The Child Abuse Potential Inventory and pregnancy outcome in expectant adolescent mothers

OBJECTIVE

The study explores the prenatal Child Abuse Potential (pCAP) scores derived from the Child Abuse Potential Inventory administered to expectant adolescent mothers. The aim of the study was to assess the association of the pCAP scores with maternal negative prenatal behaviors, and evaluate the contribution of the pCAP scores to neonatal morbidity.

METHOD

The pCAP scores, demographic data, and self-report on prenatal behaviors were obtained during the second half of the pregnancy in a sample of 45 poor single adolescent mothers. A pediatrician blind to the prenatal data reviewed the neonatal records to assess neonatal morbidity. Maternal prenatal records were reviewed for obstetric risk assessment by an obstetrician who was blind to the rest of the data. The relations among the pCAP scores, prenatal behaviors, and neonatal morbidity were analyzed.

RESULTS

In the prenatal period, the pCAP scores were positively correlated with self-reported prenatal smoking and substance use. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that the pCAP scores significantly contributed to neonatal morbidity independently of obstetric risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The Child Abuse Potential scores obtained during pregnancy in poor single adolescent mothers reflect domains of maternal functioning that are associated with negative prenatal behaviors and appear to be important for predicting neonatal morbidity. Further studies are warranted to validate the prenatal use of the Child Abuse Potential Inventory.

Comparison between two- and three-dimensional ultrasound measurements of nuchal translucency

OBJECTIVE

Fetal nuchal translucency measurement has been introduced as a screening test for the calculation of risk of chromosomal abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to investigate: (1) the feasibility of obtaining nuchal translucency measurements using three-dimensional ultrasound; (2) whether three-dimensional ultrasound could improve and facilitate the required repeated measurements of nuchal translucency; (3) the correlation between two- and three-dimensional nuchal translucency measurement values.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Between September 1999 and May 2000, in a prospective cohort study, 229 unselected pregnant women with a mean age of 34.6 (range, 20-46) years were examined. The mean fetal crown-rump length was 64.3 (range, 45-84) mm. Nuchal translucency thickness was measured first by two- and then by three-dimensional ultrasound in two planes (three-dimensional mid-sagittal and three-dimensional transverse). An attempt was made to repeat each nuchal translucency measurement three times (totalling nine measurements per patient) and the means of the two- and three-dimensional measurements were compared. The majority (95%) of the measurements were made transabdominally and 5% were made transvaginally. The time limit for each examination was 20 min.

RESULTS

With the two-dimensional method, nuchal translucency could be measured in 96.8% of cases. Of these, three measurements could be obtained in 51.7%, two in 23.2% and only one in 25.1%. The three-dimensional examination was successful in 98.6% of cases. Of these, three measurements could be obtained in 60%, two in 22.8% and one in 17.2%. Transvaginally, all examinations were successful. The main reason for the failure of two-dimensional ultrasound was the fetal position, which in some cases precluded the distinction between fetal skin and amnion or the uterine wall. Using two-dimensional ultrasound, 6.3% of the cases of measurement failure were due to an inability to differentiate clearly between fetal skin and amnion, whilst the equivalent value for the three-dimensional method was only 3.3%. For the three-dimensional technique, fetal movement was the main reason for failure. The mean time for both methods was similar (9 min and 10 min for two- and three-dimensional ultrasound, respectively) and the correlation between the measurements obtained by the two- and three-dimensional techniques was very high (r = 0.97).

CONCLUSION

The number of fetuses in which nuchal translucency could be measured tended to be higher with three-dimensional ultrasound, although the difference was not statistically significant. The possibility of rotating a stored volume and inspecting it in three orthogonal planes makes three-dimensional ultrasound a useful tool for nuchal translucency measurements, especially in doubtful cases.

Nuclear signaling: a common function of presenilin substrates?

Major progress has recently been made in the characterization of the secretases involved in endoproteolytic processing of the Alzheimer's disease (AD)-associated beta-amyloid precursor protein, betaAPP. betaAPP is the precursor of the amyloid beta-peptide, which is a major constituent of amyloid plaques in the brains of Alzheimer patients. It is now commonly believed that Abeta plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of AD, and that inhibiting the production of Abeta may help to treat or to prevent the disease. With beta-secretase and the presenilins, two essential factors in the proteolytic generation of Abeta have now been identified. However, very little is still known about the biological function of the long-known betaAPP. In this review we will discuss a novel putative function of betaAPP in nuclear signaling, an activity, that betaAPP may share with other presenilin substrates such as Notch.

