Allergen Levels Research Articles

Allergic Rhinitis Improvement in Asthmatic Children After Using Acaricidal Bait: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Cross-Placebo Study

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of acaricidal bait use on the house dust mite (HDM) allergen concentration and occurrence of allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma symptoms in children sensitized to HDMs.Study Design: Sixty-six children (3–12 years old) with AR and asthma sensitized to HDMs were randomly assigned to receive an acaricidal bait intervention for 8 weeks and a placebo intervention for 8 weeks separated by a 4-week washout period. The visual analog scale (VAS) score, rhinitis control assessment test (RCAT) score, rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) score, asthma control questionnaire-5 (ACQ-5) score and HDM allergen levels were monitored.Results: HDM allergen levels were significantly decreased after 8 weeks (Δder p2+f2 2.282 (3.516) μg/g vs. 0.147 (0.25) μg/g, P < 0.05) in the acaricidal bait group compared with the placebo group. The VAS, RCAT and RQLQ scores in the acaricidal bait group were also significantly improved (ΔVAS 7.5 (16) vs. 3 (18), P < 0.05; ΔRCAT−3 (5) vs. 0 (7), P < 0.05; ΔRQLQ 4.5 (8) vs. 1 (8), P < 0.05), but the ACQ-5 score did not improve (ΔACQ-5 0.2 (0.4) vs. 0 (0.65), P > 0.05).Conclusion: Acaricidal bait reduced HDM exposure and improved rhinitis symptoms. This trial is registered at www.chictr.org.cn.

Indoor Environmental Factors May Modify the Response to Mouse Allergen Reduction Among Mouse-Sensitized and Exposed Children with Persistent Asthma

Whether concomitant home exposures modify the effectiveness of mouse allergen reduction among mouse-sensitized children with asthma is unknown. To determine whether a lower baseline home mouse allergen level, lower particulate matter 10 μ or less (PM10), and the absence of sensitization and exposure to other indoor allergens are associated with greater improvements in asthma associated with mouse allergen reduction. A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial of a home mouse allergen intervention was performed to examine the effect of 3 indoor factors on the relationship between mouse allergen reduction and a range of asthma outcomes. Participants (N= 297) were predominantly minority (78% African American, 22% Hispanic) and publicly insured (88%). Higher baseline mouse allergen levels were associated with a greater response to mouse allergen reduction for several symptom and exacerbation outcomes. Lower indoor PM10 levels were associated with a greater response to mouse allergen reduction for several symptom outcomes, but not exacerbation outcomes. Overall, sensitization and exposure to other indoor allergens did not appear to modify the effect of mouse allergen reduction. In this population of predominantly low-income children with persistent asthma and mouse sensitization, mouse allergen reduction was associated with improvements in asthma, especially among those with high baseline mouse allergen exposure. Lower indoor PM10 was associated with greater improvements in asthma symptoms.

Effect of School Integrated Pest Management or Classroom Air Filter Purifiers on Asthma Symptoms in Students With Active Asthma

School and classroom allergens and particles are associated with asthma morbidity, but the benefit of environmental remediation is not known. To determine whether use of a school-wide integrated pest management (IPM) program or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter purifiers in the classrooms improve asthma symptoms in students with active asthma. Factorial randomized clinical trial of a school-wide IPM program and HEPA filter purifiers in the classrooms was conducted from 2015 to 2020 (School Inner-City Asthma Intervention Study). There were 236 students with active asthma attending 41 participating urban elementary schools located in the Northeastern US who were randomized to IPM by school and HEPA filter purifiers by classroom. The date of final follow-up was June 20, 2020. The school-wide IPM program consisted of application of rodenticide, sealing entry points, trap placement, targeted cleaning, and brief educational handouts for school staff. Infestation was assessed every 3 months, with additional treatments as needed. Control schools received no IPM, cleaning, or education. Classroom portable HEPA filter purifiers were deployed and the filters were changed every 3 months. Control classrooms received sham HEPA filters that looked and sounded like active HEPA filter purifiers. Randomization was done independently (split-plot design), with matching by the number of enrolled students to ensure a nearly exact 1:1 student ratio for each intervention with 118 students randomized to each group. Participants, investigators, and those assessing outcomes were blinded to the interventions. The primary outcome was the number of symptom-days with asthma during a 2-week period. Symptom-days were assessed every 2 months during the 10 months after randomization. Among the 236 students who were randomized (mean age, 8.1 [SD, 2.0] years; 113 [48%] female), all completed the trial. At baseline, the 2-week mean was 2.2 (SD, 3.9) symptom-days with asthma and 98% of the classrooms had detectable levels of mouse allergen. The results were pooled because there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 interventions (P = .18 for interaction). During a 2-week period, the mean was 1.5 symptom-days with asthma after use of the school-wide IPM program vs 1.9 symptom-days after no IPM across the school year (incidence rate ratio, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.38-1.33]), which was not statistically significantly different. During a 2-week period, the mean was 1.6 symptom-days with asthma after use of HEPA filter purifiers in the classrooms vs 1.8 symptom-days after use of sham HEPA filter purifiers across the school year (incidence rate ratio, 1.47 [95% CI, 0.79-2.75]), which was not statistically significantly different. There were no intervention-related adverse events. Among children with active asthma, use of a school-wide IPM program or classroom HEPA filter purifiers did not significantly reduce symptom-days with asthma. However, interpretation of the study findings may need to consider allergen levels, particle exposures, and asthma symptoms at baseline. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02291302.

