Resposta à intervenção como estratégia de identificação do risco para dislexia / Response to intervention as an identification strategy of the risk for dyslexia

Resumo Objetivo desenvolver um processo de intervenção para identificação de crianças em risco para dislexia, baseado no modelo de resposta à intervenção. Especificamente, identificar o perfil de mudança no desempenho pós-intervenção em tarefas de consciência fonológica, memória operacional, acesso lexical, leitura, escrita; e analisar quais funções cognitivas tiveram efeito significativo para discriminação de estudantes em risco para dislexia. Método amostra composta por 30 participantes com dificuldades na leitura e escrita, entre 8 e 11 anos, de escola pública ou particular, estudantes do 3º ao 5º ano. Todos foram submetidos a uma bateria de testes cognitivo-linguísticos, antes e após a realização de 12 sessões de intervenção. Para monitoramento do desempenho foram aplicadas cinco listas de leitura e escrita de palavras/pseudopalavras. Foram realizadas análises, qualitativas e quantitativas, das diferenças de desempenho pré e pós-intervenção; e entre os participantes na pós avaliação, para compreensão de grupos perfil em risco para dislexia vs não-dislexia. Resultados ocorreram mudanças estatisticamente significativas em nomeação automática rápida, compreensão de texto, consciência fonológica, taxa e tipologia de acertos/erros na leitura/escrita e velocidade de leitura. Sendo essas três últimas variáveis as que se mostraram mais discriminativas dos grupos, todas com menos ganhos na pós-intervenção para o grupo com perfil em risco de dislexia. Conclusão a intervenção com foco na estimulação das habilidades fonológicas e ensino explícito das correspondências grafofonêmicas contribuiu para a evolução dos participantes. A abordagem de resposta à intervenção favoreceu a identificação de crianças com perfil em risco para dislexia, as diferenciando de crianças com outras dificuldades de aprendizagem.

ABSTRACT Purpose To develop on intervention process to identify children at risk of dyslexia, based on the Response to Intervention model. Specifically, to identify the pattern of changes in post-intervention performance in tasks of phonological awareness, working memory, lexical access, reading and writing; and to analyze which cognitive functions had a significant effect on the discriminating students at risk of dyslexia. Method Sample of 30 participants with Reading and writing difficulties, aged 8-11, from public/private schools, students from 3rd to 5th grade. Participants were submitted to a battery of cognitive-linguistic tests, before and after 12 intervention sessions. To monitor their performance, five reading and writing lists of words and pseudowords were applied. We qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed the differences in pre- and post-intervention performance of each participant; and among participants in the post-assessment, to understand the patterns of dyslexia vs non-dyslexia groups. Results There were statistically significant changes in: rapid automatized naming, narrative text comprehension, phonological awareness, rate and typology of hits/misses in reading and writing, and reading speed. Being the last three variables the most sensitive to discriminate the two groups, all with less post-intervention gains for the dyslexia group. Conclusions The intervention focused on the stimulation of phonological skills and explicit and systematic teaching of graphophonemic correspondences contributed positively to the evolution of the group's participants. The intervention response approach favored the identification of children with a profile at risk for dyslexia, as distinct from children with other learning difficulties.

Early learning difficulties, childhood stress, race, and risk of cognitive impairment among US adults over age 50: A cross-sectional analysis.

Background and Aims: Most literature linking childhood factors to cognitive health outcomes has focused on educational attainment-defined as years of education attained. However, less has been studied about the other aspects of education, such as early learning problems, and stressful family environments. This study examined whether early learning problems and childhood stressors were associated with mid- and later life cognitive impairment among US adults, and if these associations varied by race. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) along with respondents' early educational experiences from the 2015 to 2017 Life History Mail Survey (N = 9703). Early learning problems were defined as having any of the following: scholastic problems (reading, writing, mathematics), speaking/language issues, and sensorimotor issues- hearing, vision, speech, and motor-coordination. Cognitive status was classified as three levels (normal, cognitively impaired not demented [CIND], and demented) using the HRS Langa-Weir algorithm. Multinomial logistic regression models using generalized logits, estimated relative risk ratios (RRRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) with adjustment for sociodemographic factors. Results: Having at least one early learning problem was associated with increased risk of later life cognitive impairment (RRR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.34-2.29 for dementia, RRR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.20-1.67 for CIND). Parental death before the age of 16 was associated with 17% higher risk of CIND in later life (RRR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.01-1.34). However, learning problem-related differences in risk of cognitive impairment were dependent on race (learning problems × race, p = 0.0001). In the demented group, Blacks were 2.7 times more likely to be demented (RRR: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.69-4.17) amongst older adults that experienced childhood learning problems. Conclusions: Early life exposures predicted risk of cognitive impairment. Policies and interventions that enhance diagnosis of early learning problems and improve childhood social contexts are needed to promote healthy cognitive aging amongst Americans, regardless of race.

