Boys Age Research Articles

Развитие регуляторных функций у детей 5–9 лет

This study was aimed at developing norms and analyzing the dynamics of development for the main executive functions components in older preschoolers and younger schoolchildren. In this study we relied on the model proposed by A. Miyake and his colleagues, which identifies three main components of executive functions: working memory, inhibition and cognitive flexibility. To assess all executive functions components in this study a set of methods previously tested for children of older preschool age was used, most of which were based on subtests of the NEPSY-II diagnostic complex. The study involved 7289 children ages 5 to 9 (M=78, SD=9.9 months), attending older and preparatory groups of kindergarten, as well as first and second grades of school from different regions of Russia, of which 46.7% are boys. The analysis results norms were developed from eight age groups during six-month increments, separating the boys and girls. It was found that in preschoolers, significant differences in the executive functions were observed between children with a difference of six months, and in primary school age - with a difference of a year. In addition, the analysis showed significant differences in all executive functions components in girls and boys of both preschool and primary school ages. Thus, the study made it possible to trace the dynamics of all executive functions components development in Russian children ages 5 to 9. The data obtained will be useful to both scientists and practitioners in the field of child development. It is important to emphasize that the study conducted is a cross-sectional, and its results must be supplemented with longitudinal data on the development of executive functions components.

ODNOS RJEČNIKA, PROBLEMA U ODNOSIMA S VRŠNJACIMA I AGRESIVNOG PONAŠANJA KOD DJEČAKA S POREMEĆAJIMA PONAŠANJA I DJEČAKA IZ OPĆE POPULACIJE

The aim of this study was to compare the vocabulary of boys with behavioral disorders (N = 34; age range: 10-13 years) and boys from the general population (N = 34; age range: 10-13 years), as well as examine the relationship between vocabulary and aggressive behavior and problems in their relationships with peers. Parents and caregivers assessed the child’s aggressive behavior and problems in relationships with peers, while data on the child’s vocabulary, cognitive abilities, and executive functions (working memory) were collected using a standardized intelligence test. By comparing the two groups, boys with behavioral disorders had a significantly poorer vocabulary than boys of the same age in the general population, and this difference could not be explained by the child’s cognitive abilities, or executive functions. In addition, poor vocabulary was significantly associated with peer relationship problems, as well as reactive, but not proactive, aggressive behavior. The findings have particular implications in the areas of early intervention for high-risk boys, as well as communication with children in the social welfare and justice systems.

Serum Levels of Selected Cytokines and Chemokines and IgG4 in Children With Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections.

Background: Respiratory tract infections are a common health problem. Cytokines/chemokines play a critical role in the regulation of the immune system. Their defective production may predispose to recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRIs), and an excessive immune response may lead to chronic inflammation and cause damage to the respiratory tract. Another biomarker of respiratory infections may be immunoglobulin-IgG4. Its meaning has still been little explored. We wanted to assess the suitability of the levels of biomarkers tested: interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-18, IL-23, normal T cells expressed and secreted (RANTES), and induced protein (IP)-10, as well as immunoglobilun G4 (IgG4) to predict recurrent infections. Methods: The study group (SG) included a total of 130 children (68 girls, 62 boys) between 3 and 17 years of age with RRI. The control group (CG) included 86 healthy children with no symptoms of inflammatory or allergic diseases (44 girls and 42 boys) of the same age. Blood samples were collected in fasting state and then serum samples were frozen and stored until biomarker assay. Results: Serum RANTES, IL-18, IL-23, and IgG4 concentration were higher in all children with recurrent infections vs. those in the CG (p < 0001). Serum levels of IL-17A and IP-10 were also significantly higher in the SG than in the CG, but only in the youngest children. Among the six serum markers, RANTES demonstrated the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (area under curve) value (0.998, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.98-1.0, p < 0.001) for the diagnosis of RRIs, followed by IL-23 (0.99, 95% CI 0.966-0,999, p < 0.001) and IL-18 (0.957, 95% CI 0.921-0.980, p < 0.001). Conclusions: RANTES, IL-23, and IL-18 could be strong predictors of respiratory infections recurrence in children.

