Evaluation of a kindergarten-based nutrition education intervention for pre-school children in China.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of nutrition education in kindergartens and to promote healthy dietary habits in children. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. Four kindergartens with 1252 children were randomized to the intervention group and three with 850 children to the control group. The personal nutritional knowledge, attitudes and dietary behaviours of the parents were also investigated. Each month, children and parents in the intervention group participated in nutrition education activities. The main outcome measures were anthropometrics and diet-related behaviours of the children and the nutritional knowledge and attitudes of the parents at baseline, 6 months (mid-term) and 1 year (post-test). Baseline demographic and socio-economic characteristics were also collected. SETTING: Seven kindergartens from Hefei, the capital city of Anhui Province, eastern China. SUBJECTS: Two thousand one hundred and two 4- to 6-year-old pre-schoolers from seven kindergartens participated. RESULTS: The prevalence of children's unhealthy diet-related behaviours decreased significantly and good lifestyle behaviours increased in the group receiving nutrition education compared with controls. Parental eating habits and attitudes to planning their children's diets also changed appreciably in the intervention group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in children's height, weight, height-for-age Z-score or weight-for-age Z-score between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Kindergarten-based nutrition education improves pre-schoolers' lifestyle behaviours and brings about beneficial changes in parents' attitudes to planning their children's diets and their own personal eating habits.

MC3T3-E1 cell response to stainless steel 316L with different surface treatments.

In the present study, stainless steel 316L samples with polishing, aluminum oxide blasting, and hydroxyapatite (HA) coating were prepared and characterized through a scanning electron microscope (SEM), optical interferometer (surface roughness, Sq), contact angle, surface composition and phase composition analyses. Osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion on the samples was investigated by cell morphology using a SEM (4h, 1d, 3d, 7d), and cell proliferation was assessed by MTT method at 1d, 3d, and 7d. In addition, adsorption of bovine serum albumin on the samples was evaluated at 1h. The polished sample was smooth (Sq: 1.8nm), and the blasted and HA coated samples were much rougher (Sq: 3.2µm and 7.8µm). Within 1d of incubation, the HA coated samples showed the best cell morphology (e.g., flattened shape and complete spread), but there was no significant difference after 3d and 7d of incubation for all the samples. The absorbance value for the HA coated samples was the highest after 1d and 3d of incubation, indicating better cell viability. However, it reduced to the lowest value at 7d. Protein adsorption on the HA coated samples was the highest at 1h. The results indicate that rough stainless steel surface improves cell adhesion and morphology, and HA coating contributes to superior cell adhesion, but inhibits cell proliferation.

Biomechanical assessment of a patient-specific knee implant design using finite element method.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the leading cause of disability in young adults. Total knee arthroplasty has been successfully used to restore the joint function. Due to small bone size, osteoporosis, and severe soft tissue disease, standard knee implant sometimes cannot be directly applied clinically and patient-specific designs may be a more rational choice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical behavior of a patient-specific knee implant. A three-dimensional finite element of total knee arthroplasty was developed. The mechanical strength and the wear damage of the articular surfaces were analyzed. The results show that there exist high risks of component fracture and wear damage; the proposed implant design should be abandoned. The presurgery analysis is helpful in avoiding the potential failure.

Association between postmenopausal osteoporosis and experimental periodontitis.

To investigate the correlation between postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) and the pathogenesis of periodontitis, ovariectomized rats were generated and the experimental periodontitis was induced using a silk ligature. The inflammatory factors and bone metabolic markers were measured in the serum and periodontal tissues of ovariectomized rats using an automatic chemistry analyzer, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and immunohistochemistry. The bone mineral density of whole body, pelvis, and spine was analyzed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and image analysis. All data were analyzed using SPSS 13.0 statistical software. It was found that ovariectomy could upregulate the expression of interleukin- (IL-)6, the receptor activator of nuclear factor- κB ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) and downregulate IL-10 expression in periodontal tissues, which resulted in progressive alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis. This study indicates that changes of cytokines and bone turnover markers in the periodontal tissues of ovariectomized rats contribute to the damage of periodontal tissues.