A Clinical Investigation on ADHD-Traits in Childhood Celiac Disease.

OBJECTIVE: There are no definitive results about either the presence of exact comorbidity between celiac disease (CD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) or etiology. We intend to screen ADHD-related cognitive and behavioral traits in children with biopsy-proven CD and investigate the possible association of these traits with certain vitamin levels, body-mass index, and gluten-free diet (GFD) compliance. METHOD: A total of 85 children with biopsy-proven CD (the ages of 8-18 years) were compared with age and sex-matched 72 healthy controls in terms of demographics, psychiatric symptoms, certain vitamin levels, and anthropometric measurements. RESULTS: ADHD-like cognitive issues, such as inattention and learning difficulties, as well as psychosomatic symptoms and poor prosocial behavior, were all associated with GFD noncompliance in childhood CD. CONCLUSION: Untreated CD may predispose to ADHD-resembling symptoms. Physicians should be aware of the probability of ADHD misdiagnosing due to ADHD-resembling cognitive and behavioral traits in untreated CD.

The Occurrence of the Sensory Processing Disorder in Children Depending on the Type and Time of Delivery: A Pilot Study.

Over recent years, the concept of Sensory Integration has become more popular. Knowledge about Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) also has grown, and it is often discussed in scientific research. Sensory disturbances can cause problems in learning and behaviour of children in whom no medical diagnosis has been made. These are healthy children regarding the environment, but their behaviour is often described as strange in the meaning not appropriate/not adequate to the situation. The aim of the study was to analyse if there is a correlation between occurrence of SPD and the time or the way of delivery. Participants were 75 children, ages 5-9 years old. Children born prematurely (n = 25), and children delivered by caesarean section (C-section) (n = 25) were compared to the ones born on time by natural means (n = 25). Research was based on a questionnaire filled by children's parents. Descriptive results and percentage calculations were compared. SPD were detected among 84% of pre-borns and among 80% of children delivered by C-section and it is statistically significant. Both groups are at higher risk of Sensory Processing Disorder than those delivered on time by vaginal birth. Due to the results, the time and the way of the delivery are the factors that affect Sensory Processing Disorder.

Depression and learning problems in children: Executive function impairments and inattention as mediators.

This study examines the relationship between depression and learning problems in children, focusing on the mediating role of executive function impairments and inattention. A sample of 115 children, aged 7 to 12 years, who had difficulties in school activities, were tested over the past three years, with different measures assessed by different raters. Regression analyses were employed in analyzing the data. The psychometric tests used were Child Depression Inventory (CDI) and Conners 3rdEdition. Children with a high level of depressive symptoms have also a very high level of learning problems, executive function impairments and inattention. Executive function impairments and inattention add significant explanatory variance for learning problems in school-aged children over and above depression. Executive function impairments and inattention have a partial mediating effect on the relationship between depression and learning problems. The assessment of the executive functions and attention is an important part in the assessment of children with depression; intervention and treatment programs for depression should include components focused on executive functions and attention.

Analysing Educational Interventions with Gifted Students. Systematic Review.

(1) Background: Educational attention to gifted students has not been a well-established line of research due to the multiple conceptions about their characterisation. While educational attention has tended to respond to students who present learning difficulties due to their limitations, it has been observed that gifted students may also fail in their studies. The purpose of this study is to examine educational interventions carried out with this population worldwide; (2) Methods: The methodological design is a systematic review, following the PRISMA guidelines, in the Scopus and WOS databases on educational interventions and gifted students; (3) Results: The papers were studied through a qualitative content analysis based on a population of 557 articles, with a final sample of 14, finding a great variety of didactic strategies and models oriented to meet the needs of this group. In relation to the quality of the studies, the lack of pre-post methodological designs focused on performance stands out; (4) Conclusions: Educational research with gifted population demands more interventions personalised to the specific characteristics of the students. In addition, there is a need for further research with quasi-experimental designs with this population to identify quality, not generalised, interventions to meet these needs and replace them with individualised adaptations regarding the needs and interests of these students in order to increase their motivation and reduce failure.

