Group Of Children Research Articles

Effects of clowning on anxiety, stress, pain, and hormonal markers in paediatric patients.

Clowning has been used in many hospitals, particularly for children. Studies suggest the effectiveness of this methodology, but more evidence is needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a humour therapy intervention on biological markers, pain and anxiety levels in paediatric patients. Three different clinical contexts were chosen to assess the effect of clowning interventions: patients who were subjected to venepuncture (group 1), patients undergoing general anesthesia for any cause (group 2)and patients hospitalized in the pediatric ward without distinction of their disease (group 3). Groups 1 and 2 were divided into control (C) and intervention (I) subgroups. A saliva sample was taken from all the children to measure oxytocin and cortisol levels by ELISAs. Validated scales and crying time were used to determine pain, stress, and anxiety levels. Children in group 3 were assessed before and after the intervention, employing the same methods. A total of 272 patients were included. The children in group 1 (n = 125) were 7.7 ± 3.2 years old, and 53.6% were females. 48% were in the I group, which showed decreased cortisol levels and increased oxytocin levels. The I group exhibited a decrease in perceived pain and crying time. The children in group 2 (n = 69) were aged 7.1 ± 3.5 years, and 36% were females. 51% were in the I group, which showed increased oxytocin levels and decreased cortisol levels, acute stress levels, perceived pain, and crying time. The children in group 3 (n = 78) were 8.6 ± 3.3 years old, and 54% of the children were females. There was an increase in oxytocin levels and a decrease in cortisol levels, stress levels and perceived pain following the intervention. This study suggested that an intervention based on clowning is an effective strategy for decreasing pain, stress, and anxiety levels in paediatric patients in different clinical contexts. These findings support the implementation of humour therapy programs in paediatric units.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of dengue fever in Fuzhou, China, in 2023.

This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of dengue fever (DF) in Fuzhou, the capital city of Fujian Province, southeast China. A retrospective analysis was performed on 251 cases of DF diagnosed at the fever clinic of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian University of Chinese Medicine in Fuzhou City, Fujian Province. Epidemic characteristics, such as the number of cases, age distribution, sex distribution, seasonal distribution, and spatial distribution in each region, were analyzed. The patients' clinical manifestations, signs, auxiliary examinations, and prognoses were analyzed. The age distribution of DF cases was mainly concentrated in 30-39 years (20.72%) and 50-59 years (21.12%). There were no sex differences among the patients. Of these cases, 60.16% were concentrated on the lower floors, with retirees having the highest proportion. The seasonal peak of DF in Fuzhou area was from September to November. The SDE plot showed that the cases were mainly concentrated in Jin'an and Gulou districts. Etiological tests revealed serum NS1 antigen (97.61%), serum IgM antibody (15.14%), and serum IgG antibody (0.40%). There were no significant differences in clinical manifestations between the children's and non-children's groups. Laboratory tests have shown that the disease is prone to multi-system dysfunction, including the blood system, digestive system, urinary system and internal environment. ROC curve analysis showed that WBC, N, LY, PLT, and CRP levels had specific diagnostic values for DF. The epidemiological situation and clinical characteristics of DF in Fuzhou City were analyzed to guide the formulation of reasonable prevention and treatment measures.

Effect of arm ergometer versus stabilization exercises on trunk control and pper extremity functions in children with diplegia: a randomized controlled trial.

One of the most prevalent clinical subtypes of cerebral palsy (CP) is diplegia. Most children with diplegia have weakness in axial muscles and spasticity in extremities which have adverse impacts on trunk control and manual coordination of upper extremities. To examine and compare between the effects of arm ergometer and stabilization exercises applied for duration of 12 weeks on upper extremity functioning, trunk control, and hand grip strength (HGS) in children with spastic diplegia. Forty-two children with spastic diplegia aged from 6 to 10 years were randomly assigned to either group A or B, (n = 21 each). Children in group A received a designed arm ergometer exercises for 30min while those in group B received trunk stabilization exercises for 30min. As well, children in both groups received 30min of a designed physical training for 30min. Treatment was delivered three times a week for 12 weeks in succession. The quality of upper extremity skill test (QUEST), hand held dynamometer (HHD) and Trunk control measuring scale (TCMS) were used to assess upper extremity functions, HGS and trunk control respectively before and after suggested treatment duration. In terms of all indicators measured at baseline, study groups were comparable (P > 0.05). Significant improvements in all outcome indicators were recorded in within-group comparison (P < 0.05). Further, between groups comparison showed significant higher improvements in upper extremity functions and HGS in favor of group A while trunk control scores showed no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Arm ergometer exercises have the capability to enhance upper extremity functions, HGS and trunk control. It is therefore beneficial for physical rehabilitation specialists to incorporate the arm ergometer exercises into the intervention plans for children with spastic diplegia.

