Children's Levels Research Articles

Changes of oxidative stress in 3D film to be prepared for echocardiography: A randomized controlled study.

Echocardiography (ECHO) is a nonprocedure that causes acute stress in children. Fear, anxiety, and fluctuations in children's blood pressure and heart rate can potentially lead to alterations in echocardiographic measurements. The insufficient research on virtual reality pediatric preparation applications, particularly in the context of echocardiographic procedures, underscores the necessity for additional studies focusing on pediatric patients. This study sought to assess the impact of virtual reality applications tailored explicitly for ECHO on children's oxidative stress levels. This was a prospective, randomized, controlled experimental study. Forty-eight children (experimental/24, control/24) aged 7 to 12 years who had an ECHO appointment in the pediatric cardiology outpatient clinic in the 3 months from June to August 2019 participated in the study. Participants whose blood analyses showed hemolysis were eliminated, and the study was completed with 37 children in total: 16 children in the experiment and 21 children in the control. Post hoc power analysis was performed for sample adequacy, and the power of the study was found to be 0.99. A 3D film was prepared for the research and applied to the experimental group before the procedure. All children's oxidative stress levels (cortisol, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide) and glutathione levels were checked after ECHO. The stress hormone cortisol and malondialdehyde levels were lower in the 3D-applied experimental group than in the control group. As another crucial anti-stress antioxidant factor, glutathione level increased in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < .05). The research revealed that the 3D film used to prepare ECHO reduces the stress parameters associated with heart risk and may affect the ECHO measurements. At the same time, the study also proved the positive effect of 3D film preparation by increasing the anti-stress factor.

EFEKTIVITAS VIDEO KESEHATAN TERHADAP PENGETAHUAN DAN SIKAP IBU TENTANG STUNTING DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS BANGEKO KANAN

Stunting is a major threat to human quality, as well as a threat to the nation's competitive ability (Ministry of Health, 2018). Because stunting will result in children's intelligence levels not being optimal, making children more vulnerable to disease and in the future could be at risk of decreasing productivity levels. Efforts to prevent stunting should start from the beginning of pregnancy to reduce the risk of stunting in children. The aim of this research is to determine the effectiveness of health videos on mothers' knowledge and attitudes about stunting in the Bangko Kanan Community Health Center Work Area. This research method uses a quasi experimental design. The population used in this research was pregnant women with a sample size of 82 people. The researchers' results were based on the Wilcoxon test with asymp values. The knowledge sig is 0.00 and the attitude is 0.01 (&lt;0.05), meaning that the health video has an impact on increasing mothers' knowledge and attitudes about stunting in the Bangko Kanan Community Health Center working area. It is hoped that the research can become a reference for health workers in providing health promotion to increase knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women about stunting

The Relationship between video game addiction and bladder/bowel dysfunction in children

Video games have a strong influence on children and adolescents. Video game addiction has negative effects on children's health. To determine the relationship between video game addiction and bladder/bowel dysfunction in children. Three hundred sixty-three children and their mothers who met the inclusion criteria constituted the sample of this correlational study. The data were collected using a descriptive information form, the Video Game Addiction Scale for Children, and the Childhood Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Questionnaire. We found that 72.5% of the children were nine years old and 27.5% were ten years old; 50.4% were males and 49.6% were female. While 4.7% of the children who participated in the study were underweight, 19.6% were overweight, and 17.9% were obese. The mean Video Game Addiction Scale for Children score was 50.77 ± 16.17, whereas the mean Childhood Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Questionnaire score was 29.98 ± 8.90. The ratio of children with a mean Video Game Addiction Scale for Children scores equal to or greater than 90 was 0.8% (n = 3). We found that 3.6% (n = 13) of the children had urinary/fecal incontinence while playing video games. There was a weak positive relationship between the dimensions of the Video Game Addiction Scale for Children scores, the Childhood Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Questionnaire scores, and children's bladder and bowel function (r = 0.220; p ˂ 0.05). There is a correlation between children's video game addiction level and their bladder and bowel dysfunction grade. Higher video game addiction levels correspond to higher bladder and bowel dysfunction.