Unilateral striatal dopamine depletion: time-dependent effects on cortical function and behavioural correlates

Previously, we showed that unilateral blockade of D1 dopamine receptors in the striatum inhibits immediate-early gene expression bilaterally throughout large parts of the cortex, including sensory-evoked expression in the barrel cortex. To further investigate this dopamine regulation of cortical function, we examined the effects of dopamine depletion on cortical gene regulation and behavioural correlates. Two days after unilateral infusion of 6-hydroxydopamine into the midbrain, rats displayed a (to some degree) bilateral reduction in cortical zif 268 expression that was more pronounced on the lesioned side. This decrease was found across motor, somatosensory, insular and piriform, but not cingulate, cortex, similar to the effects of blockade of striatal D1 receptors. Furthermore, whisker stimulation-evoked c-fos and zif 268 expression in the barrel cortex ipsilateral to the lesion was also attenuated by acute dopamine depletion. These cortical deficits were accompanied by a breakdown of spontaneous behaviours in an open-field test. In contrast, 21 days after dopamine depletion, both basal and sensory-evoked gene expression in the cortex were near-normal. This cortical recovery was paralleled by recovery in locomotion and in sensory-guided behaviour (scanning) related to the hemisphere contralateral to the lesion, but not in scanning by the dopamine-depleted hemisphere. Our results suggest that striatal dopamine exerts a widespread facilitatory influence on cortical function that is necessary, but not sufficient, for normal behaviour. Moreover, the mechanisms mediating this cortical facilitation appear to be subject to substantial neuroplasticity after dopamine perturbation.

The cell biology of Alzheimer's disease: uncovering the secrets of secretases

Progress has been made in characterizing the secretases involved in endoproteolytic processing of the beta-amyloid precursor protein - the precursor of the amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta), which is the main constituent of amyloid plaques that form in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. It is now thought that Abeta is pivotal in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, and that reducing brain Abeta levels may help to treat or prevent the disease. Two essential factors for the proteolytic generation of Abeta have been identified, beta-secretase and the presenilins, which might aid the design of drugs against this disease.

Poor adolescent expectant mothers: can we assess their potential for child abuse?

PURPOSE

To explore the correlates of high scores on the Child Abuse Potential Inventory in adolescent expectant mothers.

METHODS

Child Abuse Potential scores and data on demographics, pregnancy desire, history of maltreatment, psychological functioning, and perceived social support were obtained by self-report and semi-structured interview. The sample consisted of 50 poor single adolescents recruited from prenatal clinics during the second half of the pregnancy. The relationships among the variables were assessed using Pearson product-moment correlation and multiple regression strategies.

RESULTS

Higher Child Abuse Potential scores were associated with higher maternal psychological distress, maternal history of psychiatric diagnosis, and lack of perceived support by the father of the baby. Older pregnant teenagers were more likely to report childhood history of maltreatment, higher psychological distress, and perceived and expected less support by the maternal mother. Expectant mothers who were raised by a single parent were more likely to have a history of childhood maltreatment, less likely to live with the father of the baby during their pregnancy and to expect less support from him.

CONCLUSIONS

Child Abuse Potential scores, obtained during pregnancy in a sample of poor single adolescents provide a marker of maternal prenatal functioning and perceived social support. Further studies are warranted to validate prenatal use of the Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAPI), which may help identify populations at particularly high risk for child abuse during pregnancy and inform strategies for early preventive interventions. Adolescent education on family planning, child rearing, and social support programs should address the importance of the fathers' role.

Presenilin-dependent gamma-secretase processing of beta-amyloid precursor protein at a site corresponding to the S3 cleavage of Notch

The presenilin (PS)-dependent site 3 (S3) cleavage of Notch liberates its intracellular domain (NICD), which is required for Notch signaling. The similar gamma-secretase cleavage of the beta-amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP) results in the secretion of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta). However, little is known about the corresponding C-terminal cleavage product (CTFgamma). We have now identified CTFgamma in brain tissue, in living cells, as well as in an in vitro system. Generation of CTFgamma is facilitated by PSs, since a dominant-negative mutation of PS as well as a PS gene knock out prevents its production. Moreover, gamma-secretase inhibitors, including one that is known to bind to PS, also block CTFgamma generation. Sequence analysis revealed that CTFgamma is produced by a novel gamma-secretase cut, which occurs at a site corresponding to the S3 cleavage of Notch.

