School Group Research Articles

Evaluation of sleep disorders in children and adolescents affected by Klinefelter syndrome

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most common sex chromosomal aneuploidy in males (47,XXY karyotype in 80–90% of cases), primarily characterized by hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and infertility. It encompasses a broad phenotypic spectrum, leading to variability in neurocognitive and psychosocial outcomes among affected individuals. Despite the recognized correlation between KS and various neuropsychiatric conditions, studies investigating potential sleep disorders, particularly in pediatric subjects, are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the presence of sleep-related behaviors potentially suggestive of a sleep disorder in a cohort of pediatric patients with KS, in comparison with a group of healthy male age-matched controls. During the period from January to December 2023, a validated sleep questionnaire (Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children: SDSC) was administered to the primary caregivers of 80 children with KS: 40 of preschool age (3–5 years) and 40 of school age (6–16 years). Data were compared with a control group of 180 healthy age-matched male children: 90 of preschool age (3–5 years) and 90 of school age (6–16 years). Among preschoolers, the proportion of subjects with pathological non-restorative sleep T-scores was significantly higher in the KS group compared to controls (p = 0.03). In both KS and control groups, school-aged subjects had higher questionnaire scores compared to preschoolers. The school age KS group had significantly higher mean total T-scores and mean T-scores for disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep (DIMS), disorders of arousal (DA), and disorders of excessive somnolence (DOES) compared to controls (p < 0.01 for all). The KS group also showed significantly higher percentages of children with clinically relevant T-scores for DIMS, DA, DOES, sleep hyperhidrosis, and total T-scores.Conclusion: Our study indicates that sleep disorders are more prevalent in children with KS than in the general population, especially in the school age group. Screening for sleep issues in the clinical setting using tools like the SDSC is warranted, and should start from age 6 for children with KS. Further research is needed to better understand the origins of these disturbances, the role of comorbidities, and their long-term effects to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for these patients.What is Known:• Neurocognitive and psychosocial disorders can be observed in individuals with KS.• Sleep disorders may be associated with various neuropsychiatric conditions; however, they have not been sufficiently explored in individuals with KS, particularly in pediatric populations.What is New:• Sleep-related problems are more common in children with KS compared to the general population, especially in the school age group with regard to DIMS, DA, and DOES factors.• Starting from 6 years of age, the SDSC might be a promising early diagnostic tool for sleep disorders in children with KS.

EDUKASI PERAN REMAJA MENGGUNAKAN VIDEO ANIMASI DALAM PENCEGAHAN TUBERCULOSIS PARU PADA SANTRI PONDOK PESANTREN

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is one of the infectious diseases that is still a significant global health problem, including in Indonesia. Adolescents, as the dominant age group in Islamic boarding schools, have great potential to play an active role in efforts to prevent pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Education is needed with effective media that is in accordance with the times. The purpose of community service is to evaluate the effectiveness of education on the role of adolescents through animated videos in preventing pulmonary tuberculosis. This community service activity was carried out using the method of compiling educational materials in the form of animated videos, selecting participants from Islamic boarding school students as many as 80 female adolescents, implementing educational sessions using animated videos, interactive discussions and questions and answers and evaluating participant understanding through pre-test and post-test questionnaires. The results of the community service showed an increase in knowledge. There was an increase in the average knowledge score of 35% after the animated video intervention. Changes in attitude showed that 78% of respondents showed a more positive attitude towards preventing pulmonary tuberculosis. Increased awareness showed that 82% of students reported increased awareness of the importance of preventing pulmonary tuberculosis. The use of animated videos is effective in increasing the knowledge and role of adolescent Islamic boarding school students in preventing pulmonary tuberculosis.