Sleep Disturbances Increase the Impact of Working Memory Deficits on Learning Problems in Adolescents with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Sleep disturbances (SD) are prevalent in individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Less is known about the effects of SD on cognition and learning in adolescents with high-functioning ASD (HF-ASD). Adolescents with HF-ASD (N = 96) were evaluated for the relationships of SD to working memory and learning problems. Results found SD to modify the relationship between working memory and learning problems. Working memory deficits were associated with learning problems among those with SD, while not among those without SD. SD and working memory deficits should be targeted in interventions for these adolescents with HF-ASD (e.g., cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia, pharmacological treatments). Future studies should examine if improvement in SD reduces the impact of working memory deficits on learning problems.

Parenting style associations with sensory threshold and behaviour: a prospective cohort study in term/preterm infants.

AIM: Early-life atypical sensory functioning and behavioural profiles are often associated with long-term developmental problems, especially in former preterm infants. We tested whether parenting style is associated with atypical sensory threshold or behavioural outcomes in preterm and term infants assessed during early childhood. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated parenting style for a cohort of term and preterm infants who had previous assessments of sensory development and behaviour. We used standardised tools to evaluate parenting style, sensory neurological threshold at one year, and internalising and externalising behavioural tendencies at two years. Covariates included gestational age, sex and maternal education. RESULTS: For the entire cohort (n = 82), children of more permissive parents were 2.7 times more likely to demonstrate abnormal sensory neurological thresholds compared to children of parents with less permissive styles (CI: 1.4-4.9). More permissive parenting scores were also associated with 2.4 times increased internalising (CI: 1.3-4.2) and 3.0 times increased externalising (CI: 1.6-5.6) tendencies. In the preterm group only, higher authoritative parenting scores were associated with fewer behavioural problems. CONCLUSION: Permissive parenting is associated with worse infant sensory and behavioural outcomes. Authoritative parenting is associated with fewer behavioural problems in preterm children. Modification of parenting style may improve sensory development and behavioural outcomes.

O "problema" dos problemas de aprendizagem / The "problem" of learning problems

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar algumas reflexões teóricas sobre os chamados problemas de aprendizagem, tema este cada vez mais frequente no contexto escolar. As reflexões apresentadas apoiam-se nos pressupostos teóricos da Psicologia Histórico-Cultural, apresentando uma análise crítica sobre a presente temática. Como resultados, o artigo busca demostrar a necessidade de ressignificar o conceito de aprendizagem, assim como as dificuldades que permeiam este processo, compreendendo o desenvolvimento humano não pela deficiência/falta, mas sim pela sua potência.

This article aims to present some theoretical reflections about the so-called learning problems, a theme that is increasingly frequent in the school context. These reflections were based on the theoretical assumptions of Historical-Cultural Psychology, presenting as a critical analysis of the theme. As results, the article seeks to demonstrate the need to re-significate the concept of learning as well as the difficulties that permeate this process, understanding human development not by deficiency / lack but by its potentiality.

Risk factors for learning problems in youth with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the risk factors for learning problems (LP) in pediatric psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) and their specificity by comparing psychopathology, medical, cognitive/linguistic/achievement, bullying history, and parent education variables between subjects with PNES with and without LP and between subjects with PNES and siblings with LP. METHODS: 55 subjects with PNES and 35 siblings, aged 8-18years, underwent cognitive, linguistic, and achievement testing, and completed somatization and anxiety sensitivity questionnaires. A semi-structured psychiatric interview about the child was administered to each subject and parent. Child self-report and/or parent report provided information on the presence/absence of LP. Parents also provided each subject's medical, psychiatric, family, and bullying history information. RESULTS: Sixty percent (33/55) of the PNES and 49% (17/35) of the sibling subjects had LP. A multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that bullying and impaired formulation of a sentence using a stimulus picture and stimulus word were significantly associated with increased likelihood of LP in the PNES youth. In terms of the specificity of the LP risk factors, a similar analysis comparing LP in the youth with PNES and sibling groups identified anxiety disorder diagnoses and bullying as the significant risk factors associated with LP in the PNES youth. CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasize the need to assess youth with PNES for LP, particularly if they have experienced bullying, have linguistic deficits, and meet criteria for anxiety disorder diagnoses.