Endoproteolysis of the ER stress transducer ATF6 in the presence of functionally inactive presenilins

Presenilin (PS) proteins facilitate endoproteolysis of selected type I transmembrane proteins such as the Alzheimer's disease (AD) associated beta-Amyloid precursor protein (beta APP) and Notch. beta APP is cleaved within its transmembrane domain by an aspartyl protease activity termed gamma-secretase, which may be identical with PS1 and PS2. Notch also undergoes a PS-dependent intramembraneous proteolysis. A similar gamma-secretase-like cleavage may also occur with IRE1 and ATF6, two signaling molecules of the unfolded protein response (UPR) that may require PSs for their activation. Here, we have analyzed whether ATF6 cleavage requires a PS-dependent gamma-secretase activity and whether inhibition of gamma-secretase activity would affect the UPR. Endoproteolysis of ATF6 was observed in the presence of the highly potent gamma-secretase inhibitor L-685,458. ATF6 processing also occurred in the presence of functionally inactive dominant negative mutants of PS1 (PS1 D385N) and PS2 (PS2 D366A) that do not support endoproteolysis of beta APP and Notch. Our results therefore demonstrate that ATF6 is not a substrate for PS mediated gamma-secretase-like endoproteolysis. This finding indicates that gamma-secretase inhibitors, which are currently developed as therapeutic agents to lower the A beta burden in brains of AD patients, do not interfere with the UPR response.

Contrast-enhanced transrectal color doppler ultrasonography (TRCDUS) for assessment of angiogenesis in prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

The clinical relevance of tumor angiogenesis has been investigated in several human tumors, including prostate carcinoma (PC). Previously, we found angiogenesis, measured as microvessel density (MVD), to be an independent prognostic factor in PC. Therefore, we evaluated contrast-enhanced Transrectal Color Doppler Ultrasonography (TRCDUS) for assessment of angiogenesis in PC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated 15 patients with PC before radical prostatectomy (RP) and 3 control patients before radical cystoprostatectomy. TRCDUS was performed using a micro-bubble-based ultrasound enhancer Levovist for identifying hypervascularized areas within the prostate. Computer-assisted quantification of color pixel intensity (PI) was used to evaluate objectively the hypervascularized areas; resistive index (RI) measurements were also obtained in these areas. After histopathological examination of the entire prostate gland for tumor confirmation, immunohistochemical evaluation of MVD using a polyclonal antibody against factor VIII was performed as described by Weidner et al. (N Engl J Med 324: 1-8, 1991). TRCDUS findings were correlated with the immunohistochemical data.

RESULTS

All patients showed hypervascularized areas (range: 1-9) on contrast-enhanced TRCDUS. Hypervascularized areas showed a sensitivity of 50.8% and a specificity of 95.2% for detecting PC. Analysis of TRCDUS data and immunohistochemistry revealed a significant correlation between PI and MVD in PC specimens, demonstrating a correlation coefficient of r2 = 0.977 (p<0.001). RI did not correlate with MVD.

CONCLUSION

Contrast-enhanced TRCDUS showed a high specificity in identifying PC. PI correlated significantly with MVD. Therefore, quantification of color Doppler signals seems to be helpful for assessment of angiogenesis in PC.

Mutation of conserved aspartates affect maturation of presenilin 1 and presenilin 2 complexes

Presenilin (PS1 and PS2) holoproteins are transiently incorporated into low molecular weight (MW) complexes. During subsequent incorporation into a higher MW complex, they undergo endoproteolysis to generate stable N- and C-terminal fragments (NTF/CTF). Mutation of either of two conserved aspartate residues in transmembrane domains inhibits both presenilin-endoproteolysis and the proteolytic processing of APP and Notch. We show that aspartate-mutant holoprotein presenilins are not incorporated into the high molecular weight, NTF/CTF-containing complexes. Aspartate-mutant presenilin holoproteins also preclude entry of endogenous wild-type PS1/PS2 into the high molecular weight complexes, but do not affect the incorporation of wild-type holoproteins into lower molecular weight holoprotein complexes. These data suggest that the loss-of-function aspartate-mutants cause altered PS complex maturation, and argue that the functional presenilin moieties are contained in the high molecular weight presenilin NTF/CTF-containing complexes.

