bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Training and Use of Interpreters in Bilingual Psycho-Educational Assessment: an Alternative in Need of Study
Authors: Ochoa Salvador Hector , Gonzalez Doreen , Galarza Aitza , Guillemard Luisa
Published: December 2008

A multistate survey of 859 school psychologists who indicated prior experience conducting bilingual psycho-educational assessment found that over half had used interpreters. Seventy-seven percent of the school psychologists who reported using interpreters had received no or very little training to do so. Only 37% of the school psychologists reported that their interpreter had received formal training. In only 7% of the cases reported were both school psychologists and interpreters trained in the interpretation process. The data illustrate the need to increase training and recruitment of minority and/or non-minority graduate students proficient in two or more languages for the purpose of more accurately assessing limited-English proficient students. Additional areas for further research involving interpreters are suggested.
Effects of Differential Feedback Upon the Oral Reading Fluency of Secondary Students With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Arthaud Tamara J. , Rankin Joan L.
Published: December 2008

The effects of different types of feedback upon the oral reading fluency (number of words read per minute) of three secondary students with learning disabilities were analyzed to determine whether feedback affected the reading rate of the students. Feedback types included verbal feedback only, visual feedback in the form of performance graphs, and feedback regarding miscue analysis in conjunction with performance graphs. Results indicated that the visual feedback only condition yielded the greatest increase in overall reading rate. However, miscue feedback in conjunction with graphic feedback led to a greater increase in accuracy of words read per minute in timed readings.
Evaluating Potential Test Components for a New Cognitive Screening Test: a Preliminary Study
Authors: Scott Marcia S. , Deuel Lois-Lynn S. , Urbano Richard C. , Perou Ruth , Claussen Angelika H. , Scott Michele S. , Sanchez Mercedes
Published: December 2008

Four and five-year-old children, 22 with mild mental retardation and 27 with learning disabilities, were matched with normally achieving children of the same age, gender, and ethnicity. All were presented a battery of eight cognitive tasks being considered for inclusion in a new screening test. Five tasks were selected based on their high levels of classification accuracy. One of the selected tasks required the child to point to pictures in a systematic manner, one to find the odd or different picture, one to define a common word, one to generate items belonging to a specific category and one to verbalize differences among people. The results support the contention that a broad array of cognitive measures may enable more effective early identification of young children with mild learning problems.
Do the Brigance Screens Detect Developmental and Academic Problems?
Authors: Glascoe Frances Page
Published: December 2008

The Brigance Screens are a series of popular measures designed to quickly detect children between two and seven years of age who may have developmental difficulties. With the exception of the Kindergarten form, it is not known which score (out of a possible 100) is the best cutoff for sensitively detecting children with possible problems while also minimizing over-referrals. In order to locate optimal cutoffs, 408 children between 21 and 48 months of age were recruited from sites representing the geographic regions and demographic characteristics of the United States. Each child was administered the appropriate Brigance Form and a criterion battery that included measures of achievement, language, adaptive behavior, and intelligence. Receiver Operating Characteristic analyses were used to locate optimal cutoff scores for each form of the Brigance. Using these cutoff scores, between 72% and 100% of children with developmental difficulties were identified. At the same time, between 73% and 100% of children with normal development could also be correctly identified. These values approach standards for screening tests and suggest that the Brigance Screens are a valuable early detection tool, if appropriate cutoff scores are used.
State Standards: Authenticity vs. Diversity
Authors: Davidson Marcia R. , Howell Kenneth W.
Published: December 2008

This article reviews problems associated with the current movement to use National Standards and Performance Assessment to reform education. The characteristics of standards, as they are currently being employed, are discussed. In addition, issues related to measurement, reliability and validity are reviewed. The impact of the Standards on students with disabilities is also discussed. The article ends with an expression of concern that the emphasis on performance accountability may spawn a new wave of speculation about the potential of some students to learn.
Cross Informant Comparisons of the Home and Community Social Behavior Scales and the School Social Behavior Scales
Authors: Robbins Robyn , Merrell Kenneth W.
Published: December 2008

The importance of obtaining information regarding social behavior in differing social environments was examined through the use of the School Social Behavior Scales and the Home and Community Social Behavior Scales. These instruments were designed to provide information regarding student's social behavior in the school and home settings, respectively. Social behavior of 122 students in grades 6-8 who participated in a prevention program for behaviorally at-risk youth was rated by a parent, general education teacher and at-risk program teacher. Parents and special program teachers of the at-risk students were more likely to provide positive ratings of the student's behaviors than their general education teachers. Parents and general education teachers also rated students higher in negative or antisocial behaviors than the at-risk program teachers. Internal consistency coefficients for the Social Competence and Antisocial Behavior scales of the two measures were .95 or higher across all three raters. Correlations between raters were generally low. It is proposed that the low correlations between raters are the result of situational differences.
A Split-Half Reliability Study of the Minnesota Child Development Inventory-Spanish Version Based on a Hispanic Migrant Population
Authors: Reilly AmySue , Williams Thomas Oliver , Cox Cynthia A.
Published: December 2008

