Comparing the fundamental movement skill proficiency of children with intellectual disabilities and typically developing children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Children around the world, particularly those with intellectual disabilities (ID), are exhibiting poor motor skill proficiency. Compared with typically developing children (TDC), children with intellectual disabilities (CwID) are 65% more likely to exhibit low levels of motor competence. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare the motor skill proficiency levels, in terms of fundamental movement skills (FMS) of CwID to TDC. FMS are the building blocks required for lifelong participation in sport and physical activity. METHOD: The meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA statement guidelines. 6 electronic databases were searched and 16, 679 studies were found. A total of 26 studies (total participants n = 3,525) met the inclusion criteria. A multivariate maximum likelihood multivariate random effects model was fitted to the data using the metafor package in R. RESULTS: The study showed that the standardised mean difference (Hedges' g) in FMS between TDC and CwID is large (g = 1.24; CI 95% [.87, 1.62]). Specifically, significant differences between the two groups emerged in all five outcomes: (1) total locomotor score, (2) total object manipulation score, (3) balance, (4) run skill and (5) throw skill. CONCLUSIONS: Further investigation into effective intervention strategies is required in order to reduce the magnitude of difference in motor skill proficiency between the two groups. In addition to developing, implementing and evaluating these interventions, researchers need to work hand in hand with national governing bodies (NGB) of sport and policy makers to ensure that teachers and coaches are being provided with opportunities to upskill in the area of FMS.

Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells prevent allergic airway inflammation by inducing murine regulatory T cells.

BACKGROUND: Adult bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) possess potent immune modulatory effects which support their possible use as a therapy for immune-mediated disease. MSC induce regulatory T cells (T(reg)) in vitro although the in vivo relevance of this is not clear. OBJECTIVE: This study addressed the hypothesis that adult bone marrow derived-MSC would prevent the pathology associated with allergen-driven airway inflammation, and sought to define the effector mechanism. METHODS: The influence of allogeneic MSC was examined in a model system where T(reg) induction is essential to prevent pathology. This was tested using a combination of a model of ovalbumin-driven inflammation with allogeneic MSC cell therapy. RESULTS: Systemic administration of allogeneic MSC protected the airways from allergen-induced pathology, reducing airway inflammation and allergen-specific IgE. MSC were not globally suppressive but induced CD4(+) FoxP3(+) T cells and modulated cell-mediated responses at a local and systemic level, decreasing IL-4 but increasing IL-10 in bronchial fluid and from allergen re-stimulated splenocytes. Moderate dose cyclophosphamide protocols were used to differentially ablate T(reg) responses; under these conditions the major beneficial effect of MSC therapy was lost, suggesting induction of T(reg) as the key mechanism of action by MSC in this model. In spite of the elimination of T(reg) , a significant reduction in airway eosinophilia persisted in those treated with MSC. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that MSC induce T(reg) in vivo and reduce allergen-driven pathology. Multiple T(reg) dependent and independent mechanisms of therapeutic action are employed by MSC.

Attenuated Bordetella pertussis vaccine strain BPZE1 modulates allergen-induced immunity and prevents allergic pulmonary pathology in a murine model.

BACKGROUND: Virulent Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough, exacerbates allergic airway inflammation in a murine model of ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization. A live genetically attenuated B. pertussis mucosal vaccine, BPZE1, has been developed that evokes full protection against virulent challenge in mice but the effect of this attenuated strain on the development of allergic responses is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of attenuated B. pertussis BPZE1 on OVA priming in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation. METHODS: Mice were challenged with virulent or attenuated strains of B. pertussis, and sensitized to allergen (OVA) at the peak of bacterial carriage. Subsequently, airway pathology, local inflammation and OVA-specific immunity were examined. RESULTS: In contrast to virulent B. pertussis, live BPZE1 did not exacerbate but reduced the airway pathology associated with allergen sensitization. BPZE1 immunization before allergen sensitization did not have an adjuvant effect on allergen specific IgE but resulted in a statistically significant decrease in airway inflammation in tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. BPZE1 significantly reduced the levels of OVA-driven IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 but induced a significant increase in IFN-gamma in response to OVA re-stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that, unlike virulent strains, the candidate attenuated B. pertussis vaccine BPZE1 does not exacerbate allergen-driven airway pathology. BPZE1 may represent an attractive T-helper type 1 promoting vaccine candidate for eradication of whooping cough that is unlikely to promote atopic disease.

A non-invasive photographic modification for recording early vascular development in the chick.

The chick embryo shell-less culture technique allows continuous observation and access to the developing vessels of the area vasculosa (AV); hence, its value as an angiogenesis assay system. The main drawback of the method is that adequately contrasted photographs cannot be achieved without injection of a contrast medium which kills the embryo making further observation of the same specimen impossible. Furthermore, injection prior to 72 h incubation has a high failure rate. In an attempt to overcome these problems, we explored the possibility of using a high-contrast photographic process. Embryos were explanted into shell-less culture after 48 h incubation and photographed through a stereo microscope. After trials with different films we found that Kodalith ortho Type 3 (Kodak) and Technical Pan film (Kodak) produced images of the vasculature which were identical in contrast and detail to India-ink-injected specimens photographed with conventional film. In addition, excellent images could be recorded as early as 48 h of incubation.