Article
Pediatrics
Jie Ren, Jing Xu, Pingbo Zhang, Yixiao Bao
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and severity of asthma in preschool children in Shanghai, China, and identified related risk factors. The results showed that parental allergic history and personal factors, such as allergic rhinitis history and eczema history, were significantly associated with asthma symptoms. Environmental factors such as dampness or mildew at home and floor heating system were also found to be independent risk factors. Different strategies should be implemented in preventing asthma in different communities.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Fabianne M. N. A. Dantas, Paulo A. F. Magalhaes, Emilly C. N. Hora, Livia B. Andrade, Jose Angelo Rizzo, Decio M. Peixoto, Emanuel S. C. Sarinho
Summary: The study found that lung mechanics parameters were similar in school-age children born moderate-to-late preterm (MLPT) and those born at term, indicating that pulmonary plasticity continues to occur in children up to school age. Late and moderate prematurity is associated with an increased risk of reduced pulmonary function during childhood, but reports on adolescents and adults born MLPT have shown normalization of airway function and pulmonary plasticity.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Kantisa Sirianansopa, Kanokpan Ruangnapa, Pharsai Prasertsan, Kantara Saelim, Wanaporn Anuntaseree
Summary: Most childhood asthma patients develop symptoms before entering school. Identifying modifiable risks and protective factors during preschool age can aid in developing strategies for prevention and control. This study aimed to identify factors associated with persistent asthma at school age. The findings showed that early transient wheeze, persistent wheeze, and late-onset wheeze accounted for different proportions of patients, and breastfeeding, siblings living in the same household, residence in an industrial area, and allergic rhinitis were associated with persistent asthma. Early interventions targeting modifiable factors can prevent persistent asthma at school age.
Article
Pediatrics
Changhao Zhang, Yan Kong, Kunling Shen
Summary: This study found that children with asthma have various triggers, including exercise, upper respiratory infection, and allergen sensitization. Patients of different ages, genders, and geographical regions exhibit differences in asthma triggers, which can inform personalized preventive measures.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Myrtha E. Reyna, Ruixue Dai, Maxwell M. Tran, Vanessa Breton, Maria Medeleanu, Wendy Y. W. Lou, Rachel E. Foong, Melanie Emmerson, Christoffer Dharma, Kozeta Miliku, Diana L. Lefebvre, Elinor Simons, Meghan B. Azad, Moira Chan-Yeung, Allan B. Becker, Piush J. Mandhane, Stuart E. Turvey, Graham L. Hall, Theo J. Moraes, Malcolm R. Sears, Padmaja Subbarao
Summary: Despite advances in asthma therapeutics, the burden of asthma is still highest in preschool children. This study developed and evaluated a symptom-based screening tool to detect preschool children at high risk of asthma and persistent wheeze symptoms. The tool, called CHART, showed good predictive accuracy and could be easily incorporated into primary care settings.
Article
Allergy
P. Leiria-Pinto, P. Carreiro-Martins, I Peralta, J. Marques, E. Finelli, C. Alves, J. Belo, M. Alves, A. L. Papoila, N. Neuparth
Summary: The study found that in preschool children, having more than three acute asthma exacerbations, moderate to severe rhinitis, and relative changes in post-bronchodilator FVC and FEV1 are risk factors for uncontrolled asthma. The final models including variation in FVC or FEV1 had AUCs of 0.82 and 0.81 respectively. Parameters measured by impulse oscillometry were different in healthy children compared to those with asthma.