The Minnesota Child Development Inventory-Spanish Version (MCDI-SV), a parental report assessment, was completed for 1,043 Hispanic migrant worker children ranging in age from 12 to 71 months. The MCDI-SV is a widely used instrument for screening and assessment within migrant early intervention programs. This study analyzed the reliability of the MCDI-SV to determine if the instrument is suitable for use with this minority population. Overall, the MCDI-SV appears to be a reliable instrument for the Hispanic migrant population for the 24-to-71 months age range.
Being “Good” or Being “Popular”
Authors: Baolian Qin Desiree
Published: December 2008

In the last two decades, a corpus of research has been conducted to understand immigrant adolescent ethnic identity formation. However, few studies have examined the intersection of gender and ethnic identity. In this paper, drawing on mainly qualitative data collected on 72 Chinese immigrant adolescents, I present findings on the gendered expectations at home and school for Chinese immigrant adolescents and how they negotiated these expectations in constructing their identity. Findings suggest that while both Chinese immigrant girls and boys faced conflicting expectations at home and school, how they negotiated these differences differed. By examining issues related to gender, ethnicity, and identity, this paper also sheds light on the gendered pattern of educational outcomes of the new second generation.
Advancing Out of Poverty
Authors: Abelev Melissa S.
Published: December 2008

Children born into poverty in the United States are at higher risk for a number of nonresilient outcomes. An extensive body of work examines and then confirms the qualities of resilient children, emphasizing the importance of four social-psychological characteristics—social competence, problem solving, autonomy, and sense of purpose—and three categories of protective environmental factors—family, school, and community. Extant research has done an excellent job of identifying the protective factors, but more work is needed to understand the processes through which the protective factors influence positive outcomes. Through life-history interviews with 48 educationally resilient African American adults who were “at-risk” children, this study highlights the factors that facilitated respondents' social mobility. By using an in-depth qualitative method grounded in sociological theory, it adds to the literature that identifies what are the protective factors, by elucidating the processes by which the protective factors operated in the lives of resilient adolescents. In this way it provides a view toward how and why the protective factors facilitate resilient outcomes, and does so through a connection with Bourdieu's habitus and, specifically, how accessing the interactional style of the middle class fostered resilient outcomes for the study's respondents.
The importance of controlling carbon not emissions or mpg*
Authors: Lackner KS , Wilson R
Published: December 2008

In management of carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere, the authors argue that it is far superior to control upstream where the carbon leaves the ground in a limited number of places than further downstream as carbon dioxide is released in a myriad of locations. The authors note that none of the proposals being discussed politically assure this, and they control sector by sector, allowing undesirable room for special interests to be excluded from control.
Lead-induced oxidative stress adversely affects health of the occupational workers
Authors: Khan DA , Qayyum S , Saleem S , Khan FA
Published: December 2008

Lead is a persistent toxic metal and associated with impairment of various body functions in occupational workers. The main objective was to determine the lead-induced oxidative stress and adverse health effects by biochemical markers in industrial workers. One hundred and forty-eight males consisting of 87 lead-exposed industrial workers and 61 controls were included. Blood lead level (BLL) was determined on a 3010B ESA lead analyzer. Blood complete counts were done on a hematology analyzer. Biochemical markers including serum uric acid, urea, creatinine, phosphate, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) were measured on a Selectra E auto analyzer. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured spectrophotometrically and C-reactive protein (CRP) on Immulite-1000. Results revealed that lead-exposed workers had significantly high BLLs, median (range), 29.1 (9.0–61.1) μg/dL compared with controls, 8.3 (1.0–21.7) μg/dL. Oxidative stress (MDA, GGT) and inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity CRP) were significantly increased ( P ≤ 0.05). Blood pressure was raised, whereas hemoglobin was decreased in exposed group ( P ≤ 0.002). Serum urea, uric acid, phosphate, and ALT were significantly raised in lead-exposed workers ( P ≤ 0.001). Serum albumin, total proteins, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were decreased. Blood lead showed a significant positive correlation with serum GGT ( r = 0.63), MDA ( r = 0.71), CRP ( r = 0.75), urea ( r = 0.34), creatinine ( r = 0.51), and uric acid ( r = 0.29) ( P ≤ 0.01). It is concluded that lead exposure increases oxidative stress that correlates with adverse changes in hematological, renal, and hepatic function in the occupational workers. Elevated blood lead has positive correlation with oxidative stress, inflammatory and biochemical markers that might be used to detect impairment in the body function in lead exposed workers.
Effect of vitamin E on reproductive function in the mice treated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin*
Authors: Xu JP , Yin YP , Zhou XQ
Published: December 2008

