Concentrations In Children Research Articles

The Influence of Montessori Education and Traditional Education on Children's Learning Psychology

This paper aims to explore the influence of Montessori education and traditional education on children's learning psychology and compare the advantages and disadvantages of the two educational methods. First, the influence of Montessori education and traditional education on children's learning ability and attitude was explored through observation and comparative analysis. In terms of learning ability, Montessori education focuses on cultivating children's independent learning ability and practical ability, while traditional education pays more attention to the indoctrination of knowledge and examination results. In terms of learning attitude, Montessori education cultivates children's concentration and continuity, while traditional education may lead to children's interest in learning and motivation to learn. Next, the advantages and disadvantages of Montessori education and traditional education are analyzed. Finally, the integration and innovation of Montessori education and traditional education are discussed. In conclusion, Montessori education and traditional education have different influences in terms of children's learning psychology, and integrated education may provide better educational methods for children's all-round development.

Improving The Learning Concentration Of Children Aged 4-5 Years Through The Tebona Game Method (Patting Colored Balls) In TK Aisyiyah Bustanul Athfal 3 Bulusidokare

Learning concentration is an important component in the learning process, with high learning concentration for each child, it will be able to support the child to be ready for further education. This research aims to increase the learning concentration of children aged 4-5 years through the tebona game method (patting colored balls) at Aisyiyah Bustanul Athfal 3 Bulusidoakre Kindergarten. This type of research uses classroom action research (PTK), the design used in this research is the Kemmis and Mc Taggrat model of classroom action research design. The subjects of this research were 10 students in group A3 aged 4-5 years, children. Data collection techniques by means of observation, documentation and interviews. The results of the research show that children's learning concentration increases in each cycle. Before the action, the concentration percentage only reached 46% in the pre-cycle, 66.5% in cycle 1 and 94.5% in cycle II. So it can be concluded that increasing the learning concentration of children aged 4-5 years through the tebona playing method at Kindergarten Aisyiyah Bustanul Athfal 3 Bulusidokare was declared successful. Highlights: Importance of Learning Concentration: Learning concentration is crucial for children's readiness for further education. Tebona Game Method: Tebona game method involves patting colored balls to enhance concentration. Classroom Action Research (PTK): PTK design allows for systematic observation and assessment of educational interventions. Keywords: Learning Concentration, Tebona Games, Early Childhood

2551. Assessing Meropenem Concentrations in Children with Septic Shock: Population-Based Pharmacokinetic (PK) Modeling of Meropenem Demonstrates Variability from Acute Kidney (AKI) to Augmented Renal Clearance (ARC)

Abstract Background The primary objective of this study was to characterize meropenem (MERO) pharmacokinetics (PK) in critically ill infants and children with septic shock to develop dosing recommendations to achieve therapeutic drug exposure in this complex population with a spectrum of renal function from augmented renal clearance (ARC) to acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods Children ≥4 weeks old hospitalized with septic shock requiring fluid resuscitation and pressors, receiving MERO 20 mg/kg IV every 8 hr as standard-of-care, were enrolled and studied prospectively from 2019 to 2023. Population PK modeling was used to derive Bayesian post-hoc PK parameters (NONMEM 7.3). Renal biomarkers (serum creatinine [SCr], cystatin C [CYS], serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin [NGAL]) were evaluated as covariates. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR) was calculated by the modified Schwartz equation. Results A total of 304 MERO serum concentrations were included from 26 participants. Median age was 12.6 yr (range 1.2-19.6); weight 38.4 kg (10-98); SCr 0.36 mg/dL (0.09-2.57); CYS 448.9 mg/d (178.3-1824.1), and NGAL 176.05 ng/mL (29.3-1000). Median MERO serum concentration was 11 mcg/mL (range 0.033-217, interquartile range [IQR] 1.873-37.85). A two-compartment model with allometrically scaled weight on clearance (0.75) best described the data. Significant covariates (final model) were e-GFR, CYS, NGAL, age, diagnosis of appendicitis and albumin. Using the final model, the median CL was 0.15 (range 0.05-0.51, interquartile range [IQR] 0.06-0.25) L/hr/kg and V1 0.20 (0.07-0.57, IQR 0.12-0.31) L/kg, with GFR 139 (23-364, IQR 93-204) mL/min/1.73 m2 (Figure). The distribution of MERO concentrations, CL and GFR across quartiles documents wide variations in renal function observed in septic shock, from AKI to ARC (Figure). Meropenem Serum Concentration, Meropenem Renal Clearance, and Glomerular Filtration Rate, by Quartiles Conclusion Wide variation in MERO plasma exposure was documented in children with septic shock across the spectrum of renal function. GFR-based dosing recommendations may optimize MERO dosing and improve outcomes in this population. This work was supported by NICHD grant 1 R01 HD095547-01 Disclosures Edmund Capparelli, PharmD, Melinta: Advisor/Consultant

