Birch Pollen Research Articles

Spectral dependence of birch and pine pollen optical properties using a synergy of lidar instruments

Abstract. Active remote sensors equipped with the capability to detect polarization, a shape-relevant parameter, are essential to aerosol particle identification in the vertical domain. Most commonly, the linear particle depolarization ratio has been available at the shorter wavelengths of 355 and/or 532 nm. Recently, linear particle depolarization ratios at longer wavelengths (910, 1064, and 1565 nm) have emerged in lidar aerosol research. In this study, a synergy of three lidars, namely a PollyXT lidar, a Vaisala CL61 ceilometer, and a HALO Photonics StreamLine Pro Doppler lidar, as well as in situ aerosol and pollen observations have been utilized to investigate the spectral dependence of birch and pine pollen particles. We found that, regardless of the pollen type, the linear particle depolarization ratio was subject to the amount of pollen and its relative contribution to the aerosol mixture in the air. More specifically, during birch pollination, characteristic linear particle depolarization ratios of 5 ± 2 % (355 nm), 28 ± 6 % (532 nm), 23 ± 6 % (910 nm), and 33 ± 4 % (1565 nm) were retrieved at the pollen layer. Regarding the pine-dominant period, characteristic linear particle depolarization ratios of 6 ± 2 %, 43 ± 11 %, 22 ± 6 %, and 26 ± 3 % were determined at wavelengths of 355, 532, 910, and 1565 nm, respectively. For birch, the linear particle depolarization ratio at 1565 nm was the highest, followed by the 532 and 910 nm wavelengths, respectively. A sharp decrease at 355 nm was evident for birch pollen. For pine pollen, a maximum at the 532 nm wavelength was observed. There was no significant change in the linear particle depolarization ratio at 910 nm for the pollen types considered in this study. Given the low concentration of pollen in the air, the inclusion of the longer wavelengths (910 and 1565 nm) for the detection of birch and pine can be beneficial due to their sensitivity to trace large aerosol particles.

Impact of meteorological parameters and air pollutants on airborne concentration of Betula pollen and Bet v 1 allergen

The intensity of birch pollen season is expressed by seasonal pollen integral (SPIn, the sum of the mean daily pollen concentration during the birch pollination period) and the amount of Bet v 1 allergen released per birch pollen grain expressed by pollen allergen potency (PAP). Betula pollen and Bet v 1 allergen were simultaneously measured in the air of Bratislava from 2019 to 2022 by using two Burkard traps (Hirst-type and cyclone) in order to evaluate the causes of the seasonal variation in the SPIn and PAP levels. The highest SPIn (19,975 pollen/m3) was observed in 2022 and the lowest one (1484 pollen/m3) in 2021. The average daily PAP level (4.0 pg Bet v 1/pollen) was highest in 2019 and lowest (2.5 pg Bet v 1/pollen) in 2020. We found that seasonal variation in SPIn was associated mainly with the changes in environmental conditions during the pre-season period, whereas the year-to-year variation in PAP levels was attributed to environmental conditions during both pre- and in-season periods. Our results indicate that rainy weather in June 2020 and cold overcast weather in January‒February 2021 resulted in low SPIn in 2021. On the other hand, dry weather in June 2021 and warm weather in January‒February 2022 resulted in high SPIn in 2022. The low average daily PAP level in 2020 was associated with (1) low levels of gaseous air pollutants in March, when the ripening of pollen takes place; (2) an earlier start of the birch main pollen season (MPS); and (3) dry weather during the MPS. On the other hand, high PAP level in 2019 was associated with higher levels of air pollutants in March and during the MPS.