INFLUENCE OF THE SEROLOGICAL MARKETS OF BLOOD GROUPS OF THE ABO SYSTEM ON A DEVELOPMENT OF THE MAIN MENTAL FUNCTIONS IN YOUNG ATHLETES (FROM AUTHOR"S EXPERIENCE OF MANY YEARS)

Introduction. From the available literature sources, we find the fact of identifying associative relationships between serological markers of blood groups of the ABO system and the possibilities of developing certain motor skills and mental properties of highly trained athletes. The article discusses the results of the author's long-term research on the influence of blood groups on the development of these functions of young athletes aged 13-16 years. The aim of the study is to analyze and summarize the data of the scientific research of the author of this article, which relate to the possibilities of using serological markers of blood groups of the ABO system in genetic prediction of the development of the main mental functions of school youth who specialize in various sports. Material and methods: 1) analysis of scientific and scientific-methodological literature on the problems of researching the possibilities of using blood groups in genetic prediction of the development of the main mental functions of a person; 2) pedagogical experiment: psychophysiological studies of main mental processes (logical thinking, attention, perception of time, visual memory); 3) pedagogical observation of pupils and student youth, 4) statistical methods. Results. it was established that young athletes of adolescent age (boys, girls) of a certain blood group can show different associative relationships with different properties of a specific mental function, namely, some of them are the best, while others are the worst. There were also no gender differences in the features of the development of mental traits in adolescent athletes and their peers who do not play sports. Conclusions. the use of serological markers of blood groups is possible in the genetic prediction of the development of basic mental functions (attention, logical thinking, time perception, visual memory) of young athletes .

Характеристика множественной и сочетанной офтальмотравмы у детей на современном этапе

Aim: to identify the medical and epidemiological hallmarks of eye damage in children with complex and multiple injuries in a specialized surgical department. Patients and Methods: this study included 403 children aged 1 month to 18 years with eye injuries associated with multiple or complex injuries of varying severity on the day before hospital admission. All children were admitted between 2014 and 2020. The following data were evaluated: patient's age, gender, severity of complex trauma based on the ISS score, cause of trauma, combination of anatomical areas involved. Results: among children with mechanical complex eye injuries, 255 (63%) were boys and 148 (37%) were girls. The mean age of boys was 10.2±0.34 years, and the mean age of girls was 8.5±0.42 years. Furthermore, more than half (67.5%) of those included in the study were school-aged children and adolescents. The most common types of injuries were those resulting from falls from height, school, sports, gunshot/mine blast, and street incidents. In more than half of the children (n=227, 56.4%), orbital traumas affecting the walls and/or content were reported. The most common type of eye damage was a complex damage to the orbit and ocular adnexa (most often as a periorbital hematoma). The percentage of children with multiple fractures of the orbital walls increases with an increase in the severity of polytrauma. Conclusions: children most often received mechanical complex eye injuries as a result of road traffic accidents. The percentage of children with minor, moderate, and severe complex injuries (assessed by the ISS) was 47.1%, 18.4%, and 33.5%, respectively. Orbital fractures are the most common surgical entities in children with complex mechanical eye injuries. Unilateral orbital fractures were diagnosed in 56.4% of cases, while bilateral orbital fractures were diagnosed in 17.9%. In the majority of instances, mechanical complex eye injuries are associated with traumatic brain injury (99%). KEYWORDS: complex eye injuries, multiple injury, combined injury, mechanical complex eye injury, orbital fracture, orbital injury, morbidity pattern, damage to eye. FOR CITATION: Arzhimatova G.Sh., Karaseva O.V., Koroleva E.A., Chernakova G.M. Multiple and complex eye injuries in children. Russian Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology. 2024;24(2):78–82 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2311-7729-2024-24-2-6.

