Children

24 pages, 1555 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nurturing Sustainability in Toddlerhood: Investigating Preschool Teachers’ Views and Daily Practices in a Swedish Preschool

by Deniz Kahriman-Pamuk and Ingrid Pramling Samuelsson

Children 2024, 11(12), 1412; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11121412 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives: While studies suggest that young children can learn and think about sustainability, most research has focused on children aged three to five, leaving a significant gap in understanding how to engage toddlers (one to three years of age) in early-childhood education in sustainability (ECEfS). This study aims to address this gap, a crucial and often overlooked area, by investigating preschool teachers’ views of ECEfS and their daily practices for nurturing sustainability in a toddler group in a Swedish preschool. Methods: We employed a case study approach, incorporating observations, interviews, and document analysis for data collection. Qualitative techniques were used for data analysis. The research was conducted with a strong commitment to ethical considerations, including obtaining participants’ consent, ensuring confidentiality and privacy, informing them of their right to withdraw, and maintaining anonymity. Results: The findings demonstrate that the teachers possessed a solid understanding of education for sustainability and were capable of effectively implementing sustainability-related daily practices in toddler groups. By creating suitable learning environments and integrating sustainability issues into daily classroom activities, they enhanced the children’s overall learning experiences. Conclusions: This study’s findings underscore the pivotal role of educators in shaping the mindsets and behaviors of future generations, thereby supporting the long-term goals of sustainable development. By nurturing toddlers’ innate curiosity and harnessing their brains’ plasticity, educators can effectively engage toddlers in ECEfS and promote sustainable development from an early age. This study’s implications highlight the need to prioritize ECEfS during toddlerhood to realize the full potential of this critical investment in the future of our planet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Childhood Education and Care Lays the Foundations for Learning and Wellbeing)

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14 pages, 1175 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bacterial Meningitis in Infants Under 90 Days of Age: A Retrospective Single-Center Study

by Martina Buttera, Sofia Mazzotti, Tommaso Zini, Lucia Corso, Valeria Dallai, Francesca Miselli, Luca Bedetti, Katia Rossi, Eugenio Spaggiari, Lorenzo Iughetti, Licia Lugli and Alberto Berardi

Children 2024, 11(12), 1411; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11121411 - 22 Nov 2024

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Abstract

Background: Bacterial meningitis (BM) in infants is a serious condition that can lead to significant complications. Lumbar puncture (LP) is essential to provide diagnoses, however false negatives may result if LP is performed after the starting of antibiotic therapy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of infants of any gestational age with BM within their first 90 days of life and admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Modena Policlinico between 1 January 2011, and 31 December 2023. Results: A total of 44 episodes of meningitis were confirmed in 40 infants, diagnosed by positive cerebrospinal fluid cultures (n = 37), polymerase chain reaction testing (n = 4), or both methods (n = 3). Three out of forty infants (8%) experienced a relapse of meningitis. Most episodes (31/44, 70%) occurred in preterm infants. The incidence of early-onset meningitis was lower than that of late-onset (0.18 vs. 0.94 cases per 1000 births, respectively), with Gram-positive accounting for most cases (27/44, 61%). LP was performed prior to antibiotic administration in most episodes (30/44, 68%). Two preterm infants (5%) died from meningitis-related complications. Forty-two episodes occurred among thirty-eight surviving infants; brain lesions were detected through brain ultrasound or MRI in nine out of forty-two episodes (21%). Conclusions: Preterm infants have higher rates of BM, brain lesions or case fatalities. Early diagnosis and prompt antibiotic treatment are critical to improve outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children's Public Health and Healthcare: Global Perspective and New Trends)

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10 pages, 1523 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

A Rare Case of Posterior Fossa Syndrome Associated with Neuropathic Pain Successfully Treated with a Combination of Gabapentin, Diazepam and Baclofen—A Case Report and Literature Review

by Mariateresa Giglio, Alberto Corriero, Teresa Perillo, Giustino Varrassi and Filomena Puntillo

Children 2024, 11(12), 1410; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11121410 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 258

Abstract

Background: Posterior fossa syndrome (PFS), also known as cerebellar mutism syndrome, occurs in about 25% of pediatric patients undergoing resection of a posterior cranial fossa medulloblastoma. It is characterized primarily by mutism or reduced/impaired speech and may include variable symptoms such as motor dysfunction (apraxia, ataxia, hypotonia), supranuclear cranial nerve palsies, neurocognitive changes, and emotional lability. Long-term multidisciplinary rehabilitation is typically required, with recovery taking approximately six months, though many children experience long-term residual deficits. Neuropathic pain associated with PFS is rarely reported in pediatric patients, and evidence for its management is limited. Methods: This case report describes a 10-year-old boy who developed PFS following incomplete resection of a medulloblastoma. Clinical presentation included mutism, irritability, emotional lability, sleep disturbances, and neuropathic pain localized at the C5 level. The patient was treated with a combination of gabapentin, diazepam, and baclofen. Results: The combined pharmacological approach resulted in successful management of the patient’s neuropathic pain and other symptoms associated with PFS, improving his overall condition. Conclusions: This case highlights the potential effectiveness of a multimodal pharmacological regimen for treating neuropathic pain and associated symptoms in pediatric patients with PFS. Further research is needed to explore optimal treatment strategies for this rare but challenging complication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pediatric Anesthesia, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care)

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13 pages, 524 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn Caused by Irregular Antibodies: A 13-Year Retrospective Analysis

by Hui Wu, Rui Li, Hongling Wei, Weiwei Zhu and Yan Xing

Children 2024, 11(12), 1409; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11121409 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 220

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The clinical characteristics and outcomes of hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) caused by irregular antibodies remain unclear. Herein, we analyzed the clinical features and prognosis of HDN. Methods: Children admitted to our institution between June 2009 and December 2022 with a definite diagnosis of HDN were evaluated. Patients with irregular antibodies were matched in a 1:3 ratio to those with ABO incompatibility. Children with confirmed Rh-incompatibility hemolytic disease were divided into the RhD subgroup (hemolysis induced by Rh anti-D) and the non-RhD group (hemolysis induced by other Rh antibodies). Results: The irregular antibody and ABO incompatibility group included 32 and 96 patients, respectively. Compared to the ABO incompatibility group, the irregular antibody group showed earlier jaundice; higher incidence of liver and spleen enlargement and anemia; higher direct antiglobulin test (DAT) positivity; earlier and more severe anemia; higher rates of enhanced phototherapy, blood transfusion, and blood exchange; and longer hospital stay (all p < 0.05). Compared to the non-RhD group, the RhD subgroup showed an earlier occurrence of jaundice and a higher incidence of liver and spleen enlargement (both p < 0.05). The multiple irregular antibody subgroup further showed earlier occurrence of jaundice and a higher rate of enhanced phototherapy, blood transfusion, and blood exchange than the single-antibody group (both p < 0.05). Conclusions: HDN caused by irregular red blood cell antibodies is rare, but clinical manifestations are serious. It is important to pay attention to the screening of irregular antibodies during pregnancy, to strengthen monitoring, and to provide intrauterine treatment and early intervention as necessary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Children’s Diseases, Family Management, and Quality of Life)

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Children, Volume 11, Issue 12 (December 2024) – 4 articles

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