Increasing incidence of concussion and head injury due to electric biking: a 10-year sex- and age-specific analysis of national injury data

ABSTRACT Objectives Electric biking (e-biking) is a rapidly growing recreation, sport, and mode of transportation that often presents to emergency departments (EDs) with high-impact head injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of e-bike-related concussions and closed-head injuries (CHI) to inform more effective injury prevention strategies. Methods The National Electronic Injury Surveillance (NEISS) was queried for e-bike related concussions and CHIs presented to national EDs from 1 January 2013-31 December 2022. Patient demographics, diagnoses, and dispositions were recorded, and injury narratives were reviewed to identify mechanisms of injury and motor vehicle (MV) involvement. Results A total of 11,052 nationally estimated (NE) e-bike head injuries presented to US EDs from 2013 to 2022. E-bike head injuries increased significantly from 2013 to 2022 (p = .006, β = 372.5), with 40.8% of all head injuries occurring in 2022. Nearly one-third of patients (31.0%) required hospital admission, with hospitalization occurring most frequently among ages 51 and older (44.5%). MV involvement accounted for 27.6% of head injuries, and caused a higher proportion of hospitalizations than mechanisms without MVs (35.6% vs. 29.4%, respectively; p < 0.001). High school age riders had the most MV incidents (53.2%), while the middle school age group had the highest proportion of concussions (26.5%) among all age groups. Relative to females, males were more likely to be involved in an MV incident (28.5% vs. 15.5%; p < 0.001) and were more likely to be hospitalized (33.0% vs. 25.4%; p < 0.001). Conclusion The incidence of concussions and CHIs due to e-bikes increased significantly from 2013 to 2022, while high proportions of hospitalization indicate serious injury severity and large medical costs associated with these injuries. The prevalence of crashes involving MVs, especially among teenagers, calls for further research on commuter and recreational e-bike use along with new traffic legislation to protect young e-bikers.

Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence and Its Association With Neurodevelopmental Disorders Among Children in Japan.

To investigate urinary incontinence prevalence and its association with neurodevelopmental disorders among children in Japan. A web-based survey was conducted on children aged 5-15 years in Japan. Information on daytime and nocturnal incontinence and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual disability, was collected. Responses from 5186 questionnaires (2619 boys, 2517 girls) were evaluated. In total, 505 children had neurodevelopmental disorders. Furthermore, 148 children had daytime urinary incontinence. The incidence of daytime urinary incontinence did not differ significantly according to sex. Daytime urinary incontinence was associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in 33.1% of children. Moreover, 220 children had nocturnal enuresis. Boys had a significantly higher prevalence of nocturnal enuresis than girls in the overall cohort and early elementary school age group. Nocturnal enuresis was associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in 29.1% of children. Children with daytime urinary incontinence or nocturnal enuresis had a significantly higher incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders. The prevalence of concomitant daytime and nocturnal urinary incontinence and neurodevelopmental disorders in children is significant.

Analysis of the sensitization characteristics and changes trend of common allergens in a hospital of pediatric in Beijing City from 2019 to 2023

