Spring airborne pollen data in two sites in Trentino (Northern Italy): a comparison with meteorological data

In this paper airborne pollen concentration is compared to meteorological data of Trento and S. Michele all’Adige, two sites in the Adige Valley, in Trentino (North Italy). Pollen ofCorylus, Alnus, Betula andOstrya, four winter-spring flowering plants are considered. Pollen sampling was carried out in 1996 by volumetric Hirst-type samplers. For all pollen types considered, maximum pollen concentration coincided in both stations and there was a good overlap of the main pollen season length; the pollen curves of S. Michele a/A and Trento showed a highly positive correlation. The daily airborne pollen concentrations, defined as the number of pollen grains per cubic meter of air (P/m³), were compared to daily meteorological data: minimum and maximum air temperature (°C), average relative humidity (%), precipitation (mm), global incident radiation (cal/cm²), average wind direction (°) and wind speed (m/s). A highly positive correlation was found forCorylus and maximum temperature in both monitoring stations.Betula was positively, whereasOstrya was negatively correlated to relative humidity. With this first analytical approach sharp differences in the atmospheric pollen presence between the stations located at Trento and S. Michele all’Adige were not found.     

<Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Betula</Emphasis> spp. pollen in the atmosphere of Novi Sad (2000–2002)

Pollen of Betula spp. is one of the main European aeroallergens. The aim of this study was to determine characteristics and occurrence of the Betula pollen in Novi Sad atmosphere, based on 3-year observations (2000–2002), and to compare pollen season start dates calculated by different methods. Pollen samples have been collected by Hirst volumetric method with a 7-day Burkard spore trap. Four methods (Sum 75, 2.5%, 30 and 1 pg/m ³) have been used for determination of the start dates of the Betula pollen season and the results have been compared. The total annual pollen sum increased during the observed period. In 2000, 2001 and 2002, the highest daily pollen concentrations were 97, 137 and 1034 pg/m ³, respectively. The earliest Betula pollen season start has been calculated by the 1 pg/m ³ method.     

Pollen concentrations inside private cars during the Poaceae and Artemisia spp. pollen season – a case study

A growing number of studies are researching indoor air concentrations of pollen in buildings, but to our knowledge no studies have dealt with the precise concentration of pollen inside private cars. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of exposure to pollen in private cars throughout the Poaceae and Artemisia spp. pollen season.

The study was conducted in the town of Lappeenranta and along Highway 6 in south‐east Finland between July 14 and August 17, 2003. The pollen concentrations were measured inside two moving and parked cars using rotorod‐type samplers. Surface and ambient Burkard samples were also collected.

Both Poaceae and Artemisia spp. pollen were recorded only on one day and in low concentrations (<10 pollen grains per cubic meter, pg/m³) inside moving and parked cars, whereas the concentrations of Betula spp. (0–15 vs. 0–12?pg/m³) and Pinus (0–41 vs. 0–80?pg/m³) ranged from low to moderate, respectively. The number of pollen grains on the inside surfaces of cars ranged from zero to 72?pg/cm² during the measurement periods.

The concentrations of Poaceae and Artemisia spp. pollen in the indoor air of the car during the flowering period were low, therefore, likely to cause reactions only in the most sensitive people. By contrast, even after the main flowering period the concentrations of Betula spp. pollen were on a level high enough to cause reactions in individuals with allergies.     

Allergy to ragweed: clinical relevance in Turin

This study evaluates the contribution of ragweed tothe development of allergic manifestations in a groupof outpatients and the atmospheric pollenconcentration trend in the city of Turin (Italy) fromJanuary 1996 to December 1997.We examined 5680 subjects affected byrhinoconjunctivitis and/or bronchial asthma duringspring and summer or by perennial respiratory symptomswith seasonal increase. All subjects were submittedto: (a) a clinical questionnaire; (b) skin prick testswith standard inhalant allergens battery includingpollens of Gramineae, Compositae (Artemisia andAmbrosia), Parietaria, Plantago,Olea, Betula, house dust mite, cat and dogdanders, mould spore (Alternaria and Cladosporium); (c) measurement of specific IgEantibodies in serum (RAST). A weekly programmed Hirstspore-trap was used to sample airborne pollengrains. Pollen was identified and quantified at thePlant Biology Institute of Turin University.The highest concentration of ragweed pollen was 28.6 P/m³ in 1996 and 9.66 P/m³ in 1997.The number of subjects allergic to Ambrosiapollen alone was 8 (0.14% of the total), while thenumber of those allergic to Artemisia absinthiumwas 22 (0.38% of the total). The subjects allergicto both pollens of the Compositae family was 57(1%).Our results show a low prevalence of sensitization toragweed pollen, which is contrary to what we see inother Italian regions like Lombardy and Veneto. Onecause of low sensitization may be the low percentageof Ambrosia pollen in the atmosphere.     