Comparison of Outcomes of the Open and Plastibell Methods in 600+ Boys Circumcised by a Single Surgeon-A Quasi-experimental Study from Pakistan (A Lower-middle Income Country)

Background: Circumcision is the most common elective surgical procedure amongst Muslims. The Plastibell method is gaining popularity as it is being considered safer with a lower complication rate. Objective: To compare the Open and Plastibell methods of circumcision in terms of procedural time, outcomes, and parental satisfaction in our cohort of boys up to 5 years of age. Methods: This quasi-experimental study of boys aged ≤5 years was conducted from July 2018 to October 2020 at THQ Ferozewala, Punjab. Boys meeting the inclusion criteria were circumcised, based on parental preference, by the Open method or the Plastibell technique after administering age-appropriate local or general anesthesia. Follow-up was conducted on the 5th, 10th, and 30th post-procedural days. Basic demographic data, procedural duration, and outcomes were documented. Results: Of 646 boys brought for circumcision, 608 met the inclusion criteria with equal participants in both groups. The median age in the Open and Plastibell groups was 3.0 (IQR=1.0-12.2) and 5.0 (IQR=2.0-9.0) months respectively. The Plastibell group had a significantly shorter median operating time compared to the Open method (4.2 min vs. 13 min; p-value: 0.008). Complications were recorded in 15% of children (n=91) and were more frequent but comparatively trivial in nature in the Plastibell group. Comparison of complications between the two methods revealed that the association of over-removal of skin was statistically significant (p-value: 0.007) with the Open method while under-removal of skin (p-value: 0.002) and post-operative phimosis (p-value: 0.037) were significantly associated with the Plastibell technique; the latter two complications being significantly associated with age of the boys in the ≥2 months to 1-year group. No serious adverse outcomes were reported for both groups. The open method was preferred by parents for cosmesis and Plastibell for ease of care. Follow-up contact was established with all families. Conclusion: Plastibell, compared to the Open method, is a quicker and safer method of circumcision for boys up to 5 years of age, under appropriate anesthesia. Follow-up ensures patient safety.

Benefits and barriers: Improving boys’ mental health education in high schools

Adolescents are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis worldwide. Yet, mental health literacy and experiences of mental illness vary significantly with gender. For example, male deaths by suicide are twice as high as females on average globally, with the trend of gender disparity in mental illness emerging in high school and continuing into adulthood. With the majority of mental illnesses also emerging in adolescence, high schools are uniquely positioned to provide timely preventative mental health education for boys. To date, however, school-based mental health education programs are predominantly gender-neutral. We conducted a narrative review of the literature in mental health education programs for high school aged boys aged 12–18 years within schools and the wider community. To address the question How can high schools provide better mental health education for their male students? searches were undertaken in four databases, ProQuest (including ERIC), Informit (including A+ Education), PsychINFO and Google Scholar, between January 2021 and November 2023. There were no restrictions on publication date. Our findings suggested that to improve mental health knowledge and attitudes towards mental health and help seeking, school-based programs should be gender transformative, draw on best practice and theory in sociology, psychology, and boys’ pedagogy, utilise co-design so that student voice can be prioritised, and be tailored to the school's sociocultural context. Recommendations for schools are discussed.

Lexical-semantic abilities of five-to-six-year-old children

&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Introduction.&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; The development of the semantic level of the language system begins at the end of the first year of life, when a child begins to use the first words. During childhood, the child gradually increases his/her vocabulary and learns semantic characteristics. The main aim of this paper is to determine the lexical-semantic abilities of preschool children.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt; &amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Methods.&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; The sample included 50 children of both sexes, aged five to six years. According to age, the respondents were divided into two groups. The first group consisted of five-year-olds, and the second of six-year-olds. The Semantic Test and the Free Word Association Test were used in the research. The semantic test assessed the development of the following categories of words: homonyms, antonyms, synonyms, and metonyms. The free word association test was used to assess the types of responses after a given stimulus word.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt; &amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Results.&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; The results showed that six-year-olds had higher average values compared to five-year-olds on the total score, as well as on individual lexical categories of the Semantic Test. It was also shown that five-year-old girls had higher average values compared to boys of the same age on the Semantic Test. No statistically significant differences were found between five- and six-year-olds in terms of the representation of certain types of answers on the Free Word Association Test. As for sex, it was shown that on the Free Word Association Test, girls had statistically significantly higher number of missing answers compared to boys.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt; &amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Conclusion.&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; It was concluded that the lexical-semantic abilities of preschool children depended on their age, and that there was certain regularity in the development of the semantic features of words and the lexical-semantic structure&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;

