Search Results (3,330)

Pediatric asthma and allergic rhinitis are prevalent chronic inflammatory diseases ruled by complex interactions among genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. Zinc, an essential trace element, plays a crucial role in immune modulation, oxidative stress regulation, and epithelial barrier maintenance, all of which are significant in the context of allergic airway diseases. This review aimed to explore and synthesize current evidence on the biological mechanisms and clinical implications of zinc in pediatric asthma and allergic rhinitis. A comprehensive literature search was conducted through PubMed and the Cochrane Library for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Eligible studies included observational and interventional research focused on zinc status or supplementation in children with asthma or allergic rhinitis. Numerous observational studies and meta-analyses indicated reduced circulating zinc levels in children with asthma, often correlating with poor symptom control, increased oxidative stress, and lower pulmonary function. In allergic rhinitis, zinc depletion in nasal mucosa was associated with elevated local inflammation, although paradoxical increases in zinc concentrations have been observed in nasal secretions during active disease. Interventional trials in pediatric asthma populations showed that zinc supplementation may improve clinical symptoms, reduce inflammation, and enhance lung function, although the results were inconsistent and limited by methodological variability. In conclusion, zinc plays a multifactorial role in modulating immune responses and maintaining mucosal health in pediatric allergic airway diseases. While zinc supplementation holds promise as a safe and accessible adjunctive therapy, further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to define its clinical utility and establish evidence-based guidelines. Full article

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents unique challenges in social interaction, communication and emotional regulation. Recent research has explored the potential influence of anime consumption among children with ASD, and the current findings suggest both beneficial and adverse effects. This review examines the role of anime in fostering social learning, emotional resilience, and cognitive engagement while also addressing concerns regarding its cultivation of social withdrawal, unrealistic expectations, and over-reliance on fictional narratives. By analyzing existing literature, this paper provides insights into the nuanced relationship between anime and ASD, highlighting the possibility that patterns of engagement may be associated with both positive and negative outcomes. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for parents, educators, and clinicians seeking to support the well-being and development of children with ASD. Full article

Background: The varied shape and size of the sphenoid sinuses result in a highly variable degree of extension, described in different ways in the literature. The aim of the study was to create the authors’ classification of the sphenoid sinus extensions into the sphenoid bone processes. Methods: The study was retrospective, based on the results of head CT scans. The study group comprised 432 children, aged from birth to 18 years. Three types of sphenoid sinus extension into the sphenoid bone processes were proposed. Pneumatization of the lesser wing (type I), of the greater wing (type II), and of the pterygoid process (type III). Three subtypes were defined for each type. Pneumatization of the lesser wing in relation to the optic canal: only above (Ia), only below (Ib), and simultaneously above and below (Ic). Pneumatization of the greater wing in relation to the foramen rotundum: only above (IIa), only below (IIb), and simultaneously above and below (IIc). Pneumatization of the pterygoid process in relation to the pterygoid canal: only laterally (IIIa), only medially (IIIb), and simultaneously laterally and medially (IIIc). Results: Pneumatization of the lesser wings was observed in 19.44%, of the greater wings in 36.11%, and of the pterygoid processes in 25.00 of % children. As a result of the analysis conducted in accordance with the proposed classification, bilateral pneumatization of the lesser wings (type I), greater wings (type II), and pterygoid processes (type III) were found to occur more frequently than unilateral pneumatization. In the case of rare subtypes (Ia, Ic, IIa, Iic, or IIIb), a given subtype was observed to occur more frequently unilaterally. Conclusions: In the conducted analysis, we presented the authors’ classification of sphenoid sinus extensions into the sphenoid bone processes. Full article

Accurately discerning the authenticity of facial expressions is crucial for inferring others’ psychological states and behavioral intentions, particularly in shaping interpersonal trust dynamics among elementary school children. While existing literature remains inconclusive regarding school-aged children’s capability to differentiate between genuine and posed facial expressions, this study employed happy and sad facial stimuli to systematically evaluate their discrimination accuracy. Parallel to behavioral measures, children’s gaze patterns during authenticity judgments were recorded using eye-tracking technology. Results revealed that participants demonstrated higher accuracy in identifying genuine versus posed happy expressions, whereas discrimination of sad expressions proved more challenging, especially among lower-grade students. Overall, facial expression recognition accuracy exhibited a positive correlation with grade progression, with visual attention predominantly allocated to the Eye-region. Notably, no grade-dependent differences emerged in region-specific gaze preferences. These findings suggest that school-aged children display emotion-specific recognition competencies, while improvements in accuracy operate independently of gaze strategy development. Full article