Which Pediatricians Comanage Mental Health Conditions?

OBJECTIVE: Given the prevalence of mental health (MH) conditions (MHC) in children, pediatricians should initiate treatment alone or in collaboration with a specialist for children with MHC. However, the majority of pediatricians do not manage or comanage common MHC even with an on-site MH provider. We examined which physician, practice, and training characteristics are associated with pediatricians' comanaging at least half of their patients with MHC. METHODS: We analyzed responses of general pediatricians (n = 305) from the American Academy of Pediatrics 2013 Periodic Survey. Practice characteristics include presence of an on-site MH provider and perceived access to services. Independent variables included sociodemographics, training experiences, and interest in further training. The outcome was comanagement of ≥50% of patients with MHC. Weighted univariate, bivariate, and multivariable analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of the pediatricians who reported comanaging ≥50% of their patients with MHC, logistic regression analysis showed that pediatricians who completed ≥4 weeks of developmental behavioral pediatrics training had 1.8 increased odds (95% confidence interval 1.06, 3.08, P = .03) of comanagement, those very interested in further education in managing/treating MHC had 2.75 increased odds (95% confidence interval 1.63, 3.08, P < .001), and those with more training in MH treatment with medications had 1.4 increased odds (95% confidence interval 1.12, 1.75, P = .004) of comanaging children with MHC. CONCLUSIONS: Specific educational experiences and interest in further education in managing or treating MHC were significantly associated with comanaging ≥50% of patients, suggesting that enhanced MH training among pediatricians could increase the comanagement of children with MHC.

Hábitos tóxicos en adolescentes y jóvenes con problemas de aprendizaje, 2011-2013 / Toxic habits observed in adolescents and young people with learning difficulties, 2011-2013

Introducción: Los adolescentes y jóvenes con problemas de aprendizaje presentan comorbilidades con los hábitos tóxicos. Objetivos: Identificar la conducta de adolescentes y jóvenes con trastorno del aprendizaje ante el consumo de alcohol y tabaco. Métodos: Estudio epidemiológico de corte trasversal realizado en una muestra de 227 adolescentes y jóvenes, con edades entre los 15 y 23 años del Consejo Popular Cayo Hueso de Centro Habana. Se conformaron tres grupos. 1. Sujetos contrastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad, 2. Sujetos contrastorno de aprendizaje, 3. Sujetos conproblemas de aprendizaje inespecífico tomado como grupo control. Se aplicó un cuestionario para obtener los datos. Resultados: En el grupo con trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad fue significativo fumar más de 10 cigarrillos al día, lo que representóser 3,7 veces más frecuente en estos jóvenes en comparación con el grupo control. En el grupo con trastorno de aprendizaje,las conductas más importante, sin significación estadística, pero representada por el 50 por ciento de los participantes o más fue consumir bebidas alcohólicas todos los fines de semana o más frecuentemente y fumar por primera vez antes de los 16 años. Conclusiones: Los adolescentes y jóvenes con trastornos específico del aprendizaje consumen alcohol y tabaco de forma cercanaa los que no tiene estos problemas; en los que tienen hiperactividad es marcado el consumo de tabaco y su inicio precoz. Estos hábitos tóxicos pudieran perdurar hasta la adultez, con la carga familiar y social que conllevan(AU)

Introduction: Adolescents and young people with learning disorders show comorbities with toxic habits. Objective: To identify the behavior of adolescents and young people with learning difficulties regarding alcohol consumption and smoking. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in a sample of 227 adolescents and young people aged 15 to 23 years-old from Cayo Hueso neighborhood in Centro Habana municipality. Three groups were formed. First: Subjects with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, second: Subjects with learning disorder, and third: Subjects with unspecific learning problems taken as a control group. A questionnaire was given to them to collect data. Results: In the group with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the most significant problem was smoking more over 10 cigarettes a day, which was 3.7 times more frequent than in the control group. In the group with learning disorders, the most common behaviors, not statistically significant but represented by 50 percent of participants or over, were taking alcohol every weekend or more frequently and first smoking before being 16 years-old Conclusions: Alcohol intake and smoking in adolescents and young people with specific learning disorders are similar to those of their counterparts who do not face these problems. First smoking at early ages is remarkable in adolescents and young people with hyperactivity. These toxic habits may persist into adulthood, with all the family and social burden that these conditions entail(AU)

Does Length of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics Training Matter?

