Nettle Pollen Research Articles

Lissaniska, Co. Kerry—an archaeological and historical examination of an early medieval trivallate enclosure within the Kingdom of Corcu Duibne

Abstract: Trivallate enclosures are extremely rare in Ireland and very few have been subject to archaeological excavation to date. Accordingly, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding their chronology, relationships to nearby contemporary sites and role within society. In 2017/2018, archaeological fieldwork carried out in advance of a road development on the N70 near Milltown in Co. Kerry afforded the opportunity to examine a former trivallate ringfort known as Lissaniska ( Lios an Uisce ; fort of the water). Excavation focused on the northern extent of the three ditches, revealing water management features and a side channel in the inner ditch containing a series of troughs or pits. The latter were interpreted as likely used for retting flax, perhaps also nettle. This was supported by the identification of flax and nettle pollen, a flax sheaf, and an insect assemblage that indicated temporary standing water mixed with decaying plant detritus. An important assemblage of well-preserved discarded structural wood and wooden vessels, both carved and stave-built, were also recovered from the inner ditch, hinting at the everyday life of those that once lived and worked here. Scientific dating of the site indicated it was built and occupied between the sixth/seventh and ninth centuries AD, while historical research offered insight into the contemporary political and social landscape. This suggested the site was likely part of the estate of Cell Achaid Coinchinn (Killagh), the chief church of the Mag Coinchinn, which was a local or petty kingdom in the regional kingdom of Corcu Duibne. It could therefore be speculated that Lissaniska was linked to the manufacture of linen, perhaps for the associated ecclesiastical community.

Nettle pollen - an important taxon of the summer pollen flora of Polish urban areas in the 2023 season

New significant clinical studies suggest the enormous preventive and therapeutic capabilities of Urtica dioica L. Despite being already known as multi-purpose plant, it is still underestimated and relatively poorly researched in regards to its allergenic potential. The aim of the study was to compare nettle pollen season in 2023 in ten cities located in different regions of Poland: Bialystok, Kraków, Kielce, Lublin, Olsztyn, Piotrków Trybunalski, Szczecin, Warszawa, Wrocław and Łódź. Nettle pollen grains were collected using Burkard or Lanzoni Hirst-type volumetric samplers. The 95% method was used to determine the duration of the pollen seasons. The nettle pollen season in 2023 began in June. The earliest onset of the pollen season was recorded in Kielce (June 15th), in Wrocław (June 16th) and Warszawa (June 17th). In most of the monitored cites maximum daily pollen concentrations were registered in the middle of September. Mean seasonal pollen index (SPI) reached the value of 8579. The highest total values (SPI) were in Lublin (14,387) in Kielce (13,424) and in Wrocław (12,304). The lowest total values level (SPI) was in Białystok (3434) and in Łódź (4935). But in Łódź in October 2023, thanks to favourable weather, many Urtica dioica L. plants bloomed again. Unfortunately, aerobiological research was no longer carried out at that time.

Optical characterization of pure pollen types using a multi-wavelength Raman polarization lidar

Abstract. We present a novel algorithm for characterizing the optical properties of pure pollen particles, based on the depolarization ratio values obtained in lidar measurements. The algorithm was first tested and validated through a simulator and then applied to the lidar observations during a 4-month pollen campaign from May to August 2016 at the European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET) station in Kuopio (62∘44′ N, 27∘33′ E), in Eastern Finland. With a Burkard sampler, 20 types of pollen were observed and identified from concurrent measurements, with birch (Betula), pine (Pinus), spruce (Picea), and nettle (Urtica) pollen being the most abundant, contributing more than 90 % of the total pollen load, regarding number concentrations. Mean values of lidar-derived optical properties in the pollen layer were retrieved for four intense pollination periods (IPPs). Lidar ratios at both 355 and 532 nm ranged from 55 to 70 sr for all pollen types, without significant wavelength dependence. An enhanced depolarization ratio was found when there were pollen grains in the atmosphere, and an even higher depolarization ratio (with mean values of 0.25 or 0.14) was observed with the presence of the more non-spherical spruce or pine pollen. Under the assumption that the backscatter-related Ångström exponent between 355 and 532 nm should be zero for pure pollen, the depolarization ratio of pure pollen particles at 532 nm was assessed, resulting in 0.24±0.01 and 0.36±0.01 for birch and pine pollen, respectively. Pollen optical properties at 1064 and 355 nm were also estimated. The backscatter-related Ångström exponent between 532 and 1064 nm was assessed to be ∼0.8 (∼0.5) for pure birch (pine) pollen; thus the longer wavelength would be a better choice to trace pollen in the air. Pollen depolarization ratios of 0.17 and 0.30 at 355 nm were found for birch and pine pollen, respectively. The depolarization values show a wavelength dependence for pollen. This can be the key parameter for pollen detection and characterization.