Nasal IL-13 production identifies patients with late-phase allergic responses

There is limited knowledge on how local cytokine secretion patterns after nasal allergen challenge correlate with clinical symptoms especially with regard to the "late allergic response," which occurs in approximately 40% to 50% of patients with allergy. We sought to characterize the immunologic and clinical nasal responses to birch pollen allergen challenge with a special focus on the late allergic response. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, birch pollen-allergic participants were challenged with birch pollen extract (n= 20) or placebo (n= 10) on 3 consecutive days. On days 1 and 3, nasal secretions were collected at selected time points over a 24-hour time course for the measurement of 33 inflammatory mediators. Clinical responses were determined through subjective symptom scores and objective nasal airflow measurements. Provoked participants had significantly greater clinical responses and showed significant increases in tryptase and the soluble IL-33 receptor serum stimulation 2 (sST2) in nasal secretions within minutes compared with the placebo group. Eight of 20 provoked participants displayed high IL-13 levels 2 to 8 hours after allergen provocation. This group also showed significant changes in clinical parameters, with a secondary drop in nasal airflow measured by peak nasal inspiratory flow and increased symptoms of nasal obstruction, which significantly differed from IL-13 nonresponders after 6 hours. IL-13 response status correlates with clinical responses and type 2 cytokine responses in the late phase after allergen provocation.

Seasonal Hydrodynamic Forecasts Using the INM-CM5 Model for Estimating the Beginning of Birch Pollen Dispersion

Seasonal Hydrodynamic Forecasts Using the INM-CM5 Model for Estimating the Beginning of Birch Pollen Dispersion

Diurnal pattern of Poaceae and Betula pollen flight in Central Europe

In Central Europe the most common allergies are provoked by grass or birch pollen allergens. We determined the intra-daily behavior of airborne pollen grains of grasses (Poaceae) and birch (Betula ssp.) in Central Europe, based on data obtained from a network of automatic pollen monitors over Europe (www.pollenscience.eu). Our aim was to determine the time of day when the lowest concentrations occur, to provide allergic individuals the optimal time to ventilate their homes. The study was carried out in three Central European capitals, Berlin (Germany), Paris-Saclay (France), and Luxembourg (Luxembourg), as well as in eight stations in Germany (Altötting, Feucht, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Hof, Marktheidenfeld, Mindelheim, Munich and Viechtach). The diurnal rhythm of these eleven locations was analyzed for either the complete, first week, peak week, peak day and last week of the pollen season. The data studied were reported as pollen/m3 measured in 3 h periods. Stations were classified as city, semi-populated or countryside areas using land-use and population density criteria.Grass pollen has a more pronounced diurnal rhythm than birch pollen concentrations. A significant difference was observed when comparing day (6–21 h) versus night (21–6 h) for all stations. No difference was detected between city and countryside for both pollen types, although for Poaceae a longer period of maximum concentrations was observed in big cities and higher day/night-time differences were registered in the countryside (6.4) than in cities (3.0). The highest pollen concentrations were observed between 9 and 18 h for grass, but the rhythm was less pronounced for birch pollen. For allergic individuals who want to bring in fresh air in their homes, we recommend opening windows after 21 h, but even better early in the morning between 6 and 9 h before pollinations (re)starts.

Identification of probable pectinesterase as a major allergen of pollen of the Asian white birch (Betula platyphylla) in northern China.

Pollen of the Asian white birch (Betula platyphylla) is a major source of allergens in spring in northern China, yet little research on its pollen allergens has been done so far. To analyze the B. platyphylla pollen allergen profile of patients from northern China and to identify the major pollen allergens in this patient cohort. Sera from 35 Chinese patients with birch pollinosis were collected for this study. The IgE-binding proteins in B. platyphylla pollen extract were analyzed by IgE immunoblots. A novel major allergen was purified by cation exchange chromatography and affinity chromatography. Its IgE reactivity was evaluated by ELISA. The protein was excised from a 2D electrophoresis gel and subjected to ESI-QUAD-TOF. In our study cohort, the prevalence of IgE specific for Bet v 1 was 68.8% (n = 22/32) as measured by ImmunoCAP. In immunoblots, two major bands at around 17 kDa and 70 kDa were detected by IgE from 68.5% (24/35) and 65.7% (23/35) of sera, respectively. The 17 kDa band was identified as Bet v 1 by a monoclonal antibody to Bet v 1 and inhibition experiments with recombinant Bet v 1. The 70 kDa band was a polymorphic glycoprotein and 7 isoforms were found. The protein was identified as probably pectinesterase with a molecular weight of 66 kDa and a PI of 5.7. A 66 kDa protein, probably belonging to pectinesterase family, was identified as a novel major allergen of B. platyphylla pollen in patients from northern China.