The study was conducted to determine the effects of vitamin E on reproductive performance in mice treated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). The 75 female and 40 male mice were randomly assigned into five groups. The levels of both TCDD and vitamin E given by gavage were 0 and 0 (Control group), 100 and 0 (experimental group I), 100 and 20 (experimental group II), 100 and 100 (experimental group III), and 100 ng/kg/day and 500 mg/kg/day (experimental group IV), respectively. Males and females were mixed to mate at the ratio of 1:2 after 4-week experiment. The gavage treatments were continued until the end of gestation in female mice after mating. The results showed that the litter number, survival rate, and body weight at birth of offspring in experimental group I had significantly decreased, and the females’ pregnancy rate and pup sex ratio in experimental group I had the decreasing tendencies when compared with the control group. The litter number in experimental group III, survival rate in experimental group II and III, body weight at birth in experimental group III and IV exhibited significant increase compared with experimental group I. The female pregnancy rate in both experimental group III and IV recovered to 100%, but there were no significant differences when compared with experimental group I. The pups’ sex ratio had a gradually increasing tendency with increase of vitamin E level, but there was no significant difference among experimental group I–IV. The results suggest that TCDD could induce reproductive toxicity in mice, whereas vitamin E alleviated adverse effects on reproductive performance in mice caused by TCDD.
Role of activated carbon fabric mask to prevent lead absorption – a short report
Authors: Kuruvilla A , Pillay VV , Adhikari P , Venkatesh T , Chakrapani M , Krishnan NG , Rajeev A , Bastia BK , Rao HTJ
Published: December 2008

An attempt was made to study the usefulness of activated carbon fabric (ACF) mask to prevent lead absorption. Indigenous ACF masks were provided to eight workers involved in the manufacture of batteries. Their blood lead levels were determined before and after using these masks. There was a substantial decrease in blood lead level after using the mask among those who were under treatment for high blood lead levels. Three workers who were not under treatment for lead also showed a decrease in blood lead level, after using this ACF mask, suggesting the usefulness of ACF in preventing further exposure. Such a study has not been reported anywhere in the available literature and similar such studies with more number of masks is necessary to evaluate its effectiveness.
Continuous Midazolam Versus Diazepam Infusion for Refractory Convulsive Status Epilepticus
Authors: Singhi Sunit , Murthy Aruna , Singhi Pratibha , Jayashree M.
Published: December 2008

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of continuous midazolam and diazepam infusion for the control of refractory status epilepticus. An open-label, randomized control study was undertaken at the Pediatric Emergency and Intensive Care Service of a multidisciplinary teaching and referral hospital. Subjects included 40 children, 2 to 12 years of age, with refractory status epilepticus (motor seizures uncontrolled after two doses of diazepam, 0.3 mg/kg per dose, and phenytoin infusion, 20 mg/kg). Either continuous midazolam (n = 21) or diazepam infusion (n = 19) in incremental doses was administered. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of children in each group with successful control of refractory status epilepticus. The secondary outcome measure was the time to control seizure activity, recurrence of seizure after initial control, if any, the frequency of hypotension, and the need for ventilation. The two groups were similar in age (mean ± SD = 4.9 ± 43.6 months) and etiology. Twenty-three (57.5%) patients had acute central nervous system infection. Refractory status epilepticus was controlled in 18 (86%) and 17 (89%) patients in the midazolam and diazepam groups, respectively (P = not significant). The median time to seizure control was 16 minutes in both groups, but in the midazolam group, seizures recurred in more children (57% versus 16% in diazepam group; P < .05). The maximum dose (mean ± SD) of midazolam and diazepam required was 5.3 ± 2.6 μg/kg/min and 0.04 ± 0.02 mg/kg/min, respectively. About half of the patients needed mechanical ventilation and 40% had hypotension in both groups, but the mortality was higher in the midazolam group (38%) as compared to the diazepam group (10.5%, P < . 1 > .05). Continuous midazolam and diazepam infusions were equally effective for control of refractory status epilepticus. However, midazolam was associated with more seizure recurrence and higher mortality in refractory status epilepticus predominantly caused by central nervous system infections. (J Child Neurol 2002;17:106-110).
Effects of Intranasal Midazolam and Rectal Diazepam on Acute Convulsions in Children: Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Fişgin Tunç , Gurer Yavuz , Tezic Tahsin , Senbil Nesrin , Zorlu Pelin , Okuyaz Cetin , Akgün Deniz
Published: December 2008

In this study, the effects and side effects of rectal diazepam and intranasal midazolam were compared in the treatment of acute convulsions in children to develop a practical and safe treatment protocol. In the diazepam group, the seizures of 13 (60%) patients terminated in 10 minutes; however, 9 (40%) patients did not respond. In the midazolam group, 20 (87%) patients responded in 10 minutes, but 3 (13%) patients did not respond. Regarding the anticonvulsant effect, midazolam was found to be more effective than diazepam, and the difference was statistically significant (P < .05). The necessity of a second drug for the seizures that did not stop with the first drug was higher in the diazepam group than the midazolam group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < .05). We conclude that as an antiepileptic agent, intranasal midazolam is more effective than rectal diazepam. After administration, we did not observe any serious complications. Further investigations are necessary; however, intranasal administration is easy, so if the nasal drop and spray forms used in some European countries and the United States are available worldwide, it will be very useful for physicians in the emergency room. (J Child Neurol 2002;17:123-126).
Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia Type 2 and Reye-Like Syndrome
Authors: Sans-Fitó Anna , Campistol-Plana Jaime , Mas-Salguero Maria José , Póo-Argüelles Pilar , Fernández-Álvarez Emilio
Published: December 2008

