Airborne Pollen Levels Research Articles

Exploring the correlation between airborne pollen levels and respiratory conditions in Jaipur, India

ABSTRACT Airborne pollen, a significant natural pollutant, restricts outdoor activities and impacts quality of life for sensitive individuals with pulmonary disorders. This study examines trends in airborne pollen concentrations and explores whether air pollution, pollen concentration, or both impact patient counts. The annual pollen trend in Jaipur shows peaks in pollen concentration in March (due to trees, 66%), September (due to weeds, 45%), and December (due to grass, 50%). Among the fifteen taxa examined, Holoptelea integrifolia is the largest pollen emitter in Jaipur, followed by Poaceae, among others. The count of patients arriving for clinical consultations in a hospital shows a strong and positive correlation with weed (Asteraceae spp. and Argemone mexicana) and grass pollen. A linear regression equation is developed (R2 value = 0.835) for forecasting consulting patient counts based on Cassia siamea pollen concentration. This can assist hospital administration in resource management, especially during peak allergy seasons.

The Relationship Between Annual Airborne Pollen Levels and the Occurrence of Uterine Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Corpus Uteri Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Stomach Cancer, Cancer of the Gallbladder and Bile Ducts, Malignant Lymphoma, and Cancer of Oral and Pharyngeal, and Laryngeal Cancer: A Retrospective Study Based on The National Registry Database of Cancer Incidence In Japan, 1975–2015

Background: In Japan, pollen counts increased between 1977 and 1987, including three peaks (1978- 1980, 1982, 1984-1986) coinciding with triphasic Kawasaki disease (KD) outbreaks. Epidemiological findings have been extensively accumulated that KD since 2003 and, from 2018 related specific intractable diseases such as systemic vasculitis, collagen diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and further from 2019 various cancers such as lung, breast, pancreatic, skin and kidney cancers may be correlated to pollen exposure (PE). Methods and results: To elucidate the effects of PE on occurrence of other cancers, we evaluated the annual occurrence of disorders in relation to pollen counts using data from a national database. Specifically, we evaluated the occurrence of uterine cancer, cervical cancer, corpus uteri cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, stomach cancer, cancer of gallbladder and bile ducts (GBB), malignant lymphoma (ML), oral and pharyngeal cancer (o-phar. cancers), laryngeal cancer. During 1975–2015, the 1978-80 and 1984-1986 peaks of pollen scatter was the earliest big peaks with which simultaneous increase in occurrence of uterine, cervical, bladder, stomach, GBB, o-phar. cancers and laryngeal cancers. Furthermore, simultaneous outbreaks of each cancer coincided with subsequent ten peaks of pollen scatter till 2015. Our results showed statistically significant correlations for o-phar cancers, laryngeal, prostate and stomach cancers between the annual number of newly registered patients (nRPs) in the patient-registry year and annual pollen levels in the same patient-registry year. Significant correlations were also shown between the number of nRPs in the patient-registry year and annual pollen levels measured 1 year (GBB), 2 years (prostate), 3 years (corpus uteri, stomach, ML), 5 years (uterine), 6 years (uterine, corpus uteri, prostate, bladder, GBB), 7 years (o-phar, laryngeal) and, 9 and 16 years (cervical) before the patient-registry year. Conclusion: We assume that cumulative effects of PE in many cases within about 6 years and more before the diagnosis of cancers might possibly trigger onset of cancers when cumulative effects of PE as environmental stress overwhelmed immunoreactive threshold. The authors would like to discuss the triggering effect of PE (the action of PE to induce a carcinogenic state in humans) on humans as a compromised host, in the preliminary stages of cancer development, in which human papillomavirus is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis.

