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Background: An easy-to-use tool to objectively measure intraoral anatomy with meaningful clinical correlations may improve care for patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), who commonly have symptomatic macroglossia. Methods: Children aged 2–17 years with BWS were enrolled between 12/2021 and 01/2024. Digital intraoral photographs with a laser ruler were taken, and morphometric measurements were made using ImageJ software. Relationships between morphometrics and outcomes including BWS clinical score, percentage mosaicism, and incidence of tongue reduction surgery were examined using t-tests and multivariate linear models. Results: Pharyngeal morphometric measurements were obtained in 49 patients with BWS. Mouth area, width, and height differed significantly across BWS molecular subtypes. Right-to-left tongue width and mouth width were larger in those with loss of methylation at imprinting control region 2 (IC2 LOM) than other BWS variants. Patients with paternal uniparental isodisomy of chromosome 11p15 (pUPD11) had narrower mouths than others. Those with tongue reduction surgery had more tongue ridging than those without surgery. There were correlations between mouth area and BWS clinical score, tongue width and BWS clinical score, and tongue length and percentage mosaicism. Conclusion: Intraoral morphometric measurements are associated with phenotypic burden in BWS. Tongue morphology varies across the BWS spectrum, with IC2 LOM having wider tongues and mouths, and pUPD11 having narrower mouths. Tongue ridging is more common in those selected for surgery. Intraoral morphometric measurements may be safely obtained at low costs across centers caring for children with BWS or others at risk of upper airway obstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackgroundObjectiveMethodsResultsConclusionRecurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) in children represent a significant clinical challenge. Although some studies have identified potential risk factors, a comprehensive and systematic overview is lacking.This analysis is carried out to provide more advanced evidence to guide future prevention and health care.This study (PROSPERO: CRD42024576464) was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies published in English. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias assessments were performed. Data analysis was conducted using Stata 17, and GRADE was employed to assess the quality of evidence. The risk factors identified in the positive results were discussed qualitatively.A total of 29 studies covering 639078 children were included. Some risk factors: asthma(OR = 3.08,2.06-4.62), breast feeding < 6 month(OR = 1.26,1.04-1.52), DCC: day care center(OR = 1.50,1.16-1.93), have siblings(OR = 1.26,1.00-1.59), ETS: Environmental tobacco smoke (OR = 1.13,1.00-1.27), snoring(OR = 1.49,1.16-1.93)got positive result.This analysis identifies several key risk factors for RRTIs in children, providing enhanced evidence for prevention and management strategies. In particular, asthma warrants closer attention, given its strong association with respiratory infections in pediatrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the risk factors for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) in late preterm infants. Method: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 86 late preterm infants with a gestational age of 34-36+6 weeks who were admitted to Maternity & Child Care Center of Qinhuangdao from June 2022 to June 2023 and with complete clinical records. All enrolled infants were divided into the non-NRDS group (n=51) and the NRDS group (n=35) according to the presence or absence of NRDS. Result: No statistically significant differences were observed in birth weight, gestational age and gravidity between the two groups (p>0.05), while there were statistically significant differences in fetal gender, mode of delivery and presence or absence of asphyxia (p<0.05). Moreover, no statistically significant differences were found in advanced maternal age, anemia, multiple births, and gestational hypertension(p>0.05), while there were statistically significant differences in placental abnormalities, intrauterine distress, premature rupture of membranes, and gestational diabetes mellitus (p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that fetal gender(male), placental abnormalities, intrauterine distress, premature rupture of membranes, and gestational diabetes mellitus were risk factors for NRDS in late preterm infants (p<0.05). Conclusion: Late preterm infants suffer from NRDS due to a variety of complex pathogenic causes, with numerous complications. Factors such as male fetal gender, placental abnormalities, intrauterine distress, premature rupture of membranes, and gestational diabetes mellitus may increase the risk of NRDS in late preterm infants. In clinical observation, it is necessary to strengthen monitoring efforts and take timely measures to intervene in the course of NRDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirical evidence underscores the importance of investing in early childhood care to ensure its quality. This study examined the quality of child care in day-care centers in Bahir Dar and Gondar cities, Amhara region, Ethiopia, employing an embedded mixed-methods approach. Utilizing descriptive and inferential statistics, including t-tests, regression analysis, and thematic analysis, the research assessed both distal quality – encompassing environmental and staffing conditions – and proximal quality – focusing on caregiver–child interactions. The findings revealed significant deficiencies in distal quality, including inadequate space, activities, and staff qualifications. Proximal quality was also found to be lacking, with government centers exhibiting higher levels of harshness in caregiver interactions compared to private centers. Key factors influencing interaction quality were staff education, experience, and child-to-worker ratios. Despite existing regulatory standards, their enforcement was found to be inadequate. The study recommends that policymakers enhance and enforce regulations, improve staff training and invest in professional development. Further research should explore regulatory enforcement challenges and assess the long-term impacts of training improvements on care quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technology adoption is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. This qualitative study employed the grounded theory approach to evaluate the barriers to adopting information and communication technology (ICT) among older adults. The study population included all older adults referred to an adult day care center and Comprehensive Health Centers in Shiraz, Iran, from February 2022 to March 2023. Data collection was performed using semi-structured interviews, field notes, and observation. The data were analyzed using the Corbin and Strauss approach. The four main categories extracted were as follows: technology, cultural, social, and personal factors. A total of 13 subcategories were identified, including software characteristics, hardware characteristics, perceived complexity of work, dealing with cultural norms, lack of cyberspace culture, digital divide, ageism, elder abuse, poverty, hand weakness, declining sensory functions, age-related