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia is an autosomal recessive syndrome with onset during the fetal period. Two subtypes of pontocerebellar hypoplasia have been described on the basis of clinical and neuropathologic criteria. Pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 2 is characterized by progressive microcephaly, early onset of extrapyramidal dyskinesia, and near absence of motor and cognitive development, without signs of either spinal or peripheral involvement. We report a clinical observation of a patient with pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 2, a 3-year-old girl with progressive microcephaly, dystonic limb movements, and absence of motor and cognitive development. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed pontocerebellar hypoplasia. At the age of 2 years, she suffered a Reye-like syndrome that worsened her condition. Differential diagnosis was established with intrauterine injuries, other malformative syndromes, and neurodegenerative or neurometabolic disorders, which can be associated with cerebellar hypoplasia. (J Child Neurol 2002;17:132-134).
Pseudomigraine With Prolonged Aphasia in a Child With Cranial Irradiation for Medulloblastoma
Authors: Murthy S.N. Krishna , Cohen Michael E.
Published: December 2008

We report a 12-year-old child with episodes of migraine-like headaches with visual and motor auras a year after the surgical resection and radiation therapy for medulloblastoma. The patient presented with an episode of headache, prolonged aphasia, right hemiparesis, status epilepticus, and salt wasting. There was no evidence of a structural lesion. The neurologic deficits resolved over a period of 6 weeks. Because of the progressive deterioration in neurologic deficits, the patient underwent an extensive battery of laboratory tests and multiple neuroimages, all of which were normal. The unusually prolonged neurologic deficit in this patient without demonstrable structural lesions and his eventual complete recovery were most likely caused by ischemia in the left hemisphere secondary to vasospasm. This presentation mimics migraine headache. Evidence suggesting that this represents a long-term complication of treatment of children with central nervous system neoplasia is presented. (J Child Neurol 2002;17:134-138).
Complete Biotinidase Deficiency Presenting as Reversible Progressive Ataxia and Sensorineural Deafness
Authors: Tsao Chang Y , Kien C. Lawrence
Published: December 2008

Most symptomatic patients with biotinidase deficiency have both neurologic and cutaneous symptoms and typical organic aciduria. We encountered a previously healthy girl with complete biotinidase deficiency presenting initially at age 17 months with episodic ataxia that became severe progressive ataxia in 2 months, but without skin rash or typical organic aciduria, which resolved completely with biotin treatment. Additionally, moderate sensorineural deafness also improved to the normal range. Even without typical cutaneous findings or organic aciduria, biotinidase deficiency should be considered among the differential diagnosis in any child presenting with either episodic or progressive ataxia or sensorineural deafness as prompt diagnosis and treatment with biotin may induce an excellent recovery. (J Child Neurol 2002;17:146).
Childhood Degos Disease With Prominent Neurological Symptoms: Report of a Clinicopathological Case
Authors: Rosemberg Sérgio , Lopes Maria Beatriz S. , Sotto Mirian N. , Graudenz Márcia S.
Published: December 2008

Degos disease is a rare disorder, characterized by a vasculopathy of unknown origin that leads to typical skin lesions and involves other organ systems. It is frequently a lethal condition; death occurs as a consequence of intestinal perforation. In about 20% of cases, the central nervous system is involved and the neurological symptoms can be prominent. The incidence of the disease in children is very uncommon. We report the case of teenage girl who had Degos disease with prominent neurological involvement. ( J Child Neurol 1987;2:42-46).
Neuropsychological Effects of Childhood Cancer Treatment
Authors: Copeland Donna R. , Dowell Richard E. , Fletcher Jack M. , Bordeaux Janice D. , Sullivan Margaret P. , Jaffe Norman , Frankel Lawrence S. , Ried Hubert L. , Cangir Ayten
Published: December 2008

The potential neuropsychological effects of treatment were investigated in 124 childhood cancer patients. Children were classified into groups on the basis of treatment modality and treatment status. All patients received systemic chemotherapy. Other treatment modalities included intrathecal chemotherapy and intrathecal chemotherapy plus central nervous system radiation therapy. Treatment status was determined by whether children were newly diagnosed patients in active treatment or long-term survivors of cancer. This classification resulted in five groups; group 1 (n = 29)—children with newly diagnosed disease who were receiving intrathecal chemotherapy; group 2 (n = 21)—children with newly diagnosed disease who were receiving systemic chemotherapy without central nervous system treatment; group 3 (n = 24)—long-term survivors who had received intrathecal chemotherapy; group 4 (n = 25)—long—term survivors who had received intrathecal chemotherapy plus cranial radiotherapy; and group 5 (n = 25)—long—term survivors who had received systemic chemotherapy only (no specific central nervous system treatment). Groups were compared by using multivariate analysis of variance on sets of neuropsychological test variables that represent major cognitive domains. Results of comparisons indicated significant group differences for most dependent-variable sets. Follow-up pairwise comparisons showed that the group of long-term survivors who had received intrathecal chemotherapy plus cranial radiotherapy consistently obtained lower test scores than the other four groups. These findings are consistent with results of previous studies, thus indicating that intrathecal chemotherapy plus cranial radiotherapy is associated with significant effects on neuropsychological performance. Comparisons among newly diagnosed and long-term groups of patients who did not receive cranial radiotherapy yielded null results on measures of higher-order cognitive functions. However, significant group differences were observed on measures of fine-motor and visual-motor skills; newly diagnosed groups obtained lower scores than the nonirradiated long-term survivor groups. Findings were attributed to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy that differentially affected the newly diagnosed groups. ( J Child Neurol 1988;3:53-62).
Aqueductal Stenosis and Neurofibromatosis: A Rare Association
Authors: Afifi Adel K. , Jacoby Charles G. , Bell William E. , Menezes Arnold H.
Published: December 2008

