Search Results (26)

Zirconia crowns are employed in pediatric dentistry for the complete restoration of anterior and posterior deciduous teeth. They are considered the best option due to their esthetic appeal, high strength, biocompatibility, and resistance to wear and corrosion. This study aims to evaluate the physico-chemical, cytological, and microbial properties of zirconia crowns to determine their biocompatibility, safety for surrounding tissues, and effectiveness in preventing microbial influence on tooth tissue based on their biofilm deposition potential. XRD measurements were conducted to confirm the crown composition. For the microbiological examination, a quantitative assessment of the adhesion capacity of the analyzed strains and the formation of a mixed biofilm was performed using a Zeiss Cell Observer SD confocal microscope. This study used a mixed biofilm containing Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (ATCC 9595), Candida albicans (ATCC 90028), and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) to simulate the oral environment and the possible dynamics created between different types of microorganisms. A direct contact method was used to assess cytotoxic properties. The zirconia crown biomaterial shows a low ability to adhere to specific microorganisms, with L. rhamnosus predominating, indicating low clinical potential for causing inflammation of the tissues surrounding the crown. The cytotoxic properties of the biomaterial were found to be at level 2, indicating moderate cytotoxicity. Their biggest flaws are price and the need for passive fitting, which involves aggressive grinding; this is a potential limitation when it occurs in children, as their cooperation with the treatment can be difficult to guarantee. Full article

This study aimed to check whether physical signs of children’s presence in the urban space have an impact on sense of safety and preferences. We based the study on an intra- and inter-group design, whereby respondents assessed two types of space: housing estates and green areas. The photos were manipulated to create three scenarios: control (without elements related to children), denotation (spaces supplemented with children’s playgrounds), and connotation (spaces containing elements associated with children). Each scenario was assessed by a separate group of respondents, who were further split between men and women. Analyses have shown that in residential districts, spaces with child-related connotations foster a feeling of safety and enhance the general appeal of the place, especially among women. In turn, direct signs of the presence of children (denotation) have a lesser impact on the positive assessment of the space. In green areas, adding child-related details did not affect women’s feelings but lowered men’s evaluations of safety and preference. The findings suggest that elements associated with children should be used selectively, taking into account the type of space and differences in perception between the sexes. These observations can support the creation of sustainable urban environments: safe and inclusive housing estate and park designs, especially in the context of building cities that foster social integration without exclusions. This is a preliminary study that paves the way for further exploration of the topic. In order to be able to analyse adults’ preferences and safety in more depth, it seems interesting to investigate the shared perception of landscape by children and adults and the possibilities of participatory design of public spaces. Full article

The United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 as a call to “end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity”. The UK-based Science Hunters programme uses Minecraft to engage children with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths. Its Engineering for Sustainable Societies project engaged children from under-represented backgrounds with engineering and the Sustainable Development Goals. We conducted mixed-methods interviews with eleven teachers, with objectives of exploring their needs and views with regard to this opportunity to use Minecraft and engineering to engage their students with the Sustainable Development Goals. Inductive thematic analysis of the qualitative data indicated that teachers were interested in the appeal and creativity of Minecraft, opportunities to creatively learn about and explore engineering at various ages, and real-world relevancy. Access barriers and the unlimited nature of the game were concerns. They felt that students would gain greater understanding of sustainability and what they can do, and deep exploration of the topic at their own level. Overall, it was felt that engineering and the Sustainable Development Goals, explored in Minecraft, could give children the opportunity to think about the future of the world they live in. Full article

