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Background: Filaggrin ( FLG) null mutations are important genetic predisposing factors for atopic asthma and have recently been shown to influence controller and reliever medication needs in asthmatic children. Our objective was to study the role of FLG null alleles in asthma exacerbations. Methods: FLG mutations R501X and 2282del4 were assayed in 1135 individuals ranging from 3 to 22 years old with asthma from Tayside and Dumfries, Scotland. Asthma exacerbations over the previous 6 months were also studied. Results: The FLG mutations were significantly associated with greater risk of exacerbations in children with asthma. Exacerbations were significant for the R501X but not the 2282del4 mutation and the combined genotype compared to the wild-type with odds ratios of 1.97 (95% CI, 1.19–3.22; P = 0.009) and 1.61 (95% CI, 1.08–2.40; P = 0.021), respectively. Individuals with FLG null alleles were more likely to require oral steroids (31.4% vs 19.5%; OR = 1.89; P = 0.021) for their exacerbations. There was also a 1.71-fold increased risk (42.6% vs 30%; P = 0.041) of school absence owing to asthma exacerbations in asthmatic individuals with FLG null mutation. On sub-group analysis, the effect of FLG mutations on asthma exacerbations is significant ( P = 0.045) only for participants with relatively mild asthma controlled on inhaled steroids, with inhaled albuterol according to need. Conclusion: In addition to their effect on asthma medication requirements reported previously, there is an association between the presence of FLG null mutations and the risk of asthma exacerbations in asthmatic children and young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We tested the hypothesis that classroom carbon dioxide (CO2 ) concentration is inversely related to child school attendance and educational attainment., Methods: Concentrations of CO2 were measured over a 3-5 day period in 60 naturally ventilated classrooms of primary school children in Scotland. Concentrations of CO2 were related to the class average annual attendance and proportions attaining a national standard for reading, writing, and numeracy, adjusted for socioeconomic status and class size., Results: The median (interquartile range, IQR) CO2 concentration averaged over the school day was 1086 ppm (922, 1310). In the model, Time Weighted Average CO2 concentrations were inversely associated with school attendance but not academic attainments. An increase of 100 ppm CO2 was associated with a reduced annual attendance of 0.2% (0.04, 0.4) roughly equivalent to 1 half day of school per annum, assuming schools are open on 190 days per year. Indoor temperature and relative humidity were not related to attendance or academic attainment., Conclusions: Inadequate classroom ventilation, as evidenced by CO2 concentration exceeding 1000 ppm, is not uncommon and may be associated with reduced school attendance. A relationship between inadequate classroom ventilation and adverse health outcomes in children may be present and this needs to be explored., (© 2014, American School Health Association.)