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the test results and changing trend of specific IgE (sIgE) for common allergens in children in the hospital from 2019 to 2023, so as to provide a basis for the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases in children. Methods: The test results of children who were admitted to Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University and underwent serum allergen sIgE quantitative detection (Immuno CAP system) from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023 were retrospectively included. According to the allergen type, the allergens were divided into food allergens and inhaled allergens (dust mite group, mold group, animal dander group and pollen group). The trends in sIgE positive rates across different years, age-related differences, and monthly distribution characteristics were analyzed. Results: A total of 44 633 allergen sIgE quantitative test results were included in the study. Among them, 23 024 samples were tested for food allergen sIgE and 21 609 samples were tested for inhaled allergen sIgE. The positive rates of food allergens (egg white, milk, wheat, peanut, soybean, shrimp) sIgE increased year by year, and the differences were statistically significant (χ2=97.3, 78.9, 95.6, 122.4, 84.7, 24.5, P<0.001). The positive rate of inhaled allergen sIgE also increased year by year, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=36.2, 326.2, 432.2, 973.2, P<0.001). There were significant differences in the sensitization patterns of food and inhaled allergens among different age groups. The most common food allergen was egg white in infant group (<1 year old) (23.0%), milk in young children group (1-2 years old) (40.7%), and egg white in preschool group (3-6 years old) (28.8%). Peanut was the most common allergen in school-age group (7-12 years old) and adolescent group (13-18 years old) (16.9% and 14.1%, respectively). Among the inhaled allergens, animal dander (3.6%) was the most common allergen in the infant group (<1 year old), and mold (15.3%) was the most common allergen in the young child group (1-2 years old). The most common allergens in preschool group (3-6 years old), school-age group (7-12 years old) and adolescent group (13-18 years old) were pollen (39.7%, 53.0%, 53.5%). There were significant differences in the positive rates of inhaled allergens (dust mite, mold, animal dander, pollen) sIgE in the 12 months of 2023 (χ2=26.9, 26.7, 56.7, 55.5, P=0.005, 0.005,<0.001,<0.001). The positive rate of pollen sIgE was the highest, with peaks in April (54.8%) and September (60.5%). The positive rate of sIgE for molds peaks in June (46.4%). Conclusion: The trends in sIgE levels among children visiting Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, from 2019 to 2023, suggests to a certain extent that the prevalence of allergic diseases among children in Beijing City is increasing annually. There were significant age differences in sIgE sensitization patterns among children of different ages, and the distribution of sIgE positive rates for inhaled allergens was also different in different months. In clinical practice, the allergen test report is interpreted comprehensively according to the patient's medical history, age, visit month and other factors.

Analysis of drug-resistance mutations and treatment of mycoplasma pneumonia in children in Hunan Province in 2023

To investigate the drug-resistance mutations and treatment of hospitalized children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) in Hunan Province. Children with pneumonia, who were hospitalized in the pediatric ward of the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, were enrolled in this study, and their clinical data was also collected. The targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) was used to detect Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection and drug-resistance mutations, and the drug-resistance and treatment in children with MPP were also analyzed. A total of 125 children with pneumonia were involved in this study, including 70 children in the MPP group and 55 children in the bacterial pneumonia group. The results showed that there were 41 boys and 29 girls with an average age of (6.50±3.45) years, with the most common group being the school-age group (age≥6 years). The clinical symptoms were characterized by fever and cough. Laboratory examination showed that the white blood cell and neutrophil counts in the MPP group were lower than those in the bacterial pneumonia group, while the lymphocyte ratio and hemoglobin levels in the MPP group were higher than those in the bacterial pneumonia group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). Twelve children (17.14%) in the MPP group had severe pneumonia, and all children with severe pneumonia had 23Sr RNA A2063G and/or A2064G mutations. The tNGS detected 60 cases of MPP resistance gene mutations, including 59 cases (98.33%) of A2063G mutation in 23Sr RNA and one case (1.67%) of A2064G mutation in 23Sr RNA. There was a significant difference in the positive rate of drug-resistance mutations among patients of different age groups (χ2=7.991, P=0.021). A total of 63 children (90.00%) with MPP were treated according to the results of drug-resistance mutations, and seven children (70.00%) with MPP without drug-resistance mutations were treated according to the tNGS results. In children with the drug resistance of MPP, 46 cases (95.83%) of non-severe pneumonia and 10 cases (83.33%) of severe pneumonia were treated according to the tNGS results. All patients had a good prognosis, with no deaths reported and a median hospital stay M (Q1, Q3) of 9 (7, 11) days. In conclusion, MPP is more common in children aged≥6 years old in Hunan Province, and the detection of drug-resistant mutations includes A2063G and A2064G, with A2063G being the main one. The positive rate of drug-resistant mutations is related to age.

