Search Results (211)

Urban metabolism frameworks offer insight into flows of energy, materials, and services in cities, yet tree species selection is seldom treated as a metabolic indicator. In Amman, Jordan, we integrate spatial metabolic metrics to critique monocultural greening policies and demonstrate how species choices forecast long-term urban metabolic performance. Using ENVI-met 5.61 simulations, we compare Melia azedarach, Olea europaea, and Ceratonia siliqua, mainly assessing urban flow related elements like air temperature reduction, CO₂ sequestration, and evapotranspiration alongside rooting depth, isoprene emissions, and biodiversity support. Melia delivers rapid cooling but shows other negatives like a low biodiversity value; Olea offers average cooling and sequestration but has allergenic pollen issues in people as a flow; Ceratonia provides scalable cooling, increased carbon uptake, and has a high ecological value. We propose a metabolic reframing of green infrastructure planning to choose urban species, guided by system feedback rather than aesthetics, to ensure long-term resilience in arid urban climates. Full article

Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) has been identified as one of the most harmful invasive weed species in Europe due to its allergenic pollen and competitive growth in diverse habitats. In the first part of this review [Common Ragweed—Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.: A Review with Special Regards to the Latest Results in Biology and Ecology], its biological characteristics and ecological behavior were described in detail. In the current paper, control strategies are summarized, focusing on integrated weed management adapted to the specific habitat where the species causes damage—arable land, semi-natural vegetation, urban areas, or along linear infrastructures. A range of management methods is reviewed, including agrotechnical, mechanical, physical, thermal, biological, and chemical approaches. Particular attention is given to the spread of herbicide resistance and the need for diversified, habitat-specific interventions. Among biological control options, the potential of Ophraella communa LeSage, a leaf beetle native to North America, is highlighted. Furthermore, innovative technologies such as UAV-assisted weed mapping, site-specific herbicide application, and autonomous weeding robots are discussed as environmentally sustainable tools. The role of legal regulations and pollen monitoring networks—particularly those implemented in Hungary—is also emphasized. By combining traditional and advanced methods within a coordinated framework, effective and ecologically sound ragweed control can be achieved. Full article

Allergic diseases, particularly respiratory allergies like asthma and allergic rhinitis, are a growing public health concern influenced by environmental factors such as climate change and air pollution. The exposome framework enables a comprehensive assessment of how lifelong environmental exposures shape immune responses and allergic sensitization. Peru’s diverse ecosystems and climates provide a unique setting to investigate regional variations in allergic sensitization. This study characterized these patterns in five Peruvian regions with distinct climatic, urbanization, and socioeconomic characteristics. A total of 268 individuals from Lima, Piura, Tarapoto, Arequipa, and Tacna were analysed for allergen-specific IgE responses using a multiplex IgE detection system. The results revealed significant geographical differences in sensitization frequencies and serodominance profiles, based on descriptive statistics and supported by Chi-square comparative analysis. House dust mites were predominant in humid regions, while Arequipa exhibited higher sensitization to cat allergens. In Tacna, olive pollen showed notable prevalence alongside house dust mites. Tarapoto’s high humidity correlated with increased fungal and cockroach allergen sensitization. Notably, some allergens traditionally considered minor, such as Der p 5 and Der p 21, reached sensitization prevalences close to or exceeding 50% in certain regions. These findings provide the most detailed molecular characterization of allergic sensitization in Peru to date, highlighting the importance of region-specific allergy management strategies. Understanding environmental influences on allergic diseases can support more effective diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive approaches tailored to diverse geographical contexts. Full article

Allergic diseases have been increasing in prevalence over the last years. In a polluted environment, this problem can worsen and become more complex. Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to the aggravation of allergic rhinitis (AR) and even to the development of seasonal asthma. Climate changes can accelerate and extend the pollination season. Research indicates that air pollution may modify the properties of pollen, making it more aggressive. Asymptomatic allergic people disclose their allergies in a polluted environment. A polluted environment complicates the diagnosis of seasonal allergies. The treatment might be more challenging as standard allergy medications may not be enough to control symptoms. The causal treatment of allergic rhinitis is specific allergen immunotherapy (AIT), which may prove less effective in people living in a polluted environment. The problem may lie in the proper evaluation for AIT as well as the assessment of its effectiveness. To date, the best way to confirm an allergy and qualify a patient for AIT seems to be molecular diagnostics. The question arises whether patients exposed to air pollution, which could potentially reduce the effectiveness of AIT, are still eligible for AIT. It is also debatable whether molecular diagnostics remain effective in such cases. Advancing precision medicine alongside environmental management represents a critical pathway toward reducing the growing global burden of allergic diseases. Full article