Serological analyses against endemic human coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 in children and adults using samples collected before the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectivesFour endemic human coronaviruses (HCoVs), HCoV-229E, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-HKU1, and HCoV-OC43, infect humans during childhood and cause the common cold. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, leads to mild symptoms in children, possibly owing to the protection conferred by immunity developed during HCoV infection. This study analyzed the seroreactivity of four endemic HCoVs and SARS-CoV-2 in children and adults. MethodsA total of 747 serum samples (from individuals aged 6 months to 69 years) were collected from 2015 to 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. The samples were tested for IgG antibodies against the four endemic HCoVs and SARS-CoV-2 wild-type spike ectodomain proteins using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ResultsThe seroprevalence of endemic HCoVs (except HCoV-229E) showed 90% positivity by 3–4 years old, whereas HCoV-229E seroprevalence was observed at 8 years old. Approximately 35% of the samples showed reactivity to SARS-CoV-2 and did not change with age. However, the children's group presented higher antibody levels than the adult group. Sample reactivity against SARS-CoV-2 did not confirm neutralization capability. ConclusionsReactive samples against SARS-CoV-2 showed varying antibody levels among different age groups. These findings may contribute to a deeper understanding of the clinical symptoms of COVID-19 and coronavirus diseases.

PENGEMBANGAN DAN IMPLEMENTASI LITERASI DIGITAL UNTUK MENANGKAL HOAKS KEBENCANAAN DI CIANJUR

The flood of information following the earthquake disaster in Cianjur has had an impact on the spread of hoaxes which is difficult to stop. The impact not only causes anxiety and fear, it even triggers division and conflict. To educate the public in preventing hoaxes, the Volunteer Team from Putra Indonesia University and Jayabaya University for three months after the earthquake carried out activities to Strengthen Digital Literacy and Psychosocial Assistance at earthquake victim posts spread across Cianjur. Implementation of community service uses a service-learning method that adapts the learning system to the situation and needs of the community. Community service activities are carried out using teaching aids that can be received by earthquake victims in the form of fun-learning with a duration of two hours. The first session is filled with introductions and storytelling, then learning while playing in the second session. The group was divided into two separate locations, namely the children's group and the parents' group. The aim is for each group to receive different material reinforcement according to their individual needs. Implementation of activities is carried out in collaboration with various parties (between universities, company CSR and local stakeholders). The results of the activities carried out showed that participants were able to understand digital culture, ethics in using social media, and the Personal Data Protection Law.

Специфика усвоения диалоговых навыков дошкольниками с расстройствами аутистического спектра