cognitive changes, and the psychological factors. The results found in the present study indicate that there are many barriers to ICT adoption among older adults. Increased awareness and knowledge among community members about the aging process could help reduce negative stereotypes among older adults during the adoption of ICT. Also, educating the community about the proper use of social networks can effectively reduce the harassment of older adults in this space. On the other hand, the results of this study can guide ICT designers in making devices that are more suitable for the needs of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruptions to all areas of work and family life, including early childhood education and care (ECEC) arrangements. Research demonstrates that instability (i.e., interruptions in care arrangements) and lack of durability in ECEC arrangements (i.e., maintaining the same care arrangements over time) can exacerbate parental stress and negatively affect child development. Drawing on data from an original December 2020 survey of 882 parents with young children in four Canadian provinces, we examine parental choices regarding care before the pandemic and examine the immediate and longer-term impact of COVID-19 on these arrangements. We find in our sample that (a) out-of-home arrangements were more unstable and somewhat less durable than in-home arrangements; (b) loss of access during the pandemic because of child care centre closure was lowest in British Columbia, although this was offset by a relatively high rate of voluntary removal; (c) Ontario had relatively high rates of loss of access because of closure and voluntary removal; (d) overall, 64% of child care arrangements proved durable; but (e) durability was lower at lower incomes and in Ontario. In contrast, durability was significantly higher in Quebec, highlighting the role that ECEC policy investments can play in shielding parents and children from destabilizing events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: Determine the vitamin D levels in children of already diagnosed case of allergies in age group of 2 to 10 years. • To determine the correlation between vitamin D status and allergies in children of age group of 2 to 10years. Materials & Method: It is a crosssectional study. The subjects were recruited from BEBE NANKI MOTHER & Child Care Center attached to government medical college Amritsar. 200 subjects in age group of 2 to 10 years diagnosed with allergies were included. Patients with age group less than 2years & more than 10years& those on drugs like rifampicin, isoniazid, ketoconazole were excluded from study. 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25{OH}D) was analysed from enzyme linked immunoassay in human serum or plasma. Informed written consent was obtained from the subjects from the institution before commencing the study. The results were analysed statistically using student “t” test. Results: All the data is expressed as mean ±SD The ‘Pvalue was evaluated which suggested a negative association between vitamin D status and Allergies in children. Conclusion: The present study suggested that there is negative association between vitamin D status and allergies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article examines employment and earnings in the nonprofit, for-profit, and public sectors in the United States from 1994 to 2022. It reveals that nonprofit employment has increased, while public employment has declined and for-profit employment has remained stable. Nonprofit workers tend to be older and more educated, with a focus on healthcare, education, and religious organizations. Although nonprofit workers earn higher wages on average, when controlling for skills, they actually earn less. This suggests a wage penalty in the nonprofit sector, which may be due to workers accepting lower wages for the satisfaction of working for a nonprofit organization. The article explores different economic theories that explain the wage differential between nonprofit and for-profit workers, but the evidence is mixed. It concludes that the nonprofit sector has experienced growth over time and has distinct workforce characteristics and wage dynamics compared to the for-profit and public sectors. The document also provides data on the distribution of employment across industries and occupations in the three sectors, as well as information on union membership and methodology used to estimate earnings differentials. The data shows that union membership has remained relatively flat in nonprofits, declined in the for-profit sector, and is higher in the public sector. The article also discusses the impact of match bias and earnings imputations on wage differentials. Overall, the study suggests that the wage differentials between the nonprofit and for-profit sectors are modest once worker attributes and skills are taken into account. [Extracted from the article]

In an era of evolving literacy challenges, an Italian based project 'Leggere: Forte!' (Reading Strong) is promoting shared reading aloud to spark youth interest in reading and improve language skills. Now in its third year, the project team have analysed the impact of daily shared reading on 1829 children aged 3-10. The results show significant benefits in language, comprehension, and literacy, and highlight disparities between the experimental and the control groups. Teacher feedback underscores the positive effects of this version of shared reading. The initiative demonstrates the educational value of shared reading and calls for its integration into modern education, suggesting it as a foundation for further research and the development of rich, diverse learning environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic screening of newborns for deafness plays an important role in elucidating the etiology of deafness, diagnosing it early, and intervening in it. Genetic screening of newborns has been conducted for 11 years in Beijing. It started with a chip to screen for 9 variants of 4 genes in 2012; the chip screened for 15 variants of those genes in 2018, and it now screens for 23 variants of those genes. In the current study, a comparative analysis of three screening protocols and follow-up for infants with pathogenic variants was performed. The rates of detection and hearing test results of infants with pathogenic variants were analyzed. Subjects were 493,821 infants born at 122 maternal and child care centers in Beijing from April 2012 to August 2023. Positivity increased from 4.599% for the chip to screen for 9 variants to 4.971% for the chip to screen for 15 variants, and further to 11.489% for the chip to screen for 23 variants. The carrier frequency of the GJB2 gene increased from 2.489% for the chip to screen for 9 variants and 2.422% for the chip to screen for 15 variants to 9.055% for the chip to screen for 23 variants. The carrier frequency of the SLC26A4 gene increased from 1.621% for the chip to screen for 9 variants to 2.015% for the chip to screen for 15 variants and then to 2.151% for the chip to screen for 23 variants. According to the chip to screen for 9 variants and the chip to screen for 15 variants, the most frequent mutant allele was c.235delC. According to the chip to screen for 23 variants, the most frequent mutant allele was c.109G>A. The chip to screen for 15 variants was used to screen 