Nuclear pore dynamics during pollen development and androgenesis in Brassica napus

Changes in nuclear pore complex (NPC) densities, NPCs/nucleus and NPCs/μm³, are described using freeze-fractured Brassica napus microspores and pollen in vivo and in vitro. Early stages of microspore- and pollen-derived embryogenic cells were also analysed. The results of in vivo and in vitro pollen development indicate an increase in activity of the vegetative nucleus during maturation of the pollen. At the onset of microspore and pollen culture, NPC density decreased from 15 NPCs/μm² at the stage of isolation to 9 NPCs/μm², under both embryogenic and non-embryogenic conditions. This implies that the drop in NPC density might be a result of culturing the microspores and pollen rather than an indication for microspore and pollen embryogenesis in Brassica napus. However, after 1 day in culture under embryogenic conditions, the NPC density increased again and stabilised around 13 NPCs/μm², whereas under non-embryogenic conditions the NPC density remained about 9 NPCs/μm². This low density of 9 NPCs/μm² was also found in the nuclei of sperm cells, in contrast to the 19 NPCs/μm² found in the vegetative nucleus. It means that, although both the vegetative and sperm nuclei are believed to be metabolically rather inactive in mature pollen, the NPC density of vegetative nucleus is twice as high as the NPC density of the sperm nuclei. In a few cases, embryos formed suspensor-like structures with a NPC density of 9 NPCs/μm², indicating a lower nucleocytoplasmic exchange of the nuclei of the suspensor cells than with the nuclei in the embryo proper. In addition, observations on NPCs and other organelles, obtained by high resolution cryo-scanning microscopy, are presented. Received: 29 December 1999 / Revision accepted: 3 March 2000     

The partial contribution of specific airborne pollen to pollen induced allergy

The air that we inhale contains simultaneously a multiple array of allergenic pollen. It is well known that such allergens cause allergic reactions in some 15 of the population of the Western World. However little is known about the quantitative aspect of this phenomenon. What is the lowest concentration of pollen that might trigger allergic responses? As people are exposed to heterogeneous and variable environments, clarification of the partial contribution of each of the major airborne pollen allergens and determination of its role in invoking allergy are of prime importance. Objectives: (1) Assessment of a possible correlation between the concentration of airborne pollen and incidence of allergy. (2) Estimation of the lowest average concentrations for various species of airborne pollen that elicit allergic symptoms when exceeded. (3) Determination of the extent of the variations in manifestation of allergy symptoms that can be explained by fluctuations in the concentration of individual species of airborne pollen. Methods: The study was conducted during 14months with a rural population in Israel. The participants completed a detailed questionnaire and were skin prick tested with the common airborne allergens. The appearance of clinical symptoms, i.e. nasal, bronchial, ocular or dermal, were reported daily by the patients. Concentrations of the airborne pollen and spores were monitored in the center of activity of the residents during one day every week, using three Rotorod pollen traps. The pollen grains were identified by light microscopy. Results: The pollen spectrum was divided into time-blocks presenting the main pollination periods of the investigated species. The correlation between the concentration of airborne pollen of the relevant species and the clinical symptoms of the patients was determined for each time block. The correlation differed for different clinical symptoms and for different pollen allergens. Highest correlation with airborne pollen counts was found for patients with nasal and bronchial symptoms. The onset of the clinical symptoms by sensitive patients started, in each of the relevant groups, once the weekly average concentration of the airborne pollen crossed a threshold level. Under the limitations of the present study, this level was estimated to be 2–4 pollen m^–3 air for olive, 3–5 pollen m^–3 air for grasses, 4–5 pollen m^–3 air for Artemisia, 10–20 pollen m^–3 air for pecan and 50–60 pollen m^–3 air for cypress. Conclusions: Fluctuations in specific airborne pollen grains explained up to 2/3 of the variation in clinical allergy responses. Those were: 69 of the variation for cypress (March–April), 66 for the grasses (March–April), 49 for the pecan (May–June) and 62 for Artemisia (Autumn).     