&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objectives. &lt;/strong&gt;The variability of disorders in the formation of dialog skills of preschoolers with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) does not always depend on the level of intellectual development. In issues of speech development, it is important to take into account both the specifics of understanding the reversed speech at the level of interrogative statements, and the aspects of structuring and semantics of the answer proposed by the child with ASD himself. In order to study the specifics of mastering the basic conversational skills by children with ASD who have unimpaired intellect, a special pilot study was designed and conducted.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;The peculiarities of understanding questions of various purposes and structures by students of the age of 5&amp;mdash;7 years (group 1 &amp;mdash; 51 children) with unimpaired intellect and ability of verbal communication were studied. Children of group 1 and preschoolers of group 2 of younger age (from 3 years 10 months to 5 years 2 months, a total of 28 participants) were presented with 48 questions, hierarchically organized based on ontogenetic patterns associated with the formation of cognitive concepts, which are accessible to a typically developing child by a certain age. The results obtained in both groups were compared.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;Only 2.3% of the proposed 3,708 questions remained unanswered, and the number of correct (adequate) answers, depending on age, tended to increase (for example, preschoolers with ASD of 4 years gave 68% correct answers, preschoolers of 5 years &amp;mdash; 73%). The study shows that, in terms of nature and specifics of dialog skills, students with ASD 5-7 years old have no significant differences from the typically developing preschoolers of a younger age group: the number and quality of correct answers from children with ASD at the age of 6 years is comparable with the number of correct answers from typically developing preschoolers of 4 years old.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;In the process of forming dialog skills in the structure of developmental education for children with ASD, the teacher should rely solely on the traditional spontaneous question-and-answer method, they should also consider the semantics and pragmatics of the proposed lexical material. The data obtained will be useful for special education teachers in selecting the content for speech development, taking into account the individual typological characteristics of children with ASD.&lt;/p&gt;

The disease burden of untreated chronic otitis media in Indigenous children from remote communities does not improve over time. A longitudinal study.

In Australia, middle ear disease disproportionately affects Indigenous children, leading to poor hearing outcomes. This study aimed to determine the natural history of untreated chronic otitis media in Indigenous children in remote South Australia. Baseline and 3 year follow-up data was collected from Indigenous children aged 5-18 years living on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands. 4-frequency pure-tone audiometry was used to determine hearing levels. Middle ear pathology was determined by video-otoscopy with tympanometry and classified at baseline as group 1 (normal), group 2 (abnormal with intact tympanic membrane), or group 3 (perforated tympanic membrane). A total of 253 children were included in this study. Children in group 1 (20.6 ± 1.5 dBHL; Mean ± SD) had significantly better hearing outcomes at 3 year follow-up than children with abnormal ears (groups 2 and 3) (23.8 ± 7.0 dBHL), P < 0.001. The difference was greatest for group 1 versus 3 (27.6 ± 8.4 dBHL), P < 0.001, followed by 1 versus 2 (22.4 ± 5.8 dBHL), P = 0.009, and between 2 (22.4 ± 5.8 dBHL) and 3 (27.6 ± 8.4 dBHL), P < 0.001. Hearing in Indigenous children with untreated middle ear pathology remains poor at follow-up compared to those without pathology. Intervention is therefore critical to prevent persisting poor hearing outcomes.

Oral Hygiene Practices and Dietary Behaviours in a Group of Children in Benghazi, Libya

Oral Hygiene Practices and Dietary Behaviours in a Group of Children in Benghazi, Libya

The Role of Mothers’ Varied Parenting Styles in Childhood Obesity

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of mothers' democratic, authoritarian, permissive, and overprotective parenting styles in childhood obesity and mothers' perception of their children's body weight. Method: The research was cross-sectional in design, and a total of 94 children aged between two and six years were included, together with their mothers. Mothers were administered the Parental Attitude Scale, and children's Body Mass Index (BMI) was classified using age- gender-specific tables of the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF). The effect of mothers' parental attitudes on their children's BMI groups was evaluated. However, mothers matched their child's appearance to the appearance they thought corresponded to the age and gender-specific weight plot and mothers' weight perceptions were evaluated. Results: The prevalence of overweight-obesity among children was found to be 19.2%. There wasn’t statistically difference between democratic, authoritarian, overprotective and permissive parenting styles and BMI categories of children (p=0.819, p=0.878, p=0.319, p=0.494). The mothers of overweight-obese children perceived their children as significantly overweight compared to other children (p

The influence of phytoncidal properties of indoor plants on the air microflora of preschool educational organizations

