Summary Background There is currently no standardized evaluation system in Germany for defining and classifying the severity of IgE-mediated food allergies (FA). Following the development of the international classification system named DEFASE (Definition of Food Allergy Severity), this evaluation system is now also being introduced in Germany and its applicability in the German healthcare system is being tested. Methods An international consensus was reached on DEFASE through a two-stage process (systematic literature review followed by an e‑Delphi). Conclusion The DEFASE score is the first comprehensive classification of the severity of a FA that takes into account not only the severity of an individual reaction, but the entire scenario of the disease, including the clinical features alongside patient’s reported outcomes and economic burden. It is important that an international consensus has been reached on a scoring system for FA, which can now also be used in Germany as d‑DEFASE. The scoring system is currently tested in research projects to be introduced soon into clinical practice, targeting these models to various food allergenic sources, populations, and settings.

Abstract Climate change is altering temperature patterns and pollen exposure, particularly in cities. Rising summer temperatures are reducing the well-being of urban populations: however, this impact can be partially reduced by suitable planting. Primarily, the issue is that exposure to pollen leads to sensitization and allergic symptoms more frequently in cities than in rural areas. Also, individuals with pollen allergies, especially those reactive to tree (hazelnut, alder, birch, ash) and grass pollen, experience more severe symptoms in cities due to the interaction of pollen with air pollutants. To counteract this trend, urban planting should prioritize nonallergenic, or low-allergenic plant species. Here we present a table categorizing tree species based on their allergic potential: (a) species that should not be planted under any circumstances, (b) species that should be avoided but can be planted with caution, (c) species currently regarded as allergy friendly. Adopting these recommendations should counteract a further increase in tree pollen exposure and, thus, the frequency of sensitization, especially in residential areas. This paper serves as an update of a previous recommendation for planting new trees in public spaces with allergy considerations, incorporating the 2022 GALK street tree list, which is maintained by the “Urban Trees Working Group”.

Summary Mastocytosis encompasses a spectrum of clonal mast cell disorders characterized by the proliferation and accumulation of atypical mast cells in various organs, including the skin, bone marrow, and gastrointestinal tract. Initially described in 1869 as a cutaneous manifestation, the systemic variant (SM), involving additional organs, was documented in 1949. Clinical distinctions are made between indolent SM (ISM), where mediator-related symptoms predominate, and more aggressive forms, in which organ dysfunction is the primary concern. In recent decades, there has been continuous progress in elucidating the pathogenesis, classification, and management of mastocytosis, aided by specialized networks such as the European Competence Network Mastocytosis (ECNM) and the German Competence Network on Mastocytosis (Kompetenznetzwerk Mastozytose e. V.). A significant therapeutic advancement has been the development of targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including midostaurin and avapritinib, which have been utilized for several years in treating aggressive SM. Recently, avapritinib in lower dosage was also approved for ISM patients with moderate to severe symptoms. For patients with milder forms of ISM, a symptom-oriented basic therapy is recommended. The diagnosis of SM requires interdisciplinary collaboration and strict adherence to established diagnostic criteria. Moreover, innovative patient-centered approaches, such as the MASTHAVE® app, support ongoing follow-up and have the potential to enhance quality of life. Long-term research efforts are increasingly directed toward developing personalized therapies that target the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease.