Parental Consent Forms Research Articles

The Effect of Plyometric Training on Biomotoric Characteristics of 10-13 Age Taekwondo Athletes

The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of plyometric training on the biomotoric characteristics of 10-12-year-old taekwondo athletes. The control group of taekwondo athletes in the 10-13 age category in Isparta province, 5 male, 7 female, total 12, and the experimental group of 7 male, 6 female, total 13 competitive athletes participated in the study by obtaining 'parental information and consent form'. The experimental group in the study received regular plyometric training in addition to routine taekwondo training for 8 weeks, while the control group continued their routine taekwondo training programs. In the study, pre-test measurements were taken before the athletes started their training programs and post-test measurements were taken after the 8th week of the training programs were completed. Height and body weight measurements, BMI measurements, jump test, filamingo balance test, sit-reach-extend flexibility test, right and left hand grip test, leg strength test, back strength test, 20 meter sprint test and 20 meter shuttle run (Max.VO2) tests were applied to the athletes. Statistical package program was used to evaluate the statistical analyses of the study. In our study, age and gender frequency values and descriptive statistics values of age, height, weight, BMI and sport age of taekwondo athletes in the control group and experimental group were presented in tables. Paired Samples t-Tests were used to compare the pre-test and post-test values of weight, BMI, and biomotoric measurement test values of taekwondo athletes within groups, and One-Way ANOVA tests were used to compare the pre-test and post-test values between groups. As a result, it was determined that plyometric training with a taekwondo theme caused a significant improvement in the physical and biomotoric characteristics of the athletes. In this regard, it is believed that the training and competition performances of the athletes will also improve at a certain level.

A Serious Video Game Targeting HIV Testing and Counseling: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PurposeAdolescents are the age group that is least likely to know their HIV status and may unknowingly transmit the virus to others. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of the original video game intervention, PlayTest!, on behavioral antecedents for HIV testing and counseling (HTC). MethodsParticipants (N = 287 adolescents) were recruited between 2018 and 2020 and were 48% female, aged 14–18 years (mean age = 15.4 years), and 76% racial minorities. Participants were randomized 1:1 and assigned to either play PlayTest! or a set of control games, ∼one session per week for an hour per session over 4–6 weeks (gameplay) after school. The primary outcome measure was participants' attitudes around HTC at 6 months, with intentions, knowledge, self-efficacy, and behaviors assessed as secondary outcomes. ResultsTwo hundred and ninety-six participants were enrolled/randomized; nine were withdrawn due to incomplete parental consent forms, leaving 287 participants: 145 were randomized to PlayTest! and 142 to the control condition. Mixed between-within subjects ANOVAs assessed the impact of the study conditions on outcomes. Improvements were seen in the PlayTest! group in HTC attitudes (p < .001), intentions (p < .001), knowledge (p < .001), and self-efficacy (p = .002) at all time-points. At 6 months, for those who had access to HTC (N = 134; prior to COVID-19) and for those who did not have access to HTC (N = 261; during COVID-19), there were no differences in self-reported HTC between the two groups (p = .289 and p = .074, respectively). DiscussionPlayTest! impacted important behavioral antecedents related to HTC and has the potential to broadly increase HTC rates in adolescents.

Comparison of the effect of 8 weeks of resistance training with the use of spirulina on the physical indicators of children aged 5 to 7 years with autism spectrum