Imitation fidelity increases with age in boys, but not in girls: An intriguing finding in a cohort of children aged 3 to 6 years

Imitation that entails faithful reproduction of demonstrated behavior by reenacting a sequence of actions accurately is a fast and efficient way to acquire new skills as well as to conform to social norms. Previous studies reported that both culture and gender might impinge on young children’s fidelity of imitation. We analyzed the imitative behavior of 87 children whose ages ranged from 3 to 6 years. An instrumental task was administered that offered partial (opaque apparatus) or total (transparent apparatus) information about causal connection between the demonstrated actions and their effect in achieving a desired reward. Imitative fidelity (imitating the actions that were demonstrated by an adult model yet were unnecessary for achieving the instrumental goal) increased as a function of age in boys, whereas no differences were found in girls. This lack of increase in girls can be ascribed to their displaying higher degrees of imitation fidelity at an earlier age.

Aromatase inhibitors: a useful additional therapeutic option for slowing down advanced bone age in boys with growth hormone deficiency.

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have been used to slow down estrogen-dependent skeletal maturation in pubertal boys with short stature. In the literature, few data evaluate the effectiveness and safety of AIs in boys with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). This study aimed to evaluate the auxologic effects and short-term laboratory profiles of combined AI and rhGH therapy for 1year in adolescent males with GHD. Male subjects between the ages of 10 and 16 with GHD from two different centers were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: (i) those who only used recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy (Group I; G-I) and (ii) those who also used AI therapy (anastrozole or letrozole) along with rhGH (Group II; G-II). Forty-one patients (G-I, 46%; G-II, 54%) were included in the study. All the subjects had isolated GHD. At the beginning of the treatment, the chronological ages (CAs) of the patients in the G-I and G-II groups were 11.8 (10.9-13.7) and 12.8 (12.0-14.3) years, respectively. The ratios of bone age (BA)/CA for the two groups were 0.8 (0.8-0.9) and 1.0 (0.9-1.1), respectively (p < 0.001). After the treatment, the height standard deviation (SD) scores and predicted adult height (PAH) significantly increased from baseline in all subjects in the G-I and G-II groups (p < 0.001; p < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant change in the ratio of BA/CA post-therapy in the G-I group (p = 0.1), while there was a significant decrease in the G-II group (p < 0.001). The growth velocities of the patients in the G-I and G-II groups were 9.1 (7.4-10.1) cm/year [1.5 (0.8-5.0) SD score] and 8.7 (7.5-9.9) cm/year [1.1 (0.3-3.1) SD score], respectively (p = 0.6). While post-therapy serum testosterone concentrations were seen to increase in the G-II group, none of the patients exhibited hematocrit above 50 percent, and the fasting glucose concentrations were normal. When used in addition to rhGH therapy in boys with GHD and advanced BA, AIs were observed to slow down the tempo of BA maturation after 1year, compared to those who received rhGH treatment alone. AI therapy was found to be safe during the 1-year observation period and thus could be considered for preserving growth potential in these patients.

