Pollen count

BACKGROUND: The rapid uptake of antigens by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and their migration to draining lymph nodes in the initial hours after antigen administration in epicutaneous allergen specific immunotherapy (EPIT) prompted us to investigate whether the topical administration of allergens without patch application could alleviate allergy in pollen-sensitized mice. We evaluated the immunotherapeutic effect of topically administering hydrogel-based Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) loaded with a total extract of Platanus orientalis pollen (Pla...

Respiratory virus infections are related to over 80% of childhood asthma exacerbations. They enhance pro-inflammatory mediator release, especially for sensitized individuals exposed to pollens/molds. Using a time-series study design, we investigated possible effect modification by respiratory virus infections of the associations between aeroallergens/PM2.5 and asthma exacerbation rates. Outpatient, emergency department (ED), and inpatient visits for asthma exacerbation among children with asthma (28,540/24,444 [warm/cold season]), as well as viral infection counts were obtained from electronic health records of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia from 2011 to 2016...

BACKGROUND: Grasses populate most biogeographical zones, and their diversity influences allergic sensitisation to pollen. Previously, the contribution of different Poaceae subfamilies to airborne pollen has mostly been inferred from historical herbarium records. We recently applied environmental (e)DNA metabarcoding at one subtropical site revealing that successive airborne grass pollen peaks were derived from repeated flowering of Chloridoid and Panicoid grasses over a season. This study aimed to compare spatiotemporal patterns in grass pollen exposure across seasons and climate zones...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pollen is enormously important to the human experience. As pollen became germane to human health in the late nineteenth century, methods for pollen collection and measurement were developed. Techniques were standardized and pollen counting networks were established in many parts of the world during the middle to late part of the twentieth century. With some notable exceptions, the technology of the 1950s and 1960s is presently employed to create the current pollen counting networks...

Cryptangieae has recently been revised based on morphology and molecular phylogeny, but cytogenetic data is still scarce. We conducted this study with the aim of investigating the occurrence of holocentric chromosomes and pseudomonads, as well as understanding the mode of chromosomal evolution in the tribe. We performed analyses of meiotic behavior, chromosome counts, and reconstruction of the ancestral state for the haploid number. We present novel cytogenetic data for eight potentially holocentric species: Cryptangium verticillatum, Krenakia junciforme, K...

INTRODUCTION: The possible influence of sensitization to aeroallergens on omalizumab response in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) has been insufficiently investigated. This study's aim was to investigate atopy's influence on omalizumab response in CSU patients. METHOD: Retrospective study of CSU patients followed at a Portuguese Urticaria Center of Reference and Excellence (UCARE), treated with omalizumab for at least 6 months, between 2015 and 2022. At T0, all patients underwent quantification of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) for total extract of most prevalent aeroallergens (ImmunoCAP Thermo Fisher Scientific®) and were divided in 2 groups, according to their response to omalizumab during the first 16 weeks of treatment: responders (R) (UAS7 <7) versus partial (PR) (UAS7 = 7-15) and nonresponders (UAS7 >15)...

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effect of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) on Japanese cedar and cypress pollinosis in a mass scattering year of cedar pollen (total counts: 12353 grains/cm2 , approximately four times the average). METHODS: SLIT patients of 84 in the first year, 107 in the second year and 67 in the third year treated with Cedarcure® were included. During the 2023 cedar and cypress pollen dispersal season, nasal and eye symptoms and general symptoms were examined using a visual analog scale (VAS)...

It has been shown that pollen information services are an important self-management tool for patients with pollen-related allergic rhinitis (AR) and allergic asthma (AA). This study aimed to design an online application for patients with AR and AA, which supports patients to better manage their disease as well as to evaluate the app and present the first results of the pilot study. The pollen data were obtained from the electronic pollen information network of Bavaria, Germany. Participants were asked to fill in their allergy-related complaints in the app over a 60-day period...

BACKGROUND: Studies have linked daily pollen counts to respiratory allergic health outcomes but few have considered allergen levels. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed associations of grass pollen counts and allergen levels (Phl p 5) with 1) respiratory allergic health symptoms in a panel of 93 adults with moderate-severe allergic rhinitis and 2) daily asthma hospital admissions in London, UK. METHODS: Daily symptom and medication scores were collected from adult participants in an allergy clinical trial...

CONTEXT: Decreased trunk neuromuscular control is a risk factor for both upper- and lower-extremity injuries, yet there are few reliable and valid clinical tests to identify deficits. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and known-groups validity of a novel clinical test, the seated trunk control test (STCT). DESIGN: Cross-sectional reliability and known-groups validity study. SETTING: Laboratory...

