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Sobieraj K, Grewling Ł, Bogawski P. Assessing allergy risk from ornamental trees in a city: Integrating open access remote sensing data with pollen measurements. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 367:122051. [PMID: 39098080 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Platanus sp. pl. (plane trees) are common ornamental tree in Poland that produces a large amount of wind-transported pollen, which contains proteins that induce allergy symptoms. Allergy sufferers can limit their contact with pollen by avoiding places with high pollen concentrations, which are restricted mainly to areas close to plane trees. Their location is thus important, but creating a detailed street tree inventory is expensive and time-consuming. However, high-resolution remote sensing data provide an opportunity to detect the location of specific plants. But acquiring high-resolution spatial data of good quality also incurs costs and requires regular updates. Therefore, this study explored the potential of using open access remote sensing data to detect plane trees in the highly urbanized environment of Poznań (western Poland). Airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) was used to detect training treetops, which were subsequently marked as young plane trees, mature plane trees, other trees or artefacts. Spectral and spatial variables were extracted from circular buffers (r = 1 m) around the treetops to minimize the influence of shadows and crown overlap. A random forest machine learning algorithm was applied to assess the importance of variables and classify the treetops within a radius of 6.2 km around the functioning pollen monitoring station. The model performed well during 10-fold cross-validation (overall accuracy ≈ 92%). The predicted Platanus sp. pl. locations, aggregated according to 16 wind directions, were significantly correlated with the hourly pollen concentrations. Based on the correlation values, we established a threshold of prediction confidence, which allowed us to reduce the fraction of false-positive predictions. We proposed the spatially continuous index of airborne pollen exposure probability, which can be useful for allergy sufferers. The results showed that open-access geodata in Poland can be applied to recognize major local sources of plane pollen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kacper Sobieraj
- Department of Systematic and Environmental Botany, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Łukasz Grewling
- Department of Systematic and Environmental Botany, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland; Laboratory of Aerobiology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Paweł Bogawski
- Department of Systematic and Environmental Botany, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
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2
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Calatayud V, Cariñanos P. Mapping pollen allergenicity from urban trees in Valencia: A tool for green infrastructure planning. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118823. [PMID: 38570127 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Urban trees provide many benefits to citizens but also have associated disservices such as pollen allergenicity. Pollen allergies affect 40% of the European population, a problem that will be exacerbated with climate change by lengthening the pollen season. The allergenic characteristics of the urban trees and urban parks of the city of Valencia (Spain) have been studied. The Value of Potential Allergenicity (VPA) was calculated for all species. The most abundant allergenic trees with a very high VPA were the cypresses, followed by Platanus x hispanica and species of genera Morus, Acer and Fraxinus, with a high VPA. On the contrary, Citrus x aurantium, Melia azedarach, Washingtonia spp., Brachychiton spp. and Jacaranda mimosifolia were among the most abundant low allergenic trees. VPA was mapped for the city and a hot spot analysis was applied to identify areas of clustering of high and low VPA values. This geostatistical analysis provides a comprehensive representation of the VPA patterns which is very useful for urban green infrastructure planning. The Index of Urban Green Zone Allergenicity (IUGZA) was calculated for the main parks of the city. The subtropical and tropical flora component included many entomophilous species and the lowest share of high and very high allergenic trees in comparison with the Mediterranean and Temperate components. Overall, a diversification of tree species avoiding clusters of high VPA trees, and the prioritization of species with low VPA are good strategies to minimize allergy-related impacts of urban trees on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicent Calatayud
- Fundación CEAM, Parque Tecnológico, Charles R. Darwin 14, Paterna, Spain.