Introduction: recently, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders, which is a neurodevelopmental condition, has increased. Autism is the third most common developmental disorder after mental retardation and cerebral palsy. This study compared aimed the effect of 8 weeks of resistance training with the use of spirulina on the physical characteristics of children aged 5 to 7 years with an autism spectrum. Methods: this study is pre-test and post-test and is of quasi-experimental type. A total of 30 patients approved by a physician with autism spectrum in the age group of 5 to 7 years, including 15 boys and 15 girls, randomly participated in this study with a parental consent form. Patients were divided into 3 groups of 10, each group including 5 boys and 5 girls. The first group, the control group Mean and standard deviation of age (6.87 ± 0.87) years, height (111.13 ± 1.08) cm, weight (27.3 ± 3.2) kg and fat percentage (27.3 ± 1.4) kg, the second group that 8 weeks They only took supplements Mean and standard deviation of age (6.2 ± 0.78) years, height (116.9 ± 2.52) cm, weight (28.4 3 3.02 kg) and fat percentage (27.4 ± 0.42) kg and the third group Mean and deviation Criterion of age (6 ± 0.81) years, height (116 ± 0.87) cm, weight (27.20 ± 4.1) kg and fat percentage (26.1 ± 0.05 kg), who performed resistance training for 8 weeks. For statistical analysis of the SPSS-16 software, a study of basic motor skills and autism components was performed from Ulrich’s third test, KolmogorovSmirnov test to check the normality of the data and Pearson correlation coefficient, respectively. An association between exercise and supplementation and increased muscle strength was used. Paired t-test was used to confirm or reject the hypotheses and independent t-test was used to compare groups and the validity of the Ulrich test was used. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to confirm the reliability of the Ulrich test. Results: The results showed that a significant difference was observed in the mentioned variables between the three groups (P &lt;0.05). So that the increase in strength in the exercise group was more effective than the supplemented group and the control group. Conclusions: According to the findings of this study, it can be concluded that 8 weeks of resistance training with the use of spirulina algae on the physical indicators of children 5 to 7 years with autism spectrum and therefore, as an effective program can be on the agenda of sports coaches and occupational therapists. Be mentally placed.

Pamana sa Mata ng mga … Bata? (Heritage in the Eyes of the … Child?): A Phenomenological Study on the Experiences of Student Tour Guides on Heritage Sustainability – The Case of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

ABSTRACT This qualitative phenomenological research explicated the new generation’s perspectives and experiences, specifically the student tour guides of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, on heritage sustainability. Specifically, it determined how the student tour guides learned and understood the different cultural and heritage resources and discussed their views and recommendations on the significance, conservation, and safeguarding of their cultural and heritage resources. The chosen participants of the study were composed of the student tour guides assigned at the Museo San Nicoleño. Observation and Virtual Focus Group Discussion (VFGD) were done on the sixteen (n = 16) active participants to gather the needed information. The repertory grid and thematic network analysis through data-driven development were used as the mode of analysis. Strict implementation of ethical standards was executed in the research fieldwork, such as proper orientation to the parents and the students, and the issuance of the parental consent forms. The study suggested that the children concentrated on the concept of how and what they learned about their local culture and heritage, how they participated in different programs and projects, what are their aspirations and promises, proposed actions to be taken by the children as game-changers of the society, and their perspectives on the available conservation and safeguarding efforts provided by the stakeholders. The findings are summarized using the BuaboBuabo Framework on Children Experiences and Participation on Local Culture and Heritage.

Validation and Reliability of Lifestyle Instruments for Indonesian Adolescents with Hypertension Family History: A Rasch Model

BACKGROUND: There are lifestyle changes among adolescents in this modern era, such as less physical activities, because many activities can be carried out using modern technology, unhealthy food habits such as eating junk food, canned food and beverages, and preserved fruits and vegetables, poor sleeping habits, stress, and smoking behavior. These lifestyles are harmful and lead to cardiometabolic diseases such as obesity and hypertension, especially in adolescents with hypertension history in the family. AIM: This study aimed to assess the validation and reliability of healthy lifestyle instruments for Indonesian adolescents with a family history of hypertension. METHODS: This study is a survey research conducted from July 2021 to February 2022 in South Sumatera, Indonesia. The subjects were adolescents with a family history of hypertension and recruited using purposive random sampling. Adolescents aged 10–18 years old who returned signed parental consent forms, gave written assent to participate, and completed the questionnaire were included in the study. The questionnaire was consisted of three sections, Section I contained internal factors, Section II related to external factors, and Section III related to healthy lifestyle. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee Universitas Padjadjaran Bandung. Winsteps software was used to analyze the validity, reliability, unidimentionality, and rating scale. RESULTS: Obtained 103 valid question items with OUTFIT values 0.5 &lt; mean square &lt; 1.5; −2.0 &lt; ZSTD &lt; 2.0; and the point measure correlation (Pt Mean Corr) value is in the range of 0.32 &lt; Pt Measure Corr &lt; 0.85. The reliability value of respondents and instruments is 0.88, with a ’Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.95. The raw variance explained by the measured value is 72.3%, and all unexplained variance values are &lt;15%. CONCLUSIONS: Healthy lifestyle instruments are valid and reliable, so it is feasible to measure the healthy lifestyle of Indonesian adolescents with a family history of hypertension. This instrument can measure the success of a program or intervention in changing a lifestyle in adolescents at risk of developing hypertension, especially adolescents with a family history of hypertension. We suggest further research involving more participants in a broader area. We hope the healthy lifestyle instruments can be used in a standardized manner for all regions of Indonesia.