Three cases with rare association of neurofibromatosis, hydrocephalus, and aqueductal stenosis seen at the University of Iowa during the past 20 years are presented. The literature on nontumoral hydrocephalus and aqueductal stenosis in neurofibromatosis is reviewed. Possible explanations for the association of aqueductal stenosis and neurofibromatosis are discussed. It is concluded that aqueductal stenosis, though not common, should nevertheless be considered in the differential diagnosis of hydrocephalus in neurofibromatosis. ( J Child Neurol 1988;3:125-130).
Neonatal Cocaine-Related Seizures
Authors: Kramer Lynn D. , Locke George E. , Ogunyemi Abayomi , Nelson Lowell
Published: December 2008

Cocaine abuse is associated with a variety of severe acute neurologic complications typically occurring in the abusers themselves. These include ischemic stroke, subarachnoid and intraparenchymal hemorrhage, headaches, syncope, seizures, and death. Sixteen pediatric patients with presumed cocaine-related seizures secondary to maternal consumption are reported. They were evaluated only because of requests for neurologic consultation. All were seen during the 1987 calendar year at the King/Drew Medical Center and Urban Comprehensive Epilepsy Program of Los Angeles. The cohort had similar maternal pregnancy histories and uniformly presented with postdelivery tremulousness, irritability, and excessive startle responses. Shortly after birth, each patient began having stereotypic episodes with ictal electroencephalographic confirmation in seven. Eight of these neonates continued to have seizures after the initial month of life. ( J Child Neurol 1990;5:60-64).
Depressive Symptoms by Self-Report in Adolescence: Phase I of the Development of a Questionnaire for Depression by Self-Report
Authors: Emslie Graham J. , Weinberg Warren A. , Rush A. John , Adams Richard M. , Rintelmann Jeanne W.
Published: December 2008

As the first step in validating a criteria-based, self-report depression questionnaire specifically for children and adolescents and to determine the prevalence of self-reported depressive symptoms, we studied 3,294 high school students of mixed ethnic background in a large urban school district. They completed the Weinberg Screening Affective Scale. The 21-item Beck Depression Inventory was also completed to allow comparison with a previous study. The prevalence of clinically significant depressive symptoms suggesting depression by self-report ranged from 18% on the Beck Depression Inventory to 13% on the Weinberg Screening Affective Scale. Hispanic females had the highest scores, while white males had the lowest. Being behind in school, female, and nonwhite predicted more self-reported depressive symptoms. ( J Child Neurol 1989;3:114-121).
Neonatal Form of Nemaline Myopathy, Muscle Immaturity, and a Microvascular Injury
Authors: Fidzianska Anna , Goebel Hans H. , Kleine Marion
Published: December 2008

An infant with a neonatal form of nemaline myopathy showed ultrastructural features of muscle immaturity. Immaturity was characterized by an abnormal presence of myotubes, as well as cells in clusters within a common basement membrane and a great number of satellite cells adhering to very small muscle fibers. In addition, degenerative changes and a severe microvascular lesion were observed. The pathologic findings in the muscle of this patient were those of neonatal nemaline myopathy complicating severe microvascular injury, possibly induced by an unknown toxic agent. ( J Child Neurol 1990;5:122-126).
Positron Emission Tomography Demonstrated Localized Luxury Perfusion in Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis
Authors: Yoshikawa Hideto , Fueki Noboru , Yoneyama Hitoshi , Ogawa Makoto , Sakuragawa Norio
Published: December 2008

Positron emission tomography (PET) was performed on two patients in different stages of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) and compared with the concurrent computed tomography (CT) findings and clinical status. Case 1, which was in stage II, showed luxury perfusion in the anterior half of the cerebrum and decreases of cerebral blood flow and oxygen metabolism in the right frontal watershed zone, where CT showed low density. Case 2, which was in stage III, showed marked decreases of cerebral blood flow and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen in all regions except the occipital region. The present PET study demonstrated that SSPE showed inflammatory-destructive progression and rostral-caudal progression. Further, it was suspected that low density on CT scan, especially in the watershed zone, resulted partly from disturbances in cerebral circulation ( J Child Neurol 1990;5:311-315).
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Presenting As Simple Partial Seizures
Authors: Kornberg Andrew J. , Harvey A. Simon , Shield Lloyd K.
Published: December 2008