| | - Paloma Cariñanos
- Departament of Botany, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Andalusian Institute for Earth System Research, University of Granada, Spain
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De Weger LA, Bakker-Jonges LE, De Groot H, Kuppen HHJM, Batenburg WW, Van Leeuwen A, Koenders M, Van Vliet AJH. Method to develop a regional guide for the allergenic potential of tree pollen. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171575. [PMID: 38461999 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Allergic rhinitis, caused by airborne pollen, is a common disease with a great impact on the quality of life for patients and high costs for society. Prevention of high pollen concentrations in the air is relevant for creating a safe environment for allergic patients. Due to climate change, the heat in cities during the summer is a recurring problem. The local climate can be improved by using the cooling properties of trees, providing shade and cooling by evapotranspiration. When deciding which tree species will be planted, it is important to take into account the allergenicity of the pollen that the tree produces. Available guides, used all over the world, on the allergenicity of pollen are very divers in content and interpretation and not applicable for the Netherlands. In this study a method is described to develop a guide for the allergenic potential of tree pollen in a region, in this case the Netherlands. For the most common tree species in the Netherlands the scientific knowledge on the allergenicity of the pollen was collected, followed by an inventory on regional pollen abundance. Subsequently, the sensitization pattern in a patient group with possible inhalation allergy was analyzed. Based on these data allergenicity of the tree pollen was classified into five classes. Eight tree species/genera of the 61 most planted tree species in the Netherlands are considered to have a very strong to moderate allergenic potential. We propose to use this methodology to develop regional-specific guides classifying the allergenic potential of tree pollen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letty A De Weger
- Department of Pulmonology and Department of Pulmonology and Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Liesbeth E Bakker-Jonges
- Department of Medical Immunology, Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, Reinier de Graafweg 5, 2625 AD Delft, the Netherlands.
| | - Hans De Groot
- Department of Allergology, Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, Reinier de Graafweg 5, 2625 AD Delft, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Wendy W Batenburg
- Terra Nostra, Abbekesdoel 22a, 2971 VA Bleskensgraaf, the Netherlands.
| | - Anna Van Leeuwen
- Municipal Health Service (GGD), Rotterdam-Rijnmond, Department of Environmental Health, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Mieke Koenders
- Clinical Chemistry, Elkerliek Helmond, Wesselmanlaan 25, 5707 HA Helmond, the Netherlands.
| | - Arnold J H Van Vliet
- Environmental Systems Analysis Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 47, 6700AA Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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Zamira D, Khaydarov K, Zafar M, Ramadan MF, Ahmad M, Aziza N, Ochilov U, Zebiniso U, Farzona D. Comprehensive study of allergenic tree species: Palynological insights enhanced by HPLC and GC-MS profiling. Biomed Chromatogr 2024; 38:e5774. [PMID: 37972935 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Considering the limited data available on tree species in Uzbekistan, this research aimed to provide new insights. We gathered plant samples from different locations within Samarkand city and thoughtfully selected 15 tree species that represent the country's flora. Using scanning electron microscopy, we conducted comprehensive analyses of pollen morphology, revealing a diverse range of variations in the shapes, dimensions, and surface characteristics displayed by pollen grains. Distinct ornamentations such as micro-echinate, reticulate, rugulate, gemmate-verrucate, and verrucate-scabrate patterns facilitated the differentiation of species. These scanning electron microscopy findings enhance our comprehension of tree species diversity, adaptation, and ecological roles. In addition, leaf extracts were analyzed using HPLC and GC-MS, revealing a plethora of bioactive compounds, including catechins, chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid, and others. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of seven key compounds, including 1-hexadecyne, 2-chloroethanol, 1,6-heptadiene, 2-methyl-, 5-bromoadamantan-2-one, ethyl 3-(3-pyridyl) propenoate, bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and quercetin. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of this method in assessing the quality of leaf extracts from tree species by examining both microscopic characteristics and chemical composition. This multifaceted approach has deepened our understanding of the characteristics and chemical compositions of these trees, thus contributing to a more profound appreciation of their ecological significance and potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djumayeva Zamira
- Institute of Biochemistry, Samarkand State University, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
| | - Khislat Khaydarov
- Institute of Biochemistry, Samarkand State University, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
| | - Muhammad Zafar
- Institute of Biochemistry, Samarkand State University, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mohamed Fawzy Ramadan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mushtaq Ahmad
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Nozimova Aziza
- Institute of Biochemistry, Samarkand State University, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
| | - Ulugbek Ochilov
- Institute of Biochemistry, Samarkand State University, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