A115: Research on the Effects of Chinese Health and Physical Education Curriculum Across Different Age Groups

Background/Purpose: Facing the health challenges of different school-age groups from childhood to adolescence, this study aimed to evaluate the applicability and effectiveness of the Chinese Health Physical Education curriculum model across various school ages, to explore its contribution to promoting the physical and mental health of students of all ages. Method: A cross-sectional study design was employed, selecting one primary school, one middle school, and one high school as research subjects. The Chinese Health Physical Education curriculum model was implemented, and questionnaires, physical activity monitors, and physical fitness health tests were used to evaluate and compare the changes in exercise capacity, health behaviors, and physical skills among students of different ages. Results: The results indicated that the Chinese Health Physical Education curriculum model effectively improved students' levels of physical activity and health awareness across all school ages, but there were differences in the responses of students of different ages to certain teaching methods. For example, primary school students preferred gamified learning, while high school students valued more the diversity and challenge of sports activities. Additionally, the Chinese Health Physical Education curriculum model showed a positive impact on improving students' mental health, especially in enhancing self-efficacy and teamwork awareness. Conclusion: This study confirmed the effectiveness of the Chinese Health Physical Education curriculum model across different school ages, emphasizing the importance of customizing teaching content and methods according to the age characteristics of students. It provided an important basis for further optimizing the Chinese Health Physical Education curriculum model, suggesting that future research should explore the specific needs of students of different ages to achieve a broader health promotion effect.

Peningkatan Literasi Narkotika dan Psikotropika melalui Edukasi dan Pembentukan Satgas Anti Narkoba di SMPN 1 Pacet Kabupaten Mojokerto

Drug abuse among adolescents continues to rise, particularly within school-aged groups. SMPN 1 Pacet in Mojokerto Regency, with students aged 13-15 years old, is an environment vulnerable to this risk. This community service activity aims to increase students' literacy about the dangers of narcotics and psychotropic drugs. This program involved 50 Grade 9 students along with the Osis/MPK and presented experts from Social Service and Airlangga University. Methods included a pre-test, education, practice of urine drug testing using rapid diagnostic tests independently and post-test. The results showed an increase in the average score of students' understanding by 12.4%, as well as the formation of the Anti-Drug Task Force as an agent of change. This success supports the goals of SDG 4 (quality education) and SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions). This program demonstrates the effectiveness of participatory-based education in creating a drug-free school environment.

Differential sleep subtypes in children with OSA of different ages

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the variations in sleep architecture and types of sleep disturbances in preschool and school-age children diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). MethodsChildren who underwent polysomnography (PSG) were enrolled and divided into two groups based on age: a preschool group and a school-age group. We analyzed differences in sleep architecture and types of sleep disturbances between these groups. ResultsTotal sleep time was significantly higher in the preschool group compared to the school-age group (P < 0.05). The percentage of Stage N1 sleep (N1%) was also higher in the preschool group (p < 0.05). Conversely, the percentage of Stage N2 sleep (N2%) was lower in the preschool group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the average and minimum heart rates were higher in the preschool group, while the minimum oxygen saturation, including during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and REM stages, was lower compared to the school-age group (P < 0.05). The prevalence of positional OSA (P-OSA) was lower, and the prevalence of REM OSA (R-OSA) was higher in the preschool group (P < 0.05). ConclusionThe prevalence of P-OSA was lower, and R-OSA was higher in preschool children compared to school-age children. Furthermore, the types of sleep disturbances in preschool children with OSA showed significant differences from those in school-age children with OSA.

The Impact of Sticking Pictures to Promote Dengue Fever Prevention on Fifth-Graders’ Knowledge and Attitude

Background: Dengue fever is an acute mosquito-borne infection caused by the dengue viruses and has become a growing public health concern globally. One of the causes is the lack of knowledge about the 3M Plus campaign, especially among children in the school-age group. The objective of this research is to identify the impact of sticking pictures as health promotion media to prevent dengue fever on elementary school fifth-graders’ knowledge and attitude. Methods: This research uses a pre-experimental type with a one-group pre-test and post-test design. The population of this research consisted of all fifth-grade students, followed by 39 persons chosen utilizing proportional random sampling and simple random sampling techniques. The primary data for this research were collected through the distribution and completion of close-ended questionnaires. The data analysis method was carried out using the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test. Results: The results show that there is a significant impact of the use of sticking pictures as health promotion media on elementary school fifth-graders’ knowledge (p = 0.01) and attitude (p = 0.01) towards dengue fever prevention after they were given sticking pictures. Conclusion: The use of health promotion media with sticking pictures affects elementary school fifth-graders’ increasing knowledge and attitude about DHF. The implication of this finding is that educators should consider integrating sticking pictures as health promotion media into their teaching methods to enhance students’ knowledge and attitude towards dengue fever prevention.