Influence and Implications of Parenting Styles on Young Children's Concentration

This study explores the relationship between parenting styles and children's ability to concentrate. The focus of this research is to investigate the influence of parental parenting styles on children's attentional abilities, as parenting styles play a crucial role in shaping children's behaviors, cognitive development, and various abilities. While several studies have examined the link between parenting styles and different aspects of child development, research specifically investigating the relationship between parenting styles and children's ability to concentrate is limited. To address this research gap, a total of 133 children aged between 5 and 7 years, along with their parents, participated in this study. Parenting styles were assessed using a parenting style questionnaire, and interviews were conducted with parents regarding their young children's ability to concentrate. The results revealed a positive association between authoritative and democratic parenting styles and high levels of child attention. In contrast, doting and neglectful parenting styles showed negative associations with children's concentration abilities. Additionally, the study explored the role of gender in moderating the relationship between parenting styles and attention. These findings contribute to understanding parental influences on children's cognitive development and provide insights into potential educational and parental interventions to enhance children's ability to concentrate.

Urinary Bisphenol A and Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate Metabolite Concentrations in Children with Obesity: A Case-Control Study

Introduction: Obesity is a worldwide public health problem. Experimental animal and in vitro studies suggest that the exposure to BPA and phthalates are associated to a higher risk of obesity. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine urinary excretion of bisphenol A and phthalates in obese and normal weight children. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in 122 children. Sixty-six obese children, 36 girls (mean age 8.41 ± 1.27 years), and 30 boys (mean age 8.51 ± 1.33 years) and 56 normal weight children, 27 girls (mean age 7.64 ± 1.49 years), and 29 boys (mean age 7.77 ± 1.56 years) were studied. Urinary BPA and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites (MEHP, MEHHP, and MEOHP) were measured, respectively, by gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. Individual determinants of exposure were evaluated through “ad hoc” questionnaires. Results: BPA and DEHP metabolites were detectable in obese and normal weight children. Obese girls showed significantly higher BPA concentrations in comparison with normal weight girls (means 10.77, 95% CI = 7.02–16.53 vs. 5.50, 95% CI = 3.93–7.71 μg/g creatinine, respectively, p < 0.02). The first step of DEHP metabolic rate was significantly higher in obese girls compared with controls (p < 0.05). DEHP metabolites correlated significantly with leptin concentrations in obese girls (p < 0.03). A higher risk of obesity was found in children with BPA levels above the median values with the habit to eat food packaged (OR = 11.09, 95% CI = 1.28–95.78). Conclusions: These findings show that a higher exposure to BPA is associated with the risk of obesity in girls. Further studies are needed to unveil the cause-effect relationship.

Association of postnatal exposure to mixture of bisphenol A, Di-n-butyl phthalate and Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate with Children's IQ at 5 Years of age: Mothers and Children's environmental health (MOCEH) study