Efficacy of air purifier therapy for patients with allergic asthma.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of air purifier therapy for patients with allergic asthma. Thirty-eight subjects were categorized under two groups namely treatment group and control group. All subjects were under 18 years of age and they had been clinically diagnosed with allergic asthma. The treatment group used high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers for six consecutive months, and the control group did not use the air filters. Particulate matter (PM) data and dust samples (from bedding and a static point) were collected from the subjects' bedrooms before they started using the air purifiers and each month thereafter. Simultaneously, the subjects were asked to complete a questionnaire for the Asthma Control Test (ACT) or Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT). Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) tests were performed at the start and end of the study. The concentrations of Der p1 and Der f1 were measured in the dust samples. (1) After utilizing the air purifier, the concentrations of house dust mite (HDM) allergens (Der p1+ Der f1) in the dust samples decreased. In addition, the PMindoor/outdoor values significantly decreased. (2) The ACT and C-ACT scores in the treatment group maintained a steady significant upward trend. (3) At the end of the study, the FENO levels in both groups were lower, although the differences were not significant. It is witnessed that HEPA air purifiers can decrease indoor HDM allergen and PM levels and improve the quality of life for allergic asthma patients.

Work Category Affects the Exposure to Allergens and Endotoxins in an Animal Facility Laboratory in Italy: A Personal Air Monitoring Study

Scientists and technicians who work in contact with laboratory animals are exposed to complex biological mixtures from animals, bedding and feed. The main objective of this study was to characterize the exposures to endotoxins and animal allergens in a biomedical research institution located in Central Italy by means of air sampling in the breathing zone of the staff during daily work activities. Forty-two inhalable dust samples were collected for endotoxins and allergens analysis. Filter extracts were analyzed using a Kinetic-QCL LAL kit for endotoxins; ELISA assays were performed for Mus m 1, Rat n 1, Can f 1, Fel d 1 and Equ c 4 detection. Laboratory animal attendants (LAAs) showed endotoxin concentrations significantly higher (4.59 ng/m3) than researchers (0.57 ng/m3), researchers working only in an office (0.56 ng/m3) and technicians (0.37 ng/m3). Endotoxin concentrations exceeding the recommended occupational exposure limit proposed by the Dutch Expert Committee on Occupational Safety were found in the case of two subjects in the animal attendants category. With regards to rat and mouse allergens, a higher average dose was found for mouse than rat allergens. Also for these bio-contaminants, the LAAs are confirmed as the work category at higher risk of exposure (15.85 ng/m3), followed by technicians (10.67 ng/m3), researchers (2.73 ng/m3) and researchers in an office (0.08 ng/m3). Fel d 1 was also detected (average: 0.11 ng/m3) highlighting a passive transport between living and occupational settings. Our data could be useful to improve the control and preventive measures, ensuring lower levels of allergens and endotoxins in animal facilities.