Background: Interventions within preschool settings have gained prominence due to the need to increase physical activity (PA) in early childhood. We first developed a 10-week preschool-based behaviour change intervention, guided by the UK Medical Research Council’s framework for complex interventions. We then conducted a cluster feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) among young children. Aim: This process evaluation was embedded within the cluster feasibility RCT and aimed to assess the acceptability of the 10-week IAAH intervention among both preschool staff and parents. Methods: The study utilised a mixed method, involving post-intervention questionnaires completed by preschool staff (n = 4) and children’s parents/caregivers (n = 9) and focus groups with preschool staff (n = 3) and parents/caregivers (n = 7). Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS to calculate acceptability scores, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis using NVivo 12. Results: The intervention was well-received, with preschool staff reporting a 94.5% acceptability rate (mean score of 10.4 out of 11) and parents/caregivers indicating an 86% acceptance rate (mean score of 5.2 out of 6). Thematic analysis of focus group discussions revealed facilitators to intervention delivery, such as user-friendly materials and alignment with preschool curricula, and identified barriers, including time constraints, spatial limitations, and policy conflicts. Parental engagement was hindered by time restrictions, although the intervention materials were praised for their clarity and visual appeal. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the IAAH programme was acceptable to both preschool staff and parents. However, the identified barriers to intervention delivery and engagement should be addressed in the planning of a future cluster RCT to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention. Full article

Media campaigns can reduce or promote the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Brief, US-based English-language online messages were gathered from searchable media platforms, a process that yielded 112 anti-SSB videos and 29 pro-SSB commercials. Using a combination of inductive and deductive methods, a content analysis of those messages was conducted to identify their properties. They were coded for the direction (pro vs. anti), target of the advocacy (e.g., consumption vs. policy), actor demographics (gender, age, and ethnicity), persuasive theme (e.g., excessive sugar, nurturing), and message sensation value. Anti-SSB appeals primarily targeted individual-level consumption behavior. They utilized six persuasive themes and often included more than one theme in a single message. Pro-SSB messages used feel-good themes and utilized only one theme per message. The proportions of adults, adolescents, and children differed by the direction of the advocacy. Black, Hispanic, and Asian actors were under-represented in the anti-SSB sample relative to Whites. Pro-SSB appeals were slightly higher than anti-SSB appeals in message sensation value (p = 0.09). The findings illuminate the message features that characterize the universe of brief anti-SSB appeals available online, highlight messaging disparities, and reveal the absence of certain common, effective persuasive themes. Full article

This chapter evaluates how South Africa approaches and applies certain aspects of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, the challenges it faces, and how it submits proposals to improve its application. The SA courts are the upper guardians of children in terms of the common law and uphold the best interests of the child as a paramount principle. The Chief Family Advocate (“FA”) has been appointed as the Central Authority (“CA”) and falls under the Department of Justice and Correctional Services. The Chief Liaison Judge is based in the Appeal Court and has appointed Liaison Judges in the Provincial Divisions. How SA approaches international child abduction, and applies the HC, is explored. SA has a rich jurisprudence around the practical application of the HC. The procedure in these matters; the general rules and exceptions; the voice, representation and participation of the child; and the approach to children’s best interests and measures to protect their interests are evaluated. SA’s approach in regard to HC matters could be improved. How the challenges of an independent best-interests factor, outcomes veering away from the return principles, the FA’s compromised role as the CA, and the delays in outcomes prejudice the HC’s philosophy and the application thereof are considered. Recommendations are made for the acceleration of proceedings, more certainty in the consideration of Article 13 defences incorporating protective measures in return orders, further clarity from courts or the implementation of practice directives in these matters, the use of mediation, and further guidelines/directives to be provided. Given the importance of the HC in international child abduction matters, hopefully the aims and purposes of the HC can be fully realised in SA’s future. Full article

