Joint form is frequently used to interpret locomotor and manipulative adaptations and infer physical behavioral patterns in past humans, yet the precise genetic and environmental determinants of joint size are incompletely understood. The aim of this research is to assess the plasticity of limb articular dimension through the use of directional asymmetry as an indicator of mechanical stress during skeletal development. Directional asymmetry is largely attributable to differential mechanical loading during bone growth related to handedness. Because the large majority of individuals are right-handed, it is hypothesized that joint dimensions will be significantly larger in the upper right limb and lower left limb in the crossed symmetry pattern that is typically exhibited in bone lengths. Patterns of bilateral variation were explored by sex and skeletal location. Significant levels of directional asymmetry (P < 0.05) suggest that limb articular surfaces are adapted to the mechanical environment. Biomechanical factors are important in the development and maintenance of articular morphology. Further research, however, is needed to establish the exact relationship between joint size and the mechanical environment.

Just as medical colleges have adapted to the Millennial generation of students, a new generation is poised to enter as matriculants. Learner attributes of this generation, Generation Z, are in stark contrast to previous ones, but more than that, they provide new challenges that undergraduate universities are already facing. This article aims to highlight some of these challenges, including those relating to student counseling services, volunteering activities, learning environments, and learner perspectives. These challenges are framed and discussed within the context of medical education.

ObjectiveWe tested the effect of exercise training and genistein treatment on splenomegaly in mice fed a high-fat, high-sugar diet (HFSD).ResultsMale and female C57BL6 mice fed HFSD containing 60% fat along with drinking water containing 42 g/L sugar (55% sucrose/45% fructose) for 12 weeks exhibited significant obesity, hyperglycemia, and elevated plasma IL-6 levels. This was accompanied by splenomegaly characterized by spleen weights 50% larger than mice fed standard chow (P < 0.05) with enlarged rad and white pulps. Mice fed HFSD and treated with a combination of exercise (30 min/day, 5 days/week) and genistein (600 mg genistein/kg diet) had reduced spleen weight (P < 0.05). The decrease in spleen weight was associated with a significant improvement in red-to-white pulp area ratio and plasma glucose and IL-6 (P < 0.05). Our findings indicate that reversal of splenomegaly by regular exercise and genistein treatment may be important in the clinical management of HFSD-induced obesity.