Assent, parental consent and reconsent for health research in Africa: thematic analysis of national guidelines and lessons from the SickleInAfrica registry.

The enrolment of children and adolescents in health research requires that attention to be paid to specific assent and consent requirements such as the age range for seeking assent; conditions for parental consent (and waivers); the age group required to provide written assent; content of assent forms; if separate assent and parental consent forms should be used, consent from emancipated young adults; reconsent at the age of adulthood when a waiver of assent requirements may be appropriate and the conditions for waiving assent requirements. There is however very little available information for researchers and ethics committees on how to navigate these different issues. To provide guidance to research initiatives, the SickleInAfrica consortium conducted a thematic analysis of a sample of research ethics guidelines and procedures in African countries, to identify guidance for assent requirements in health research. The thematic analysis revealed that 12 of 24 African countries specified the age group for which assent is required. The minimum age for written assent varied across the countries. Five countries, Algeria, Botswana, Cameroon, Nigeria and The Democratic Republic of Congo require consent from both parents/family council in certain circumstances. Botswana, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda have specific assent/consent requirements for research with emancipated minors. South Africa and Algeriarequires re-consent at onset of adulthood. Five countries (Botswana, Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania) specified conditions for waiving assent requirements. The CIOMS and the ICH-GCP guidelines had the most comprehensive information on assent requirements compared to other international guidelines. An interactive map with assent requirements for different African countries is provided. The results show a major gap in national regulations for the inclusion of minors in health research. The SickleInAfrica experience in setting up a multi-country SCD registry in Africa highlights the need for developing and harmonising national and international guidelines on assent and consent requirements for research involving minors. Harmonisation of assent requirements will help facilitate collaborative research across countries.

Prevalence of Potential Essential Tremor Cases in Turkish Adolescents According to The WHIGET Classification.

ObjectiveEssential tremor is the most common movement disorder diagnosed during adolescence. However, there are insufficient data about its prevalence among adolescents. This study aims to determine the prevalence of potential essential tremor cases in Turkish adolescents.Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in Istanbul, Turkey. A total of 5 high schools were visited. In the first step, the authors provided 5559 students (aged 14-18) with clinical information about tremors and essential tremors in their classrooms. After that, a 12-item questionnaire filled by adolescents and parental consent forms were collected. The response rate was 78% (n = 4330). According to the questionnaire answers, adolescents who complained of experiencing tremors in any part of their body were clinically evaluated in the second step of the study. Lastly, a neurological examination to classify essential tremors based on the Washington Heights Inwood Genetic Study of Essential Tremor (1998) diagnostic criteria was conducted by a specialist.ResultsThe prevalence of tremor in the respondents aged 14-18 (median = 15) years was 1.2 % (n = 52/4330), and the prevalence of essential tremor was 0.41% (n = 18/4330). Male to female ratio for essential tremor was 5 : 1 (male = 15 and female = 1). Essential tremor cases were subclassified as following: 10 (55.5%) definite essential tremor, 3 (16.6%) probable essential tremor, and 5 (27.7%) possible essential tremor.ConclusionThe data support the claim that essential tremor is a prevalent movement disorder in Turkish adolescents.