| | - Umurzakova Zebiniso
- Institute of Biochemistry, Samarkand State University, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
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Song LB, Jiao YX, Xu ZQ, Zhu DX, Yang YS, Wei JF, Sun JL, Lu Y. Identification of Pla a 7 as a novel pollen allergen group in Platanus acerifolia pollen. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111160. [PMID: 37948987 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Platanus acerifolia is recognized as a source of allergenic pollen worldwide. Currently, five Platanus acerifolia pollen allergens belonging to different protein families have been identified, in which profilin and enolase were characterized by our group recently. Besides, we also screened and identified a novel allergen candidate as triosephosphate isomerase, which was different from already known types of pollen allergens. However, the role of this novel allergen group in Platanus acerifolia pollen allergy was unclear. Therefore, we further investigated the allergenicity and clarify its clinical relevance in this study. METHODS The natural triosephosphate isomerase from Platanus acerifolia pollen was purified by three steps of chromatography and identified by mass spectrometry. The cDNA sequence of this protein was matched from in-house transcripts based on internal peptide sequences, which was further confirmed by PCR cloning. The recombinant triosephosphate isomerase was expressed and purified from E. coli. Allergenicity analysis of this protein was carried out by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, immunoblot, and basophil activation test. RESULTS A novel allergen group belonging to triosephosphate isomerase was firstly identified in Platanus acerifolia pollen and named as Pla a 7. The cDNA of Pla a 7 contained an open reading frame of 762 bp encoding 253 amino acids. The natural Pla a 7 displayed 41.4% IgE reactivity with the patients' sera by ELISA, in which the absorbance value showed correlation to the serum sIgE against Platanus acerifolia pollen extract. Inhibition of IgE-binding to pollen extracts reached 26%-94% in different Pla a 7-positive sera. The recombinant Pla a 7 exhibited weaker IgE-reactivity in ELISA than its natural form, but showed comparable activity in immunoblot. The allergenicity was further confirmed by basophil activation test. CONCLUSIONS Triosephosphate isomerase (Pla a 7) was first recognized as pollen allergen in Platanus acerifolia pollen, which is a completely different type of pollen allergen from those previously reported. This finding is essential to enrich information on allergen components and pave the way for molecular diagnosis or treatment strategies for Platanus acerifolia pollen allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le-Bin Song
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong-Xin Jiao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Xu
- Research Division of Clinical Pharmacology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dan-Xuan Zhu
- Research Division of Clinical Pharmacology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong-Shi Yang
- Department of Allergy, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ji-Fu Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China; Research Division of Clinical Pharmacology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Jin-Lyu Sun
- Department of Allergy, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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Kistemann T, Zerbe S, Säumel I, Fehr R. [Urban green and blue spaces in times of climate change]. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2023; 85:S296-S303. [PMID: 37972601 DOI: 10.1055/a-2144-5404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Both climate mitigation and adaptation are urgently needed as complementary strategies for sustainably reducing and managing urban health risks posed by climate change. The positive effects of urban green and blue spaces on physical and mental health are well-known since decades. However, there is intensive competition around the use of the urban space. Reflecting the European Aalborg Charta (1994), German building laws require development plans to be sustainable in this demanding context with human health being a concern of central importance. Reality, however, remains challenging. Although there are numerous best practice examples, research on the impact of urban green and blue spaces on human health and well-being is still required. Furthermore, all relevant policy fields need to develop awareness of the importance of green and blue spaces for quality of life and health, so that the issue of health is taken into consideration adequately as well as in a socially sensitive manner in urban decision processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kistemann
- Institut für Hygiene und Public Health, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Geographisches Institut, Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Zerbe
- Fakultät für Naturwissenschaften und Technik, Freie Universität Bozen, Bozen, Italy
| | - Ina Säumel
- Integrative Research Institute on Transformations of Human-Environment Systems (IRI THESys), Humboldt Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rainer Fehr
- Sustainable Environmental Halth Sciences, Medizinische Fakultät OWL, Universität Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
