Variation in Ambrosia pollen concentration in Southern and Central Poland in 1982–1999

The aim of the study was to investigate theAmbrosia pollen concentrations inselected Polish cities and for Kraków torelate it to some meteorological factors.Sampling was carried out in Kraków in1982–1997 and in Rabka in 1992–1996 with theuse of the gravimetric method. In Zakopane,Kraków, Ostrowiec witokrzyski,Warszawa and Pozna in 1995–1996 both thegravimetric and volumetric methods (Burkardtrap) were employed. In Kraków themonitoring has been performed since 1994 usingthe volumetric method. The results show theragweed pollen presence in August and Septemberwith the tendency to appear more frequently inAugust in some years. In Kraków (1994–1999)Ambrosia pollen was found either in thelast two weeks of August or in the first twoweeks of September which seems to be a regularand repeatable pattern every two years.Seasonal fluctuations of Ambrosia pollenconcentration do not show a clear increasingtendency except at Warszawa and Ostrowiecwitokrzyski in 1996 and at Krakówin 1999. Percentage of Ambrosia pollen inannual sums of total pollen is very low anddoes not exceed 1% except at Ostrowiecwitokrzyski in 1996 (1.2%) and atKraków in 1999 (2%). For Kraków theanalysis of some meteorological factors (Tmax,Tmin, precipitation, wind direction) wasperformed. High temperature and lack of rain orlow precipitation correlate well with ragweedpollen concentrations. During the Ambrosia pollen seasons ESE, E, S, SE, WSW, SWwind directions prevailed which could suggest along-distance transport from Ukraine, the CzechRepublic, Slovakia and also from Hungary, one ofthe most ragweed-polluted countries.     

Halo-nitrophilous scrub species and their relationship to the atmospheric concentration of allergenic pollen: case study of the Mediterranean saltbush (Atriplex halimus L., Amaranthaceae)

Halo-nitrophilous scrubs are characterised by their floristic richness in species of the family Amaranthaceae (include Chenopodiaceae) and the Mediterranean saltbush (Atriplex halimus L.) is one of the most characteristic species in the Mediterranean region. Pollen from Amaranthaceae is the main cause of pollinosis at the end of summer and autumn. In this study, the floral phenology of the species Atriplex halimus L., was studied relating it to the atmospheric concentration of Amaranthaceae pollen with the aim to know if it can serve as an indicator of the maximum pollen concentrations. Observations of the male floral phenology of Atriplex halimus were performed over the course of three years in the central Iberian Peninsula (Spain) and the aerobiological pollen data of Amaranthaceae were obtained using a Hirst-type volumetric trap. The results demonstrated that the flowering period of Atriplex halimus closely coincided with the peak pollen levels. Besides, the prevailing movements of air masses in relation to the distribution and abundance of the halo-nitrophilous scrub during the flowering period of Atriplex halimus were studied using a back-trajectory analysis. The results showed that distinct predominant wind patterns led to differences in the quantity of pollen recorded during the pollen season and in the behaviour of the evolution of airborne pollen concentrations.     

Ragweed in the Czech Republic

During the last years, a well documented expansion ofragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., Ambrosia trifida L.) over the Mediterranean andtemperate Europe has been in progress. The currentdistribution of ragweed plants in the Czech Republicis summarized and the ragweed pollen concentration asmonitored by 12 pollen stations in the country isdiscussed. The present situation in the ragweed pollensensitization among children and adults with pollenallergy in Brno is described. So far no dangerousexpansion of ragweed plants in our country has beenobserved. Ragweed pollen concentration is occasionallysignificant in the Brno station only, other pollenstations are reporting insignificant amounts ofragweed pollen during August-September periods,although there has been a steady increase in ragweedpollen concentration in the Prague area over the lastfive years. Skin prick tests and/or specific IgEmeasurements with ragweed allergen were performed on94 children with pollen allergy in the Brno region in1995 and on 206, 210 and 229 adult allergic patientsin 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. Positive skinreaction or positive specific IgE to ragweed was foundin 22% children and in 25% (1995), 19% (1996) and 25% (1997) adults with pollen allergy. It isconcluded that ragweed does not seem to represent anyimminent major threat to the allergic population inthe Czech Republic until now, however, it remains apotentially very dangerous allergen.     

A one-year aeropalynological study at Ankara, Turkey

Atmospheric pollen was collected with a Burkard sporetrap in Ankara, Turkey from January 1993 to January1994. The sum of the annual totals of the dailyconcentration of pollen, belonging to 44 taxa, was57,735. A relatively high pollen concentration wasrecorded in June which could be caused by higher windspeed and lower rainfall. Pinaceae,Cupressaceae/Taxaceae, Gramineae, Platanus, Populus,Moraceae, Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae, Acer, Quercus,Betula, Salix, Rumex and Plantago are found tobe the dominant pollen types in the atmosphere inAnkara.     

