Prepubescent Children Research Articles

Modeling the average population of La Crosse vectors in Knox County, Tennessee

La Crosse Virus (LACV) is an arbovirus found in Eastern Appalachia and can cause pediatric encephalitis in prepubescent children. To assess the risk and transmission of this disease, it is particularly important to understand the average population of Aedes mosquitoes, which are the vectors of this virus. We use a deterministic compartmental model to study the effects of environmental factors on the population dynamics of Aedes mosquitoes in the Knox County area. We use locally-collected mosquito population data to adjust our model outputs and find that model transitions are heavily dependent on the fluctuations of both temperature and accumulated precipitation. These findings should be considered for mosquito management in Southern Appalachia, as well as in other regions with slight modifications to our model.

Modeling the Average Population of La Crosse Vectors in Knox County, Tennessee

La Crosse Virus (LACV) is an arbovirus found in Eastern Appalachia and can cause pediatric encephalitis in prepubescent children. To assess the risk and transmission of this disease, it is particularly important to understand the average population of Aedes mosquitoes, which are the vectors of this virus. We use a deterministic compartmental model to study the effects of environmental factors on the population dynamics of Aedes mosquitoes in the Knox County area. We use locally-collected mosquito population data to adjust our model outputs and find that model transitions are heavily dependent on the fluctuations of both temperature and accumulated precipitation. These findings should be considered for mosquito management in Southern Appalachia, as well as in other regions with slight modifications to our model.

Motoričke sposobnosti dece pretpubertetskog uzrasta

Motor status is an important predictor of physical activity participation among prepubescent aged children. The aim of the present study was to present gender differences in the level of motor abilities among children of prepubescent age. In that regard a reduced "Eurofit" test battery was carried out (Committee of Experts on sports Research, 1988), which consisted of 5 motor tests: hand tap, standing broad jump, running cone drill 10x5m, sit-and-reach and sit-ups for 30 seconds. 420 students of both genders ages 7-9 years participated in this research study. The results of this research indicate that boys have achieved statistically significant better results in the following tests: standing broad jump and running cone drill 10x5m, whilst the girls have achieved better results in sit-and-reach test. No statistically significant differences between genders have been observed in the remaining variables that represent the level of motor ability.

Nanotechnological Carriers for Treatment of Acne.

Acne is a multifactorial skin disease associated with pilosebaceous unit and caused by bacteria Propionibacterium acnes and Acne vulgaris. Near about 95% people throughout the world suffer from acne at some point in their life span. This disease is more prominent in adults compared to neonates and prepubescent children. Conventionally it is treated with either creams or gels having large number of side effects on patients. We searched about recent advancements in the use of nanotechnological carriers for effective treatment of acne. We focused on the use of liposomes, niosomes, microemulsions, microsponge, microspheres, and nanoparticles to improve anti-acne therapy. Patents regarding use of nanocarrier systems to eliminate acne were also discussed in this review. The encapsulation of anti-acne drugs in various nanotechnological carriers improve their efficacy and reduce side effects. These carriers show controlled drug release and improved drug penetration even upto pilosebaceous unit of skin. Local tolerability of anti-acne molecules can be improved by adjusting the concentration in nanotechnological carriers. Nanotechnological carriers have opened a new window to design novel, effective and low dose systems for effective eradication acne disease. However, very few nanocarrier based formulations are available in market for topical use and much progress is required in this field to improve anti-acne therapy.

Understanding the microbial basis of body odor in pre-pubescent children and teenagers