Relationship Between Annual Airborne Pollen Levels and Occurrence of Parkinson Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis, Multiple Sclerosis, Spinocerebellar Degeneration, Huntington’s Disease, Shy-Drager Syndrome, Moyamoya Disease and Creutzfeldt- Jakob Disease Based on the National Registry Database of Specific Intractable Disease in Japan, 1974-2014: A Retrospective Study

Background: In Japan, pollen counts increased between 1977 and 1987, including three peaks (1978- 1980, 1982, 1984-1986) coinciding with triphasic Kawasaki disease (KD) outbreaks. Epidemiological findings have been then extensively accumulated that KD and related specific intractable diseases such as systemic vasculitis, collagen diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and further various cancers may be correlated to pollen exposure (PE). Methods and results: To elucidate the effects of PE on outbreaks of neurological intractable diseases (NIDs), we evaluated the annual occurrence of disorders in relation to pollen counts using data from a national database. Specifically, we evaluated the occurrence of Parkinson disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Myasthenia Gravis (MG), multiple sclerosis (MS), spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD), Huntington’s disease (HUNTG), Shy-Drager syndrome, moyamoya disease and CreutzfeldtJakob disease (CJD). During 1975–2014, the 1984-86 peak of pollen scatter was the earliest big peak with which simultaneous increase in occurrence of PD, ALS, MG, MS, SCD and HUNTG coincided. Furthermore, simultaneous outbreaks of each NID coincided with subsequent ten peaks of pollen scatter till 2014. Our results showed statistically significant correlations for PD, ALS, MG, MS and SCD between the annual number of newly registered patients (nRPs) in the patient-registry year and annual pollen levels in the same patient-registry year. Significant correlations were also shown between the number of nRPs in the patient-registry year and annual pollen levels measured 3 years (PD), 6 years (PD, MG, MS, MMD), 9 years (PD, MS, MMD, CJD), 14 years (PD, CJD), and 16 years MG, MS, HUNTG and MMD before the patient-registry year. Conclusion: We assume that cumulative effects of PE during a decade or more before the diagnosis of NIDs might possibly trigger onset of NIDs when cumulative effects of PE as environmental stress overwhelmed immunoreactive threshold.

Evaluating User Preferences, Comprehension, and Trust in Apps for Environmental Health Hazards: Qualitative Case Study.

Climate change is projected to increase environmental health hazard risks through fire-related air pollution and increased airborne pollen levels. To protect vulnerable populations, it is imperative that evidence-based and accessible interventions are available. The environmental health app, AirRater, was developed in 2015 in Australia to provide information on multiple atmospheric health hazards in near real time. The app allows users to view local environmental conditions, and input and track their personal symptoms to enable behaviors that protect health in response to environmental hazards. This study aimed to develop insights into users' perceptions of engagement, comprehension, and trust in AirRater to inform the future development of environmental health apps. Specifically, this study explored which AirRater features users engaged with, what additional features or functionality needs users felt they required, users' self-perception of understanding app information, and their level of trust in the information provided. A total of 42 adult AirRater users were recruited from 3 locations in Australia to participate in semistructured interviews to capture location- or context-specific experiences. Participants were notified of the recruitment opportunity through multiple avenues including newsletter articles and social media. Informed consent was obtained before participation, and the participants were remunerated for their time and perspectives. A preinterview questionnaire collected data including age range, any preexisting conditions, and location (postcode). All participant data were deidentified. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis in NVivo 12 (QSR International). Participants discussed app features and functionality, as well as their understanding of, and trust in, the information provided by the app. Most (26/42, 62%) participants used and valued visual environmental hazard features, especially maps, location settings, and hazard alerts. Most (33/42, 78%) found information in the app easy to understand and support their needs, irrespective of their self-reported literacy levels. Many (21/42, 50%) users reported that they did not question the accuracy of the data presented in the app. Suggested enhancements include the provision of meteorological information (eg, wind speed or direction, air pressure, UV rating, and humidity), functionality enhancements (eg, forecasting, additional alerts, and the inclusion of health advice), and clarification of existing information (eg, symptom triggers), including the capacity to download personal summary data for a specified period. Participants' perspectives can inform the future development of environmental health apps. Specifically, participants' insights support the identification of key elements for the optimal development of environmental health app design, including streamlining, capacity for users to customize, use of real time data, visual cues, credibility, and accuracy of data. The results also suggest that, in the future, iterative collaboration between developers, environmental agencies, and users will likely promote better functional design, user trust in the data, and ultimately better population health outcomes.

Relationship among airborne pollen, sensitization, and pollen food allergy syndrome in Asian allergic children.

