Search Results (52)

Allergen-specific IgE multiplex serology enables the molecular characterization of sensitizations in large populations. To determine the sensitization prevalence and spectrum in dogs suspected of having allergies in the US, we analyzed results from 21,121 serum samples tested in 2024 and 2025 using the Pet Allergy Xplorer (PAX) 238-allergen platform. Sensitization to at least one allergen and to at least one environmental allergen was detected in 90.7% and 86.2% of dogs, respectively. House dust mites (HDMs) were the predominant allergens (79.5%), followed by Hymenoptera venoms (39.8%), meats (21.9%), weeds (21.5%), and tree pollens (18.6%). Sensitization to the Dermatophagoides farinae HDM was the most prevalent (76.7%). Unsupervised clustering of 16,366 sensitized dogs identified six biologically coherent profiles centered on flea saliva, mammalian serum albumins/IgGs, honeybee venom, HDM group-2 allergens, storage mites, and PR-10-family allergens. A second, pollen/plant-food-focused analysis found clusters associated with Parietaria Par j 2, ragweed, granule-bound starch synthases, and PR-10 allergens, as well as a minor Phl p 6-associated grass pollen profile. Altogether, these results define the molecular sensitization repertoire of dogs suspected of allergic diseases in the US and provide the background for interpreting IgE serological results and optimizing allergen selection for immunotherapy. Full article

This study comprehensively examined the pollen composition of High-Altitude Turkey in Kars honey, with a geographical indication, through melissopalynological analyses, and determined the relationships between these data and the honey’s antibacterial activity and quality characteristics. The melissopalynological analysis identified 55 pollen taxa; the most frequently occurring pollen belonged to the Onobrychis, Astragalus, Trifolium, and Centaurea. The average TPC-10 (total pollen count in 10 g of honey) was found to be 65,757.05 ± 50,903.85 (10,779–232,914). Antimicrobial activity varied depending on the bacterial species and honey concentration. Stronger activity was observed against Gram-positive bacteria. The physicochemical properties and sugar profiles of the samples generally met the Codex Alimentarius criteria. The existence of positive and significant correlations between antibacterial activity and TPC-10 (p < 0.05) suggests that TPC-10 is a determinant of both quality and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Univariate tests showed that TPC-10 was significantly associated with E. coli (p = 0.0028), K. pneumoniae (p = 0.035), S. aureus (p = 0.0079), and P. aeruginosa (p = 0.0021). The General Linear Model (GLM) showed a high degree of fit for TPC-10 (R² = 0.98; adj. R² = 0.94) and was found to be significant (F = 24.61; p = 0.0039), indicating that bacterial strains accounted for a large proportion of the variance in TPC-10. Multivariate analyses revealed the rich pollen composition and distinct antimicrobial interactions of honey samples. The findings demonstrate that simultaneous assessment of melissopalynological pollen diversity and density, together with sugar profiles, physicochemical parameters, and antibacterial activity, provides an evidence-based framework for objectively and reliably determining the quality classification and functional properties of High-Altitude Kars honeys. Full article

Pollen–food allergy syndrome is an IgE-mediated allergic condition resulting from cross-reactivity between pollen allergens and homologous proteins present in plant-derived foods. PFAS typically presents with rapid-onset itching, burning, swelling, and erythema of the oral cavity and pharynx, with symptoms usually limited to the oropharyngeal region, although systemic reactions, including respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms and, rarely, anaphylaxis, may occur. PFAS is strongly associated with the atopic phenotype and frequently coexists with allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma. Available studies show marked variability in prevalence, from a few percent in general pediatric populations to 50–80% among atopic children, especially those with allergic rhinitis, with regional differences likely reflecting pollen sensitization patterns and dietary habits. The aim of this review was to summarize current knowledge regarding the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, molecular determinants, and food-related aspects of PFAS in children across different regions of the world. PFAS is a common but still insufficiently studied condition in children. Standardized diagnostic criteria and large population-based studies incorporating molecular diagnostic approaches are needed to better define the true burden, risk factors, and clinical spectrum of PFAS in childhood. Full article