BackgroundEven though human sweat is odorless, bacterial growth and decomposition of specific odor precursors in it is believed to give rise to body odor in humans. While mechanisms of odor generation have been widely studied in adults, little is known for teenagers and pre-pubescent children who have distinct sweat composition from immature apocrine and sebaceous glands, but are arguably more susceptible to the social and psychological impact of malodor.ResultsWe integrated information from whole microbiome analysis of multiple skin sites (underarm, neck, and head) and multiple time points (1 h and 8 h after bath), analyzing 180 samples in total to perform the largest metagenome-wide association study to date on malodor. Significant positive correlations were observed between odor intensity and the relative abundance of Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Cutibacterium avidum, as well as negative correlation with Acinetobacter schindleri and Cutibacterium species. Metabolic pathway analysis highlighted the association of isovaleric and acetic acid production (sour odor) from enriched S. epidermidis (teen underarm) and S. hominis (child neck) enzymes and sulfur production from Staphylococcus species (teen underarm) with odor intensity, in good agreement with observed odor characteristics in pre-pubescent children and teenagers. Experiments with cultures on human and artificial sweat confirmed the ability of S. hominis and S. epidermidis to independently produce malodor with distinct odor characteristics.ConclusionsThese results showcase the power of skin metagenomics to study host-microbial co-metabolic interactions, identifying distinct pathways for odor generation from sweat in pre-pubescent children and teenagers and highlighting key enzymatic targets for intervention.

Pedophilia Screening in Technosecurity Culture The Construction of Dangerous Sub-populations in the Name of Security

ABSTRACTPedophilia numbers among the prominent fears of western societies. Politicians have argued in favor of mass surveillance, claiming it is required to catch pedophiles, while a growing commercial market exists for ‘pedophilia screenings’. Sexology defines pedophilia as a sexual preference for prepubescent children, meaning that prior sex offenses are not essential for a diagnosis. The diagnostic criteria have changed little since pedophilia was first described as a psychiatric phenomenon, but there have been vast changes in the ways in which pedophilia is diagnosed. One aspect that has however remained the same is the persistent belief that pedophilia is an innate trait of an individual; this makes pedophilia discourses compatible with current risk discourses. Today's diagnostic tools include a range of technological procedures. This trend of deploying technologically enhanced diagnostics is indicative of a shift towards a technosecurity logic within the project of seeking physical evidence to demonstrate sexual desire. At the same time, this shift is co-constitutive of current risk discourses regarding child abuse. Technosecurity-based attempts to identify pedophiles may re-normalize the notion that ‘dangerous sub-populations’ exist that deserve only limited rights, thus paving the way for erosion of the legal system and of democratic principles.

Risk assessment of endocrine disrupting phthalates and hormonal alterations in children and adolescents

ABSTRACTRisk assessment and hormone evaluation were carried out for di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), in 302 Korean children (n = 223) and adolescents (n = 79) (< age 19). Urinary and serum concentrations of DEHP, MEHP (mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), DBP, MBP (monobutyl phthalate), and PA (phthalic acid, a common final metabolite of phthalates) were detected in children and adolescents. Daily exposure levels were estimated to be 16.45 ± 36.50 μg/kg b.w./day for DEHP, which is one-third of the tolerable daily intake (TDI) value (50 μg/kg b.w./day), but 14 out of 302 participants had a hazard index (HI = intake/TDI) value >1. The mean daily exposure level of DBP was 1.23 ± 1.45 μg/kg b.w./day, which is one-eighth of the TDI value (10 μg/kg b.w./day), but 1 out of 302 participants had a HI value > 1. Positive correlations were observed between serum DBP or MEHP, and serum estradiol (E2) and/or luteinizing hormone (LH) in prepubescent children. In addition, serum MBP levels were found to be negatively correlated with serum triiodothyronine (T3) or thyroxine (T4) in male participants, and serum DEHP levels with serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in female adolescents. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were positively correlated with serum PA levels in children and adolescents. DEHP, DBP or its metabolites may be associated with altered hormone levels in children and adolescents. Data suggest that exposure levels of DEHP and DBP in Korean children need to be reduced to levels below TDI to protect them from EDC-mediated toxicities.Abbreviations: DBP: dibutyl phthalate; DEHP: di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate; E2: estradiol; EDC: endocrine disrupting chemical; EFSA: European Food Safety Authority; FSH: follicle stimulating hormone; HDL: high density lipoprotein; HI: hazard index; LDL: low density lipoprotein; LH: luteinizing hormone; MEHP: mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate; MBP: monobutyl phthalate; PA: phthalic acid; PPAR: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma; PVC: polyvinyl chloride; T3: triiodothyronine; T4: thyroxine; TDI: tolerable daily intake; TG: triglyceride; TSH: thyroid stimulating hormone; UPLC/MS/MS: Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry; WWF: World Wildlife Fund.