Objective: Sugary drink consumption is associated with adverse health outcomes in children, highlighting the need for scalable family interventions that address barriers to water consumption. To inform development of a scalable, health-care-system-based intervention targeting family beverage choice, a formative qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with parents whose children were identified as over-consuming sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and/or fruit juice (FJ). The first goal of these interviews was to understand, in a diverse real-world patient population, what parents viewed as the primary drivers of their family’s beverage choices, and explore how these drivers might need to be addressed in order to make changes to beverage consumption. A second goal was to explore parental preferences for planned intervention components. An exploratory goal of the interviews was to examine whether knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs around family beverage choice differed across racial and ethnic groups in this sample. Design: Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted and interviews audio-recorded and transcribed. Participants: 39 parents/caregivers of children ages 1–8 who over-consumed sugary drinks as determined by screenings at pediatric visits. Phenomenon of Interest: Parents were interviewed about family beverage choices and preferences to inform development of a multi-component intervention. Analysis: Thematic analysis was performed, including comparison of themes across racial/ethnic groups. Results: Parents expressed that sugary drinks were unhealthy and water was a better alternative. Most were familiar with the health consequences of excess sugar consumption. They identified many reasons why sugary drinks are chosen over water despite this knowledge. One common reason was concern about tap water safety. Few differences were noted across racial and ethnic groups in our sample. Parents were enthusiastic about a technology-based intervention to be delivered through their child’s doctor’s office. Conclusions and Implications: Knowledge is not enough to change behavior. Beverage interventions need to be easy to access, make water more appealing, and elevate beverage choice above the “white noise” of everyday life. Delivering an intervention in a clinical setting could provide an extra level of care, while technology would reduce the amount of live contact and decrease the burden for clinicians and parents. Full article

(1) Background: Immunological laboratory testing is known to be complex, and it is usually performed in tertiary referral centers. Many criticalities affect diagnostic immunological testing, such as limited availability, the need for specifically trained laboratory staff, and potential difficulties in collecting blood samples, especially in the most vulnerable patients, i.e., the elderly and children. For this reason, the identification of a new feasible and reliable methodology for autoantibody detection is urgently needed. (2) Methods: We designed a systematic review to investigate the available literature on the utilization of saliva samples for immunological testing. (3) Results: A total of 170 articles were identified. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria, accounting for 1059 patients and 671 controls. The saliva collection method was mostly represented by passive drooling (11/18, 61%), and the most frequently described methodology for antibody detection was ELISA (12/18, 67%). The analysis included 392 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 161 with systemic lupus erythematosus, 131 with type 1 diabetes mellitus, 116 with primary biliary cholangitis, 100 with pemphigus vulgaris, 50 with bullous pemphigoids, 49 with Sjogren syndrome, 39 with celiac disease, 10 with primary antiphospholipid syndromes, 8 with undifferentiated connective tissue disease, 2 with systemic sclerosis, and 1 with autoimmune thyroiditis. The majority of the reviewed studies involved adequate controls, and saliva testing allowed for a clear distinction of patients (10/12 studies, 83%). More than half of the papers showed a correlation between saliva and serum results (10/18, 55%) for autoantibody detection, with varying rates of correlation, sensitivity, and specificity. Interestingly, many papers showed a correlation between saliva antibody results and clinical manifestations. (4) Conclusions: Saliva testing might represent an appealing alternative to serum-based testing for autoantibody detection, considering the correspondence with serum testing results and the correlation with clinical manifestations. Nonetheless, standardization of sample collection processing, maintenance, and detection methodology has yet to be fully addressed. Full article

(1) Background: There is no specific treatment for concussion in modern medicine, and existing treatment is only limited to resting and restoring cognition. For centuries, Mongolians have used traditional Mongolian medicine (TMM) methods to treat a variety of diseases such as Baria zasal. In this study, we aimed to explore the treatment parents and guardians seek when their children have suffered a concussion. (2) Methods: In this study, we used an online questionnaire. The study participants (n = 400) were randomly selected parents and guardians. The definition of bariachi is an advanced practitioner of baria zasal, which covers most of the massage therapy techniques mentioned in this study. (3) Results: In total, 72% of the parents and guardians went to a bariachi when their children suffered a concussion, while only 10.3% chose western medical hospitals. When asked what they did after the initial treatment was not effective, 47.8% of the participants responded that they went to the bariachi. Based on the days of treatment result, 11.8% reported on the beneficial effects of the treatment appearing in one day, and 60.3% in 1–3 days, which shows that the participants suffered a healing effect of the baria zasal shortly after application to their children. In the regression analysis, visiting a Bariachi was independent of age, gender, or even religion. (4) Conclusions: Although Western medicine is highly developed in Mongolia, the baria zasal of TMM has not lost its appeal in treating concussion. This suggests that baria zasal could be a unique method of concussion treatment even today. This also suggests that the techniques of Baria zasal should be further studied, and as in modern medicine. Full article