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIONAL ALLERGOLOGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yuxia You, Junxia Fu, Ming Xu, Yali Song, Huanfen Zhou, Shihui Wei
Summary: This population-based study investigated the refractive status and prevalence of refractive error in Chinese preschool children aged 1-6 years old. The study found that the prevalence of myopia decreased with age in preschool children younger than 5 years old and then slightly increased at 5-6 years, potentially indicating early signs of myopia in school-age children. The research highlights the need for greater attention to be given to children in this age group.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Allergy
Cassie L. Shipp, Peter J. Gergen, James E. Gern, Elizabeth C. Matsui, Theresa W. Guilbert
Summary: Asthma is a common and complex disease, particularly in children, characterized by reversible airflow obstruction. The phenotypic differences in children with asthma may influence comorbidities and treatment choices. Prenatal factors such as maternal diet and microbiome, as well as postnatal microbial exposures and colonization, contribute to the risk of asthma and allergic diseases.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Can-Can Zhou, Hui Fu, Guo-Yan Zhang, Jia-Wei Ma, Min Ni, Dong-Jie Li, Fu-Ming Shen, Fang Huang
Summary: This study found that there is an association between blood mercury concentrations and serum BDNF levels in pre-school children, with sex and dietary intake potentially influencing these relationships. Further research is needed to investigate the role of BDNF in the effects of mercury on neurodevelopment.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Review
Allergy
Andy Bush, Anne M. Fitzpatrick, Sejal Saglani, William C. Anderson, Stanley J. Szefler
Summary: The World Health Organization categorizes severe asthma into three types and estimates the frequency of severe asthma in children. It is essential to carefully evaluate the diagnosis of asthma and utilize objective biomarkers to assess the pathophysiologic phenotypes of severe asthma. Children with difficult-to-treat asthma may require alternative treatment approaches, including asthma biologics. In addition to introducing new medications, advancements in digital health offer the opportunity for closer monitoring to improve treatment response and prevent severe asthma.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Laurent Roten, Eleni Goulouti, Anna Lam, Elena Elchinova, Nikolas Nozica, Alessandro Spirito, Severin Wittmer, Mattia Branca, Helge Servatius, Fabian Noti, Jens Seiler, Samuel H. Baldinger, Andreas Haeberlin, Stefano de Marchi, Babken Asatryan, Nicolas Rodondi, Jacques Donze, Drahomir Aujesky, Hildegard Tanner, Tobias Reichlin, Peter Juni
Summary: In a large hospital-based patient population aged 65-84 years, the prevalence of clinical AF and of screen-detected AF was 22.2% and 3.8%, respectively, and significantly higher in males than females.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ji-xing Zhou, Yufan Guo, Yu-zhu Teng, Lin-lin Zhu, Jingru Lu, Xue-mei Hao, Shuang-qin Yan, Fang-biao Tao, Kun Huang
Summary: Maternal anxiety during pregnancy may impact the fetal immune system and increase the risk of childhood asthma. This study found that prenatal anxiety in the first, second, and third trimesters was associated with an elevated risk of asthma in children from 12 to 48 months of age. Additionally, a cumulative effect was observed, with longer durations of anxiety increasing the risk.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Respiratory System
Zainab Khalaf, Andrew Bush, Sejal Saglani, Chloe Bloom
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of age on asthma characteristics, management, and exacerbations in children. The findings showed that children's baseline characteristics and exacerbation rates varied according to their age group. Clinical guidelines should consider age at time of diagnosis more discretely, as this appears to impact on asthma severity and management.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Saiko Matsumura, Kazuhiko Dannoue, Momoko Kawakami, Keiko Uemura, Asuka Kameyama, Anna Takei, Yuichi Hori
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of myopia and its associated factors among Japanese preschool children. The prevalence of myopia and high myopia were 2.9% and 0.2% respectively. Longer axial length was associated with older age, male sex, parental myopia, and screen time.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Jordan Klein, Connor Kerns, Kimberly Hills, Abigail Hogan, Sara Matherly, Jane Roberts
Summary: This study used an autism-specific anxiety diagnostic interview to investigate anxiety in preschool-aged, cognitively impaired autistic children. Results showed that 64% of autistic children met criteria for anxiety disorders, with phobias being the most common, and 32% met criteria for multiple anxiety disorders. These findings highlight the importance of tailored assessment and treatment for anxiety in early childhood.
JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu Sun, Yi Meng, Zheyuan Ou, Yanling Li, Mei Zhang, Yang Chen, Zefei Zhang, Xingyi Chen, Peiqiang Mu, Dan Norback, Zhuohui Zhao, Xin Zhang, Xi Fu
Summary: The study revealed a significant increase in the number of observed species in bacterial and fungal communities in classrooms from 2012 to 2019, with drastic changes in microbial community compositions. The temporal microbiome variation was found to be more significant than the spatial variation within the city. Additionally, indoor microorganisms were shown to play a mediating role in the association between environmental characteristics and health effects, indicating the importance of incorporating both biological and chemical exposure in comprehensive exposure assessments.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Motoko Takaoka, Kyoko Suzuki, Dan Norback
Summary: This study found that dampness, indoor mould, and window pane condensation in winter may be household risk factors for dermatitis in Japanese junior high school students. Female gender, a history of atopy, new building materials, and indoor environmental humidity were associated with current dermatitis.
INDOOR AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Chan Lu, Fang Xiao, Xu Yang, Yinping Zhang, Baizhan Li, Zhuohui Zhao, Chen Huang, Xin Zhang, Hua Qian, Juan Wang, Wei Liu, Yuexia Sun, Yu Sun, Xi Fu, Qihong Deng
Summary: This study found that maternal exposure to persistent mould/damp stains and mouldy odour may increase the risk of low birth weight in newborns. Additionally, exposure to high temperature and PM2.5 during pregnancy can further enhance this effect.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Xinyuan Lou, Yuexia Sun, Dachao Lv, Yihui Yin, Jingjing Pei, Junzhou He, Xudong Yang, Xikang Cui, Yingjun Liu, Dan Norback, Qingyan Chen
Summary: This study investigated the concentrations of VOCs and their associations with passengers' complaints in aircraft cabins. The results showed that xylene and some aldehydes were significantly associated with irritations of the eyes, nose, and throat, indicating their potential influence on perceived indoor air quality and complaints among passengers.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Pengfei Fu, Zhuohui Zhao, Dan Norback, Xin Zhang, Ken Kin Lam Yung
Summary: The causes of sick building syndrome (SBS) are complex and uncertain. This study examined the correlation between indoor environment and SBS in two northern Chinese cities. The results suggest that factors such as location, homeownership, changes in the indoor environment and air quality contribute to different levels of SBS symptoms in Chinese adults.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Chengju Wang, Juan Wang, Dan Norback
Summary: Energy use in buildings can affect the indoor environment. Green buildings can improve health, but energy-saving measures in airtight buildings and thermal insulation without mechanical ventilation may have negative impacts. Mechanical ventilation systems can solve these issues, but increased ventilation flow may lead to indoor exposure to outdoor air pollutants in areas with high levels of outdoor air pollution. Future research on the energy aspects of buildings and health needs to be conducted.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yingjie Liu, Chan Lu, Yuguo Li, Dan Norback, Qihong Deng
Summary: This study investigated the association between indoor and outdoor factors and childhood pollen allergy. The results showed that early-life and current exposure to outdoor air pollution were significantly associated with childhood pollen allergy in autumn. Prenatal and postnatal exposure to window condensation were also significantly associated with childhood pollen allergy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xin Zhang, Chan Lu, Yuguo Li, Dan Norback, Padmini Murthy, Radim J. Sram, Qihong Deng
Summary: The rapid increase in food allergies in children may be associated with early-life exposure to high levels of indoor and outdoor air pollution in China. This study suggests that air pollution may be a new route of food sensitization and contributes to the first and second waves of allergy epidemics.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Samali Ayoma Marasinghe, Yuexia Sun, Jing Hou, Pan Wang, Qingnan Zhang, Dan Norback