Pollen fall-out from a tropical vegetation mosaic

Pollen fall-out into 60 Oldfield traps set in 11 localities and a variety of vegetational contexts on an upland in tropical northeast Australia, range from 0.5k to 20k (mean 3.5k) gr cm⁻² a⁻¹. The ranges attributable to the four major vegetation types in which the traps were situated overlap to such an extent as would make it virtually impossible to allocate an ‘unknown’ pollen count to a vegetation type on the basis of total pollen influx alone. Nevertheless, the composition of the pollen clearly differs according to the vegetation in which it is trapped and the amounts of other vegetation types within at least 100 m. Substantial variations in catches from closely placed traps suggest the influence of very local site, including meteorological, conditions on the results. Pollen is carried between vegetation types, much less far from rainforest than from sclerophyll forest and woodland, regrowth scrub or herbaceous vegetation, but there is no numerically significant ubiquitous ‘background’ fall-out in the region. The data impose some constraints on the interpretation of fossil pollen spectra but also potentially permit a greater precision in some aspects of such applications.     

Aeropalynological monitoring in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

The pollen spectrum of Bishkek was investigated by a gravity method, during March-October in 1984, 1988 and 1992. The recovered pollen types belong to 20 families and 26 taxa. Only 4 types reach significant levels of deposition of over 10% as annual average. These include: Artemisia, Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae, Quercus and Poaceae. Pollinosis in Bishkek is mainly induced by Artemisia and Poaceae pollen. Hay fever patients showed polyvalent allergy to Artemisia and Poaceae pollen (32 to 51%), Artemisia and Atriplex pollen (34.5%).     

武夷山风景区马尾松毛虫发生趋势与环境因子的相关性

应用DPS数据处理系统分析武夷山风景区环境因子与马尾松毛虫发生趋势的关系,利用2007年武夷山风景区气象和地理因子进行主成分因子分析。结果表明,降雨量与马尾松毛虫的发生量关系显著,但受地区性影响大;海拔和纬度与马尾松毛虫的发生量关系显著,但受人为活动的影响大。     

Airborne Pollen Grains of Bozüyük (Bilecik, Turkey)

Airborne pollen grains in the atmosphere of Bozüyük were investigated over a 2 yr period from 2000 to 2001 using a Durham sampler. A total number of pollen grains of 5 170 pollen grains belonging to 32taxa were identified and recorded along with some unidentified pollen grains. Of all the pollen grains, 78.66%were arboreal, 19.20% were non-arboreal, and 2.12% were unidentified. The majority of pollen grains investigated were Pinus, Platanus, Quercus, Cupressaceae, Poaceae, Fagus, Salix, Rosaceae, Urticaceae,Asteraceae, and Chenopodiaceae. The maximum number of pollen grains was recorded in May.     

城市绿地花粉致敏研究进展

城市绿地中部分植物产生的气传花粉具有致敏性,可引发城市居民的花粉过敏症,因而城市绿地成为城市花粉致敏问题的主要来源和研究区域。随着城市化进程的推进,花粉过敏症越来越普遍,且存在长期致敏隐患,成为一个广受关注的城市居民健康问题。基于20世纪以来的花粉致敏研究热点和发展趋势,综述了城市绿地致敏花粉的监测、花粉致敏性的评价方法、花粉致敏的影响因素,以及花粉致敏风险预测。针对花粉致敏现象的成因、地区差异、危害与风险等分析评价不明朗,以及研究主题之间联系性不强等问题,系统归纳了致敏花粉的采集方法、种类与时空分布规律,阐明了评价花粉致敏性的各类方法与适用性条件,分析了影响花粉致敏的城市生态因子,提出了花粉致敏风险预警与防范措施,并指出了未来的发展方向。可为缓解花粉致敏问题提供研判基础、为防控致敏风险提供优化方案、为建立花粉致敏研究体系提供科学依据,进而降低花粉致敏对城市宜居性带来的不良影响。     

Monitoring biogeographical response to climate change: The potential role of aeropalynology