CHILDREN’S INDEPENDENT MOBILITY TO SCHOOL IN MALAYSIA

The concept of children’s independent mobility encourages children to participate in physical activity through active transportation. Children’s Independent Mobility (CIM) is defined as the freedom for children to move around their surrounding neighbourhood without supervised by an adult supervision. Currently, there are some concerns about the decline in children's levels of physical activity. Increased reliance on automobiles for children's daily transportation can have negative effects on the environment, as well as increase the level of childhood obesity, and reduce their sense of independence. Research suggests that independent mobility to school is an essential component of a balanced childhood, and it has positive impacts on various aspects of children's lives, such as physical health, social skills, and cognitive development. However, very few practical studies address the association between children`s independent mobility and school specifically. Investigating CIM in the specific context of children's mobility to school is important because commuting between home and school is a major issue in active school travel. Adopting literature reviews as an approach, this paper will outline some recommendations that can be used by the relevant authorities in implementing pedestrian policies and guidelines for school children based on school accessibility and connectivity to promote CIM. From the literature reviews, this paper establishes a conceptual framework for the promotion of CIM to schools in the Malaysian context. It was found that most residential areas and school surroundings in Malaysia are responsive to children`s needs but parents` mindsets hinder this concept to be successfully done.

Role of Low Amount of Iron Intake from Groundwater for Prevention of Anemia in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Bangladesh.

In Bangladesh, groundwater, the principal source of drinking water, contains predominantly high levels of iron. Drinking groundwater is associated with good iron status in populations. Against this backdrop, iron supplementation is often associated with side effects, which reduces its intake compliance. However, the level of iron in groundwater is not consistent, and low levels exist in many areas of the country. In the present study, we examined the role of groundwater with a low concentration of iron in the prevention of anemia in Bangladeshi children. In 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Bangladesh among children aged 2-5 years (n = 122) who drank groundwater containing a low level of iron (0-<2 mg/L). The combined intake of iron was calculated from the key sources-diet, groundwater, and the simulated intake of MNPs. The intakes of iron were compared against the standard reference intake. The children's hemoglobin levels were measured using a photometer. The combined intake of iron from diet, groundwater with low levels of iron, and the simulated consumption of low-iron MNP in children was 5.8 ± 2.0 and 6.9 ± 2.5 mg/day, comprising 193% and 169% of the Estimated Average Requirements in the 2-3-year-old and 4-5-year-old subgroups, respectively. The combined intake of bioavailable iron from dietary and low-iron groundwater was 0.42 ± 0.023 and 0.22 ± 0.019 mg/day in children exposed to groundwater concentrations of 0.8-<2.0 mg/L and 0.0-<0.8 mg/L, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean concentration of hemoglobin in the respective groups was 12.17 ± 0.94 g/dL and 11.91 ± 0.91 g/dL (p = 0.30). The combined intake of iron from diet and the low-iron groundwater was associated with maintenance of hemoglobin concentration at the non-anemic level in > 90% of the children. The findings highlight the protective influence of the low concentration of iron in the drinking groundwater against childhood anemia in Bangladesh.

Implementasi Reward ASYIK dalam Meningkatkan Rasa Percaya Diri Anak Kelompok A di TK Negeri Tegal Menteng Jakarta Pusat

This research aims to increase self-confidence in Group A children at TK Negeri Tegal, Menteng, Jakarta Piusat, through the implementation of the "ASYIK" reward system. The research subjects were 30 children aged 4-5 years. The method used was classroom action research conducted in two cycles. Initial observations showed that the children's confidence level only reached 40%, far below the 80% target. After implementing the "ASYIK" reward, there was a significant increase from 37.5% in cycle 1 activity 1 to 80% in cycle 2 activity 2. The success of the intervention was marked by 12 out of 15 children in class A achieving the Very Well Developed (BSB) criteria. The improvement in children's self-confidence was evident, where before the intervention only 4 children had BSB scores, increasing to 5 children after cycle 1, 8 children (60%) after cycle 2 activity 1, and finally 12 children (80%) after cycle 2 activity 2. The results of this study indicate that the implementation of the "ASYIK" reward is effective in increasing self-confidence in Group A children at TK Negeri Tegal Menteng, Jakarta Pusat.