Comparison between Urticaceae (Parietaria) pollen count and hay fever symptoms: assessment of a «threshold-value»

Summary A comparison betweenParietaria pollen count and allergic symptoms of rhino-conjunctivitis in the early season was used in utilized to determine a «threshold-value» for this pollen. Clinical data were obtained from diary-cards of 34 allergic patients and pollen data from a volumetric sampling, carried out by means of a Hirst-Burkard pollen-trap. A significant correlation (r=0.98) was found between pollen count and symptom scores. Mild symptoms were registered with concentrations above 10–15 pollens/m³. Severe symptoms occurred when pollen count exceeded 80/m³/24 h., and over 90% of patients recorded symptoms. The importance of the late reactions and of the total allergenic airborne content are emphasized.     

Aerobiological behaviour of Platanus L. pollen in Catalonia (North-East Spain)

The aim of this paper is to characterise theairborne behaviour of an allergenic andabundant pollen type, Platanus, in sevensites of the Aerobiological Network ofCatalonia (Xarxa Aerobiològica deCatalunya, XAC). In Catalonia, the mostextended Platanus species is Platanus × hybrida Brot., widely planted inforestry and as ornamental tree in streets andgardens. Naturalised specimens can also befound along river banks.The pollen records analysed are from differentperiods comprised between 1994 and 2000 inBarcelona, Bellaterra, Cambrils, Girona,Lleida, Manresa and Tarragona. All data wereobtained using seven-day volumetric spore Hirsttraps.Platanus pollination is concentrated in afew weeks, between March and April. Platanus pollen is present in all theatmospheric pollen spectra for the sitesmentioned above. In Barcelona, Platanuspollen attained the highest concentrations,with an extreme annual index (sum of the meandaily concentrations) of 25790 in 1997, and amaximum daily concentration of 2567 P/m³on 15th March 2000. The lowest annual index(647) corresponds to Cambrils, 2000, and thelowest maximum daily concentration (74P/m³) was registered on 7th April1996, in Manresa.The interannual variation of Platanuspollen values can be explained not only bymeteorological parameters and the endogenousfactors of the tree, but also by human activitysuch as elimination, pruning and watering.     

Photoinhibition in differently coloured juvenile leaves of Syzygium species

Photoinhibition, as measured by the dark-adapted chlorophyll a fluorescence ratio Fv/Fm, was assessed in Syzygium moorei, a species with dark green juvenile leaves, Syzygium corynanthum, which has light green juvenile leaves, and two species with pink-red juvenile leaves (Syzygium wilsonii and Syzygium luehmannii). All plants were glasshouse-grown (maximum PPFD 1500 mol m^-2 s^-1) under optimum nutrition and water.When measured at midday, dark-adapted Fv/Fm ratios of juvenile leaves gradually increased in all species as percentage of full leaf expansion (% FLE) increased. Fluorescence measurement 3h after sunset or pre-dawn also showed a developmental effect on Fv/Fm, with juvenile leaves of S. luehmannii and S. wilsonii showing much lower Fv/Fm at all stages of development. Dark-adapted Fv/Fm, values in both juvenile and mature leaves generally never exceeded 0.8 at any stage in any of the species.Courses of Fv/Fm on sunny days showed greater diurnal photoinhibition in green juvenile (c. 50% FLE) leaves of S. moorei (24%) and S. corynanthum (36%) than in mature leaves of the previous flush in these species (<10%). Diurnal photoinhibition was statistically similar (18-24%) in pink-red juvenile and green mature leaves of S. luehmannii and S. wilsonii. Re-positioning juvenile leaves of S. wilsonii horizontally increased diurnal photoinhibition.Exposure of leaves to a standard mild photoinhibitory light treatment (30 min at 1000 mol m^-2s^-1) showed that juvenile leaves of all species had a lower percentage of high energy state quenching (qE) and a higher percentage of photoinhibitory quenching (qI) than mature leaves.     