PREVALÊNCIA DOS SINTOMAS DO TDAH EM CRIANÇAS COM BAIXO RENDIMENTO ESCOLAR SUBMETIDAS AO P.A.P.E. NO ANO 2022 EM PRESIDENTE PRUDENTE

Specific learning disorder impairs the brain's ability to process information, affecting around 30-40% of students. These disorders represent 35-45% of mental health visits and 35% of visits to pediatricians. In 2018, Presidente Prudente/SP launched the Specialized Pedagogical Support Program (PAPE) to offer support to students with learning difficulties in the Municipal Network. The study, including 136 students evaluated by MTA-SNAP IV, revealed that ADHD and ODD are common in the school age group, especially in elementary school and more frequent among boys, with inattention being the main characteristic. The research highlighted the effectiveness of the questionnaire in improving intervention and support methods, improving students' quality of life and academic performance. Greater involvement of the Municipal Health Department is recommended to enhance children's care and learning, preventing future problems such as school dropout and difficulties in adult life.

Clinical analysis of 124 cases of mycoplasma pneumoniae infection with conjunctivitis in children

Objective: To explore the distribution characteristics of symptoms and signs of respiratory mycoplasma pneumoniae infection complicated with conjunctivitis in children of different age groups. Methods: A retrospective case series study was conducted. Data of children who were treated in Beijing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from September 20, 2023 to November 30, 2023, had definite mycoplasma pneumoniae infection as confirmed by mycoplasma pneumoniae nucleic acid or mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM antibody test, and had conjunctivitis as the first diagnosis in ophthalmology department were continuously collected. The included children were divided into infant group (age<4 years), preschool group (age 4 to 6 years), and school-age group (age>6 years) for analysis. Information such as the time of ocular symptoms onset, the time of systemic symptoms onset, conjunctival sac secretion, subconjunctival hemorrhage, conjunctival congestion, corneal epithelial damage, co-infection with other pathogens, and treatment of all children was collected and compared among children of different age groups. Results: During this period, there were a total of 31 133 children with positive laboratory test results for mycoplasma pneumoniae. Among them, 835 children visited the ophthalmology department during the same period, and 124 cases (229 eyes) had conjunctivitis as the first diagnosis. The age was (5.43±2.83) years, including 72 males and 52 females. There were 37 cases (69 eyes) in the infant group, 48 cases (92 eyes) in the preschool group, and 39 cases (68 eyes) in the school-age group. Among the 229 eyes, 179 eyes (78.16%) had conjunctival secretion, all manifested as mucopurulent secretion; 12 eyes (5.24%) had corneal epithelial defect; and 26 eyes (11.35%) had subconjunctival hemorrhage. There was 1 eye (1.45%) with subconjunctival hemorrhage in the infant group, 16 eyes (17.39%) in the preschool group, and 9 eyes (13.24%) in the school-age group. The proportion of subconjunctival hemorrhage in the preschool group and school-age group was higher than that in the infant group (both P<0.05). Thirty-nine cases (31.45%) were found to have co-infection with viruses in laboratory tests, including influenza A virus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and coxsackievirus. The proportion of children in all age groups with ocular symptoms first was higher than that with systemic symptoms first. There was no statistically significant difference among children in the three age groups in terms of whether there was conjunctival secretion, whether there was corneal epithelial damage, whether there was co-infection with viruses, and the interval between ocular symptoms and systemic symptoms onset (all P>0.05). Conclusions: The characteristic ocular manifestations of children with mycoplasma pneumoniae infection complicated with conjunctivitis are conjunctival congestion and subconjunctival hemorrhage, and the signs are more obvious in preschool children. The conjunctival sac secretion of such children with conjunctivitis is mostly manifested as mucopurulent. Ocular symptoms may be the first manifestation of mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.