OBJECTIVE: Since 1997 pediatric residencies have been required to provide a 4-week block rotation in developmental and behavioral pediatrics (DBP), but it is not known whether this has altered the care and management of children by practicing pediatricians. The objective of this study was to compare the self-reported practice patterns of pediatricians who were trained with 4 or more weeks of DBP with the practice patterns of those who were trained for <4 weeks. METHODS: We used self-reported practices from the American Academy of Pediatrics Periodic Survey 85. Pediatricians were asked whether they never, sometimes, or usually inquired about and screened for, and whether they treated/managed/comanaged attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, anxiety, behavior problems and learning problems. They were also asked about a series of barriers to care. Analyses were weighted to account for low response rates. RESULTS: Those with more DBP training were significantly more likely to treat/manage/co-manage depression, anxiety, behavior problems and learning problems, but were still doing so less than one third of the time. There were no differences in the care of patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or in screening or inquiring about mental health conditions. Those with more training were more likely to perceive somewhat fewer barriers and to report more specific familiarity with some Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria and some treatment modalities. CONCLUSIONS: Longer length of training is associated with more treatment, but significant deficits in self-reported practice remain, leaving much room for additional improvement in the training of clinicians in DBP.

Impact of the DSM-V Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Criteria for Diagnosing Children With High IQ.

This study compared the number of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) cases defined by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-IV versus DSM-V criterion in children who have learning or behavioral problems with high IQ. The medical records of children ≤15 years of age who presented with learning or behavioral problems and underwent a Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC)-III IQ test at the Pediatric Outpatient Clinic unit between 2010 and 2015 were reviewed. Information on DSM-IV and DSM-V criteria for ADHD were derived from computer-based medical records. Twenty-eight children who had learning or behavioral problems were identified to have a full-scale IQ ≥120. Sixteen of these high-IQ children met the DSM-IV criteria diagnosis for ADHD. Applying the extension of the age-of-onset criterion from 7 to 12 years in DSM-V led to an increase of three cases, all of which were the inattentive type ADHD. Including the pervasive developmental disorder criterion led to an increase of one case. The total number of ADHD cases also increased from 16 to 20 in this group. The data supported the hypothesis that applying the extension of the age-of-onset ADHD criterion and enabling the diagnosis of children with pervasive developmental disorders will increase the number of ADHD diagnoses among children with high IQ.

El uso de pantallas en pediatría y su influencia en el trastorno de déficit atencional / Pediatric screen use and its infuence in attention deficit disorder

Existe evidencia concluyente de la influencia del uso excesivo de pantallas con trastornos en el desarrollo biopsicosocial de niños y adolescentes. Objetivo: Analizar descriptivamente la influencia que ejerce el uso de medios de multimedia en el desarrollo de problemas de atención y del Trastorno de Déficit Atencional Hiperactivo (TDAH) en la población pediátrica. Método: Se efectuó una revisión de la literatura disponible en PudMed, Cochrane y EBSCO. Resultados: La exposición en la infancia y adolescencia a la televisión (TV) se relaciona con un riesgo elevado de desarrollar problemas de atención, dificultades escolares, comprensión lectora deficiente y otros trastornos cognitivos, existiendo una relación directa entre el número de horas de exposición con el fracaso académico; además, el TDAH sería un factor de riesgo de adicción a internet y juegos, existiendo evidencia sobre la asociación entre adicción a videojuegos y TDAH. Sólo un número de artículos desacreditan la asociación entre las pantallas y los problemas de atención o TDAH. Conclusiones: Existe una particular relación entre el uso excesivo de pantallas y los problemas de atención y TDAH, considerándose un factor de riesgo para su desarrollo. Palabras claves: atención, TDAH, problemas de aprendizaje, multimedia.

