ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to investigate the phenomenon of learning generalization of a specific skill of auditory temporal processing (temporal order detection) in children with dyslexia. The frequency order discrimination task was applied to children with dyslexia and its effect after training was analyzed in the same trained task and in a different task (duration order discrimination) involving the temporal order discrimination too. During study 1, one group of subjects with dyslexia (N = 12; mean age = 10.9 ± 1.4 years) was trained and compared to a group of untrained dyslexic children (N = 28; mean age = 10.4 ± 2.1 years). In study 2, the performance of a trained dyslexic group (N = 18; mean age = 10.1 ± 2.1 years) was compared at three different times: 2 months before training, at the beginning of training, and at the end of training. Training was carried out for 2 months using a computer program responsible for training frequency ordering skill. In study 1, the trained group showed significant improvement after training only for frequency ordering task compared to the untrained group (P < 0.001). In study 2, the children showed improvement in the last interval in both frequency ordering (P < 0.001) and duration ordering (P = 0.01) tasks. These results showed differences regarding the presence of learning generalization of temporal order detection, since there was generalization of learning in only one of the studies. The presence of methodological differences between the studies, as well as the relationship between trained task and evaluated tasks, are discussed.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Acoustic Stimulation/methods , Auditory Perception/physiology , Discrimination Learning/physiology , Dyslexia/physiopathology , Severity of Illness IndexABSTRACT
The extent of the HIV pandemic - particularly in the hardest-hit countries; including South Africa - has prompted a call for greater engagement of all groups; including faith-based organisations (FBOs). Although FBOs are known to play a substantial role in providing care and support to those affected by HIV and AIDS; empirical evidence in regard to their actions in the broader context of stigma is limited. A qualitative; key-informant survey was conducted in South Africa as part of a six-country international study to examine perceptions of how FBOs have contributed to reduction in HIV risk; vulnerability and related impacts. The special emphasis of this paper is the influence of FBOs on stigma and discrimination. In-depth interviews were held with 34 senior-level key informants who act as key decision-makers in the response to HIV and AIDS in South Africa. Secular and faith-based respondents shared their perceptions of the faith-based response; including FBOs' actions in relation to HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination. Our study revealed that while FBOs were perceived as taking some action to address stigma in South Africa; FBOs were also thought to contribute to HIV/AIDS- discrimination through conflating issues of sexuality and morality; and through associating HIV and AIDS with sin. The interviewees indicated a number of internal and external challenges faced by FBOs to deal effectively with stigma; including lack of information and skills; the difficulty of maintaining confidentiality in health services; and self-stigmatisation which prevents HIV-infected persons from revealing their status. Findings from this study may help both faith-based and secular groups capitalise on the perceived strengths of FBOs as well as to elucidate their perceived weaknesses so that these areas of concern can be further explored and addressed
Subject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome , HIV Infections , Organizations , Social EnvironmentABSTRACT
Studies have shown that dyslexic children present a deficiency in the temporal processing of auditory stimuli applied in rapid succession. However, discussion continues concerning the way this deficiency can be influenced by temporal variables of auditory processing tests. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to analyze by auditory temporal processing tests the effect of temporal variables such as interstimulus intervals, stimulus duration and type of task on dyslexic children compared to a control group. Of the 60 children evaluated, 33 were dyslexic (mean age = 10.5 years) and 27 were normal controls (mean age = 10.8 years). Auditory processing tests assess the abilities of discrimination and ordering of stimuli in relation to their duration and frequency. Results showed a significant difference in the average accuracy of control and dyslexic groups considering each variable (interstimulus intervals: 47.9 ± 5.5 vs 37.18 ± 6.0; stimulus duration: 61.4 ± 7.6 vs 50.9 ± 9.0; type of task: 59.9 ± 7.9 vs 46.5 ± 9.0) and the dyslexic group demonstrated significantly lower performance in all situations. Moreover, there was an interactive effect between the group and the duration of stimulus variables for the frequency-pattern tests, with the dyslexic group demonstrating significantly lower results for short durations (53.4 ± 8.2 vs 48.4 ± 11.1), as opposed to no difference in performance for the control group (62.2 ± 7.1 vs 60.6 ± 7.9). These results support the hypothesis that associates dyslexia with auditory temporal processing, identifying the stimulus-duration variable as the only one that unequally influenced the performance of the two groups.