The Efficacy of the Dyson Air Purifier in Improving Asthma Control: Protocol for a Single-Center, Investigator-Led, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BackgroundIndoor air quality has been shown to influence asthma control and outcomes. Air purifiers and high-efficiency particulate air filtration devices can improve indoor air quality by reducing the indoor levels of air pollution and allergens. However, the influence of this improved indoor air quality on asthma control remains unclear; hence, randomized controlled trials are needed to further elucidate this phenomenon.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the effect of reducing the levels of allergens and pollutants in the bedroom and living room through the use of Dyson air purifiers (Dyson Pure Cool) on asthma control.MethodsThis is an 18-month long, investigator-led, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, single-center trial. Subjects will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to active or placebo Dyson filters. The primary outcome is the change in the scores of Asthma Control Questionnaire 6 and Asthma-specific Quality of Life Questionnaire from baseline. Secondary outcomes include changes in lung function (forced expiratory volume in one second, forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity ratio, and midexpiratory flows), peak expiratory flow measurements, airway hyperresponsiveness (assessed by methacholine bronchial challenge), fractional exhaled nitric oxide, and indoor air pollutant levels. The sample size will be 50 subjects, and all subjects will have a confirmed diagnosis of mild persistent to moderate persistent asthma along with an Asthma Control Questionnaire 6 score of >1.5.ResultsThis study was approved by the West Midlands Research Ethics Committee (18/WM/0277). The study results will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals; presented at relevant scientific conferences; and shared in plain English with participants in our newsletters, in our clinics, and via the David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre website. Our trial began in September 2019 and is expected to end in August 2021.ConclusionsThis is a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized, investigator-led study to investigate the efficacy of a novel air purifier in improving asthma control in adults. The trial period of 18 months will facilitate the collection of robust data and will therefore generate clear signals. However, this extended trial duration may lead to patient withdrawal. Furthermore, this trial is conducted at a single center and in a location with a homogenous cohort of people, which may affect translatability. Nonetheless, it is hoped that the findings of this trial may help further inform clinicians regarding the utility of this novel device as an adjunct in asthma care.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04729530; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04729530International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/28624

Predictors of successful mouse allergen reduction in inner-city homes of children with asthma

Exposure to mouse allergen is associated with increased asthma morbidity in children.1-3 Reduction in exposure is associated with improvements in asthma.4,5 In the Mouse Allergen and Asthma Intervention Trial (MAAIT), a dose–response relation was found between reduction in mouse allergen and improvement in asthma outcomes regardless of the intervention implemented.4 Achieving a clinically meaningful reduction in mouse allergen levels can be challenging. Ideally, environmental interventions could be tailored to optimize chances for success.

Seasonal variation in the allergenic potency of airborne grass pollen in Bratislava (Slovakia) urban environment.

The Phl p 5 allergen of the plant species Phleum pratense is considered one of the most crucial grass pollen allergenic molecules inducing respiratory allergies. In this study, we evaluated seasonal variation in the concentration of both grass pollen and Phl p 5 allergens as well as the ratio allergen/pollen (pollen potency) in the air of Bratislava during two consecutive years, 2019–2020. These 2 years differed in terms of air pollution, as COVID-19 lockdown in spring 2020 considerably improved air quality in the study area. Air samples were collected using a Hirst-type sampler for pollen detection and the cyclone sampler for aeroallergen detection. In 2020, we observed 80.3% higher seasonal pollen integral, probably associated with the longer pollen season duration, however, 43.6% lower mean daily pollen potency than in 2019. The mean daily pollen value was 37.5% higher in 2020 than in the previous year, while the mean daily allergen value was 14.9% lower in 2020. To evaluate the relationship between the amount of pollen or allergen in the air and selected meteorological factors and air pollution parameters, we used multiple regression analysis. Regarding weather factors, precipitation and relative humidity were significantly associated with pollen and/or allergen concentration, though these associations were negative. Atmospheric pollutants, especially CO, NO2 and O3 were significantly associated with pollen and/or allergen levels. The associations with CO and O3 were positive, while the association with NO2 was negative. Our results indicate that for grasses, an air pollutant that has a significant positive relationship to the ratio of allergen/pollen is nitrogen dioxide.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11356-021-15179-5.