Sex-specific effect of maternal thyroid peroxidase antibody exposure during pregnancy on 5- to 6-year-old children's cardiometabolic risk score: the Ma'anshan birth cohort study.

To explore the association between maternal thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) exposure and 5- to 6-year-old children's cardiometabolic risk (CMR). A total of 2129 mother-child pairs were recruited from the Ma'anshan Birth Cohort (MABC) study. Serum TPOAb was retrospectively measured in pregnant women using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. CMR score was evaluated by the serum glycolipids, blood pressure, and waist circumference for children aged 5-6 years. Growth mixture modelling was used to fit trajectories of TPOAb levels throughout pregnancy. Multiple linear regression models and logistic regression models were used for statistical analyses. Two thousand one hundred twenty-nine mother-child pairs (mean [SD] age, 26.6 [3.6] years) were enrolled for the final study. Maternal TPOAb exposure in the first trimester increased children's overall CMR, glucose level, HOMA-IR, triglyceride level, boys' overall CMR, boys' glucose level, and girls' glucose level. TPOAb exposure in the first trimester was also associated with lower boys' high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level. In the second trimester, maternal TPOAb exposure was positively associated with children's triglyceride level. Compared with low TPOAb trajectory, children with high maternal TPOAb trajectory had an increased risk of developing high CMR (OR = 3.40; 95% CI, 1.30-8.90), hyperglycemia (OR = 5.20; 95% CI, 2.20-12.28), insulin-resistance (adjusted OR = 2.12; 95% CI, 1.10-4.07), and hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 2.55; 95% CI, 1.06-6.14). The first trimester of pregnancy is a critical period for maternal TPOAb exposure to affect CMR in children, with some sex specificity, mainly to the detriment of boys.

Perinatal Predictors and Mediators of Attachment Patterns in Preschool Children: Exploration of Children's Contributions in Interactions with Mothers.

Insecure and disorganized attachment patterns in children are linked to poor health outcomes over the lifespan. Attachment patterns may be predicted by variables that influence the quality of children's interactions with their primary caregivers/parents (usually mothers) such as prenatal and postnatal exposures and the children's own behaviours in interactions. The purposes of this exploratory study were to examine: (1) prenatal predictors of children's attachment patterns, and (2) postnatal mediators and moderators of associations between prenatal predictors and children's attachment patterns, with adjustment for relevant covariates. Mother-child dyads (n = 214) from the longitudinal Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) cohort were studied using valid and reliable measures. Hayes' mediation analysis was employed to determine direct and indirect effects. Mothers' prenatal cortisol levels directly predicted disorganized (versus organized) child attachment in unadjusted models. Children's passivity (in adjusted models) and compulsivity (in unadjusted and adjusted models) in parent-child interactions mediated the pathway between mothers' prenatal cortisol levels and children's disorganized attachment patterns. Serial mediation analyses revealed that mothers' cortisol levels predicted their children's cortisol levels, which predicted children's compulsivity, and, ultimately, disorganized attachment in both unadjusted and adjusted models. No predictors were correlated with children's insecure (versus secure) attachment. This exploratory research suggests that prenatal exposure to mothers' cortisol levels and children's behavioural contributions to parent-child interaction quality should be considered in the genesis of children's attachment patterns, especially disorganization. Interventions focused on parent-child interactions could also focus on addressing children's behavioral contributions.

"Track style" children's fundamental movement skills test: construction and verification of an efficient evaluation system.