There is conclusive evidence of the relation between the excessive use of screens with developmental disorders in children and adolescents. Objective:Description of the relation between the use of multimedia and the development of attention difficulties and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the pediatric population. Method: We reviewed the available literature on PudMed , Cochrane and EBSCO. Results:The exposure during childhood and adolescence to television (TV) is related with a high risk of developing attentional ad school difficulties, poor reading comprehension and other cognitive disorders. There is a direct relationship between the number of hours of exposure with academic failure; also, ADHD would be a risk factor of addiction to internet and videogames, there is evidence on the association between ADHD and addiction to video games. There is only a scant number of articles discrediting the association between screens and attention / ADHD issues. Findings: There is a relationship between excessive use of screens and ADHD, so that excessive screen use is considered a risk factor for devolping ADHD.Keywords: Attention, ADHD, Learning problems, multimedia, screen time.

Beyond ADHD: How Well Are We Doing?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There has been increasing emphasis on the role of the pediatrician with respect to behavioral, learning, and mental health (MH) issues, and developmental behavioral rotations are now required in pediatric residency programs. We sought to examine whether this newer emphasis on MH is reflected in pediatricians' reports of their current practices. METHODS: Data from 2 periodic surveys conducted in 2004 and 2013 by the American Academy of Pediatrics were examined to see whether there were differences in self-reported behaviors of usually inquiring/screening, treating/managing/comanaging, or referring patients for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, or learning problems. We examined patterns for all practicing members and for those who practiced general pediatrics exclusively. RESULTS: There were few changes over the decade in the percentage who inquired or screened among all clinicians; among those exclusively practicing general pediatrics, the percentage who inquired or screened increased about 10% for ADHD and depression. ADHD remained the only condition for which the majority of respondents treated/managed/comanaged (57%). While there was some increase in the percentages who treated other conditions, the other conditions were usually treated by <30% of respondents. A similar pattern of results was observed in analyses adjusted for physician, practice, and patient characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the changing nature of pediatric practice and increased efforts to emphasize the importance of behavior, learning, and MH, the pediatric community appears to be making little progress toward providing for the long-term behavioral, learning, and MH needs of children and adolescents in its care.

Gamma aminobutyric acid transporter subtype 1 gene knockout mice: a new model for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by hyperactivity, impaired sustained attention, impulsivity, and is usually accompanied by varying degrees of learning difficulties and lack of motor coordination. However, the pathophysiology and etiology of ADHD remain inconclusive so far. Our previous studies have demonstrated that the gamma aminobutyric acid transporter subtype 1 (GAT1) gene knockout (ko) mouse (gat1-/-) is hyperactive and exhibited impaired memory performance in the Morris water maze. In the current study, we found that the gat1-/- mice showed low levels of attentional focusing and increased impulsivity. In addition, the gat1-/- mice displayed ataxia characterized by defects in motor coordination and balance skills. The hyperactivity in the ko mice was reduced by both methylphenidate and amphetamine. Collectively, these results suggest that GAT1 ko mouse is a new animal model for ADHD studying and GAT1 may be a new target to treat ADHD.

Caracterización de procesos cognitivos de memoria, lenguaje y pensamiento, en estudiantes con bajo y alto rendimiento académico: Memory, Language and Thought in Students with Low and High Academic Achievement / Characterizing Cognitive Processes

Este artículo presenta la caracterización de los procesos de memoria, lenguaje y pensamiento de cuatro grupos de estudiantes con bajo, medio, alto y superior rendimiento académico, entre los años de primero y quinto de primaria, con un rango entre seis y once años de edad, de un centro educativo de Bogotá-Colombia. Se aplicaron diez sub-pruebas del WISC–IV, para describir dichos procesos. El rendimiento académico se corroboró mediante informes escolares. Los resultados se procesaron con el SPSS-19, mediante ANOVA, y DHS de Tukey. El aspecto más influyente en las calificaciones es la comprensión verbal con una correlación de .718; le sigue el razonamiento perceptual con una correlación de .659; y por último la memoria de trabajo con una correlación de .577.

This paper presents a characterization of the processes of memory, language and thought of four groups of students with low, medium, high and higher academic achievement among first and fifth grade, aged between 6 and 11 years, in an educational center in Bogotá-Colombia. to 10 sub-tests of the WISC-IV Were applied, to describe these processes. Academic performance was corroborated by school reports. The results were processed using SPSS-19, ANOVA and Tukey's DHS. The most influential aspect is the verbal comprehension scores with a correlation of .718; followed by perceptual reasoning with a correlation of .659, and finally the working memory with a correlation of .577.

