JAOA -- Table of Contents (December 2007, 107 [12])

THE SOMATIC CONNECTIONS:

Modeled Repetitive Motion Strain and Indirect Osteopathic Manipulative Techniques in Regulation of Human Fibroblast Proliferation and Interleukin Secretion: Kate R. Meltzer and Paul R. Standley
J Am Osteopath Assoc 2007 107:527-536. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Although clinical studies have supported the efficacy of a variety of osteopathic manipulative techniques, an evidence base for the cellular mechanisms underlying these findings is lacking. The authors investigate human fibroblast proliferation and interleukin secretory profiles in response to modeled repetitive motion strain and modeled indirect osteopathic manipulative techniques. In vitro exposure of human fibroblasts is described and analyzed.

Self-Reported Health Behaviors of Osteopathic Physicians: Joseph P. McNerney, Steven Andes, and Deborah L. Blackwell
J Am Osteopath Assoc 2007 107:537-546. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
At the July 2001 American Osteopathic Association House of Delegates Annual Business Meeting in Chicago, Ill, osteopathic physicians were asked to complete a one-page survey regarding their personal health practices. Questions on vacation and personal time, exercise habits, weight control, tobacco and alcohol use, and regular physical examinations and medical screening were all included in the survey. Survey results and trends in physician health habits are discussed.

US Military Smallpox Vaccination Program: Occupational Impact of Immunizations on Aircrew in Air Mobility Command, US Air Force: Les R. Folio and Eveline F. Yao
J Am Osteopath Assoc 2007 107:547-553. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
A national smallpox vaccination program (SVP) for military personnel, civilian healthcare workers, and "first responders" was introduced in 2002 to protect these individuals against exposure to weaponized smallpox. To determine the effect of the SVP on military preparedness, the authors examine trends in duty restriction rates at three US Air Force Air Mobility Command bases before and after SVP implementation. Total vaccine-related duty restriction events are also reported.

Tophaceous Gout in a Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Damon L. Baker, Jeffrey S. Stroup, and Carrie Ann Gilstrap
J Am Osteopath Assoc 2007 107:554-556. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
The authors describe a rare case of concomitant intradermal tophaceous gout and rheumatoid arthritis seen in a 50-year-old white woman.

Standardized Patients and Mechanical Simulators in Teaching and Assessment at Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine: John R. Gimpel, Angela C. Weidner, John R. Boulet, Crystal Wilson, and Anthony M. Errichetti
J Am Osteopath Assoc 2007 107:557-561. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
Medical schools are increasingly using standardized patients and mechanical simulators to teach and assess students' clinical skills. Current use of these tools at colleges of osteopathic medicine is outlined and compared with previously reported data.