To test models predicting biological reponse to future climate change, it is essential to find climatically-sensitive, easily monitored biological indicators that respond to climate change. Routine monitoring of airborne pollen, now undertaken on a near-global basis, could be adapted for this purpose. Analysis of spatial and seasonal variations in pollen levels in New Zealand suggests that the timing of onset and peak abundance of certain pollen taxa should be explored as possible bio-indicators of climate change. The onset of the airborne grass pollen season during the summer of 1988/89 varied consistently with latitude, and hence temperature, with the season in Southland commencing 8--9 days after Northland. However, these patterns were only apparent after sampling sites were separated into two groups reflecting predominantly urban or rural pollen sources. A less consistent north to south trend was apparent in the frequency of high (30 grains/m³) grass pollen levels, with high levels frequent in North Island localities in November, December and January and in southern localities during December and January. The successive onset of pollen seasons for the principal tree species during the spring-to-early summer warming interval may also be a useful bio-indicator of climate change. As well as assisting forecasts of the onset of the pollinosis season, these biogeographical patterns, reflecting climatic variation with latitude, suggest that routine aeropalynological monitoring might provide early signals of vegetation response to climate change. These conclusions are supported by recent investigations of long-term aeropalynological datasets in Europe that indicate earlier onset of pollen seasons in response to recent global warming.     

荒漠植物红砂叶绿素和脯氨酸累积与环境因子的相关分析

通过测定中国境内荒漠植物红砂(Reaumuria soongorica)主要分布区内21个自然种群407株叶片的叶绿素和脯氨酸含量,以及不同种群内土壤含水量、可溶性盐分含量、有机质、全氮、全磷含量等土壤理化性状指标,分析了不同自然种群红砂叶绿素和脯氨酸含量的变异特征以及影响其变化的主要环境因子.研究结果表明:红砂种群间叶绿素含量差异显著.土壤因子对叶绿素合成的影响较气象因子大,而土壤含水量和土壤全磷含量是导致不同红砂种群叶绿素含量出现明显差异的主要原因.红砂脯氨酸含量平均值显著高于盐爪爪、骆驼刺、芨芨草等其它荒漠物种,并且与叶片含水量和土壤含水量呈显著负相关,与土壤可溶性盐分含量呈显著正相关.红砂体内脯氨酸的累积是对干旱盐渍环境的适应性反应,与抗旱性和抗盐性之间存在着一定的关系.     

In Vitro Evaluation of Putative Virulence Attributes of Oral Isolates of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Candida</Emphasis> spp. Obtained from Elderly Healthy Individuals

Identification of Candida isolates obtained from oral cavity of elderly healthy individuals revealed the predominance of non-albicans Candida species (88.9%) compared to Candida albicans (11%). CHROMagar Candida differential medium and PCR revealed the presence of Candida tropicalis (33.3%), Candida glabrata (27.8%), and Candida krusei (16.7%). We investigated the presence of virulence attributes in a total of 18 isolates, including acid protease and phospholipase production, hemolytic activity, and biofilm production. Extracellular protease was found in five isolates (27.8%) whereas extracellular phospholipase was found in three isolates (17%). All isolates showed hemolytic activity. About 56% of the isolates were weakly positive for biofilm formation (score +) whereas a minority (5.6%) of them showed strong biofilm formation (score 4+). Susceptibility in vitro of the isolates to fluconazole was carried out by microdilution method. Fluconazole showed a strong inhibition against most buccal isolates. The resistant isolates were 2 C. tropicalis, 2 C. glabrata, and 1 C. krusei.     

昼间气象条件对城市道路绿化带空气净化效果的影响——以太原市为例

道路绿化带可以净化空气,改善道路环境,道路中的小气候条件会改变道路污染物扩散方式和速度,进而会影响到绿化带对污染物净化效果。气象条件对道路绿地对大气污染物净化效果影响的研究将有助于了解道路绿地的净化途径,为改善城市道路环境提供依据。对太原市18个道路绿地气象因子和5种主要污染物浓度进行了观测。结果表明:夏季,太原市城市道路内各气象要素之间存在一定的相关性,气温和地温正相关显著,空气相对湿度与地温及气温呈显著和极显著负相关。大部分情况下,有绿地非机动车道污染物平均浓度低于无绿地非机动车道对照点平均浓度,即道路绿地起到了对道路污染物的净化作用。道路绿地对污染物的净化百分率与气象因子存在显著的回归关系,并可以建立达到统计显著水平的回归方程,但不同污染物受不同的主导气象因子影响。气象条件会影响道路绿地对道路污染物的净化效果,今后的城市建设和道路绿地规划中应更多地考虑气象条件对绿地净化效果的影响。     

Annual,daily and diurnal variation of Urticaceae pollen in North-central London

Summary Annual differences in cumulative counts of Urticaceae pollen are found to relate primarily to the weather conditions during the pollen formative period (April and May) and secondarily to the weather prevailing during the season itself. Relative humidity, temperature, wind velocity and precipitation emerge as the most influential variables in the analysis of daily variations but their relative importance varies between years. Diurnal patterns in concentrations show general peaks occurring in the early evening but the severity and exact timing of these relates closely to wind direction. The implications of these results are considered in the context of forecasting.     