Causes of pediatric pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS) differ depending on airborne pollen levels in a particular region. We aimed to analyze airborne pollen counts, IgE sensitization rates, and PFAS incidence among children with allergies in South Korea and Japan. This cross-sectional study included children aged 5-17 years with allergies in 2017. Airborne pollen samples were collected from Busan in South Korea, and Fukuoka and Tochigi in Japan. Questionnaires were used to assess bronchial asthma, seasonal allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and PFAS. The serum IgE specific to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, pollen, tomato, and peach were investigated. In total, 57, 56, and 20 patients from Busan, Fukuoka, and Tochigi, respectively, were enrolled. Airborne Japanese cedar and cypress pollen were predominant in Fukuoka and Tochigi, whereas pine and alder pollen were predominant in Busan. Children with allergies in Fukuoka and Tochigi had a significantly higher sensitization rate to Japanese cedar, cypress, juniper, orchard grass, ragweed, Japanese hop, and tomato compared with children in Busan. In Fukuoka and Tochigi, where Japanese cedar and cypress pollen were frequently scattered, high sensitizations among allergic children were observed. The sensitization rate was not affected by the pollen count in alder, grass, ragweed, and Japanese hop. In multivariable analysis, only alder sensitization was found to be associated with PFAS (odds ratio: 6.62, 95% confidence interval: 1.63-26.87, p = 0.008). In patients with PFAS in Busan and Tochigi, peach associated with birch allergen Bet v 1 was a causative food item for PFAS. Moreover, PFAS was associated with ragweed and Japanese hop pollen sensitization in Fukuoka. Regardless of pollen counts, alder pollen sensitization was associated with PFAS in children. Ragweed and Japanese hop pollen sensitization were associated with PFAS, particularly among children in southern Japan.

Airborne Pollen, Allergens, and Proteins: A Comparative Study of Three Sampling Methods

Nowadays, there is a wide range of different methods available for the monitoring of pollen and allergens, but their relative efficiency is sometimes unclear, as conventional pollen monitoring does not thoroughly describe pollen allergenicity. This study aims to evaluate airborne pollen, allergen, and protein levels, associating them with meteorological and chemical parameters. The sampling was performed in Bologna (Italy) during the grass flowering period, with three different devices: a Cyclone sampler (CS), a Dicothomous sampler (DS), and a Berner impactor (BI). Total proteins were extracted from aerosol samples, and grass allergens Phl p 1 and Phl p 5 were quantified by ELISA. Airborne Poaceae pollen concentrations were also evaluated, using a Hirst-type trap. Proteins and allergens collected by CS resulted about ten times higher than those collected by the other two instruments, possibly due to their different cut-offs, while DS and BI results appeared consistent only for the total proteins collected in the fine fraction (1.3 vs. 1.6 μg/m3). Airborne proteins correlated neither with Poaceae pollen nor with its aeroallergens, while aeroallergens correlated with pollen only in the coarse particulate, indicating the presence of pollen-independent aeroallergens in the fine particulate, promoted by high wind speed.

Relationship Between Annual Airbornepollen Levels (1974–2014) and the Occurrence of Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Myasthenia Gravis, Polymyositis/ Dermatomyositis, and Vasculitis Syndrome Based on the National Registry Database of Specific Intractable Disease in Japan: A Retrospective Study

Background: In Japan, pollen counts increased between 1977 and 1987, including three peaks (1978-1980, 1982, 1984-1986) coinciding with Kawasaki disease (KD) outbreaks. KD and related diseases may be related to pollen exposure (PE). Methods and Results: To elucidate the effects of PE on outbreaks of intractable muscular diseases and vasculitis syndromes, we evaluated the annual occurrence of disorders in relation to pollen counts using data from a national database. Specifically, we evaluated the occurrence of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM), myasthenia gravis (MG), polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM), Takayasu arteritis (TAK), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), and periarteritis nodosa (PAN). While we did not observe increased disease rates during the first pollen count peak (1978-1980), increased rates of all evaluated diseases were observed during the 1982 and 1984-86 peaks. Furthermore, simultaneous outbreaks coincided with 10pollen count peaks between 1988 and 2013. We observed significant correlations between the annual number of newly registered patients (nRPs) with IDCM, MG, PM/DM, and PAN and annual pollen levels (PL). Significant correlations were also observed between nRPs and the annual PL measured with a lag of 2 years for IDCM and GPA, 1–4 years for PAN, and 6 years for MG, PM/DM, TAK, GPA, and PAN. Conclusion: Data suggest that the cumulative effects of PE within 6 years prior to diagnosis might possibly trigger onset of muscular specific intractable diseases.