A humoral stress response in Drosophila

The ability to react to unfavorable environmental changes is crucial for survival and reproduction, and several adaptive responses to stress have been conserved during evolution [1-3]. Specific immune and heat shock responses mediate the elimination of invading pathogens and of damaged proteins or cells [4-6]. Furthermore, MAP kinases and other signaling factors mediate cellular responses to a very broad range of environmental insults [7-9]. Here we describe a novel systemic response to stress in Drosophila. The Turandot A (TotA) gene encodes a humoral factor, which is secreted from the fat body and accumulates in the body fluids. TotA is strongly induced upon bacterial challenge, as well as by other types of stress such as high temperature, mechanical pressure, dehydration, UV irradiation, and oxidative agents. It is also upregulated during metamorphosis and at high age. Strikingly, flies that overexpress TotA show prolonged survival and retain normal activity at otherwise lethal temperatures. Although TotA is only induced by severe stress, it responds to a much wider range of stimuli than heat shock genes such as hsp70 or immune genes such as Cecropin A1.

A fast FLAIR dual-echo technique for hippocampal T2 relaxometry: first experiences in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy

To evaluate the use of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) signal nulling in MR T2 measurements of the hippocampus in normal control subjects and patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), dual-echo acquisitions covering the whole brain were used. T2 relaxation times were estimated in 12 standard Eurospin II MR test objects and in the hippocampi of 10 control subjects, using T2 maps constructed from conventional spin-echo (CSE), fast spin-echo (FSE), and fast FLAIR (FF) dual-echo sequences on a 1.5-T MR scanner. Hippocampal T2 values (HCT2) were measured on contiguous coronal 5-mm slices throughout the antero-posterior extent of each hippocampus in the 10 controls and 12 TLE patients, using both CSE and FF. Scan-rescan reproducibility in Eurospin II standard MR test objects was high for all sequences. There was a good correlation between T2 values from CSE, FF, and FSE sequences in test objects and in control hippocampi. In controls, the coefficient of variation of mean HCT2 values differed between slice positions, but was lowest for FF, followed by CSE data. The intrarater coefficient of reliability between repeated measurements in control subjects was lowest for FF HCT2, at 2.3%. The interrater coefficient of reliability for CSE HCT2 measurements in controls (4.8%) was slightly lower than the interrater coefficient for FF HCT2 (5.4%). HCT2 measurement with both CSE and FF identified abnormal values in the same 10 hippocampi of 12 patients. Hippocampal dual-echo T2 relaxometry using CSF nulling is reliable in control subjects, and identifies the abnormal hippocampi in patients with TLE. The increases in hippocampal T2 signal demonstrated using FF HCT2 measurements are unlikely to be partial volume effects from CSF.

Predictive value of total and percent free prostate specific antigen in high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia lesions: results of the Tyrol Prostate Specific Antigen Screening Project

PURPOSE

We evaluate the predictive values of total and percent free prostate specific antigen (PSA) in regard to high grade intraepithelial lesions in volunteers who participated in the Tyrol PSA Screening Project.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between June 1995 and December 1998, 1,474 patients undergoing transrectal biopsy of the prostate were evaluated. The primary detection rates of prostate cancer and high grade intraepithelial lesions were evaluated. In addition, the rate of prostate cancer detected on biopsy in patients diagnosed with high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia on the previous biopsy was assessed. Mean total PSA values and mean percent free PSA levels were determined for each study group and compared using the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

A total of 1,077 (73.1%) volunteers had benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis, and 327 (22.2%) had prostate cancer. The primary detection rate for high grade intraepithelial lesions was 4.7% (70 patients) and on repeat biopsy was 38.6% (27). Mean total PSA for the benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer, high grade and intraepithelial cancer groups were 6.0, 8.7, 5.9 and 5.2 ng./ml., respectively. Mean percent free PSA values for the various groups were 21.9, 12.1, 15.0 and 12.0, respectively. In regard to total PSA there was a statistically significant difference between the prostate cancer and high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia groups (p = 0.016), as well as the prostate cancer and intraepithelial cancer groups (p = 0.028). However, the high grade and intraepithelial cancer groups did not differ significantly. In regard to percent free PSA there were statistically significant differences between the prostate cancer and high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia groups (p = 0.0001), and the high grade and intraepithelial cancer groups (p = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

In regard to percent free PSA our data indicate a significant difference between high grade intraepithelial lesion and intraepithelial cancer. Due to a substantial overlap in percent free prostate specific antigen between the 2 groups, a clinically useful cutoff point could not be established. Therefore, we recommend repeat biopsy in all patients with high grade intraepithelial lesions regardless of the percent free PSA.