BACKGROUND: The quality of indoor air is an important factor affecting health. AIM: To study the effect of phytoncidal properties of indoor plants on closed space under normal operating conditions of preschool educational institutions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The dynamics of the microorganisms’ total number in the air of group rooms of preschool educational institutions was assessed according to current guidelines. The rooms were identical in area. The radius of phytoncidal action of indoor plants was determined. Air samples were taken after a week of exposure at different distances from a group of these plants in the breathing zone of children using an aspiration method with a sampling device. Statistical processing was carried out using the Statistica 10.0 and Microsoft Excel packages, ANOVA analysis of variance was applied. RESULTS: Plant species with phytoncidal activity were selected and designated (Chlorophytum comosum, Aspidistra elatior, Begonia ricinifolia, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Plectranthus scutellarioides, Murraya exotica, Nephrolepis, Sansevieria trifasciata, Cyperus alternifolius). The total number of microorganisms in the air of group rooms before and after the installation of phytoncidal plants was compared (1201 and 584 CFU/m3). The maximum radius of plant placement at which bacterial contamination of the air decreased was determined. It was found that within a radius of 5 m from the placement of plants, the number of microorganisms was in the range of 380–481 CFU/m3, more than 5 m — 728–1101 CFU/m3. CONCLUSION: The use of indoor plants with phytoncidal activity in closed spaces of organized children's groups can serve as an additional way to improve the quality of the air environment.

The significance of preventive treatment for tuberculosis infection in children

Objective: to evaluate the value of tuberculosis preventive treatment (PTT) in children with tuberculosis infection. Material and methods. As part of a continuous study, a cohort of 200 children from 1 to 17 years old taken for clinical observation in group VI A (positive test result with the recombinant tuberculosis allergen [ATR]) was analyzed. All children underwent additional examination methods to exclude the local form of tuberculosis: physical examination, laboratory clinical and biochemical tests of blood and urine, multislice computed tomography of the chest organs and, according to clinical recommendations, PTT was proposed, which the parents of 65 children refused. Study groups: 1 — those with no family contact with a patient with tuberculosis (ТВ) (n=70): 2 — those with contact with a patient with ТВ (n=65), in group 3 included children whose parents refused PTT, despite the presence of indications (n=65), incl. 14 children were from Tl lesions. Children group 1 and 2 received PTT. Control over the PTT was carried out on the "Yandex.Teleconference". Results. As a result of comparison of the three groups, reliable data were obtained on the effectiveness of PTT according to the criteria of preventing the disease and reducing the results of the ATR test. A significantly high percentage of sick children in group 3 was established, compared with children from group 1 (p=0.008; x2=18.6). When assessing the dynamics of the results of immunodiagnostic tests in children of the group 1 who received PTT, a decrease in the test with ATR was significantly more often observed compared to children without PTT(p=0.001; x2=17.2). It is worth noting that children had satisfactory tolerability of the drugs; no adverse events were observed in patients with daily video recording. Conclusion. A conclusion was made about the need for preventive work with parents of children who refused preventive treatment to increase their level of adherence, the need to evaluate the effectiveness of PTT courses using primary and additional criteria, including the importance of controlled PTT.

The Effect of Educational Games on Fine Motor Ability For Children Aged 4-5 Years in Kindergarten

Objective: This study aims to know the influence of educational games on the abilities of children 4–5 years old in the garden.​​ Method: Design used in study This is a nonrandomized pretest-posttest control design where two groups are group experiments and group control with a quantitative approach. These research subjects are Child Group A at Al Falah Assalam Kindergarten, which has as many as 26 students as class experiments, and Children Group A at Kindergarten Al Falah Darussalam, which has as many as 26 students as class control. Deep data analysis techniques use non-parametric statistics, such as the Mann-Whitney Test. Results: This research showed that educational games have influenced young children aged 4-5 years. This is known from the results of the posttest carried out in the control class, where the increase was not significant, like the results of the posttest carried out in the experimental class, which previously carried out treatment activities. Novelty: The novelty of this research is using educational games to play in real life so that young children can touch and feel. This educational game can be used to introduce not only letters but also numbers, shapes, and colors.

