility of the Framingham Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score (FCVDRS) as a predictor of cognitive performance on a cohort of Mexican Americans elders. Participants and Setting429 Mexican-Americans (338 female and 91 male) from a longitudinal study conducted at The University of North Texas Health Science Center were studied. Main outcome measuresDemographic and clinical data relevant to Framingham Cardiovascular Disease 10-year Risk Score (FCVDRS) were assessed. FCVDRS was calculated based on Body Mass Index (BMI) and categorized as Low if <10, Moderate if between 10 and 20, and High if >20. Cognitive performance on Trails B, Wechsler Logical Memory I and II, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Animal Naming (AN) tests. Demographic data was analyzed using t-tests and chi-square tests as appropriate. Pearson correlation tests and ANOVAs were used to compare FCVDRS, as a continuous variable and as a categorical variable, against cognitive performance. ResultsBoth Pearson correlation tests and linear regression analysis, showed significant correlations between FCVDRS and performance on 4 of the 8 measures of cognitive performance. ANOVAs with Post-Hoc analysis also showed that the difference in cognitive performance was more pronounced between groups with greater differences in FCVDRS. In all analyses, the strength of the relationship was stronger in females. ConclusionThe results show that FCDVRS has high predictive utility in measures of cognitive function. Gender specific analysis between FCVDRS and cognitive performance indicate a stronger association in females.

Muscular Asymmetries in Anatomical Donors with Lower‐Limb Amputations

Individuals with lower-limb amputations experience asymmetrical musculoskeletal loading associated with increased gait asymmetry, fall risk, and overuse injuries. Many biomechanical modeling systems rely on cadaveric data for a gold standard, so it is important to confirm asymmetries in donors with lower-limb amputation reflect those of living individuals for an accurate standard. Previously, we examined skeletal asymmetries in these donors using a threshold of 10% for clinical significance, which is considered symmetrical in healthy controls. We found less bone mineral density and bone mineral content, and wider knee joint space on each donor's most compromised limb compared to their most intact limb. Amputation can also result in muscle atrophy, leading to changes in muscle mass, architecture, and fiber phenotype. This study investigated these between-limb muscular differences in donors with lower-limb amputations to determine if donor findings reflect findings in living individuals. We hypothesized each donor's most compromised limb would show less muscle mass, lower pennation angle and physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA), and fewer and smaller type 1 fibers compared to their most intact limb. Two male unembalmed donors 61 and 67 years of age with lower-limb amputations secondary to diabetes were obtained through the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) Willed Body Program. Four muscles were dissected from each limb: gluteus maximus, sartorius, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris long head. Muscle mass and fiber lengths were collected using a hanging scale and calipers, then muscles were photographed to collect pennation angle in ImageJ software. PCSA was calculated using the following formula: [(muscle mass x cos(pennation angle)] / [fiber length (cm) x muscle density (1.067 g/cm-3)]. The density of human skeletal muscle was taken from the literature. Histological (H&E) staining of muscle tissue was used to determine fiber density and cross-sectional area. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was used to identify the percentage of fibers containing the fast type II isoform of myosin heavy chain. Biceps femoris PCSA was 18.1-68.6% larger on each donor's most compromised limb compared to their most intact limb. Differences were largely driven by pennation angle, as opposed to muscle mass or fiber lengths. H&E staining also showed smaller cross-sectional biceps femoris muscle fibers on the most compromised side compared to the most intact side. IHC analyses of fiber phenotype in these muscles are ongoing. More donors should be included to assess the generalizability of our findings. Knowledge of muscle adaptations following amputation in donors can confirm accurate biomechanical modeling and inform rehabilitation techniques to reduce muscle atrophy. The authors would like to thank the donors and their families, as well as the UNTHSC Willed Body Program.