Family environment of children and adolescents with bipolar parents

OBJECTIVES

The effect of family environment on the development of bipolar disorder (BD) in children is not known. We sought to characterize families with children at high risk for developing BD in order to better understand the contributions of family environment to the development of childhood BD.

METHODS

We collected demographic data and parental ratings on the Family Environment Scale (FES) for 56 children (aged 6-18 years) from 36 families with at least one biological parent with BD. The cohort had previously been psychiatrically diagnosed according to semistructured interviews.

RESULTS

Statistical comparisons with normative data indicated that parents' ratings were significantly lower on the FES Cohesion and Organization scales and were significantly higher on the FES Conflict scale. Multivariate analyses of variance indicated that families with both parents having a mood disorder had no significantly different FES scores than families with only one parent with a mood disorder (BD). Diagnostic data indicated that while 54% of the children in the sample had an Axis I disorder and 14% had BD, FES scores did not differ significantly for subjects with or without an Axis I disorder, or with or without BD.

CONCLUSIONS

Families with a bipolar parent differ from the average family in having less cohesion and organization, and more conflict. Despite this difference, it does not appear that the environment alone of families with a bipolar parent determines the outcome of psychopathology in the children, or that the psychopathology of the children determines the family environment.

Substance abuse and criminal recidivism: a prospective study of adolescents

Studies of substance abuse among delinquents have shown mixed results on criminal recidivism. The present study evaluates personality traits associated with substance abuse and recidivism among delinquent boys, and prospectively determines the extent to which these factors are predictive of criminal recidivism. 134 incarcerated boys (x = 15.9 +/- 1.1) completed the Weinberger Adjustment Inventory and the Substance Abuse Screening Inventory. Youth were prospectively followed for up to 4.5 years following release. Among incarcerated delinquents, personality traits are predictive of a positive substance abuse screen and recidivism. A trend indicating a possible interaction between personality and treatment is observed. If these findings are replicated, personality traits may play a role in predicting substance abuse as well as individual delinquent responses to treatment.

A pathogenic presenilin-1 deletion causes abberrant Abeta 42 production in the absence of congophilic amyloid plaques

Familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) is frequently associated with mutations in the presenilin-1 (PS1) gene. Almost all PS1-associated FAD mutations reported so far are exchanges of single conserved amino acids and cause the increased production of the highly amyloidogenic 42-residue amyloid beta-peptide Abeta42. Here we report the identification and pathological function of an unusual FAD-associated PS1 deletion (PS1 DeltaI83/DeltaM84). This FAD mutation is associated with spastic paraparesis clinically and causes accumulation of noncongophilic Abeta-positive "cotton wool" plaques in brain parenchyma. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy due to Abeta deposition was widespread as were neurofibrillary tangles and neuropil threads, although tau-positive neurites were sparse. Although significant deposition of Abeta42 was observed, no neuritic pathology was associated with these unusual lesions. Overexpressing PS1 DeltaI83/DeltaM84 in cultured cells results in a significantly elevated level of the highly amyloidogenic 42-amino acid amyloid beta-peptide Abeta42. Moreover, functional analysis in Caenorhabditis elegans reveals reduced activity of PS1 DeltaI83/DeltaM84 in Notch signaling. Our data therefore demonstrate that a small deletion of PS proteins can pathologically affect PS function in endoproteolysis of beta-amyloid precursor protein and in Notch signaling. Therefore, the PS1 DeltaI83/DeltaM84 deletion shows a very similar biochemical/functional phenotype like all other FAD-associated PS1 or PS2 point mutations. Since increased Abeta42 production is not associated with classical senile plaque formation, these data demonstrate that amyloid plaque formation is not a prerequisite for dementia and neurodegeneration.

Trauma and personality correlates in long-term pediatric cancer survivors

To explore the relationship between PTSD and trauma-spectrum symptoms, including personality and functional correlates, in long term pediatric cancer survivors (N = 40), we assessed these constructs with a structured interview for PTSD, a clinical interview, and self-report questionnaires. Thirty-five out of 40 participants (88%) currently met at least one trauma symptom at a functionally significant level. These survivors demonstrate high levels of restraint and low levels of distress, representative of a repressive adaptive style. After more than 5 years since treatment completion, the relatively high levels of current trauma-spectrum symptoms may reflect the long-term deleterious impact of childhood cancer.