The impact of the type of playful massage movements on the perception of tactile stimulation in children: EEG study

Tactile play and playful massage are a normal interaction between adults and children in many cultures. Experimental data show that activation of the C-tactile system during such playful touches contributes to children’s socialization and the establishment of psychoemotional bonds in the parent-child dyad. However, comprehensive studies of the effects of different types of touch on perception of tactile stimulation in children have not been conducted before. Twenty-three children participated in the present study: 10 in the preschool age group and 13 in the elementary school age group. Children in both groups received play massage containing different types of touch with simultaneous recording of electroencephalogram (EEG) and heart rate. EEG processing included determination of spectral power, alpha rhythm peak frequency and fractal dimension. Analysis of the results showed that the relaxing effect of the procedure was more pronounced in children of primary school age, which can be explained both by the greater maturity of the CNS and the greater need for tactile contact, which is not realized in the school environment.

PENINGKATAN PENGETAHUAN GURU SDN KEPUTIH 245 SURABAYA MELALUI KEGIATAN TRAINING OF TRAINER

Abstract : Dental and oral health in Indonesia is still a health problem that needs attention, especially in children at elementary school age. One of the efforts to overcome dental and oral health problems in Indonesia and the participation of dentists in supporting the "Caries-Free Indonesia 2030" program, especially for school-age and adult groups. Faculty of Dentistry, Hang Tuah University, Surabaya in collaboration with Unilever conducts promotive – preventive activities. The activity is called "Training of Trainer". This program was carried out at SDN Keputih 245 Surabaya with several activities carried out including providing training on oral and dental health, how to brush teeth properly and monitoring the correct brushing time. The final result of this program is expected to prevent the improvement of dental and oral health, especially at SDN Keputih 245 Surabaya. Keywords : Dental and oral health, training of trainer, SDN Keputih 245.

Temporal trend of the global prevalence rate of tension-type headache in children and adolescents in 1990-2021

To investigate the prevalence of tension-type headache (TTH) in children and adolescents aged 0-19 years globally in 1990-2021, and to provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of TTH. Based on the Global Burden of Disease Study data, the age-standardized prevalence distribution of TTH and its changing trend were analyzed among the children and adolescents aged 0-19 years, with different sexes, age groups, sociodemographic index (SDI) regions and countries/territories. The age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) of TTH in children and adolescents aged 0-19 globally in 2021 was 17 339.89/100 000, which was increased by 1.73% since 1990. The ASPR in females was slightly higher than that in males (1990: 17 707.65/100 000 vs 16 403.78/100 000; 2021: 17 946.29/100 000 vs 16 763.09/100 000). The ASPR in adolescence was significantly higher than that in school-aged and preschool periods (1990: 27 672.04/100 000 vs 10 134.16/100 000; 2021: 28 239.04/100 000 vs 10 059.39/100 000). Regions with high SDI exhibited a higher ASPR than the other regions, with significant differences in prevalence rates across different countries. From 1990 to 2021, there was a slight increase in global ASPR, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 0.06%. Females experienced a smaller increase than males based on AAPC (0.04% vs 0.07%). There was reduction in ASPR in preschool and school-aged groups, with an AAPC of -0.02%, while there was a significant increase in ASPR in adolescence, with an AAPC of 0.07%. ASPR decreased in regions with low-middle and low levels of SDI, with an AAPC of -0.02% and -0.04%, respectively, while it increased in regions with middle SDI, with an AAPC of 0.24%. There is a consistent increase in the ASPR of TTH in children and adolescents aged 0-19 years globally, with significant differences across sexes, age groups, SDI regions and countries/territories.