Learning, attention/hyperactivity, and conduct problems as sequelae of excessive daytime sleepiness in a general population study of young children.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Although excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a common problem in children, with estimates of 15%; few studies have investigated the sequelae of EDS in young children. We investigated the association of EDS with objective neurocognitive measures and parent reported learning, attention/hyperactivity, and conduct problems in a large general population sample of children. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Population based. PARTICIPANTS: 508 children from The Penn State Child Cohort. INTERVENTIONS: N/A. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Children underwent a 9-h polysomnogram, comprehensive neurocognitive testing, and parent rating scales. Children were divided into 2 groups: those with and without parent-reported EDS. Structural equation modeling was used to examine whether processing speed and working memory performance would mediate the relationship between EDS and learning, attention/hyperactivity, and conduct problems. Logistic regression models suggest that parent-reported learning, attention/hyperactivity, and conduct problems, as well as objective measurement of processing speed and working memory are significant sequelae of EDS, even when controlling for AHI and objective markers of sleep. Path analysis demonstrates that processing speed and working memory performance are strong mediators of the association of EDS with learning and attention/hyperactivity problems, while to a slightly lesser degree are mediators from EDS to conduct problems. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that in a large general population sample of young children, parent-reported EDS is associated with neurobehavioral (learning, attention/hyperactivity, conduct) problems and poorer performance in processing speed and working memory. Impairment due to EDS in daytime cognitive and behavioral functioning can have a significant impact on children's development.

Hábitos, características psicosociales y resultados del aprendizaje en educandos de primaria en Cayo Hueso, La Habana / Habits, psychosocial features and results of learning in primary school students in Cayo Hueso, La Habana

El Ministerio de Educación realiza acciones para lograr cumplir los objetivos de la Tercera Revolución Educacional; una es el proyecto multicéntrico, liderado por el Instituto Central de Ciencia Pedagógicas, Aprendizaje para Todos, en el marco del cual se solicitó al Instituto Nacional de Higiene, Epidemiología y Microbiología realizar un estudio en el que se caracterizaran los hábitos de vida y los aspectos psicosociales de los educandos de primaria, según resultados de su aprendizaje, y se relacionaran los hábitos y las características psicosociales con sus resultados académicos. El estudio fue complejo combinado, de tipo transversal, descriptivo y analítico (caso y control), en los educandos de primer a sexto grados de las seis instituciones educacionales de la enseñanza primaria del Consejo Popular Cayo Hueso, durante el curso escolar 2006-2007. Para cumplir los objetivos a todas las madres se les aplicó un cuestionario con preguntas acerca de la historia educacional de los hijos, sus hábitos y comportamientos. Se identificaron hábitos de vida y comportamientos inadecuados que predominaron en los educandos con problemas de aprendizaje, tales como: jugar en exceso, dormir tiempo insuficiente o con dificultades, las malas relaciones con la madre o el padre y convivientes, el comportamiento violento, intranquilo e impulsivo, estar triste sin razón, poco satisfecho con estudios y no soportar las frustraciones. Se asociaron como factor de riesgo a los problemas de aprendizaje: el juego en exceso, ser intranquilo e impulsivo, poco satisfecho con el estudio, dormir tiempo insuficiente, o con dificultades, no soportar frustraciones y el comportamiento violento y triste sin razón. Como factor protector se encontró leer en tiempo libre(AU)

Ministry of Education take actions to fulfil the objectives of the Third Educational Revolution; one is the multicenter project leaded by the Central Institute of Educational Science, Learning for Everybody where authors requested to National Institute of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Microbiology the carrying out of an study to characterize the life habits and the psychosocial features of primary school students, according to the results of their learning and that are related to habits and the psychosocial features with the academic results. The study was complex, combined, cross sectional, descriptive and analytical (case-control) conducted in the first to sixth grades students from the six educational institutions of primary teaching of the above mentioned council during the school course 200-2007. To fulfill the objectives the mother filled a questionnaire with questions on the educational history of children, habits and behaviors. There were identified inappropriate life habits and behaviors with predominance in students with learning problems including: to play in excess, an insufficient sleep hours or with difficulties for it, bad relationships with parents and other family members, the violent behavior, restless and impulsive, to be sad without any reason, no satisfied with the studies and to hate the frustrations. The risk factors included the above mentioned situations. As a protector factor was to read in the spare time(AU)