Heating Up Cold Cases: An Interview with Bruce Budowle on Human Identification

Heating Up Cold Cases: An Interview with Bruce Budowle on Human Identification

Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Cognitive Dysfunction, and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Objectives: The present study sought to evaluate the contribution of cardiovascular risk factors to cognitive functioning in a sample of Mexican Americans diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: Hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity were diagnosed based on self-report and/or standardized procedures. Cognitive function was measured with MMSE, Logical Memory I and II, Trail A & B, FAS, animal naming, and digit span tests. Independent samples t tests and two-way ANOVAs were conducted for analyses, adjusting for relevant covariates. We studied 100 Mexican Americans (65 female) with MCI, ages 50–86, from a longitudinal study of cognitive aging conducted at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Results: A difference between subjects with and without obesity and memory scores was shown by t tests. Two-way ANOVAs detected an association between the coexistence of hypertension and diabetes with language measures, diabetes and dyslipidemia with executive function, and diabetes and obesity with memory and language measures. Conclusions: This study provides additional evidence about the link between cardiovascular risk factors and cognitive dysfunction in MCI subjects, and also demonstrated that comorbid risk factors increased the degree of cognitive deficit in many areas, which may indicate a higher risk of developing dementia.

TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine.

TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine.

The Influence of Behavioral Selection on Dental Variation in Domesticated Silver Foxes

The relationship between canine tooth size and social signaling has long been observed in wild carnivore and primate populations. In several of these species, it has been well‐established that larger canine size is directly correlated to social structures where agonistic interactions are commonplace. However, canine teeth are difficult to study in the wild because they serve multiple roles in addition to social signaling, such as food acquisition and guiding functional occlusion of the jaws. The Russian silver fox experiment represents a long‐term, controlled study where foxes have been selected for a behavioral phenotype toward either non‐aggression or hyper‐aggression. Results from the experiment have demonstrated that an increase in the range of variation of several soft tissue features accompanies selection for non‐aggression. In the absence of food‐related selective pressures, the influence of behavioral selection on dentition can be observed. The objective of this study is to compare the variation present in the gross dental sizes of canine teeth, which serve both social and food‐related roles, and carnassial teeth (maxillary P4 and mandibular M1), which play critical roles in mastication, as a result of selection solely on behavioral phenotype. We employed univariate and multivariate comparisons of maxillary canine, maxillary fourth premolar, mandibular first molar mesiodistal length and buccolingual breadth, as well as maximum height and crown height of the canine. These data were collected in sex‐balanced samples of unselected (n=51), tame (n=48), and hyper‐aggressive (n=50) experimental strains. Results indicate that the canine tooth is the most variable tooth across all three strains. This is in line with observations recorded in wild fox populations. However, foxes in the aggressive‐selected strain exhibit significantly reduced variation in canine crown height compared to the tame and control groups, further supporting hypotheses that the canine is strongly influenced by behavioral selective pressures favoring aggression. The patterns of variability in the tame‐selected strain tend to mirror those in the unselected strain, albeit with greater degrees of sexual dimorphism present in the variation. This provides further evidence that canine teeth are under strong selection relative to behavioral pressures and supports hypotheses that selection on behavior can affect the rate of variability of structures.Support or Funding InformationUniversity of Iowa College of Dentistry; University of Missouri; University of North Texas Health Science Center