Evaluation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Partial Tear Injury Management

Background: Cruciate ligament is divided into two ligaments Cruciate Ligament & Posterior Cruciate Ligament) and is attached to the femur and tibia. The rate Cruciate Ligament partial tear is high among athletes and it is relatively high in comparison to other knee injuries. Cruciate Ligament partial tear commonly associated with hem-arthrosis of the knee and can evolve into complete tear. Various approaches have been suggested to treat Cruciate Ligament partial tear. However, deciding which approach to follow is still controversial. Objective: In this study we aimed at reviewing the current available literatures reporting on the management of partial tears of the ACL. Methods: PubMed database was used for articles selection, and the following keys used in the mesh (Anterior Cruciate Ligament /partial tear[Mesh] OR Anterior Cruciate Ligament /management[Mesh] OR Anterior Cruciate Ligament /outcomes[Mesh]). 10 studies were enrolled according to our inclusion, and exclusion criteria. Conclusion: The initial treatment after an ACL injury is rest, ice and usually crutches. Immobilization is important while the patient remains symptomatic. A course of conservative treatment by physiotherapy can be successful in patients not participating in strenuous physical activity. In patients with a high functional demand, even after a conservative program, surgical treatment is often required. Keeping ACL remnants when reconstructing the ACL is recommended. It might be beneficial on knee function because it preserves numerous mechanoreceptors that favor knee proprioception. In prepubescent children with several years of growth ahead, physical-sparing technique like Micheli technique is recommended. Less invasive techniques such as Thermal modification of knee’s connective tissues can be suggested in order to reduce the dilemma and difficulty of the operation for the surgeon.

Criminology Study on Pedophilia Prevention in Inonesia

Children are frequently victims of misconduct regarding the current widespread sexual abuse perpetrated by elders who are usually known by them, it is called pedophiles. Criminology reviews, therefore, are very crucial to analyze the crime. Pedophilia is a psychiatric disorder in which an adult experiences a primary or exclusive sexual attraction to pre-pubescent children, the cut-off point for pre-pubertal to age 13. The disorder results in sexual abuse, including Nepiophilia or Infantophilia that is sexual attraction to infants under 3 years old. Pedophiles, then, are adults of deviant sexual behavior abusing children. This study is aimed to examine and analyze criminology reviews for prevention of pedophile crime. It is normative juridical approach (statute approach), the conceptual and the comparative one. The factors of committing pedophilia are internal of the personal perpetrator, and external in which the community vastly influences on committing the crime and to shape how someone becomes a bad person or good one. Thus, to overcome the crime is to carry out pre-emptive, preventive, repressive and rehabilitative methods. In addition, one of child protection policies to anticipate child sexual abuse increase including pedophiles, the Government issued a regulation (Perpu) No. 1 of 2016 on the second amendment of Act No. 23 of 2002 of the children protection. The Government Regulation (Perpu) No. 1 then is legislated as Act 17 of 2016. Based on comparative studies of other countries, there is a voluntarily castration in which the perpetrators must be ready to be emasculated, aimed to reduce or suppress their libido. Yet, Indonesia values emphasizing Pancasila (Five Principles) must be referred: just and civilized humanity (humanism).

Sexualization of Prepubescent Girls in Dance Competition: Innocent Fun or ‘Sexploitation’?

Sexualized dance routines for young girls are becoming more and more common in dance competitions. The appropriateness of these dance routines is being debated by parents, dance instructors, and public audiences as prepubescent children are frequently presented in risqué costumes to perform sensual movements that critics argue are inappropriate for young performers. Supporters of sexually-themed dance routines, however, contend that the girls are only having fun, do not see the costumes and movements as sexual, and give performances that are considered acceptable within the context of a dance competition. Nevertheless, practitioners have the responsibility to create an environment that promotes the well-being and healthy psychological development of their young dancers. Research supports that sexualized dance routines for pre-pubescent girls are age-inappropriate and potentially harmful and should therefore not be included in children's dance performances.