Assessment of Motor Unit Potentials Duration as the Biomarker of DT-DEC01 Cell Therapy Efficacy in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patients up to 12 Months After Systemic–Intraosseous Administration

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal X-linked disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, leading to muscle degeneration and wasting. Electromyography (EMG) is an objective electrophysiological biomarker of muscle fiber function in muscular dystrophies. A novel, DT-DEC01 therapy, consisting of Dystrophin Expressing Chimeric (DEC) cells created by fusing allogeneic myoblasts from normal donors with autologous myoblasts from DMD-affected patients, was assessed for safety and preliminary efficacy in boys of age 6–15 years old (n = 3). Assessments included EMG testing of selected muscles of upper (deltoideus, biceps brachii) and lower (rectus femoris and gastrocnemius) extremities at the screening visit and at 3, 6, and 12 months following systemic–intraosseous administration of a single low dose of DT-DEC01 therapy (Bioethics Committee approval no. 46/2019). No immunosuppression was administered. Safety of DT-DEC01 was confirmed by the lack of therapy-related Adverse Events or Serious Adverse Events up to 22 months following DT-DEC01 administration. EMG of selected muscles of both, ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients confirmed preliminary efficacy of DT-DEC01 therapy by an increase in motor unit potentials (MUP) duration, amplitudes, and polyphasic MUPs at 12 months. This study confirmed EMG as a reliable and objective biomarker of functional assessment in DMD patients after intraosseous administration of the novel DT-DEC01 therapy.

Tri-ponderal mass index as a screening tool for obesity prediction in children aged 6-9 years.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of tri-ponderal mass index (TMI) in determining obesity in Chinese children aged 6-9 years, using the criteria of percentage of body fat (PBF) and body mass index z-scores (BMI-Z). The cross-sectional study included 5365 children, aged 6-9 years, who participated in the project survey "Group prevention and treatment of obesity among students and school health promotion in Shanghai" from September 2007 to September 2009. Height, weight, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), TMI, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and PBF were recorded. Statistical analyses including Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, chi-square test, receiver operating characteristics curve, and kappa chi-square test were performed. TMI for both sexes was relatively constant with increasing age, and statistically significant differences were not observed at some ages (P > 0.05 at 6, 7, 8, and 9 years). WHtR showed subtle changes, while BMI and PBF increased significantly with age in boys and girls (P < 0.01). Using BMI-Z criteria as the measure of general obesity, the results indicated that TMI cutoff values for 6-9 years were 14.60 kg/m3 for boys and 14.84 kg/m3 for girls (P < 0.001). Analysis of the agreement between TMI and BMI-Z showed that the kappa statistic was 0.826 in boys and 0.709 in girls (P < 0.001). TMI, as a constant tool, holds great potential as an alternative screening method for identifying children aged 6-9 years who may be at risk of obesity at an early stage.

“Boys Love Boy Toys”: a qualitative study exploring the role of fathers in young boys’ gendered toy preferences

Children come to understand the concept of gender and learn to differentiate roles and norms on the basis of gender in early childhood. By interacting with individuals in their social contexts (i.e., family and peers), children are taught about gender norms and expectations, and as a result, learn to negotiate their own identities within different contexts. Parents have an especially important role in how children come to understand their own gender identity, as they have the ability to shape their childrens’ behaviors by endorsing certain gender stereotypes (e.g., girls wear pink, and boys play with trucks). For young boys, their fathers are a key socialization agent in their gender development, as they convey both implicitly and explicitly, gender-appropriate ways of being. Fathers may endorse ideas of traditional masculinity, which constrain boys to conform to the expected male norms, and discourages them from engaging in perceived feminine behaviors, such as cross-gender play. Accordingly, young boys are often expected to prove their manhood by marking their masculinity against femininity, in a power struggle where they are trying to get their gender right. Based on established and current literature in the field of gender identity development and masculinity in early childhood, this qualitative study aimed to explore young boys’ existing working schema of masculinity and the role that their fathers play in shaping it. Participants included six father–son pairs, with boys (ages 4–6) and their fathers (ages 34–37). Fathers were first asked to complete an adapted version of the Child-Rearing Sex-Role Attitude Scale, which assessed their attitudes and beliefs about gender-related toys, activities, and behaviors. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted with the father–son pairs, where they participated in a series of toy-preference activities in a virtual game. Descriptive coding and content analysis were used to analyze the responses boys provided for their toy preferences. Boys reported having a more stereotyped definition of “girl toys” than of “boy toys”, as reflected in their choices of toys that they felt that only girls would like to play with. Fathers’ self-described beliefs reported on the Child-Rearing Sex-Role Attitude Scale were similarly reflected in their behaviours and comments during the interviews with their sons, such that fathers who shared stereotypical beliefs about gender-related behaviours and activities on the scale, engaged in behaviours which corresponded to their beliefs when interacting with their sons. Implications for families and educators are discussed.

