Correlates In Children Research Articles

Assessment of the Changes in the Salivary Profile and Its Clinical Correlation in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Follow-up Study.

To assess the changes in salivary profile and its clinical correlation in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) undergoing chemotherapy. Children who have been diagnosed with ALL undergoing chemotherapy at Bharati Hospital, Pune, were included in the study. Those children were included who fulfilled the following inclusion and exclusion criteria. Stimulated salivary samples were collected in sterile vials at 1-, 3-, and 6-month intervals and ware assessed for salivary pH and buffering capacity. Caries and oral manifestations were also checked at each interval. A total of 25 children with ALL undergoing chemotherapy were included to participate in the study. The results were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. There was a statistically significant difference in the change in salivary pH during the 1st and 6th months of chemotherapy (p-value of 0.001). Salivary buffering capacity was also found to be low in these patients during the 1st month of chemotherapy, which gradually increased during the entire course of chemotherapy (p-value of 0.011). Progression of dental caries was seen during the entire course of treatment. All the major changes were seen in the 1st month, that is, the induction phase of chemotherapy. Hence, we can say this is the most affected phase of chemotherapy. The parents and children should be educated and motivated to maintain proper oral hygiene. Whenever possible, all preventive dental procedures should be undertaken before the start of chemotherapy to avoid future complications. Paranjape MN, Shah P, Patil S, et al. Assessment of the Changes in the Salivary Profile and Its Clinical Correlation in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Follow-up Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-3):S268-S271.

Neurocognitive Profile and 18 F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Brain Imaging Correlation in Children with Electrical Status Epilepticus during Sleep.

Objective Electrical status epilepticus in sleep (ESES) is defined by near-continuous epileptiform discharges during sleep along with cognitive, behavioral, and/or imaging abnormalities. We studied the neurocognitive profile and their correlation with 18 F fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) brain abnormalities in children with ESES. Methods Fourteen children with ESES with normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from March to December 2019 were included. The intelligence quotient (IQ) and child behavior checklist (CBCL) scores were estimated using validated scales, and FDG PET brain was done at the same point of time to look for cerebral metabolic defects which was compared with a control group. Results Fourteen patients with a mean age of 8.2 ± 2.7 years were analyzed. The average duration of epilepsy was 6 ± 2.8 years. The mean IQ was 72.4 ± 18.2 and mean CBCL score was 37.3 ± 11.8. There was negative correlation between IQ and CBCL ( r = -0.55, p < 0.001). The duration of epilepsy also showed negative correlation with IQ ( r = -4.75, p < 0.001). FDG PET scan showed predominant thalamic hypometabolism in 12 of 14 patients (85.7%) on visual analysis with multiple other hypometabolic cortical and subcortical regions in the brain. The quantitative analysis showed significant difference in metabolism of basal ganglion when compared with control group. The total number of hypometabolic regions seen in the brain showed moderate positive correlation with CBCL score but no significant correlation with the IQ of cases. Conclusion This study demonstrates functional impairment of cerebral cortical, basal ganglia, and thalamic hypometabolism in a cohort of ESES patients with normal structural MRI brain study. There was a moderate correlation of extent and pattern of cerebral hypometabolism with the neuropsychological status of the child and duration of epilepsy.

The Role of Predictive Models in the Assessment of the Poor Outcomes in Pediatric Acute Liver Failure.

Objectives: In children, acute liver failure (ALF) is a severe condition with high mortality. As some patients need liver transplantation (LT), it is essential to predict the fatal evolution and to refer them early for LT if needed. Our study aimed to evaluate the prognostic criteria and scores for assessing the outcome in children with ALF. Methods: Data of 161 children with ALF (54.66% female, mean age 7.66 ± 6.18 years) were analyzed based on final evolution (32.91% with fatal evolution or LT) and etiology. We calculated on the first day of hospitalization the PELD score (109 children), MELD, and MELD-Na score (52 children), and King’s College Criteria (KCC) for all patients. The Nazer prognostic index and Wilson index for predicting mortality were calculated for nine patients with ALF in Wilson’s disease (WD). Results: PELD, MELD, and MELD-Na scores were significantly higher in patients with fatal evolution (21.04 ± 13.28 vs. 13.99 ± 10.07, p = 0.0023; 36.20 ± 19.51 vs. 20.08 ± 8.57, p < 0.0001; and 33.07 ± 8.29 vs. 20.08 ± 8.47, p < 0.0001, respectively). Moreover, age, bilirubin, albumin, INR, and hemoglobin significantly differed in children with fatal evolution. Function to etiology, PELD, MELD, MELD-Na, and KCC accurately predicted fatal evolution in toxic ALF (25.33 vs. 9.90, p = 0.0032; 37.29 vs. 18.79, p < 0.0001; 34.29 vs. 19.24, p = 0.0002, respectively; with positive predicting value 100%, negative predicting value 88.52%, and accuracy 89.23% for King’s College criteria). The Wilson index for predicting mortality had an excellent predictive strength (100% sensibility and specificity), better than the Nazer prognostic index. Conclusions: Prognostic scores may be used to predict the fatal evolution of ALF in children in correlation with other parameters or criteria. Early estimation of the outcome of ALF is essential, mainly in countries where emergency LT is problematic, as the transfer to a specialized center could be delayed, affecting survival chances.