Early childhood is important for neurodevelopment, and exposure to endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates in this period may cause neurodevelopmental disorders and delays. The present study examined the association between exposure to mixtures of BPA and three metabolites of phthalates in early childhood and IQ at 5 years of age. The Mother and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) study is a prospective birth cohort study conducted in Korea with 1751 pregnant women enrolled from 2006 to 2010. After excluding those without relevant data, 47 children were included in the final analysis. We measured children's urinary concentrations of metabolites of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (Bisphenol A, mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate, mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate and mono-(2-ethyl-5-butyl) phthalate) at ages of 24 and 36 months. We evaluated the children's IQ with the Korean Wechsler Intelligence Test at the age of 5 years. After adjusting for potential confounders, a multiple linear regression was conducted to examine the associations between individual endocrine-disrupting chemicals and the IQ of the children. Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression and quantile-based g-computation were used to assess the association between IQ at age 5 and exposure to mixtures of BPA and phthalates. In the single-chemical analyses, mono-(2-ethyl-5-butyl) phthalate exposure at 36 months was adversely associated with children's IQ (β = −4.93, 95% confidence interval (CI): -9.22, −0.64). In the WQS regression and quantile-based g-computation analyses, exposure to the mixture of BPA and phthalates was associated with lower IQ [β = −9.13 (P-value = 0.05) and β = −9.18 (P-value = 0.05), respectively]. The largest contributor to the overall association was exposure to mono-(2-ethyl-5-butyl) phthalate at 36 months. In the present study, postnatal exposure to mixtures of BPA and three metabolites of phthalates was associated with decreased IQ of children at age 5.

Art Therapy through Doodle Art Media in Increasing Learning Concentration Children with ADHD

The importance of guiding students in increasing their concentration in learning is the task of an educator. Learning can be digested well when students have adequate concentration and absorption in paying attention to the teacher when explaining the material in front of the class. However, this is certainly different from children with disabilities who require a special approach to be able to receive learning material well. This research aims to see the effectiveness of art therapy using doodle art as a medium, which is expected to improve the concentration of children with ADHD. The research method uses qualitative with a case study approach, to see how the implementation of art therapy improves children's learning concentration. The results of the research show that art therapy with doodle art is able to increase concentration in children with ADHD in the memory aspect, attitude aspect and skill aspect. This approach is chosen according to the conditions and needs of the child, freeing the child to express himself in the doodle art media. It is very effective to see the attitude and enthusiasm of the students during the learning process, they really enjoy it and can relate well to the experiences gained during the learning activities.

Eficacia de la música como recurso para manejar la agresividad en niños de manera exitosa

Music has been widely recognized as an effective tool for controlling elements of aggression in children. It has been proven to have a calming and relaxing effect on children, reducing aggression and stress levels when listening to soft and harmonious melodies. In addition, music provides children with a way of expressing and channeling their emotions, helping to regulate their feelings and decreasing aggressiveness. To address aggression, programs and workshops have been developed that use music as a therapeutic tool, involving musical and dramatization activities that allow children to explore their emotions in a creative and constructive way. These interventions have proven to be effective in reducing aggressive behavior and promoting peaceful coexistencein school settings. In addition, participation in musical activities improves children's attention, concentration and social skills, which contributes to reducing aggressiveness. In summary, music is presented as a powerful tool to control aggressiveness in children, promoting emotional and social skills and a harmonious school environment.

Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Serum Adiponectin Concentrations in Children and Adolescents with Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Serum adiponectin plays a vital role in various physiological processes, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-apoptotic and pro-angiogenic activities. Any abnormalities in its concentration can lead to adverse health outcomes, particularly in children and adolescents. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate factors influencing serum adiponectin concentrations in this population. The primary objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the impact of aerobic exercise on serum adiponectin concentrations in children and adolescents with obesity. To achieve this, a comprehensive literature search was conducted up to January 2023, utilising five databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library and Clinicaltrial.gov. The inclusion criteria involved studies that focused solely on aerobic exercise as an intervention for children and adolescents with obesity. Only studies that reported outcome indicators related to serum adiponectin were considered for analysis. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (ROB) assessment tool, and statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.1 analysis software. This meta-analysis incorporated data from eight trials, involving a total of 272 subjects. The results demonstrated that aerobic training significantly increased serum adiponectin concentrations [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.85; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.33 to 1.37; I2 = 0%; p = 0.001] in children and adolescents with obesity when compared to non-exercise controls. Furthermore, the magnitude of this effect appears to be influenced by the intensity of aerobic exercise, with higher-intensity aerobic exercise resulting in greater increases in serum adiponectin concentrations.

