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Abstract Background Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) utilize parallel and related signaling pathways, however the interaction between these pathways in bone remains unclear. TGF-β inhibition has been previously reported to promote osteogenic differentiation in vitro, suggesting it may have a capacity to augment orthopaedic repair. We have explored this concept using an approach that represents a template for the testing of agents with prospective orthopaedic applications. Methods The effects of BMP-2, TGF-β1, and the TGF-β receptor (ALK-4/5/7) inhibitor SB431542 on osteogenic differentiation were tested in the MC3T3-E1 murine pre-osteoblast cell line. Outcome measures included alkaline phosphatase staining, matrix mineralization, osteogenic gene expression (Runx2, Alp, Ocn) and phosphorylation of SMAD transcription factors. Next we examined the effects of SB431542 in two orthopaedic animal models. The first was a marrow ablation model where reaming of the femur leads to new intramedullary bone formation. In a second model, 20 μg rhBMP-2 in a polymer carrier was surgically introduced to the hind limb musculature to produce ectopic bone nodules. Results BMP-2 and SB431542 increased the expression of osteogenic markers in vitro, while TGF-β1 decreased their expression. Both BMP-2 and SB431542 were found to stimulate pSMAD1 and we also observed a non-canonical repression of pSMAD2. In contrast, neither in vivo system was able to provide evidence of improved bone formation or repair with SB431542 treatment. In the marrow ablation model, systemic dosing with up to 10 mg/kg/day SB431542 did not significantly increase reaming-induced bone formation compared to vehicle only controls. In the ectopic bone model, local co-administration of 38 μg or 192 μg SB431542 did not increase bone formation. Conclusions ALK-4/5/7 inhibitors can promote osteogenic differentiation in vitro, but this may not readily translate to in vivo orthopaedic applications.

Clinical concerns have been raised over prior exposure to bisphosphonates impairing fracture healing. To model this, groups of male Wistar rats were assigned to saline control or treatment groups receiving 0.15 mg/kg (low dose), 0.5 mg/kg (medium dose), and 5 mg/kg (high dose) Pamidronate (PAM) twice weekly for 4 weeks. At this point, closed fractures were made using an Einhorn apparatus, and bisphosphonate dosing was continued until the experimental endpoint. Specimens were analyzed at 2 and 6 weeks (N = 8 per group per time point). Twice weekly PAM dosing was found to have no effect on early soft callus remodeling at 2 weeks post fracture. At this time point, the highest dose PAM group gave significant increases in bone volume (+ 10%, p < 0.05), bone mineral content (+ 30%, p < 0.01), and bone mineral density (+ 10%, p < 0.01). This PAM dosing regimen showed more substantive effects on hard callus at 6 weeks post fracture, with PAM treatment groups showing + 46–79% increased bone volume. Dynamic bone labeling showed reduced calcein signal in the PAM-treated calluses (38–63%, p < 0.01) and reduced MAR (32–49%, p < 0.01), suggesting a compensatory reduction in bone anabolism. These data support the concept that bisphosphonates lead to profound decreases in bone turnover in fracture repair, however, this does not affect soft callus remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research regarding the role of the school psychologist in response-to-intervention (RTI) and other multitiered systems of support is minimal (Ball & Christ, 2012). However, the National Association of School Psychologists' (NASP) "Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services" (2010), "Best Practices in School Psychology V" (Thomas & Grimes, 2008), and supporting research can serve as important resources for informing best practices in multitiered service delivery. One common theme among these resources is the school psychologist's role in using data-based decision-making to link assessment and intervention. The NASP Practice Model (2010) identifies data-based decision-making as a professional practice that permeates all aspects of service delivery. Part of the problem-solving process includes collecting multiple pieces of data to support decision making for assessment, intervention design, and progress monitoring (NASP, 2010). Using data-based decision-making drives the development and testing of hypotheses. The results are then used to determine an appropriate intervention and evaluate its effectiveness. This strategy is considered best practice in the problem-solving process for effective and efficient tiered service delivery (Batsche, Castillo, Dixon, & Forde, 2008). Batsche et al. (2008) refer school psychologists to the actions that should be taken at each stage of the problem-solving model used by effective tiered service delivery systems (see Bergan & Kratochwill, 1990). During each stage of this process, school psychologists should take the following steps to link assessment to intervention (Batsche et al., 2008): (1) Problem identification; (2) Problem analysis; (3) Intervention development; and (4) Implementation and intervention evaluation. This article describes each step.

Summer and winter breaks from school can be highly anticipated times for students and educators. However, for students living in poverty, the break from school can bring hidden challenges that school psychologists should be aware of when preparing for vacation. Research has shown that school breaks affect students from varying socioeconomic status (SES) levels differently, causing a widening gap in achievement between students living above and below the poverty line (Entwisle, Alexander, & Olson, 2005; Evans, 2005; Borman, Benson, & Overman, 2005). To compound this academic divide, students living in poverty have been shown to be at an increased risk for exposure to domestic abuse and violence (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2010). These volatile home environments have been thought to become more intense during school breaks as corresponding holidays bring with them additional sets of risk factors for violence (Sullivan, 2010). It is important that school psychologists remind themselves of the difficulties faced by students living in poverty when away from school services. Providing at-risk students with supports that they can seek out while away from school-based services can help bridge the gap over both summer and holiday breaks. A list of resources is provided.

This article examines the paintings of Michael Cusack, on display at the Brian Moore Gallery in Sydney, Australia. Topics include Cusack's simple forms and modest use of color.

To describe community brain injury (BI) associations' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anonymous online survey study. In January 2022 the project team, including community BI association co-investigators, collected responses from key stakeholders in the 70 eligible BI associations across Canada. Respondents were from 45 associations, including associations in Pacific/Western (n=18; 40%), Central (n=25; 56%), and Atlantic Canada (n=2; 4%). Respondents were primarily paid executive directors (n=35; 78%) representing primarily associations employing 10 or less people (n=33; 77%) but serving 100 or more different clients (n=31; 69%) before the COVID-19 pandemic. None. The online 26-item survey had quantitative and narrative questions about three main topics: association sustainability, meeting the needs of clients, and addressing public health. Thirty-four (76%) associations reported reductions in funding or financial resources during the pandemic which affected provision of programs or services, and only 14 (31%) received sufficient funds to a large or very large extent to cover additional pandemic-related expenses. Yet, twenty-eight (62%) associations reported increased demand for their programs or services, and 42 (93%) innovated their programs or services to meet varied and widespread client needs during the pandemic. Forty-two (93%) associations provided services or information to clients to explain public health guidelines, and forty-one (91%) associations reported clients experienced challenges in understanding and following public health guidelines. Narrative data provided further depth to the quantitative data. Community BI associations have a vital role in the long-term rehabilitation and management of BI. However, the COVID-19 pandemic challenged BI associations to remain sustainable and meet the needs of their clients. Researchers and policy makers need to acknowledge and adequately support the indispensable work of associations in the BI rehabilitation continuum, as the loss of community BI associations could have vast ramifications. This survey study was funded in part by Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR); the funder did not have a role in design, data collection, analysis, or reporting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The US Supreme Court argued in I Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health i that the US Constitution does not, in fact, guarantee a right to abortion and returned the ability to define abortion rights and determine abortion restrictions to individual states. To the Editor On June 24, 2022, the US Supreme Court decided in a landmark ruling in I Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health i to overturn the 1973 case of I Roe v Wade i ,[1] which had previously standardized how states could regulate abortion and protected abortion under the constitutional right of privacy. 4 Strzyzy'nska W. Polish state has "blood on its hands" after death of women refused an abortion. [Extracted from the article]