Relationships Between Accuracy in Predicting Direction of Gravitational Vertical and Academic Performance and Physical Fitness in Schoolchildren.

Enhanced levels of cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF) and physical activity (PA) are both positively associated with health and academic outcomes, but less is known about the spatial processing and perceptual components of PA. Perception of vertical (PV) is a spatial orientation ability that is important for PA, and is usually measured as relative accuracy in aligning an object to gravitational vertical against a tilted background. However, evidence is inconclusive regarding the relationship of PV to educational outcomes – most importantly, numeracy. Students were recruited from primary schools in the Australian Capital Territory. A group of 341 (females n = 162, mean age 11.3 years) children performed all the tests required for this study. A computerised rod and frame test of PV employing a small (20°) visual angle was administered, and socio-economic status (SES), national education test results (NAPLAN, 2010), and CRF and PA data were collected. Correlation and hierarchical regression analysis were used to examine the inter-relationships between PV and CRF, PA, SES and NAPLAN results. The two extreme quartile score groups from the measures of PV, PA and CRF were examined in relation to NAPLAN scores. PV scores arising from testing with a small visual angle and SES were found to be significantly associated with overall academic scores, and with the Numeracy, Reading, and Writing components of academic performance. Female gender was significantly associated with Writing score, and male with Numeracy score. Being less influenced by the background tilted frame, and therefore having visual field independence (FI), was associated with significantly higher academic scores, with the largest effect in Numeracy scores (effect size, d = 0.82) and also associated with higher CRF and PA levels. FI was positively associated with all the academic modules examined, and most strongly with Numeracy test results, suggesting that FI provides an indicator of STEM ability. These findings suggest that further longitudinal research into strategies designed to enhance visual FI deserve consideration, with a focus on specialized PA programs for pre-pubescent children. It is possible that small visual angle spatial tasks during PA may stimulate neural networks involved in numerical cognition.

Outcomes of Physeal-Sparing ACL Reconstruction with Iliotibial Band Autograft in Skeletally Immature Prepubescent Children.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are occurring in youth athletes with increasing frequency. Many ACL reconstruction procedures designed to allow for continued growth in patients with open physes have been described, but large series with mid- to long-term outcomes data are lacking. The purpose of the current study was to assess the clinical outcomes of a large cohort of prepubescent children who underwent a physeal-sparing, combined intra- and extra-articular ACL reconstruction with iliotibial (IT) band autograft over a 23-year period. Included in our analysis were 237 patients (240 knees) who underwent ACL reconstruction using IT band autograft at Tanner stage 1 or 2 (mean age of 11.2 ± 1.7 years). Physical examination data were analyzed for 225 of the 240 knees (mean follow-up, 25.8 months), and 137 (57%) of the knees had corresponding patient-reported clinical outcomes (patient-reported graft rupture and Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee [Pedi-IKDC], Tegner activity scale, and Lysholm scores; mean follow-up, 6.2 years). Rates of growth arrest, IT band graft-harvest morbidity, and return to sports were analyzed. Physical examination revealed that 96.8% of the knees were grade A on the Lachman test and 98.8% were grade A on the pivot-shift test. Graft rupture occurred in 9 (6.6%) of 137 knees, at an average of 33.5 months (range, 8.2 months to 8.0 years) postoperatively. For patients who did not sustain a graft rupture, the mean Pedi-IKDC score was 93.3 ± 11.0, the mean Lysholm score was 93.4 ± 9.9, and the mean score on the Tegner activity scale was 7.8 (mode, 7). While lateral thigh asymmetry at the IT band harvest site was noted by 48% of the subjects, only 1.6% reported associated pain. No cases of limb-length discrepancy or angular deformity were observed. This procedure was associated with excellent functional outcomes, minimal risk of growth disturbance, and a low graft-rupture rate in skeletally immature prepubescent children. These results appear durable at mid- to long-term follow-up, at an average of >6 years postoperatively. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Guidelines for pediatric anogenital examination: Insights from our vulvar dermatology clinic.

To our knowledge, there are no guidelines in the dermatology literature for performing anogenital examinations in prepubescent children. Based on experience in our joint pediatric dermatology-gynecology vulvar clinic, we aim to provide a framework for conducting genital examinations in children, focusing on the vulvar examination. Our goal is to enhance confidence in the pediatric dermatologist's ability to perform thorough examinations by providing general principles as well as concrete "do's" and "don'ts" that will create a maximally comfortable and productive experience. These steps will help create a positive experience for the patient and family, encouraging further follow-up and enhancing the overall well-being of the child.

Biomechanical correlates of running performance in active children

ObjectivesExamine the running kinematics in healthy, physically active prepubescent children and to determine if specific biomechanical factors correlate with running performance. DesignCross-sectional study. MethodsFifteen children (age 9years, ±11months) completed a 1km time trial before undergoing three-dimensional running motion analysis. ResultsA strong positive correlation was observed between the biomechanical variables of stride length (p<.01), contact time (p<.01) and ankle dorsiflexion angle (p=.04) with time trial performance. Between variable analyses revealed a strong positive correlation between peak angles of hip adduction and knee flexion. There was no correlation between hip adduction and knee flexion peak angles or the vertical displacement of centre of mass with trial performance. ConclusionsThe results of this study show that children with a better time trial performance display longer stride length, shorter contact time and mid or forefoot strike pattern. These findings have implications for targeted technique intervention in children’s running training to improve running performance.

Inflammatory markers in relation to pre-pubertal obesity

Abstract Background According to the WHO, current childhood obesity trends are expected to increase to 70 million by 2025. Childhood obesity is becoming a major epidemic with adipokines-TNF-α, IL-6, leptin, and adiponectin-being potentially implicated in the pathogenesis. Methods We conducted a literature search of PubMed clinical trials and articles where we searched key terms: ‘pre-pubescent obese children’ cross referenced with ‘TNF-α’ or ‘IL-6’ or ‘hs-CRP’ or ‘adiponectin’. Research Thirty-six articles remained in the review after our exclusion criteria was applied. Most of these showed a positive correlation of obesity with TNF-α, IL-6, and hs-CRP. In addition, the research showed a negative correlation with adiponectin. There was one study that we found that showed TNF-α to not be related to obesity and another that showed adiponectin to have a positive correlation rather than negative correlation with obesity. Another contributing study that we evaluated showed that TNF-α causes a decrease in C/EBP-alpha which are gene promoters that downregulate myc. By downregulating this cell cycle regulator there is potential for proliferation of cells leading to increased risk for both obesity and cancer. TNF-α, is one of the primary inflammatory markers that has been implicated in obesity; thus, showing that it could have diagnostic factors in cancer through this downregulation of myc. Conclusion A possible consideration for future research is to evaluate the possible relationship between inflammatory markers discussed as diagnostic factors for pediatric cancer. With this potential innovative method, we as a research community can lessen the burden cancer has put on our society.

Emperor Tomato Ketchup: Some Reflections on Carnality and Politics

Terayama Shuji is one of the most prominent Japanese avant-garde artists of the 20th century. This paper explores Terayama’s experimental film Emperor Tomato Ketchup (1971), dealing with children’s rebellion against (masculine) authority. With an apparent lack of conventional narrative, this 16mm tinted black and white feature, shot in documentary style, was filmed in public without permission, demonstrating the guerilla tactics of Terayama’s experimental approach. Reflecting the turbulent times of Japan’s 1960s, when the quest for reinvention of national identity was compellingly engaged both right and left, Emperor Tomato Ketchup illustrates a dystopian Japan where the brutal revolution of ‘innocent’ and immature takes place. The focus of this paper is on the notion of carnality and politics of postwar Japan, as film’s transgressive graphic content of pre-pubescent children’s sexual encounter with women can still be perceived as radical.&#x0D; &#x0D; Article received: December 26, 2017; Article accepted: January 10, 2018; Published online: April 15, 2018; Original scholarly paper&#x0D; &#x0D; How to cite this article: Došen, Ana. "Emperor Tomato Ketchup: Some Reflections on Carnality and Politics." AM Journal of Art and Media Studies 15 (2018): 59–66. doi: 10.25038/am.v0i15.230&#x0D;

Advancing the Practice of Pediatric Psychology with Transgender Youth: State of the Science, Ongoing Controversies, and Future Directions.

Growing numbers of transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) youth are presenting for medical and mental health care, and increasingly, pediatric psychologists are being called upon to serve as critical members of interdisciplinary care teams. In this commentary, we present information on TGNC youth in three distinct developmental cohorts: prepubescent TGNC children, peripubertal TGNC youth, and pubertal TGNC adolescents. First, we describe the social, medical, and/or surgical treatments available to each cohort of youth. Next, we address the state of the science related to these treatments. Then, we highlight some of the ongoing controversies related to social, medical and/or surgical interventions that are most relevant to pediatric psychologists and the role they play in gender-affirming care. Finally, we conclude with a call for papers for an upcoming special issue of Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology focused on advancing the practice of pediatric psychology in transgender health care.

Clinical Attributes of Pedophilia-A Mental Illness and Psychopharmacological Approaches to Hit Pedophiles

Pedophilia is a mental ataxia and psychotic anarchy associated with more sexual interest in prepubescent children. Pedophiles have impaired frontal lobes, hippocampus and amygdala linked with cognitive defects, antisocial and violent behaviour. These pedophiles have abnormal level of testosterone production that causes the sexual urgency in them. Besides psychotherapies, several drugs and pharmacological approaches have been designed for the treatment of pedophiles. Sexual assault and child molestation by these pedophiles is one of the current issue and every country is the victim of these pedophiles and different cases have been reported worldwide as well as in Pakistan. This paper highlights the basic aspects of pedophiles, their mental state, clinical features and different initiatives taken by policymakers to control child abuse.

Pedophilic sex offenders are characterised by reduced GABA concentration in dorsal anterior cingulate cortex.

A pedophilic disorder is characterised by abnormal sexual urges towards prepubescent children. Child abusive behavior is frequently a result of lack of behavioral inhibition and current treatment options entail, next to suppressing unchangeable sexual orientation, measures to increase cognitive and attentional control. We tested, if in brain regions subserving attentional control of behavior and perception of salient stimuli, such inhibition deficit can be observed also on the level of inhibitory neurotransmitters. We measured GABA concentration in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and in a control region, the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (pgACC) in pedophilic sex offenders (N = 13) and matched controls (N = 13) using a 7 Tesla STEAM magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). In dACC but not in the control region pedophilic sex offenders showed reduced GABA/Cr concentrations compared to healthy controls. The reduction was robust after controlling for potential influence of age and gray matter proportion within the MRS voxel (p < 0.04). Importantly, reduced GABA/Cr in patients was correlated with lower self-control measured with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (p = 0.028, r = −0.689). In a region related to cognitive control and salience mapping, pedophilic sex offenders showed reduction of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA which may be seen as a neuronal correlate of inhibition and behavioral control.

Ultrasound as a method to evaluate the distribution of abdominal fat in obese prepubertal children and the relationship between abdominal fat and metabolic alterations.

ObjectiveTo evaluate, using ultrasound, the distribution of abdominal fat in obese prepubertal children, as well as its possible correlation with metabolic changes due to obesity.Materials and MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of prepubescent children: 77 obese children (33 girls and 44 boys), with a mean age of 7.31 years; and 31 normal-weight children (17 girls and 14 boys), with a mean age of 7.32 years. In all of the children, abdominal wall thickness (AWT) and abdominal fat thickness (AFT) were measured by ultrasound. For the evaluation of the associated metabolic alterations, serum levels of glycemia, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and insulin were determined.ResultsThe obese children presented with greater abdominal fat, predominantly greater AWT, without a significant gender-related difference in AWT or AFT. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) showed a significant direct correlation with AWT and AFT.ConclusionIn obese prepubertal children, the AWT, as measured by ultrasound, was shown to be more closely related to the HOMA-IR than to the lipid metabolism or glycemia.