Relationship between maternal adverse childhood experiences and preschool children s emotional and behavioral problems / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the relationship and gender difference between maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs) in preschool children, and to provide a reference to promote emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children.@*Methods@#Using the method of stratified cluster sampling, 9 647 children from kindergartens in three cities of Anhui Province were selected in June 2021. Maternal adverse childhood experiences were investigated with the WHO Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire(ACEs-IQ), preschool children s emotional and behavioral problems were investigated with Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.@*Results@#The detection rate of abnormal emotional behavior was 17.4%, emotional symptoms 16.3%, conduct problems 18.3%, hyperactivity 22.7%, peer problems 34.2%, prosocial behaviors 18.5%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that maternal adverse childhood experiences were positively associated with the risk of emotional and behavioral problems ( OR =1.51-2.97, P <0.01). Maternal cumulative adverse childhood experiences were also positively associated with the risk of emotional and behavioral problems( OR =3.13-9.61, P <0.01). The association of maternal emotional abuse, physical abuse and community violence with peer problems were stronger in boys than that of girls ( ROR =1.25, 1.26, 1.41, P <0.05).@*Conclusion@#The findings suggest maternal adverse childhood experiences were associated with emotional behavior problems among preschool children. Focusing on the maternal adverse childhood experiences is crucial for the prevention and control of childhood emotional and behavioral problems.

Relationship between family rearing style and 3-6 year old children s emotional and behavioral problems / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the relationship and gender difference between family rearing styles with emotional and behavior problems in preschool children aged 3-6 years, so as to provide reference for early prevention and intervention of children s emotional and behavior problems.@*Methods@#Using the method of stratified cluster sampling, 9 647 children aged 3-6 years old from 36 kindergartens in Wuhu, Lu an and Fuyang of Anhui Province were selected in June 2021. Primary caregivers were investigated with self designed questionnaire, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (parents version) and Parental Rearing Style Scale.@*Results@#The detection rate of elevated SDQ total difficulty score was 6.5%, with boys (7.1%) higher than that of girls (5.8%). The detection rate of abnormal emotional behavior were significantly higher in children with high scores on doting, laissez faire, autocracy and inconsistency of family rearing style, compared with those in the low score group ( χ 2=210.32, 203.87, 102.70, 212.69, P <0.01 ), and the detection rate increased with the increase of score. However, the detection rate of abnormal emotional behavior in the high score group of democracy was significantly lower than that in the low score group ( χ 2=156.24, P <0.01), and the detection rate decreased with the increase of score. Logistic regression analysis showed that high level doting ( OR =4.31), laissez faire ( OR = 4.16), autocracy ( OR =3.36) and inconsistency ( OR =4.76) of family rearing style were associated with high risk of children s emotional behavior problems, while high level of democracy ( OR =0.34) in family rearing style was associated with low risk of emotional behavior problems. The comparison between boys and girls showed that the risk of emotional and behavioral problems in the indulgent rearing style of boys was significantly higher than that of girls ( OR =1.90, 2.13) ( P <0.05).@*Conclusion@#Family rearing styles are associated with emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children. Boys are sensitive to the negative impact of doting rearing style. Good rearing styles is beneficial to the prevention and control of children s emotional and behavioral problems.

Association of maternal adverse childhood experiences and parent child relationship in preschool children / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the relationship of maternal adverse childhood experiences(ACEs) with mother child relationship, so as to provide reference for parent child relationship and child health promotion.@*Methods@#In June 2021, children aged 3-6 years old of 36 kindergartens in three areas in Anhui Province were selected by stratified cluster sampling method, follow up data were collected in December 2021, and a total of 6 111 children were included in the study. Maternal ACEs and mother child relationship were respectively assessed using the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire(ACEs-IQ)and the Child Parent Relationship Scale (CPRS). A multiple linear regression model was established to analyze the association of maternal ACEs and mother child relationship in preschool children.@*Results@#History of maternal childhood sexual abuse, physical neglect and peer bullying were negatively associated with mother child intimacy ( r =-0.03, -0.03, -0.03, P <0.05). Maternal emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, physical neglect, peer bullying, community violence, and total family dysfunction were positively associated with mother child dependence and mother child conflict ( r =0.09, 0.08, 0.05, 0.14, 0.06, 0.11, 0.08, 0.04; 0.18, 0.17, 0.07, 0.20, 0.11, 0.16, 0.12, 0.10, P <0.01). There was no statistically significant between all types of maternal ACEs and mother child intimacy in boys( P >0.05). Mothers with a history of physical abuse, sexual abuse and peer bullying had a statistically significant relationship between mother child intimacy in girls( β =-0.17, -0.62, -0.19, P <0.05). All types of maternal ACEs were positive predictors of mother child conflict between boys and girls( β =0.37-1.96, P <0.05). There was statistical significance between maternal childhood sexual abuse and mother child dependence of boys( β =0.53, P <0.05), but no statistical significance between maternal childhood sexual abuse and mother child dependence of girls( P >0.05). All other types of maternal ACEs were positive predictors of mother child dependence( β =0.09-0.41, P <0.05).@*Conclusion@#Maternal ACEs are associated with poor mother child relationship among preschool children, and maternal ACEs should be actively followed, which is of great significance for improving the parent child relationship and promoting child healthy development.