Birch-induced allergic rhinitis: Results of exposure during nasal allergen challenge, environmental chamber, and pollen season

BackgroundPollen variation can affect field study data quality. Nasal allergen challenge (NAC) is considered the gold standard for evaluating allergic rhinitis, while environmental exposure chambers (EECs) are mainly used in phase 2 drug development studies. We aimed to study birch-induced allergic rhinitis under 3 different conditions. MethodsThis study included 30 participants allergic to birch pollen, based on birch skin prick test, specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), and positive NAC. Participants were exposed to placebo twice, followed by 2 consecutive 4-h birch airborne exposures, repeated on 2 occasions to evaluate reproducibility and priming effect. Nasal response was defined as total corrected nasal symptom score (ΔTNSS) ≥ 5 during NAC and EEC. The primary end-point was to measure TNSS during the last 2 h of first allergen exposure. TNSS was also analyzed during natural exposure. ResultsThe dose most commonly yielding positive TNSS during NAC was 175.2 ng/200 μL. Eighteen participants experienced ΔTNSS ≥5 during the last 2 h of the first exposure, whereas 21 had positive responses at all 4 exposures. Mean ΔTNSS was 1 with placebo versus 6 with birch. Exposures were reproducible, with no observed priming effect. Airborne Bet v 1 was 25 ng/m3, while the pollen measurement was 279/m3 during pollen season. TNSS reached 5 in 67.9% of participants during peak pollen season. ConclusionEEC outcomes were similar to those obtained with NAC and natural exposure, suggesting the usefulness of EEC in allergic rhinitis studies. The primary end-point was reached, as 60% of participants experienced nasal responses.

Seasonal Hydrodynamic Forecasts of INM-CM5 Model for Estimation of the Start of the Birch Pollen Season

The experimental seasonal forecasts of the INM-CM5 climate model were used as input data for the temperature-time phenological model of birch dusting. Within the framework of the joint model, a test technology was developed for seasonal forecasting of the timing of the beginning of birch dusting in the European territory of Russia. Verification of this technology on seasonal retrospective forecasts of the INM-CM5 model (1991–2019) showed an adequate reproduction of the birch dusting start dates calculated for the same period according to the ERA5 reanalysis. The mean systematic errors are ±2 days, and the spatial correlation coefficients are above +0.84. The forecasts of the date of dusting start in 2022, calculated from the experimental operational seasonal forecasts of the INM-CM5 model with a monthly lead-time and with a zero lead-time, are also evaluated. It is shown that the errors in forecasting the beginning of dusting are ±5–10 days, and the forecasts with a one-month lead-time have fewer errors. The obtained results allow us to conclude that the seasonal forecast of the surface temperature of the INM-CM5 model can be used as input information for the temperature-time phenological model for the operational forecast of the timing of the start of birch dusting in the European territory of Russia.

Six-Food Elimination Diet Is Less Effective During Pollen Season in Adults With Eosinophilic Esophagitis Sensitized to Pollens.

The role of inhaled and swallowed aeroallergens in treatment outcomes of adult patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is unclear. We hypothesized that the pollen season contributes to the failure of the 6-food elimination diet (SFED) in EoE. We compared outcomes of patients with EoE who underwent SFED during vs outside of the pollen season. Consecutive adult patients with EoE who underwent SFED and skin prick test (SPT) for birch and grass pollen were included. Individual pollen sensitization and pollen count data were analyzed to define whether each patient had been assessed during or outside of the pollen season after SFED. All patients had active EoE (≥15 eosinophils/high-power field) before SFED and adhered to the diet under the supervision of a dietitian. Fifty-eight patients were included, 62.0% had positive SPT for birch and/or grass, whereas 37.9% had negative SPT. Overall, SFED response was 56.9% (95% confidence interval, 44.1%-68.8%). When stratifying response according to whether the assessment had been performed during or outside of the pollen season, patients sensitized to pollens showed significantly lower response to SFED during compared with outside of the pollen season (21.4% vs 77.3%; P = 0.003). In addition, during the pollen season, patients with pollen sensitization had significantly lower response to SFED compared with those without sensitization (21.4% vs 77.8%; P = 0.01). Pollens may have a role in sustaining esophageal eosinophilia in sensitized adults with EoE despite avoidance of trigger foods. The SPT for pollens may identify patients less likely to respond to the diet during the pollen season.