Application of ANFIS-based Non-Linear Regression Modelling to Predict Concentration Level in Concentration Grid Test as Early Detection of ADHD in Children

Concentration is the main asset for students and serves as an indicator of successful learning implementation. One of the abnormal disturbances that can occur in a child's concentration development is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The prevalence of ADHD in Indonesia in 2014 reached 12.81 million people due to delayed management in addressing ADHD. Therefore, early detection of ADHD is necessary for prevention. ADHD detection can be done by testing the level of concentration using a concentration grid. However, a method is needed that can be applied to uncooperative young children who are not familiar with numbers. Therefore, research was conducted with an innovative approach using a combination of EEG-ECG to classify concentration levels. The data used in this study were primary data from 4 participants with 5 repetitions. The data were processed in the preprocessing stage, which involved noise filtering and Butterworth filtering. The features used in this study were BPM (beats per minute), alpha, theta, and beta EEG signals, which would later become inputs for the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). The output shows that the combination of EEG-ECG has the potential to predict concentration test results. Using BPM, alpha, theta, and beta signals can serve as parameters for predicting the concentration grid test values using ANFIS effectively. In the ANFIS model with 4 features, an accuracy of 99.997% was obtained for the training data and 80.2142% for the testing data. This result could be developed for early detection of ADHD based on concentration levels so the learning implementation could be more effective.

Storyteller’s Role In "Sehat Ceria di masa Pandemi" Comics To Students Of Gudang 1 Sumedang Public Elementary School

Corona Virus Disease 2019 (Covid-19), one of the most dangerous viruses spread to cause outbreaks in almost all countries, including Indonesia. Based on the latest data on October 19, 2022, the number of positive Covid-19 patients in Indonesia is 6,450,248. The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted daily life because almost all countries in the world are working hard to find preventive measures so that the spread of Covid-19 does not continue to increase. For example, large-scale social restrictions, physical distancing rules, and carrying out regional quarantine with two events, full and limited. Apart from that, in the field of education, the government issued a distance education regulation Circular Letter Number 4 of 2020 Concerning Implementation of Education Policies in an Emergency Period of the Spread of Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19). The method used in this study is qualitative method with a case study approach. This study interpreted the case of the storyteller's unique role, which was a strategy to understand the essence of the story in comics to an audience of elementary school children. The results found that the storyteller was the main factor in persuading children. In persuading children of elementary school, a storyteller should have a strategy in storytelling and pay the most attention to children's concentration time.

Upgrade Games Cognitive And Literacy For Android - Based Kindergarten Children

The growth of children in kindergarten is crucial for developing their thinking patterns and creativity. Gadgets can influence children's cognitive and literacy abilities, so a cognitive game is needed to help improve these skills. The development of the game uses VAK and IMSDD methods to improve cognitive abilities and literacy better than conventional learning. The alpha testing showed that more than 90% of respondents agreed that the SITEKA game application met their needs and increased children's concentration and learning effectiveness by over 40%

Higher Weight-Based Doses Are Required to Achieve and Maintain Therapeutic Voriconazole Serum Trough Concentrations in Children.

Children require weight-based voriconazole doses proportionately larger than adults to achieve therapeutic serum trough concentrations (1-6 mcg/mL). The objective of this quality improvement project was to determine the initial dose, proportion of patients achieving target concentrations with initial dosing, and subsequent therapeutic drug monitoring and dose modifications needed to achieve and maintain therapeutic voriconazole concentrations in children. This retrospective study evaluated children aged <18 years treated with voriconazole during the study period. Dosing and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) values were collected and compared by age. Data are presented as median (IQR), unless otherwise stated. Fifty-nine patients, aged 10.4 (3.7-14.7) years and 49% female, met inclusion criteria; 42 had at least 1 steady-state voriconazole serum trough concentration measured. Twenty-one of 42 (50%) achieved the target concentration at the first steady-state measurement. An additional 13 of 42 (31%) achieved the target following 2 to 4 dose modifications. The dose required to first achieve a value in the target range was 22.3 (18.0-27.1) mg/kg/day in children aged <12 years and 12.0 (9.8-14.0) mg/kg/day in children aged ≥12 years. After reaching the target, 59% and 81% of repeated steady-state measurements were in the therapeutic range in patients aged <12 years and ≥12 years, respectively. Reaching therapeutic voriconazole serum trough concentrations required doses larger than currently recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Multiple dose adjustments and TDM measurements were required to achieve and maintain therapeutic voriconazole serum concentrations.