This study aimed to develop an efficient tool for assessing children's fundamental motor skills, the "Track style" Children's Fundamental Movement Skills Test (TCFMST), based on theories of motor development integrated with Chinese cultural context and physical education teaching situations. Starting from a literature analysis, the study selected items from existing fundamental movement skill (FMS) assessments, textbooks, physical education and health standards, and children's movement guidelines to construct a pool of test items. Subsequently, the items were screened and optimized using the Delphi method. Finally, the feasibility, discrimination, difficulty, reliability, and validity of the constructed test were examined using testing methods. The TCFMST includes three dimensions: locomotive skills, body control skills, and manipulative skills, with a total of 10 items. The difficulty and discrimination of each item are appropriate; the correlation coefficients for retest reliability range from 0.789 to 0.943 (p < 0.01). The results of exploratory factor analysis indicate that the common factors align with the hypothesized three dimensions, indicating good structural validity of the test. The concurrent validity results show a correlation coefficient of -0.510 (p < 0.01) between the TCFMST and the total score of TGMD-3, indicating a moderate correlation between the two tests. The TCFMST developed in this study has good difficulty, discrimination, reliability, and validity. It also features strong operability, a short duration, and high interest. It can serve as an important tool for monitoring children's fundamental motor skill levels.

Parent-child skin carotenoid level and vegetable intake relationships in users of children's cafeterias in Japan.

Studies on the relationship between parental and child dietary intakes are limited in Asian populations. Here, we examined parent-child relationships in skin carotenoid levels and vegetable intake in a Japanese community. The study participants were 58 children aged 6-15 years and 39 of their guardians (parents) using children's cafeterias. Skin carotenoid levels were measured using the Veggie Meter®, and the number of vegetable dishes (equivalent to a serving of 70 g) was evaluated using a self-administered questionnaire. The mean (standard deviation; SD) skin carotenoid levels were 366.8 (74.0) in children and 315.0 (101.4) in parents. The partial correlation coefficient between parents' and children's skin carotenoid levels, adjusting for cafeteria, sex, parental dietary supplement use, and household financial status, was 0.38 (P = 0.02); after adjustment for smoking status and BMI, the positive correlation was attenuated (r = 0.25, P = 0.14). A positive correlation was observed between parents' and children's vegetable dish intake (r = 0.30, P = 0.02). This cross-sectional study identified a positive correlation between parent-child intake of vegetable dishes, accounting for potential confounders. However, the positive correlation observed between parent-child skin carotenoid levels may have been attenuated by internal factors such as smoking and obesity.

Patterns of parent media use: The influence of parent media use profiles on parental mediation, technoference, and problematic media use

Mothers play an important role in setting the overall media culture within the home. Research suggests that children model parental behavior in many ways, including in media use habits. The current study explores profiles or patterns of maternal media use and associations between these patterns and parenting behaviors surrounding media use and parent and child problematic media use two years later. In our sample of 268 mothers of young children in a large Mountain West city, latent profile analysis was utilized, and four distinct profiles of media users were identified. Results suggest that mothers in a low media use profile set limits around their child's media use and report low levels of both technoference and parent problematic media use. Conversely, mothers in a higher social use profile exhibit high levels of parent and child problematic media use compared to other profiles. We encourage mothers to be mindful users of media, remembering that their media use behaviors can impact the overall media use climate in the home.