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is reported in a 16-year-old girl with a 2½-year history of right-sided simple partial sensory and motor seizures. The seizures were verified with video-electroencephalographic monitoring, showing left frontal epileptic activity. After an initial response to antiepileptic medication, her seizures became intractable, and mild, right-hemisphere signs developed. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an extensive right-hemisphere infiltrative lesion, thought to be a neoplasm. Cortical brain biopsy raised the possibility of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, and this was confirmed serologically. The case highlights the importance of considering subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in the differential diagnosis of intractable seizures and demonstrates that strikingly asymmetrical magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities are not inconsistent with this diagnosis. (J Child Neurol 1990;5:146-149).
The Effect of Sleep on Intracranial Hemodynamics: A Transcranial Doppler Study
Authors: Fischer Asma Q. , Taormina Michael A. , Akhtar Bushra , Chaudhary Bashir A.
Published: December 2008

The effect of sleep on intracranial blood flow velocities has not been reported in children or adults, even though blood flow velocities are evaluated for clinical purposes during both sleep and wakefulness. We report the effect of sleep on intracranial blood flow velocities of 11 healthy individuals (five children and six adults) who were monitored by polysomnography and transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD). Thirty-three TCDs were obtained on middle cerebral arteries. Before sleep, during non-rapid-eye-movement sleep, and after sleep, measurements of systolic, end diastolic, and mean flow velocities were obtained by TCD. Pulse oximetry and end tidal carbon dioxide were monitored during each 8-hour polysomnogram. The before-sleep blood flow velocity values were compared to sleep and after-sleep values in children and adults separately using ANOVA. A significant decrease in the blood flow velocities was noted during sleep compared to before-sleep values in both children (P < .05) and adults (P < .01). The blood flow velocities after sleep were also decreased compared to before-sleep values. This study shows that sleep reduces blood flow velocities in both children and adults. A decrease in blood flow velocities during normal sleep should be taken into account when interpreting TCDs in patients. (J Child Neurol 1991;6:155-158).
Clinical Features and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Congenital and Childhood Stroke
Authors: Smith Charles D. , Baumann Robert J.
Published: December 2008

Fifty-three (5%) of 1064 consecutively imaged children showed an arterial vascular pattern on magnetic resonance images, accounting for 12% of all abnormal studies. Signal abnormalities on T2-weighted scans persisted years after the clinical stroke occurrence. Ipsilateral atrophy of the pons or midbrain was found in 25% of subjects and was strongly associated with congenital lesions. Most infarctions occurred before or during the neonatal period; only 31% were acquired later. We did not find the paucity of posterior circulation lesions or the marked excess of left middle cerebral artery lesions seen in other series. Cardiac disease and venous infarction had an unexpectedly low occurrence. All of the children with arterial border zone infarction had been resuscitated in the neonatal period, while 37% of the children with a single artery infarction had no clinical history of acute illness. ( J Child Neurol 1991;6:263-272).
Effects of Benzoylecgonine on the Behavior of Suckling Rats: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Konkol Richard J. , Doerr Julie K. , Madden Jane A.
Published: December 2008

A major metabolite of cocaine, benzoylecgonine, causes behavioral activation that progresses to seizures when given intraventricularly to 2-week-old rats. The seizures are characterized by running, hopping, and vocalizing and are mixed with shorter-duration tonic episodes. Pretreatment with haloperidol, at a dose aimed at blocking stereotyped behavior, did not suppress these behaviors. In contrast, seizures were prevented by antiepileptic drugs, with the order of potency being diazepam > phenobarbital > phenytoin. We hypothesize that the long-lasting cocaine metabolite, benzoylecgonine, contributes to the infant cocaine intoxication syndrome. ( J Child Neurol 1992;7:87-92).
Myogenes and Myotubes
Authors: Iannaccone Susan T.
Published: December 2008

Investigation of the congenital myopathies has been limited by a lack of knowledge regarding basic mechanisms involved in normal myogenesis of human muscle and the relative rarity of these diseases. A newly recognized family of regulatory genes has been shown to be necessary for myogenesis to proceed to formation of normal mature muscle. It is likely that investigation of patients with one or more types of structural myopathy may show that abnormalities of the regulatory basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) genes may be responsible for disease. ( J Child Neurol 1992;7:180-187).
Effects of Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Damage on Dopaminergic Markers in the Neonatal Rat: A Regional Autoradiographic Analysis
Authors: Adair John , Filloux Francis
Published: December 2008