Assessment of Interleukin-15 (IL-15) Concentration in Children with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome.

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is a chronic glomerular disease in children, characterized by severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and/or presence of edema and hyperlipidemia. The pathogenesis, however, has not been yet established. The clinical course of the disease is characterized by frequent relapses. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, that apart from its involvement in the immune system, was found to be playing a vital role in various cells' functioning, including renal tissue. It is desirable to look for new predictors of INS. Our study aimed to evaluate IL-15 as a potential marker in the early diagnosis of the disease. The cohort participating in the study consisted of patients hospitalized in Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Zabrze, from December 2019 to December 2021, including study group with INS (n = 30) and control group (n = 44). Results: The concentration of IL-15 in both serum and urine was significantly elevated in patients with INS, compared to healthy controls. The cytokine might serve as a marker of the disease, however, further research on larger study groups is needed.

PENINGKATAN KONSENTRASI BELAJAR PADA ANAK MELALUI BERMAIN SENSORIMOTOR

This research is motivated by children who are less able to concentrate when learning activities take place. This is addressed by children with indifferent attitudes during learning. The child pays little attention to the teacher speaking in front of the class, when the teacher asks to complete activities such as stacking blocks or sticking leaves on a picture book the child cannot complete it, and the child also does not want to do the activities given by the teacher, when the learning activity takes place the child only able to concentrate for 5-7 minutes because the attention is often changing to do activities that children prefer. The purpose of this study was to determine the planning, implementation, and results of increasing children's learning concentration through sensorimotor play. The indicators in this study are to recognize rough, smooth, and slippery textures. This research method uses a descriptive qualitative approach to class action research. The research subjects were 32 children with an age range of 4-5 years. Data collection tools using observation guidelines, interview guides, and documentation. The results of this study showed that the research subjects experienced an increase in learning concentration of 80% in the very well-developed criteria for each assessment indicator. The indicators for recognizing coarse textures achieved very good results of 83.03%, the indicators for recognizing smooth textures reached 88.08%, and the indicators for recognizing smooth textures reached 88.08%. The results of the research show that planning is carried out by compiling learning designs, determining learning objectives, designing media, RPPH, and room arrangement. The process of carrying out sensorimotor children touches the surface of the skin of fruits to recognize rough and fine textures. Meanwhile, to get to know the slippery texture, the teacher peels the skin of the fruit which is then touched by the child. Sensorimotor play can be used as a learning activity to improve children's learning concentration. The result of sensorimotor games is that children are trained to follow rules, and wait their turn so that children are more organized and help improve children's learning concentration.

PERAN GURU DAN ORANG TUA TERHADAP STIMULASI KEAKSARAAN ANAK USIA DINI

The research method used is a reference-based literature or library study that is relevant to the topic of the problem and of course varies. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of teachers or parents when stimulating early childhood literacy. Early literacy is one aspect of language development in early childhood. Language and literacy are inextricably linked. The ability of the underlying skills of children begins when the little child feels colors, shapes, understands images, understands pictures, false letters towards the beginning of his name records the letters of his name, notes his considerations despite the fact that the letters are still turbulent or fragmented, pronounces words that most of the time are repeated in a storybook, spelling letters, reading without others, the relationship of sounds to letters, referring to the names of numbers can be indicated by pictures. Methods or methods in literacy, namely: ability in literacy, building reading habits, writing, parental stimulation, implementing learning, creating a language-rich environment, early literacy skills and basic early childhood numeracy, learning media and pre-literacy learning. Without language, a person cannot communicate with others, therefore language plays an important role in allowing people to communicate with each other. This is in line with the belief that various forms of media have a positive effect on the child's thinking and concentration, fine motor skills (eye and hand coordination), patience, language skills, the skill of understanding meaning and knowledge of vocabulary.