Postoperative complications in the pediatric population. Malnutrition or phase angle? Which one do we use?

Malnutrition increases post-operative risks like infections and prolonged stays. Pediatric assessment challenges require using anthropometric measurements and phase angle, which reflects body cell mass and health outcomes. Phase angle varies by maturation stages, making it crucial for pre-surgical evaluations alongside BMI. This study aimed to determine the relationship between nutritional status, phase angle, and postoperative complications in pediatric patients who underwent surgery. Prospective study with patients aged 3-17 undergoing major non-ambulatory surgery. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, BMI Z-scores) hand grip strength, dietary intake and body composition via bioimpedance to assess phase angle were recorded. Postoperative complications were monitored, including surgical site infections, morbidity (pneumonia, inotropic support, infections, thromboembolism), and mortality. Surgical risks and pre- and postoperative conditions were documented. After the application of the selection criteria, a total of 391 patients who underwent surgery were included; 60% (n = 235) were within the range of the preschool and school-age groups. During the follow-up period, 51 (13%) patients developed at least one postoperative complication, with surgical site infections being the most common. Moreover, as phase angle decreased, the length of stay (LOS) increased in all the participants. Among children aged ≤12 years old, malnutrition was a risk factor for complications [OR 3.86 (1.61-9.27 95%CI)], whereas among adolescents, phase angle served as a protective factor [OR 0.63 (0.42-0.94 95%CI)]. Significant associations were observed between nutritional status, by BMI z-score, and post-surgical complications in younger patients. Additionally, in adolescents, the phase angle emerged as a protective factor against these complications.

A case study on the management of Prathishyaya (Chronic Allergic Rhinitis) using Bharangi Arka Nasal Spray

The omnipresence of Prathishyaya among school-aged groups is overlooked until the complications like kasa, swasa and rajayakshma come into being. Pratishyaya if taken heed of in the initial stage, helps to frustrate the looming effects of its complications. Bharangi Arka is cited as an effectual remedy for Prathishyaya in the Arka Prakasha of Ravana. Prescribing medications for children is usually challenging as they often resist taking them and so, Ayurveda formulations when transmuted into more palatable forms can have salutary impacts on children than classical forms. This case study was carried out on an 8 ½ years old male child with sneezing, runny nose and chronic symptoms including nasal itching and obstruction in particular. Prathishyaya was diagnosed after a proper clinical evaluation. Bharangi Arka in the form of nasal spray was opted as the sole drug in the treatment. Assessment of symptoms was done using Total Nasal Symptom score on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days of the first month of the treatment and at the end of the following two months. Subsidence of all the symptoms was observed in the patient almost in the 4th week. This corroborates the stupendous action of Bharangi Arka nasal spray on Pratishyaya and it could usher in a way for further research to be carried out on the potency of nasal sprays in Ayurveda.

The Prevalence and Awareness of Congenital External Ear Deformity among the School-Age Group: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Congenital outer ear deformities stem from a sequence of disturbances during fetal auricular cartilage embryonic development. A significant gap exists in understanding their prevalence among the school-age group in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study aims to address this knowledge gap to raise awareness about the impact of such disorders. This cross-sectional study targeted parents of children in the school-age group. A multistage cluster sampling technique was employed to ensure the representation of schools. A self-administered Google form survey was used. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 28.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Our study revealed that the majority were males (56.2%), aged 6 to 10 years (49.3%), and attended primary school (69.5%). Chronic illnesses were present in 7.1% of children, with hearing impairment most prevalent (25.9%). Congenital ear deformities affected 2.7% of children, primarily Stahl's ear (35.4%). Limited knowledge about these deformities was observed among respondents (30.3%), yet a significant majority (73.9%) expressed belief in the potential of community awareness to decrease deformity prevalence. The awareness levels were impacted by parental education but showed no significant association with the child's age, gender, or presence of chronic diseases. Our study underscores the noteworthy occurrence of congenital ear deformities among the school-age group, coupled with a notable lack of awareness. Parental education emerges as a key factor influencing awareness levels. It is imperative to prioritize initiatives to bolster awareness and early detection to promote child health.

