Shared Science - The Journal of Pediatrics

Below are selected articles appearing in JACI of interest to The Journal of Pediatrics readers:

In the March 2010 issue, Pongracic et al examined the relationships between fungal sensitization, exposure, and asthma morbidity in inner-city children.
Differential Effects of outdoor versus indoor fungal spores on asthma morbidity in inner-city children
Jacqueline A. Pongracic, George T. O'Connor, Michael L. Muilenberg, Ben Vaughn, Diane R. Gold, Meyer Kattan, Wayne J. Morgan, Rebecca S. Gruchalla, Ernestine Smartt, Herman E. Mitchell
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
March 2010 (Vol. 125, Issue 3, Pages 593-599)

In the April 2010 issue, John et al applied the propensity score method to asthma epidemiology and found that areas facing intersections with major highways or railroads had a higher risk of asthma.
The influence of neighborhood environment on the incidence of childhood asthma: A propensity score approach
Young J. Juhn, Rui Qin, Sanghwa Urm, Slavica Katusic, Delfino Vargas-Chanes
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
April 2010 (Vol. 125, Issue 4, Pages 838-843)

Also in the April issue, Giwercman et al studied high-risk infants who were breastfed exclusively and found an increased risk of eczema, but a reduced risk of wheezy episodes and severe wheezy exacerbations.
Increased risk of eczema but reduced risk of early wheezy disorder from exclusive breast-feeding in high-risk infants
Charlotte Giwercman, Liselotte B. Halkjaer, Signe Marie Jensen, Klaus Bnnelykke, Lotte Lauritzen, Hans Bisgaard
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
April 2010 (Vol. 125, Issue 4, Pages 866-871)

In the November 2009 issue, Caudri et al analyze a large birth cohort to identify eight clinical parameters that can be used in determining an asthma prediction score for preschool children.
Predicting the long-term prognosis of children with symptoms suggestive of asthma at preschool age
Dann Caudri, Alet Wijga, C. Maarten A. Schipper, Maarten Hoekstra, Dirkje S. Postma, Gerard H. Koppelman, Bert Brunekreef, Henriette A. Smit, Johan C. De Jongste
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
November 2009 (Vol. 124, Issue 5, Pages 903-910)

In the same issue, Haselkorn et al identify recent severe asthma exacerbations as a predictor of future severe exacerbations and recommend that they be considered when determining an effective asthma management plan.
Recent asthma exacerbations predict future exacerbations in children with severe or difficult-to-treat asthma
Tmirah Haselkorn, Robert S. Zeiger, Bradley E. Chipps, David R. Mink, Stanley J. Szefler, F. Estelle R. Simons, Marc Massanari, James E. Fish
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
November 2009 (Vol. 124, Issue 5, Pages 921-927)

Finally in the November issue, Jackson et al examine the relationship between fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurements and allergic sensitization, total IgE, atopic dermatitis, rhinitis, asthma, and lung function (spirometry). Their results suggest that allergen sensitization status is an important consideration when using FeNO in the diagnosis of atopic diseases, especially asthma.
Fractional exhaled nitric oxide measurements are most closely associated with allergic sensitization in school-age children
Daniel J. Jackson, Christine M. Virnig, Ronald E. Gangnon, Michael D. Evans, Kathy A Roberg, Elizabeth L. Anderson, Ryan M. Burton, Lisa P. Salazar, Douglas F. DaSilva, Kathleen M. Shanovich, Christopher J. Tisler, James E. Gern, Robert F. Lemanske, Jr.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
November 2009 (Vol. 124, Issue 5, Pages 949-953)

In the August 2009 issue, Hofmann et al evaluated the safety of peanut oral immunotherapy for children with peanut allergies and describe the likelihood of different kinds of reactions during the various phases of the process.
Safety of a peanut oral immunotherapy protocol in children with peanut allergy
Alison M. Hofmann, Amy M. Scurlock, Stacie M. Jones, Kricia P. Palmer, Yuliya Lokhnygina, Pamela H. Steele, Janet Kamilaris, A. Wesley Burks
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
August 2009 (Vol. 124, Issue 2, pages 286-291)