Environmental factors associated with general practitioner consultations for allergic rhinitis in London, England: a retrospective time series analysis

ObjectivesTo identify key predictors of general practitioner (GP) consultations for allergic rhinitis (AR) using meteorological and environmental data.DesignA retrospective, time series analysis of GP consultations for AR.SettingA large GP surveillance...

Nettle Allergy: a Review and Clinical Perspective

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a common cause of contact urticaria worldwide; however, its clinical relevance in allergic rhinitis and aeroallergen immunotherapy has not been well established. This presents a clinical conundrum to the physician and can potentially impact the effectiveness of treatment of allergic rhinitis in nettle sensitized patients. The objectives of this article are to review the available literature regarding the geographic distribution of nettle, allergen(s) involved, cross-reactivity, role in allergic rhinitis, immunotherapy efficacy, and provide a clinical perspective on the evaluation and treatment of nettle sensitized patients. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a bi-annual pollinator with worldwide distribution and wide use in homeopathy. Limited data suggest that nettle pollen allergens may be considered clinically relevant and that nettle pollen allergy may be underestimated. More recent allergomic analysis of nettle pollen has revealed protein allergens including an osmotin and a pectin esterase which may implicate cross-reactivity with other pollens and foods. One study describes in vivo nettle immunotherapy. Overall, there is a paucity of medical literature evaluating the role of nettle in allergic rhinitis with even fewer studies assessing the clinical efficacy of nettle immunotherapy. Cross-reactivity patterns with other pollens and foods remains to be fully elucidated. Given the immense medical and economic impact of allergic rhinitis and the worldwide distribution of nettle, prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the possible contribution of nettle allergy and efficacy of nettle immunotherapy.

Urtica dioica pollen allergy: Clinical, biological, and allergomics analysis

BackgroundThe most emblematic members of Urticaceae at allergic risk level are wall pellitories (Parietaria), whereas nettle (Urtica) pollen is considered as poorly allergenic. No allergen from nettle pollen has yet been characterized, whereas 4 are listed for Parietaria pollen by the International Union of Immunological Societies. Clinical and biological profiles of 2 adult men who developed symptoms against nettle pollen and/or leaves were studied. ObjectiveTo characterize the allergic reaction and identify the potential nettle pollen sensitizing allergens. MethodsIgE-mediated reaction to nettle pollen extract was evaluated by skin prick test, immunoassay, nasal provocation, and basophil activation test. To characterize specific nettle pollen allergens, an allergomic (IgE immunoproteomic) analysis was performed combining 1- and 2-dimensional electrophoresis, IgE immunoblots of nettle pollen extract, identification of allergens by mass spectrometry, and database queries. ResultsThe results of biological and immunochemical analyses revealed that the allergic rhinitis was due to Urtica dioica pollen in both patients. The allergomic analysis of nettle pollen extract allowed the characterization of 4 basic protein allergens: a thaumatin-like protein (osmotin) with a relative molecular mass of 27 to 29 kDa, a pectinesterase (relative molecular mass, 40 kDa), and 2 other basic proteins with relative molecular masses of 14 to 16 kDa and 43 kDa. There is no or only very weak allergen associations between pellitory and nettle pollen. ConclusionExposure to nettle pollen can be responsible of allergic symptoms, and several allergens were characterized. Unravelling the allergens of this underestimated allergy might help to improve diagnosis and care for patients, to predict cross-reactivities and design adapted specific immunotherapy.

Mugwort (Artemisia L.), nettle (Urtica L.) and plantain (Plantago L.) pollen in the atmosphere of Wrocław in the years 2002-2004

The paper includes the results of pollen season analysis of the selected plants (mugwort, nettle, plantain) regarded as the most allergenic in Wrocław in 2002-2004. The studies were carried out using volumetric method (Burkard trap). The results show strong variation in pollen seasons. The average duration of the pollen season of <i>Artemisia</i> was 82 days. The highest pollen concentration of mugwort was recorded in 2004 (156 grains × m<sup>-3</sup>). The start of nettle pollen seasons varied in studied period on average by 24 days, on average, but its end was almost the same. The pollen season of <i>Urtica</i> was the earliest in 2004. It started on 5<sup>th</sup> May and lasted 136 days. The annual pollen total of <i>Plantago</i> was relatively low, on average 0.2-0.4% in annual pollen totals.