The Effects of Integrated Proprioception Development Strategies in Increasing the Psycho-Neuro-Motor Level of Children

This research aims to evaluate the improvement of proprioception capacity in 24 male subjects, aged 10 years, by applying an intervention strategy and proposing a specific competence within the physical education school program for the 4th grade in Romania. An experimental group (EG, n=12) underwent an ameliorative intervention for 14 weeks, having two lessons per week, while a control group (CG, n=12) followed the usual football training program at the club sport. Both EG and CG subjects were evaluated, under similar conditions, using four tests: Body Sway, Flamingo, March in place – MIP and Circle, using scientific equipment OptoJump Next and GYko Microgate. The statistical analysis compared the results of the two groups, using the Kolmogorov Smirnov test to verify the normality of the distributions, and to verify the significance of the statistical differences, the Independent T-test and the Mann Whitney U-test were used. The results revealed statistically significant differences in three of the four applied tests, confirming the general efficiency of the experimental program. These findings support the possibility of optimizing the contents of the school physical education program to support the development of proprioception and body awareness in primary school children. The use of high-tech equipment, such as GyKo Microgate and OptoJump Next, can provide standardized data on neural processing of sensory information, thus contributing to a more accurate and efficient approach to school physical education.

Changes in RANKL, OPG, and 25(OH)D Levels in Children with Leukemia from Diagnosis to Remission.

The receptor activator of the nuclear factor-kB (RANK)/RANK ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) pathway is a determining pathway in the balance between bone formation and resorption, and disruptions in this complex can affect bone metabolism. This study analyzes the changes in RANKL, OPG, and 25(OH)D levels; the RANKL/OPG ratio; and other bone turnover markers (BTMs) from diagnosis to complete remission in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This is a prospective observational cohort study, carried out at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, including 33 patients (4-17 years) with newly diagnosed B-cell ALL. The patients were treated with the HP09 chemotherapy protocol. Children who had previously been treated with corticosteroids were excluded. A peripheral blood sample at diagnosis and remission was collected to determine the 25(OH)D and BTM concentrations. Increased RANKL (p = 0.001) and osteocalcin (p < 0.001) levels and RANKL/OPG ratio (<0.001) and a decreased OPG level (p = 0.005) were observed at remission, predominantly in the high-risk (HR) relapse and vitamin D deficiency groups. A negative association between RANKL and OPG (r = -0.454, p = 0.008) was observed. we suggest that the RANKL/OPG ratio could serve as a bone remodeling marker in ALL patients.

Cross-Sectional Assessment of Nutritional Status, Dietary Intake, and Physical Activity Levels in Children (6-9 Years) in Valencia (Spain) Using Nutrimetry.

The aims of this research were to evaluate the current nutritional status, dietary intake, and level of physical activity and assess the need for intervention. This was a cross-sectional study with 2724 participating children aged 6-9 years old. Nutritional status was assessed using nutrimetry, dietary intake with a 3-day food-recall questionnaire and physical activity with an ad hoc questionnaire. The nutricode with the highest prevalence was healthy weight/normal stature, with 51.3% of the sample. For the BMI for age Z-score, those in the overweight/obesity category represented 37.5% of the sample, while the thinness category included 7.6%. Intake of calories, proteins, sugar, lipids, SFA, MUFA, and cholesterol were significantly higher than recommended. The thinness groups consumed a significantly higher amount of excess calories while the overweight/obesity groups had the lowest mean excess calorie intake. Children in the thinness category presented the highest rates at both ends of the spectrum for sedentary activities. This study showed the high prevalence of malnutrition in schoolchildren. The results for the risk of thinness and overweight/obesity according to individual nutrient intake should be carefully interpreted. Lifestyle is a fundamental aspect to consider when combating malnutrition, especially at the level of dietary and physical activity habits, to combine various methods of intervention to improve nutritional status.

Pediatric Bobath Concept in management of children with cerebral palsy: view of Turkish Bobath therapists