Background: This study aimed to evaluate referral reasons, distribution of allergic diseases, atopic status, and comorbidity associations among patients aged 65 years and older presenting to a tertiary allergy clinic. Methods: This retrospective study included all geriatric patients (≥65 years) who attended the Immunology and Allergy outpatient clinic at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital between January 2024 and December 2025. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, referral complaints, and allergic diagnoses were recorded. Allergen sensitization was assessed using skin tests and/or allergen-specific IgE measurements. Results: A total of 1302 geriatric patients were included (mean age 70.9 years; 59.8% female). At least one comorbidity was present in 62.6% of patients, with hypertension being the most common(39.4%). The leading referral complaints were rhinorrhoea/sneezing (22.8%), pruritus (19.1%), drug allergy/adverse drug reactions (14.8%), and chronic urticaria (10.9%). The most common diagnoses were rhinitis (63.2% non-allergic), non-allergic pruritus, drug allergy, and chronic urticaria. Among inhalant allergens, pollen sensitivity (42.2%) was most frequent, followed by house dust mite (32.5%). The most frequently implicated drug groups were antibiotics (42.4%) and analgesics (21.7%). Chronic urticaria and ACE inhibitor-associated angioedema showed significant gender differences: 68.6% female (p = 0.001) and 66.7% male (p = 0.008), respectively. Patients with asthma, rhinitis, or angioedema frequently had comorbid conditions (91.1%, 55.8%, and 83.7%, p = 0.001, p = 0.013, and p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Allergy clinic presentations in elderly patients reflect a broad clinical spectrum, including non-allergic conditions, frequent drug-related reactions in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities, and age-related immunological changes alongside atopic diseases. A comprehensive, individualized diagnostic approach is essential when evaluating allergic complaints in the geriatric population. Full article

Background/Objectives: Camellia bee pollen refers to pollen pellets collected by bees from plant stamens and mixed with salivary secretions. Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD), as the initial phase within the spectrum of alcohol-induced liver diseases, has resulted in a rising global incidence rate and treatment burden of such liver ailments. Methods: This study employs acute zebrafish juvenile and adult zebrafish chronic alcoholic liver models to explore the protective effects of camellia bee pollen as well as its ethanol and water extracts on zebrafish alcoholic fatty liver. Results: The research findings indicate that the intervention group treated with camellia bee pollen significantly mitigated the accumulation of lipid droplets in zebrafish larvae and notably improved the liver lobule structure of adult zebrafish, bringing it close to normal conditions. The camellia pollen intervention group could significantly decrease the levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (T-CHO), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and malondialdehyde (MDA), while increasing the levels of glutathione (GSH) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD). Conclusions: This experiment indicates that the pollen of tea flowers has a significant protective effect against alcoholic liver damage. Full article

Understanding how pollinators adjust their behavior to maximize reproductive success in resource-limited desert ecosystems is a fundamental ecological question. In this study, we investigated X. mongolicus using a combination of field behavioral observations, pollen identification, nutritional analysis, and morphometric measurements to systematically examine interannual variations in its flower visitation spectrum, foraging behavior, bee bread composition, and offspring body size. Our findings reveal a striking contrast: although this species exhibits polyphagy in flower visitation, it shows dietary specialization in larval nutrition—over 92% of the pollen in its bee bread originates from just two leguminous species, A. mongolicus and O. bicolor. Foraging duration increased with rising temperature and humidity, and bees adapted to strong winds by flying close to the ground. Compared with 2024, the bee bread in 2025 had lower fresh weight but higher crude protein content, and offspring body size was larger—likely due to more abundant spring rainfall in 2025, which improved the flowering performance of A. mongolicus. Collectively, these results indicate that this bee species copes with resource uncertainty in desert habitats through flexible foraging range and highly specialized food storage, with its reproductive success closely tied to the nutritional supply of key plants and precipitation patterns. This study highlights the role of precipitation timing in shaping the nutritional foundation of plant–pollinator interactions, providing a scientific basis for the conservation and management of desert pollinators. Full article