Grass pollen allergies significantly contribute to atopic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, resulting in considerable healthcare burdens. Objective: In this study, molecular sensitization patterns to grass pollen in Swiss patients were addressed. The research utilized a retrospective cohort approach using ImmunoCAP™ ISAC testing from October 2015 to July 2020. Clinical histories, demographics, and skin prick test results were collected for analysis. The minimum patient age was 18 years and the average patient age was 41.3 years, with a female predominance (68.5%). In total, 4814 measurements were analyzed. Allergic rhinitis was the most common clinical symptom, followed by asthma and urticaria. A total of 1963 patients (40.8%) revealed sensitization to grass pollen. The most common sensitizations were found to the major allergens Phl p 1 (86%) and Phl p 5 (65%), but also to Phl p 4 (62%). Monosensitization was mostly found to allergens Phl p 1 (266/13.5%) and Phl p 4 (157/7.9%), and less so to Phl p 5 (33/1.7%). Notably, the Phl p 4-monosensitized subgroup showed only an 18% positivity rate in skin prick tests and presented mostly with urticaria. This study gives insights into the spectrum of grass pollen allergies in a Central European setting and underscores the possibly underestimated role of Phl p 4 among grass pollen allergens, especially in a subgroup that suffers mainly from seasonal urticaria. Monovalent sensitization to Phl p 4 can also cause seasonal rhinitis and might therefore be missed if only Phl p 1/p 5 are tested. A better understanding of sensitization patterns will further improve diagnosis and treatment options. Full article

Pollen allergy has emerged as a critical global health challenge. Proactive pollen monitoring is imperative for safeguarding susceptible populations through timely preventive interventions. Current manual detection methods suffer from inherent limitations: notably, suboptimal accuracy and delayed response times, which hinder effective allergy management. Therefore, we present an automated pollen concentration detection system integrated with a novel GGD-YOLOv8n model (Ghost-generalized-FPN-DualConv-YOLOv8), which was specifically designed for allergenic pollen species identification. The methodological advancements comprise three components: (1) combining the C2f convolution in Backbone with the G-Ghost module, this module generates features through half-convolution operations and half-symmetric linear operations, enhancing the extraction and expression capabilities of detailed feature information. (2) The conventional neck network is replaced with a GFPN architecture, facilitating cross-scale feature aggregation and refinement. (3) Standard convolutional layers are substituted with DualConv, thereby reducing model complexity by 22.6% (parameters) and 22% GFLOPs (computational load) while maintaining competitive detection accuracy. This systematic optimization enables efficient deployment on edge computing platforms with stringent resource constraints. The experimental validation substantiates that the proposed methodology outperforms the baseline YOLOv8n model, attaining a 5.4% increase in classification accuracy accompanied by a 4.7% enhancement in mAP@50 metrics. When implemented on Jetson Nano embedded platforms, the system demonstrates computational efficiency with an inference latency of 364.9 ms per image frame, equating to a 22.5% reduction in processing time compared to conventional implementations. The empirical results conclusively validate the dual superiority in detecting precision and operational efficacy when executing microscopic pollen image analysis on resource-constrained edge computing devices; they establish a feasible algorithm framework for automated pollen concentration monitoring systems. Full article

Pollen allergy is rated as a major public health problem, causing significant morbidity and adversely affecting the quality of people’s lives. The airway epithelium serves as the first line of defense in the respiratory system, playing a crucial role in orchestrating immune responses to allergens. In this work, we studied the important transport steps in the major alder pollen allergen Aln g 1 through the human airway epithelium in comparison with those of the birch pollen allergen Bet v 1. Using fluorescence spectroscopy, we showed that both allergens can destroy liposomes with a composition modeling the adult human pulmonary surfactant. Using a polarized Calu-3 monolayer, we showed similar efficiencies of Aln g 1 and Bet v 1 transport through the artificial epithelial barrier. Using qPCR, we showed that Aln g 1 upregulates the expression of IL-33, TSLP, IL-1β, CXCL8 in epithelial cells, playing an important role in the sensitization process. The obtained results may improve our understanding of the primary sensitization mechanisms with the involvement of the PR-10 family of lipid-binding allergens. Full article