Measuring Theory of Mind: a preliminary analysis of a novel linguistically simple and tablet-based measure for children

This study introduces a novel linguistically simple, tablet-based, behavioral Theory of Mind (ToM) measure, designed for neurotypical (NT) and autistic children aged 4–10 years. A synthesis of five comprehensive reviews of existing ToM measures revealed significant gaps in their designs; the weaknesses include a mismatch between the operational and conceptual definition of ToM, high verbal demands in most measures, materials that are minimally interesting for children, and often a lack of psychometric evaluations. These findings call into question the suitability of most of the currently available ToM measures used in children, both with and without developmental disorders, such as children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For example, the assessment of ToM in children with ASD may require reduced reliance on complex language or social interaction that can be part of the diagnostic criteria of the condition. This newly designed ToM measure, developed in line with the “Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing” of the American Educational Research Association, is linguistically simple, tablet-based, suitable for children with ASD, and is available in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish. With a sample of 234 participants, including 152 NT children and 82 children with ASD between 4 and 10 years of age, the new ToM measure's psychometric properties were preliminarily evaluated. Descriptive statistics, measures of internal consistency, inter-item correlation, and validity checks were conducted in both groups. Further inspections of the measure's scale- and item-level characteristics were conducted with the help of exploratory factor analyses (EFA), and item response theory (IRT) within the NT children's group. These preliminary evaluations suggest that the newly developed ToM measure possesses good psychometric properties and is both accessible and engaging for children. Further investigation with a larger group of participants is necessary to reinforce these initial results. This will allow item- and scale-level assessments within a wider range of autistic children. For this purpose, the task will be made freely available to the scientific community.

Appendicitis in Children: Does Age Really Matter?

Acute appendicitis (AA) is a frequent and emergent surgical abdominal condition that presents some particularities and challenges in young children. Data of 402 children aged <16 years with a confirmed diagnosis of AA were retrospectively reviewed. Included patients were divided into two groups: Group A (preschool children aged ≤5 years, n = 44) and Group B (school children aged >5 years, n = 358). Clinical presentation, biological findings, calculated diagnosis scores (paediatric appendicitis score [PAS] and Alvarado score), intraoperative findings and outcomes were comparatively analysed between the two groups. Children of Group A had more likely fever, bowel disorders, diffuse abdominal pain and diffuse tenderness than those of Group B (P = 0.001, P = 0.005, P = 0.006 and P = 0.001, respectively). Regarding biomarkers, the mean of white blood cell count and C-reactive protein levels was higher in Group A than in Group B (18,849 cell/mm3 and 162.8 mg/L in Group A versus 15,938 cell/mm3 and 86.7 mg/L in Group B, P = 0.003 and < 0.001, respectively). The mean of calculated PAS and Alvarado scores was higher in Group A than in Group B (8.2 ± 1.1 and 8.2 ± 1 vs. 7.5 ± 1.4 and 7.4 ± 1.5, P = 0.003 and P = 0.001, respectively). Most children with a calculated PAS and Alvarado score equal to or higher than 8 belonged to Group A (PAS: 84.1% vs. 58.4%, P = 0.001, Alvarado score: 84.1% vs. 55.6%, P < 0.001). The perforation of the appendix was seen in 77.3% of Group A patients and only in 41.5% of children in Group B (P < 0.0001). The mean length of stay was 5.1 ± 1.9 days in Group A and 4.3 ± 2.8 days in Group B but without any statistical difference between the two groups (P = 0.094). AA in preschool children is associated with atypical presentation and rapid progression of the disease making the early diagnosis mostly challenging in our settings.

Moderators of movement behaviour changes among Canadian toddlers and preschoolers throughout the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Primary objectives were to examine: (1) changes in movement behaviours (i.e., outdoor play (OP), organized physical activity (PA), screen time (ST), sleep) across the first 2 years of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) among Canadian toddlers and preschoolers, and (2) intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, and policy moderators of change in movement behaviors. Participants were 341 Canadian parents of children (start of study: 1-4 years; 48% female). Participants completed online questionnaires regarding their children's movement behaviours and intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community factors at five time-points before and throughout the pandemic (T1-T5). Data from government websites were also used for some community and policy factors. Linear mixed models were conducted. Compared to pre-COVID-19 (T1): OP was on average 30 min/day higher at T2 and T3; organized PA was on average 62, 44, and 37 min/day lower at T2, T3, and T4, respectively; ST was on average 67, 17, 38, and 52 min/day higher at T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively; and sleep was on average 30, 36, and 82 min/day lower at T3, T4, and T5, respectively. Significant moderating variables were observed for OP (parental education, parental work inside home, COVID-19 restriction severity), organized PA (children's sex, started kindergarten, nonparental care, parental education, household income, parental employment status, house type, indoor home space and support for PA), ST (nonparental care, parental marital status) and sleep (children's T1 age group, started kindergarten, parental place of birth, parental employment status). All movement behaviors changed across the first 2 years of COVID-19 but patterns and moderators were behaviour-specific. Children from lower socioeconomic status families had the least optimal patterns.