Reproducibility between counts of airborne allergenic pollen from two cities in the East Midlands, UK

Historically in the East Midlands, UK, airborne pollen has been monitored in two cities, Derby and Leicester, situated 41 km (25 miles) apart. The aim of the present study was to compare aerobiological data from both sites to determine if a forecast based on data from one site would be sufficient for both, and to address the wider issue of reproducibility between geographically separated sites. Pollen types recorded could be split into two groups according to annual abundance, maximum daily concentration and the number of high count days. Six taxa made up the abundant group; ash, birch, grass, oak, nettle-type and yew-type, representing 90 and 88% of the total air spora for Derby and Leicester, respectively. Three consecutive years of grass and nettle pollen data are presented, supported by one year of abundant tree pollen data. There were highly significant positive correlations between the counts obtained. Line charts showing the average number of pollen grains m−3 air day−1 show similar trends, and Bland–Altman plots show little discrepancy between the amounts of pollen counted on any given day. Each day was classified according to the UK accepted threshold levels for grass. Weighted kappa statistics showed substantial or almost perfect agreement between the forecast classifications. With the caveat that this would not apply in a region with restrictions to air flow such as a mountain range or with extreme fluctuations such as a coastline site, this study suggests that data from a single site is suitable for forecasting a distance of up to 41 km.

Pollen-imprinted polyurethanes for QCM allergen sensors

Molecularly imprinted polymers for detecting plant pollen were designed as artificial recognition materials for quartz crystal microbalances in the gaseous phase. Imprints of birch (diameter, 25 mum) and nettle (diameter, 15 mum) pollen can be generated by polydimethylsiloxane stamping technique as proven by atomic force microscopy. If pollen grains are able to access the cavities and thus are incorporated, the resulting sensors display Sauerbrey-like negative frequency shifts. Non-Sauerbrey behaviour can be observed as soon as pollen is prevented from entering the selective hollows: this results in grain mobility on the electrode surface leading to frequency increases. Access to the cavities is determined by the diameter ratio between pollen grains and imprints as can be revealed during cross-selectivity measurements of nettle and birch pollen imprinted layers. When the amount of pollen grains on the electrode surface exceeds the number of available imprints, the excess particles move freely, resulting in positive, non-Sauerbrey frequency shifts.

Progowe stężenie pyłku roślin niezbędne do wywołania objawów alergicznych

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relation between clinical picture of allergic disease and the level of pollen count the patients are exposed to. We analyzed the severity of allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and bronchial asthma in a group of 640 subjects from Warsaw area with hypersensitivity to hazel, alder, grass, mugwort, plantain, nettle, Alternaria and Cladosporium allergens. Aerobiological measurements, patients' symptoms score cards and the results of physical examination were analyzed. First symptoms in patients allergic to grass were visible during exposure to the concentration of 20 pollen grains in 1 m3 of air (25% subjects sensitised to grass pollen). Symptoms were noted in all the subjects sensitized to grass pollen at a concentration of approximately 50 grains/m3 of air. During exposure to the concentration of 65 pollen grains per m3 the symptoms were strengthened. Several hours' exposure to grass pollen concentration exceeding 120 grains/m3 cause dyspnoea in some patients. Similar intensive symptoms occurred after exposure to alder, birch and mugwort pollen. Patients with positive skin prick tests to plantain and nettle pollen allergens experienced symptoms of low intensity or even none symptoms during pollination period. Subjects with hypersensitivity to Alternaria allergens experienced symptoms during exposure to the concentration of approximately 80 spores in 1 m3 of air, while patients sensitised to Cladosporium allergens, during exposure to the concentration of over 2800 spores in 1 m3 of air. The dominant symptom occurring in patients sensitized to fungal allergens was loss of nasal patency, and dyspnoea as well as recurring cough at higher concentrations. Clinical symptoms of allergic disease were connected to the concentration and the kind of aeroallergen the subjects were exposed to.