Dopamine has been implicated as an endogenous substance that may mediate neuronal death after hypoxic-ischemic insult. Using semiquantitative autoradiography, we studied the effect of perinatal hypoxic-ischemic injury on dopamine binding sites in rat brain. Experimental injury resulted in a substantial decrease in dopamine type-1 (D1) and forskolin (adenylate cyclase) binding sites. In contrast, markers for dopamine type-2 (D2) sites and for dopamine uptake were unaffected in lesioned animals. Changes within dopaminergic pathways were variable, with reduction in binding being encountered mainly in components of the extrapyramidal motor system: caudate-putamen, -61%; globus pallidus, -64%; entopeduncular nucleus, -60%; and substantia nigra, -69%. Furthermore, the topography of D1receptor loss within the caudate-putamen was not uniform, with the greatest decrement in dorsolateral regions. Reduced D1versus D2receptor activation may underlie extrapyramidal movement disorders that appear as a consequence of perinatal hypoxic-ischemic insult. ( J Child Neurol 1992;7:199-207).
Emotional Adjustment of Children With Hydrocephalus and of Their Parents
Authors: Donders Jacques , Rourke Byron P. , Canady Alexa I.
Published: December 2008

Emotional and behavioral adjustment after infantile hydrocephalus were investigated. Children's and parents' adjustments were assessed by means of questionnaires (PIC-R, SCL-90-R) in a sample of 48 children with shunted hydrocephalus. The PIC-R patterns of the children were mostly reflective of their anomalous physical and cognitive development, but there was no evidence for a specific "hydrocephalic personality" pattern. Discriminant analyses revealed that there were no strong relationships between distress of the parents (as assessed by the SCL-90-R) and a variety of physical and psychosocial variables, despite the fact that many parents were significantly distressed. It was concluded that the majority of children with hydrocephalus do not present with a specific psychiatric profile, that clinically significant levels of distress are quite common in their parents, and that such distress is typically not related to the hydrocephalus per se. (J Child Neurol 1992; 7:375- 380) .
Clinical Imitators of Infantile Spasms
Authors: Donat Jane F. , Wright Francis S.
Published: December 2008

We report 53 infants who by clinical history were thought to have infantile spasms but who video-electroencephalograms showed were having other episodes that closely mimicked infantile spasms. Nine patients had other types of seizures. Forty-five patients had episodic symptoms that were not seizures: 11 patients had spasticity, four had gastroesophageal reflux, and the other patients had nonepileptic myoclonus, including 19 patients with benign neonatal sleep myoclonus. Three patients had more than one type of symptom. Infantile spasms imitators occurred in neurologically normal or abnormal infants, in patients with normal or abnormal interictal electroencephalograms, and in patients who also had previous or current infantile spasms. Differentiation of these episodes from infantile spasms prevented the initiation or continuation of anticonvulsant treatment appropriate for infantile spasms but inappropriate for these other behaviors. ( J Child Neurol 1992;7:395-399).
Occipital Encephalocele Associated With a Dermoid Cyst
Authors: Martinez-Lage Juan F. , Poza Máximo , Ramos José , Almagro Maria J. , Sempere Manuel , Mestre José
Published: December 2008

The case of a neonate with a dermoid cyst originating within an occipital encephalocele is reported. The finding of the tumor was made during the routine repair of the meningoencephalocele. To our knowledge this is the first time that this association has been described. ( J Child Neurol 1992;7:427-430).
Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings
Authors: DiMario Francis J. , Ramsby Gale , Greenstein Robert , Langshur Sharon , Dunham Barbara
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to determine the locations and characterize the types of brain abnormalities noted on brain magnetic resonance imaging in patients with probable and definite neurofibromatosis type 1. Patients with definite neurofibromatosis type 1 (n = 17) were studied when clinically indicated, and patients with probable neurofibromatosis type 1 (n = 9) were studied to evaluate for asymptomatic optic pathway glioma. Of the 26 patients evaluated, 14 (53%) had high-intensity signal abnormalities and 11 (42%) had significant structural abnormalities. Subsequent clinical follow-up has confirmed conversion to a definite neurofibromatosis type 1 diagnosis in three of the four cases of probable neurofibromatosis type 1 who had high-intensity signal abnormalities. The most common locations of high-intensity signal lesions were in the globus pallidus of the basal ganglia and cerebellar white matter. Tortuous or thickened optic nerves and/or optic chiasm were seen in eight cases. Brain magnetic resonance imaging scans frequently reveal high-intensity signal lesions and structural abnormalities in selected patients with both probable and definite neurofibromatosis type 1. These findings may allow for a definitive diagnosis in clinically probable cases. (J Child Neurol 1993;8:32-39).
The Boston Teacher Questionnaire. 3. A Reassessment
Authors: Leviton Alan , Bellinger David , Allred Elizabeth
Published: December 2008

