Association between fungal spore exposure in inner-city schools and asthma morbidity.

Background: Home fungus exposures may be associated with development or worsening of asthma. Little is known about the effects of school/classroom fungus exposures on asthma morbidity in students.

Objective: To evaluate the association of school-based fungus exposures on asthma symptoms in both fungus-sensitized and nonsensitized students with asthma.

U.S. Small-area Life Expectancy Estimates Project: Methodology and Results Summary.

Statistically reliable, abridged, period life tables were produced for 88.7% of U.S.

[Evaluation of zinc deficiency tolerance in different kinds of apple rootstocks].

The objective of this study was to screen and evaluate the zinc deficiency tolerance among eight apple rootstocks, i.e., Malus baccata, M.

Apple fruit diameter and length estimation by using the thermal and sunshine hours approach and its application to the digital orchard management information system.

In apple cultivation, simulation models may be used to monitor fruit size during the growth and development process to predict production levels and to optimize fruit quality. Here, Fuji apples cultivated in spindle-type systems were used as the model crop. Apple size was measured during the growing period at an interval of about 20 days after full bloom, with three weather stations being used to collect orchard temperature and solar radiation data at different sites.

Allergens on desktop surfaces in preschools and elementary schools of urban children with asthma.

Desktop dust has been studied as a source of food allergen, but not as a source of potential aeroallergen exposure. Thirty-six wiped samples from desktop surfaces were collected from preschools and schools. Samples were analyzed for detectable levels of common aeroallergens including Alternaria, cockroach, dog, dust mite, cat, mouse, and rat allergens by immunoassay.

Perceived neighborhood safety and asthma morbidity in the school inner-city asthma study.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether neighborhood safety as perceived by primary caregivers is associated with asthma morbidity outcomes among inner-city school children with asthma.

Methods: School children with asthma were recruited from 25 inner-city schools between 2009 and 2012 for the School Inner-City Asthma Study (N = 219). Primary caregivers completed a baseline questionnaire detailing their perception of neighborhood safety and their children's asthma symptoms, and the children performed baseline pulmonary function tests.

Exposures to molds in school classrooms of children with asthma.

Background: Students spend a large portion of their day in classrooms which may be a source of mold exposure. We examined the diversity and concentrations of molds in inner-city schools and described differences between classrooms within the same school.

Methods: Classroom airborne mold spores, collected over a 2 day period, were measured twice during the school year by direct microscopy.

Food allergy and increased asthma morbidity in a School-based Inner-City Asthma Study.

Background: Children with asthma have increased prevalence of food allergies. The relationship between food allergy and asthma morbidity is unclear.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the presence of food allergy as an independent risk factor for increased asthma morbidity by using the School Inner-City Asthma Study, a prospective study that evaluates risk factors and asthma morbidity among urban children.

Allergens in urban schools and homes of children with asthma.

Background: Most studies of indoor allergens have focused on the home environment. However, schools may be an important site of allergen exposure for children with asthma. We compared school allergen exposure to home exposure in a cohort of children with asthma.

Endotoxin exposure in inner-city schools and homes of children with asthma.

Background: Endotoxins are stimulators of the immune system and, despite their potential to protect against allergy, have been associated with early wheezing and asthma morbidity.

Objective: To compare inner-city school endotoxin exposure with home endotoxin exposure in children with asthma.

Methods: Students with asthma were recruited from 12 urban elementary schools.