Data mining assessment of Poaceae pollen influencing factors and its environmental implications

Poaceae pollen is highly allergenic, with a marked contribution to the pollen worldwide allergy prevalence. Pollen counts are defined by the species present in the considered area, although year-to-year oscillations may be triggered by different parameters, among which are weather conditions. Due to the predominant role of Poaceae pollen in the allergenicity in urban green areas, the aim of this study was the analysis of pollen trends and the influence of meteorology to forecast relevant variations in airborne pollen levels. The study was carried out during the 1993–2020 period in Ourense, in NW Iberian Peninsula. We used a volumetric Lanzoni VPPS 2000 trap for recording Poaceae airborne pollen grains, and meteorological daily data were obtained from the Galician Institute for Meteorology and Oceanography. The main indexes of the pollen season and their trends were calculated. A correlation analysis and ‘C5.0 Decision Trees and Rule-Based Models’ data mining algorithm were applied to determine the influence of meteorological conditions on pollen levels. We detected atmospheric Poaceae pollen during 139 days on average, mainly from April to August. The mean pollen grains amount recorded during the pollen season was 4608 pollen grains, with the pollen maximum peak of 276 pollen/m3 on 27 June. We found no statistically significant trends and slight slopes for the seasonal indexes, similarly to previous Poaceae studies in the same region. The calculated C5.0 model offered defined results, indicating that the combination of mean temperature above 17.46 °C and sunlight exposure higher than 12.7 h is conductive to significantly high pollen levels. The obtained results make possible the identification of risk moments during the pollen season for the activation of protective measures for sensitized population to grass pollen.

Potential Fertilization Capacity of Two Grapevine Varieties: Effects on Agricultural Production in Designation of Origin Areas in the Northwestern Iberian Peninsula

In the present study, we analyzed the main parameters related with the potential fertilization ability of two grapevine varieties, Godello and Mencía, during the years 2017 and 2018. The research was carried out in two vineyards of the Galician winegrowing Designation of Origin areas of Ribeiro and Ribeira Sacra. Ten vines of each variety were selected for bunch and flower counting, pollen calculations, pollen viability studies by means of aceto-carmine (AC) stain and 2, 3, 5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) methods, and the determination of their germination rate. In all vineyards the 50% fruitset was reached, except for Godello in Cenlle during 2017. The mean coulure value was higher for Godello (40.5%) than for Mencía (31%). Analyzing the pollen production per plant and airborne pollen levels, we observed important discordances between them, which can be due to the influence of weather conditions and be related with self-pollination processes. We found important differences on pollen viability depending on the applied method and variety, with higher values for the AC method than the TTC for both varieties in all study plots, and higher values for Mencía variety than Godello. Regarding germination rates, we observed a marked reduction in 2017 with respect to 2018, in all study sites and for both varieties. The analyzed parameters were useful to explain the different productive abilities of Godello and Mencía varieties in the two studied bioclimatic regions of Ribeiro and Ribeira Sacra.

The Relationship between Annual Airborne Pollen Levels and Occurrence of All Cancers, and Lung, Stomach, Colorectal, Pancreatic and Breast Cancers: A Retrospective Study from the National Registry Database of Cancer Incidence in Japan, 1975-2015.

Suppression of risk factors including smoking, overdrinking and infections by human papilloma and hepatitis B and C viruses has been recommended for cancer prevention; however, identification of other environmental risk factors has not been enough. Besides the 2003 report that Kawasaki disease may be triggered by pollen exposure, 40 Japanese specific intractable diseases have recently been reported as “pollen diseases”, also potentially triggered by pollen exposure. Various human organs are affected by pollen exposure, leading to systemic vasculitis; autoimmune connective tissue diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases and intractable neuromuscular and bone diseases, suggesting the common effects of pollen exposure on fundamental functions of vital metabolism. In this context, cancer and malignant tumors may be another group of intractable diseases triggered by epigenetic pollen exposure. Thus, this study compared the number of newly registered patients with 24 types of cancer and airborne pollen levels measured from 1975 to 2015. We searched for statistical correlations with Bonferroni correction between the annual number of newly registered patients for all cancers or for each of lung, stomach, colorectal, pancreatic and breast cancers in the patient-registry year “x”, and annual airborne pollen levels measured in the same year as “x”, or 1–7 years prior to the year “x”. The number of newly registered patients for lung, and pancreatic cancers in the patient-registry year “x” was highly correlated with airborne pollen levels measured 2 years prior to “x”. That for breast cancer was correlated with pollen levels measured 2 and 5 years prior to “x”. To our knowledge, this is the first rapid communication of the association between pollen levels and cancer incidence.