Robbsia betulipollinis sp. nov., Isolated from Pollen of Birch (Betula pendula)

One gram-negative strain designated Bb-Pol-6 T was isolated from birch (Betula pendula) pollen at Giessen area, Germany. The analysis of 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenies indicated the next-relative genera were Robbsia, Chitinasiproducens, Pararobbsia and Paraburkholderia (96–95.6%). Further comparative genome analysis and phylogenetic tree-based methods revealed its phylogenetic position under the genus Robbsia. The genome of strain Bb-Pol-6 T was 5.04 Mbp with 4401 predicted coding sequences and a G + C content of 65.31 mol%. Average amino acid identity, average nucleotide identity, digital DNA–DNA hybridization and percentage of conserved proteins values to Robbsia andropogonis DSM 9511 T were 68.0, 72.5, 22.7 and 65.85%, respectively. Strain Bb-Pol-6 T was rod-shaped, non-motile, facultative anaerobic and grew optimally at 28 °C and pH 6–7. Ubiquinone 8 was the major respiratory quinone and the major cellular fatty acids were C16:0, C19:0 cycloω7c, C17:0 cycloω7c and C17:1ω6c. The dominant polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified aminophospholipid. Based on the genomic physiological and phenotypic characteristics, strain Bb-Pol-6 T was considered a novel species under the genus Robbsia, for which the name Robbsia betulipollinis sp. nov. was proposed. The type strain is Bb-Pol-6 T (= LMG 32774 T = DSM 114812 T).

Inconsistent Skin Prick Tests for Allergy to Birch Homologous Trees May Result from Cross-Reacting Allergens or Technical Errors

Introduction: Skin prick tests (SPTs) are the gold standard for diagnosis of allergic rhinitis (AR). A decrease in the number of allergens included in standard SPT panels has recently been debated – particularly regarding the cross-reacting homologous pollen from birch, alder, and hazel trees – but has not yet been implemented in clinical guidelines. Methods: A subgroup of patients with AR (n = 69) who showed inconsistent SPT results among birch, alder, and hazel was investigated in detail. Beyond SPT, patient workup included assessment of clinical relevance and various serological parameters (total IgE, and specific IgE to birch, alder, and hazel and to Bet v 1, Bet v 2, and Bet v 4). Results: More than half the study group had negative SPT results for birch but positive results for alder and/or hazel, and 87% of the study group was polysensitized, showing at least one more positive SPT result for other plants. Whereas 30.4% of patients showed serological sensitization to birch pollen extract, only 18.8% displayed positive specific IgE to Bet v 1. Clinical assessment revealed that most patients with AR were polysensitized and had perennial symptoms or symptoms also occurring during times other than tree flowering times. If the SPT panel is limited to testing birch only, 52.2% of patients in this subgroup would have been overlooked. Conclusion: Inconsistent SPT results in the birch homologous group may result from cross-reacting allergens or technical errors. If patients report convincing clinical symptoms despite negative results from a reduced SPT panel or inconsistent results for homologous allergens, SPT should be repeated, and molecular markers should be added to achieve a correct diagnosis.