Also in the August issue, Esteban et al evaluated asthma severity and control among Puerto Ricans, comparing data with Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, and whites living in Rhode Island.
Conundrums in childhood asthma severity, control, and health care use: Puerto Rico versus Rhode Island
Cynthia A. Esteban, Robert B. Klein, Elizabeth L. McQuaid, Gregory K. Fritz, Ronald Seifer, Sheryl J. Kopel, Jose Rodriguez Santana, Angel Colon, Maria Alvarez, Daphne Koinis-Mitchell, Alexander N. Ortega, Brenda Martinez-Nieves, Glorisa Canino
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
August 2009 (Vol. 124, Issue 2, pages 238-244)

Routine screening of newborns for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) requires an accurate, practical testing technique. In the September 2009 issue, Baker et al evaluate the accuracy of quantitating T-cell receptor excision circles from dried blood spots on newborn screening cards.
Development of a routine newborn screening protocol for severe combined immunodeficiency
Mei. W. Baker, William J. Grossman, Ronald H. Laessig, Gary L. Hoffman, Charles D. Brokopp, Daniel F. Kurtycz, Michael F. Cogley, Thomas J. Litsheim, Murray L. Katcher, John M. Routes
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
September 2009 (Vol. 124, Issue 3, pages 522-527)

In the May 2009 issue, Carroll et al investigate the relationship between the severity of infant bronchiolitis and the risk of early childhood asthma and asthma-specific morbidity.
The severity-dependent relationship of infant bronchiolitis on the risk and morbidity of early childhood asthma
Kecia N. Carroll, Pingsheng Wu, Tebeb Gebretsadik, Marie R. Griffin, William D. Dupont, Edward F. Mitchel, Tina V. Hartert
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
May 2009 (Vol. 123, Issue 5, pages 1055-1061)

In the June 2009 issue, Keski-Nisula et al consider the possible connection between intrauterine microbial growth and offspring's subsequent development of asthma and allergic sensitization.
Intrauterine bacterial growth at birth and risk of asthma and allergic sensitization among offspring at the age of 15 to 17 years
Leea Keski-Nisula, Marja-Leena Katila, Sami Remes, Seppo Heinonen, Juha Pekkanen
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
June 2009 (Vol. 123, Issue 6, pages 1305-1311)

Also in the June issue, Scholtens et al look at how the risk of dyspnea and bronchial hyperresponsiveness are affected by weight changes during childhood for children who are overweight early in life.
Overweight and changes in weight status during childhood in relation to asthma symptoms at 8 years of age
Salome Scholtens, Alet H. Wijga, Jacob C. Seidell, Bert Brunekreef, Johan C. de Jongste, Ulrike Gehring, Dirkje S. Postma, Marjan Kerkhof, Henriette A. Smit
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
June 2009 (Vol. 123, Issue 6, pages 1312-1318)

The potential role of probiotics in preventing allergies has been of great interest to physicians, researchers, and patients alike. In the February issue, Kuitunen et al studied the effects of prebiotic and probiotic supplementation and found an association with less IgE-associated allergic disease until age 5 years, but only in children who were delivered by cesarean.
Probiotics prevent IgE-associated allergy until age 5 years in cesarean-delivered children but not in the total cohort
Mikael Kuitunen, Kaarina Kukkonen, Kaisu Juntunen-Backman, Riitta Korpela, Tuija Poussa, Tuula Tuure, Tari Haahtela, Erkki Savilahti
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
February 2009 (Vol. 123, Issue 2, page 335-341)

In the same issue, Khodoun et al used a mouse model to evaluate reactions to peanut extract and found that peanuts can contribute to shock by causing production of C3a.
Peanuts can contribute to anaphylactic shock by activating complement
Marat Khodoun, Richard Strait, Tatyana Orekov, Simon Hogan, Hajime Karasuyama, De'Broski R. Herbert, Jrg Khl, Fred D. Finkelman
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
February 2009 (Vol. 123, Issue 2, page 342-351)