Insects underpin key ecosystem services. Yet tree-associated insect communities remain comparatively poorly documented, particularly in temperate forests. This study aimed to characterize the diversity and abundance of insect assemblages associated with the predominantly insect-pollinated forest tree Tilia cordata Mill. in protected areas in Lithuania, and to assess the occurrence of known and putative pollinator groups within these assemblages. We quantified insect assemblages associated with Tilia cordata using two sampling methods but did not directly measure pollination effectiveness (e.g., pollen loads, visitation rates to flowers, or fruit/seed set). Consequently, our inferences refer to the presence and composition of potential pollinators rather than demonstrated pollination function or realized pollination services. Fieldwork was conducted over two years in six protected T. cordata sites in Lithuania using two complementary sampling methods: net sampling and sticky traps. Sampling was structured into three observation periods corresponding to T. cordata phenology: pre-flowering (I), flowering (II) and post-flowering (III). In total, 207 insect taxa from 15 orders were recorded by net sampling and 86 taxa from 11 orders by sticky traps. Net sampling showed significantly higher diversity (Shannon H = 3.81) than sticky traps (H = 2.10). Hemiptera, Coleoptera and Diptera were the most common groups, and most taxa occurred at low to moderate abundances, with only a few species showing local dominance in specific periods or sites. Taxa documented in the literature as significant pollinators were consistently present but at low relative abundances (about 5–10% in total). Insect assemblage composition and species proportions varied among phenological periods and between years, with no clear, consistent peak in overall insect abundance or diversity associated specifically with the T. cordata flowering phase. These findings indicate that T. cordata stands in protected areas harbor diverse insect assemblages typical of temperate deciduous and mixed forest habitats and include a broad spectrum of non-bees and other potential pollinators. Therefore, we did not detect a distinct peak in insect abundance or species richness during the T. cordata flowering period, indicating that flowering did not coincide with a pronounced maximum in pollinator-related insect activity. However, the quantitative patterns observed suggest that, in this context, T. cordata provides only modest support for pollinator guilds, and its role is better interpreted as one component of wider forest insect diversity rather than as a primary driver of pollination services. Full article

Landfills represent areas of pronounced anthropogenic disturbance, with substantial impacts on local vegetation. The composition and structure of plant communities serve as indicators of eco-system alteration and may function as reservoirs of species with potential utility in ecological restoration. This study provides the first detailed assessment of vegetation structure on a closed MSW landfill in Kokshetau (Akmola Region, northern Kazakhstan; semi-arid steppe/forest-steppe setting) and demonstrates an integrative, restoration-oriented monitoring and target-setting workflow, including a localized phytoremediation screening framework integrating field performance, ecological indicator values, and literature-based functional traits, with a risk/governance filter. A total of 76 vascular plant species were recorded during the field survey, predominantly comprising annual herbaceous taxa adapted to highly disturbed environments. The families Asteraceae and Poaceae were the most species-rich, while Chenopodiaceae and Brassicaceae were also notably represented. Meadow-steppe species constituted the majority (45.5%) of the phytosociological spectrum. Multivariate ecological and statistical analyses revealed that community composition was primarily influenced by the degree of disturbance (p = 0.016), rather than soil pH, with Cannabis sativa and Bassia scoparia emerging as key indicators of less disturbed sectors, contrasting with actively disturbed dumping areas. Consequently, restoration efforts should prioritize mesophytic species adapted to open, sunlit habitats and capable of establishing on slightly alkaline soils, while accounting for site-specific constraints to support long-term vegetation recovery. Notably, Artemisia absinthium and Bassia scoparia were identified as candidate taxa for phytoremediation-oriented restoration, based on their in situ ecological performance and literature-reported traits, albeit with limitations due to allergenic pollen and invasive tendencies, respectively. These findings support phytoremediation strategy design on disturbed landscapes by emphasizing regionally adapted species selection that balances ecological suitability with potential ecological risks. Full article

Air quality management in greenhouses is critical to safeguarding plant health and occupational safety, yet conventional filtration methods often fall short in performance and sustainability. These enclosed environments are prone to the accumulation of bioaerosols, including fungi, bacteria, pollen, and dust particles, which can compromise crop productivity and pose health risks to workers. This review explores recent advancements in air filtration technologies for controlled environments such as greenhouses, where airborne particulate matter, bioaerosols, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present ongoing challenges. Special focus is given to the development of filtration media based on electrospun nanofibers, which offer high surface area, tunable porosity, and low airflow resistance. The use of biodegradable polymers in these systems to support environmental sustainability is examined, along with electrospinning techniques that enable precise control over fiber morphology and functionalization. Antimicrobial enhancements are discussed, including inorganic agents such as metal nanoparticles and bio-based options like essential oils. Essential oils, known for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, are assessed for their potential in long-term, controlled-release applications through nanofiber encapsulation. Overall, this paper highlights the potential of integrating sustainable materials, innovative fiber fabrication techniques, and nature-derived antimicrobials to advance air filtration performance while meeting ecological and health-related standards. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices has led researchers to explore alternative methods for controlling plant diseases and pests. Among these alternatives, essential oils (EOs) derived from various plant species have gained significant attention due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, which can be utilized in plant protection. Essential oils are volatile compounds that possess strong aromatic characteristics and are found in many medicinal and aromatic plants. They are known for their antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal activities, making them viable candidates for eco-friendly pest and disease management strategies. In this research, six essential oils—pine, patchouli, geranium, spruce, coriander, and eucalyptus oil—have been tested in vitro for controlling mycelium growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria brassicicola, and Cylindrosporium concentricum. The study also covers experiments in controlling pollen beetle and cabbage seed weevil (laboratory trials). In greenhouse conditions, the phytotoxicity of EOs to oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and the effect of these substances on the control of cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) were also tested. The results obtained indicate a large diversity of different essential oils in terms of their action on pathogens, pests, weeds, and winter rapeseed. Differences in their effectiveness were also found, depending on the applied dose. Full article