Clinical response to varying pollen exposure in allergic rhinitis in children in The Netherlands

BackgroundAllergic rhinitis (AR) affects 10–15% of children. Symptoms in seasonal AR are influenced by pollen exposure. Pollen counts vary throughout the pollen season and therefore, symptom severity fluctuates. This study investigates the correlation between pollen concentration and symptom load in children with AR in The Netherlands.MethodsA secondary analysis was performed in a study determining the most effective treatment for children with seasonal AR. Symptoms were measured during three months in 2013 and 2014 using a daily symptom diary. The pollen concentration was measured with a Hirst type volumetric spore trap sampler. A correlation coefficient was calculated for the correlation between the pollen concentration and the mean daily symptom score. The study protocol was approved by the medical ethical review committee of the Erasmus MC and is incorporated in the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (EUCTR2012-001,591–11-NL).ResultsIn 2014, the correlation coefficient for birch pollen concentration and symptom score was 0.423 (p = 0.000). The correlation coefficient for grass pollen concentration and symptom score was 0.413 (p = 0.000) and 0.655 (p = 0.000) in 2013 and 2014, respectively. A delayed correlation between the birch pollen concentration and the symptom scores was seen up to two days after the pollen measurement (0.151, p = 0.031). For grass pollen this effect lasted up to three days after the pollen measurement (0.194, p = 0.000).ConclusionWe found comparable correlations between symptom score and pollen concentration as found by EAACI. Birch and grass pollen have an elongated influence on symptom score of several days. This implies patients need to continue on demand medication longer after a measured pollen peak.

Birch pollen-The unpleasant herald of spring.

Type I respiratory allergies to birch pollen and pollen from related trees of the order Fagales are increasing in industrialized countries, especially in the temperate zone of the Northern hemisphere, but the reasons for this increase are still debated and seem to be multifaceted. While the most important allergenic molecules of birch pollen have been identified and characterized, the contribution of other pollen components, such as lipids, non-allergenic immunomodulatory proteins, or the pollen microbiome, to the development of allergic reactions are sparsely known. Furthermore, what also needs to be considered is that pollen is exposed to external influences which can alter its allergenicity. These external influences include environmental factors such as gaseous pollutants like ozone or nitrogen oxides or particulate air pollutants, but also meteorological events like changes in temperature, humidity, or precipitation. In this review, we look at the birch pollen from different angles and summarize current knowledge on internal and external influences that have an impact on the allergenicity of birch pollen and its interactions with the epithelial barrier. We focus on epithelial cells since these cells are the first line of defense in respiratory disease and are increasingly considered to be a regulatory tissue for the protection against the development of respiratory allergies.

Pollen production of downy birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) along an altitudinal gradient in the European Alps

High-altitude environments are highly susceptible to the effects of climate change. Thus, it is crucial to examine and understand the behaviour of specific plant traits along altitudinal gradients, which offer a real-life laboratory for analysing future impacts of climate change. The available information on how pollen production varies at different altitudes in mountainous areas is limited. In this study, we investigated pollen production of 17 birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) individuals along an altitudinal gradient in the European Alps. We sampled catkins at nine locations in the years 2020–2021 and monitored air temperatures. We investigated how birch pollen, flowers and inflorescences are produced in relation to thermal factors at various elevations. We found that mean pollen production of Betula pubescens Ehrh. varied between 0.4 and 8.3 million pollen grains per catkin. We did not observe any significant relationships between the studied reproductive metrics and altitude. However, minimum temperature of the previous summer was found to be significantly correlated to pollen (rs = 0.504, p = 0.039), flower (rs = 0.613, p = 0.009) and catkin (rs = 0.642, p = 0.005) production per volume unit of crown. Therefore, we suggest that temperature variability even at such small scales is very important for studying the response related to pollen production.

Obtaining an expression vector containing the nucleotide sequence of the gene encoding Bet v 1 – the major allergen of birch pollen

An expression vector containing the gene encoding the most common isoform Bet v 1.0101 of the Bet v 1 protein, the major birch pollen allergen, was created for a subsequent expression in the prokaryotic system of Escherichia coli. Total RNA from birch pollen collected in Belarus was used as a matrix. The expression vector pJC40-Веt v 1 was obtained using molecular-genetic methods: cloning, ligation, transformation. The specificity of the cloned fragment was confirmed by sequencing. During the study, 14 rare Escherichia coli codons were identified in the coding part of the cloned gene. The triplets were evenly arranged in the nucleotide sequence; codon clustering was observed only in two cases. The total percentage of rare triplets (8.75 %) and the calculated value of the codon adaptation level (0.57) allow us to predict a sufficiently efficient expression of the studied gene. The data obtained will be used in the synthesis of the recombinant polypeptide Bet v 1.0101.