Purpose: Pediatric Bobath Concept (PBC) is a family-child centered holistic concept applied interdisciplinary to support the functional skills of children with cerebral palsy. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of PBC on children, parents, and themselves from the perspective of Bobath therapists in Turkey. Methods: In this observational study, 104 (69.2% female) Bobath therapists with a mean age of 37.9+6.1 years participated. The Pediatric-Bobath Impact Questionnaire (P-BIQ) was developed by the Delphi method. Content validity (Lawshe's Content Validity Index-CVI) and test-retest reliability (Intraclass correlation coefficient -ICC) were examined. The relationships between the rates of change in children, parents, and therapists were analyzed using the Chi Square (χ2) test and the effect sizes of the relationships were analyzed according to Cramer's V values. Results: According to the P-BIQ (CVI=0.836, ICC &gt;0.737), at least 74% of therapists reported that the PBC positively affected children (compliance with therapy and home program, body structure and function, activity and participation, environmental adaptations), parents (compliance with therapy and home program) and themselves (sense of professional competence and motivation). Compliance of the child, parent, and therapist was positively associated with the child's activity and participation levels and environmental adaptation (p

Influence of static cartoons combined with dynamic virtual environments on preoperative anxiety of preschool-aged children undergoing surgery.

Preschoolers become anxious when they are about to undergo anesthesia and surgery, warranting the development of more appropriate and effective interventions. To explore the effect of static cartoons combined with dynamic virtual environments on preoperative anxiety and anesthesia induction compliance in preschool-aged children undergoing surgery. One hundred and sixteen preschool-aged children were selected and assigned to the drug (n = 37), intervention (n = 40), and control (n = 39) groups. All the children received routine preoperative checkups and nursing before being transferred to the preoperative preparation room on the day of the operation. The drug group received 0.5 mg/kg midazolam and the intervention group treatment consisting of static cartoons combined with dynamic virtual environments. The control group received no intervention. The modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale was used to evaluate the children's anxiety level on the day before surgery (T0), before leaving the preoperative preparation room (T1), when entering the operating room (T2), and at anesthesia induction (T3). Compliance during anesthesia induction (T3) was evaluated using the Induction Compliance Checklist (ICC). Changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and respiratory rate (RR) were also recorded at each time point. The anxiety scores of the three groups increased variously at T1 and T2. At T3, both the drug and intervention groups had similar anxiety scores, both of which were lower than those in the control group. At T1 and T2, MAP, HR, and RR of the three groups increased. The drug and control groups had significantly higher MAP and RR than the intervention group at T2. At T3, the MAP, HR, and RR of the drug group decreased and were significantly lower than those in the control group but were comparable to those in the intervention group. Both the drug and intervention groups had similar ICC scores and duration of anesthesia induction (T3), both of which were higher than those of the control group. Combining static cartoons with dynamic virtual environments as effective as medication, specifically midazolam, in reducing preoperative anxiety and fear in preschool-aged children. This approach also improve their compliance during anesthesia induction and helped maintain their stable vital signs.

Developing Children's Motor Skills by Having Fun With Orff's Approach.

Environmental factors have a clear effect on children's motor development and can be manipulated; while biological factors are also powerfully influential, they are more resistant to intervention. Especially in restrictive environments (e.g., the recent pandemic-related shutdown), there can be increased importance to simple, fun, at-home, indoor programs. In this study, we investigated the effects on motor skill development of a movement education program based on the Orff approach, which has long been used in music education. This was an experimental research design involving 78 children, aged 6-7years old, in two groups (Control Group, n = 39; Experimental Group, n = 39). We used a simple randomization method to determine the groups. We measured the children's skill levels with the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2), and we analyzed data using 2 × 2 repeated-measures analyses of variance (ANOVA). Our results revealed significantly greater improvement in the children's scores on object control (p < .001), locomotor skills (p < .001), and total TGMD-2 (p < .001) in the experimental group than in the control group. Thus, programs designed with music and rhythm can help ensure that children have fun and are better motivated to participate in activities that have a positive effect on their motor skills.

Soothing venipuncture: Bubble blowing and ball squeezing in reducing anxiety, fear, and pain in children.