The prevalence of different types of dysfunction in school was assessed with the Boston Teacher Questionnaire, completed for 1923 children born 8 years earlier in a university-affiliated maternity hospital. Cluster analyses of 15 items on the questionnaire resulted in six two-item clusters and one three-item cluster that were identical for girls and boys. We identified children as having a syndrome if they possessed all features of the cluster-defined syndrome. The most prevalent syndrome, consisting of both daydreaming and distractibility items, occurred in 18.5% of boys and 11.5% of girls. Boys were also more likely than girls to be identified as having the reading syndrome (11.6% and 7.7%, respectively), the hyperactivity/impulsivity syndrome (6.1% and 1.5%), and the syndrome characterized by frustration intolerance and peer problems (9.5% and 4.0%). The prevalences of the remaining three syndromes were similar in both sexes (arithmetic, 11.3% and 10.3%; difficulty following instructions, 5.1% and 4.7%; and the tasks syndrome [characterized by impersistence/dependence/inflexibility], 5.5% and 5.4%). More than 40% of boys and girls with one syndrome also had another. The lower prevalences in this sample than in an earlier-born sample assessed with the same instrument were confined to boys. Reasons for this temporal decrease in one sex only remain obscure. Girls with the reading syndrome were 10 times more likely, and boys with the reading syndrome were five times more likely, than their peers to receive special services and to have repeated a grade. (J Child Neurol 1993;8:64-72).
Alexander's Disease: Clues to Diagnosis
Authors: Pridmore Clare L. , Baraitser Michael , Harding Brian , Boyd Stewart G. , Kendall Brian , Brett Edward M.
Published: December 2008

The clinical, radiologic, neurophysiologic, and pathologic findings in 10 children with histologically proven Alexander's disease are described, and the presence of two broad clinical subgroups is confirmed. Macrocephaly, regression, and seizures are found in the infantile form, whereas bulbar signs predominate the so-called juvenile form. None of the clinical or neurophysiologic findings is pathognomonic, and radiologic features suggesting the diagnosis are not present in all cases. However, the combination of abnormalities may suggest the diagnosis and justify histologic confirmation. ( J Child Neurol 1993;8:134-144).
Stroke in Children Within a Major Metropolitan Area: The Surprising Importance of Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Broderick Joseph , Talbot G. Theodore , Prenger Erin , Leach Alan , Brott Thomas
Published: December 2008

Our objective was to determine the incidence rate of stroke and stroke subtypes in children. We reviewed the medical records, autopsy records, and brain imaging studies of all children with a possible stroke within the Greater Cincinnati metropolitan area population of nearly 1.3 million during 1988 and 1989. Traumatic brain hemorrhages and germinal matrix hemorrhages were excluded. Of the 295,577 children in Greater Cincinnati, medical records of 178 children were screened. Sixteen cases (13 whites and three blacks) less than age 15 years fit strictly defined criteria for first-ever stroke. The incidence rate for cerebral infarction was 1.2 cases per 100,000 (95% confidence interval, 0.3 to 2.0). The combined incidence rate for intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage was 1.5 cases per 100,000 children (95% confidence interval, 0.4 to 2.3). The incidence rate of all stroke in white children was 2.6 cases per 100,000 (95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 4.1), compared to 3.1 per 100,000 in black children (95% confidence interval, 0 to 6.6). The combined 30-day mortality for intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage was 22% (two of nine) compared to 14% (one of seven) for cerebral infarction. We conclude that in contrast to the picture in adults, hemorrhagic stroke among infants and children is at least as common as ischemic infarction. ( J Child Neurol 1993;8:250-255).
Stroke and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
Authors: Graf William D. , Milstein Jerrold M. , Sherry David D.
Published: December 2008

We describe the clinical presentation and course of two girls with cerebrovascular disease and mixed connective tissue disease. One developed rapid onset hemiparesis and aphasia secondary to left internal carotid artery occlusion. She experienced a complete recovery after treatment with prednisone and cyclophosphamide. The other patient was diagnosed as having mixed connective tissue disease but had acute neurologic deterioration. She died due to an intracerebral hemorrhage. Autopsy demonstrated small-vessel fibrinoid necrosis. Although cerebrovascular disease secondary to central nervous system vasculitis is a manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, this is the first description of cerebrovascular disease as a primary sign in mixed connective tissue disease. These cases demonstrate the range of cerebrovascular disease observed in children with mixed connective tissue disease. (J Child Neurol 1993;8:256-259).
Möbius Syndrome: Evidence for a Vascular Etiology
Authors: D'Cruz O'Neill F. , Swisher Charles N. , Jaradeh Safwan , Tang Thomas , Konkol Richard J.
Published: December 2008

We report five infants with restricted lateral gaze, facial diplegia, feeding difficulty, and/or respiratory disorders without significant pulmonary disease. Viral studies were negative in all patients. Two children had radiologic findings that included brain-stem hypoplasia and symmetric calcification in the dorsal tectum at the junction of the midbrain and pons. Autopsy of one of these two children demonstrated capillary telangiectasia in the mesencephalon and pons. The other three children had normal computed tomographic (CT) scans. However, their autopsies revealed focal brain-stem necrosis with calcifications but without vascular malformation.

We suggest that the capillary malformations in one of our patients directly resulted in a vascular-induced necrosis and the manifestation of Möbius sequence. The similarity of symmetric neuropathologic findings in the three other patients and the CT scan in the one surviving patient suggest focal hemodynamic changes restricted to the posterior circulation, indirectly supporting a vascular theory of embryopathogenesis. (J Child Neurol 1993;8:260-265).