Duodenal Eosinophilia in Functional Dyspepsia

Aim: to present observation of a patient diagnosed with functional dyspepsia based on current guidelines, and having increased eosinophil counts in the biopsy specimen of duodenal mucosa. To consider possible causes of duodenal eosinophilia in the light of present-day concepts.Highlights. Patient K., 40 years old, complained of dyspeptic phenomena, the first appearance of which she had noted at the age of 18. The patient noted poor tolerance to canned and fermented foods, which provoked an increase in dyspepsia and sometimes caused watery diarrhea. The examination excluded “symptoms of concern”. Successful antihelicobacter eradication therapy was carried out. Morphological examination of the stomach showed phenomena of mild chronic inflammation without intestinal metaplasia or glandular atrophy. A biopsy of the mucosa of the descending part of the duodenum showed a moderate increase in the levels of mononuclears and eosinophils in its lamina propria without penetration into the epithelium of the villi or formation of clusters. The patient suffers from pollinosis; sensitization to birch pollen was diagnosed by a skin prick test. However, she has no oral allergy symptoms, which does not allow linking duodenal eosinophilia to food allergy. Based on current guidelines, the patient was diagnosed with functional dyspepsia. In addition to dietary restrictions, treatment courses with a proton pump inhibitor, itopride, and S-methylmethionine sulfonium chloride, which has an antihistamine effect, were recommended for periods of worsening dyspepsia.Conclusion. The clinical significance of duodenal eosinophilia and local histamine production in patients with a clinical diagnosis of functional dyspepsia deserves special attention. Triggering factors provoking the worsening of symptoms should be analyzed; in particular, a food diary and exclusion of food allergies are recommended. Histamine-neutralizing drugs may play a role in the treatment of FD with duodenal eosinophilia in the future.

A clinical case of community-acquired pneumonia with severe obstructive respiratory failure syndrome caused by <i>Chlamydia pneumoniae</i> in an early-age child with a burdened premorbid background

Introduction . Violation of bronchial patency is a particularly urgent problem in pediatric practice, which is primarily due to the increase in the frequency of its development and occurrence in young children with acute respiratory infections of the lower respiratory tract, the lack of an unambiguous and unified interpretation of the causal factors of formation and pathogenetic mechanisms, as well as the difficulty of differential diagnosis of pathological conditions accompanied by obstruction. Presentation of the clinical case . The publication presents a clinical case of community-acquired bilateral lower lobe pneumonia in combination with severe obstructive type respiratory failure syndrome caused by Chlamydia pneumoniaе in an early-age child with an established diagnosis of bronchial asthma: polyvalent sensitization, who suffered COVID-19 twice during the year. The severe course of the disease with pronounced clinical manifestations of intoxication and respiratory insufficiency of the obstructive type in the patient was accompanied by laboratory changes in clinical and biochemical blood tests, the presence of a diagnostic titer of antibodies to Chlamydia pneumoniaе during serological testing and a CT picture of multiple areas of lung tissue compaction according to the ‘frosted glass’ type, predominantly rounded, of varying length in the lower parts right and left lung. In our clinical case, the differential diagnosis of obstructive syndrome in a young child caused a number of difficulties due to the influence of factors of the patient’s burdened premorbid background on its formation: the presence of a hereditary predisposition to maternal atopy (bronchial asthma) and verified diagnoses of bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis: sensitization to birch pollen, cow’s milk protein and chicken yolk eggs; episodes of acute urticaria. Conclusion . During a comprehensive clinical and laboratory-instrumental examination conducted in a hospital, the patient was diagnosed with: ‘Community-acquired bilateral lower lobe pneumonia caused by Chlamydia pneumoniaе, severe, acute, uncomplicated, DN II–III obstructive type.’

Allergen-free extracts from birch, ragweed, and hazel pollen activate human and guinea-pig submucous and spinal sensory neurons.