Airborne pollen, spores, and dust across the East Mediterranean Sea

Airborne pollen and spores, as well as airflow directions, were continuously monitored during a cruise across the East Mediterranean from Tel Aviv, Israel, to Istanbul, Turkey. In spite of the fact that a high-altitude dust cloud moved, at that, time from North Africa, across the East Mediterranean, only a few dust particles were monitored on the boat. The numbers of counted airborne pollen along the cruise path were rather small. This is, in part, because the trip was taken after the main flowering season in the East Mediterranean region. Nevertheless, airborne pollen grains were still found, either as a result of remnant pollen releases by late-flowering plants or because of secondary lift-up of previously settled pollen. The presented pollen counts are average pollen counts /m³ air /6 h. The counts ranged between ∼5 pollen/m³ of air in mid-sea (July 16th–July 17th) or ∼6 pollen/m³ of air on the Israeli coast (July 16–July 17th), and 30 pollen/m³ of air near the coasts of Turkey and of the Greek Islands (July 18th–July 19th) and some 18 taxa of pollen were identified, most of them at the family level. Some 30 taxa of different spores were recorded. The numbers of airborne spores were relatively low in mid-sea (300–750 spores/m³ air), but were high near the coasts of Turkey (1,200–2,400 spores/m³ air) and of Israel (340–1,695 spores/m³ air).     

Predicting the grass pollen count from meteorological data with regard to estimating the severity of hayfever symptoms in Melbourne (Australia)

In Melbourne, Australia, grass pollen is the predominant cause of hayfever in late spring and summer. The grass pollen season has been monitored in Melbourne, using a Burkard spore trap, for 13 years (1975–1981, 1985 and 1991–1997). Total counts for grass pollen were highly variable from one season to the next (approximately 1000 to >8000 grains/m³). The daily grass pollen counts also showed a high variability (0 to approximately 400 grains/m³). In this study, the grass pollen counts of the 13 years (12 grass pollen seasons, extending from October to January) have been compared with meteorological data in order to identify the conditions that can determine the daily amounts of grass pollen in the air. It was found that the seasonal total of grass pollen was directly correlated with the rainfall sum of the preceding 12 months (1 September–31 August): seasonal total of grass pollen (counts/m³)=18.161 × rainfall sum of the preceding 12 months (mm) −8541.5 (r _s=0.74,P<0.005,n=12). The daily amounts of grass pollen in the air were positively correlated with the corresponding daily average ambient temperatures (P<0.001). The daily amount of grass pollen which was to be expected with a certain daily average temperature was linked to the seasonal total of grass pollen: in years with high total grass pollen counts, a lower daily average temperature was required for a high daily pollen count than in years with low total grass pollen counts. As the concentration of airborne grass pollen determines the severity of hayfever in sensitive patients, an estimation of daily grass pollen counts can provide an indication of potential pollinosis symptoms. We compared daily grass pollen counts with the reported symptomatic responses of hayfever sufferers in November 1985 and found that hayfever symptoms were significantly correlated to the grass pollen counts (P<0.001 for nasal,P<0.005 for eye symptoms). Thus, a combination of meteorological information (i.e. rainfall and temperature) allows for an estimation of the potential daily pollinosis symptoms during the grass pollen season. Here we propose a symptom estimation chart, allowing a quick prediction of eye and nasal symptoms that are likely to occur as a result of variations in meteorological conditions, thus enabling both physicians and patients to take appropriate avoidance measures or therapy.     