Characteristics of childhood anaphylaxis in different age groups.

Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic hypersensitivity reaction that usually has a rapid onset and can be fatal. Presentations of childhood anaphylaxis vary widely in accordance with the triggers and the patient's age, geographical region and dietary and lifestyle habits. The medical records of 177 paediatric patients diagnosed with anaphylaxis between January 2021 and January 2024, whose disease progression was monitored at a single tertiary care centre, were reviewed retrospectively. The study included 177 patients diagnosed with anaphylaxis (107 males and 70 females with a median age of 48 months). The most common allergen responsible was food (53.7%). Egg allergy was the most common source of anaphylaxis, afflicting 35 patients (19.3%), while beta-lactam provoked the most common drug allergy, affecting 24 patients (13.6%). The most common organ involved was the skin (92.7%). When the patients were analysed by age group, there were more males in the infancy, preschool and school age groups, while there were more females in the adolescent group (p = 0.44). Food-induced anaphylaxis became less common with increasing age, whereas the rate of drug-induced anaphylaxis increased (p = 0.01 and p = 0.01, respectively). Cardiovascular system findings were observed more frequently in adolescents compared to other age groups (p = 0.003). Most cases stemming from a food allergy were mild, whereas most drug-induced cases were moderate or severe (p < 0.05). When severity was analysed by age group, mild cases in infants were more common than moderate to severe cases. The aetiological and clinical manifestations of childhood anaphylaxis vary among different age groups.

Assessment of Comorbid Psychopathologies, Psychosocial Factors and Psychiatric Treatment Approach in Children and Adolescents with Sleep Bruxism

Background: Previous studies have revealed a close relationship between a variety of psychopathologies and psychosocial factors, and bruxism. However, psychosocial factors and psychiatric difficulties in children and adolescents with bruxism have not been extensively studied. In the current study, we sought to examine the sociodemographic characteristics, psychosocial factors, and comorbid psychopathologies of children and adolescents with sleep bruxism. Materials and Methods: The study included 67 children and adolescents between the ages of 4-17 who were diagnosed with sleep bruxism and followed up at two different Child and Adolescent Psychiatry outpatient clinics between 2018 and 2024. Data on behavioral and emotional characteristics and comorbid psychiatric disorders of these patients, clinical features of bruxism, and treatment approaches to bruxism were retrospectively investigated. Results: Our results indicated that 41.8 of the sample had at least one comorbid psychiatric disorder, and 10.4% had subthreshold psychiatric symptoms. The most common comorbid psychiatric disorders were anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, nocturnal enuresis, and conduct disorders. In 41.8% of cases, bruxism was linked to psychosocial factors. Comorbid psychiatric disorders were significantly more prevalent in the school and adolescent age groups than in preschoolers. Similarly, the connection between bruxism and psychosocial factors became more evident with age. The frequency of a positive family history of bruxism was 44.8%. As treatment options for bruxism, the behavioral approach and pharmacotherapy were preferred in 88.1% of cases, and only the behavioral approach was applied to 11.9%. The most common drugs used in pharmacotherapy were hydroxyzine, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, atypical antidepressants, and melatonin. In terms of response to treatment, 83.6% of the sample responded (completely or partially), while 16.4% did not respond or were resistant to treatment. Conclusions: This study yielded that psychiatric comorbidity is quite common in the pediatric population with sleep bruxism. The outcomes suggest that bruxism is not only a dental problem but is also associated with a variety of psychopathologies and psychosocial factors. Therefore, health professionals who may encounter bruxism should be aware of the relationship between bruxism and psychopathologies and psychosocial factors. It is recommended that children with bruxism be investigated carefully in a multidisciplinary and holistic approach from a bio-psycho-social perspective and screened for psychosocial and psychiatric difficulties.