Clinical, Hematological and Immunological Correlation in Children with Dengue Infection

Mortality rate caused by dengue in tropical urban life by a vector mosquito possess severe effects including children. This is an observational study carried out in a tertiary care hospital in Navi Mumbai, from June 2006 to August 2008 area which is endemic for vector borne diseases. The clinical signs, symptoms, hematological parameters and serological correlation in 100 serologically positive for IgM and IgG children confirmed by Mac ELISA were studied. Chi-square test of significance was applied between the selected laboratory and clinical parameters. The outcomes of the study were provided with a high incidence of infection was seen in the age group of 6-10 years (50%), with a male (63%) predominance affection. Fever (100%), along with Vomiting (89%), myalgia (45%) and abdominal pain (27%) are the most common symptoms associated with dengue. Other symptoms found in childrens affected by dengue shows hemorrhagic manifestation (25%), hepatomegaly (78%), as cites and effusion (50%), hem concentration (31%), leucopenia (38%), and raised serum transaminases (67%). These findings were correlated with the severity of the infection and the parameters which were statistically significant were hemorrhagic manifestation, plasma leakage with as cites and effusion, hepatomegaly, hem concentration and leucopenia. The findings would be useful in early detection and prompt management and referral of cases for preventing mortality rate in children.

Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in Children with HHT.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), a rare autosomal dominant disease mostly caused by mutations in three known genes (ENG, ACVRL1, and SMAD4), is characterized by the development of vascular malformations (VMs). Patients with HHT may present with mucocutaneous telangiectasia, as well as organ arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the central nervous system, lungs, and liver. Genotype–phenotype correlations have been well described in adults with HHT. We aimed to investigate genotype–phenotype correlations among pediatric HHT patients. Demographic, clinical, and genetic data were collected and analyzed in 205 children enrolled in the multicenter Brain Vascular Malformation Consortium HHT Project. A chi-square test was used to determine the association between phenotypic presentations and genotype. Among 205 patients (age range: 0–18 years; mean: 11 years), ENG mutation was associated with the presence of pulmonary AVMs (p < 0.001) and brain VM (p < 0.001). The presence of a combined phenotype—defined as both pulmonary AVMs and brain VMs—was also associated with ENG mutation. Gastrointestinal bleeding was rare (4.4%), but was associated with SMAD4 genotype (p < 0.001). We conclude that genotype–phenotype correlations among pediatric HHT patients are similar to those described among adults. Specifically, pediatric patients with ENG mutation have a greater prevalence of pulmonary AVMs, brain VMs, and a combined phenotype.

A Study of Estimation and Analysis of Anti HBs Titre in Adolescent Children in Corrleation with Socio Demographic Profile