Die Bedeutung von Brennesselpollen im Vergleich zu Beifußpollen für die saisonale allergische Rhinitis im Spätsommer

Introduction: The success rate of hyposensitization with mugwort pollen allergen in patients with late-onset seasonal allergic rhinitis is about 70%. Based on measurements over the last 3 years in the Dresden area using the Burkard pollen trap, it was found that during the main blossom season of mugwort, the nettle pollen pollution is high as well. With regard to the total amount of measured pollen, nettle pollen amounted to 78% compared to only 7% mugwort pollen. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the clinical relevance of the high nettle pollen exposure for patients with late-onset seasonal allergic rhinitis in the Dresden area. Methods: Thirty-six patients (17 female, 19 male, mean age 29.4 years) with a seasonal late summer allergic rhinitis were examined. All patients were sensitized to mugwort pollen. Radioallergosorbent test (RAST) and skin prick testing (SPT) for nettle pollen were performed on all patients. A nasal provocation test (NPT) with nettle pollen was performed in 17 patients sensitized to nettle pollen. Results of the provocation were investigated through rhinomanometry after 10, 20 and 30 minutes, respectively. Results: Twenty-four of the 36 patients exhibited a positive SPT and RAST for nettle pollen, showing the sensitization to nettle pollen. Of the 17 patients mentioned above, 8 patients had a positive NPT to nettle pollen. Conclusion: Results of this study indicated that a sensitization for mugwort pollen often coincides with sensitization for nettle pollen. The high nettle pollen exposure in the Dresden area is of clinical importance in the diagnosis of patients with late-onset seasonal allergic rhinitis. Therefore, we recommend that testing for nettle pollen (RAST, SPT and NPT) in patients with late summer allergies shall be included into standard diagnostic procedures. Patients with a positive NPT for nettle pollen may also qualify for hyposensitization therapy for nettle pollen.

Volumetric Assessment of Airborne Pollen and Spore Levels in Rochester, Minnesota, 1992 Through 1995

To reassess airborne pollen counts and to study spore counts by volumetric collection in Rochester, Minnesota. Samples of pollen and spores were collected from the top of a six-story building in downtown Rochester by use of a rotational rod sampler, which was activated for 30 seconds every 10 minutes for 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, from mid-April to mid-October 1992 through 1995. Particles were stained with Calberla's fluid and viewed microscopically by transmitted light. Identifications were substantiated by comparison with field-collected "known" materials and standard reference guides. Data were expressed as "particles retained/cubic meter of air sampled." Because the methods of collection varied, only qualitative comparisons could be made with a study done in Rochester more than 3 1/2 decades earlier. For tree pollens, a similar progression of appearance and seasonal duration were noted for most species. Alder (Alnus), willow (Salix), and hickory-pecan (Carya), however, were found to have distinctly longer seasons, and walnut (Julgans) was detected 2 weeks earlier in the season. The most frequently detected tree pollen had changed from oak (Quercus) to apple and crab apple (Malus), which was not reported at all previously. Ragweed (Ambrosia) was still found to peak at the end of August and had a similar duration. Study of grass and nettle pollen as well as the Amaranthaceae-Chenopodiaceae complex yielded findings similar to those in the prior investigation. Fungal spores were detected from April through October and represented a substantial percentage of the airborne allergens; Cladosporium, ascospores, and basidiospores were the most common. Volumetric assessment of airborne pollen and spore levels in Rochester, Minnesota, yielded useful information for clinicians in southern Minnesota that could help direct skin test selection.

Sensitivity to Parietaria pollen in the Southampton area as determined by skin-prick and RAST tests.

The pollen of Parietaria species is a well-recognized and important inhalant allergen in the Mediterranean area. Parietaria judaica (Pellitory-of-the-Wall) is native to the U.K., flowering from June to September, but is not usually considered to be of any clinical importance by U.K. allergists. We skin tested 62 patients with a clinical history of summer seasonal respiratory symptoms and a control group of 11 patients with perennial respiratory symptoms only. Each was skin tested in duplicate with extracts of grass pollen, birch pollen, Parietaria pollen, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Cladosporium, Alternaria, nettle pollen and negative and positive controls, and serum samples were collected for RAST assays for Parietaria and nettle. Eight of the 62 patients in the main group showed skin reactivity to Parietaria. Five of these eight had never visited the Mediterranean area and therefore it is possible that sensitization occurred in the U.K. Thirteen of the 62 patients were skin reactive to nettle but there was no correlation between skin reactivity to Parietaria and nettle. This supports a recent report that, despite their close botanical relationship, no antigenic cross-reactivity exists between the two species. No correlation was seen between skin reactivity and serum RAST activity to Parietaria or nettle. It is not known whether exposure to Parietaria pollen contributes to the seasonal symptoms of the patients found to be skin reactive. None of the 11 patients in the control group was skin reactive to Parietaria.