The accurate prediction of the Main Pollen Season (MPS) is crucial for public health and environmental management, particularly for allergenic and highly abundant taxa such as Olea and Quercus. This study presents a comparative evaluation of multiple predictive models for estimating MPS in Thessaloniki, Greece, from 2016 to 2022. The models examined include cumulative temperature-based approaches, Logistic Models (LM), the Distribution Method (DM), and Machine Learning Techniques (MLTs) such as Random Forest, Neural Networks, and Ensemble Learning. The results indicate that Double-Threshold temperature-based (DT) and LM models effectively capture the end of the pollen season, with differences from observed values ranging from 0 to 7 days. Meanwhile MLTs, particularly Random Forest, exhibit high accuracy in predicting its onset of the season, with deviations ranging from 0 to 10 days. Notably, the DT approach, which incorporates transition ranges, enhances the prediction reliability in complex urban environments. These findings contribute to the development of more robust aerobiological forecasting systems, supporting allergen exposure mitigation strategies and agricultural planning in Mediterranean climates. Future research should focus on multifold cross-validation techniques and advanced deep learning models, such as LSTMs (Long Short-Term Memory models), to further refine the prediction accuracy. These advancements would enable the development of more accurate and generalized forecasting models, contributing into a broader modeling system capable of predicting daily pollen concentrations, further supporting real-time pollen forecasting efforts. Full article

Background/Objectives: The guideline on allergen-specific immunotherapy of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology recommends subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in children and adults with moderate to severe symptoms. The five years cohort study described below was designed in 2020 to demonstrate non-inferiority in terms of safety, tolerability and efficacy in a paediatric population compared with adult patients treated with microcrystalline tyrosine-adsorbed allergoids for their tree and grass pollen allergy in a perennial setting. Here, we present the preliminary findings from the first year. Methods: The Combined Symptom and Medication Score was chosen as the primary endpoint of this therapy. Secondary endpoints include the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, the retrospective Rhinoconjunctivitis score, the Asthma Control Test and the Rhinitis Control Test, as well as an analysis of adverse drug reactions. Results: A total number of 320 patients were enrolled into this study, with 129 of these patients in the age group between 5 and 17 years and 191 patients in the adult age group. Mean Combined Symptom and Medication Score values did not differ significantly between minors and adults in the first pollen season after treatment induction. The retrospective score showed a strong and significant reduction in rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma symptoms. Treatment was well tolerated, with more than 80% of patients reporting no adverse drug reactions. Conclusions: The validity of this study approach of a cohort study has been confirmed by this first interim analysis for the initial course of therapy in the first year. Full article

(1) Background: Respiratory allergens, particularly ragweed (RW) pollen and house dust mites (HDMs), are major triggers of respiratory inflammation and allergic diseases. This study investigated the impact of single- versus combined-allergen exposure on the barrier function of normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells cultured at the air–liquid interface (ALI). (2) Methods: NHBE cells were exposed to RW pollen extract (200 µg/mL), HDM extract (200 µg/mL) and their combination at varying concentrations (200 µg/mL, 100 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL, 25 µg/mL). Additional groups included a mixture of Amb a 1, Amb a 11 and Amb a 12 (100 mg/mL) and combinations of Der p 1 with the ragweed allergens (50 mg/mL, 100 µg/mL). Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was recorded over 72 hours to assess barrier integrity, and immunofluorescence (IF) staining for zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) was performed to evaluate tight junction alterations. (3) Results: TEER measurements showed a significant reduction in epithelial barrier integrity following allergen exposure, with the most pronounced disruption observed with the combined exposure to RW and HDM groups. IF staining confirmed extensive tight junction damage, highlighting their synergistic impact. (4) Conclusions: These findings emphasize the importance of assessing cumulative allergen effects, as combined exposure may exacerbate epithelial dysfunction and represent a key aspect in the management of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Full article

This study focused on identifying the environmental allergens causing allergic dermatitis in 250 dogs from Western Romania. Among the 250 dogs tested, 43% (107) exhibited significant allergic reactions (IgE levels greater than 2 kU/L), particularly in Maltese, French Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, and West Highland White Terriers. The highest reactivity was observed to house dust mites (Dermatophagoides farinae, 91%), rye pollen (45%), and flea allergen Ctef 1 (15%). Statistical analyses revealed significant correlations between breed, sex, and living environment. Males exhibited a higher susceptibility to allergies (p < 0.001), whereas dogs that spent most of their time indoors were significantly more susceptible to allergic diseases than their mostly outdoors counterparts (p < 0.05). Additionally, dogs under two years old, especially those on a dry food diet, had an elevated risk of developing allergies (p < 0.01). Clinical manifestations included pruritus (60%), otitis externa (42%), and specific skin lesions (66%). The study underscores the role of environmental and dietary factors in the development of allergies in dogs. However, financial limitations related to allergy testing kits restricted the sample size, highlighting the need for further, more comprehensive research to enhance the generalizability of these findings. Full article