Psychometric Characteristic of Social Competence and Behaviour Evaluation (SCBE-30) in a Sample of Nigerian Preschoolers

Social Competence and Behaviour Evaluation (SCBE-30) is a 3-factor (Externalizing, Internalizing and Social Competence) 30-item questionnaire that examines Preschoolers (Kindergarten and Nursery). The main goal of this study is the validation and adaptation of the scale in Nigeria. 400 pre-schoolers in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Nigeria are involved in the study while 364 children whose Parental Consent Form was obtained are the final participants. McDonald’s ωt (McDonald, 1999) measure of reliability using the psych package from CRAN (Revelle, 2008) was used to verify the internal consistency of the scale. The original subscale with 10 items of the novel SCBE-30 version is not confirmed by the confirmatory factor analysis. Seven items showed significant contribution to both SC and AW while all 10 items of the AA subscale have significant loadings. However, only 4 items for the SC scale showed factor loading of above 0.40, 3 for AW and 6 for AA. Exploratory factor analysis showed that boys are more aggressive than girls while girls exhibit more social competence and internalizing behaviour. The social competence scale is found to be significantly different from other factors while both Anger-Aggression and Anxiety-Withdrawal showed no difference. All inter-factor correlations agreed with the literature. Five models are compared using various modifications and the final accepted model have Chi-Square = 261.316; GFI = 0.946, CFI = 0.953, RMSEA = 0.027 and SRMR = 0.047. The new 24-item scale for the Nigerian sample shows good psychometric characteristics and meets validation criteria as reported by researchers where the scale had been earlier validated.

Recruiting pupils for a school-based eye study in Nigeria: Trust and informed consent concerns

School-based research presents ethical challenges, especially with respect to informed consent. The manner in which pupils and their parents respond to an invitation to participate in research is likely to depend on several factors, including the level of trust between them and the researchers. This paper describes our recruitment and consent process for a school-based eye study in Nigeria. In the course of our study, a particular governmental incident helped to fuel public mistrust in governmental programs and posed a potential threat to our recruitment efforts. The recruitment and consent process included series of advocacy visits to stakeholders in the education sector, highly interactive briefing and health talk sessions in schools, use of telephone services as a medium for information dissemination, age-appropriate study information, parental consent, and pupil assent. Of the 6598 pupils provided with study information, 5723 returned parental consent forms. There were 69 cases of pupils who dissented despite having parental consent. The two leading concerns for the parents/guardians were the rumors regarding a military/governmental-sponsored health campaign and the side-effects of the dilating eye-drops. Nevertheless, our high level of recruitment suggests our recruitment and consent process was successful in assuaging fears for the vast majority of pupils and their parents.

Reactions to Participating in Sexual and Dating Violence Research Among Native American Youth.

The purpose of the current study was to explore the reactions of Native American adolescents to participating in survey research on sexual and dating violence. Participants were 149 Native American adolescents who completed a survey in school. Survey items included sexual assault, dating violence, sexual harassment, and demographic questions. At the end of the survey, participants were asked if they were upset by the survey. Results showed that almost a quarter of youth were upset by the survey (24.2%), victims were more likely than non-victims to be upset by the survey, perpetrators were more likely than non-perpetrators to be upset by the survey, and sexual minorities were more likely than non-sexual minorities to be upset by the survey. Sex and age did not emerge as significantly associated with being upset. Participants were asked to describe why they were upset, and a content analysis revealed four categories of responses (i.e., feeling awkward or weird, topic of the survey, reminders, and "other"). Overall, although the research was well tolerated by most of the participants, researchers should consider adding information about what might increase feelings of upset in parental consent and youth assent forms, such as being reminded of a past upsetting experience and/or feeling awkward or weird because of some of the questions.

Young women\u2019s autonomy and information needs in the schools-based HPV vaccination programme: a qualitative study