Vertebrate pollination is widespread in Musaceae, with birds and bats serving as the main pollen vectors across the family. While these systems are typically well defined, the Golden Lotus (Musella lasiocarpa) has long been regarded as an exception, presumed to rely on insect, particularly bee, pollination. In this study, we challenge that assumption by providing the first comprehensive evidence of bird visitation and putative pollination in M. lasiocarpa. Through field surveys complemented by citizen science observations, we documented an unexpectedly rich assemblage of avian visitors: twelve bird species from five families regularly foraged at flowers and likely acted as pollinators. This represents a striking expansion of the known potential pollinator spectrum for the species and highlights a previously overlooked dimension of its reproductive ecology. The floral traits of M. lasiocarpa, including vivid bracts, accessible nectar, and extended flowering, align closely with adaptations to bird pollination. Beyond clarifying the natural history of the Golden Lotus, our findings reveal broader insights into the ecological and cultural significance of bird pollination in the Chinese flora, with implications for both biodiversity conservation and horticultural practices. 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

Bee venom is a complex natural beekeeping product, traditionally used in apitherapy, with a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties. Research on the mineral content of bee venom is limited and challenging to compare across studies due to the varying regions where they are conducted. Our study aimed to assess the mineral content of bee venom and how supplementary feeding of bee colonies with probiotic products, essential oils, as well as rapeseed and acacia nectar and pollen, affects the mineral content and antioxidant activity of the venom. The parameters analyzed included moisture, pH, dry matter, ash, impurities, and levels of macro and micro elements and antioxidant activity. The moisture content of the samples was 10–22%, and pH ranged between 5.84 to 6.41. The macro element content of the venom showed that potassium was the most abundant macro element, followed by calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Pb was identified in samples collected indicating lead pollution in the area where the hives were located in the case of the three harvests. In all samples, the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity was observed at a concentration of 2.00 mg/mL, with sample V6 showing the maximum value of 87.05%. Full article

Honey can be classified based on its geographical or botanical origin according to Directive 2001/110/EC. Geographical origin is determined when the pollen collection occurs entirely in a specific location, allowing producers to label the honey with the name of the region. Verification typically involves melissopalynological analysis to match the pollen spectrum with regional vegetation. Botanical origin applies when honey predominantly comes from a single floral species, characterized by specific organoleptic, physico-chemical, and microscopic properties. However, defining “predominantly” and identifying distinct physico-chemical parameters remain ambiguous. This review evaluates the use of chemical analysis as a complement or alternative to melissopalynological methods for determining honey’s origin. The focus is on inorganic composition, particularly metals and semimetals, as potential fingerprints to identify botanical or geographical provenance. Relevant studies were reviewed, with data reprocessed and analyzed using chemometric techniques, including Principal Component Analysis and Agglomerative Cluster Analysis. These methods reveal common traits distinguishing honeys by origin. Chemical analysis combined with chemometric processing enhances honey identification, prevents fraud, assesses environmental pollution in collection areas, and evaluates the impact of processing on the final product. Full article

Airborne pollen monitoring in the city of Vukovar (Northeastern Croatia) was carried out using a Hirst-type spore trap, which was placed on the roof of a building at a height of 15 m above ground level. Over 5 consecutive years of airborne pollen monitoring, 76 pollen types from 45 plant families were identified. Of these, 29 pollen types belonged to arboreal species and 47 to non-arboreal species. Sixty-two percent of the total pollen was non-arboreal pollen. The main pollen types present in the airborne spectrum were Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Betula, Urtica, and Poaceae. Among the arboreal types, the genus Betula is the only taxon producing a high percentage in the pollen spectrum. Regarding allergenicity, A. artemisifolia, Betula, and Poaceae pose the highest allergy risk, while Urtica has a low risk of pollen allergy. Large differences in annual pollen sum and the seasonal dynamics of these dominant taxa during the study period were verified. The presence of the pollen in the air was influenced by weather conditions, showing in particular a positive correlation with the minimum air temperature for Betula and mean air temperature for Urtica, Poaceae, and A. artemisiifolia. However, the pollen concentration in the air was negatively correlated with precipitation for Betula, Urtica, and Poaceae and with humidity for A. artemisiifolia. Full article