In response to the demands of climate change and urban sustainability, urban green space construction in China has rapidly expanded, while simultaneously giving rise to allergenic pollen pollution. Focusing on the central urban area of Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China, this study utilizes urban surveys, field measurements, and pollen particle microscopy to analyze the seasonal variation in allergenic pollen pollution concentrations and the physical dispersion characteristics of allergenic pollen particles in residential areas. The study also examines the impact of urban residential area spatial layout on regulating allergenic pollen pollution. The results show that (1) allergenic pollen pollution in Xi’an’s residential areas exhibits significant seasonal characteristics, with spring, summer, and autumn being the primary seasons. The highest concentrations occur in spring, dominated by tree pollen, followed by summer and autumn with a predominance of herbaceous pollen. (2) Pollution concentrations in residential areas are affected by the diurnal temperature variation, with higher concentrations observed in public green spaces compared to residential green spaces and roadside green spaces. (3) Allergenic pollen pollution shows a layered characteristic in the vertical direction, with concentrations concentrated around 13 m above ground due to the effects of diurnal temperature variation and local microclimate. (4) Urban pollen pollution concentrations are positively correlated with high temperatures and negatively correlated with high humidity, while local circulations influence pollen dispersion concentrations in residential areas. (5) Design indicators such as plot ratio and building stagger affect the dispersion concentrations of allergenic pollen pollution in residential areas. The findings provide a scientific basis for optimizing residential area spatial design to mitigate allergenic pollen pollution and offer strategic guidance for improving the health and livability of urban environments. Full article

Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) is an allergic reaction that occurs upon contact of the mouth and throat with food, leading to symptoms primarily affecting the oral mucosa. In patients with allergic rhinitis, OAS may develop due to cross-reactivity between the pollen allergens responsible for allergic rhinitis, and specific plant-derived foods. This particular type of OAS is known as Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS). The difference in prevalence of PFAS across different regions of the world is attributed to various factors, including environmental exposure and dietary habits. Southern Europe’s temperate climate favors the blooming of many allergenic plants, making respiratory allergies and PFAS significant public health concerns. There is a regional variation in pollen in Southern Europe, contributing to differences in the presence of panallergens—such as profilins, pathogenesis-related class 10 (PR-10) proteins and lipid transfer proteins (LTPs)—which mediate PFAS. In order to examine the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and diagnostic approaches of OAS and PFAS, focusing on their prevalence and impact in Southern European adults, a narrative review was performed. Data from Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Albania, Greece, and Türkiye were retrieved. The main outcome of this review was that the frequency of PFAS varies across studies, not only between countries but also within the same country, due to vegetation variability across regions as well as methodological differences and the year of study. However, despite these differences, PFAS emerges as a common issue in Southern Europe, underscoring the need for effective diagnosis and management. Full article

Spain exhibits significant climatic variability across its regions, ranging from the humid oceanic climate in the north to the Mediterranean and stepped climates in the southern and central areas. These climatic differences influence environmental allergen exposure, which may, in turn, affect allergic sensitization patterns in the pediatric population. Variations in temperature, humidity, and airborne allergen distribution, such as pollen, dust mites, animal epithelia, and mold, contribute to regional disparities in allergic responses among children. Understanding how climatic conditions shape allergen recognition patterns across different geographical areas is essential for improving allergy prevention and management strategies. This study aims to shed light on this issue by identifying sensitization patterns in a pediatric population of 236 patients (with 2 age groups analyzed: 6–10 and 11–15 years old) from different climatic regions of Spain. Skin tests with standard aeroallergens were performed, and specific IgE (sIgE) analysis by Allergy Explorer of Macroarray Diagnostic test (ALEX²) and Western blot. The results revealed different sensitization trends across patients from the eight cities analyzed (Barcelona, Granada, Lugo, Sagunto, Santiago de Compostela, Valencia, and Zaragoza). Full article

The birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 is believed to be the main sensitizer among PR-10 allergens. Recent data have shown that some other PR-10 allergens also display sensitization activities, and Bet v 1-based immunotherapy is not effective for blocking allergic reactions to PR-10 proteins with low similarities to Bet v 1. Here, we investigated the sensitization potential of the major soybean allergen Gly m 4 and its cross-reactivity with Bet v 1. We demonstrated that Gly m 4 bound cholesterol and bile acids, including deoxycholic acid (DCA). Using qPCR, we showed that Gly m 4 induced the expression of genes encoding alarmins TSLP and IL-33 in intestinal-like Caco-2 cells; however, its fragments resulting from digestion by gastroduodenal enzymes or the DCA-bound Gly m 4 caused more pronounced gene upregulation. Using competitive ELISA, we demonstrated the low cross-reactivity of anti-Gly m 4 and anti-Bet v 1 IgG, raised in laboratory animals. Using mice allergy models with sensitization to birch or soybean allergens, we also showed a low cross-reactivity of Gly m 4- and Bet v 1-specific IgE, IgG1 and IgG2a. Thus, our findings support an assumption of the intrinsic sensitization capacity of Gly m 4 and the existence of Gly m 4-specific antibodies in sera of allergic patients. Full article