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Introduction: Eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin (EDN) is a biomarker for eosinophilic activation. Urinary (u) EDN may allow non‐invasive monitoring of asthma, but clinical recommendations are lacking. We assessed the potential of uEDN as a marker of disease activity in pediatric asthma. Method s : We assessed urine samples of 371 children from the German ALLIANCE study cohort, from which we had: 169 preschool wheezers (<6 years), 80 asthmatics (≥6 years), and 122 healthy controls using the ImmunoCAP™ EDN Assay. Creatinine (Cr)‐adjusted uEDN values were analyzed using correlations, association tests, (non) parametric statistics, multiple linear, and multivariable regression. Results: uEDN/uCr values were higher in atopic versus non‐atopic preschool‐aged subjects (p =.035) and associated with the sum of allergen‐specific IgE in younger (r = 0.24, p =.003), and older subjects (r = 0.23, p =.043). uEDN/uCr was marginally a good determinant for atopy (p =.078, for subjects aged <6 years, and p =.058 for subjects ≥6 years). Children with the T2‐high phenotype had higher uEDN/uCr (p <.001) versus T2‐low—irrespective of using uEDN/uCr or blood eosinophils in combination to allergen sIgE for disease phenotyping. uEDN/uCr significantly correlated with reduced lung function among asthmatics (FEV1 z‐scores: r = −0.30, p =.007, and FEV1/FVC z‐scores: r = −0.24, p =.038). Using multivariable modeling, uEDN/uCr was an independent determinant of FEV1 (p =.038), and to a lesser extent, FEV1/FVC (p =.080). Conclusions: uEDN/uCr may serve as a non‐invasive biomarker for clinical features such as lung function in pediatric asthma. We highlight the utility of uEDN/uCr as a biomarker that can be easily assessed using widely available robust diagnostic immunoassays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Enterovirus/rhinovirus and human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) were the most prevalent respiratory viruses among children. • Subanalysis revealed differences in regional, seasonal, and age group distribution. • Highest prevalence was found in children up to 1 year old. • The prevalence of HRSV increased in the second half of the pandemic. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of respiratory viruses among children under the special conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Five databases were systematically searched to assess the pooled prevalence of various respiratory viruses in different age groups, regions, seasons, and in patients with and without confirmed SARS-CoV-2 coinfection. Moreover, we looked at the virus distribution in the first and second half of the pandemic and countries with distinct economic status. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and the systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022379297). Enterovirus/rhinovirus and human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) were the most prevalent pathogens among children. The prevalence of HRSV increased in the second half of the pandemic. The prevailing viruses vary according to the SARS-CoV-2-coinfection status, season, region, and country´s economic status. This meta-analysis shows the epidemiology of respiratory viruses other than SARS-CoV-2 in children aged 0 to 12 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because major events, such as a pandemic, can alter epidemiology patterns, it is important to know them to improve health education measures, develop vaccines and medicines for vulnerable groups, as a guide for prevention strategies, and help with clinical decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence and complexity of allergic diseases have increased in recent decades, leading to a significant burden for patients and their families. However, training in Allergy and Clinical Immunology (ACI) varies worldwide, with significant heterogeneity between countries. This variability may limit the number of healthcare professionals and researchers undergoing ACI training in the future. To address this, the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) has developed a mentorship program to support young professionals in enhancing their skills and network. The program has been successful and may serve as a model for other scientific organizations in the ACI field. [Extracted from the article]