66.67% (14/21) of newborns with biallelic variants in the SLC26A4 gene for newly added mutations. The chip to screen for 23 variants was used to screen 92.98% (53/57) of newborns with biallelic variants in the GJB2 gene (52 cases were biallelic c.109G>A) and 25% (1/4) of newborns with biallelic variants in the SLC26A4 gene for newly added mutations. Among the infants with pathogenic variants (biallelic variants in GJB2 or SLC26A4), 20.66% (25/121) currently have normal hearing. In addition, 34.62% (9/26) of newborns who passed the hearing screening were diagnosed with hearing loss. Findings indicate that a growing number of newborns have benefited, and especially in the early identification of potential late-onset hearing loss, as the number of screening sites has increased. Conducting long-term audiological monitoring for biallelic variants in individuals with normal hearing is of paramount significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies propose 40 Hz neural activity induction as a promising approach for managing Alzheimer's dementia (AD). However, traditional flickering light is suboptimal in addressing cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) of AD. This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of a novel multi-luminaire lighting technology, with reduced perceptible flickering, for treating AD NPS. Methods: This study is a prospective, convenient sampling, non-randomized case–control investigation involving seventy-eight clinically diagnosed AD patients from 7 daycare centers. Thirty-five were exposed to 40 Hz light through Delta M + BrainCare Light (M +), 4 h daily, 5 days/week, for 12 weeks. The other 43 patients served as controls. Sum of boxes of the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR-SB) scale, Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), and Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) were assessed at baseline and the 13th week. Results: At baseline, the cases had worse cognitive function, lower cognitive score (Mini-Mental State Examination, p = 0.04; Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument, p = 0.04), and advanced caregiver burden with higher ZBI scores (p < 0.01) than the controls. After the intervention, the cases had significant improvements in NPS as assessed using the NPI (p = 0.02), especially depression and euphoria symptoms (p = 0.04 and < 0.01, respectively) and less caregiver burden (ZBI score, p < 0.01). In global function, the control group showed a significant decline in CDR-SB score (p < 0.01), while the cases did not. Conclusions: Results suggest M + may slow global function decline, preserve cognitive function, improve NPS, and reduce caregiver burden in AD patients. Larger studies with biomarkers are needed to explore underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2009, a fire occurred in the ABC Day Care Center in Hermosillo, Mexico, that killed and injured many children who were in attendance that day. This study investigated the association between the posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) of socially connected parents and caregivers whose children were affected by the fire. Parents and caregivers of the children who were in attendance the day of the fire were interviewed 8–11 months and 20–23 months postfire. Linear network autocorrelation modeling was used to test for autocorrelations of the outcome variable count of PTSS within different configurations of the network of caregivers. No significant network effects appeared in models from the first interview period, but effects did appear in the second period, specifically in the three models in which network ties consisted of "receive informational support" (.220), "give and receive emotional support" (.167), and "give and receive both informational and emotional support" (.213). The findings suggest that in these three network configurations, as relationships grew in strength from the first interview to the second, the level of one's own PTSS was more comparable to the level of PTSS of one's social connections. Two theoretical mechanisms that may explain this result are homophily and social influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA) authorizes youth-focused workforce development programs such as YouthBuild, Job Corps, and Youth Activities programs, to increase economic self-sufficiency among youth and young adults (YYA). These programs vary in their funding and service delivery structure but all serve YYA with significant barriers to education and employment. The devolution of policy implementation requires research that examines the nuanced ways in which services are implemented and experienced at the community level. Our research studied the implementation contexts of five local youth workforce programs in a metropolitan area of one southern state. Participants included a total of 12 youth-serving staff, and 7 YYA. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Across providers and YYA categories related to local policy implementation included: (1) recruitment, (2) facilitators of success, (3) barriers to success, with an intersection between YYA's complex backgrounds and experiences, developmental needs, and structural inequities, and (4) opportunities to enhance supports. Overall, our findings indicate that these youth workforce programs might be promoting healthy development, whether or not the design or implementation of such an approach is explicitly mentioned. Further, implementation struggles around funding, staff, and ability to recruit hard-to-reach YYA and to provide intensive support for YYA were noted. Recommendations for policy and practice that support YYA well-being are presented, as well as implications for future research related to local youth workforce program recruitment and service delivery practices. Highlights: Local youth workforce programs provide important connections, services, and skill building activities for youth enduring marginalization. Programs used similar recruitment techniques and noted comparable facilitators and barriers to success. YYA face challenges of lacking transportation and inability to meet basic needs alongside lacking confidence, hope, and social support. Despite facing structural and personal challenges, many YYA participants are driven by a desire to succeed. Additional funding and different outcome measures might help ensure access to resources that enable YYA to meet their basic needs and thrive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Early Childhood is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background and objectives: The development of the oral microbiome begins in the prenatal stage. Breast milk contains antimicrobial proteins, microorganisms, metabolites, enzymes, and immunoglobulins, among others; therefore, differences have been noted in the type of microorganisms that colonize the oral cavity of children who are breastfed compared to those who are formula-fed. Our objective was to establish the relationship between breastfeeding, formula feeding, or mixed feeding (breastfeeding and formula) with the presence of S. mutans in a population of children under 6 months of age. Materials and Methods: The patients were recruited from the Child Care Center of Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, and from the pediatric dentistry postgraduate clinics of