In the March issue, Wichmann et al looked at the respiratory health of children living near a petrochemical plant and found increased rates of asthma and respiratory symptoms such as wheeze, nocturnal cough, and rhinitis.
Increased asthma and respiratory symptoms in children exposed to petrochemical pollution
Fernando A. Wichmann, Andrea Mller, Luciano E. Busi, Natalia Cianni, Laura Massolo, Uwe Schlink, Andres Porta, Peter David Sly
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
March 2009 (Vol. 123, Issue 3, page 632-638)

In the December 2008 issue, Bacharier et al test the effectiveness of episodic use of budesonide and montelukast in preschool children with intermittent wheezing.
Episodic use of an inhaled corticosteroid or leukotriene receptor antagonist in preschool children with moderate-to-severe intermittent wheezing
Bacharier LB, Phillips BR, Zeiger RS, et al.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
December 2008 (Vol. 122, Issue 6, page 1127-35)

In the January 2009 issue, Suttner et al examine the HLX1 gene, which has been tied to regulation of Th1 differentiation and suppression of Th2 commitment, and find associations between polymorphisms in the gene and an increased risk of childhood asthma.
HLX1 gene variants influence the development of childhood asthma
Suttner K, Ruoss I, Rosenstiel P, et al.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
January 2009 (Vol. 123, Issue 1, page 82-8)

In the same issue, Fitzpatrick et al report on increased biomarkers of oxidative stress in the epithelial lining fluid of children with severe asthma.
Airway glutathione homeostasis is altered in children with severe asthma: Evidence for oxidant stress
Fitzpatrick AM, Teague W, Holguin F, et al.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
January 2009 (Vol. 123, Issue 1, page 146-52)

In a study of children with a parental history of atopy, Pistiner et al found an association between cesarean section delivery and allergic rhinitis and atopy, when compared with similar children born by vaginal delivery.
Birth by cesarean section, allergic rhinitis, and allergic sensitization among children with a parental history of atopy
Pistiner M, Gold DR, Abdulkerim H, et al.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
August 2008 (Vol. 122, Issue 2, page 274-279)

In the same issue, Burgess et al used a longitudinal cohort study to examine the connection between childhood eczema and asthma, and found that childhood eczema increased the chances of childhood asthma, development of asthma later in life, and asthma lasting into middle age.
Childhood eczema and asthma incidence and persistence: A cohort study from childhood to middle age
Burgess JA, Dharmage SC, Byrnes GB, et al.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
August 2008 (Vol. 122, Issue 2, page 280-285)

Finally, in the September issue, Nicolaou et al looked at wheezing in five year olds, and found that those who had attended day care had a lower risk for current wheezing.
Day-care attendance, position in sibship, and early childhood wheezing: A population-based birth cohort study
Nicolaou NC, Simpson A, Lowe LA, et al.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
August 2008 (Vol. 122, Issue 3, page 500-506)

In the July issue, Elliott et al explore the effect of breast-feeding on later risk of atopic disease and asthma. Protection against early wheezing has been demonstrated, but the authors did not find consistent evidence of an effect on later outcomes.
Prospective study of breast-feeding in relation to wheeze, atopy, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC)
Elliott L, Henderson J, Northstone K et al.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
July 2008 (Vol. 122, Issue 1, pages 49-54)

In the same issue, Kormann et al present their findings on genetic alterations in Toll-like receptor genes that may affect asthma risk.
Toll-like receptor heterodimer variants protect from childhood asthma
Kormann MSD, Depner M, Hartl D et al.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
July 2008 (Vol. 122, Issue 1, pages 86-92)

Finally, Järvinen et al examine cases of food-induced anaphylaxis in children when one dose of epinephrine was not enough, and analyze the circumstances and risk factors behind these events.
Use of multiple doses of epinephrine in food-induced anaphylaxis in children
Järvinen KM, Sicherer SH, Sampson HA et al.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
July 2008 (Vol. 122, Issue 1, pages 133-138)