BackgroundUntil 2019, the English schools-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme was offered to young women (but not young men) aged 12 to 13 years to reduce HPV-related morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to explore the extent to which young women were able to exercise autonomy within the HPV vaccination programme. We consider the perspectives of young women, parents and professionals and how this was influenced by the content and form of information provided.MethodsRecruitment was facilitated through a healthcare organisation, schools and community organisations in a local authority in the south-west of England. Researcher observations of HPV vaccination sessions were carried out in three schools. Semi-structured interviews took place with 53 participants (young women, parents of adolescent children, school staff and immunisation nurses) during the 2017/18 and 2018/19 programme years. Interviews were recorded digitally and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was undertaken, assisted by NVivo software.ResultsYoung women’s active participation and independence within the HPV vaccination programme was constrained by the setting of vaccination and the primacy of parental consent procedures. The authoritarian school structure influenced the degree to which young women were able to actively participate in decisions about the HPV vaccination programme. Young women exercised some power, either to avoid or receive the vaccine, by intercepting parental consent forms and procedures. Reliance on leaflets to communicate information led to unmet information needs for young women and their families. Communication may be improved by healthcare professional advocacy, accessible formats of information, and delivery of educational sessions.ConclusionsStrategies to improve communication about the HPV vaccine may increase young people’s autonomy in consent procedures, clarify young people’s rights and responsibilities in relation to their health care services, and result in higher uptake of the HPV vaccination programme.Trial registrationISRCTN 49086105; Date of registration: 12 January 2018; Prospectively registered.

Spectrum of Cardiac Arrhythmias in children with left ventricular non-compaction

Abstract Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) represents a genetically heterogeneous primary cardiomyopathy which occurs in both children and adults, can be isolated or combined with other congenital heart diseases and reveals substantial clinical polymorphism. Isolated LVNC is a rare phenomenon more commonly being a part other cardiovascular phenotypes such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy or congenital heart disorders. Clinical features on LVNC include main triade: heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and thromboembolism. Purpose The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of arrhythmias in children with LVNC. Methods We enrolled 15 patients diagnosed with LVNC. For all patients enrolled the clinical examination included ECG, echocardiography, Holter monitoring, family history and neurological examination. The echocardiographic diagnosis for LVNC was based on the criteria of Stollberger and Jenni. Several patients additionally received MRI. Target sequencing and WES were performed using a targeted panel of 108 cardiomyopathy-associated genes. All patients had a written parental consent form for including in this study. Results The mean age oat presentation was 7.46±4.4 year (from 0.5 to 14 year old). 4 patients had ventricular arrhythmias, which manifested as isolated premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) in two patients; ventricular tachycardia (VT) in two patients, 3 – supraventricular arrhythmias, 2 – WPW syndrome/phenomenon, 5 - atrioventricular block (1 and 2 degrees), atrial fibrillation – 1. Antiarrhythmic therapy received 7 patients (3 with VA; 3 with SVA). In total 21 variants of interest were identified in all 15 patients in 18 different genes. All four patients with variants in ion channel genes had documented supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias. In 3 out of 5 patients with AV block variants in contractile sarcomeric and related genes were detected. Four patients reached endpoints such as cardiovascular death (2 patients) and heart transplantation (2 patients). Conclusions Arrhythmic manifestations in children with left ventricular non-compaction can vary from conduction disease to SVT and ventricular arrhythmias and these arrhythmias have been associated with prognosis and outcome. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Effects of the Digital Game “Fit, Food, Fun” on Nutritional Knowledge: A Pilot Study among German Children and Adolescents

AbstractIntroduction:Serious games are a novel and entertaining approach for digital health education in the younger population. Aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the short-term effectiveness of the serious game “Fit, Food, Fun” (FFF) among a subset of children and adolescents in Germany with regard to nutritional knowledge.Materials and Methods:Two Bavarian secondary schools were each allocated to one intervention arm. The gameplay intervention (gameplay group; GG) consisted of a 15-minute gameplay session for each of three days (Tuesday to Thursday), while the teaching intervention (teaching group; TG) was performed as a 15-minute classic lecture for the same number of days. Given nutritional information was based on the recommendations of the “German Nutrition Society e.V.” and was identical for both intervention groups. Nutritional knowledge was evaluated through a standardised questionnaire at baseline (Monday) and post-intervention (Friday). Lifestyle behaviour (diet; physical activity) and anthropometrics (height; weight) were assessed once at baseline. Inclusion criteria were sufficient German language skills and parental consent form. Statistical analyses were performed using the statistical software R (R Core Team, 2018).Results:In total, 47 students (62% male) were assigned to the GG and 47 students (72% male) to the TG. The mean age was 13.5 years in the GG and 12.8 years in the TG. The mean body mass index was in the normal range (GG: 24.4 kg/m2; TG: 22.0 kg/m2). Data at baseline and post-intervention are analysed for 36 participants in the GG and for 40 participants in the TG. Compared to baseline, results revealed significant improvements (p-value &lt; 0.001) in nutritional knowledge in both intervention groups. There was a between-group difference with significantly (p-value = 0.0139) higher increase of nutritional knowledge in the TG.Discussion:This pilot study provides evidence for the short-term efficacy of both game-based and traditional education approaches on the improvement of nutritional knowledge; however, further research in warranted to assess the potential effect of a digital gameplay intervention on nutritional behaviour. Finally, the FFF game might be considered as an appropriate educational tool for imparting nutritional knowledge in an entertaining and effective format among children and adolescents.