Airborne Pinus pollen in the atmosphere of Brisbane, Australia and relationships with meteorological parameters

Relationships between weather parameters andairborne pollen loads of Pinus inBrisbane, Australia have been investigated overthe five-year period, June 1994–May 1999.Pinus pollen accounts for 4.5% of the annualairborne pollen load in Brisbane where thePinus season is confined to the winter months,July–early September. During the samplingperiod loads of 11–>100 grains m³ wererecorded on 24 days and 1–10 grains m³ on204 days. The onset and peak dates wereconsistent across each season, whereas the enddates varied. The onset of the Pinuspollen season coincided with the coolestaverage monthly temperatures (< 22°C),lowest rainfall (< 7mm), and four weeks afterdaily minimum temperatures fell to 5–9°Cin late autumn. Correlations obtained betweendaily airborne Pinus pollen counts andtemperature/rainfall parameters show thatdensities of airborne Pinus pollen arenegatively correlated with maximum temperature(p < 0.0001), minimum temperature (p < 0.0001)and rainfall (p < 0.05) during the mainpollination period. The mean duration of eachpollen season was 52 days; longer seasons wereshown to be directly related to lower averageseasonal maximum temperatures (r² = 0.85,p = 0.025). These results signify that maximumand minimum temperatures are the majorparameters that influence the onset andduration of the Pinus pollen season inthe environs of Brisbane. Respiratory allergyis an important health issue in Brisbane,Australia, but it remains unknown whether ornot airborne Pinus pollen is acontributing factor.     

Study of seasonal and daily variations in airborneOlea europaea L. pollen in Jaén (Spain), 1993–1995

A study is made of the seasonal and daily variations in the concentrations of pollen ofOlea europaea L. over three consecutive years (1993–1995) in the atmosphere of Jaén (southern Spain). A Burkard volumetric spore trap was used for sampling. The results show that the highest concentrations of airborne olive pollen occur during May and the first 2 weeks of June, when levels often exceed 500 grains/m³ and occasionally reach nearly 5000 grains/m³ (the levels of allergenic pollen in the atmosphere of Jaén are among the highest in Europe). Over the 3-year study period a significant seasonal variation was detected, not only in the development of the principal pollination period, but also in the value of the maximum pollen concentrations recorded.     

Airborne pollen and spores on the Arctic island of Jan Mayen

A survey of airspora collected on Jan Mayen, an isolated North Atlantic island (71°N, 8°30′W), using a Burkard seven-day volumetric trap from 24th April to 31th August, 1988, revealed only very small concentrations. A total of 10 different pollen types were recorded, constituting a seasonal sum of 29 pollen grains. The local pollen season was confined to July, with Oxyria digna and Salix as the most numerous pollen types recorded. Exotic pollen grains, namely Betula, Pinus and Castanea type, were recorded in three periods during June and July. Studies of back trajectories indicate North America and/or Iceland and Greenland as possible source areas for the Betula pollen. There were more diatoms than pollen in the local airspora. Fungal spores mainly occurred in late July and August. Cladosporium constituted less than 5% of the total seasonal sum of fungal spores, while basidiospores contributed nearly 12%. The highest diurnal average of Cladosporium was 27 spores m^?3 air. The seasonal maximum of unidentified fungal spores reached a diurnal average of 639 spores m^?1 air on 27th August.     

Localization of the two major allergens in rye-grass pollen using specific monoclonal antibodies and quantitative analysis of immunogold labelling

Summary The intracellular localization of the two major allergens, Lol p I and Lol p IX, in rye-grass anthers was examined using monoclonal antibodies FMCA1 (specific for Lol p I) and FMCA7 (specific for Lol p IX) with immunocytochemical techniques and quantitative analysis. A newly developed anhydrous fixation technique in a mixture of glutaraldehyde, paraformaldehyde and 2, 2-dimethoxypropane followed by embedding in LR Gold resin resulted in both improved infiltration of pollen grains compared with existing techniques and the localization of these water-soluble antigens in their original sites compared with diffusion artefacts following aqueous methods. After anhydrous fixation, Lol p I was predominantly located in the electron-opaque regions of the cytosol of the vegetative cell of the tricellular pollen grains (24 counts m^-2), whereas Lol p IX was detected mainly within starch granules (16 counts m^-2). For both Lol p I and Lol p IX, similar labelling was detected in the cells of the endothecium and middle layer (18 counts m^-2), but none was found in the tapetal cells or orbicules.     

