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Our laboratories have used genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) to assess genetic contributions to skeletal diseases such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Studies on the genetic contributions to OA are often done by assessing how GEMMs respond to surgical methods that induce symptoms modeling OA. Here, we will describe protocols outlining the induction of experimental OA in mice as well as detailed descriptions of methods for analyzing skeletal phenotypes using micro-computerized tomography and skeletal histomorphometry.

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This study examines the exercise habits and perceived barriers to exercise of a convenience sample of 300 commercial truck drivers. Participants reported minimal amounts of exercise, with nearly 20% not exercising in the past week. A high prevalence of obesity was found in this sample: 93.3% of study participants had a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher. Drivers with BMIs of greater than 30 were significantly more likely to rate the exercise environment as terrible/bad. Drivers who had at least one health condition engaged in significantly less aerobic exercise, used fewer strengthening exercises, did not exercise for 30 minutes continuously, and had a higher BMI. Drivers who spent most of their off-duty time in their truck while their partner drove were also significantly more likely to not exercise regularly. Most drivers cited lack of time and place as the primary barriers to exercising. This study adds to the limited knowledge about exercise behaviors among commercial truck drivers.

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BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Women who have not had a Papanicolaou test in five years or more have increased risk of developing invasive cervical cancer. This study compares Appalachian women whose last screening was more than one year ago but less than five years ago with those not screened for the previous five years or more. METHODS: Using PRECEDE/PROCEED as a guide, factors related to obtaining Pap tests were examined using cross-sectional data from 345 Appalachian Kentucky women. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify predictors of screening. RESULTS: Thirty-four percent of participants were rarely- or never-screened. In multiple logistic regression analyses, several factors increased those odds, including belief that cervical cancer has symptoms, and not having a regular source of medical care. CONCLUSION: The findings from this study may lead to the development of effective intervention and policies that increase cervical cancer screening in this population.

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The Good Samaritan Nursing Center (GSNC) is an integrated nurse-managed center that serves vulnerable populations in the community. Across its 10 clinics, the GSNC helps to improve access to health care for people of all ages. The purpose of this article is to (1) describe the services and goals of the GSNC, a Commonwealth Collaborative; (2) discuss selected outputs/outcomes from the GSNC clinics; and (3) propose recommendations for research related to the outcomes of this nurse-managed center.

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UNLABELLED: In partnership with community agencies and organizations, University of Kentucky College of Medicine (UKCOM) launched an after-school program focusing on creating healthy, active lifestyles for students at a Lexington elementary school. Chosen for the underserved population of children it cares for, the school exhibits all of the national risk factors for obesity: low-income families (57% of annual household incomes less than $10,000); minority population (80% of the children African-American or Hispanic); and located in an unsafe neighborhood for outdoor physical activity. These demographics resulted in a school population that had body mass index (BMI) demographics of 48.8% overweight (BMI >85%), including 30.7% obese (BMI >95%), in contrast with the national average of 16% obese. METHODS: Targeting the school's children with a BMI >85th percentile, an after-school program was created. The students met twice a week for 90-minute sessions of fun physical activities, proper nutritional information, as well as small group sessions with pediatric psychiatry residents focusing on good choices and proper motivations in life. Universal school interventions were also instituted in an attempt to reach the entire school population. RESULTS: Initial findings after the first year of the program indicated a slowing in the average rate of weight gain by the targeted population. While the results, compared to accessible data in a school population with similar demographics, did not reach statistical significance, the trends were in the desired direction. A statistically significant difference (p=0.027) was observed in mean BMI percentile for the universal school population versus the comparison school. CONCLUSION: School-based prevention and intervention conducted by a coalition of community agencies and organizations is a promising and cost-effective approach to curtailing childhood obesity.

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