Introduction: Viruses are the most common causative agents of hepatitis today and infect many millions of individuals annually. Viral hepatitis encompasses several diseases and represents a global health problem. It induces major morbidity and mortality and places enormous demands on economic and medical resources.&#x0D; Aim of the Study: Analysis of Anti Hbs Titre in Unimmunised Adolescent Children in Correlation with Socio-Demographic Profile.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics at Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai from April 2017 to March 2018. Vaccinated and unvaccinated (for Hepatitis B vaccine) adolescents between the age group of 10-19 years, who attended the department of Pediatrics, were included in this study. 160 adolescents who were vaccinated with Hepatitis B vaccine and 160 adolescents who were unvaccinated with Hepatitis B vaccine in the age group of 10-19 years. A total of 320 adolescents were included in the study. The correlation was done between two group based on socio-demographic data.&#x0D; Results: Among the mothers, 10.93% (35) were illiterates, 25.62% (82) had finished primary school. 33.44% (107) and 21.56% (69) had done middle school and higher secondary school (HSS) respectively. 8.45% (27) were graduates. In the study it was found that 7.19% (23) of fathers were illiterates, 23.44% (75) had stopped with primary school and 18.43% (59) with middle school. 34.69% (111) have done HSS and 16.25% (52) were graduates. Of total adolescents who participated in 25.63% (82) were from rural areas and 74.37% (238) were from urban areas. Among participants, 49.37% (158) belong to lower and 30.63% (98) belonged to lower middle class. The middle class and the upper middle class had 9.06% (29) and 10.94% (35) respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: The findings of the present study show the need for catch up vaccination among the adolescent's population, who missed their routine immunization with Hepatitis B vaccine. For health care professionals, this study is a evidence that stresses more about the importance of providing Hepatitis B vaccination among adolescents.

Pneumonia Degree Correlation in Children with Clean and Healthy Behavior (CHB)

Abstract Pneumonia is an acute infection that affects the lung with symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, grunting, cyanosis, rhonchi, and infiltrates in thorax imaging. Based on The Integrated Management of Sick Children in handling Acute Respiratory Tract Infection program, pneumonia is classified as severe pneumonia, pneumonia and not pneumonia. One of the risk factors of pneumonia is the low level of Clean and Healthy Behavior (CHB). The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of pneumonia in children with clean and healthy behavior (CHB). The analytic observational study with cross-sectional method. The sample was conducted children under five years old diagnosed with pneumonia in the Children's Ward of Rachma Husada Hospital Bantul with due regard to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sampling was carried out using consecutive techniques. The data was retrieved using secondary data (medical records) and observing CHB with questionnaire. The data was analyzed using fisher’s exact test. From 32 samples in this study, the majority of samples suffered from severe pneumonia (81.3%) and the most CHB indicators were the Intermediate category (50%). The result of bivariate analysis shows there was a correlation between the degree of pneumonia in children and the family’s CHB (p=0.01). There was a correlation between the degree of pneumonia in children and the clean and healthy behavior (CHB). Keywords : pneumonia, CHB, childrenCorrespondence : lahdjiaa@unimus.ac.id

Genotype-Phenotype Correlation in Children: The Impact of FBN1 Variants on Pediatric Marfan Care.

Currently, no reliable genotype–phenotype correlation is available for pediatric Marfan patients in everyday clinical practice. We investigated correlations of FBN1 variants with the prevalence and age of onset of Marfan manifestations in childhood and differentiated three groups: missense/in-frame, splice, and nonsense/frameshift variants. In addition, we differentiated missense variants destroying or generating a cysteine (cys-missense) and alterations not affecting cysteine. We categorized 105 FBN1-positive pediatric patients. Patients with cys-missense more frequently developed aortic dilatation (p = 0.03) requiring medication (p = 0.003), tricuspid valve prolapse (p = 0.03), and earlier onset of myopia (p = 0.02) than those with other missense variants. Missense variants correlated with a higher prevalence of ectopia lentis (p = 0.002) and earlier onset of pulmonary artery dilatation (p = 0.03) than nonsense/frameshift, and dural ectasia was more common in the latter (p = 0.005). Pectus excavatum (p = 0.007) appeared more often in patients with splice compared with missense/in-frame variants, while hernia (p = 0.04) appeared earlier in the latter. Findings on genotype–phenotype correlations in Marfan-affected children can improve interdisciplinary therapy. In patients with cys-missense variants, early medical treatment of aortic dilatation seems reasonable and early regular ophthalmologic follow-up essential. Patients with nonsense/frameshift and splice variants require early involvement of orthopedic specialists to support the growing child.

Positive Shyness in the Brain: Frontal Electroencephalogram Alpha Asymmetry and Delta-Beta Correlation in Children.

Positive shyness is thought to be an approach-dominant form of shyness, whereas non-positive shyness is thought to be an avoidance-dominant form of shyness. This study examined electrocortical and behavioral correlates of motivation and emotion in relation to these shy subtypes in 67 children (Mage =10.41years, SD=3.23). Using resting state electroencephalography, findings revealed that positive shy and low shy children had greater relative left frontal alpha asymmetry compared to non-positive shy children, and positive shy children had a higher frontal delta-beta correlation compared to other groups. Non-positive shy children scored highest on parent-reported school avoidance. These findings converge with previous work reporting distinct correlates in positive and non-positive shyness, extending this to two brain measures of motivation and emotion.