A comprehensive aerobiological study of the airborne pollen in the Irish environment

Respiratory allergies triggered by pollen allergens represent a significant health concern to the Irish public. Up to now, Ireland has largely refrained from participating in long-term aerobiological studies. Recently, pollen monitoring has commenced in several sampling locations around Ireland. The first results of the pollen monitoring campaigns for Dublin (urban) and Carlow (rural) concerning the period 2017–2019 and 2018–2019, respectively, are presented herein. Additional unpublished pollen data from 1978–1980 and, 2010–2011 were also incorporated in creating the first pollen calendar for Dublin. During the monitoring period over 60 pollen types were identified with an average Annual Pollen Integral (APIn) of 32,217 Pollen × day/m³ for Dublin and 78,411 Pollen × day/m³ for Carlow. The most prevalent pollen types in Dublin were: Poaceae (32%), Urticaceae (29%), Cupressaceae/Taxaceae (11%), Betula (10%), Quercus (4%), Pinus (3%), Fraxinus (2%), Alnus (2%) and Platanus (1%). The predominant pollen types in Carlow were identified as Poaceae (70%), Urticaceae (12%), Betula (10%), Quercus (2%), Fraxinus (1%) and Pinus (1%). These prevalent pollen types increased in annual pollen concentration in both locations from 2018 to 2019 except for Fraxinus. Although higher pollen concentrations were observed for the Carlow (rural) site a greater variety of pollen types were identified for the Dublin (urban) site. The general annual trend in the pollen season began with the release of tree pollen in early spring, followed by the release of grass and herbaceous pollen which dominated the summer months with the annual pollen season coming to an end in October. This behaviour was illustrated for 21 different pollen types in the Dublin pollen calendar. The correlation between ambient pollen concentration and meteorological parameters was also examined and differed greatly depending on the location and study year. A striking feature was a substantial fraction of the recorded pollen sampled in Dublin did not correlate with the prevailing wind directions. However, using non-parametric wind regression, specific source regions could be determined such as Alnus originating from the Southeast, Betula originating from the East and Poaceae originating from the Southwest.

     

Poaceae pollen in the atmosphere of Zagreb (Croatia), 2002 – 2005

Pollen of grasses (Poaceae) is one of the most important airborne allergen sources worldwide. The aim of the study was to determine diurnal, day‐to‐day, weekly, monthly and annual pollen variation, and the effect of selected meteorological parameters on atmospheric pollen concentrations in Zagreb. A preliminary study was carried out during four seasons (2002 – 2005), using a 7‐day VPPS 2000 Hirst volumetric pollen trap. Total annual grass pollen concentrations in Zagreb were constant (2 673 – 3 074 p.g.m^?3), with a relative drop in 2004 (1 196 p.g.m^?3). The beginning of the grass pollen season is usually observed when the average daily temperature exceeds 13.5°C (max. daily temp. 19.5°C), without precipitation. In all four study years the absolute peak of concentrations occurs in the second half of May. The length of pollen season during the study period was 157 – 173 days. A high variability was observed in the maximal concentration and in the number of days when grass pollen concentration exceeded the threshold value of 30 p.g.m^?3 (9 – 40 days). Statistically significant correlations were found between airborne grass pollen concentrations and air temperature, level of precipitation and relative humidity.     

Rapid axonal transport in vitro. Effects of derivatives of cyclic AMP and other agents acting on the cyclic AMP system