Children’s Metacognition and Their Second Language Acquisition: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract The present study aimed to examine the relationship between children’s metacognition and their later second language acquisition in implicit and explicit learning conditions, as well as the effects of time and condition on children’s metacognition and second language acquisition. Seventy Chinese children (M = 8.13 ; sd = 3.34) were followed from Year 2 to Year 3 at primary school. Children in Group 1 were in the Explicit Learning Condition, while children in Group 2 were in the Implicit and Explicit Learning Condition. A range of tasks were used to assess children’s metacognition and second language acquisition. Children’s implicit metacognitive skills and explicit metacognitive knowledge had significant predictive roles in their later second language acquisition. Children in Group 2 had higher levels of improvement in later implicit and explicit metacognition as well as in implicit and explicit second language acquisition than their counterparts in Group 1.

Real-Time Monitoring of Lower Limb Oxygen Saturation in Children with Indwelling Catheters Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Assess the Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Nursing Strategies

Objectives: To analyze the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in children with indwelling catheters through near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) detection of lower limb crSaO2, and to implement corresponding nursing countermeasures against the risk. Methods: Using a convenience sampling method, 80 children with indwelling catheters were selected from the first pediatric intensive care unit of our hospital between January 2022 and December 2022. They were divided into two groups: The DVT group (N = 20) and the non-DVT group (N = 60), based on whether DVT occurred within 3 days of catheterization. Single-factor and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted using SPSS 27.0 software. Non-DVT patients were randomly divided into a study group and a control group using a random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. The control group received routine nursing measures, while the study group received nursing measures based on NIRS for detecting DVT risk in lower limb crSaO2 in children with indwelling catheters. The blood coagulation indexes [thrombin time (TT); activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT); fibrinogen (FIB); D-dimer (D-D)] of the two groups were compared at 3 days (T0), 7 days (T1), and 14 days (T2) after catheterization. The symptoms related to lower limb DVT during the study period were also recorded. Results: Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the independent risk factors for DVT in critically ill children with deep vein catheterization were bed rest time ≥ 3 days (OR = 2.963, 95% CI = 1.282 - 6.852), limb immobilization (OR = 2.843, 95% CI = 1.209 - 6.685), FIB (OR=57.765, 95% CI = 11.308 - 295.094), and D-D (OR = 3.415, 95% CI = 1.396 - 8.359) (P &lt; 0.05). Overall, there were statistical differences in the TT, APTT, FIB, and D-D indicators, as well as time and interaction among the study group's children (P &lt; 0.05). Before catheterization, there was no statistically significant difference in TT, APTT, FIB, and D-D between the two groups of children (P &gt; 0.05). Compared between groups, the TT, APTT, FIB, and D-D at T1 and T2 in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group, while lower limb crSaO2 was significantly higher than in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Intra-group comparison showed statistically significant differences in TT, APTT, FIB, and D-D between the two groups of children (P &lt; 0.05). The incidence of DVT-related symptoms in the study group was significantly lower than in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: After deep vein catheterization, critically ill children are prone to be affected by extended bed rest and limb immobilization, resulting in the passive activation of the fibrinolytic system. Moreover, multidisciplinary team collaborative nursing measures based on NIRS technology can effectively improve coagulation function and lower limb oxygen saturation, thereby avoiding the occurrence of DVT-related symptoms.

Knowledge over Time of Action Codes for Perceived Objects: An Exploratory Study on Developmental Children.