Comparison of Strength, Heart Rate, Oxygen Saturation and Technical Test Values of 12–14 Year Male Tennis Players in Competition Period

This study seeks to compare and contrast 12 to 14 years old male tennis players in terms of strength, heart rate, oxygen saturation and technical test values. A total of 15 tennis players took part in the study after filling in a parental consent form. The average age, height and weight of the male tennis players were found to be 13.1 &amp;plusmn; 1.06 years, 154.07 &amp;plusmn; 5.04 cm, 36.5 &amp;plusmn; 3.85 kg respectively. In comparing of the values, the preliminary test was applied in the first week while the last test was applied in the eighth week, taking anatomical adaptation into consideration. During that period, the players were exposed to a 90-minute training three days a week. Both during the pretest and the last test, the players were exposed to 30 seconds push-up, sit-up, ropeskipping, AOS Technical Test, SpO2 tests and their heart rates were measured. The values obtained were compared using &amp;ldquo;paired t test&amp;rdquo; with a statistical software. The significance level was taken as &amp;ldquo;p &amp;lt; 0.05&amp;rdquo;. Having compared the results of the first and last tests applied to the players, statistically significant differences were found between push-up, sit-up and ropeskipping rates; AOS technical test values, resting pulse, first set of heart rate values, second set of heart rate values (p &amp;lt; 0.05); however, there was significant difference between the first SpO2, first set of hear rate values, second set of heart rates and second set of SpO2 with regard to the pre- and post-test. It is possible to conclude that the technical trainings applied to the players improved the biomotoric and some of the physiological properties of the players, which, by extension, enhanced the performances.

Effectiveness of School-based Nutrition Program on Preferences and Willingness to Consume Fruits and Vegetables Among Third Graders (FS16-07-19)

ObjectivesThe purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of Body Quest: Food of the Warrior nutrition curriculum on preferences and willingness to consume fruits and vegetables among third graders. MethodsAfter collecting signed parental and photo consent forms, 326 third grade students received the intervention. Students received the Body Quest education program and participated in a Veggie Tasting of six vegetables (carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, spinach, and tomatoes). Students were asked if they liked the vegetable before and after tasting it, if they would eat the vegetable in the future, and if they would ask their parents to buy the vegetable for them to eat at home. Assessments of data were completed in four periods, weeks 1, 7, 12, and 17. Alpha was set at 0.05. ResultsApproximately half of the students were male (n = 163; 50.2%). The largest percentage of students were white (n = 171; 53.1%). Black students comprised the next largest group (n = 112; 34.8%), and Hispanic and American Indian students comprised the remaining 12.1% (n = 39) students. Generalized estimating equations analysis revealed that, over time, statistically significant changes in preference for cauliflower and spinach occurred with students decreasing their liking for cauliflower (P = .04) and increasing their liking for spinach (P = .01). A statistically significant change in students’ interest in eating cauliflower (P = .01) and tomatoes (P = .03) in the future occurred with students initially indicating an increased willingness to eat the two vegetables, but ultimately showing a decreased willingness to eat either vegetable. A similar pattern of willingness to ask their parents to buy spinach (P = .04) occurred with students initially showing an increased willingness to ask their parents to buy spinach but ultimately indicating a decrease in their willingness to make that request. ConclusionsThis research suggests that Body Quest was effective in improving liking and willingness to try and request some vegetables. Because liking and willingness to request decreased in cauliflower and spinach, respectively more research is warranted to identify the optimal length of food exposure to change preference among this population. Funding SourcesSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education (SNAP-Ed).

