Controlling childhood asthma: Study shows ‘mismatch’ between doctors’ instructions, parents’ understanding – Safety+Health magazine

Controlling childhood asthma: Study shows 'mismatch' between doctors' instructions, parents' understanding
Safety+Health magazine
Boston – A Harvard Medical School study of parents whose children have asthma shows roughly half do not know which type of asthma-control medication their child is taking and how often it should be used. The researchers surveyed the parents and health …
Kids' Asthma Severity Under-Recognized & Undertreated at Routine Healthcare VisitsNewswise (press release)

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A systems approach to understanding human rhinovirus and influenza virus infection.

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A systems approach to understanding human rhinovirus and influenza virus infection.

Virology. 2015 Oct 1;486:146-157

Authors: Kim TK, Bheda-Malge A, Lin Y, Sreekrishna K, Adams R, Robinson MK, Bascom CC, Tiesman JP, Isfort RJ, Gelinas R

Abstract
Human rhinovirus and influenza virus infections of the upper airway lead to colds and the flu and can trigger exacerbations of lower airway diseases including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets are still needed to differentiate between the cold and the flu, since the clinical course of influenza can be severe while that of rhinovirus is usually more mild. In our investigation of influenza and rhinovirus infection of human respiratory epithelial cells, we used a systems approach to identify the temporally changing patterns of host gene expression from these viruses. After infection of human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) with rhinovirus, influenza virus or co-infection with both viruses, we studied the time-course of host gene expression changes over three days. We modeled host responses to these viral infections with time and documented the qualitative and quantitative differences in innate immune activation and regulation.

PMID: 26437235 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Researchers discover new pathway that may be vital for understanding allergic … – News-Medical.net


News-Medical.net

Researchers discover new pathway that may be vital for understanding allergic
News-Medical.net
There has been a great deal of interest in the research community around ILC2 cells and the newly recognised role they play in atopic diseases such as asthma, eczema and hayfever. ILC2 cells produce a molecule called IL-13, which is responsible for …
The role of immune cells in asthmaAustralian Life Scientist

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Indicators of airborne fungal concentrations in urban homes: Understanding the conditions that affect indoor fungal exposures.

Indicators of airborne fungal concentrations in urban homes: Understanding the conditions that affect indoor fungal exposures.

Sci Total Environ. 2015 Feb 25;517C:113-124

Authors: Crawford JA, Rosenbaum PF, Anagnost SE, Hunt A, Abraham JL

Abstract
Indoor fungal exposure can compromise respiratory health. Low-income urban areas are of concern because of high asthma and allergy rates and housing disrepair. Understanding the conditions that affect indoor fungal exposures is important for assessing health risks and for developing mitigation strategies. We examined the types and concentrations of airborne fungi inside and outside of homes in low-income areas of Syracuse, NY as well as the effect of snow cover on fungal levels. At 103 homes, air samples for viable fungi were collected, occupants were interviewed and homes were inspected for visible mold, musty odors, water problems and other factors. Multivariable logistic regression was used to relate high fungal levels to home conditions. Predominant indoor fungi included Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria and hyaline unknowns. Basidiomycetes and an uncommon genus Acrodontium were also found frequently due to analysis methods developed for this project. With snow cover, outdoor total fungal levels were depressed and indoor concentrations were three times higher than outdoor on average with a maximum of 29 times higher. Visible mold was related to elevated levels of Penicillium (OR 4.11 95% CI 1.37-14.0) and bacteria (OR 3.79 95% CI 1.41-11.2). Musty, moldy odors were associated with elevated concentrations of total fungi (OR 3.48 95% CI 1.13-11.6) and basidiomycetes. Cockroaches, an indicator of moisture, were associated with elevated levels of Penicillium (OR 3.66 95% CI 1.16-13.1) and Aspergillus (OR 4.36 95% CI 1.60-13.4). Increasing relative humidity was associated with higher concentrations of Penicillium, yeasts and basidiomycetes. Visible mold, musty odors, indoor humidity and cockroaches are modifiable factors that were important determinants of indoor fungal exposures. Indoor air investigators should interpret indoor:outdoor fungal ratios cautiously when snow cover is present.

PMID: 25725196 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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