Effect of Acute Leg Heating On Circulating Endothelin‐1 in Aged Humans

There is a sustained reduction in arterial blood pressure that occurs in aged adults following exposure to acute leg heating. However, the neurovascular and humoral mechanisms mediating this hypotensive response remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that circulating concentrations of the potent vasoconstrictor substance endothelin‐1 would be attenuated concurrently with arterial blood pressure in aged adults following exposure to acute leg heating. Thirteen young adults (6 female; age 25 ± 4; height 172 ± 9 cm; weight 74 ± 15 kg; mean ± SD) and 10 aged adults (6 female; age 69 ± 5; height 166 ± 4 cm; weight 71 ± 11 kg; mean ± SD) were exposed to 45 minutes of acute leg heating. Subjects wore a tube‐lined water‐circulating garment that allowed leg skin temperature to be clamped at ~40°C during heating. Intestinal temperature was measured throughout via a telemetric pill. Systemic vascular conductance was calculated as cardiac output divided by mean arterial pressure and measured prior to heating (pre‐heat) and 30 min after (recovery). Plasma endothelin‐1 concentrations were quantified at pre‐heat and recovery time points via an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Leg heating increased body core temperature in young adults by 0.4 ± 0.1 °C and by 0.8 ± 0.2 °C in aged adults (both P &lt; 0.05 vs. 0 change). Body core temperature remained modestly elevated for both groups in recovery (both P &lt; 0.05 vs. pre‐heat). Mean arterial blood pressure was well maintained in young adults following leg heating (pre‐heat, 86 ± 6 mmHg vs. recovery, 88 ± 7 mmHg; P = 0.4), but was markedly reduced in aged adults (pre‐heat, 101 ± 7 mmHg vs. recovery, 94 ± 6 mmHg; P &lt; 0.05). Systemic vascular conductance in young adults did not differ from pre‐heat (69 ± 3 ml min−1 mmHg−1) to recovery (70 ± 3 ml min−1 mmHg−1; P = 0.7), whereas conductance was increased in aged adults (pre‐heat, 55 ± 6 ml min−1 mmHg−1 vs. recovery, 62 ± 5 ml min−1 mmHg−1; P = 0.07). Plasma endothelin‐1 concentrations did not differ between groups at the pre‐heat time point (young adults, 1.13 ± 0.13 pg ml−1 vs. aged adults, 1.44 ± 0.11 pg ml−1; P = 0.4). Plasma endothelin‐1 increased in recovery by 0.23 ± 0.42 pg ml−1 for young adults and by 0.20 ± 0.43 pg ml−1 for aged adults (both P &lt; 0.05 vs. 0 change). These data suggest that increased circulating endothelin‐1 may contribute to the maintenance of arterial blood pressure in young adults following exposure to acute leg heating by limiting systemic vascular conductance. Despite an increase in plasma endothelin‐1 in aged adults, arterial blood pressure was reduced in parallel with an increase in systemic vascular conductance which suggests that endothelin‐1‐mediated vasoconstriction may be altered following leg heating. Alternatively, increased endothelin‐1 may be preventing a further deleterious reduction in arterial blood pressure in aged adults by restraining the increase in systemic vascular conductance.Support or Funding InformationNational Institutes of Health (R01AG059314) and laboratory startup funds from the University of North Texas Health Science Center.

Educating first-year medical students on inactive vaccine components.

Medical EducationVolume 54, Issue 5 p. 446-447 REALLY GOOD STUFF: Lessons learned through innovation in medical education Educating first-year medical students on inactive vaccine components Amanda J. Chase, Amanda J. ChaseSearch for more papers by this authorAmber J. Heck, Corresponding Author Amber J. Heck a.heck@tcu.edu orcid.org/0000-0002-0758-2950 Correspondence Amber J. Heck, Texas Christian University and University of North Texas Health Science Center School of Medicine, Texas Christian University Box 297085, Fort Worth, Texas, USA. Email: a.heck@tcu.eduSearch for more papers by this author Amanda J. Chase, Amanda J. ChaseSearch for more papers by this authorAmber J. Heck, Corresponding Author Amber J. Heck a.heck@tcu.edu orcid.org/0000-0002-0758-2950 Correspondence Amber J. Heck, Texas Christian University and University of North Texas Health Science Center School of Medicine, Texas Christian University Box 297085, Fort Worth, Texas, USA. Email: a.heck@tcu.eduSearch for more papers by this author First published: 16 March 2020 https://doi.org/10.1111/medu.14111Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume54, Issue5May 2020Pages 446-447 RelatedInformation