Airborne pollen calendar of Portugal: a 15-year survey (2002–2017)

IntroductionData about the occurrence of airborne pollen enables the creation of pollen calendars with an approximation of flowering periods for the most common allergenic plant species in a specific area. The aim of this work is to provide pollen calendar for each of the seven monitoring regions of Portugal based on 15 years of airborne sampling, in order to chart the seasonal behaviour of the main allergenic pollen types. Material and methodsAirborne pollen monitoring (2002–2017) was carried out by the Portuguese Aerobiology Network (RPA), using Hirst-type volumetric spore traps, following well-established guidelines. ResultsA total of 14 airborne pollen types were recorded at RPA monitoring stations, of which 64.2% belong to trees, 28.5% to herbs and 7.1% to weeds. The airborne pollen spectrum is dominated by important allergenic pollen types such as Poaceae, Quercus spp., Urticaceae and Cupressaceae. The average pollen index was 42.557 in mainland Portugal and 3.818 in the Islands. There was an increased trend in the airborne pollen levels over the years, namely in Coimbra, Évora and Porto, compared to the remaining regions. ConclusionThis report provides accessible information about the main allergenic airborne pollen types occurring in the course of the year. The pollen calendars charted for each Portuguese region showed that the occurrence of most allergenic taxa was centred from March to July. Pollen peak concentrations were detected earlier in the Centre and Lisbon and Tagus Valley regions, and later in the remaining regions.

Applying a pollen forecast algorithm to the Swiss Alps clarifies the influence of topography on spatial representativeness of airborne pollen data

Pollen grains are carriers of allergens, causing severe symptoms to hay fever sufferers. Due to annual variability in pollen levels, there is a need to develop a precise forecasting model that can accurately predict levels of annual airborne pollen for use by patients and medical personnel. In a previous study, we developed and tested a new pollen prediction algorithm based on past meteorological conditions in a flat region. In this study, we analyzed pollen samples (spring 1997–2016) and meteorological data (summer 1991–2015) from nine Swiss cities, using the algorithm to test its applicability in a mountainous region. However, we found variations in model applicability (r2 and RMSE) among the nine observation sites. Based on considerations of topographical influence on the spatial representativeness of airborne pollen data, we then investigated the relationships between these indices and topographical features at varying spatial ranges. The results suggested that the applicability of the algorithm to annual total airborne pollen forecasts can indicate the spatial representativeness of observed airborne pollen concentrations: r2 and RMSE reflected deviations in airborne pollen concentration caused by dispersal conditions at local and meso-scales, respectively. At higher-altitude monitoring sites, the local spatial representativeness of airborne pollen declined due to the influence of local topography-driven climate. On the other hand, dispersal conditions in the atmospheric boundary layer may deteriorate the meso-scale representativeness of airborne pollen at monitoring sites with higher terrain complexity. This study provides a reference approach to determining the spatial representativeness of airborne pollen data by applying the pollen forecast algorithm.

Assessment of the potential real pollen related allergenic load on the atmosphere of Porto city

The knowledge of the allergen content in the atmosphere is a useful tool to stablish the risk allergy warnings for the sensitive people. In Portugal the main airborne allergenic pollen come from trees (such as Betula or Olea), grasses or weeds (mainly Urticaceae). The present study sought the quantification of the Bet v 1, Ole e 1, Lol p1 and Par j1–2 aeroallergen concentration as well as how weather variables influence in the pollen and allergen concentration in Porto city. Aerobiological study was carried out by a Hirst-type volumetric sampler for pollen collection and a Burkard Cyclone sampler for the aeroallergens. A regression analysis between pollen and allergens was conducted for the identification the allergenic risk days. High Pollen Allergen Potency in the atmosphere was observed considering the low levels of airborne pollen detected. A significant and positive correlation has been obtained between pollen and aeroallergen values with the temperatures whereas the correlation was negative with relative humidity, rainfall and wind speed. Back trajectory methodology was applied in order to analyse the discordances between pollen and allergen maximum concentrations. The analysis showed that when the pollen and allergen peaks were registered on the same day, air masses always comes from the continent. However, when the peaks do not coincide, the air mass comes from the continent in the case of the pollen peak and from the sea for the allergen peak. This behaviour can be a consequence of the high humidity in the air masses from the sea, which can benefit the allergen release from pollen grains. In our study it was observed that the available traditional information for allergenic Type I patients, corresponding to the amount of pollen grains in the bioaerosol, do not accurately identify the real allergenic load in the air.

