The biology of developmental dyslexia
Article Abstract:
Dyslexia is an inability to read words accurately (decoding), rather than reading comprehension and may continue into adulthood. It affects between 2% to 8% of school age children. As many females as males are dyslexic, a language disorder best treated by tutoring to improve reading skills. Language deficits, not visual-spacial deficits underlie dyslexia. Visual perception improvement techniques are ineffective and costly. Backward or mirror writing in children is not an automatic indicator of dyslexia nor is unsureness about hand preference. Diet or medication are not always helpful though medication may help children with dyslexia and attention-deficit disorder. Between 20% to 40% of children have both disorders. Decoding problems have a variable genetic aspect and have been linked to chromosome 15 and six in some families. Brain examination suggests altered asymmetry of temporal lobe structure, particularly left temporoparietal dysfunction.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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The biology of the immune system
Article Abstract:
The immune system protects the body from invasion by environmental hazards such as bacteria, viruses, and foreign material. The ability to recognize foreign matter necessitates a clear recognition of self. Controlling this response requires a careful balance between aggressive defense and self-destruction. Physical barriers like nose hair, mucus, and the skin, as well as chemicals in the blood, provide generalized protection. Specific and effective defense requires the interaction of specialized blood cells and immune factors that identify and destroy outsiders in a complex process.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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