the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juárez; children exclusively fed maternally, with formula, and/or mixed were included. Those who had been fed within the previous hour were excluded. The sample was taken with a smear of the jugal groove using a sterile micro-brush. For the identification of Streptococcus mutans, a culture of Mitis Salivarius Agar (Millipore) was used. Results: 53.3% corresponded to females and 46.7% to males, 36.7% corresponded to maternal feeding, 23.3% corresponded to formula feeding, and 40% corresponded to mixed feeding. In 90% of the infants, the parents indicated that they did not perform oral hygiene. The CFU count showed that infants who were exclusively breastfed had an average of 9 × 10 CF/mL, formula-fed infants had an average of 78 × 10 CFU/mL, and those who had mixed feeding 21 × 10 CFU/mL. Conclusions: According to the results obtained, it was possible to corroborate that exclusive breastfeeding limits the colonization of Streptococcus mutans compared to those infants who receive formula or mixed feeding; these results could have a clinical impact on the dental health of infants by having a lower presence of one of the main etiological factors involved in dental caries and the type of microbiome established in the oral cavity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the efficacy of combining binaural beat music (BBM) with rhythmical photic stimulation at the α frequency in alleviating anxiety among daycare staff and explored its impacts on daycare staff with different anxiety levels. A quasi‐experimental research design was adopted, which included three interventions: BBM, BBM integrated with rhythmical photic stimulation, and relaxation music (control group). Participants completed a questionnaire prior to the first intervention, which included personal demographic information and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. The effects of these interventions on anxiety relief among daycare staff were evaluated through heart rate variability (HRV), brain waves, and blood pressure before and after the interventions. Statistical analysis primarily employed the Friedman test to analyze the differences in changes in HRV, brain waves, and blood pressure before and after the interventions. A total of 40 individuals participated in this study (16 males and 24 females), with an average age of 31.73 ± 8.83 years. The results showed that, compared to BBM alone, BBM integrated with rhythmical photic stimulation significantly reduced the normalized low/high frequency (nLF/nHF) ratio in participants with moderate anxiety (p < 0.05). The results suggest that BBM integrated with rhythmical photic stimulation may serve as an intervention for the prevention and relief of anxiety by regulating an individual's autonomic nervous system. However, further research is required to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ensaio: Avaliação e Políticas Públicas em Educação is the property of Ensaio: Avaliacao e Politicas Publicas em Educacao and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

High-quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) – particularly care defined by highly responsive interactions between educators and children – has the potential to have lasting positive impacts on children's development. While there is variability in the level of quality among early education and care settings, professional development for early childhood educators has been shown to be an effective means to improve both ECEC quality and child outcomes. As many professional development programs are time and resource intensive, we sought out to test the efficacy of a brief (5 hr) professional development program that included a workshop, individual coaching, video feedback and text messaging. Research Findings: Results of a cluster randomized controlled trial with 93 educators indicated that the program improved educators' responsivity three-months after intervention (d = 0.60, p =.035), but not classroom-wide levels of emotional support or instructional quality. Trend analysis revealed the greatest improvements occurred after the workshop and first coaching session and leveled off over time. Practice or Policy: Preliminary evidence suggests brief professional development programs may improve interaction quality with effect sizes comparable to those of longer programs. Well-powered studies using multiple arms or sequential randomization will help optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of professional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child care teachers support young children's learning and development and parents' ability to work. However, they earn far less and turn over at far higher rates than K–12 teachers. COVID-19 exacerbated staffing challenges, and the child care workforce was 5.9 percent smaller in January 2023 than in January 2020. While low compensation likely drives turnover in early childhood education, there is relatively little large-scale evidence on the link between compensation and staffing challenges. We summarize the limited pre-pandemic evidence and use pandemic-era data from 90 percent of publicly funded child care centers in Louisiana to describe the relationship between sites' compensation and staffing challenges. In October 2022, 15 percent of centers' lead teacher positions were unfilled—nearly quadruple the 4 percent national vacancy rate for public school teachers. Of centers with any vacancies or hires in the past six months, 65 percent turned families away and 84 percent hired less-experienced or -qualified teachers than desired due to staffing challenges. Centers with higher wages were significantly less likely to report staffing challenges, turn families away, and hire less-experienced teachers, after controlling for center characteristics and region. Our findings and prior evidence suggest that wage increases are promising for stabilizing the child care workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study explores the enhancement of MMR vaccination rates in the deep south of Thailand through a culturally tailored intervention that incorporates storytelling and singing, aligning with local cultural and religious values. The "Anees has Measles" intervention, developed with input from community stakeholders including health workers, religious leaders, and parents, featured traditional melodies in its singing activities. The intervention comprised two main components: storytelling sessions and singing activities, both utilizing culturally resonant content and formats to effectively engage the community. Conducted from December 2019 to March 2020 across eight districts in five provinces, the study targeted children aged 18 months to 5 years in government child care centers. Results indicated a substantial increase in MMR vaccination coverage from 44.3% to 72.0% twelve months post-intervention, and further to 77.0% at 48 months post-intervention, representing a significant and sustained improvement (p < 0.001). This marked and continuous increase demonstrates the effectiveness of culturally adapted health education in areas with significant vaccine hesitancy. The findings highlight the importance of integrating culturally and religiously sensitive methods into public health strategies, significantly enhancing vaccine acceptance and coverage in diverse and conservative settings. This approach suggests a broader applicability for similar interventions in comparable contexts globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Getting lost with family members who have dementia is a significant source of stress for family caregivers. In Taiwan, family caregivers develop strategies to deal with dementia persons who may get lost. This study aimed to explore the experiences of family caregivers caring for persons with dementia who have been lost outside the home. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological method was used. The COREQ checklist was used to ensure the explicit reporting of data. A total of 20 family caregivers caring for persons with dementia who were lost outside their homes were selected from hospital outpatient clinics and a day care center in northern Taiwan using purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using the Giorgi analysis method. Results: Five main themes emerged: (i) surprised persons with dementia lost outside, (ii) using strategies to prevent persons with dementia from getting lost, (iii) using strategies to find lost persons with dementia, (iv) exhaustion in long-term care persons with dementia, and (v) coping with the care load. It was found that family caregivers were surprised, nervous, and worried about persons with dementia being lost outside. They used the first strategy to supervise persons with dementia to prevent external losses. In addition, long-term supervision of persons with dementia led to mental exhaustion in the family caregivers. Finally, the family caregivers learned about loss prevention strategies and obtained family support and care replacement workers to reduce the care burden. Conclusions: It is essential to teach family caregivers early to prevent persons with dementia from losing external strategies. Nurses also provide long-term care services to reduce the care burden on family caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the concentration of airborne influenza virus in daycare centers and influencing factors, such as common cold prevalence, air pollutants, and meteorological factors. A total of 209 air samples were collected from daycare centers in Kaohsiung and the influenza virus was analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Air pollutants and metrological factors were measured using real-time monitoring equipment. Winter had the highest positive rates of airborne influenza virus and the highest prevalence of the common cold, followed by summer and autumn. The concentration of CO was significantly positively correlated with airborne influenza virus. Daycare center A, with natural ventilation and air condition systems, had a higher concentration of airborne influenza A virus, airborne fungi, and airborne bacteria, as well as a higher prevalence of the common cold, than daycare center B, with a mechanical ventilation system and air purifiers, while the concentrations of CO2, CO, and UFPs in daycare center A were lower than those in daycare center B. We successfully detected airborne influenza virus in daycare centers, demonstrating that aerosol sampling for influenza can provide novel epidemiological insights and inform the management of influenza in daycare centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the acknowledged complexity and time pressures of early childhood educators' work, very few studies have examined the nature of this work, minute-by-minute, over the working day. This paper reports on data gathered through 10,155 time-use diary (TUD) records provided by 321 educators participating in the Exemplary Early Childhood Educators at Work Australian Research Council Linkage Project. Participants were recruited from preschool/kindergarten and long day care centres that had achieved a rating of Exceeding the Australian National Quality Standard on all seven Quality Areas. Analyses of this extensive dataset illustrate the rhythm and diversity of educators' work across a typical day and identify the similarities and differences in worktime distributions for educators working in preschool vs. long day care settings, and for educators with different qualifications and positional responsibilities. The findings suggest differential allocations of worktime that raise important considerations for achieving high quality early childhood education and care services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide, breast self-examination (BSE) is recognized as an effective practice for its early detection. The present study aims to assess the effect of a BSE training program on women’s health practices to prevent breast cancer. A quasi-experimental design was employed to evaluate the effect of a BSE training program on the participants’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP). We recruited 117 women aged 20–54 years from maternal and child health care centers in Jordan; 66 women received BSE training, while 51 did not. Pre-and post-tests were administrated to both groups, revealing significant differences in mean scores forknowledge (F (2, 116) = 122.84, p=.001), attitude (F (2, 116) = 5.21, p=.007), and practice (F (2, 116) = 58.30, p=.001) before and after the training program. The results suggest that BSE when performed appropriately can improve women’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated air temperature between January 1 and March 31 was recorded from 1983 to 2023 near a nursery roost of Pipistrellus pygmaeus in West Wales, U.K. Integrated air temperature was defined as accumulated heat above a threshold temperature above 5°C when Chironomid prey flew. Between 2003–2023 integrated air temperatures were in the same range (71–264 degree days) as those from 1983 to 2002 but the incidence of warm years increased. There were eight years from 2003–2023 when records were > 203 degree days compared with four years from 1983–2002. The effect on P. pygmaeus was investigated and weekly exit records from April 1 to September 27 during 1983–2002 showed six years when the first peak exit count in May–June (NJN) occurred earlier than anticipated (weeks 6–8, April 1 = week 1) so NJN counts were not within the U.K. national monitoring period (weeks 9–12). Subsequently, the probability of early NJN counts in weeks 6–8, based on the changes in the integrated air temperature January to March, was calculated. A binary logistic model predicted that for 95% of the time, the likelihood of an earlier peak exit count in six to eight weeks exceeded 1.0 (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02–1.10) for every one degree day of increase in the integrated air temperature. The probability of an early peak exit count in weeks 6 to 8 stabilized to 0.80 to 0.95, when the integrated air temperature increased linearly from 210 to 264 degree days. The annual integrated air temperatures from January to March at 66.7% of 24 nursery roost sites in the U.K. from 2019–2023 ranged from 150–259 degree days, so prediction of early peak exit events could optimize nursery roost counts by addition of counts in weeks 6–8 at selected maternity roosts when the annual integrated air temperature ranged from 210–264 degree days and enable assessment of the extent and pace of climate change on P. pygmaeus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Verse dictionaries, which first appeared in Arab geography and were written to ensure a correct understanding of the Holy Quran, began to