Состояние рефракции школьников 9–17 лет

Аccording to rOSstat, the incidence of diseases of the eye and its adnexa is about 5–6.0 % both in children aged 0–14 years and in adolescents aged 15–17. Purpose. to identify the age and gender characteristics of refraction state in schoolchildren. Material and methods. a survey of 1215 children aged 9–17 years was performed. the examination included: filling out a questionnaire, autorefractometry, assessment of uncorrected visual acuity and best corrected visual acuity with the existing correction. Results. Both sexes were characterized by a tendency to decrease in refraction from 9 to 12 years, but in girls it was more pronounced. When conducting a correlation analysis between age and refraction values in boys, a statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) feedback of weak strength was revealed (Spearman’s r = –0.17). In boys, the analysis of uncorrected visual acuity revealed its decrease at the age of 9 to 14 years. girls, starting from the age of 11, statistically significantly differ from boys in lower values of visual acuity. among all examined children, accommODation disorders were found in 17 % of the examined children. there is a tendency to increase the frequency of accommODation disorders from the age of 12. Some subsequent decrease in vision is pOSsible due to further deterioration of the condition and the transition of some children with accommODation disorders to the group of children with myopia. Conclusion. 1. more frequent provision of corrective glasses for girls was revealed. 2. a significant increase in the tendency of accommODation disorders was revealed at the age of 12. 3. With age, the frequency of myopia increases, but among girls it is more common. 4. the need for glasses in general in children of all ages was 47 %, and the satisfied need for glasses was only 32 %. Keywords: refraction, myopia, hypermetropia, anisometropia, schoolchildren’s vision, visual acuity, provision with glasses

Ophthalmic herpes zoster in an immunocompetent five-year-old child

The goal of this clinical case is to report a case of ophthalmic zoster in a five-year-old boy and to insist on the relevance of early antiviral treatment (aciclovir) so as to minimize corneal affection and preserve visual function. We report the case of a five-year-old boy of preschool age with no notable pathological history who came for consultation with a painful eruption affecting the forehead, the upper eyelid, the nose. The clinical examination showed many erythematous vesicles affecting the left hemi-face. The diagnosis of ophthalmic zoster has been retained. Minimum biological laboratory assessment is normal. The treatment was local antiseptic and systemic aciclovir with high dose for ten days. The evolution was favorable. Zoster is rare in children. The ophthalmic form is exceptional. The diagnosis is clinical and should mention some bladdery lesions grouped in bunches with a disposition which follows a metamere. It can be responsible for serious ocular complications. The particularity of our observation is the presence of zoster in an immunocompetent child and the ophthalmic localization, that remains exceptional in children.

Sports performance in 10-year-old children participating in multi-skills movement program: a pilot study

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between sprint, change of direction, and jumping parameters in primary school boys and girls participating in the multi-skill movement program. 10 girls (age: 10.87±0.70 years, height: 140.10±0.03 cm, body weight: 42.01±10.49 kg) and 10 boys (age: 10.37±0.46 years, height: 134.60±0.08 cm, body weight: 36.00±10.58 kg) volunteered in the study. To test the sprint speed; 5m, 10m, 20m sprint tests, to test change of direction performance; 505 Change of Direction Test, T Test, Pro Agility Test, and Hexagon Test, and lastly to test the jump performance; Counter Movement Jump Test and Triple leg-hop for distance test were applied. Mann Whitney U -Test and Spearman Correlation Test were used in the analysis of the data obtained in the study. When the data were examined, a statistically significant relationship was found between the 5m, 10m, and 20m sprint tests (p