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Steinparzer M, Schaubmayr J, Godbold DL, Rewald B. Particulate matter accumulation by tree foliage is driven by leaf habit types, urbanization- and pollution levels. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122289. [PMID: 37532217 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) pollution poses a significant threat to human health. Greenery, particularly trees, can act as effective filters for PM, reducing associated health risks. Previous studies have indicated that tree traits play a crucial role in determining the amount of PM accumulated on leaves, although findings have often been site-specific. To comprehensively investigate the key factors influencing PM binding to leaves across diverse tree species and geographical locations, we conducted an extensive analysis using data extracted from 57 publications. The data covers 11 countries and 190 tree species from 1996 to 2021. We categorized tree species into functional groups: evergreen conifers, deciduous conifers, deciduous broadleaves, and evergreen broadleaves based on leaf habit and phylogeny. Evergreen conifers exhibited the highest PM accumulation on leaves, and in general, evergreen leaves accumulated more PM compared to deciduous leaves across all PM size classes. Specific leaf traits, such as epicuticular wax, played a significant role. The highest PM loads on leaves were observed in peri-urban areas along the rural-peri-urban-urban gradient. However, the availability of global data was skewed, with most data originating from urban and peri-urban areas, primarily from China and Poland. Among different climate zones, substantial data were only available for warm temperate and cold steppe climate zones. Understanding the problem of PM pollution and the role of greenery in urban environments is crucial for monitoring and controlling PM pollution. Our systematic review of the literature highlights the variation on PM loading among different vegetation types with varying leaf characteristics. Notably, epicuticular wax emerged as a marker trait that exhibited variability across PM size fractions and different vegetation types. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the importance of greenery in mitigation PM pollution. Our findings underscore the significance of tree traits in PM binding. However, lack of data stresses the need for further research and data collection initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Steinparzer
- Institute of Forest Ecology, Department of Forest- and Soil Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Johanna Schaubmayr
- Institute of Forest Ecology, Department of Forest- and Soil Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Douglas L Godbold
- Institute of Forest Ecology, Department of Forest- and Soil Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, Austria; Department of Forest Protection and Wildlife Management, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 3, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Boris Rewald
- Institute of Forest Ecology, Department of Forest- and Soil Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, Austria; Vienna Scientific Instruments GmbH, Alland, Austria.
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Anderson EC, Locke DH, Pickett STA, LaDeau SL. Just street trees? Street trees increase local biodiversity and biomass in higher income, denser neighborhoods. Ecosphere 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elsa C. Anderson
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies Millbrook New York USA
- Northwestern University Evanston Illinois USA
| | - Dexter H. Locke
- USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station Baltimore Maryland USA
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Dbouk T, Visez N, Ali S, Shahrour I, Drikakis D. Risk assessment of pollen allergy in urban environments. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21076. [PMID: 36473878 PMCID: PMC9727162 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24819-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
According to WHO, by 2050, at least one person out of two will suffer from an allergy disorder resulting from the accelerating air pollution associated with toxic gas emissions and climate change. Airborne pollen, and associated allergies, are major public health topics during the pollination season, and their effects are further strengthened due to climate change. Therefore, assessing the airborne pollen allergy risk is essential for improving public health. This study presents a new computational fluid dynamics methodology for risk assessment of local airborne pollen transport in an urban environment. Specifically, we investigate the local airborne pollen transport from trees on a university campus in the north of France. We produce risk assessment maps for pollen allergy for five consecutive days during the pollination season. The proposed methodology could be extended to larger built-up areas for different weather conditions. The risk assessment maps may also be integrated with smart devices, thus leading to decision-aid tools to better guide and protect the public against airborne pollen allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talib Dbouk
- grid.462587.a0000 0004 0452 3263CORIA, UMR 6614, CNRS, Normandy University, UNIROUEN, 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Nicolas Visez
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780Université de Lille, CNRS, UMR 8516-LASIRE-Laboratoire de Spectroscopie pour les Interactions, la Réactivité et l’Environnement, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Samer Ali
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780Université de Lille, Institut Mines-Télécom, Université d’Artois, Junia, ULR 4515-LGCgE, Laboratoire de Génie Civil et géo-Environnement, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Isam Shahrour
- grid.410463.40000 0004 0471 8845Laboratoire de Génie Civil et géo-Environnement, Lille University, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Dimitris Drikakis
- grid.413056.50000 0004 0383 4764University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