The purpose of this study is to explore the extent to which self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and stress experienced during childhood may contribute to the development of disordered eating behaviors in adulthood. The existing literature indicates that disordered eating habits are positively associated with symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression, and low self-esteem. However, most research focuses on the concurrent relationships among these variables rather than examining whether low self-esteem and poor mental health in childhood can influence the emergence of disordered eating behaviors later in life. An online quantitative survey was conducted using questionnaires completed by 135 participants aged between 30 and 70 years. The results revealed that low self-esteem and high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress during childhood were associated with increased disordered eating behaviors in adulthood. These findings suggest that negative self-perceptions and poor mental health in childhood have lasting effects that extend into adulthood. This knowledge can be valuable for psychologists, mental health professionals, parents, and schools in designing intervention programs aimed at enhancing children’s and adolescents’ self-esteem, promoting good mental health, and fostering healthy eating habits. Full article

Infants are at a higher risk of heat-related morbidity and mortality compared to children and adults. However, it remains unclear whether this vulnerability stems from immature thermoregulatory mechanisms or simply from their dependence on caregivers. This narrative review examines current literature on infant thermoregulation during heat exposure and explores how unique physiological characteristics may influence vulnerability. Key differences in infants compared to older individuals include their larger surface area-to-mass ratio, which (1) facilitates heat dissipation when skin temperature exceeds ambient temperature, but compromises heat loss in reversed conditions, and (2) likely enables a large portion of an infant’s blood volume to shift to the skin, promoting heat loss but reducing blood volume in the central circulation. Infants also have a relatively high metabolic heat production. Additionally, their lower sweat output per gland may represent either a limitation or a different thermoregulatory strategy. Contrary to common assumptions, most components of infants’ thermoregulatory system do not appear inherently immature; rather, their distinct physiological characteristics—combined with their reliance on caregivers—shape how and when heat exposure may become harmful. Nevertheless, further research is needed to better understand how these interacting factors influence infants’ ability to maintain stable core temperature. Meanwhile, coordinated efforts by caregivers, health professionals, and policymakers are essential to minimize infants’ heat-related health risks. Full article

Using data on the children of the respondents who participated in Wave IV (2008) and Wave V (2016–2018) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, we estimate the effect of long-term exposure to ozone (O₃) and particulate matter 2.5 (PM_2.5) on diagnoses of allergies and asthma in adolescence and young adulthood. Estimates from individual-level fixed-effect models with time-varying controls show that exposure to PM_2.5 and O₃ is associated with higher likelihood of asthma and allergies in females at younger ages (10–12 years old) and allergies in males at older ages (13 years old and above). These findings are novel and contribute to the growing body of literature exploring gender and age differences in susceptibility to asthma and allergies. Full article

The Montessori method was originally developed from an examination of children with cognitive disabilities. Numerous studies have explored the application of Montessori principles with typically developing children and adolescents across different educational settings. However, despite its original interest in children with cognitive disabilities, there has been a limited number of systematic reviews specifically addressing its impact on these children. We conducted a systematic review of quantitative research based on a search of the literature on the effects of the Montessori educational approach in teaching academic and non-academic skills to children and young people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) and autism. A search was conducted of seven bibliographic databases: Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Ebscohost, Proquest, and Scopus, until 31 October 2024. We identified 7165 reports, 3 of which meet the inclusion criteria for the review. The selected studies reported improvements in the areas investigated, including motor skills, perceptual abilities, cognitive development, and self-care, confirming the effectiveness of the Montessori methodology. Although there are few experimental studies available, these findings provide valuable operational insights. They suggest that we can return to the roots of the method, which was originally designed for children with mental disorders. An experimental approach to this time-honored method could enhance its application in neurodevelopmental disorders, maximizing autonomy and inclusion while improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Full article