Association of VDBP rs4701 variant, but not VDR/RXR-α over-expression with bone mineral density in pediatric β-Thalassemia patients

BackgroundThe reduced rate of bone formation despite the availability of vitamin D has been reported in β-thalassemia. Genetic factors, together with environmental ones, could be implicated in this condition. Since vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) maintains bioavailability of vitamin D which binds to vitamin D receptor (VDR)-retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRA) heterodimer to exert its molecular actions, we speculated that vitamin D metabolic-axis expression signature and variants could be potential molecular candidates for bone turnover/disease in thalassemia. To this end, this study aims to analyze VDR/RXRA expression signature, and two VDBP variants in a pilot sample of Egyptian β-thalassemia children in correlation with bone mineral density (BMD).Patients and methodsForty-four well-chelated β-thalassemia children and 40 unrelated controls were enrolled. The serum bone chemistry profile was measured. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMN) VDR/RXRA expression levels were quantified by Real-Time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). VDBP rs7041 and rs4588 variants were identified by Real-Time allelic discrimination assay. All patients were subjected to lumbar-spine Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).ResultsVDR/RXRA expressions were significantly higher in β-thalassemia children compared to controls (P = 0.001 and <0.001, respectively) and showed higher values in β-thalassemia major relative to β-thalassemia intermedia. Expression levels of both genes were not associated with sex or BMD. However, VDBP rs4701 genotyping revealed lower BMD-L4 and a higher frequency of osteoporosis.Conclusionsβ-Thalassemia children had higher expression levels of PBMN VDR/RXRA. VDBP rs4701 variant was associated with osteoporosis in our β-thalassemia patients on vitamin D supplementation. Further large-scale studies in other ethnic populations are warranted.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SNACKING HABITS AND CARIES EXPERIENCE A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN EGYPTIAN AND Kuwaiti CHILDREN

Background: Dental caries is a chronic, multifactorial disease, with limited background data available for the Egyptian and Kuwaiti populations. Aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of dental caries among Egyptian and Kuwaiti children in correlation with snacking habits and oral hygiene measure. Subjects and Methods: A total number of 360 Egyptian and kuwaiti children, each group comprised of 180 children (aged between 3-12 years)were examined over the period from 3rd August 2019 till 6th of October 2019.Demographic data, snacking habits and frequency of tooth brushing for children were recorded in a questionnaire. Dental status was analyzed using decayed, missing and filled index (dmf) for deciduous dentition and (DMF) index for permanent dentition. For mixed dentition (def ) index d(decayed),e (decayed tooth indicated for extraction) and f (filled tooth). Results: Kuwaiti children who had unhealthy ,mixed snacks (healthy/Unhealthy), twice daily, at different time of the day (BL/LD) and brushing their teeth twice daily had a significantly higher value of DMF than the Egyptian children. Also, The Kuwaiti children had a significantly higher dmf score than the Egyptian children regarding healthy snacks, mixed snacks, twice daily, at different time of the day (BL/LD) and brushing their teeth twice daily. Finally, the Kuwaiti children showed higher statistically significant difference score of def regarding Unhealthy and twice daily snacks than the Egyptian children . Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Kuwaiti children have higher caries prevalence than Egyptian children.Abbreviation :BL=Between breakfast and lunch / LD=Between Lunch and dinner / Healthy snacks=Fruits and Vegetables/Unhealthy snacks :snacks including candy, soft drinks, chocolates, jelly, ice cream, potato chips , cookies ./Mixed:(Healthy/Unhealthy snacks).