The effects of agents known to affect the cyclic AMP (cAMP) system in nervous tissue have been studied on the rapid axonal transport in vitro of [³H]leucine-labeled proteins in the frog sciatic nerve. The transport was inhibited by 3 different cAMP analogues; dibutyryl cAMP (1 mM), zeatin (0.5 mM), and zeatin riboside (0.5 mM), whereas another N⁶-substituted adenine derivative, N⁶-, isopentyl-adenine (DMA) (0.5 mM), and also dibutyryl cyclic GMP (1 mM), lacked effects. Two inhibitors of cAMP phosphodiesterases, papaverine and RO 207222, increased the level of cAMP in the nerve and arrested the transport. Papaverine was very potent and caused a reversible transport block at 0.05 mM. Adenosine (3 mM) increased the cAMP content about 16 times, much more than any of the other drugs tested, but only inhibited the transport by about 50%. Veratridine, a depolarizing agent, irreversibly blocked the transport at a low concentration (0.01 mM), which did not change the cAMP level. Transport inhibitory effects by another depolarizing substance, ouabain, and tricyclic psychotropic agent, chlorpromazine, have been described earlier. Ouabain (0.1 mM), in contrast to chlorpromazine (0.1 mM), caused a small increase in the cAMP content. The present results do not suggest the existence of a close relationship between rapid axonal transport and the cAMP system. Transport inhibitory effects due to disturbed energy metabolism will be discussed.     

Relationship between indoor and outdoor airborne fungal spores, pollen, and (1→3)-β-D-glucan in homes without visible mold growth

In this exploratory study, indoor and outdoor airborne fungal spores, pollen, and (1→3)-β-D-glucan levels were determined through long-term sampling (24-h) using a Button Personal Inhalable Aerosol Sampler. The air samples were collected in five Cincinnati area homes that had no visible mold growth. The total count of fungal spores and pollen in the collected samples was conducted under the microscope and Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) chromogenic assay method was utilized for the determination of the (1→3)-β-D-glucan concentration. For the combined number concentration of fungal spores and pollen, the indoor and outdoor geometric mean values were 573 and 6,435 m⁻³, respectively, with a geometric mean of the Indoor/Outdoor (I/O) ratio of .09. The geometric means of indoor and outdoor (1→3)-β-D-glucan concentrations were .92 and 6.44 ng m⁻³, respectively, with a geometric mean of the I/O ratio equal to .14. The I/O ratio of (1→3)-β-D-glucan concentration was found to be marginally greater than that calculated based on the combined number concentration of fungal spores and pollen. This suggests that (1→3)-β-D-glucan data are affected not only by intact spores and pollen grains but also by the airborne fragments of fungi, pollen, and plant material, which are ignored by traditional enumeration methodologies. Since the (1→3)-β-D-glucan level may elucidate the total exposure to fungal spores, pollen, and fungal fragments, its I/O ratio may be used as a risk marker for mold and pollen exposure in indoor environments.     

Betulaceae and Corylaceae in Trieste (NE-Italy):Aerobiological and clinical data

Airborne pollen produced by Betulaceae and Corylaceaeis present in the Trieste area for a long period fromJanuary to June, but only in April it does representa considerable proportion (436 p/m³) of the totalpollen count (1193 p/m³). In the years considered (1995–1997), there was a gradual increase in thepollen count of Corylaceae and Betulaceae: frommaximum levels of 580 p/m³ in 1995 to 1218 p/m³ in 1997, and the taxon making the mostsignificant contribution to the pollen concentrationcurve was Ostrya carpinifolia. Sensitization to Betulaceae and Corylaceae wasanalyzed in 2213 subjects visiting our clinic betweenJanuary 1st 1995 and December 31th 1997, withallergic symptoms believed to be IgE mediated. Of thegroup, 1292 (58.4%) were atopic by skin prick testand 328 of them (25.4%) were sensitized to Betulaceaeand Corylaceae. Of the 328 subjects, 72.6% werecosensitized to Gramineae, 56.1% to Oleaceae, 42.1%to Compositae, and just over half to house-dust mites(52.1%). Only ten cases were mono-sensitized (3%).Of the subjects sentitized to Betulaceae andCorylaceae, 163 complained of rhinitis (72%) and 110of asthma (33.6%), often in association withrhinitis; 177 (54%) had only seasonal symptoms.Sensitization to Betulaceae and Corylaceae is high,but its role in inducing allergic respiratorysymptoms is difficult to evaluate because almost allpatients were sensitized to other pollen types. Inconclusion, the role played by this family of trees indetermining allergic respiratory symptoms could becomeincreasingly important in this geographical area inthe future, if pollen levels continue to rise at theirpresent rates. For the moment, sensitivity toBetulaceae-Corylaceae among the population is presentalmost exclusively in subjects sensitized also toother pollen types.