be used over time in primary schools to teach words in a foreign language to children by taking advantage of the harmony and fluency of verse. These works, written primarily in Arabic, Persian and Turkish, but also in Greek, French, Albanian, Armenian, Bulgarian, German, and Bosnian, have attracted the attention of literary researchers in recent years. This is because they not only teach vocabulary but also shed light on the period in which they were written and reflect the culture of the relevant language. Despite being the product of practice in past centuries, these works have features that can meet today's language teachings needs. With the increasing immigration to Türkiye and exchange programs at universities, curricula are continuously being developed, relevant centers are opening, and employment opportunities are being provided for teachers to teach Turkish to both children and adults. In this context, the question of whether the verse dictionaries used for language teaching in the Ottoman Empire can be adapted to the present day as supplementary textbooks comes to mind. The prepared study, information about the emergence, function and content of the genre in question will be given, then the benefits it will provide in teaching Turkish to adult foreigners will be emphasized and suggestions will be made regarding its applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify the neuropsychomotor development, home affordances, and family socioeconomic profile of children up to 24 months of life attending daycare centers. Method: Cross-sectional study. Nineteen children of both sexes, aged between 10 and 24 months, and attending daycare centers were assessed. Twelve children from the same daycare center were assessed in person at the daycare, whereas seven children from different daycare centers were assessed remotely (synchronous model). Neuropsychomotor development was evaluated using the Child Development Surveillance Instrument from the Ministry of Health contained in the Child Health Record. Home affordances were assessed using the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development – Infant Scale questionnaire, and family socioeconomic status was determined using the Brazilian Association of Research Companies questionnaire. Results: Sixteen children were classified as having adequate development, one as risk for developmental delay, and two as probable developmental delay. The socioeconomic level of the families was homogeneous among B1 (26.3%), B2 (26.3%), and C1 (26.3%) classes. Most parents had completed high school. Regarding home affordances, most were classified as excellent (n = 7) or adequate (n = 6). Conclusion: Children attending the daycare centers evaluated in the study exhibited neuropsychomotor development appropriate for their age, had age-appropriate affordances in the home environment, and belonged to the socioeconomic classes B1, B2, and C1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While there have been significant advances in the treatment of conduct disorder (CD), there is still a need to seek and develop therapeutic solutions that can overcome the poor long‐term prognosis. In this evidence‐based research, we evaluated the effect of immediate REACH Forgiveness training on the severity of aggressiveness among adolescents with CD. The purposive sample consisted of 32 Catholics aged 15–18 randomly placed in an experimental or nonintervention control group. Participants in the experimental group were subjected to an immediate REACH Forgiveness session for Christians, which lasted 6 h, while participants in the control group played board games and spent time together in the day care center during this time. The scores obtained by adolescents in the experimental group regarding forgiveness (decisional and emotional) and aggressiveness (anger, physical aggression, verbal aggression, and hostility) improved under REACH Forgiveness training, and these positive effects were still evident 1 month after the intervention (while the control scores did not change in a statistically significant way). The data obtained indicate that the Christian version of REACH can provide important support for other forms of psychopedagogical therapy in adolescent Catholics with CD in reducing aggressive behavior. Practitioner points: The results indicate that the Christian version of REACH forgiveness training may positively impact socio‐emotional functioning in Catholic adolescents with conduct disorder.The study reveals that REACH forgiveness training changes adolescents' decisional and emotional forgiveness with conduct disorder.One 6‐h REACH session appears to be sufficient to reduce anger, physical and verbal aggression, and hostility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to investigate whether using a shared electronic patient record (EPR-Youth) strengthened interprofessional teamwork among professionals in youth care and child healthcare. Using a mixed-methods design, we compared two partly overlapping samples of professionals, who completed questionnaires before the introduction of EPR-Youth (n = 117) and 24 months thereafter (n = 127). Five components of interprofessional teamwork (interdependence, newly created professional activities, flexibility, collective ownership of goals, and reflection on processes) were assessed for this study. Midway through the study period, focus groups were held with 12 professionals to examine how EPR-Youth contributed to interprofessional teamwork. Professionals reported significantly more flexibility after the introduction of EPR-Youth than before. Professionals scored slightly -but not significantly- more positively on the other components of teamwork. Focus group participants reported that using EPR-Youth strengthened their sense of interdependence and collective ownership of goals, and contributed to newly created professional activities. At baseline, levels of interprofessional teamwork differed between organizations. Focus group participants confirmed these differences and attributed them to differences in facilitation of interprofessional teamwork. Our findings suggest that using EPR-Youth can foster interprofessional teamwork. Organizational differences underline that implementing an EPR alone is inadequate: shared definitions of teamwork and organizational facilities are needed to strengthen interprofessional teamwork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The "hygiene hypothesis" states that reduced exposure to microbial antigens due to an excessively hygienic environment can increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases, including atopic disorders and asthma. In recent decades, there has been a progressive decline in the prevalence of numerous microorganisms following improved hygienic‐sanitary conditions. More specifically, several studies reported an inverse association between the reduction in Helicobacter pylori infection and the rise of asthma and allergic disorders. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of atopic disorders in a pediatric population in relation to seropositivity against H. pylori. Methods: Children from Northern Sardinia, Italy, referred to the local Children's Hospital for any reason, were investigated to identify risk factors, especially H. pylori infection, associated with atopic disorders. A validated questionnaire, including demographics, house size, history of breastfeeding, residence, school or daycare center attendance, exposure to animals, and a defined diagnosis of atopy—including asthma—was filled out by a trained pediatrician according to parents' answers and child records. A blood sample was collected from each participant and immunoglobulin G against H. pylori was assessed by a locally validated ELISA test. Results: The seroprevalence of H. pylori infection was 11.7% among 492 children (240 females). Thirty‐two children had a confirmed diagnosis of asthma and 12 of allergy. No one child showed both conditions. Statistically significant differences in H. pylori seropositivity were not detected between children with or without atopy (8.4% vs. 12.6; p = 0.233). Although atopic disorders were more frequent in children exposed to traditional atopic risk factors, none of them showed to be significant after adjusting for all covariates. Conclusions: Serologically assessed H. pylori infection was not significantly associated with a reduced risk of atopic diseases in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the burnout and coping in the work experience of educators-caregivers (ECs) employed in early childhood day-care centers in Israel, given that the interaction between ECs and children is a decisive factor in the quality of care for children. The study included 40 participants and used qualitative-phenomenological and arts-based approaches in both individual and group interviews. Informed by the literature on burnout, feminist theory, and a coping model, we found that while the ECs' strength lay in experiencing childcare as meaningful and rewarding, they lacked enabling working conditions. Specifically, the high number of children per EC, lack of institutional support, and parents' negative attitudes added to their daily stress and eroded their sense of self. In giving voice to the ECs as experts navigating complex realities, this study contributes to the understanding of their burnout and coping from interpersonal and social perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the importance of appropriate mental health care for young people is increasingly acknowledged, the role of the built environment in this context receives little attention. We investigate this role in how children and teenagers experience care at a child psychiatric center. We interviewed them, their parents and caregivers using methods that addressed the young people’s lifeworld and that introduced a spatial dimension. The participants perceive the organically shaped building as a secure base that helps reduce their prejudices against mental health care and that affects their willingness to stay. They especially appreciate places where security is well-balanced with autonomy. A privacy gradient allows retreating and exploring, although the preferred balance and gradient differ among children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a systematic review of childcare interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and their impact on children's outcomes. The review shows that center-based childcare programs, such as daycare, preschool, and kindergarten, have consistently positive effects on mothers' economic activity in LMICs. It also explores the potential positive and negative impacts of childcare interventions on children's development, finding that overall, childcare interventions tend to have a positive impact on early childhood development, although the quality of childcare varies. The review highlights that girls tend to benefit more from childcare programs than boys. The findings contribute to the existing literature on the impact of childcare programs in LMICs, but more research is needed, particularly in understudied regions and for younger children. [Extracted from the article]

The Adopt-A-Daycare Program, designed to address daycare center assessed needs prioritizing those of teachers, children and parents, underwent a three-year impact analysis to evaluate its effectiveness. Utilizing an explanatory sequential research design, the study found a positive impact on beneficiaries and stakeholders. Results indicated increased support for daycare services and professional development opportunities for teachers, as well as enhanced well-being for children and parents. Overall, the program has demonstrated success in meeting its objectives over the initial three-year period, showcasing its efficacy in addressing daycare center needs for all involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the impact of maternal parenting anxiety on young children’s emotional intelligence, as well as the mediating effect of father-child interaction on their relationship. To achieve this, we examined how maternal parenting anxiety is perceived in father-child interaction and elucidated the pathway leading to young children’s emotional intelligence. Methods: The study participants included 372 pairs of mothers and fathers of five-year-old children enrolled in 50 daycare centers located in Seoul and metropolitan areas, and 81 daycare teachers. For data analysis, descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were conducted using SPSS 23.0. The PROCESS macro version 3.4 was used to verify the mediating effect. Results: Firstly, maternal parenting anxiety did not directly affect the children’s emotional intelligence. Second, father-child interaction mediated the relationship between maternal parenting anxiety and children’s emotional intelligence. Based on these results, it was found that low levels of maternal parenting anxiety can induce high levels of children’s emotional intelligence through father-child interaction. Conclusion: Based on these results, it is necessary develop a plan to promote healthy functioning of the mother-father variables influencing young children’s emotional intelligence. In particular, father-child interaction was found to significantly affect children’s emotional intelligence. This indicates that it is possible to alleviate maternal parenting anxiety and enhance positive father-child interaction by improving healthy parenting values and skills and establishing common child-rearing goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Pediatric rehabilitation is fundamentally different from that of adults. Child physiology differs significantly from that of adults, necessitating specialized rehabilitation approaches. Unique injuries and varying metabolic rates underscore the need for tailored care, which changes over the years as the child grows and develops. Waiserberg's paper, "When Everyone is Responsible, No One Takes Responsibility": Exploring Pediatric Physiotherapy Services in Israel," sheds light on a critical issue. While senior practitioners oversee policy implementation and service delivery, practical physiotherapy treatment lacks continuous monitoring. This is a critical issue. Ideally, every child who requires long-term clinical therapeutic interventions to keep up with peers in mobility, communication and cognitive skills should be assessed by specialists several times throughout the school years, and their personalized rehabilitation plan discussed, reviewed, and adjusted according to their progress. The absence of a standardized protocol for overseeing and directing comprehensive rehabilitation plans leaves therapists feeling alone and adrift, whether working in schools or medical settings. Such