A study on clinical profile of tuberculosis in HIV children

Background: Children born to Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive parents who are not infected with tuberculosis (TB) themselves, are also at higher risk of acquiring TB because of exposure. The source of transmission of TB to a child is usually an adult with sputum-smear positive PTB. To evaluate the clinical, bacteriological and radiological pattern of TB in HIV seropositive children in correlation with CD4 count.Methods: This study was conducted over a period of 12 months from May 2008- April 2009 at GMKMCH Salem. 100 children screened positive for HIV at voluntary counselling and testing centers (VCTC) in Antiretroviral therapy (ART) center and diagnosed to have TB infection as per Revised national tuberculosis control programme (RNTCP) guidelines.Results: Out of the 100 children with HIV and TB infection 62 were males and 38 were females. The ratio was 1.63:1. The sputum positivity in our study shows that only 9% of the children are sputum positive. Sputum culture for M. Tuberculosis remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of Pulmonary TB. In resource-poor countries, the diagnosis is heavily dependent on the sputum AFB smear. In our study CD4 cell count, less than 300 was observed in 33 children. In these children the predominant X-ray lesions were Hilar adenopathy, lower lobe infiltrations, diffuse infiltrates and miliary mottling. Upper lobe infiltrates was common with higher CD4 count mean 350.Conclusions: With the conventional sputum positivity and Tuberculin test not providing an adequate diagnostic help, familiarity with clinical radiological spectrum of TB and HIV co-infection will help in early diagnosis and improve survival among HIV seropositive children.

Utility of Serial Transcranial Doppler in Diagnosis of Intracranial Vasculopathy with Computed Tomography Correlation in Children with Tuberculous Meningitis

Utility of Serial Transcranial Doppler in Diagnosis of Intracranial Vasculopathy with Computed Tomography Correlation in Children with Tuberculous Meningitis

Phenotype-Genotype Correlation in Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common autosomal dominant disorder with an incidence of ∼1 in 4,000 live births. Neurofibromin, the gene product, is ubiquitously expressed at high levels in the nervous system and functions as a tumor suppressor. Haploinsufficiency of neurofibromin through mutation leads to an increased risk of developing benign and malignant tumors in affected individuals. Although NF1 has complete penetrance, it displays considerable inter- and intrafamilial variability in phenotypic expression which poses disease prediction and management problems. Some NF1 genotype-phenotype correlations have been described. To evaluate the genetic component of variable expressivity in NF1, we examined the phenotypic correlations between affected relatives in 52 NF1 patients from 45 families.

Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification Analysis Subsequent to Direct DNA Full Sequencing for Identifying ATP7B Mutations and Phenotype Correlations in Children with Wilson Disease.

BackgroundMutations in ATP7B cause Wilson disease (WD). However, direct DNA full sequencing cannot detect all mutations in patients with WD. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) analysis is reportedly useful in increasing the diagnostic yield in other genetic disorders with large deletions or insertions. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the detection rate of ATP7B mutations can be increased by using MLPA.MethodsWe enrolled 114 children with WD from 104 unrelated families based on biochemical tests and direct DNA full sequencing. The patients with one or zero mutant allele were investigated using MLPA. We analyzed phenotypic correlations.ResultsTotal allele frequency by full sequencing was 87.5%. Full sequencing revealed two mutant alleles in 80 of 104 unrelated children. One mutant allele was detected in 22 children, and no mutations were found in two children. Novel mutations including small deletions with frameshift mutations were identified by DNA sequencing. MLPA revealed no gross deletion or duplication in 24 children with one or zero mutant alleles. The number of detected mutations was not associated with hepatic manifestation, age of onset, Kayser-Fleischer ring, ceruloplasmin, and urinary Cu concentrations.ConclusionMLPA showed a limited role to increase the mutation detection rate in children who do not receive a definite genetic diagnosis of WD through DNA full sequencing. This finding suggests that large deletions or duplications might be extremely rare in WD. Further development is needed to improve the genetic diagnosis of WD.

Oxidants, Antioxidants, and Delayed Language Correlations in Children with Autism

Oxidants, Antioxidants, and Delayed Language Correlations in Children with Autism

Serum levels of lead and copper in a group of Egyptian children with bronchial asthma

Background: Copper and lead are trace elements required for the activity of antioxidant enzymes and changes in their levels may lead to reduction in antioxidant activities in asthma. Objective: Our study aims to investigate the serum levels of copper and lead in asthmatic children in correlation to disease severity to anticipate their role as oxidant defenders in this disease. Methods: We enrolled 45 children who were divided into two groups: group 1 included 30 asthmatic children during disease quiescence and group 2 included 15 clinically healthy children matched for age and sex as a control group. Patients were subjected to: history taking, clinical examination, spirometry before and after bronchodilator therapy, complete blood counting, and measurement of serum levels of total IgE, copper and lead (in patients and controls). Results: Patients’ group had significantly higher serum levels of lead (mean 8.2±3.1 μg/dl) and copper (122±31.5 μg/dl) in comparison to controls (mean 5.7±2.3 μg/dl and103.3±21.1 μg/dl respectively). Serum lead and copper levels were higher among patients with moderate persistent asthma than those with mild asthma. Serum total IgE levels correlated positively with serum lead levels among the asthmatic children. However, serum lead and copper levels did not correlate with any of the measured pulmonary function parameters tested. Conclusion: Increased serum level of lead and copper were high in a group of children with bronchial asthma in children and this was more evident in moderate than mild cases. Keywords: children; trace elements; lead; copper; spirometry; bronchial asthma; antioxidants; severity