Association of maternal adverse childhood experiences and parenting styles with emotional behavior problems in preschool children / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the role of parenting style in the association of maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and emotional behavior problems (EBPs) in preschool children, so as to provide a reference for the prevention and control of EBPs in children.@*Methods@#A total of 6 111 children aged 3-6 years old from 36 kindergartens in 3 areas of Anhui Province in June 2021, follow up data were collected in December 2021. Maternal ACEs, mother child relationship and children EBPs were respectively assessed using the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire(ACEs-IQ), Parental Rearing Style Scale and the difficulty score factor in the Chinese Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire(SDQ). The Bootstrap was used to examine the mediation effect of maternal parenting styles.@*Results@#Maternal ACEs were positively associated with child SDQ difficulty scores( r = 0.28, P <0.01). Negative parenting (indulgent, permissive, authoritarian and inconsistent) were positively correlated with maternal ACEs scores( r =0.28, 0.30, 0.21, 0.31) and child SDQ difficulty scores( r =0.25, 0.20, 0.20, 0.28)( P <0.01). Positive parenting (democracy) was negatively correlated with maternal ACEs and SDQ difficulty scores( r =-0.09, -0.29, P <0.01). After adjusting for confounding factors, the results of the mediation effect test of Bootstraping procedure showed that maternal parenting styles (indulgent, democracy, permissive, authoritarian and inconsistent) played a mediation role in maternal ACEs and EBPs of preschool children, and the mediation effects were respectively 19.13%, 7.34%, 24.88%, 12.05% and 26.83%.@*Conclusion@#Parenting styles play a mediating role in the association of maternal ACEs and EBPs in preschool children, and improving mothers negative parenting styles is of great significance to reduce EBPs in the offspring of maternal ACEs.

Screening and associated factors of hyperactivity behavior in preschool children in Anhui Province / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To investigate the prevalence of hyperactive behavior and risk factors among preschool children, and to provide a reference for early intervention of problem behavior.@*Methods@#A total of 7 982 children aged 3-6 were selected from 30 kindergartens by multi stage stratified cluster random sampling in 5 areas, Anhui Province, and their parents were surveyed with Conners Parent Rating Scales(PSQ) and Related factors questionnaire from June to July 2020.@*Results@#A tollay of 126 children were detected with hyperactivity behaviors, with a detection rate of 1.6%. The detection rate of boys (2.2%) was higher than that of girls (0.8%). The difference was statistically significant ( χ 2=26.51, P <0.01). Among 126 hyperactive children, 40(31.7%)had another type of behavior problem, and 82(65.1%)had two or more additional behavior problems. The results of Logistic regression analysis showed that boy( OR =2.85, 95% CI =1.88-4.30), sleep deprivation( OR =1.87, 95% CI =1.31-2.68), occupation of mother being farmer or otherwise( OR =1.81, 95% CI =1.11-2.94) were associated with more hyperactivity behavior. While, living with parents in the past six months ( OR =0.61, 95% CI =0.40-0.92) was associated with less hyperactivity behavior( P <0.05).@*Conclusion@#Early intervention of preschool children s behavior problems should focus on boys, maintain reasonable sleep time and increase parental care.