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Nitschke M, Dear KBG, Venugopal K, Lyne KMR, Jersmann HPA, Simon DL, Spurrier N. Association between grass, tree and weed pollen and asthma health outcomes in Adelaide, South Australia: a time series regression analysis. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e066851. [PMID: 36414301 PMCID: PMC9723903 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aim to establish daily risk estimates of the relationships between grass, tree and weed pollen and asthma health outcomes. DESIGN Time series regression analysis of exposure and health outcomes using interaction by month to determine risk estimates all year round. SETTING Metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia. PARTICIPANTS Health outcomes for asthma are based on 15 years of hospital admissions, 13 years emergency presentations and ambulance callouts. In adults (≥18 years), there were 10 381 hospitalisations, 26 098 emergency department (ED) presentations and 11 799 ambulance callouts and in children (0-17 years), 22 114, 39 813 and 3774, respectively. OUTCOME MEASURES The cumulative effect of 7 day lags was calculated as the sum of the coefficients and reported as incidence rate ratio (IRR) related to an increase in 10 grains of pollen/m3. RESULTS In relation to grass pollen, children and adults were disparate in their timing of health effects. Asthma outcomes in children were positively related to grass pollen in May, and for adults in October. Positive associations with weed pollen in children was seen from February to May across all health outcomes. For adults, weed pollen-related health outcomes were restricted to February. Adults were not affected by tree pollen, while children's asthma morbidity was associated with tree pollen in August and September. In children, IRRs ranged from 1.14 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.21) for ED presentations for tree pollen in August to 1.98 (95% CI 1.06 to 3.72) for weed pollen in February. In adults, IRRs ranged from 1.28 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.62) for weed pollen in February to 1.31 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.57) for grass pollen in October. CONCLUSION Monthly risk assessment indicated that most pollen-related asthma health outcomes in children occur in the colder part of the year, while adults are affected in the warm season. The findings indicate a need for year-round pollen monitoring and related health campaigns to provide effective public health prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Nitschke
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- SA Health Department for Health and Wellbeing, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Kamalesh Venugopal
- Prevention and Population Health, Wellbeing SA, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Katrina Margaret Rose Lyne
- Health Protection and Licensing Services, SA Health Department for Health and Wellbeing, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Hubertus Paul Anton Jersmann
- Thoracic Medicine, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David Leslie Simon
- Health Protection and Licensing Services, SA Health Department for Health and Wellbeing, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Nicola Spurrier
- SA Health Department for Health and Wellbeing, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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11
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Bernard-Verdier M, Seitz B, Buchholz S, Kowarik I, Lasunción Mejía S, Jeschke JM. Grassland allergenicity increases with urbanisation and plant invasions. AMBIO 2022; 51:2261-2277. [PMID: 35594005 PMCID: PMC9481851 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-022-01741-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Pollen allergies have been on the rise in cities, where anthropogenic disturbances, warmer climate and introduced species are shaping novel urban ecosystems. Yet, the allergenic potential of these urban ecosystems, in particular spontaneous vegetation outside parks and gardens, remains poorly known. We quantified the allergenic properties of 56 dry grasslands along a double gradient of urbanisation and plant invasion in Berlin (Germany). 30% of grassland species were classified as allergenic, most of them being natives. Urbanisation was associated with an increase in abundance and diversity of pollen allergens, mainly driven by an increase in allergenic non-native plants. While not inherently more allergenic than native plants, the pool of non-natives contributed a larger biochemical diversity of allergens and flowered later than natives, creating a broader potential spectrum of allergy. Managing novel risks to urban public health will involve not only targeted action on allergenic non-natives, but also policies at the habitat scale favouring plant community assembly of a diverse, low-allergenicity vegetation. Similar approaches could be easily replicated in other cities to provide a broad quantification and mapping of urban allergy risks and drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maud Bernard-Verdier
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 1-3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Müggelseedamm 301, 12587, Berlin, Germany
| | - Birgit Seitz
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Ecology, Technische Universität Berlin, Rothenburgstraße 12, 12165 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sascha Buchholz
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Ecology, Technische Universität Berlin, Rothenburgstraße 12, 12165 Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Landscape Ecology, University of Münster, Heisenbergstraße 2, 48149 Munster, Germany
| | - Ingo Kowarik
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Ecology, Technische Universität Berlin, Rothenburgstraße 12, 12165 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sara Lasunción Mejía
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 1-3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jonathan M. Jeschke
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 1-3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Müggelseedamm 301, 12587, Berlin, Germany
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