Airborne Pollen Grains of Bozuyuk （Bilecik, Turkey）

Airborne pollen grains in the atmosphere of Bozuyuk were investigated over a 2 yr period from 2000 to 2001 using a Durham sampler. A total number of pollen grains of 5 170 pollen grains belonging to 32 taxa were identified and recorded along with some unidentified pollen grains. Of all the pollen grains, 78.66% were arboreal, 19.20% were non-arboreal, and 2.12% were unidentified. The majority of pollen grains investigated were Pinus, Platanus, Quercus, Cupressaceae, Poaceae, Fagus, Salix, Rosaceae, Urticaceae, Asteraceae, and Chenopodiaceae. The maximum number of pollen grains was recorded in May.     

Frost periods and beginning of the ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) pollen season in Basel (Switzerland)

In order to be able to forecast the beginning of the ash pollen season, several meteorological factors have been considered. During these research activities it appeared that the ash pollen release is closely linked to frost periods happening during the months of February and March. For 24 years over a period of 29 consecutive years, a daily concentration of 30 ash pollen grains/m³/day has been reached when the cumulated mean daily temperatures starting on the last day when the absolute minimum temperature is lower or equal to −2 °C amounts on average to 214 °C – admitting a variation of plus or minus 42 °C. As for the five remaining years, rain is three times responsible for the delay of the pollen release. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

An aerobiological study of pollen grains and fungal spores of Barcelona (Spain)

Summary A study of concentration of airborne pollen grains and fungal spores has been carried out in Barcelona (Spain) during 1989–90. The volumetric method of filtration, previously described for airborne pollen analysis (Suarez-Cervera and Seoane-Camba, 1983) has been used. In this case, the filters have also been cultivated in Czapecdox-agar, Sabouraud-agar and Sabouraud-agar with streptomycin for the identification of the fungal colonies. Analysis of the number of fungal spores growing on the filter shows that the maxima of colonies of spores developed in culture per m³ of air filtered, correspond to September–December. Pollen and spore concentrations start from November–December, reach a maximum in March–April and decline progressively until September–October. Therefore, in the city of Barcelona, the greatest concentration occurs in spring and the lowest in autumn.     

北京4种典型风景游憩林对林内PM2.5的调控作用

为研究风景游憩林中PM_2.5浓度的变化规律及其对气象因子的响应,并分析不同林分对PM_2.5浓度的调控作用,在2013年夏、秋、冬季于北京市奥林匹克森林公园内对北京4种典型结构风景游憩林（华山松-银杏混交林、毛白杨-白蜡混交林、毛白杨纯林、多树种复层混交林）中的PM_2.5浓度及相关气象因子进行实时测定（共28个观测日）.结果表明： 在不同空气污染级别下林分内PM_2.5浓度的日变化无统一规律,但在同一污染级别下4种林分的PM_2.5浓度日变化规律基本一致.当风力为0~2级时,在各污染级别下4片林分内PM_2.5浓度的日均值[观测时段内（9: 00—15: 00）PM_2.5浓度平均值]无显著差异.林内PM_2.5浓度与空气相对湿度呈显著正相关（P<0.01）,与气温呈显著负相关（P<0.05）,与风速不相关.相对于林分外空地,林分内PM_2.5浓度变化比例在-21.4%～33.2%,其与空气相对湿度呈显著负相关（P<0.05）,与风速和气温不相关.林分对PM_2.5浓度的调控作用包含增加和降低两种效应,本研究中,这种调控作用发生转变的空气相对湿度临界值为67%.     

江苏如东海岸互花米草盐沼沉积物叶绿素a分布特征

潮间带沉积物叶绿素a(Chl-a))是潮间带生态系统底栖微藻初级生产力的表征因子.为了解互花米草盐沼沉积物Chl-a的分布,于2010年夏季及秋季对江苏如东海岸11个站位的表层底质(0～8 cm)内Chl-a含量进行了分析.结果表明:垂直方向上,除10月1～5站位垂直分层不明显外,整体变化趋势为,在0 ～2 cm,随深度的增加而锐减,2～8 cm,变化较小,光照的垂直递减是造成这一趋势的原因;在水平方向上,夏季,沉积物Chl-a含量在互花米草盐沼高于光滩,秋季则相反;光照和沉积物组成的季节变化是造成沉积物Chl-a水平方向分布格局的直接原因;互花米草枝叶对光照的遮挡及对细颗粒物质的圈闭作用随植株生长阶段而变化;互花米草一方面通过促进细颗粒沉积物堆积影响底质的粒度组成,另一方面通过其枝叶生长影响滩面接受的光照,直接影响潮间带微藻的生长,继而影响底栖生态系统的初级生产力.