The Association between Cariogenic Factors and the Occurrence of Early Childhood Caries in Children from Salem District of India.

Various aetiological factors for Early Childhood Caries (ECC) have been suggested in literature, but the role of each factor has been disputed in various studies. To evaluate the association between ECC and its related factors in children between three to six years of age, from rural, semi-urban and urban schools in the district of Salem (India). The study consisted of children between three to six years of age, selected randomly from schools in semi-urban, urban and rural schools at Salem. Questionnaire (comprising of the factors associated with ECC) and parental consent forms were sent to each of the parents of the school children. Filled questionnaires and parental consent forms were obtained from a total of 2771 children, out of which 1771 were boys and 1000 were girls. Clinical examination for ECC was carried out according to the WHO criteria, by a single examiner and an assistant to eliminate inter-examiner variability. Statistical analysis was carried out using the student's independent t-test and ANOVA (one way analysis of variance). Out of a total of 2771 children examined, only 443 (315 boys and 128 girls) children were found to have ECC (16 %). Significant correlations were found between the occurrence of ECC and various factors like age of parents, number of siblings, on-demand breast feeding and bottle feeding habits and sweetened pacifier use. However, factors such as age and gender of the child, type of birth and duration of pregnancy, had no significant correlation with the occurrence of ECC. The need for educating parents on the ill effects of improper breast feeding and bottle feeding habits is important.

No Significant Cognitive Changes Following Season Of High School Soccer

BACKGROUND: While concussions and repeated head impacts in football have received increased attention and scrutiny; soccer athletes are repeatedly exposed to head impacts during routine play. Limited research however, has been completed among this population, especially at the high school level. PURPOSE: A pilot investigation to evaluate the relationship between a season of soccer participation and cognitive function among male high school athletes. METHODS: Six male high school soccer players (ages 15.8 ± 0.8yrs, height 178.0 ± 7.8cm, and weight 65.3 ± 8.6kg) were assessed prior to and following the 2015 soccer season. Participants played in 18 games and 32 practices, including 2 scrimmages, over the season. Each participant signed an Institutional Review Board approved assent form and proper parental consent forms were obtained. Participants completed a 22-item Symptom checklist, Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Brief Symptom Inventory 18 (BSI-18), King-Devick, AXON computerized cognitive task, and Head Rehab virtual reality tasks assessing Balance, Spatial Memory, and Reaction Time. Paired t-tests were calculated. Significance was noted at p 0.05). Head Rehab composite scores showed no significant difference pre to postseason for spatial memory or reaction time. Significant improvement in balance was observed for the roll condition (p = 0.03), while no changes were observed for the stationary, pitch, or yaw conditions. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study found no significant cognitive declines following a season of high school soccer. Future research should address male and female athletes in a larger cohort where head impact exposure is directly monitored. This research was supported by The National Institutes of Health: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (3R15NS081691-01S1).

Evaluation of Serum Leptin Level in Children With Acute Leukemia

Background: Leptin is a multifunctional hormone plays an important role in regulating lipid, energy, homeostasis, angiogenesis, inflammation, hematopoiesis and cell cycle. This polypeptide is effective in growth and differentiation of leukemic cells through an Ob-R receptor expressed by them. The purpose of this study was to evaluate serum leptin levels in patients with acute leukemia and compare it in lymphoid and myeloid groups. Materials and Methods: This analytical case-control study, conducted on 60 children in age ranged from 6 months to 16 years in two case and control groups in Ali ibn Abi Talib hospital, Zahedan. They matched based on age and gender and examined after their parent’s satisfaction according to the parental consent forms. None of patients had heart disease, digestive, glandular and metabolic problems, iron deficiency anemia and chronic kidney disease. After collecting the samples, leptin levels of both groups were measured with ELISA kit. Then, the gathered data were analyzed in SPSS-20 software, using independent t-test in considering of 95% confidence interval. Results: Leptin serum levels in patients with acute leukemia and controls showed significant difference (p<0.05). Leptin serum levels in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloblastic leukemia showed significant difference (p<0.05). Leptin serum level in relation to age and gender groups was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that in patients with acute leukemia, leptin serum levels increase independently of age and gender. In addition, leptin serum levels in acute lymphoid leukemia were higher than acute myeloid leukemia in this study.