Over the past 20 years, there has been a growing interest in the processing of tool objects, and in the spatial S-R correspondence effects obtained with pictures of manipulable objects. Beyond the original affordance activation account, a location coding account has been proposed for such behavioral effects, which states that the location of the visually salient portion of an object speeds up spatially aligned motor responses and slows down misaligned ones. Furthermore, an additional action coding account has been proposed, according to which it is the direction of the action of the perceived object (e.g., "pouring tea leftward" when the spout of a teapot is leftward-oriented) that biases motor performance. We investigated this action coding account of S-R correspondence effects by comparing the reaction time (RT) performance of two groups: younger (6 to 9 years old) and older (10 to 13 years old) children. We assumed that knowledge of tool objects and the activation of action codes from object perception is proportional to age. Therefore, a larger correspondence effect was hypothesized for the older relative to the younger children's group. Consistently, a 34 ms correspondence effect was observed in the older children relative to the younger ones (18 ms). The results support the view that action direction is a constitutive feature of tool objects, which is subject to experience, and thus, to increasing knowledge over time.

A randomised clinical trial to arrest caries using silver diamine fluoride therapy with two postoperative instructions

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to investigate the beneficial effect of not rinsing for 30 min in arresting early childhood caries after SDF therapy. MethodsThis randomised clinical trial recruited 3- to 4-year-old kindergarten children with active (soft) dentine caries. A questionnaire was sent to the parents to collect children's demographic data and oral health-related behaviours. A dentist conducted an oral examination and measured the caries experience using dmft index and oral hygiene using visible plaque index. After 38 % SDF therapy, the children were randomly allocated into two groups. Children in group A were instructed to rinse with water immediately, whereas children in group B were asked to refrain from rinsing, drinking, or eating for 30 min. After six months, the same examiner determined the lesion activity (active/arrest) of the SDF-treated carious tooth surface. Generalized Estimating Equations was used to compare the proportion of caries arrest (caries-arrest rate) between the two groups. ResultsThis study recruited 298 children with 1,158 decayed tooth surfaces receiving SDF therapy at baseline and evaluated 275 (92 %) children with 1,069 (92 %) SDF-treated tooth-surface at the six-month examination. The demographic background, oral hygiene and caries status of two groups were comparable at baseline (p > 0.05). The caries-arrest rate for group A and group B were 65 % (337/519) and 61 % (338/550), respectively (p = 0.28). ConclusionThis randomised clinical trial found not rinsing for 30 min after SDF therapy is not better than immediate rinsing in arresting early childhood caries. Clinical significanceTopical SDF application leaves an unpleasant taste in the mouth, which may affect the acceptance or even rejection of SDF therapy among young children. This study provides clinicians with information to make their decision on postoperative instruction after SDF therapy.

Immersive Virtual Reality Versus Video Distraction for the Management of Emergence Delirium in Children: A Randomized Controlled Study

PurposeEmergence delirium (ED) presents challenges for both parents and health care providers in pediatric surgical settings. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (VR) distraction and video distraction combined with parental presence in reducing ED in preschool-aged children undergoing elective surgery. DesignA prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 90 children ages 4 to 7. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: VR distraction (group V), tablet video distraction with parental presence (group T), and standard care (group C). The primary endpoints were the incidence of ED and Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium Scale scores, with secondary measures encompassing scores from the Parental Separation Anxiety Scale and the Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale. MethodsParticipants were assigned to one of the three intervention groups, and relevant scales were used to assess ED, parental separation anxiety, and postoperative pain. The immersive VR distraction and video distraction with parental presence interventions were compared against standard care. FindingsImmersive VR distraction significantly reduced the incidence of ED (6.67% in group V vs 40% in group T and 60% in group C), and the incidence of ED in group V was notably lower than in the other groups (P = .023 vs group T and P = .004 vs group C). Children in group V displayed significantly lower FLACC compared with the other groups as well (P < .05). However, no significant differences between the 3 groups were observed in perioperative anxiety as assessed by the Parental Separation Anxiety Scale scores (P = .27). ConclusionsThis study underscores the potential of immersive VR distraction as an effective intervention for mitigating ED in pediatric surgical patients. The findings suggest that incorporating VR technology during the perioperative period can positively impact postoperative outcomes. Further research in diverse surgical contexts is recommended to validate these findings and explore the broader applicability of VR distraction in pediatric health care settings.