Associated health risks of adolescents with disordered eating: how different are they from their peers? Results from a high school survey

In this study, we compare health risks of adolescents with disordered eating to those of their peers without disordered eating. A self-report health survey from a community sample of 1769 high school students was used to compare emotional, medical, and social behaviors of these two groups. Risk data for disordered eating students was compared within and across genders. Adolescents with disordered eating are at increased risk for emotional and physical health problems compared to their peers. Overall health risks for boys and girls with disordered eating are quite similar. However, boys with disordered eating develop associated health risk profiles that differentiate them from male peers by having increased mental health, sexual and physical abuse, and general health problems. Girls with disordered eating have associated health risks for substance use and sexual risk-taking that distinguished them from their female peers.

The response evaluation measure (REM-71): a new instrument for the measurement of defenses in adults and adolescents

OBJECTIVE

There is widespread agreement that the concept of defense is useful, but large-scale studies with representative cohorts are lacking. Self-report measures capturing conscious derivatives of defense can facilitate such studies. The authors report the design and initial performance of a new self-report measure of specific defenses.

METHOD

A 71-item questionnaire based on a developmental model of defenses was created, pilot tested, and refined. The item pool was given to two independent clinical researchers for the classification of items (concordance=98.5%). The instrument was then administered to 1,875 nonclinical subjects drawn from two suburban high schools and from a public waiting area of a local airport (1,038 female subjects; mean age=21.0 years, SD=11.9, range=13-89), who were also assessed with a simple screening measure covering demographic variables and satisfaction with life.

RESULTS

The internal consistency of the questionnaire items was good. Two factors emerged from a factor analysis of the items, paralleling Vaillant's theoretical model. Most defenses made unique, significant contributions to these factors. Defenses and factors related in the expected direction with scores on life satisfaction in various domains.

CONCLUSIONS

The Response Evaluation Measure is a brief, coherent, and potentially useful screening instrument for the assessment of defenses in adults and adolescents.

Intrauterine blood flow and long-term intellectual, neurologic, and social development

OBJECTIVE

To study the long-term effects of severely abnormal (absent or reversed diastolic) blood flow in the umbilical artery associated with fetal growth restriction on postnatal intellectual, neurologic, and social development.

METHODS

Absence or reversal of diastolic blood flow in the umbilical artery was found in 38 consecutive growth-restricted fetuses as determined by biometry and Doppler ultrasound between 1988 and 1992. The 23 infants surviving the prenatal and perinatal period who could be tested were compared at school age with a group of children born at the same gestational age after normal intrauterine growth. They were tested for intellectual, neurologic, and social development by a test battery including the Kaufmann Assessment Battery for Children, Man-Drawing Test, Child Behavior Checklist, Zürich Neuromotor Test, and neuropediatric testing.

RESULTS

Intellectual development was significantly better in the control group compared with the study group. In addition, Zürich Neuromotor testing and neuropediatric testing showed significantly better development of control children compared with the study group in 20% of the items tested. There was no detectable difference in social development as measured by the Child Behavior Checklist.

CONCLUSION

Severely reduced blood flow to the fetus associated with growth restriction was followed by long-term impairment of intellectual development and partial neurodevelopmental delay.

Improved direct measurement of leptonic coupling asymmetries with polarized Z bosons

We present final measurements of the Z boson-lepton coupling asymmetry parameters A(e), A(mu), and A(tau) with the complete sample of polarized Z bosons collected by the SLD detector at the SLAC Linear Collider. From the left-right production and decay polar angle asymmetries in leptonic Z decays we measure A(e) = 0.1544+/-0.0060, A(mu) = 0.142+/-0.015, and A(tau) = 0.136+/-0.015. Combined with our left-right asymmetry measured from hadronic decays, we find A(e) = 0.1516+/-0.0021. Assuming lepton universality, we obtain a combined effective weak mixing angle of sin (2)theta(eff)(W) = 0.230 98+/-0.000 26.

First symmetry tests in polarized Z0 decays to bbg

We have made the first direct symmetry tests in the decays of polarized Z0 bosons into fully identified bbg states, collected in the SLD experiment at SLAC. We searched for evidence of parity violation at the bbg vertex by studying the asymmetries in the b-quark polar- and azimuthal-angle distributions, and for evidence of T-odd, CP-even or CP-odd, final-state interactions by measuring angular correlations between the three-jet plane and the Z0 polarization. We found results consistent with standard model expectations and set 95% C. limits on anomalous contributions.