Although Kawasaki disease (KD) has been known since 1967, when it was first described by Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki, the literature indicates that its etiology—similarly to Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)—remains largely unclear and is the subject of intensive research. The former disease, which typically occurs shortly after infection, is the most common cause of primary vasculitis in children worldwide. The latter—MIS-C, associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection—is characterized by involvement of at least two organ systems. Undoubtedly, both diseases exhibit heightened immune system activity and significant inflammation. In recent years, increasing attention has been directed towards alterations in the microbiota observed in affected patients. We undertake an analysis and systematic review of the current scientific findings in this field. We emphasize the role of the microbiome—which encompasses not only bacteria but also viruses, fungi, parasites, and archaea—in health and disease. We track its composition from birth and highlight factors influencing its diversity, such as the mode of delivery. We recognize the microbiome’s role in reducing the likelihood of allergic diseases in children and its interactions with the immune system. In addition to comparing the pathomechanisms and clinical manifestations of KD and MIS-C, also known as Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS), we investigate microbiota alterations in these conditions and analyze potential applications of microbiome knowledge, for example, in identifying diagnostic markers. We also point out potential directions for future research, such as the use of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in MIS-C and the long-term changes in the gut microbiota associated with these diseases, which remain poorly documented and currently represent significant gaps in knowledge. Full article

(1) Background: Aimed at improving school children’s motor, social, emotional, and cognitive competence (CC), the effects of physical activity (PA) have been widely investigated. However, investigations into the effects of PA during Physical Education (PE) on children’s CC have only been subject to growing interest among researchers in recent years. To bring it, the present article aims to systematically summarize the PE intervention programs whose effects on school children’s CC have been evaluated through a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. (2) Methods: This systematic review follows the PRISMA guidelines and has been registered in PROSPERO: CRD420251083924. A systematic literature search was conducted across four electronic databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and ProQuest Central. The articles were included based on the following inclusion criteria: (i) primary education children, (ii) children practicing PE, (iii) outcomes related to CC, and (iv) articles providing evaluations through RCTs. The quality assessment of all included articles was performed using the PEDro scale. (3) Results: Out of 219 initially identified studies, 25 met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized qualitatively. (4) Conclusions: The main outcomes highlighted that PE has a positive effect on primary school children’s cognitive ability, including attention, creativity, memory, academic performance, and inhibitory control. Thus, elementary school teachers are encouraged to implement these intervention programs to foster children’s CC. However, different types of interventions should be analyzed to highlight their effects on different variables of CC. Full article

Background: Primary probing of the nasolacrimal duct remains the first-line surgical intervention for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) in infants and young children. However, age-dependent success rates have been less thoroughly investigated. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the age-related success rates of primary probing in children with CNLDO. Methods: Systematic literature searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar in May 2025. A random-effects model was applied to estimate the overall success rate, while sensitivity analyses and publication bias assessments were performed to explore sources of variability. All statistical analyses were carried out using the “meta” and “metafor” packages in RStudio. Results: This meta-analysis reveals age-stratified success rates of primary probing for CNLDO: the highest pooled success rate occurred in infants aged 0–6 months (90.67%, I² = 81%, p < 0.01), with procedures under general anesthesia achieving 95.42% (I² = 50%; p = 0.11) efficacy. Success rates remained favorable in the 6–12 month group (85.18%, I² = 86%, p < 0.01 overall; 89.60% with general anesthesia) but declined progressively thereafter (82.34%, I² = 78%, p < 0.01 at 12–24 months). While a modest rebound occurred in the 24–48 month group (85.33%, I² = 69%, p < 0.01), the oldest cohort (48+ months) demonstrated markedly reduced efficacy (63.47%, I² = 66%, p = 0.05), despite exclusive use of general anesthesia. Conclusion: Primary probing yields the most favorable outcomes when conducted before 12 months of age, particularly under general anesthesia. Nonetheless, the overall certainty of evidence is low—mainly due to variability across studies—which should be taken into account in clinical decision-making. Full article