Corporal punishment remains the most common form of violence against children in Canada. Along with being legally permitted, it is made socially acceptable through cultural and social norms often disguised as discipline. Paraphrases of Judeo-Christian sacred texts such as “spare the rod; spoil the child” have been widely used to justify corporal punishment, and to create norms around the idea that it is a god-given responsibility of parents to inflict corporal punishment on their children “for their own good.” Corporal punishment is then not only an acceptable part of raising children but can be a godly duty. Though Canada is a secular country, this social norm provides a moral hegemony under which violence becomes the status quo and has proven very difficult to change. In this commentary, we outline the ways that Christian religion has contributed to social norms around corporal punishment. We then argue that religious leaders have an opportunity—and moral responsibility—to contribute to change. We conclude with insights from social norms theory and offer evidence-based recommendations for ways forward that could help shift attitudes around corporal punishment in order to decrease its prevalence and harm. While each of these issues has been written about extensively in isolation, this commentary offers an analysis of these matters together under one umbrella. By making this relationship between Christianity and the social norms that propagate corporal punishment more visible, we draw attention to the role leaders in Christian churches could play in disrupting the social acceptance of violence against our youngest Canadian citizens. We provide a practical and evidence-based framework, rationale, and appeal to Canadian faith leaders to use their influence to add momentum to a critical health, rights—and religion—issue in Canada. Full article

During the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly fewer of New York City’s (NYC’s) 1.1 million public school children participated in emergency grab-and-go meals—heightening the risk of inadequate nutrition security for many of NYC’s most vulnerable residents. This study sought to examine student families’ facilitators and barriers to participation in the grab-and-go meal service and their experiences with pandemic-electronic benefit transfer (P-EBT) funds, a cash benefit distributed when schools were closed. We recruited 126 parents of children in NYC public schools who had participated in the grab-and-go service. Using opened-ended questions, we interviewed 101 parents in 25 1-h online focus groups. We identified four main themes which broadly impacted school meal participation: communication, logistics, meal appeal, and personal circumstances. Key facilitating subthemes included clear communication, ease of accessing sites, and high variety. Key sub-themes negatively impacting participation included limited communication and low meal variety. Accurate, timely communication; easily accessible distribution locations; and convenient distribution times could have increased participation and satisfaction. For P-EBT, parents welcomed the funds and used them readily, but some experienced difficulties obtaining payments. The simultaneous inclusion of community-based research in the evaluation of emergency feeding programs could improve future outcomes for school meal participation and electronic benefits. Full article

The use of serious games may be an appealing and complementary way to motivate curriculum-based social and emotional learning (SEL); still, investigation into this potential usefulness is scarce. This study aims to address the usefulness of serious games within the program ‘Me and Us of Emotions’. Specifically, we analyzed the differences in children’s satisfaction in sessions that did or did not use serious games as a complement to the intervention, explored the contribution of using serious games to the global satisfaction with the program, and explored children’s qualitative feedback regarding the sessions. The participants were 232 children (122 boys and 110 girls) aged between 8 and 12 years old (M = 9.09, SD = 0.80). The measures were based on the subjective appraisals of the sessions made by the participating children, including quantitative and qualitative assessments of the degree of satisfaction of the participants. The results showed that there were similar levels of satisfaction with the sessions that did or did not use serious games as a complement to the program. However, only satisfaction with the sessions that used serious games (and not satisfaction with the sessions that did not use them) contributed significantly to explaining both the enjoyment of the activities and the interest in the subjects. Satisfaction with serious games was significantly and positively associated with fun, easiness, ability to understand the session, and ability to cope with emotions. Qualitative analysis showed three main themes, namely: positive aspects, negative aspects, and opportunities for improvement of the program. Overall, these results indicate that children’s satisfaction with the ‘Me and Us of Emotions’ program is related to serious games, suggesting the relevance of using this complementary tool more often when intervening with younger generations. Full article