&lt;em&gt;“Talking Back”: The Perceptions and Experiences of Black Girls Who Attend City High School&lt;/em&gt;

Iesha1 is a senior at City High School (CHS). She is petite, insightful, and full of laughter. While responding to the question, How would you describe this school? she looked at me thoughtfully and replied: To be honest, at first I hated this school. I smiled while nodding my head. I appreciated her candor. I knew that Iesha faced a unique set of challenges during her tenure at CHS as Black girls are overrepresented in discipline referrals and graduate at rates below their peers at CHS and in high schools throughout the nation (Crenshaw, Ocen, & Nanda, 2015; Morris, 2015; U. S. Department of Education, 2016; White House Council on Women and Girls, 2014). Not surprisingly, Black girls are stymied by many of the race-based policies and practices that impede the success of their male counterparts. Despite this fact, Black boys remain at the center of research efforts and national initiatives aimed to improve their educational outcomes (see Brooms, 2016; Noguera, 2014; Toldson & Lewis, 2012; Wright, 2011).It is important to note that my concern for young people, Black girls in particular, is palpable. I am a Black woman, mother of a Black girl, and an activist scholar. My research is centered on effective school leadership. I work with school leadership teams to strengthen school-community relationships in ways that support student success. Moreover, based on my own experiences, I am critical of how some school leaders view Black girls. They see them through a deficit lens- ignoring many of the positive attributes that serve to sustain them. Therefore, I was excited when I received parental consent forms from six Black girls at CHS to participate in my perception study. I wanted to honor the voices that are oftentimes silenced in schools and to employ standpoints that are seldom considered in education research.Accordingly, this study answers the following research question: What are the perceptions and experiences of Black Girls who attend City High School? Furthermore, the purpose of the study was to illuminate the realities of Black girls who attend CHS and to apply a Black Feminist Theory analysis (Collins, 2000) to the study's empirical findings. The results of this study were to inform school leaders of the distinct challenges that impact the experiences of Black girls. The ultimate aim of this study was to improve the schooling experiences of Black girls at CHS and in schools throughout the nation.THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKGloria Steinem, the former editor of Ms. Magazine (see www.msmagazine.com) proclaimed Black women to be the originators of the feminist movement (Tisdale, 2015). Ironically, the function of feminism was found to be obtuse for most Black women as it privileges Whiteness and fails to acknowledge the intersection of gender and race (Guy-Sheftall, 1986). In the groundbreaking text, Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment, Collins (2000) recognized this rift and argued that Black women occupy a unique standpoint based on our own oppression.Black Feminist Theory is used to undergird this study because it centers Black women as creators of knowledge while providing a framework to contextualize and understand our nuanced realities. Collins (2000) delineated four tenets of Black Feminist Theory: (a) self-definition, (b) the lived experience, (c) the use of dialogue, and (d) personal accountability. Self-definition acknowledges the self (the Black woman) as a creator of Black womanhood and privileges the individual and collective Black woman's distinct reality. In the lived experience the realities and claims of the knower (Black women) is considered truth and is therefore not subject to 'White gaze. ' Meaning, our subjective reality is factual and should not be interrogated. The use of dialogue acknowledges the active participation of both the speaker and the listener in knowledge claims. Last, Black Feminist Theory places personal accountability (agency) on the knower. …

Nformed Consent: A Real Challenge in Clinical Trials

Informed consent is an agreement to do something or to allow something to happen only after all the relevant facts are known. It has a long history starting from early 1947 to till now with recent amendments. Informed consent play a major role in the clinical trials and is crucial factor on which the success of any clinical trials is dependent. It is classified in several types like parental consent, Assent, Verbal and short form among which to get a informed consent in assent type is a real challenge. Assent is a child’s (7-17yrs of age) affirmative agreement to participate in research and must be written at the appropriate reading level of the youngest subject in the age range using simplest terminologies. This review article discusses about the basic elements of informed consent and the process to be followed while obtaining informed consent. Key words: Informed consent, Agreement, Assent, Documentation, Clinical trials.