Shared DNA methylation signatures in childhood allergy: The MeDALL study.

Background: Differential DNA methylation associated with allergy might provide novel insights into the shared or unique etiology of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema.

Objective: We sought to identify DNA methylation profiles associated with childhood allergy.

Methods: Within the European Mechanisms of the Development of Allergy (MeDALL) consortium, we performed an epigenome-wide association study of whole blood DNA methylation by using a cross-sectional design.

Prenatal and postnatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants and attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder: a pooled analysis of seven European birth cohort studies.

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasing worldwide for reasons largely unknown and environmental chemicals with neurotoxic properties, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), have been proposed to play a role. We investigated the association between prenatal and postnatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyl-153 (PCB-153), p-p´-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p-p'-DDE) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and ADHD in childhood.

Methods: We pooled seven European birth cohort studies encompassing 4437 mother-child pairs from the general population with concentrations of PCB-153, p-p´-DDE and HCB measured in cord blood, maternal blood or milk.

Early growth characteristics and the risk of reduced lung function and asthma: A meta-analysis of 25,000 children.

Background: Children born preterm or with a small size for gestational age are at increased risk for childhood asthma.

Objective: We sought to assess the hypothesis that these associations are explained by reduced airway patency.

Methods: We used individual participant data of 24,938 children from 24 birth cohorts to examine and meta-analyze the associations of gestational age, size for gestational age, and infant weight gain with childhood lung function and asthma (age range, 3.

[Social determinants of dietary patterns during pregnancy].

Objectives: To identify dietary patterns in pregnancy and describe their relationship with sociodemographic factors, smoking, and body mass index. As a secondary objective, intakes were evaluated relative to current dietary recommendations for pregnant women.

Methods: Cross-sectional assessment of dietary intakes in 473 pregnant women from the Island of Menorca (Spain) was performed.

Diet, wheeze, and atopy in school children in Menorca, Spain.

Epidemiological studies have shown inverse associations of asthma symptoms with fish, vegetable, and fruit intake. We evaluated the association between several dietary factors with wheeze and atopy among children in Menorca, a Spanish Mediterranean island. A cross-sectional analysis was performed on 460 children at age 6.

[Adaptation and validation of a questionnaire on susceptibility, benefits and barriers in breast cancer screening with mammography].

Objectives: To adapt the <> on breast cancer screening to Spanish, and to asses its validity and reliability.

Methods: We assessed validation of a scale with 3 dimensions (susceptibility, benefits and barriers) with Likert responses in a case-control study. Cases were women not participating in a breast cancer screening program and controls consisted of participating women.

Early-life allergen exposure and atopy, asthma, and wheeze up to 6 years of age.

Rationale: Although it is widely assumed that the incidence of childhood respiratory allergies to common aeroallergens is directly related to allergen exposure in early life, few longitudinal studies have investigated this issue, and available data are scarce and mainly limited to high-risk groups.

Objectives: To assess, in a prospective manner and in a general population, the role of early life exposures to Der p1 and Fel d1 on the inception of sensitization and asthma.

Methods: Pregnant women and their children were recruited for the Asthma Multicentre Infant Cohort Study.

Early-life domestic aeroallergen exposure and IgE sensitization at age 4 years.

Background: Although it is widely assumed that childhood sensitization to common aeroallergens is directly related to allergen exposure in early life, few longitudinal studies have investigated this issue, and available data are scarce and mainly limited to high-risk groups.

Objective: We sought to assess the role of early exposure to 2 major household aeroallergens (Der p 1 and Fel d 1) in sensitization at the age of 4 years.

Methods: Pregnant women and their children were recruited for the Asthma Multicenter Infant Cohort Study.

Smoking cessation and associated factors during pregnancy.

Objective: To examine smoking habits before and during pregnancy, as well as factors associated with smoking cessation, in three European settings.

Methods: Women seeking antenatal care in Ashford (UK), Minorca and Barcelona (Spain) were recruited to the Asthma Multicenter Infant Cohort Study (AMICS). Questionnaires inquiring into the smoking habits of each woman and her partner, demographic data, occupation, educational level, number of previous children, breast feeding, alcohol intake, and history of asthma and of other allergic diseases were completed during pregnancy and in the first year after delivery.