Detection of Food Allergens in School and Home Environments of Elementary Students

Little is known about environmental food allergen exposure on school surfaces. To compare the distribution of major food allergens in floor dust and table wipe samples from elementary schools and dust samples from students' homes. In this substudy of the School Inner-City Asthma Study-II, 103 table wipe samples and 98 floor dust samples from cafeterias and classrooms in 18 elementary schools were analyzed for milk, peanut, cashew, hazelnut, and egg using a multiplex array. Home kitchen floor and bed dust samples from 90 students were also analyzed. Food allergens were detectable in schools, but at significantly lower levels than in homes (P < .001). In schools, milk and peanut were detected in all table wipe samples; milk and egg were detected in all floor dust samples. Cafeteria table wipe samples contained significantly higher levels of milk, peanut, hazelnut, and egg, compared with classrooms. Cafeteria floor dust samples contained higher levels milk than classrooms. Peanut-restrictive policies did not consistently reduce environmental peanut exposure in schools. Peanut allergen was lower in dust from homes of students with peanut allergy (n= 5) compared with those without peanut allergy (n= 85) (P<.001). Reassuringly, peanut allergen in the schools of peanut-allergic students was not significantly different than in their homes. Food allergens were readily detectable on tables and floors in elementary schools, but at levels lower than in students' homes. For peanut-allergic students, the levels of detectable peanut in their schools were not higher than their homes. The low levels of detectable food allergens in school environments are unlikely to result in severe allergic reactions.

The usefulness of molecular diagnosis in the assessment of the aetiology, clinical phenotypes and risk of food-induced anaphylaxis in children

Aim: Food-induced anaphylaxis is most common in the paediatric population and has an unpredictable course. The aim of this paper was to perform a demographic and clinical assessment of food-induced anaphylaxis in children using molecular diagnosis. Materials and methods: The study included 541 children aged 0–18 years who developed 893 sudden reactions to food. Levels of IgEs against 112 allergen molecules were measured in each child. We analysed demographic and clinical data in two age groups. The aetiology of anaphylaxis was determined at the level of source allergens and at the level of allergen molecules. We also determined the risk factors for severe clinical course of reactions. Results: A total of 631 food-induced anaphylactic reactions developed by 421 children were included in the analysis. The group of children aged 0–6 years was mostly composed of boys (p = 0.0023) and children with atopic dermatitis (p = 0.0001). Also, cutaneous and mucosal symptoms were more common (p &lt; 0.0001), and milk casein, Bos d 8, was the most common cause of anaphylaxis in this group (p &lt; 0.0001). In the group of 7–18-year-olds, anaphylaxis was more common in children with no asthma or atopic dermatitis (p = 0.0001); hazelnuts (p = 0.0005) and, in terms of allergen molecules, walnut 2S albumin, Jug r 1 (p = 0.0011), were a more common cause of reaction; as well as exercise-induced anaphylaxis (p &lt; 0.0001) and cardiovascular symptoms (p = 0.0247) were more common. In the study population, more severe anaphylaxis was more common in children without asthma or atopic dermatitis (p = 0.0428) and in the case of anaphylaxis induced by cashew nut 2S albumin, Ana o 3 (p &lt; 0.0001) and wheat allergen, Tri a 14 (p = 0.0143). Conclusions: Molecular diagnostics allows for a detailed assessment of the aetiology and the risk of severe food-induced anaphylaxis.

Controlling cross‐contamination by food allergens

Controlling cross‐contamination by food allergens

Immunological detection in indoor environments of house dust mite allergens using avian antibodies - IgY: An innovative tool

IgY technology has emerged as an alternative for antibody production with immunodiagnostic purposes. Recently, we produced avian antibodies (IgY) against group-1 dust mite allergens of Dermatophagoides sp (Dsp) and Blomia tropicalis (Bt). These allergens are important sensitizing agents that contribute to the pathophysiology of allergy rhinitis and asthma in patients living in tropical areas. The purpose was to explore the utility of IgY for detecting dust mite allergens in indoor environments. We collected 100 samples of dust from mattresses of asthmatic individuals living in two cities on the Colombian Caribbean coast. We used an in-home indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the mite allergens using two IgYs (IgY-PO2 and IgY-PO4). We determined the IgY detection limit using whole body extracts of Dsp and Bt; likewise, IgY specificity was probed against one crude extract of cockroach, as well as the precision and accuracy of measurements. Both antibodies recognized allergens in the mite extracts, even at the lowest tested concentration (0.05 µg/mL); none reacted with the cockroach extract demonstrating their specificity for mite allergens. On the other hand, IgY-PO4 showed the best precision (intra-assay: CV &lt; 6.99%; inter-assay: CV ≤ 8.71%) and an accuracy: 80.62 – 100.39%. Allergen levels detected were consistent with the mite density present in the dust samples. We confirmed the usefulness of IgY-PO2 and IgYPO4 for detecting dust mite pollution in indoor environments.