an assessment would be an opportunity to create a registry, which is currently nonexistent. The collected data would be a priceless resource in policy decision-making and service planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child obesity is a growing global issue. Preventing early development of overweight and obesity requires identifying reliable risk factors for high body mass index (BMI) in children. Child eating behavior might be an important and malleable risk factor that can be reliably assessed with the parent-report Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ). Using a hierarchical dataset (children nested within child care centers) from a representative cohort of Swiss preschool children, we tested whether eating behavior, assessed with a 7-factor solution of the CEBQ, and BMI at baseline predicted the outcome BMI after 1  year, controlling for socioeconomic status (n  =  555; 47% female; mean age  =  3.9  years, range: 2.2–6.6; mean BMI  =  16  kg/m², range: 11.2–23; mean age- and sex-corrected z-transformed BMI, zBMI  =  0.4, range −4 to +4.7). The statistical model explained 65.2% of zBMI at follow-up. Baseline zBMI was a strong positive predictor, uniquely explaining 48.8% of outcome variance. A linear combination of all CEBQ scales, taken together, explained 10.7% of outcome variance. Due to their intercorrelations, uniquely explained variance by any individual scale was of negligible clinical relevance. Only food responsiveness was a significant predictor, when accounting for all other predictors and covariates in the model, and uniquely explained only 0.4% of outcome variance. Altogether, our results confirm, extend, and refine previous research on eating behavior and zBMI in preschool children, by adjusting for covariates, accounting for intercorrelations between predictors, partitioning explained outcome variance, and providing standardized beta estimates. Our findings show the importance of carefully examining the contribution of predictors in multiple regression models for clinically relevant outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Harsh caregiving behavior amongst non-parental daycare-givers is highly prevalent. • No screening tools exist to accurately predict such behavior for prevention purpose. • Using machine learning, we identified an extremely accurate predictive model. • Based on this model, we built an extremely accurate predictive screening tool. • Specifically, the tool has 95.2 % accuracy in predicting harsh caregiving behavior. Harsh Caregiving behavior amongst daycare providers (i.e., non-parental Harsh Caregiving) negatively impacts children's development across a variety of domains. As prevalences of non-parental Harsh Caregiving appear to increase worldwide, identifying its predictors is crucial for screening and intervention. The goal of this study was to identify a set of indicators and predictive rules that may accurately predict women's risk for Harsh Caregiving behavior in daycare environments. The study recruited 75 female non-parental caregivers, from the general population, who work with infants aged 0-1. Caregivers filled out self-report questionnaires including a Harsh Caregiving measure as well as a broad variety of potential predictors. To elucidate combinations of input variables that are predictive of non-parental Harsh Caregiving, we used machine learning Decision Three Inference and CHAID algorithms. Study results revealed a predictive model including 27 questions and four different prediction paths. For example, the first path indicated that women who reported low levels of attention deficit and hyperactivity problems and low levels of rigid-negative caregiving philosophies, had 100 % chance to report low levels of Harsh Caregiving behavior. Overall classification accuracy for "High Harsh Caregiving behavior" was 95.2 %. After replication in larger samples, the model can be used as a screening tool for women expressing their wish to work with infants. Women at risk can either be declined employment or alternatively receive targeted supervision throughout their work with small infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FosterCARE training is a behaviorally based, empirically supported program developed to provide foster parents with skills for interacting effectively with youth (aged 2–18) with trauma histories. In this paper, we suggest that the trauma-informed skills, wide age range, and focus on parent–child interactions inherent within the FosterCARE model could provide a promising foundation to serve LGBTQIA+ foster youth and their families. This article describes potential additions to the FosterCARE model and provides the rationale for the use of a FosterCARE-LGBTQIA+ module. Recommendations for the future pilot testing of the FosterCARE LGBTQIA+ module using an evidence-based framework are included, with limitations discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Educators' preparedness to include children with disability in day-care is key to the success of early childhood inclusion. This study examines the relationship between attitudes and self-efficacy as key predictors of preparedness for inclusion. The study was conducted in Switzerland, a country with a young tradition of inclusive early childhood care and education, (ECEC) but with increasing numbers of children with disability in public day-care facilities. Early childhood educators (N = 214) completed a questionnaire on their feelings, beliefs, self-efficacy, and behavioural intentions. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse paths of effects of participants' background on behavioural intentions. Results show that inclusive ECEC experience, private interactions and training on disability were associated with higher behavioural intentions. This effect was mediated by participants' self-efficacy and their beliefs. General ECEC experience was directly associated with lower behavioural intentions. Implications for research and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research Findings: Childcare provider stress and job satisfaction has been found to influence childcare quality in high-income contexts, but this phenomenon has yet to be studied in a low- or middle-income country. In 2019–2020, we tested the reliability and validity of the Child Care Center Work Environment Scale (CCCWES) with 416 childcare providers in Da Nang and Quang Nam provinces, Vietnam. We assessed content and face validity and utilized item information within each factor to refine the CCCWES. We assessed convergent validity by evaluating the association between the constructs and childcare quality. In this setting, the original 50-item scale could be shortened to a reliable and valid 22-item scale. The scale comprised two factors: workplace stress and job satisfaction. Workplace stress was negatively associated with childcare quality (β=-0.100,95%CI=(−0.198,0.003)). Job satisfaction was positively associated with childcare quality (β = 0.154,95%CI=(0.056,0.251)). Practice or Policy: There is a need to measure work-related stress and job satisfaction among childcare providers in order to appropriately target interventions to reduce stress and to optimize support. We offer programs a short-form instrument that reliably measures childcare providers' workplace stress and job satisfaction in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]