Subject(s)
Child , Female , Humans , Male , Acoustic Stimulation/methods , Auditory Perceptual Disorders/etiology , Dyslexia/complications , Auditory Perceptual Disorders/diagnosis , Auditory Perceptual Disorders/physiopathology , Case-Control Studies , Dyslexia/physiopathology , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Presentamos los hallazgos cromosómicos de una mujer de cuatro años de edad con trombocitopenia. El cariotipo demostró un 1(7) q(10) como una posible deleción en 11q23 y un cuestionable rearreglo en 9p. Los estudios por FISH de ambas interfase del núcleo y metafase de la célula, usando la fase de reposo MLL y caracterización de la prueba instrumental en el gen MLL, el cual fue encriptado por análisis citogenético convencional. Específicamente, el patrón FISH fue consistente con una inserción de la región 5' del gen MLL dentro de un cromosoma 4 hacia la banda q21, mas estrechamente una variante 1(4;11) (q 21;g23). Este caso ejemplifica la importancia del FISH y su consiguiente caracterización de casos precursores B-cell all, sin algún significado pronóstico de anormalidad cromosómica.
We present the chromosome findings in a 4-year-old female with thrombocytopenia. The karyotype showed an i(7)(q10) as well as a possible deletion on 11q23 and a questionable rearrangement on 9p. FISH studies on both interphase nuclei and metaphase cells using the MLL break apart rearrangement probe were instrumental in the characterization of an MLL gene rearrangement , which was cryptic by conventional cytogenetic analysis. Specifically, the FISH pattern was consistent with an insertion of the 5' region of the MLL gene into one chromosome 4 at band q21, most likely a variant t(4;11)(q21;q23). This case exemplifies the importance of FISH in the further characterization of precursor B-cell ALL cases without any apparent prognostically significant chromosome abnormalities.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Child, Preschool , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma , ThrombocytopeniaABSTRACT
Background: Stigma and discrimination are widely recognized as factors that fuel the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Uganda's success in combating HIV/AIDS has been attributed to a number of factors; including political; religious and societal engagement and openness - actors that combat stigma and assist prevention efforts. Objectives: Our study aimed to explore perceptions of Uganda-based key decision-makers about the past; present and optimal future roles of FBOs in HIV/AIDS work; including actions to promote or dissuade stigma and discrimination. Methods:We analyzed FBO contributions in relation to priorities established in the Global Strategy Framework on HIV/AIDS; a consensus-based strategy developed by United Nations Member States.Thirty expert key informants from 11 different sectors including faith-based organizations participated in a structured interview on their perceptions of the role that FBOs have played and could most usefully play in HIV/AIDS prevention; care and support. Results: Early on; FBOs were perceived by key informants to foster HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination. Respondents attributed this to inadequate knowledge; moralistic perspectives; and fear relating to the sensitive issues surrounding sexuality and death. More recent FBO efforts are perceived to dissuade HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination through increased openness about HIV status among both clergy and congregation members; and the leadership of persons living with HIV/AIDS. Conclusions: Uganda's program continues to face challenges; including perceptions among the general population that HIV/AIDS is a cause for secrecy. By virtue of their networks and influence; respondents believe that FBOs are well-positioned to contribute to breaking the silence about HIV/AIDS which undermines prevention; care and treatment efforts
Subject(s)
HIV , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome , Case Reports , Discrimination, Psychological , Organizations , Vulnerable PopulationsABSTRACT
La derivacion peritoneo yugular es un metodo propuesto por Leveen para el control de ascitis refractaria. Esta derivacion se ha popularizado y su empleo se ha difundido rapidamente. En este trabajo se describe un metodo para investigar la permeabilidad de la derivacion. El metodo consiste en la inyeccion intraperitoneal de tecnecio radioactivo que al diluirse en el liquido de ascitis puede seguirse con una gammacamara y observarse el trayecto de la derivacion y su desembocadura a nivel yugular. El metodo fue utilizado en 3 pacientes con sospecha de oclusion de la derivacion, habiendose documentado la oclusion en un caso