In the December 2007 issue, Tantisira et al report severe exacerbations in children with asthma who are taking inhaled corticosteroids. They identified FCER2 as a predictor of the chances for the success of asthma treatment protocols.
FCER2: A pharmacogenetic basis for severe exacerbations in children with asthma
Tantisira K, Silverman E, Mariani T et al.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
December 2007 (Vol. 120, Issue 6, pages 1285-91)

A meta-analysis by Lee et al, published in the January 2008 issue, reviewed the effect of probiotics on the prevention and treatment of pediatric atopic dermatitis, and found stronger evidence for their efficacy in prevention, rather than treatment.
Meta-analysis of clinical trials of probiotics for prevention and treatment of pediatric atopic dermatitis
Lee J, Seto D, Bielory L et al.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
January 2008 (Vol. 121, Issue 1, pages 116-21)

Finally, in the February 2008 issue, Longo et al report evaluation of the use of Specific Oral Tolerance Induction in children with severe reactions to cow's milk proteins, and reported that the treatment seemed to be effective in the group studied.
Specific oral tolerance induction in children with very severe cow's milk-induced reactions
Longo G, Barbi E, Berti I et al.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
February 2008 (Vol. 121, Issue 2, pages 343-7)

The relationship of breast-feeding, overweight, and asthma in preadolescents
Mai X-M, Becker AB, Sellers EAC et al.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
September 2007 (Vol. 120, Issue 3, Pages 551-556)

Primary immunodeficiency diseases: An update from the International Union of Immunological Societies Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Classification Committee
Geha RS, Notarangelo LD, Casanova J-L, et al.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
October 2007 (Vol. 120, Issue 4, Pages 776-794)

Childhood allergic rhinitis predicts asthma incidence and persistence to middle age: A longitudinal study
Burgess JA, Walters EH, Byrnes GB, et al.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
October 2007 (Vol. 120, Issue 4, Pages 863-869)

Interactive effect of family history and environmental factors on respiratory tract-related morbidity in infancy
Kuiper S, Muris JWM, Dompeling E, et al.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
August 2007 (Vol. 120, Issue 2, Pages 388-395)

Gut microbiota and development of atopic eczema in 3 European birth cohorts
Adlerberth I, Strachan DP, Matricardi PM, et al.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
August 2007 (Vol. 120, Issue 2, Pages 343-350)

In an article in the January 2007 issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Sorkness et al study long-term treatment of mild to moderate persistent asthma in school-aged children, directly comparing three different asthma medicines used for initial daily therapy for children with this degree of asthma severity.
Long-term comparison of 3 controller regimens for mild-moderate persistent childhood asthma: The Pediatric Asthma Controller Trial
Sorkness CA, Lemanske Jr. RF, Mauger DT et al, for the Childhood Asthma Research and Education Network of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
January 2007 (Vol. 119, Issue 1, Pages 64-72)

In the February 2007 issue, Arshad et al, writing as part of the Isle of Wight prevention study, evaluate the effect of reduction in food and house-dust mite allergen exposure during infancy on preventing asthma and allergy. The authors report that allergic diseases can be reduced in the first 8 years of life by combined food and house-dust mite allergen avoidance in infancy.
Prevention of allergic disease during childhood by allergen avoidance: The Isle of Wight prevention study
Arshad SH, Bateman B, Sadeghnejad A et al
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
February 2007 (Vol. 119, Issue 2, Pages 307-313)

In the same issue, Khetsuriani et al examine the contribution of respiratory viruses to asthma exacerbations in children. The authors report that, of the respiratory viruses studied, only rhinoviruses were associated with asthma exacerbations.
Prevalence of viral respiratory tract infections in children with asthma
Khetsuriani N, Kazerouni NN, Erdman DD et al
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
February 2007 (Vol. 119, Issue 2, Pages 314-321)