Genotype–phenotype Correlation in Children with Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma

ABSTRACTPheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGL) have been reported to have germline mutations in more than 15 genes. PPGL diagnosed during childhood have the highest heritability (up to 80%). PPGL associated genes are classified into two clusters; cluster 1 (VHL, SDHx, EPAS1, PDH1, PDH2, FH, MDH2) and cluster 2 (RET, NF-1, TMEM127, MAX). Cluster 1 genes associated PPGL are norepinephrine secreting whereas cluster 2 genes associated PPGL are epinephrine secreting. In children with PPGL, VHL mutations are the most common followed by SDHB and SDHD. Bilateral PCC are frequent in patients with VHL mutations whereas extra-adrenal PGL are frequent in SDHx mutations. SDHB related PPGL are frequently malignant. Genetic testing should be performed in all children with PPGL and prioritization of genetic testing based on clinical characteristics (extra-paraganglial manifestations, location and number of PPGL, biochemical phenotype and metastasis) may be cost-effective.How to cite this articleSarathi V, Sabaretnam M, Shah N. Genotype–phenotype Correlation in Children with Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma. World J Endoc Surg 2016;8(3):208-211.

The influence of television on childhood domestic violence in modern Russia

The article is focused on the influence of television as a factor of the problem of children’s exposure to domestic violence in modern Russia. A review of the main theoretical approaches is undertaken. The problem’s analysis is based on theories of violence by Sitikh E. L., Tabatadze G. S., Safonova T. Y., Tsymbal E. I. and also based on communication theories by McCombs M., Shaw D., Lasswel H., Gerbner G., Brayant D., Tomson S. The author also presents her own methodology in the article. It involves a conceptual model, sample and method. TV violence and the influence mechanism are key understandings of the conceptual model. The research model involves such violent actions towards the children as physical and psychological violence. The article presents the author’s pilot survey results characterizing the role of TV content in the lives of modern parents in 2013. The level of violent TV content of different levels is measured. The TV watching involvement level of modern parents is valued and the number of violent scenes in movies and TV series is reported. Moreover, the author determines the display of different violence types by parents over the children in correlation with recently watched violence on TV and values the character of violent scenes’ influence on the formation different types of children’s exposure to domestic physical and psychological violence. Refs 42. Tables 4.

Clinico-Radiological Correlation in Children with Ataxia Telangiectasia in Qatar

Introduction: Ataxia telangiectasia (AT) is a rare disease characterized by immunodeficiency and neurological manifestations. Ataxia, resulting from cerebella atrophy, runs a progressive incapacitating course. Clinical monitoring of the disease course is mandatory for early treatment. Aim: To study clinical severity of AT and correlate it with the degree of cerebellar atrophy. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively studied all children (less than 14 years) with AT seen at Hamad General Hospital Clinics between 1998-2013. We collected basic demographic data, parental consan-guinity, family history, AT clinical severity scores, and reviewed CBC with differential counts; alpha-fetoprotein, serum immunoglobulins and lymphocyte subsets. Cranial MRI scans of each subject were reviewed by a neuroradiologist. Cerebellar atrophy was visually and semi-quantitatively scored. Results: We analyzed data on 18 AT children (10 males and 8 females), mean age of 76.9 months. 77.8% had a positive family history of AT and 41.7% parental consanguinity. Lymphopenia was observed in 77.8% and high serum alpha-fetoprotein in 87.5% of children. Clinical severity of ataxia was 17.1 ± 8.4 (mean ± SD); 86.7% of patients were moderate-severe. MRI cerebellar atrophy score was 1.9 ± 1.3 (mean ± SD), and moderate in 51% of patients. AT clinical severity score correlated (coefficient r = 0.566) but not statistically significant p = 0.088) with MRI cerebellar atrophy scores. Conclusions: Moderate to severe ataxia and marked cerebellar atrophy are quite common in AT children. There is a correlation between AT clinical severity and cerebellar atrophy. Larger prospective studies might further determine the significance of our observations and help practicing practitioners monitor the progression of the disease.