Head size and academic performance

The aim of the paper was to study the potential correlation between school students’ head size and academic performance. As the material, the head length and breadth measurement data of 5034 7–18-year-old ethnic Estonian school students measured by Prof. J. Aul in 1966–1969 were used. To get an overview of head size and the development of its growth, head module A was used. The correlation between head size and school students’ academic performance was studied using the data of 4840 school students aged 8–18 years (2406 boys and 2434 girls). Academic performance was assessed based on school students’ grades in a three-point system: I – low, II – medium, III – good academic performance. As a result, head module A was found to increase relatively evenly and relatively modestly in Tallinn school students during their school years (7% in boys and 4.5% in girls), while boys’ heads were larger than girls’. Relative head module A decreased in school students with age in both boys and girls. Until the age of 14 years, relative value of head module A is greater in boys than in girls; from the age of 16 years, however, the relative value of head module A becomes greater in girls than boys. A significant correlation between academic performance and head size was found in both boys and girls. The greatest differences in head size were between students with low and good academic performance. Head module A of the latter was essentially greater. In puberty, a few years later in boys than in girls, the mentioned correlation was weaker.

Evaluation of the Accuracy of Demirjian's Method for Dental Age Estimation in Northern Sudanese Children and Adolescents

A variety of methods have been used worldwide in dental age assessment in the living. However, since dental development varies between populations, population-specific studies are necessary. This study aimed at investigating the accuracy of age estimation using developing teeth from panoramic radiographs according to the method devised by Demirjian and colleagues in a sample of Northern Sudanese children and adolescents (2) Methods: A total sample of 917 X-Rays from patients aged between 6-16 years of age was available, but only 527 were suitable (265 boys, 272 girls). (3) Results: The mean difference between chronological and dental age for Northern Sudanese boys, ranged between (–0.389 to +0.571) while, for the Northern Sudanese girls, the mean difference ranged between (–0.056 to+0.732); (4) Conclusions: The results showed that the Demirjian's method did not accurately predict age in this Northern Sudanese population. Standards were produced to convert the maturity scores calculated by Demirjian's method to a new dental age assessment for Northern-Sudanese population

Estimation Of The Correction Factor To Assess The Chronological Age Of Ghanaian Children And Adolescents Using The Demirjian Method

Objective: To ascertain the correction factor for age estimation using the Demirjian method applicable to the study population in Accra, Ghana. Methodology: It is a cross-sectional study of a secondary data involving 255 participants made up of 115 boys and 140 girls age between 5 and 18 years, attending the University of Ghana Dental School Clinic, Accra, Ghana. Their medical records were scrutinized for chronological age and their dental orthopantomograms analyzed for dental maturity scores and converted to dental age. Results: Statistically, there was no significant difference between chronological age on one hand and both Demirjian age estimate and corrected factor predicted age. Factor predicted age however more closely matched chronological age. Above 15 years, the Demirjian method could not be applied to ascertain dental ages for boys. Conclusion: Application of the factor predicted estimate to the Demirjian method can reliably predict the chronological age in the study population.

Gender-inclusive picture books in the classroom: A multimodal analysis of male subjective agencies

This article examines the representations of agentive identity of non-normative male protagonists in children's picture books in relation to the affordances of this material for classroom activities. The analysis of protagonists’ agencies in five picture books revealed varied instantiations of the New Age Boy masculinity schema. A multimodal transitivity analysis of protagonists’ agentive roles yielded a profile of individual agentive identity. Protagonists’ agentive roles when interacting with conflictive antagonist characters were compared with their agentive roles when not interacting with them. Variations were significantly associated with the social domains where the conflict took place (family, school, or community) as different ways of responding to social rejection. The findings of the study concerning the representation of protagonists’ agencies provide young readers with models of action in situations of social rejection that can help make more informed decisions for guiding the selection of gender-diverse reading material and of classroom activities of critical thinking and multimodal literacy.