Summary: Many researchers have used questionnaires to evaluate the relationship between indoor environment and human health, but there is still a lack of research on validating occupants' reported information through home inspections. This study aimed to validate data from a questionnaire survey regarding building characteristics and dampness signs in Tianjin, China. The findings suggest that questionnaire surveys can provide valid and reliable data for technical parameters of the home, but not mostly for visible signs of dampness in the home environment.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Lexiang Wang, Wei Yu, Baizhan Li, Yan Zhang, Jiao Cai, Zhuohui Zhao, Dan Norback, Qihong Deng, Hua Qian, Xin Zhang, Tingting Wang, Ling Zhang, Chen Huang, Xu Yang
Summary: The previous studies have reported inconsistent associations between early residential decoration and childhood allergies and respiratory diseases. A 10-year retrospective observational survey was conducted among preschoolers in three urban districts in Chongqing, China in 2010 and 2019 to investigate the associations between prenatal and postnatal residential decorations and childhood asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, wheeze, rhinitis, and pneumonia. The results showed higher proportions of prenatal and postnatal residential decorations in 2010 compared to 2019, and higher prevalences of the studied diseases in 2010 compared to 2019.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xi Fu, Mei Zhang, Yiwen Yuan, Yang Chen, Zheyuan Ou, Zailina Hashim, Jamal Hisham Hashim, Xin Zhang, Zhuohui Zhao, Dan Norback, Yu Sun
Summary: By analyzing dust samples from the cabins of two airlines, one with textile seats and one with leather seats, the study found that the abundances of virulence factors and risk chemicals were significantly higher in textile seat cabins. These factors and chemicals may contribute to a higher risk of respiratory infections and chronic diseases in airline passengers. The study also highlighted the importance of surface material choice in improving passenger health.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Wei Yu, Yan Zhang, Baizhan Li, Yinping Zhang, Chenqiu Du, Zhuohui Zhao, Dan Norback, Jiao Cai, Qihong Deng, Chan Lu, Hua Qian, Xiaohong Zheng, Xin Zhang, Tingting Wang, Ling Zhang, Chen Huang, Yong Mei, Xu Yang
Summary: Building envelope dampness exposure is associated with respiratory and allergic diseases in children, and the health impact varies across multiple cities in China. A longitudinal study conducted in six cities over a decade showed a decline in the proportion of damp residences and the prevalence of respiratory and allergic diseases in preschoolers. However, the risk of asthma and eczema increased in Phase II, indicating concerns about the dampness environment in households.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Bin Zhang, Dan Norback, Hong Cheng, Baizhan Li, Yinping Zhang, Zhuohui Zhao, Qihong Deng, Chen Huang, Xu Yang, Chan Lu, Hua Qian, Tingting Wang, Ling Zhang, Wei Yu, Juan Wang, Xin Zhang
Summary: The study investigated the association between dampness in Chinese homes and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms and examined the influence of climate, family size, cleaning, and ventilation on dampness, mould, and SBS. The findings revealed that dampness and mould were associated with various SBS symptoms, and a dose-response relationship was observed. A warmer and more humid climate increased the likelihood of dampness, mould, and SBS symptoms, while cleaning and ventilation in the home reduced these issues.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tippawan Prapamontol, Dan Norback, Nathaporn Thongjan, Neeranuch Suwannarin, Kawinwut Somsunun, Pitakchon Ponsawansong, Kesseya Radarit, Sawaeng Kawichai, Warangkana Naksen
Summary: Respiratory infections among school children in Northern Thailand are associated with home and outdoor environment, as well as the dry and wet seasons. Risk factors for respiratory infections include dry season, high outdoor relative humidity, household dampness, indoor mould, and smoke from biomass burning. However, living in a traditional wooden house can reduce the risk.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hong Cheng, Dan Norback, Huilin Zhang, Liu Yang, Baizhan Li, Yinping Zhang, Zhuohui Zhao, Qihong Deng, Chen Huang, Xu Yang, Chan Lu, Hua Qian, Tingting Wang, Ling Zhang, Wei Yu, Juan Wang, Xin Zhang
Summary: The home environment and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms in five southern Chinese cities have been studied over time. The study found a decrease in asthma prevalence and an increase in allergic rhinitis. Cockroaches, rats, mice, mosquitoes or flies were identified as consistent biological risk factors for SBS symptoms, while redecoration, buying new furniture, and traffic air pollution were identified as other risk factors.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