Food packaging marketing techniques which appeal to children (such as cartoon characters and brand mascots) affect children’s choices, preferences, and eating habits. Several studies have assessed the nutritional quality of food intended to children in various countries and concluded that most were high in fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) and ultra-processed foods. The aim of this study is to analyse products intended for children over the age of 3 (foods and beverages with relevant marketing elements on the packaging) available on the French market as regards: (1) nutritional quality, based on the Nutri-Score labelling system, (2) compliance with expected nutritional profile suitable for children, according to the criteria of the WHO Europe Nutrient Profile Model, and (3) degree of processing, as defined by the NOVA classification, from packaging collected in 20 stores (hyper/supermarkets, hard-discount retail chains, and organic food stores). The marketing strategies most often used on children’s products are cartoons (97.22%; n = 1120) and mascots (77.78%; n = 896). A total of 1155 products were included in the study, most of which were sugary foods: almost a quarter of the products in the sample (23.81%; n = 275) list a sweetener as the first ingredient, and most of them (89.52%; n = 1034) contain free sugars according to the WHO definition. All the products included in our study feature marketing elements targeting on the packaging, yet 94.88% do not meet the criteria of the WHO Europe Nutrient Profile Model. Most (58.68%; n = 676) belong to Nutri-Score groups D and E, with the highest proportion in group D (39.32%; n = 453) and are ultra-processed (87.97%; n = 1016), especially through the use of flavourings and ultra-processed sugars. Using the Nutri-Score, the WHO Europe Nutrient Profile Model, and the NOVA classification, this study suggests that a significant share of pre-packaged foods marketed to children do not have an adequate nutritional profile. As such, measures are needed to regulate what marketing elements aimed at children can be included on packaging, based on these criteria. Full article

Children’s vegetable intake is too low, and a key barrier to the inadequate intake is low acceptance. To facilitate successful development of new vegetable-based products for children, a sensory science approach to product development has been taken. A new theoretical model is proposed, the CAMPOV model: Children’s Acceptance Model for Product development of Vegetables. The model is informed by scientific literature and considers biological, psychological, and situational, and intrinsic and extrinsic product factors relevant to children’s acceptance of vegetables, with a focus on modifiable factors at the product level. Simultaneously, 14 new vegetable-based product concepts for children were developed and evaluated through focus groups with 5–8-year-olds (n = 36) as a proof-of-concept evaluation of the model. Children had high interest in six of the concepts. Factors identified from the literature that positively associated with the children’s interest in the concepts included bright colours, bite-sized pieces, good taste, fun eating experience, and familiarity. The CAMPOV model and proof-of-concept evaluation results can guide further sensory and consumer research to increase children’s acceptance of food products containing vegetables, which will in turn provide further insights into the validity of the model. The food industry can use the model as a framework for development of new products for children with high sensory appeal. Full article

There is no standardized or validated definition or measure of “child-appeal” used in food and beverage marketing policy or research, which can result in heterogeneous outcomes. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to develop and validate the child-appealing packaging (CAP) coding tool, which measures the presence, type, and power of child-appealing marketing on food packaging based on the marketing techniques displayed. Children (n = 15) participated in a mixed-methods validation study comprising a binary classification (child-appealing packaging? Yes/No) and ranking (order of preference/marketing power) activity using mock breakfast cereal packages (quantitative) and focus group discussions (qualitative). The percent agreement, Cohen’s Kappa statistic, Spearman’s Rank correlation, and cross-classification analyses tested the agreement between children’s and the CAP tool’s evaluation of packages’ child-appeal and marketing power (criterion validity) and the content analysis tested the relevance of the CAP marketing techniques (content validity). There was an 80% agreement, and “moderate” pairwise agreement (κ [95% CI]: 0.54 [0.35, 0.73]) between children/CAP binary classifications and “strong” correlation (r_s [95% CI]: 0.78 [0.63, 0.89]) between children/CAP rankings of packages, with 71.1% of packages ranked in the exact agreement. The marketing techniques included in the CAP tool corresponded to those children found pertinent. Pilot results suggest the criterion/content validity of the CAP tool for measuring child-appealing marketing on packaging in accordance with children’s preferences. Full article