Children with Different Levels of Hope: Are There Differences in Their Self-esteem, Life Satisfaction, Social Support, and Family Cohesion?

The purpose of the present study was to compare children with different levels of hope on measures of life satisfaction, self-esteem, family cohesion, and social support. Two hundred and ninety-eight children filled out measures of hope, life satisfaction, self-esteem, family cohesion, and perceived social support. The results revealed no age or gender differences in hope. A hierarchical cluster analysis was preformed on the Children’s Hope Scale scores (Snyder et al. Journal of Pediatric Psychology 22(3):399–421, 1997). Results from a cluster analysis placed children into either a low- or high-hope group. In line with the predictions of hope theory, children with high hope were more satisfied with their life and had higher self-esteem when compared to children with low hope. Additionally, children with high hope, when compared to children with low hope, reported greater support from others and higher level of family cohesion. The usefulness of children’s hope as a positive indicator that differentiates children on various measures is explored in this paper.     

Exercise in Hypertensive Children and Adolescents: Any Harm Done?

Hypertensive children and adolescents are frequently arbitrarily excluded from sports or exercise because of the fear of possible complications, such as stroke or myocardial infarction. No hypertensive children have had exercise-related morbidity or mortality in the reviewed literature. No restriction from dynamic exercise seems warranted; training has led to reductions in blood pressure in hypertensive youth. Isometric exercise is more hotly debated. Because no complications of exercise have been reported, the author prefers to allow participation if no target organ damage is present. Life-long maintenance of habitual physical activity may help prevent adult-onset essential hypertension.     

Immunolocalization of Transforming Growth Factor α and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Lungs of Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Transforming growth factor α (TGF-α) is expressed in respiratory epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages during development and following lung injury. In the present study, the presence and sites of synthesis of TGF-α and its receptor, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R), were assessed in lung tissue from patients with severe lung disease caused by cystic fibrosis (CF). Lung sections from 24 individuals with CF, obtained at the time of lung transplantation, were compared to lung sections from five lung donors without CF. Cellular sites of TGF-α, EGF-R, and cellular sites of proliferation were assessed by immunohistochemistry. All CF lung sections contained multiple cell types with detectable TGF-α. Compared to control sections, intensity of TGF-α immunostaining in macrophages, airway epithelial cells, and peribronchial submucosal cells was increased. EGF-R was detected in respiratory epithelial and peribronchial stromal cells but not in alveolar macrophages. The intensity of EGF-R staining in CF lung tissue did not differ from that of controls. An increased number of cells expressing Ki-67 nuclear antigen was detected in peribronchial submucosal cells but not bronchiolar epithelial cells in the CF lungs. The increased expression of TGF-α in CF lung tissue supports the concept that TGF-α plays a role in paracrine/autocrine regulation of lung remodeling associated with injury and repair in the lungs of individuals with cystic fibrosis.     

Low Vitamin D Levels: Are Associated with Both Iron Deficiency and Anemia in Children and Adolescents?

We have read, with great interest, the recent article by Lee. In this excellent study, the authors investigated the association between vitamin D deficiency and anemia in a nationally representative sample of Korean children and adolescents. They concluded that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of anemia, especially iron deficiency anemia, in healthy female children and adolescents. We appreciate and congratulate the authors for having addressed such an important issue. However, we have some concerns regarding this report, which we would like to share with you. As a result, further studies are needed for the association between vitamin D deficiency and anemia. Factors affecting Vitamin D status and anemia such as measurement method, nutrition, medications, and infections should be considered to conclude an association between vitamin D and anemia. Therefore, we think that considering these confounders would add value to this well-written article.     

Evaluation of an Occupational Therapy Mentorship Program: Effects on Therapists’ Skills and Family-Centered Behavior

ABSTRACT

There is growing interest in understanding the usefulness of mentorship programs for children's rehabilitation service providers. This evaluation study examined the effects of an occupational therapy mentorship program on the skills and behaviors of 8 new and 17 experienced occupational therapists practicing at a regional children's rehabilitation center. Self- and peer-report measures of family-centered behavior, critical thinking ability, listening/interactive communication skill, and clinical behavior were collected before and after an 11-month facilitated, collaborative group mentorship intervention. Significant pre–post changes associated with intervention were found on 9 of 12 outcome measures, including information provision, respectful treatment, self-confidence, and listening and clinical skill. Changes were not found on the more trait-like variables of open-mindedness, interpersonal sensitivity, and interpersonal skill. Experienced therapists had higher scores than new therapists on most variables, including family-centered behavior, listening skill, and clinical skill. Implications regarding the utility of mentorship programs in children's rehabilitation centers are discussed.     

Non Invasive Urodynamic Assessment in Children—Are They Reliable? Validation of Non-Invasive Urodynamics in Children with Functional Voiding Disorders

Objectives  

To validate the non-invasive tests that can predict the type of bladder dysfunction normally diagnosed by invasive urodynamics.     

Is There any Difference in Health Related Quality of Life,Self Care and Social Function in Children with Different Disabilities Living in Turkey?

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the differences in the health related quality of life and the self care and social function in daily life of children with different disabilities.

Methods

One hundred and two children with physical, emotional and cognitive disabilities (cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and hearing loss) and 28 children age matched as a control group were included in this study for the comparison. The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) was used to evaluate the independence and participation of children in daily life activities. The Turkish version of the Child Health Questionnaire-Parent form (CHQ - PF50) was used to evaluate the health related quality of life.

Findings

All 3 groups were different from the control group in terms of self-care and the social domains according to the PEDI results (P<0.05). Children with cerebral palsy (CP) were more dependent in the areas of self-care and mobility activities (P<0.05). The main difference was found in global general health (GGH), physical functioning (PF), the emotional impact on the parent (PE) subsections of the CHQ-PF50 between the CP and the hearing loss groups; the role of the physical (RP) and emotional behavior (BE) subsections between the mental retardation (MR) and the CP groups, and the BE and mental health (MH) subsections between the MR and the hearing loss (HL) groups (P<0.05).

Conclusion

All the children with disabilities were different from the control group in their quality of life, self care and social function. However the status of the children with MR and HL were parallel between each other in their health related quality of life, self care and social function. On the other hand, the most affected and dependent group was children with CP. The results will provide guidelines for healthcare professionals in implementing effective rehabilitation programs, especially to those with cerebral palsy, to reduce the level of strain and increase the health related quality of life, self care and social function of children with different disabilities.