Non-allergenic, low molecular weight components of pollen grains are suspected to trigger changes in gut functions, sometimes leading to inflammatory conditions. Based on extensive neuroimmune communication in the gut wall, we investigated the effects of aqueous pollen extracts (APE) on enteric and spinal sensory neurons. Using Ca2+ and fast potentiometric imaging, we recorded the responses of guinea-pig and human submucous and guinea-pig dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons to microejection of low (<3 kDa) and high (≥3 kDa) molecular weight APEs of birch, ragweed, and hazel. Histamine was determined pharmacologically and by mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Birch APE<3kDa evoked strong [Ca+2 ]i signals in the vast majority of guinea-pig DRG neurons, and in guinea-pig and human enteric neurons. The effect of birch APE≥3kDa was much weaker. Fast neuroimaging in human enteric neurons revealed an instantaneous spike discharge after microejection of birch, ragweed, and hazel APE<3kDa [median (interquartile range) at 7.0 Hz (6.2/9.8), 5.7 Hz (4.4/7.1), and 8.4 Hz (4.3/12.5), respectively]. The percentage of responding neurons per ganglion were similar [birch 40.0% (33.3/100.0), ragweed 50.8% (34.4/85.6), and hazel 83.3% (57.1/100.0)]. A mixture of histamine receptor (H1-H3) blockers significantly reduced nerve activation evoked by birch and ragweed APEs<3kDa , but was ineffective on hazel. Histamine concentrations in ragweed, birch and hazel APE's < 3 kDa were 0.764, 0.047, and 0.013 μM, respectively. Allergen-free APEs from birch, ragweed, and hazel evoked strong nerve activation. Altered nerve-immune signaling as a result of severe pollen exposure could be a pathophysiological feature of allergic and non-allergic gut inflammation.

Physicochemical and immunological characterization of Amb a 12, a novel ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) pollen allergen

BackgroundRagweed is an invasive plant in Europe, causing hay fever and asthma in allergic patients. Climate change is predicted to increase expansion and allergenicity. Elevated NO2 induced upregulation of a new allergen in ragweed pollen, an enolase, Amb a 12. Objectiveof this study was producing ragweed enolase as a recombinant protein and characterizing its physicochemical and immunological features. MethodsAmb a 12 was designed for E. coli and insect cell expression. Physicochemical features were determined by mass spectrometry, circular dichroism measurements and enzymatic activity assay. Immunological characteristics were determined in ELISA, in a mediator release assay and by investigation of association with clinical symptoms. Common allergen sources were screened for similar proteins. ResultsRagweed enolase was produced as a 48 kDa protein forming oligomers in both expression systems, showing differences in secondary structure content and enzymatic activity depending on expression system. IgE frequency and allergenicity were low regardless of expression system. Enolase-specific serum bound to similar sized molecules in mugwort, timothy grass and birch pollen, as well as food allergen sources, while highest IgE inhibition was achieved with peach pulp extract. ConclusionsAmb a 12 had high sequence similarity and comparable IgE frequency to enolase allergens from different sources. 50 kDa proteins were found in other pollen and food allergen sources, suggesting that enolases might be pan-allergens in pollen and plant foods.

An IoT system based on open APIs and geolocation for human health data analysis

Development of applications based on open API is becoming increasingly popular today. Innovative projects using these technologies provide new opportunities for real-time human health monitoring. Such opportunities are also implemented using Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing technologies. In the study, we developed an application based on open APIs using smart gadgets and meteorological geographic information system in the process of generating a message about the dangers to human health associated with: the presence of pollen in the air (grass pollen, birch pollen and olive pollen) indicating the level of its concentration in the air; problems with air quality, if the air quality indicator exceeds the permissible standards. The addition of such functions expands the possibilities to provide timely information about potential risks and threats and, accordingly, is an "anthropo-geo-sensor-digital" prerequisite for effective decision-making, prevailing. The implementation of this IoT system has significant methodological and technological potential that can be used to improve the efficiency of Healthcare, both in extreme conditions and in conditions of sustainable existence. First of all, this is relevant during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The system we have developed can also be seen as one of the ways to innovate in Healthcare, in the educational process in institutions of higher education and in further scientific research on this topic. Further research in this area may be related to data processing in Healthcare systems based on machine learning, deep learning.