PURPOSE: Atmospheric fungi are associated with respiratory allergies in humans, and some fungal spores can cause allergic diseases. Environmental and biological factors influence the concentrations of atmospheric spores. In this study, we evaluated the climate change-induced annual variations in fungal spore concentrations and allergic sensitization rates in the Seoul Metropolitan Area over a period of 25 years. METHODS: Fungal spores and pollen were obtained from Hanyang University Seoul and Guri Hospitals; they were identified and counted for 25 years (1998-2022)...

Among butterflies, Heliconius have a unique behavioural profile, being the sole genus to actively feed on pollen. Heliconius learn the location of pollen resources, and have enhanced visual memories and expanded mushroom bodies, an insect learning and memory centre, relative to related genera. These structures also show extensive post-eclosion growth and developmental sensitivity to environmental conditions. However, whether this reflects plasticity in neurite growth, or an extension of neurogenesis into the adult stage, is unknown...

Female hemp plants are desired in floral hemp operations due to their higher cannabinoid contents. To produce feminized seeds, a critical step of inducing fertile male flowers on female plants is performed. In feminized seed production, freshly mixed STS (silver thiosulfate + sodium thiosulfate) is applied to female plants as an ethylene inhibitor to induce male flowers. However, the short-shelf stability of the STS buffer can cause difficulty in the application and inconsistent results. Alternative methods with improved accessibility and stable buffers will be beneficial for the hemp industry and hemp breeders...

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a disease characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and at least 15 eosinophils/hpf in the esophagus. Other systemic and local causes of esophageal eosinophilia should be excluded. OBJECTIVES: The study objectives were to examine the annual epidemiology of EoE for 14 consecutive years, investigate whether there is a relationship between the count of aeroallergens and the incidence of EoE for 12 years, evaluate whether there are family ties between the patients with EoE, and determine whether there are cases of EoE that are triggered or exacerbated by pollens...

BACKGROUND: Ragweed as an invasive species in Europe has become more important for allergy sufferers in the last decade. Because pollen fractions can be found in the respirable fraction of aerosols, they can generate severe disease progressions. OBJECTIVE: To obtain information about the concentration and distribution of 1 of the main ragweed allergens Ambrosia artemisiifolia 1 in the air of Vienna, PM10 and PM2.5 fine dust filters were analyzed. METHODS: Standard fine dust filters used for air quality monitoring were analyzed via ELISA and immunogold scanning electron microscopy...

Objective: To investigate the species, concentration and seasonal trends of main airborne allergenic pollen in 4 districts and 5 counties of Hohhot City. Methods: The Department of allergy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University conducted a cross-sectional study about monitoring the airborne allergenic pollen from August 1, 2021 to July 31, 2022 by the gravitational method in 4 districts and 5 counties of Hohhot City, which include Yuquan District, Xincheng District, Huimin District, Saihan District, Tuoketuo County, Helingeer County, Tumotezuoqi County, Wuchuan County and Qingshuihe County...

Objective: To explore the allergen map of patients with allergic diseases in northwest China, to investigate the distribution characteristics of serum specific Immunoglobulin E (sIgE) in different ages, genders, diseases and the sensitization patterns of allergens. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study, a total of 1 161 patients with confirmed respiratory allergic diseases were selected retrospectively from outpatient or inpatient department of Gansu Provincial People's Hospital, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University and Tumor Hospital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from June 2019 to October 2022...

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an atopic disorder that affects the quality of life of the patients. AR symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, and mucus discharge. It is often associated with several other eye-, ear-, and nose-related symptoms along with fatigue and mood changes. The allergic reaction is triggered by an allergen. An understanding of the allergens that affect a patient is important for allergen avoidance, and ultimately, the treatment of AR. This study aimed to identify the common allergens affecting patients with AR...

INTRODUCTION: Many parents of children with allergies are worried whether their subsequent children will have allergic reactions to the same allergens. Much of the current research on sibling allergens has been focused on twins; however, in real life, very few children are twins. Our study provides an opportunity to initially explore the sensitivity to allergens in siblings diagnosed with respiratory allergic diseases. METHODS: Siblings diagnosed with bronchial asthma and/or allergic rhinitis in the Outpatient Department of Allergy Department of Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021 were selected...

Distyly has been interpreted as a mechanism that promotes cross-pollination between floral morphs. According to this hypothesis, pollen from anthers positioned at different heights could adhere to different body parts of the pollinator that would correspond to those points where stigmas of compatible morph contact the animal. In this regard, hummingbird species with different bill sizes may play different roles as pollinators of each morph. If pollinators mobilize more legitimate pollen towards one of the two morphs, gender specialization may occur...