Peach allergen Pru p 1 content is generally low in fruit but with large variation in different varieties.

BackgroundPru p 1 is a major allergen in peach and nectarine, and the different content in varieties may affect the degree of allergic reactions. This study aimed to quantify Pru p 1 levels in representative peach varieties and select hypoallergenic Pru p 1 varieties.MethodsTo obtain monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, mice and rabbits, respectively, were immunized with recombinant Pru p 1.01 and Pru p 1.02. The Pru p 1 levels in fruits from 83 representative peach varieties was quantified by sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (sELISA). nPru p 1 was obtained through specific monoclonal antibody affinity purification and confirmed by Western blot and mass spectrometry. The variable Pru p 1 content of selected varieties was evaluated by Western blot and the expression level of encoding Pru p 1 genes by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.ResultsA sELISA method with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies was built for quantifying Pru p 1 levels in peach. Pru p 1 was mainly concentrated in the peel (0.20–73.44 μg/g, fresh weight), being very low in the pulp (0.05–9.62 μg/g) and not detected in wild peach. For the 78 peach and nectarine varieties, Pru p 1 content varied widely from 0.12 to 6.45 μg/g in whole fruit. We verified that natural Pru p 1 is composed of 1.01 and 1.02 isoallergens, and the Pru p 1 expression level and Pru p 1 band intensity in the immunoblots were in agreement with protein quantity determined by ELISA for some tested varieties. In some cases, the reduced levels of Pru p 1 did not coincide with low Pru p 3 in the same variety in whole fruit, while some ancient wild peach and nectarines contained low levels of both allergens, and late‐ripening yellow flesh varieties were usually highly allergenic.ConclusionPru p 1 content is generally low in peach compared to Pru p 3. Several hypoallergenic Pru p 1 and Pru p 3 varieties, “Zi Xue Tao,” “Wu Yue Xian,” and “May Fire,” were identified, which could be useful in trials for peach allergy patients.

Determining the authenticity of turmeric

The paper examines the problem of the composition instability in the ready ground spice, turmeric. Analysis of the prevalent methods for turmeric adulteration and substances used for these purposes is given. The visual assessment of color tints of the turmeric root, spices containing it and chemical dyes based on chromium salts is presented. The studies on determination of the lead and chromium content were carried out to study the content of these metals and test the hypothesis of using lead chromate as a dye in adulteration of turmeric. Using the method of electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy, it was found that the lead content in the analyzed turmeric samples varied from 1.72 ± 0.58 to 5.03 ± 1.80 mg/kg, while the chromium content was in a range of 5.56 ± 0.85 to 16.15 ± 2.32 mg/kg. As a result of species specific PCR, wheat DNA was revealed in all purchased samples of ground turmeric. The levels of the main raw material replacement were established, which were 0.14% to 14.95% with the correlation coefficient close to 100%; efficiency of the reaction was 1.95, which was 97.5% when expressed as percentage. These levels of an undeclared allergen in the product composition can cause a serious allergic reaction. The authors tested the hypothesis of introduction of sodium and potassium salts for correction of the color spectrum in the ready spice and its correspondence to the natural color within the color spectrum of turmeric. As a result of the complex study of the spice composition, quite high values of chromium were found, presumably not only from the lead chromate compound but also from chromic acid salts, as the high level of potassium that significantly exceeded the native content of this element was found.

Doses of Specific Allergens in Early Introduction Foods for Prevention of Food Allergy

Consumption of common allergenic foods, such as peanut, in early life can reduce the risk of food allergy among high-risk children and is recommended in revised clinical guidelines. Commercial early allergen introduction foods (EIF) containing single or multiple allergenic foods for feeding infants are promoted to consumers and health care providers as aids to prevent food allergy. To determine the concentration and doses of major food allergens in EIF. Extracts from 32 EIF and 4 control foods were analyzed for 17 allergens: Ara h 1, Ara h 3, Ara h 6, Bos d 5, Bos d 11, Gal d 1, Gal d 2, Ana o 3, Cor a 9, Jug r 1, Gly m 5, Ses i 1, Api g 1, Sin a 1, Cyp c 1, shrimp tropomyosin, and Tri a 19 using a validated fluorescent multiplex array. Ara h 2 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The EIF comprised 1-8 samples of 32 foods (n= 86). Combined peanut allergen levels of up to 26,000 μg/g were measured in peanut puffs (doses of 65-182 mg per 7 g serving). Peanut allergens were not detected in mixed food blend puffs. Major allergen levels of >10,000 μg/g were found in several milk, egg, and peanut powders, or combinations thereof, with cumulative allergen doses of 159-2946 mg in the EIF. Mixed food blend powders, puffs crackers, and fruit sauces contained much lower allergen levels, often <10 μg/g, and some had undetectable allergens. The allergen concentration in these EIF varied over a >3 log range and provided lower cumulative doses of allergen. Significant variability in allergen composition, concentration, and dose per serving were observed in EIF containing the same foods. The doses of allergens consumed by potentially at-risk infants in early life were EIF dependent. Guidelines should be established to enable consumers and health care providers to make informed decisions about EIF and to improve the formulation and standardization of EIF for prevention of food allergy.