A retrospective study on the relationship between annual airborne pollen levels during four decades of 1975–2014 and annual occurrence of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, fulminant hepatitis, severe acute pancreatitis, interstitial pneumonia, amyloidosis, based on the national registry database of specific intractable diseases in Japan

A retrospective study on the relationship between annual airborne pollen levels during four decades of 1975–2014 and annual occurrence of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, fulminant hepatitis, severe acute pancreatitis, interstitial pneumonia, amyloidosis, based on the national registry database of specific intractable diseases in Japan

Phenological and aerobiological study of vineyards in the Montilla-Moriles PDO area, Cordoba, southern Spain

AbstractPhenological and aerobiological research into major crops is of great value in adapting traditional processes to the new conditions prompted by global climate change. Data on flowering phenology and airborne pollen have also proved useful for harvest forecasting purposes. The current paper reports on an agrometeorological study carried out in the Montilla-Moriles Protected Designation of Origin area (Córdoba, southern Spain) in 2015 and 2016. The study focused on four grape cultivars produced at seven local vineyards (Pedro Ximénez, the most widely grown in the area; Verdejo; Muscat blanc à petits grains; and Chardonnay, which has been recently introduced). Phenological observations were performed on a weekly basis using the Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie scale adapted for grapevine. Airborne pollen concentrations were monitored using one Hirst-type volumetric sampler and seven passive samplers. Airborne pollen was mainly detected in vineyards during inflorescence emergence and flowering. Year-on-year differences in climatic conditions led to differences in airborne pollen levels. The main variables affecting pollen concentrations were dew point and temperature. The life-cycles recorded here were shorter than in temperate climates but longer than in tropical climates. In terms of flowering period, the cultivars studied here were classed as ‘early cultivars’. Data obtained using local passive samplers located directly in the vineyard confirmed that the airborne pollen concentrations recorded by the volumetric sampler were representative of the study area.

Algorithm for forecasting the total amount of airborne birch pollen from meteorological conditions of previous years

The birch tree (genus Betula L.) disperses airborne pollen annually from April to June, causing severe symptoms in pollinosis sufferers. Because of interannual variations in pollen levels, there is an urgent need to develop a forecasting model with greater precision in order to provide accurate information to patients and medical personnel regarding airborne pollen levels. We developed an algorithm for forecasting the total amount of airborne birch pollen. This equation suggested that the total amount of airborne pollen in a given season could be estimated using only the meteorological data from previous years. In order to discover potential predictive relationships, a data set including airborne pollen data from 1996 to 2015 and meteorological data from 1990 to 2014 was used to construct forecasting models. Statistical evaluation results were examined to select the optimal model, showing that forecasting models obtained the highest accuracy when using meteorological data from June and the best model performance was achieved using the average daily maximum air temperature and solar radiation of the previous five years. We also developed an extended model that included relative humidity, which demonstrated better predictive capability. These findings clarify that a model with greater predictive power can be constructed using the meteorological conditions from the previous five years. In order to assess this conclusion, the algorithm was tested by forecasting the total amount of airborne birch pollen in Japan with good results.

Who's at risk of thunderstorm asthma? The ryegrass pollen trifecta and lessons learnt from the Melbourne thunderstorm epidemic.