In her aim to establish education as a scientifically grounded discipline—conceived as “an experimental science” in her non-fictional treatise Practical Education (1798)—Maria Edgeworth pioneered the integration of literary attention into educational practice. This paper examines her use of different short prose forms as a means of cultivating attentional capacities in young children and adolescents, while simultaneously providing educators with adaptable tools for designing exercises targeted to varying levels of attentiveness. Through close analysis of two narratives, “The Purple Jar” and “The Good French Governess”, we argue that Edgeworth’s short stories and tales experiment with various degrees of (narrative) complexity to foster the development of two key attentional habits, the transition of thought and the abstraction of attention, both essential for navigating everyday environments. Our findings suggest that Edgeworth’s literary experiments not only contribute to our understanding of attentional affordances of different short fiction forms and help advance knowledge about literature and cognition; they also underscore the pedagogical potential of “attention narratives” in educational contexts. Full article

Background: Water beads are estimated to have caused >8000 emergency department (ED) visits from 2017 to 2022. Lethality after ingestion has been reported. The literature to guide management is scarce. We aimed to characterize three notable cases of water bead ingestions. Methods: We report the patient’s presentations, diagnostic modalities, clinical courses, intervention(s) required, and outcomes of the three children who ingested water beads. Results: All patients (ages 8 months–36 months old) presented to the ED with concern for water bead ingestion. Two developed clinical small bowel obstruction and required laparotomy—both required repeat laparotomy after further expansion of previously missed beads. The third patient ingested dozens of water beads but did not develop an obstruction or require surgery. X-rays, cross-sectional imaging, and ultrasounds were employed with variable results. Conclusions: While variable bead expansion rates can necessitate multiple interventions in some children, older children may be less prone to obstructing after water bead ingestion. This case series demonstrates the variability in presentation, management, and outcome of an increasingly common pediatric surgical problem. Full article

The treatment of shoulder dysplasia resulting from brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) remains a matter of debate within pediatric orthopedic and neurosurgical communities. Various approaches have been proposed to address the muscular imbalance and joint incongruity that develop in affected children, with special attention paid to the roles of humeral head reduction and tendon transfers. Background/Objectives: These procedures aim to correct the disproportionate strength between internal and external rotators of the shoulder. However, the specific contribution of skeletal procedures such as glenoid osteotomy to restoring shoulder mechanics remains controversial. Glenoid osteotomy, a technique that involves surgically reorienting the glenoid cavity, is hypothesized to promote better containment of the humeral head and allow more physiological joint development. On one hand, altering the glenoid axis could enhance joint congruency and facilitate remodeling during growth. On the other hand, there is limited evidence supporting its efficacy and safety. Methods: This review aims to assess the available literature to determine whether glenoid osteotomy represents a safe and effective procedure for patients with BPBI-associated shoulder dysplasia. A comprehensive literature search yielded 1380 titles. After excluding studies focused on adults and those failing to meet inclusion criteria, only three studies were selected for final analysis. Due to the limited data and variability in study design, no statistical meta-analysis could be performed. Results: Findings suggest that glenoid osteotomy, particularly when combined with tendon transfers, may lead to improvements in shoulder abduction and external rotation. However, outcomes are often difficult to interpret in isolation, and the specific benefits attributable to the osteotomy remain unclear. The lack of standardized imaging, follow-up, and scoring systems limits the strength of current conclusions. Conclusions: Further multicenter, prospective studies are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of glenoid osteotomy, its role in skeletal remodeling, and its contribution to overall shoulder stability and function. Such studies would help clarify the true potential of this surgical technique in the broader context of BPBI treatment. Full article

Conventional melanoma is exceedingly rare in the pediatric population, particularly among prepubescent children, and its diagnosis and management necessitate a multidisciplinary approach. The objective of this present report is to delineate the diagnostic pathway and therapeutic management of a 4-year-old girl with conventional melanoma, with particular focus on the molecular context. A pigmented lesion located on the auricle was surgically excised, and subsequent histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the diagnosis of malignant melanoma (pT3b). Radiologic investigations revealed no evidence of metastatic disease, and comprehensive genetic testing utilizing next-generation sequencing (NGS) identified no pathogenic variants in the germline genes examined, nor in the BRAF, NRAS, KRAS, and TP53 genes within the excised lesion. The patient remains in good general health. This case report adds to the limited body of literature on melanoma in pediatric patients and underscores the importance of thorough diagnostic evaluation in this age group. Full article