Effect of Cadmium on Oxidative Stress Indices and Vitamin D Concentrations in Children

Heavy metal poisoning can have serious health consequences, including damage to the brain, kidneys, and other organs. Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in the body over time and the exposure to this element has been linked to a variety of adverse health effects. Cadmium toxicity can lead to an imbalance in the cellular redox state and be a source of oxidative stress. On the molecular level, cadmium ions negatively affect cellular metabolism, including the disruption of energy production, protein synthesis, and DNA damage. The study has been carried out on a group of 140 school-age children (8 to 14 years old) inhabiting the industrialized areas of Upper Silesia. The study population was divided into two sub-groups based on the median concentration of cadmium in blood (0.27 µg/L): Low-CdB and High-CdB. Measured traits comprised blood cadmium levels (CdB) as well as a blood count and selected oxidative stress markers. This research study aimed to demonstrate a correlation between the impact of exposure to elevated cadmium concentrations in a population of children and certain markers of oxidative stress, and 25-OH vitamin D3 concentration. A negative correlation has been found between cadmium concentration and 25-OH vitamin D3 level, protein sulfhydryl groups content in blood serum, glutathione reductase activity, and lipofuscin and malondialdehyde levels in erythrocytes. The concentration of 25-OH vitamin D3 in the High-CdB group was decreased by 23%. The oxidative stress indices can be considered a valuable indicator of early Cd-toxicity effects to be included in the routinely-applied cadmium exposure monitoring parameters, allowing the evaluation of stress intensity to the cell metabolism.

Open-Ended Toys to Stimulate Cognitive Development Children Aged 1-3 Years Old in the Pandemic Era

Cognitive development is one of the important aspects related to the stages of a child's ability to acquire interpretation and knowledge based on experience and information obtained. One of ways to stimulate children's cognitive development is through the use of open-ended toys. Open-ended toys are a type of toys that provides space for interpretation and can be used in various ways, thereby triggering children's creativity. The purpose of this research was to analyze the use of open-ended toys in stimulating the cognitive development of children aged 1-3 years old in the pandemic era. The method used in this study is qualitative, namely a descriptive analysis of the function aspect of three kinds open-ended toys. Data obtained through literature study, observation, interviews, and documentation. In this research, theory about the stages of children's play development according to Piaget was used. Based on the results of the analysis, it can be seen open-ended toys in the form of puzzles, building blocks, and animal figurines can stimulate children's cognitive development by increasing children's concentration range, language skills, fine motor skills, and gross motor skills in children aged 1-3 years old in the era of the covid-19 pandemic.

PENERAPAN METODE BERMAIN KOTAK GEOMETRI DALAM MELATIH KONSENTRASI ANAK USIA 5-6 TAHUN DI TK AISYIYAH BUSTANUL ATHFAL 2 PERUMNAS

The child's concentration ability is very important to be stimulated. One way to stimulate children's concentration is by providing games using geometric squares. This study aims to train concentration in children after the application of the geometric box playing method to children aged 5-6 years. This community service research in the form of service learning was conducted at TK Aisyiyah Bustanul Athfal 2 Perumnas, with 3 children selected as participants based on purposive sampling. The instruments used were geometric squares, observation sheets for children, and intervention implementation evaluation sheets. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results of the community service research show that children can concentrate on composing geometric shapes according to their shape. The findings in this study imply that children playing with geometric squares benefit because they can increase concentration, can recognize colors, and geometric shapes.&#x0D;

Chronic Home Radon Exposure Is Associated with Higher Inflammatory Biomarker Concentrations in Children and Adolescents.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the deleterious impacts of toxic environmental exposures, though the effects of some rather ubiquitous toxins have yet to be characterized in youths. One such toxin, radon gas, is known to accumulate to hazardous levels in homes, and has been linked with the incidence of lung cancer in aging adults. However, the degree to which chronic home radon exposure may impact risk for health problems earlier in life is unknown. Herein, we explored the degree to which chronic home radon exposure relates to biomarkers of low-grade inflammation in 68 youths ages 6- to 14 years old residing in an area of the United States prone to high home radon concentrations. Parents completed a home radon test kit, and youths provided a saliva sample to assess concentrations of five biomarkers. Using a multiple regression approach, we found that greater radon exposure was specifically associated with higher levels of C-reactive protein (β = 0.31, p = 0.007) and interleukin-1β (β = 0.33, p = 0.016). The data suggested specificity in associations between chronic home radon exposure and different biomarkers of inflammatory activity and highlight a pathway which may confer risk for future mental and physical health maladies.