The Melbourne thunderstorm asthma epidemic in November 2016 was unprecedented in scale and impact. We systematically reviewed our hospital's patients with thunderstorm asthma to identify key risk factors. Of 85 adult patients assessed, the majority (60%) had no prior diagnosis of asthma. However, allergic rhinitis during the grass pollen season was almost universal (99%), as were ryegrass pollen sensitization (100%) and exposure to the outdoor environment during the thunderstorm (94%). Airborne pollen levels on the thunderstorm day were extreme. We conclude that ryegrass pollen sensitization, clinical allergic rhinitis, and acute allergen exposure constitute a risk-factor 'trifecta' for thunderstorm asthma.

Pollen nightmare: elevated airborne pollen levels at night.

High airborne pollen concentrations are generally associated with daylight hours when it is sunny and warm and plants release pollen into the air (Alcazar et al. 1999; Dahl et al. 2013). In contrast, cooler night-time periods are usually considered to be the time of low-allergy risk. This opinion is often reflected in pollen allergy avoidance strategies presented by the media, where the most commonly repeated recommendation is to stay indoors during the day and plan outdoor activities for the evening. However, there is evidence to suggest that elevated concentrations of airborne pollen might also occur during the evening (e.g. Norris-Hill and Emberlin 1991). So, is the night really a time of low-allergy risk? We present the results of the comparative analysis of pollen concentrations during daytime and night-time hours for five allergenic pollen types (Burbach et al. 2009), i.e. alder (Alnus sp.), birch (Betula sp.), grasses (Poaceae), mugwort (Artemisia sp.) and ragweed (Ambrosia sp.).

Correlation between airborne Olea europaea pollen concentrations and levels of the major allergen Ole e 1 in Córdoba, Spain, 2012-2014.

Olea europaea L. pollen is the second-largest cause of pollinosis in the southern Iberian Peninsula. Airborne-pollen monitoring networks provide essential data on pollen dynamics over a given study area. Recent research, however, has shown that airborne pollen levels alone do not always provide a clear indicator of actual exposure to aeroallergens. This study sought to evaluate correlations between airborne concentrations of olive pollen and Ole e 1 allergen levels in Córdoba (southern Spain), in order to determine whether atmospheric pollen concentrations alone are sufficient to chart changes in hay fever symptoms. The influence of major weather-related variables on local airborne pollen and allergen levels was also examined. Monitoring was carried out from 2012 to 2014. Pollen sampling was performed using a Hirst-type sampler, following the protocol recommended by the Spanish Aerobiology Network. A multi-vial cyclone sampler was used to collect aeroallergens, and allergenic particles were quantified by ELISA assay. Significant positive correlations were found between daily airborne allergen levels and atmospheric pollen concentrations, although there were occasions when allergen was detected before and after the pollen season and in the absence of airborne pollen. The correlation between the two was irregular, and pollen potency displayed year-on-year variations and did not necessarily match pollen-season-intensity.

Airborne pollen in Funchal city, (Madeira Island, Portugal) - First pollinic calendar and allergic risk assessment.

Nowadays, pollen calendars are useful tools for clinical guidance intended for allergy sufferers, because they can be used to prevent and manage allergic respiratory diseases, thus improving the quality of life. An aeropalinological study was performed in the city of Funchal with the purpose of establishing a pollen calendar and determining allergic risk, based on a seven year study (2003-2009). The airborne pollen monitoring was carried out with a Hirst type volumetric spore trap, following well-established guidelines. The mean annual pollen index was 1,635.09 and comprised 42 different pollen types. Airborne pollen levels were higher between March - June, accounting for 57.9% of the annual counts. Arboreal pollen grains (52.72%) prevailed in the atmosphere together with herbs and grasses (44.64%), while fern spores (2.29%) and unidentified pollen (0.35%) were scarce. The main pollen types were Urticaceae (20.64%), Poaceae (16.02%), Cupressaceae (13.61%), Pinaceae (9.07%), Myrtaceae (5.93%) and Ericaceae (5.02%). The pollen calendar comprised a total of 14 taxa and is similar to Mediterranean regions, with the exception of Olea europaea, Quercus sp., Betula sp. and Alnus sp. pollen types which are rare or absent. The main pollen season of major pollen taxa is significantly longer in Funchal (on average 239 days) than other European sites, especially for Urticaceae and Poaceae, but the pollen peaks were substantially lower. The pollen calendar for Funchal is the first ever created for Madeira region. Taking into account the low pollen index and number of allergy-risk days recorded (39 days in 7 years), the air quality of Funchal can be considered good.