Assessment of heterogeneity of two cultivars of Olea europaea based on the study of their Ole e 1 protein content.

Olive pollen is one of the main causes of allergic disease in the Mediterranean area. Ten different proteins with allergenic activity have been described in olive pollen, with major allergen Ole e 1. Olea europaea L. may cause allergenic effects of different severity depending on the Ole e 1 content of cultivars. In this paper, we aimed to assess the heterogeneity of two olive cultivars concerning concentrations of the major allergen Ole e 1 during a period of 2 years. Pollens from two most common olive cultivars, known as “Gemlik” and “Celebi,” were analyzed on regular basis. Ole e 1 amounts were measured by double-sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results were expressed as μg of Ole e 1 per μg of total freeze-dried extract. Comparisons of Ole e 1 levels were made both between individual trees and between cultivars. It was analyzed the influence of some meteorological parameters on pollen counts/allergenic content on a local scale, for 2 years. Pollen sampling was carried out continuously for 2 years, using a Hirst-type volumetric trap. “Gemlik” had the higher value (mean ± standard deviation) of Ole e 1 content (2.44 ±0.70 and 1.87 ±1.03 μg/μg, respectively) when compared to “Celebi” (2.16 ±0.86 and 0.20 ±0.30 μg/μg, respectively) in the years 2013 and 2015. In our research, daily variations were observed in pollen samples of two olive cultivars and even different trees of the same cultivar. Furthermore, during certain sampling days, discrepancies between airborne pollen counts and Ole e 1 concentrations were detected for both cultivars. It was found that meteorological changes, especially temperature and precipitation fluctuations, could affect airborne pollen and Ole e 1 allergen levels in the atmosphere. Therefore, pollen samples of different O. europaea cultivars demonstrated great differences in Ole e 1 content. We believe that these findings were a result of alternate bearing behavior modulated by meteorological factors.

Seasonal changes of mite allergen (Der 1) levels in houses with different architectural styles and ventilation systems

Research on the influence of different architectural styles and ventilation systems on mite allergen levels is crucial to decrease mite allergen exposures in houses. The purpose of this study was to examine the seasonal changes in mite allergen (Der 1) levels on the floors and mattresses of houses with different architectural styles and ventilation systems.

Ultrasonic "Mite Killers” Fail to Decrease Mites in Carpeting

Reactivity to house dust mites is a major cause of allergic disease, the treatment of which includes allergen-avoidance. To be of possible clinical benefit, any claimed allergen-avoidance measure must actually result in a meaningful decrease of the allergen. Several devices advertised online claim to decrease dust mite survival and numbers by the use of ultrasonic sound. One published study claimed clinical benefit from such a device, but no published data demonstrate the ability of these devices to actually decrease mite numbers or allergen levels.

Springtime is associated with increases in total indoor fungi and allergenic species concentrations in a pediatric asthma cohort in New York City

Allergy and asthma severity commonly vary by season, due to a confluence of factors including fluctuating outdoor and indoor allergen levels. Seasonal variation in indoor microbial communities may also play a role. We hypothesized that total fungal concentration and concentrations of select allergenic species in house dust vary by season in this pediatric asthma cohort.

Indoor environmental quality, allergens, and surface biocontamination in tribal homes and schools from Cherokee Nation

The prevalence of asthma is relatively high among Native American children (>11% according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), but there are limited studies evaluating exposures to asthma triggers in both homes and schools. We evaluated the levels of surface biocontamination and allergens in tribal homes and schools and factors that could explain the differences. With these analyses, we seek further insights into ways for reducing asthma triggers and improving well-being among tribal children with asthma.