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of bubble-blowing and ball-squeezing interventions on children's levels of anxiety, fear, and pain during venipuncture procedures. This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Out of 108 children aged 5-10 years, 72 were allocated to the two experimental groups, while 36 were assigned to the control group. The levels of anxiety, fear, and pain experienced by the children were assessed using the "Wong-Baker FACES® Pain Rating Scale," "Child Anxiety Scale-State," and "Child Fear Scale," respectively. Intergroup comparisons were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, while intragroup comparisons were conducted using Wilks' Lambda analysis. It was observed that 50% of the children in the control group, 47.2% in the bubble-blowing group, and 47.2% in the ball-queezing group did not receive information about the painful procedure. Anxiety, fear, and pain scores of all groups were statistically similar in the initial measurement without any intervention. Children in the bubble-blowing and ball-squeezing groups experienced lower anxiety, fear, and pain during and at the end of the painful procedures. The study discovered that interventions involving bubble blowing and ball squeezing significantly decreased children's levels of anxiety, fear, and pain both during and after intravenous procedures. Information on procedures, alongside interactive techniques like bubble blowing and ball squeezing, helps pediatric nurses calm children, easing anxiety, fear, and pain. Implementing these strategies enhances treatment experiences and confidence in healthcare.

Evaluation of GFAP, S100B, and UCHL-1 Levels in Children With Refractory Epilepsy.

A number of biomarkers are used to evaluate the duration of the epileptic seizure and the interictal period following neuronal injury. Invasive diagnostic methods are increasingly being replaced by peripheral or minimally invasive biomarkers that give results faster and are more secure. We aimed to evaluate serum glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S100B, and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase (UCHL-1) levels in children with epilepsy. Our study included 3 groups: a nonrefractory epilepsy group, a refractory epilepsy group, and a control group. The GFAP, S100B, and UCHL-1 levels in serum samples collected 2-24 hours after the last seizure were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. A total of 69 children participated in the study, with 35 participants in the refractory epilepsy group, 18 in the nonrefractory epilepsy group, and 16 in the control group. The GFAP values in the refractory (25.4 ng/mL) and nonrefractory (26.1 ng/mL) epilepsy groups were found to be statistically significantly higher than those in the control group (17.9 ng/mL; P = .001). The S100B values were found to be significantly higher in the refractory epilepsy group (34.13 pg/mL) than in both the control group and the nonrefractory epilepsy group (28.05 pg/mL; P = .028). No significant differences were observed in the UCHL-1 levels between the 3 groups. We conclude that the observed differences may be due to the increased expression of S100B and GFAP caused by increased and repetitive neuronal damage in refractory epilepsies compared with nonrefractory epilepsies.

Association of Beverage Consumption with Cardio-metabolic Risk Factors and Alanine Transaminase Levels in Children and Adolescents: The CASPIAN-V Study.

This study aims to evaluate the association of beverage consumption with cardiometabolic risk factors and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels in children and adolescents. This nationwide study is a part of the fifth survey of a national surveillance program in Iran. Overall, 4200 students, aged 7-18 years, were selected from 30 provinces by multi-stage cluster sampling. In addition to filling in questionnaires, blood sampling and biochemical tests were done. The weekly use of six different beverage types including milk, juice, tea, coffee, soda, and non-alcoholic beer, was documented by interview. The participation rate was 91.5% (n = 3843), and data of 3733 students were complete for the current study. Beverages containing high levels of sugar such as soda and non-alcoholic beer were significantly associated with higher levels of ALT. Model coefficient of regression (SD) was 0.66 (0.31) (P value: 0.034). Healthy beverages such as milk and fresh juice and also beverages containing high levels of caffeine did not have significant association with ALT levels (P value = 0.32, P value = 0.60). Healthy beverages had a significant and inverse relationship with triglycerides (TG) (P value = 0.029), total cholesterol (TC) (P value = 0.008) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P value = 0.008) levels. This study showed that consuming sugar-sweetened beverages is significantly associated with higher levels of ALT, whereas healthy beverages are associated with a better cardiometabolic profile meaning that consuming healthy beverages leads to lower TG, TC, and LDL levels. The effects of beverages on children's health should be emphasized in health recommendations.